Thome Likely Headed to DL

April 28, 2007 @ 16:00:00

By Michael Egnak
Edited by Nicholas Minnix

The Associated Press reports the Chicago White Sox will likely place designated hitter Jim Thome (rib cage) on the 15-day disabled list with a rib cage injury.

Thome left the team's game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Friday, April 27, after fouling a pitch off during the first inning, according to the Associated Press. Manager Ozzie Guillen said the team was contemplating making a move with Thome ailing, but that they would wait until Saturday, April 28, at the earliest, before making a final decision.

The injury deals a big blow to the White Sox lineup, as Thome was on a tear to start off the year. Through 50 at-bats, Thome was hitting .340 with five home runs and 10 RBI.

The White Sox currently don't have anyone on the bench worth using in the lineup on a regular basis for the next two weeks. Outfielder Brian N. Anderson is hitting just .118 in 17 at-bats this year. Outfielder Pablo Ozuna is hitting .250 with two RBI in 24 at-bats. Second baseman Alex Cintron, who is hitting .050 through 20 at-bats, got the start at designated hitter Saturday.

The team could decide to call someone up to get an extra bat on the roster. Third baseman Josh Fields is a candidate, although he's hitting poorly in the minors right now. Another possibility is outfielder Jerry Owens, who's hitting .271 with 10 steals for Triple-A Charlotte. The team's top prospect, Charlotte outfielder Ryan Sweeney, is hitting .256 with two home runs and six RBI. He could also be a call-up.

For fantasy teams, the one positive to losing your designated hitter is that you can likely find a replacement at any position. Owners aren't stuck looking for a pure outfielder or infielder, but are instead able to pick up anyone that is hitting well. New York Mets outfielder Shawn Green is swinging a hot bat recently. He's hitting .358 with three home runs and 13 RBI this season; he's also hitting .500 with four RBI and one home run over his past five games. Texas Rangers designated hitter Sammy Sosa has been mashing the ball recently too. Since April 23, Sosa is hitting .421 with three home runs and seven RBI. Another hot pickup is Boston Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell. Lowell is hitting .321 with four home runs this season. Since April 22, he's hitting .417 with three home runs and 11 RBI.

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Michael Egnak
Michael Egnak is a Hot Off The Wire Analyst at KFFL and has been with the company since 2005. Covering both NFL and MLB, Egnak is also a key contributor to KFFL's fantasy services.

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