Mark Teixeira, 1B, Texas Rangers

June 11, 2007 @ 16:00:00

By Aaron Adams
Edited by Nicholas Minnix

Texas Rangers first baseman Mark Teixeira (quadriceps) was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday, June 9, due to a strained left quadriceps that occurred when he landed awkwardly on first base while running out a ground ball. Teixeira, who is on the DL for only the second time in his career, lost his club-record streak of 507 consecutive games played.

Initial Outlook

Although the injury was serious enough for a stint on the DL, it appears as if the move was more precautionary, and a return to the lineup this month seems likely. Manager Ron Washington stated, " To stop him from hurting himself, we decided to put him on the DL." An MRI revealed that there was no tear, but in order to keep the injury from worsening, team doctors recommended rest.

Although the injury isn't severe, losing an All-Star player is yet another devastating blow for a team that is currently in last in the AL West. With Teixeira slated to miss at least the next two weeks, the Rangers activated outfielder Brad Wilkerson (shoulder) from the 15-day DL to start at first in Teixeira's absence. Wilkerson should start every day, with utility man Frank Catalanotto logging some time as his backup. Outfielder Marlon Byrd is expected to see more playing time in the field.

Fantasy Impact

Until further information is known, don't panic and attempt to unload Teixeira, unless you can still get full value. While there is reason for concern when dealing with a hamstring injury, the injury doesn't seem severe, and he should have no problem returning for a strong second half.

While the visit to the disabled list seems a precautionary measure, Teixeira will still be missing from the lineup for a minimum of two weeks, meaning you need to find at least a short-term starter. Luckily, first base is one of the deeper positions, with several players available in more than half of leagues polled that deserve a good look.

Possible replacements at first base include: the Tampa Bay Devil Rays' Carlos Pena (49 percent availability), the Arizona Diamondbacks' Conor Jackson (93 percent), the Washington Nationals' Dmitri Young (90 percent) and the Cleveland Indians' Ryan Garko (81 percent). Other players likely available are the Los Angeles Dodgers' Nomar Garciaparra (50 percent), the Baltimore Orioles' Aubrey Huff (74 percent) and the Pittsburgh Pirates' Adam LaRoche (75 percent).

It is difficult to believe that Pena is still available in more than half of leagues, as he has been one of the best fantasy hitters in the past and has shown few signs of slowing down. Over his last 10 games he has posted a .333 average, three homers, 10 runs and five RBI. Pena should be owned in most formats and would be an exceptional fill-in player.

If you happen to be part of a deeper league and Pena is already on a roster, take a look at either Jackson or Young, as both have enjoyed recent successes. In his last 10 games, Jackson has put up a .306 average, one homer, six runs and seven RBI. Young has posted a .524 average, two homers, six runs and 10 RBI. Getting production like that would make you hardly miss Teixeira.

If it is later announced that Teixeira will be forced to miss additional time, consider taking a look at Garko, who is currently hitting in the middle of a high-octane Indians offense but will be forced to miss several games in the next two weeks due to playing in National League parks during interleague play. Designated hitter Travis Hafner is expected to receive the majority of time at first base, and two of the Indians' next four series are at NL stadiums.

LaRoche and Huff are also worth keeping your eye on. Huff is a notoriously slow starter, while LaRoche disappointed owners who were expecting bigger things; both are showing signs of heating up.

Wilkerson, called up to replace Teixeira on the roster, should have moderate value in AL-only and deeper leagues. He has solid potential for power numbers if he can stay healthy, but it remains best to take a wait-and-see approach before adding him. Catalanotto and Byrd still have minimal fantasy value.

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Aaron Adams
Aaron has been with KFFL since 2007.

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