Description: Miami righthander Ricky Nolasco snapped a three-game losing streak by winning Sunday against Arizona.
Insight: Despite a strong outing Sunday (8 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 11 K's), Nolasco is highly inconsistent and he's never gotten a whole of run support. Even if he played for a better team, Nolasco (3-5, 3.96 ERA) wouldn't be a particularly appealing fantasy option.
Description: Miami first baseman Logan Morrison (knee) will start his rehab assignment Monday, according to the Miami Herald.
Insight: Morrison hasn't played in a game since last July. He's trying to return from surgery to repair a torn patellar tendon in his right knee. He'll go out on a rehab assignment for no longer than 20 days, provided he doesn't have a setback.
Description: Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton (hamstring) could start jogging next week. SOURCE: Joe Capozzi, Palm Beach Post
Insight: Stanton is dealing with a Grade 2 strain of his hamstring and is without a timetable. Marcell Ozuna started off hitting .419 with five doubles and five RBI after coming up from Double-A, but he is 5-for-30 (.167) over his last eight games.
Description: Righthander Carlos Zambrano has signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Insight: Zambrano was currently pitching in the Independent Atlantic League with the Long Island Ducks. With Roy Halladay on the shelf for at least the next three months, it makes sense for the Phillies to look for another starter. There was a time when Zambrano was a solid fantasy contributor but that time was 2004-2007.
Description: Marlins pitching prospect Jacob Turner has allowed 46 hits, 23 earned runs and seven homers, walked 12 and struck out 26 in 43 1/3 innings with Triple-A New Orleans this season.
Insight: He's 3-3 with a 4.78 ERA in eight starts. The 21-year-old former Detroit Tigers first-rounder went 1-4 with a 3.38 ERA and 0.98 WHIP in 42 2/3 innings after being traded from Detroit to Miami for Anibal Sanchez last summer. With Wade LeBlanc struggling and Henderson Alvarez and Nathan Eovaldi on the DL, the Marlins could use Turner, but he hasn't pitched well enough at Triple-A to warrant a callup.
Description: Righthander Carlos Zambrano could be on the Phillies' radar. SOURCE: Comcast Sports Philadelphia
Insight: Zambrano is currently pitching in the Independent Atlantic League with the Long Island Ducks. With Roy Halladay on the shelf for at least the next three months, it makes sense for the Phillies to look for another starter.
Description: Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton (hamstring) is still "a ways off" from returning to action, manager Mike Redmond said. SOURCE: Joe Capozzi, Palm Beach Post
Insight: Stanton is dealing with a Grade 2 strain of his hamstring and is without a timetable. Marcell Ozuna is hitting .371 with five doubles, a homer and five RBI as Stanton's replacement since coming up from Double-A.
Description: Righthander Carlos Zambrano will resume his professional baseball career with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League. SOURCE: Chris Cotillo, CLNS Radio
Insight: Zambrano (7-10, 4.49 ERA in 35 games for Miami in 2012) didn't get any big league offers this winter so he'll have to settle for a minor league gig for now. He'll turn 32 in June.
Description: Marlins starter Ricky Nolasco struck out nine batters, walked one and allowed four hits and one run in seven innings Wednesday against the Padres.
Insight: Nolasco regularly has been a pitcher who looks good on paper -- career 3.86 FIP -- but whose results never measure up -- career 4.46 ERA. This year, however, he has a 3.72 ERA and a 3.95 FIP through 48 1/3 innings.
Description: Miami center fielder Justin Ruggiano went deep twice Sunday versus the Phillies.
Insight: Ruggiano (2-for-3, 3 RBI, 1 BB, 2 HBP) scored in four of his six plate appearances on Sunday. He's now stolen four bases this season without being caught.
Description: Marlins rookie outfielder Marcell Ozuna had a monster game Sunday against the Phillies (4-for-5, 2 2B, BB, 3 RBI).
Insight: Ozuna's big league career is off to a great start (.478, 1 HR, 4 RBI in his first six games). He'll look to extend his hitting streak to seven in a row Monday night in San Diego.
Description: Marlins rookie right-hander Jose Fernandez threw a seven-inning gem Saturday against the Phillies to pick up his first big league victory.
