Bob Wickman to DL

April 30, 2007 @ 16:00:00

By Michael Egnak
Edited by Ryan Dodson

ESPNews reports Atlanta Braves closer Bob Wickman (back) was placed on the 15-day disabled list.

Wickman was struggling recently, and this was the likely cause of it. He blew his last two save opportunities over this past weekend, giving up a combine five earned runs in 1 1/3 innings to the Colorado Rockies in two appearances. In those two games, he walked five batters and allowed three hits. 

Southpaw reliever Mike Gonzalez is likely the favorite for saves while Wickman is out. Gonzalez has a 1.93 ERA in 9 1/3 innings so far this year. However, he's walked seven batters and allowed 10 hits, giving him a 1.82 WHIP. Gonzalez has been dealing with discomfort in his left elbow, but reported no problems in his last outing April 23. An MRI on the elbow revealed no damage. He was still able to reach 95 mph in his last appearance. He's available in about 80 percent of leagues polled. Go get him now in all formats.

Reliever Rafael Soriano is another option, especially if Gonzalez's elbow issues reappear. Soriano has a 4.38 ERA through 12 1/3 innings, but he has walked just five and allowed only seven hits to give him a 0.97 WHIP. 

Fantasy leaguers will want to pick up Gonzalez, but keep a close eye on him. His high WHIP and recent complaints about elbow discomfort could be a sign of something worse. Soriano is worth picking up in deeper leagues, but is best left on the bench unless he starts earning save opportunities.

KFFLians are saying....

Comment

 

---

What do you think? We want to hear from you!

Name: E-mail: Please, enter the number that you see

Comment Guidelines

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.

Talk Sports 24/7!
KFFL Sports Forums: Over 24,000 strong and growing!

One Day FREE Fantasy Contest - $350 in cash prizes (05/24)
Fantasy Baseball Diamond Market: Brian Roberts seeing the light at the end of the rehab tunnel (05/24)
Fantasy baseball players in the news (05/24)
Fantasy football players in the news (05/24)
Fantasy Baseball Diamond Market: Dee Gordon's problems at bat (05/23)
Fantasy Baseball Player Prospecting: Will Smith, Yordano Ventura, Wil Myers, more (05/23)
Fantasy Baseball Roundtable: How trade talks develop (05/23)
Fantasy Baseball Closer Hot Seat: Tyler Clippard, J.J. Putz (05/23)
Fantasy Baseball Diamond Market: Mark Teixeira's ill beginnings (05/23)
Fantasy NASCAR race preview: Coca-Cola 600 (05/23)