Also see: Fantasy Baseball Diamond Market - Rising

Fantasy baseball waivers and discarded fantasy baseball players can make or break a season. You may have adjusted your fantasy baseball cheat sheets over and over during spring training. If your team remains the same after opening day, though, you will probably have trouble competing in your rotisserie baseball league.

When is it time to give up on your fantasy baseball sleepers? Which players are worth retaining? KFFL.com's Diamond Market series gives you the fantasy baseball tips and advice you need to sort through the masses quickly.

Key

Discard - Drop player (in most circumstances)

Stash - Hold player if roster space is available; consider dropping if trend continues

Hold - Do not drop player (in most circumstances)

Second basemen

Ian Kinsler, Texas Rangers

You had to know this was coming, though it's a pleasant surprise he lasted until August. The injury-prone Kinsler (hamstring) was already stuck with a .157 July clip, so maybe the break will help him. Lower-body injuries have plagued him during his career. He'll be eligible to return Aug. 13, and the team seems optimistic that he'll meet that target. However, you have a right to be a bit more skeptical and examine long-term contingency options.

Shallow mixed: Hold

Deep mixed: Hold

AL-only: Hold

Outfielders

Corey Hart, Milwaukee Brewers

Stick Hart on the DL in all leagues

He'll have more time to wear his shades with the sun down, though the timing of his appendectomy was unfortunate; his bright .329 average in his last 22 games signaled a possible turnaround for the streaky stick. Given Hart's ability to provide across-the-board production, you should wait out his DL stay as long as you can.

Shallow mixed: Hold

Deep mixed: Hold

NL-only: Hold

Starting pitchers

Edinson Volquez, Cincinnati Reds

Tommy John surgery will sideline Volquez (elbow) until next season and reserves his spot among the single-year scrap heap. Those in full retention leagues should hang tight if possible.

Shallow mixed: Discard

Deep mixed: Discard

NL-only: Discard

Relief pitchers

Leo Nunez, Florida Marlins

The effective return outing by righty Matt Lindstrom throws a wrench into Nunez's firm reign over Marlins saves chances. The latter has struggled frequently in the last few weeks, but despite suffering a loss Saturday he hasn't blown a save chance since June 11.

Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez aims to ease Lindstrom back into save chances - if he plans to return him there at all; Gonzo said Nunez has done a nice job in the role. If Lindstrom remains unwed, Nunez owners should lock him up. Keep tabs on how Gonzalez uses these righties; it might not happen soon, but if and when they start phasing out Nunez, act accordingly.

Shallow mixed: Hold

Deep mixed: Hold

NL-only: Hold

Scott Downs, Toronto Blue Jays

Did the Jays rush their stopper back when they released the irritated B.J. Ryan? Downs (toe) aggravated his June toe injury and will revisit the disabled list; he had produced a 12.60 ERA in his last six outings, compared to a 1.98 ERA before his first hoof-related DL trip. His sinker also lost some life, though his velocity remained intact. 

Skipper Cito Gaston admitted the team may have reinstated Downs too soon; it's feasible to expect a longer duration on the sidelines for the southpaw while Jason Frasor presumably takes over stopper duties. "I'm not sure [when he'll be back]. It won't be any time soon," Gaston said of Downs' timetable.

Shallow mixed: Hold

Deep mixed: Hold

AL-only: Hold

Also see: Fantasy Baseball Diamond Market - Rising