Insight: Fernandez held Philadelphia to one hit, walked one and struck out nine in seven shutout innings. The hard-throwing right-hander has only lasted past 5.0 innings twice in six starts this season, but he has a 3.48 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP after Saturday's game.
Description: Marlins rookie right-hander Jose Fernandez started the season well, but has a 0-2 record with a 7.62 ERA and 1.77 WHIP over his last three starts.
Insight: Like all rookies, he'll have his ups and downs during the first season. Right now he's down and you should avoid putting him in your lineup.
Description: Marlins starter Kevin Slowey hurled eight innings and allowed four hits and one run Tuesday in a no decision against the Mets. He struck out eight without walking a batter.
Insight: Slowey didn't pitch in the big leagues in 2012, but he has produced a tidy 2.15 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP in 37 2/3 innings this season. He has always been someone who doesn't walk many batters, so his 29/6 K/BB is not a fluke, but his low ERA is a product of a lucky .266 BABIP and a 6.8 percent HR/FB. With a 26.1 percent line-drive rate, his batted ball batting average should be much higher.
Description: Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton has a Grade 2 strained right hamstring, according to Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald.
Insight: Stanton hurt his hamstring running to first base Monday night against the Mets and already has been placed on the DL. He'll likely need to miss more than the minimum DL time.
Description: Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton exited Monday's game with a right hamstring injury and has already been placed on the 15-day disabled list.
Insight: Stanton grabbed his right hamstring and fell to the ground after attempting to beat out a groundball at first base in the 10th inning, adding an injury to the insult of going 0-for-5 with two strikeouts and a GIDP. This injury could take a while to heal.
Description: Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton exited Monday's game with a right hamstring injury.
Insight: Stanton grabbed his right hamstring and fell to the ground after attempting to beat out a groundball at first base in the 10th inning, adding an injury to the insult of going 0-for-5 with two strikeouts and a GIDP.
Description: Marlins right-hander Ricky Nolasco has allowed three earned runs or less in five of six starts this year.
Insight: Nolasco gave up four hits and three runs in seven innings Sunday against the Cubs to advance to 2-2 on the year. He currently has a 3.82 ERA, but the pitcher has only posted an ERA south of 4.48 once in his career (3.52 in 2008) and his strikeout rate has been in decline for the past three years.
Description: Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton went deep twice Sunday against the Cubs and drove in four runs as part of a 3-for-3 day.
Insight: Stanton finally hit his first homer of the season Saturday after going 17 games without one. Remember, Stanton only hit one homer last April and two homers in April 2011, but he has 21 homers combined over the last two Mays.
Description: Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton is a career .471 hitter (8-for-17) with a pair of home runs and a 1.432 OPS against Minesota starter Mike Pelfrey.
Insight: Stanton missed a week because of a shoulder injury and is 4-for-18 since his return, but has yet to hit a home run and is struggling just to put the bat on the ball. Despite the favorable matchup, Stanton (.188) is a tough start as pitchers have already learned to pitch around him due to the weak surrounding cast.
Description: Blue Jays starter Mark Buehrle limited New York to three earned runs despite allowing eight hits and walking a batter in seven innings Saturday.
Insight: Buehrle has held opponents to five earned runs in 13 1/3 innings over his last two starts, but he has allowed 32 hits in 23 innings this season and is walking a fine line every time he steps on the mound.
Description: Marlins outfielder Juan Pierre was 0-for-6 with three strikeouts Saturday versus Cincinnati.
Insight: Pierre hit .307 and stole 37 bases last year, but he is 13-for-68 (.191) with one walk and 10 strikeouts this year. Pierre has no power at all, so if he isn't hitting for average and getting on base to steal and score runs, he has no fantasy value.
Description: Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton is indeed in the starting lineup for Thursday night's game against the Reds.
Insight: He missed a week because of a shoulder injury but managed to stay off the DL. To the amazement of everyone in the fantasy community, Stanton has failed to drive in a run in any of his 30 at bats this season.
Description: Marlins shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria has been moved to the 15-day DL because of a bruised elbow.
Insight: Hechavarria (.184, 1 HR, 3 RBI) hasn't been particularly productive this year but he's the best Miami has at shortstop after trading Jose Reyes to Toronto this offseason. There's no need for fantasy owners to worry about him right now.
