Sunday, May 15, 2011

Beachy's beached; Teheran to get spot start?

Update (10:14pm CST): It's now been confirmed by Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez that Beachy will be out at least one month. That means Teheran remains likely for the spot start on Wednesday, and the Braves will need to make a decision for a few more starts at the end of the month and in early June. Teheran might be worth a flier in certain deeper fantasy leagues this week. Hanging on to a guy some consider the top pitching prospect in the minors can keep opposing fantasy managers hands off him if he's indeed the guy to earn more starts in coming weeks.

Braves rookie starter Brandon Beachy hits the DL today with a "significant" oblique injury, and it appears that Julio Teheran will become the Braves choice in Beachy's absence as a spot starter. Minor, who earned one start earlier this season and struggled through nine appearances with Atlanta in 2010, not only went ahead with his scheduled start at Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday, he worked deep into the game. That should end speculation that he might go short Sunday in preparation for a Major League start on Wednesday with the Braves.

Fantasy Impact: With Rodrigo Lopez out of options, this should become a no-brainer for the Braves. Minor can't throw on Wednesday and the start will only be a spot start due to manager Fredi Gonzalez feeling no need for a fifth starter again until May 31. Teheran is likely to jump up to the parent club for Wednesday alone, and news on Beachy's status will be needed moving forward. Without detailed news on his injury, it's too early to know what the Braves will need to do that last day of the month. Oblique issues can vary significantly from injury to injury and person to person. Just last year, Yovani Gallardo returned from an oblique strain in just three weeks. Beachy, presumably, could make that next start if all goes well. Time will tell. Hold off on any fantasy baseball roster moves regarding these Braves pitchers until more information is available.