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
Vernon Wells, LF – activated from the 15-day DL
Alexi Amarista, 2B – optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake
Impact: When the Angels acquired Wells during the offseason, they expected a little more offense from him than what he produced prior to his injury. Wells hit less than .200 and drove in just 13 runs in 35 games before being shut down for almost a month due to a strained groin. He'll look to improve on those numbers now that he's healthy, and he's put up decent enough numbers in the past to suggest a turnaround could be in the works. Amarista did very little with the bat, but could get another look later this year.
Athletics
Adam Rosales, IF – activated from the 60-day DL
Kevin Kouzmanoff, 3B – optioned to Triple-A Sacramento
Impact: Kouzmanoff posted decent offensive numbers during his three years in San Diego, and with a move to a slightly more hitter-friendly park in Oakland, he was expected to build on those numbers. Unfortunately, his production has gone the wrong way, so much so that the A's opted to get him some work in the minors to get back on track. He will also have to improve his defense to get another shot, as he's been inconsistent at third base this year. Rosales will share the third-base duties with Scott Sizemore, who was also
Here's a look at the transactions this week that had the most important fantasy impact.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Angels
Vernon Wells, LF – activated from the 15-day DL
Alexi Amarista, 2B – optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake
Impact: When the Angels acquired Wells during the offseason, they expected a little more offense from him than what he produced prior to his injury. Wells hit less than .200 and drove in just 13 runs in 35 games before being shut down for almost a month due to a strained groin. He'll look to improve on those numbers now that he's healthy, and he's put up decent enough numbers in the past to suggest a turnaround could be in the works. Amarista did very little with the bat, but could get another look later this year.
Athletics
Adam Rosales, IF – activated from the 60-day DL
Kevin Kouzmanoff, 3B – optioned to Triple-A Sacramento
Impact: Kouzmanoff posted decent offensive numbers during his three years in San Diego, and with a move to a slightly more hitter-friendly park in Oakland, he was expected to build on those numbers. Unfortunately, his production has gone the wrong way, so much so that the A's opted to get him some work in the minors to get back on track. He will also have to improve his defense to get another shot, as he's been inconsistent at third base this year. Rosales will share the third-base duties with Scott Sizemore, who was also just called up. Rosales is a solid performer who could gain eligibility at several infield positions.
Brett Anderson, LHP – placed on the 15-day DL (elbow)
Bobby Cramer, LHP – recalled from Triple-A Sacramento
Impact: Anderson has been solid through 13 starts, despite his 3-6 record. The lefty was placed on the DL due to soreness in his elbow, and is scheduled to meet with Dr. James Andrews early next week after Anderson's initial examination was inconclusive. Andrews is known for performing Tommy John surgeries, so hopefully this is not a sign that Anderson will require season-ending surgery. This marks the second straight season marred by elbow trouble for Anderson, as he was limited to just 19 starts last year. Bobby Cramer, a 31-year-old career minor leaguer, is expected to take Anderson's turn in the rotation, but he is probably not worth taking a chance on. He has shown good control throughout his minor league career prior to 2011, but has proven hittable.
Mark Ellis, 2B – placed on the 15-day DL (hamstring)
Jemile Weeks, IF – contract purchased from Triple-A Sacramento
Impact: Ellis has never really been much of a fantasy asset, as he doesn't produce signficant power or stolen bases. His injury, which isn't expected to keep him out more than 15 days, allows the A's to get a look at their top draft pick from 2008, Jemile Weeks. Weeks has shown an ability to hit for average while stealing a few bases in the minors, so he could be worth a look as long as he's getting regular playing time. Scott Sizemore and Adam Rosales could also figure into the second-base mix as well.
Red Sox
John Lackey, RHP – activated from the 15-day DL
Josh Reddick, OF – optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket
Impact: Lackey had a disappointing 2010 season in his first year in Boston, and he was terrible this year prior to his DL assignment for an elbow injury. He's been a dependable starter the majority of his career, so there's chance he can find his old form now that he's healthy. Boston's offense may help him earn an extra win or two, but don't expect huge strikeout numbers. Alfredo Aceves was bumped from the rotation and will return to a relief role. Reddick performed well with the bat in five games with Boston and could be back with the team the next time it needs another outfielder.
Tigers
Phil Coke, LHP – activated from the 15-day DL
Andrew Oliver, LHP – optioned to Triple-A Toledo
Omir Santos, C – optioned to Triple-A Toledo
Impact: Coke has seemed to make a smooth transition from reliever to starter. Despite his 1-5 record at the time of his injury, he put up solid ratios and generally gave the Tigers a chance to win in most of the games he started. Andrew Oliver made two starts in place of Coke, but struggled mightily before being optioned back to Triple-A Toledo. Santos did not appear in a game since he was recalled last Friday.
White Sox
Jake Peavy, RHP – placed on the 15-day DL (groin)
Lucas Harrell, RHP – recalled from Triple-A Charlotte
Impact: Peavy is back on the DL, this time due to a mild groin strain. The oft-injured starter had already suffered through an ankle strain, back surgery and rotator cuff tendinitis since coming to the White Sox, so add one more injury to the list. Peavy is great when he's healthy, but those occasions are becoming fewer and farther between. His injury allows the Sox to go back to a five-man rotation, and Harrell will give them an extra arm in the pen.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Cubs
Matt Garza, RHP – activated from the 15-day DL
Scott Maine, LHP – optioned to Triple-A Iowa
Impact: Garza was a strikeout machine before he landed on the DL a couple of weeks ago due to a bone contusion in his right elbow. Garza posted an ERA of 3.72 while striking out 68 batters in just 55.2 innings before the injury, but had only a 2-4 record to show for it. Maine was terrible in seven relief appearances for the Cubs.
Dodgers
Juan Uribe, 3B – activated from the 15-day DL
Juan Castro, 2B – designated for assignment
Impact: Uribe possesses a decent amount of power, which is uncommon for a middle infielder. More often than not, his average will hurt you rather than help you, but his home run and RBI totals can be valuable if he's getting regular playing time. His activation from the DL will cut into the playing time of Jamey Carroll and Aaron Miles, and Dee Gordon appears to be the favorite at shortstop for the time being.
Marlins
Hanley Ramirez, SS – placed on the 15-day DL (back)
Brad Hand, LHP – contract purchased from Double-A Jacksonville
Impact: Ramirez was one of the most valuable players in fantasy baseball over the past five seasons, but he just couldn't seem to find his rhythm through the first couple of months of 2011. A back strain has landed him on the DL for the first time in his career, but with the move retroactive to May 30, he might not be out for too much longer. Emilio Bonifacio will handle the shortstop duties, and Hand will be inserted into the ailing Marlins rotation. Hand is just 21 and has yet to pitch a game above Double-A, so expect some growing pains.
Rockies
Dexter Fowler, CF – placed on the 15-day DL (abdomen)
Charlie Blackmon, OF – contract purchased from Triple-A Colorado Springs
Impact: The fleet-footed Fowler wasn't doing his fantasy owners much good by swiping just two bases in 57 games, while being caught six times. He also wasn't producing in any of the other fantasy baseball categories either, so hopefully some rest, which he will get due to a left abdominal strain, will rejuvenate him. Blackmon should get some time in center along with Eric Young Jr., and while he lacks major league experience, Blackmon could fare well playing in the thin air of Colorado. Ryan Spilborghs could also see an increase in playing time due to Fowler's injury.