Description: Miami right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (shoulder) should be ready to return to the starting lineup Thursday against the Reds. SOURCE: Joe Frisaro, MLB.com
Insight: Stanton hasn't played since last Wednesday and he'll miss his sixth straight game tonight. He's been struggling at the plate, batting just .167 with 12 strikeouts in 30 at-bats as he adjusts to pitchers not throwing him anything even remotely good to hit.
Description: Miami right fielder Giancarlo Stanton, who has been diagnosed with a left shoulder contusion, will miss Tuesday's game, his fifth in a row.
Insight: Stanton hasn't played since last Wednesday. He's been struggling at the plate, batting just .167 with 12 strikeouts in 30 at-bats as he adjusts to pitchers not throwing him anything even remotely good to hit.
Description: Miami right fielder Giancarlo Stanton, who has been diagnosed with a left shoulder contusion, will miss Monday's game.
Insight: Stanton hasn't played since Wednesday. He's been struggling at the plate, batting just .167 with 12 strikeouts in 30 at-bats as he adjusts to pitchers not throwing him anything good to hit.
Description: Marlins outfielder Juan Pierre went 0-for-4 Sunday and is 8-for-46 (.174) with zero extra-base hits, zero RBIs and four runs in 12 games this season.
Insight: Pierre hit .307 and stole 37 bases last year, but he has been a disaster at the top of Miami's order in 2013.
Description: Marlins rookie Jose Fernandez tossed six scoreless frames Saturday against the Phillies.
Insight: If you're keeping track at home, Fernandez's season ERA is now down to just 0.82. His strikeout to walk ratio is 13 to 3 and opponents are hitting a mere .132 versus the righthander. He's the early frontrunner for National League Rookie of the Year honors.
Description: Marlins center fielder Justin Ruggiano sat out Saturday because he was feeling tightness in his right groin.
Insight: Ruggiano has just one hit in his last four games. His platoon-mate Chris Coghlan has been doing even worse than Ruggiano (.077 AVG in 13 at bats).
Description: Miami right fielder Giancarlo Stanton has been diagnosed with a left shoulder contusion. SOURCE: Joe Capozzi, The Palm Beach Post
Insight: At least it isn't something more serious and the Marlins are listing Stanton as day-to-day. It's doubtful we see Stanton in the lineup this weekend but it wouldn't be surprising if he came back for Miami's series versus Washington later in the week.
Description: Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton (sore shoulder) already has been ruled out for Saturday's game.
Insight: He missed Friday's game too. Stanton has struggled through the first nine games batting .167 with 12 strikouts and zero home runs, but this is nothing new. He hit .235 with two home runs and 23 strikeouts in April 2011 and .247 with one home run and 20 strikeouts in April 2012, but he has hit 21 home runs combined in the last two Mays.
Description: A sore left shoulder will keep Miami outfielder Giancarlo Stanton out of Friday's lineup, according to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com.
Insight: Stanton has struggled through the first nine games batting .167 with 12 strikouts and zero home runs, but this is nothing new. He hit .235 with two home runs and 23 strikeouts in April 2011 and .247 with one home run and 20 strikeouts in April 2012, but he has hit 21 home runs combined in the last two Mays.
Description: Miami outfielder Giancarlo Stanton is 5-for-11 (.455) with four extra base hits versus Phillies starter John Lannan.
Insight: Without any protection in the Marlins' lineup, Stanton has struggled through the first nine games batting .167 with 12 strikouts and zero home runs. Until teams are forced to pitch to him it doesn't matter whether the matchup is favorable or not - he can't be started.
Description: Blue Jays starter Mark Buehrle has allowed 14 hits and 11 earned runs in 9 2/3 innings this season.
Insight: Buehrle pitched in the American League with the White Sox for his entire career prior to last season, but it's possible his stuff just isn't good enough anymore to get batters out.
Description: Miami righthander Jose Fernandez enjoyed a fantastic major league debut Sunday against the Mets.
Insight: In five innings, the 20-year-old from Cuba scattered three hits and one earned run, walking one and fanning eight. It's still too early to tell if Fernandez will be a factor this season but Sunday's outing was certainly a step in the right direction.
