Roto Riteup: April 17, 2013

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On today’s agenda, a bevy of injury related transactions:
1. Brett Lawrie back to the bigs
2. Aaron Hill hurts himself
3. Michael Bourn lands on DL

Brett Lawrie back to the bigs
After missing the first couple of weeks due to an injury afflicting his rib cage, the Canadian slugger returned to the Blue Jays’ lineup yesterday. Lawrie hit 11 homers last season, and while most rightfully considered it a disappointing campaign, the right-hander is still just 23 years old and overflowing with promise.

With Jose Reyes on the DL, Toronto has been toying with the idea of using Lawrie at the keystone instead of the hot corner. Having Lawrie at second would allow Jose Bautista to shift back to third base, and would result in either in increased usage of Rajai Davis, or the recall of Anthony Gose. The Blue Jays did not utilize this lineup on Lawrie’s first day back, but regaining 2B eligibility would be huge for Lawrie’s owners, both current and prospective.

Aaron Hill hurts himself
Hill broke his hand when he was plunked over a week ago, but he has been playing through the injury over the past couple of days. Hill started the season on a high note, but now he’s going to have to wait at least a month to pick up where he left off. While he’s out drinking and enjoying the Arizona sunshine, prospect Didi Gregorius will step in and make his Diamondbacks debut.

Gregorius came to the D’backs in the Trevor Bauer deal during the offseason, and while the left-handed hitting shortstop is known more for his work with the glove, there are some who don’t mind what he does with the bat, either. Gregorius’ best chance to be a quality fantasy option will come from his batting average, because he won’t be hitting many homers or swiping many bags. If you need a SS or MI option in NL-only leagues, odds are Gregorius is already spoken for, but be sure to check the wire.

Michael Bourn lands on DL
The Cleveland speedster has been forced to the sidelines due to cut on his finger. Bourn acquired the boo-boo when his hand was stomped on while sliding into first base, and the injury ended up requiring a handful of stitches. Bourn may not have been walking much in the first couple of weeks, but he has already treated owners to a couple homers without the aid of any disturbing patterns. While Bourn is on the DL, we’re likely to see more of both Ryan Raburn and Mike Aviles, neither of whom is any great shakes for fantasy players. Bourn should be back as soon as his 15 days are up