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Around the League: NL

Kevin Nielsen provides a National League update for injuries, call-ups, and other fantasy news.

Tyler Skaggs is back in the Diamondbacks rotation.
Tyler Skaggs is back in the Diamondbacks rotation.
USA TODAY Sports

Call-Ups

Joey Terdoslavich was brought up by the Braves for outfield depth after Jordan Schaefer was placed on the DL. He might only be up for a few weeks and will likely be used in a reserve role. In daily leagues you should add and start him whenever he is in the lineup. I had this to say about Terdoslavich in my Futures Game analysis:

"He was once pegged as the Braves future replacement for Chipper Jones but due to his atrocious defense at the hot corner he is now a 1B/OF. Wherever he slots in defensively at the big-league level he will be expected to provide an above average bat. Terdoslavich is a switch-hitter but he absolutely crushes RHP. He has a .342 AVG with 17 HR and a .992 OPS against RHP at AAA. Terdoslavich's bat looks almost MLB-ready right now. He could stand to improve upon his patience at the plate. If he's able to do that then I think that he will transition well and have plenty of fantasy value as a 20+ HR outfielder. ETA = 2014"

Tyler Skaggs will replace Trevor Cahill in the Diamondbacks rotation. He had been pitching very well at AAA lately and is worth a look if you need SP help. He had a 2.22 ERA in 24 1/3 IP with a 33:11 K:BB ratio in June.

Henderson Alvarez has joined the Marlins rotation but should only be used for favorable matchups in really deep mixed leagues or NL-only leagues.

Ike Davis was called up by the Mets on Friday and I believe he will have a solid second half. If Josh Satin stays with the big-league club then he should form a platoon with Ike at 1B.

Notes

It looks as though K-Rod is the current favorite for saves in Milwaukee. If K-Rod is traded then Jim Henderson should get his closing job back.

Carlos Villanueva will fill the rotation spot vacated by Scott Feldman. He's a must-add in all NL-only leagues and a decent matchup play in mixed leagues.

JJ Putz and Heath Bell are each worth owning but Putz should be able to claim the closer role for himself once he has a few more successful outings.

Injuries

There's a chance that Ryan Braun will return next Friday. If not then he looks probable to return immediately after the all-star break.

Troy Tulowitzki might return sometime this week. Those in weekly leagues should be conservative and keep him in a DL slot or on the bench unless another update emerges.

Chris Carpenter could begin a minor league rehab assignment within the next couple weeks. He's worth putting in an open DL slot in NL-only leagues because he can make an impact down the stretch, especially in H2H formats.

Chad Gaudin will return tonight against the Dodgers. He's worth using only as a spot-starter. Ryan Vogelsong should return in about a month to take Gaudin's spot in the rotation.

Dan Haren may be called up Monday to face the Phillies if Ross Detwiler is placed on the DL.

Yasmani Grandal will likely need to spend some time on the DL after injuring his knee today. Nick Hundley should re-claim the starting role while he's out.

Yonder Alonso should return sometime this week from his broken hand but could struggle to hit for power at first.

Ryan Howard will miss at least a couple weeks with a knee injury.

A.J. Burnett will return tomorrow against the Cubs and is a must-add if he's free agent in your league.

Ryan Ludwick should return in a little over a month and is worth owning if you have an open DL slot in an NL-only league or very deep mixed league.

With Dexter Fowler on the DL for at least a couple weeks with a wrist injury, Tyler Colvin and Corey Dickerson will receive some playing time for the Rockies and are worth starting against RHP.