Description: Marlins first baseman Greg Dobbs has four RBIs over his last two games.
Insight: Dobbs has started at first base and batted cleanup the last three games with Casey Kotchman hitting the DL. He's a career part-timer and pinch-hitter but he could be a decent short-term RBI option for NL-only owners.
Description: Marlins starter Kevin Slowey held Washington to one earned run on four hits and three walks in 5 1/3 innings Wednesday in his first major league appearance since the 2011 season.
Insight: Slowey won the last spot in Miami's rotation this spring and was bumped up due to injuries to Henderson Alvarez and Nathan Eovaldi. He should have some NL-only value but don't expect too many wins.
Description: Marlins first baseman Casey Kotchman has a left hamstring strain and is day-to-day, according to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com.
Insight: Kotchman grabbed his left hamstring and fell as he crossed first base in the fifth inning Wednesday but he was able to walk off the field under his own power.
Description: Miami outfielder Giancarlo Stanton has had a decent amount of success against Washington Nationals' ace Stephen Strasburg, going 5-for-13 (.385) with four extra base hits, including one homer, and a 1.275 OPS.
Insight: This will be an early test as to how much opposing pitchers will actually pitch to Stanton given the weak lineup that surrounds him. If Strasburg pitches around him and wins, expect everyone else to follow suit.
Description: The Marlins have promoted top pitching prospect Jose Fernandez to serve as the fifth starter while Nathan Eovaldi and Henderson Alvarez are on the DL with shoulder inflammation.
Insight: The 20-year-old Fernandez hasn't pitched above High-A since being drafted with the 14th overall pick in 2011, but he's worth a look in mixed leagues on potential alone. He went 14-1 with a 1.75 ERA and 158 strikeouts in 134 innings in the minors last season and is ranked as the No. 5 prospect in all of baseball by Baseball America.
Description: Kevin Slowey will begin the season as Miami's second starter after posting a 2.41 ERA this spring. He was the last player selected for the rotation but the Marlins placed Nathan Eovaldi and Henderson Alvarez on the DL Sunday.
Insight: Slowey is a control artist who gives up a lot of contact. He went 12-11 with a 3.99 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in his most useful season, but that came back in 2008 for the Twins. He hasn't appeared in the majors since 2011.
Description: According to Joe Capozzi of The Palm Beach Post, Chris Coghlan and Justin Ruggiano will split time in center field to start the season.
Insight: Coghlan will be in the lineup against righthanders while Ruggiano will get the nod versus southpaws. Neither player holds much fantasy value while the platoon is in place.
Description: Miami first baseman Logan Morrison will be on the shelf for at least the first two months of the season as he continues to recover from offseason knee surgery.
Insight: The Marlins made it official by placing Morrison on the 60-day DL. Morrison isn't anything special even when he's healthy (.250 career batting average). Journeyman Casey Kotchman (.229, 12 HR, 55 RBI for Cleveland last season) will fill the void at first base.
Description: Miami righthander Nate Eovaldi is struggling with inflammation in his right shoulder.
Insight: He's been placed on the DL retroactive to March 24th. He's a hard thrower so this injury could cause some concern for fantasy owners. Only time will tell if Eovaldi can regain the velocity that made him successful in stretches last season (3.72 ERA in five September starts).
Description: Marlins starter Henderson Alvarez will open the season on the DL.
Insight: He's dealing with inflammation in his right shoulder. Alvarez got lit up in 31 starts for the Blue Jays in 2012 (4.85 ERA, .290 opponent batting average). We're not expecting him to fare much better in the equally competitive NL East.
Description: Marlins 1B/OF Logan Morrison (knee) will start running the field next week and is up to 90 percent on the anti-gravity treadmill, according to the Miami Herald.
Insight: Morrison had a second surgery on his right knee to repair a torn patellar tendon six months ago. He has yet to take batting practice but is expected to start throwing and fielding grounders next week as well. He hopes to be back in the big leagues by early May.
Description: Marlins catcher Jeff Mathis will miss around six weeks with a right collarbone fracture. SOURCE: Joe Capozzi, Palm Beach Post
Insight: Mathis was hit by a foul tip during Saturday's exhibition game. He was expected to start the season as a backup to 23-year-old backstop Rob Brantly.
