Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Brett Myers is back in a big league uniform after making four starts at Triple-A Lehigh Valley and Double-A Reading. He’s a perfect buy-low candidate because in many fantasy leagues, there is no price; he’s a free agent. By capturing his form in his last two seasons as a starter, Myers could provide a nice second-half boost.
 
Before struggling to start the 2007 season and eventually ending up in the bullpen, Myers had two excellent seasons in the Phillies’ rotation. Between 2005-06, Myers went 25-15 with a 3.81 ERA and 397 strikeouts in 413.1 innings.
 
Picking up Myers, who is available in more than 50 percent of ESPN.com leagues, and putting him on probation is a nice way to go. Scoop him up, be sure that nobody else in your league benefits from his recall, and stash him on your bench until you see the desired results. Myers’ first start is looking like next Wednesday at the Mets, which is a good, stern test that will be good to evaluate with him on your bench.

More on starting pitchers …
 
Myers’ new teammate Joe Blanton is set to make his Philadelphia debut on Tuesday against the Mets. Struggling so far this season, Blanton takes his 5-12 record and 4.96 ERA to the National League East playoff race. Said Phillies pitching coach Rick Dubee on Blanton: “Maybe a change of scenery will help (Blanton). Maybe being closer to a playoff contender will spark something inside of him.”
 
Francisco Liriano won his eighth straight decision for Triple-A Rochester, prompting Liriano to question why he’s still not in a Twins uniform, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported. It’s safe to assume Liriano will be in Minnesota sooner rather than later, but the question is when and in what role?

Clay Buchholz will test manager Terry Francona’s willingness to stay patient and let him work through his struggles. The Red Sox would like the 23-year old to solidify the back end of their rotation, but the results have been tough to tolerate in two starts since his return from Triple-A Pawtucket. He was roughed up again on Friday, giving up eight hits and four earned runs in 4.2 innings. Stay tuned to his development; if Buchholz can relax and find a groove, he could be a dynamo in August and September.

Despite his recent hot streak, Dave Bush will still be in used in a bizarre platoon with Seth McClung for the Milwaukee Brewers’ fifth spot in the rotation, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel’s Tom Haudricourt reported. McClung will pitch on the road, while Bush will pitch at home. For fantasy owners, this isn’t Earth shattering news, as Bush was only worth starting at home anyway.

Colorado Rockies right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez has quietly begun to piece together a four-start hot streak. Walks are the thing to watch with Jimenez, and he still hasn’t completely solved his problems on that front. Though he is 3-1 with a 2.39 ERA in four July starts, he has walked 12 batters in 26.1 innings. He has struck out 98 and walked 63 in 120.0 innings this season, but has managed to keep the damage to a minimum with a 4.20 ERA.

After some back-and-forth news and one wasted start, Houston Astros right-hander Roy Oswalt officially went on the disabled list on Saturday afternoon. The Houston Chronicle reported that an MRI confirmed a strained left hip abductor and an unrelated issue in his back. The deliberation was frustrating for fantasy owners, but the DL stint doesn’t look like it will last beyond late July.

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