Chicago Cubs recalled OF Angel Pagan from Triple-A Iowa and optioned OF Felix Pie to Iowa.
Analysis: Pagan is a switch-hitter so he could see some playing time against lefties, but he’s not worth adding in fantasy leagues. Pie batted just .224 in 18 games since making his big league debut on April 17. He had managed just six at-bats so far this month and will be better served by playing everyday at Triple-A for the time being. The team’s top prospect will probably be back before the end of the season.

Cincinnati Reds optioned 3B Edwin Encarnacion to Triple-A Louisville and recalled INF Jeff Keppinger from Louisville.  
Analysis: Encarnacion figures to return later this summer, but he clearly needs some time to work through his problems and the Reds weren't willing to let him do that at the major league level. Keppinger will serve as a backup and as such have no fantasy value. Ryan Freel is expected to see most of the playing time at third base.

Kansas City Royals designated RHP Todd Wellemeyer for assignment; Purchased the contract of RHP Jason Standridge from Triple-A Omaha. Optioned RHP Brian Bannister to Triple-A Omaha; Reinstated RHP Luke Hudson from the 15-day disabled list.  
Analysis: Standridge will take over Wellemeyer’s middle relief role. Bannister was 0-2 with a 4.60 ERA and 1.47 WHIP in three starts this season. Hudson will resume his role in the starting rotation and could have a little value in AL-only leagues later this summer.

San Francisco Giants placed OF Dave Roberts on the 15-day disabled list with left elbow bone spurs and designated OF Todd Linden for assignment. Recalled OFs Fred Lewis and Dan Ortmeier from Triple-A Fresno.  
Analysis: Roberts was scheduled to have arthroscopic surgery on the elbow Friday. He is expected to miss about six weeks. Lewis and Ortmeier will see playing time in the outfield with Lewis seeing the lion’s share. That being the case, Lewis should have some value in NL-only leagues. There is speculation that the Giants originally wanted to bring up Nate Schierholtz before he crashed into the wall trying to make a catch earlier this week. He could still get a call once the bruised knees, bruised elbow and sore ribs suffered in that incident have healed. The 23-year-old is batting .350 with four homers and 22 RBI in 123 at-bats for Fresno this season. If Linden clears waivers, he will probably head to Triple-A Fresno.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays claimed INF Josh Wilson off waivers from the Nationals; optioned INF Ben Zobrist to Triple-A Durham.  
Analysis: Zobrist managed just ten hits in 63 at-bats this season. Brendan Harris had already taken over as the primary shortstop for the Rays and pushed Zobrist to the bench. Wilson figures to assume a utilityman role.

Toronto Blue Jays placed RHP Victor Zambrano on the 15-day disabled list and recalled RHP Jamie Vermilyea from Triple-A Syracuse.
Analysis: Zambrano will eventually head to extended spring training to gradually build up arm strength. There is no timetable for his return. Shaun Marcum will take Zambrano’s spot in the starting rotation, but he isn’t worth picking up in AL-only leagues. Vermilyea, 0-1 with a 7.63 ERA in 15-1/3 innings pitched for Triple-A Syracuse, will fill the vacant spot in the bullpen as a middle reliever.

5/11/07

Florida Marlins placed RHP Henry Owens on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive May 9, with right shoulder rotator cuff tendinitis and selected OF John Gall from Triple-A Albuquerque.
Analysis: Owens has converted four of five save chances this season while posting a 1.96 ERA. No word yet on who will take over closer duties in his stead, but Taylor Tankersley would figure to be the favorite despite comments made Tuesday by manager Fredi Gonzalez praising Jorge Julio. Gall will merely be a reserve outfielder.

Toronto Blue Jays placed RHP Roy Halladay on the 15-day disabled list with acute appendicitis.
Analysis: Halladay is expected to miss four to six weeks. No word yet on who will replace him in the starting rotation, but Casey Janssen is a strong possibility.

Boston Red Sox recalled LHP Javier Lopez from Triple-A Pawtucket and optioned RHP Devern Hansack to Pawtucket.
Analysis: Lopez figures to serve as a lefty specialist. Hansack allowed one run while walking three batters in his only appearance with Boston this season.

Houston Astros activated RHP Rick White from the 15-day disabled list and optioned OF Chris Burke to Triple-A Round Rock.  
Analysis: The arrival of Hunter Pence had already sapped Burke’s fantasy value and nearly all of his playing time so far this month. It’s hard to see the logic in sending Burke down as he would be a valuable bench player, but that is the decision the Astros have made. White is back to help out in middle relief.

Minnesota Twins placed OF Josh Rabe on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 10, with right shoulder inflammation and reinstated OF Lew Ford from his rehab assignment at Triple-A Rochester.
Analysis:  Ford may see some playing time against lefties, but there’s no reason for those in AL-only leaguers to consider picking him up. Rabe was batting .194 with no homers and two RBI in 31 at-bats this season.

Have a question or comment for Greg? Email him at gregpyron@sportsgrumblings.com.