Description: Miami right fielder Giancarlo Stanton returned to batting practice Thursday and said he felt fine. SOURCE: Palm Beach Post
Insight: Stanton got hit in the head at BP on Wednesday but it looks like he's good to go. If he can stay healthy, 2013 might be the season Stanton (.290, 37 HR, 86 RBI last season) finally belts 40 homers.
Description: Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton was hit in the back of his head at the top of his neck during a simulated game on Wednesday. SOURCE: Palm Beach Post
Insight: Stanton was hit by a fastball from top prospect Jose Fernandez, who can get the ball to the mid- to upper-90s. Stanton said he did not expect to miss any time. "I wasn't dizzy or nothing. I saw a little grayness, fuzziness on the outside of my eyes. But it's subsiding now," Stanton said.
Description: Marlins 1B/OF Logan Morrison (knee) has been given clearance to run on a treadmill. SOURCE: Miami Herald
Insight: Morrison had a second surgery on his right knee to repair a torn patellar tendon five months ago. His agent said he could be playing by April 15, assuming there are no setbacks.
Description: Marlins first baseman Casey Kotchman needed four stitches in his finger after hurting it during drills on Monday.
Insight: He was signed to a minor league contract with a spring training invitation over the offseason and has a decent shot to make the roster with Logan Morrison dealing with a knee injury. However, as a non-power hitting 1B, he has never proven to be a good fantasy value.
Description: The Marlins have signed first baseman Casey Kotchman to a minor league contract with a spring training invitation.
Insight: Kotchman has a decent shot to make the roster with Logan Morrison dealing with a knee injury. Kotchman hit .229 in 142 games last season, not good for a player with no power.
Description: Utility player Chone Figgins signed a minor league deal with the Miami Marlins.
Insight: Figgins was a speed guy, who at his best, scored 113 runs and stole 62 bases. At 35-years-old and coming off a horrible season (.181, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 4 SB) he has zero fantasy value.
Description: Free agent starting pitcher Javier Vazquez is set to have minor surgery on his right knee later this week.
Insight: The surgery is expected to sideline Vazquez for 2-to-3 weeks. The 36-year-old hasn't pitched in the majors since 2011 when he went 13-11 with a 3.69 ERA in 32 starts for Florida.
Description: Marlins 1B/OF Logan Morrison (knee) has yet to hit, throw or run, leaving his Opening Day status in question. SOURCE: Juan C. Rodriguez, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Insight: Morrison is coming off his second knee surgery in as many offseasons. He shouldn't be counted on as anything more than a fourth outfielder in fantasy leagues after batting .230 with 11 homers and a .707 OPS in 93 games last season.
Description: If rumors that Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton is headed to San Diego are true, his fantasy value could take a big hit.
Insight: Playing in cavernous Petco Park is great for pitchers, but takes a toll on hitters, even ones with as much power as Stanton. The 23-year-old Stanton hit .290 with 37 homers, 86 RBI and a league-leading .608 slugging percentage in 123 games last season and has 93 homers in 373 career games.
Description: While the Marlins have been exploring center-field possibilities this offseason, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com thinks Justin Ruggiano has the "inside edge to win the starting job."
Insight: Ruggiano received a lot of playing time last season due to injuries to starters Emilio Bonifacio, Giancarlo Stanton and Logan Morrison. He hit .313 with 13 homers and 14 steals and could make for a nice late-round flier if he holds off former NL Rookie of the Year Chris Coghlan in spring training. Juan Pierre, who started in center field for the Marlins for three years and won a World Series there in 2003, recently re-signed to play left field.
Description: The Miami Marlins have signed infielder Placido Polanco to a one-year contract. SOURCE: Joe Capozzi, Palm Beach Post
Insight: Polanco doesn't hit for power or steal bases and he hasn't hit for a high average in the last two seasons. That makes him a fantasy non-factor, even in NL-only leagues.
Description: Juan Pierre has agreed to sign with the Marlins according to Craig Mish from Sirius FM.
Insight: Pierre actually played for Miami earlier in his career, collecting a .303 average and 167 steals in 486 games for them between 2003 and 2005. He hit .307 with 37 thefts for the Phillies in 2012.
