Cleveland Indians place OF Grady Sizemore on the DL

May 31, 2009 @ 03:45:52

By Nicholas Minnix
Edited by Bryce McRae

MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince reports the Cleveland Indians have placed outfielder Grady Sizemore (elbow) on the 15-day disabled list because of his strained left elbow. It's Sizemore's first trip to the disabled list in his major league career. Sizemore was receiving treatment on the elbow Sunday, May 31.

Sizemore said recently that the elbow had been bothering him all season, but he refused to use it as an excuse for his unexpectedly poor performance (.223-9-31 with seven steals) this year. He had been filling in at designated hitter lately because the elbow was a problem on throws from the outfield. It wasn't enough to help him avoid the DL stint.

While it's easy to respect the accountability from a warrior like Sizemore, it's hard not to fathom that the injury wasn't a factor in his performance. As long as he receives ample time to heal and proper treatment, the perennial 30-30 threat offers hope to fantasy owners who had perhaps been wondering when a proper time to peddle him was. At this stage, it may be wiser to hang on to him and see how he bounces back, unless a potential trade partner sees the same possibilities and is willing to give premier fantasy production in return.

Outfielder Trevor Crowe, 25, is expected to play more in Sizemore's absence. The switch-hitter is an able center fielder, and for fantasy purposes, he can offer moderate speed. His stolen base totals in the minor have dropped off in the past couple of seasons, though, partially because he has trouble reaching base. That has been the case in 2009, too. In the bigs this year, he has six hits, along with two walks, in 35 at-bats. At Columbus, he posted an unimpressive .321 on-base percentage, with five stolen bases, in 21 games. He may have moderate value in AL leagues if he ends up warranting regular playing time.

In a corresponding move to the DL transaction, Cleveland recalled outfielder Chris Gimenez from Triple-A Columbus. Gimenez can play both corner outfield spots, catcher - which will come in handy as long as catcher Victor Martinez (knee) is banged up - and first base. However, he is unlikely to have any fantasy value during his stay.

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Nicholas Minnix

KFFL's baseball editor plays in LABR and Tout Wars and won the FSWA Baseball Industry Insiders League in 2010.

The University of Delaware alum is a regular guest on Sirius/XM Fantasy Sports Radio and Baltimore's WNST AM 1570. Follow him on Twitter.

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