This article is part of our Transaction Analysis series.
Here's a look at the transactions this week that had the most important fantasy impact.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Angels
Joel Pineiro, RHP – activated from the 15-day DL (shoulder)
Matt Palmer, RHP – optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake
Impact: Pineiro put together back-to-back solid seasons in 2009 and 2010 as he adjusted his approach to become one of the better sinkerballers in the game. He's now back in action after missing some time due to shoulder issues. He won't strike out many batters, but should pick up some wins and help out in ERA and WHIP. Palmer got roughed up in his three starts with the Angels and could return later in the year as an emergency starter or to pitch out of the bullpen.
Blue Jays
Aaron Hill, 2B – placed on the 15-day disabled list (hamstring)
Jesse Litsch, RHP – recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas
Impact: Hill had already been out of the Jays lineup for a few days before they made the decision to place him on the DL retroactive to April 20. The move gave the Blue Jays the roster flexibility to recall Jesse Litsch to fill out their rotation, which was left a man short after the demotion of Brett Cecil. John McDonald and Mike McCoy should share the second-base duties in Hill's absence, and neither is likely to have a significant fantasy impact.
Indians
Carlos Carrasco, RHP – placed on the 15-day DL (elbow)
Frank Herrmann, RHP –
Here's a look at the transactions this week that had the most important fantasy impact.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Angels
Joel Pineiro, RHP – activated from the 15-day DL (shoulder)
Matt Palmer, RHP – optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake
Impact: Pineiro put together back-to-back solid seasons in 2009 and 2010 as he adjusted his approach to become one of the better sinkerballers in the game. He's now back in action after missing some time due to shoulder issues. He won't strike out many batters, but should pick up some wins and help out in ERA and WHIP. Palmer got roughed up in his three starts with the Angels and could return later in the year as an emergency starter or to pitch out of the bullpen.
Blue Jays
Aaron Hill, 2B – placed on the 15-day disabled list (hamstring)
Jesse Litsch, RHP – recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas
Impact: Hill had already been out of the Jays lineup for a few days before they made the decision to place him on the DL retroactive to April 20. The move gave the Blue Jays the roster flexibility to recall Jesse Litsch to fill out their rotation, which was left a man short after the demotion of Brett Cecil. John McDonald and Mike McCoy should share the second-base duties in Hill's absence, and neither is likely to have a significant fantasy impact.
Indians
Carlos Carrasco, RHP – placed on the 15-day DL (elbow)
Frank Herrmann, RHP – recalled from Triple-A Columbus
Impact: Carrasco becomes the second Indians starter in little more than a week to land on the DL, joining teammate Mitch Talbot. Carrasco wasn't exactly lights-out before going down with elbow inflammation, so some time off could do him some good. Herrmann gives the Indians pen an extra arm, and the Indians will call up rookie Alex White to make Carrasco's next scheduled start on Saturday. White has been dominant in the minors, but at just 22 and with only one year of minor league experience under his belt, expect him to suffer some growing pains.
Mariners
Justin Smoak, 1B – activated from the bereavement list
Carlos Peguero, OF – optioned to Triple-A Tacoma
Impact: The Mariners first baseman is back in the lineup after missing six games due to the death of his father. Smoak was hitting well before the missed time, and Adam Kennedy was solid at first base in Smoak's absence. Kennedy returns to his role as a backup infielder. Peguero was 2-for-11 in his brief stay with the club.
Rangers
Neftali Feliz, RHP – placed on the 15-day disabled list (shoulder)
Cody Eppley, RHP – called up from Triple-A Round Rock
Impact: The flame-throwing closer will miss at least a couple of weeks due to inflammation in his right shoulder. He had converted all five of his save opportunities, but showed control issues in his last appearance as he walked three batters. Arthur Rhodes and Darren Oliver should be first in line for saves in Feliz's absence.
Twins
Delmon Young, LF – placed on the 15-day DL (oblique)
Rene Tosoni, OF – recalled from Triple-A Rochester
Impact: Young started to realize his potential last season as he drove in 112 runs for the Twins. However, he scuffled through the first few weeks of this year before missing some time due to a bout of the flu and a strained left oblique that eventually landed him on the DL. While Young is on the shelf, Tosoni will share the left field duties with Jason Kubel. Tosoni likely will be returned to Rochester when Young is ready.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Brewers
Corey Hart, RF – activated from the 15-day disabled list (oblique)
Erick Almonte, RF – placed on the 7-day disabled list (concussion)
Impact: Hart set career highs in home runs, RBI and runs scored last year, but still tends to be overlooked playing in a lineup that also features Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun. He's still a solid bat when he's healthy, so fantasy teams should waste no time re-inserting him into their lineups. Almonte becomes the first player placed on MLB's new 7-day DL for concussions after he was hit in the face by a ball during batting practice. He struggled to a .107 average in limited playing time, and likely will not have a place on the team once his seven days are up.
Mets
Chris Young, RHP – activated from the 15-day disabled list (biceps)
D.J. Carrasco, RHP – optioned to Triple-A Buffalo
Impact: Young is no stranger to the DL, as he was limited to a combined 36 starts over the last three seasons due to injuries. He's been effective when healthy, so he likely will help out his fantasy teams before his next injury. Carrasco was ineffective in his eight appearances with the Mets but likely will return to the club at some point.
Angel Pagan, CF – placed on the 15-day DL (oblique)
Jason Pridie, OF – contract selected from Triple-A Buffalo
Impact: Pagan was a pleasant surprise to Mets fans and fantasy owners alike last year when he hit .290 and swiped 37 bags. His success did not continue into this season, however, as he struggled mightily through the first few weeks of the season. He'll miss some time due to a strained left oblique, giving Pridie a chance to get some playing time at the major league level. Pridie has some speed, but is unlikely to steal enough bases to make up for his offensive shortcomings.
Phillies
Joe Blanton, RHP – placed on the 15-day DL (elbow)
Vance Worley, RHP – recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley
Impact: Blanton was relatively ineffective in four starts with the Phillies before going down with an impingement in his elbow. Worley takes Blanton's spot in the rotation, and there is no word yet as to how long Blanton is expected to be out for. Worley is young and unproven and could benefit from some extra experience at the Triple-A level.
Reds
Scott Rolen, 3B – placed on the 15-day disabled list (shoulder)
Chris Valaika, 2B – recalled from Triple-A Louisville
Impact: Rolen put together a solid 2010 campaign, but was hitting just .217 this year when he strained his left shoulder. He's had issues with his shoulder in the past, so the Reds decided to take a cautious approach with him. Miguel Cairo figures to benefit the most from Rolen's absence, but is his fantasy value likely will be limited to deep leagues. Valaika provides some infield depth to the Reds.
