Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Vernon Wells landed on the 15-day disabled list for the second time on Thursday with a Grade 2 strain of his left hamstring, the team’s official site reported.

Wells missed 25 games in May and June with a fractured left wrist, but made a quick recovery to return and hit .296 with 4 home runs, 18 RBIs in 28 games. He left Wednesday’s 9-8 win over Baltimore with the injury and was given a timetable of 4-to-6 weeks for his return.

For the season, Wells is hitting .287 with 9 homers and 42 RBIs in 64 games.

A big blow for fantasy owners, who were just getting used to having Wells’ bat back in their lineups. The 29-year old came into the 2008 season with inherent risk stemming from September shoulder surgery, but has seen his season derailed from unrelated problems with his wrist and hamstring.

Wells was not previously recognized as an injury risk, but that will change in time for 2009 fantasy drafts. He turned in his worst full season as a pro in ‘07 and got sidetracked with injuries early in ‘08. Both factors will lead to lost confidence in Wells’ ability to stay healthy and productive.

On the bright side, Wells still has an opportunity to finish with a bang and make the most of his time in August and September. Wells will inevitably be a serious disappointment in fantasy circles, but he can still help that late push towards a fantasy championship.

In other DL news …
Wells joins teammates Dustin McGowan (shoulder) and Shaun Marcum (on the DL. With the gap growing between Toronto and first-place Tampa Bay in the American League East, the more likely it becomes that A.J. Burnett is traded to a contender.

Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman (shoulder) is making steady progress and should be back on schedule, in late July or early August. The Washington Times reported that Zimmerman has taken problem-free batting practice and should be able to avoid season-ending surgery.

The same Washington Times story reports that Elijah Dukes (knee surgery) is expected to miss 4-to-6 weeks.

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Aaron Harang will be placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to July 8, with a forearm strain, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported. Top prospect Homer Bailey will get the first chance to fill in for Harang on Sunday.

Said John Fay on the Enquirer’s Reds Blog:

Homer Bailey is here. He arrived last night and took a bit of a beating at Potawatomi Casino. “That shows you how my luck is,” he said.

But Bailey says he’s throwing much better.

Florida Marlins pitcher Josh Johnson returned from the DL on Thursday and pitched for the first time since having Tommy John surgery last August. He got a no-decision, but had better velocity than he ever had before the surgery, says the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

St. Louis Cardinals left-hander Mark Mulder’s attempt at a comeback from shoulder surgery lasted just 16 pitches on Wednesday. The St. Louis Dispatch reports that his season, and possibly his career, may be over.

Dustin Hockensmith is editor of ImaginaryDiamond.com. He can be contacted at dhockensmith[at]fantasysports101.net.