Joba Chamberlain’s transition from reliever to starter begins tonight at home against the Toronto Blue Jays, the New York Daily News reported. The Yankees are expected to keep Chamberlain on a strict 65-70 pitch count, which could limit his value until he stretches out to a full work load.

This first start comes against Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay on a night where Chamberlain needs to pitch well to complete five innings and even factor into the decision. With that in mind, fantasy owners would be wise to assess what an “empty start” means in their league and compare that to the value of Chamberlain’s typically strong ERA, WHIP and strikeout numbers. Read more »

At this point in the year, the appeal of grizzled veterans with limited upside is starting to wear off. Your team doesn’t need a starting pitcher with 4.00 ERA, 1.40 WHIP type stuff, it could use a young arm with more risk and more reward. When you peel back the top layer of free agents, there are several young arms that fit the bill and are available in most leagues.

Of course, there are question marks with each player that has gone unwanted in the majority of leagues. But, knowing the names before the consistent results come is what fantasy championships are made of. Get to know the pitchers on this list because there’s a good chance they take the fantasy world by storm in the second half of the year. Read more »

Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz, already bogged down by a balky left knee, was diagnosed with a partially torn tendon in his left wrist, according to the David Ginsburg of the Associated Press.

Ortiz had gotten back into form after starting the year hitting .111 (7-for-63) with one home run and four RBIs over his first 15 games. He’s hit .312 with 12 homers and 39 RBIs in 32 games since, elevating his season line to .252-13-43. He exited Saturday’s game in the ninth inning, missed Sunday and had an MRI on Monday. Read more »