Description: Joe Frisaro from MLB.com doesn't believe the Marlins will deal right fielder Giancarlo Stanton this offseason.
Insight: Judging by his tweets, Stanton didn't seem too happy with the Marlins after trading away shortstop Jose Reyes as well as starting pitchers Mark Buehrle and Josh Johnson. Stanton (.290, 37 HR, 86 RBI) is one of the game's best young power hitters and should remain fantasy relevant as long as he stays healthy next season.
Description: The Yankees could be tempted to make a play for Miami righthander Ricky Nolasco according to Erik Boland from the New York Daily News.
Insight: With the Marlins already having dismantled half their team, why not deal Nolasco? He could be a solid replacement for Hiroki Kuroda (free agent).
Description: Miami could also be looking to trade outfielder Logan Morrison according to Joe Capozzi from the Palm Beach Post.
Insight: The Marlins appear to be in full-fledged fire sale mode after dealing Mark Buehrle, Josh Johnson and Jose Reyes to the Blue Jays earlier in the week. Morrison endured a disappointing fantasy campaign last season, hitting just .230 with 11 HR in 93 games.
Description: Retired SP Javier Vasquez is considering a comeback, according to Peter Gammons.
Insight: Vasquez was 13-11 with a 3.69 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 162 Ks in 2011 with the Marlins. He's supposed to pitch for Ponce and then Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic before making a final decision. Vazquez almost always had fantasy value over his 14 MLB seasons.
Description: Miami starter Josh Johnson will not make his scheduled start Monday versus New York.
Insight: The Marlins have already been eliminated from the postseason so this upcoming series against the Mets essentially means nothing. With Miami opting to give their ace the night off, Wade LeBlanc (2-5, 3.96 ERA) will fill in to make his ninth start of the season for the last-place Marlins.
Description: Marlins starter Mark Buehrle's status for his final start of the season is up in the air, manager Ozzie Guillen said on Saturday.
Insight: Buehrle (13-13, 3.74 ERA) just eclipsed 200 innings but it seems odd the team would feel the need to limit him given he's reached that plateau in 12-straight seasons. Wade LeBlanc would likely start in Buehrle's place.
Description: Marlins shortstop Jose Reyes will face Phillies starter Cole Hamels Sunday, but don't let that deter you from starting him. Reyes is 20-for-53 (.377) against the lefty.
Insight: Reyes has had a respectable season after signing a huge contract with Miami, hitting .284 with 11 homers, 56 RBIs, 83 runs scored and 37 steals. He started out slow but in his last 72 games he's looked more like his All-Star self, hitting .308 with eight homers, 34 RBIs, 42 runs, 17 steals and an .847 OPS.
Description: Despite what Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen said Thursday, right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (intercostal strain) returned Friday and went 2-for-3 with a solo homer.
Insight: Stanton was playing for the first time since Sept. 16. The homer gives him a career-high 35 on the season.
Description: Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen said right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (intercostal strain) is unlikely to return Friday, according to Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post.
Insight: Stanton (.283, 34 HR, 81 RBI) hasn't played in nearly two weeks. The outfielder will try for Saturday.
Description: Adam Greenberg is making his return to the major leagues. The former Chicago Cubs outfielder (for one plate appearance at least) has agreed to a one-day contract with the Miami Marlins.
Insight: The 31-year-old Greenberg last appeared in the majors in 2005 when he was hit by a pitch on the first and only pitch of his big league career. He'll suit up for the Marlins on October 2nd when they take on the Mets at Marlins Park. Of course, Greenberg has no fantasy value but it's still a fairly remarkable story.
Description: Marlins shortstop Jose Reyes will definitely be worth a start on Thursday. He's hitting .444 for his career against Atlanta starter Tommy Hanson.
Insight: Reyes' batting average (.287) has taken a tumble this season but he's seen an uptick in home runs (11) and RBI (56) and is right about where he was a year ago in terms of steals (36 thefts). Considering the lack of depth at shortstop this season, Reyes is a fantasy must-start every day that he plays.
Description: Marlins first baseman Carlos Lee will face Braves righthander Tommy Hanson on Thursday, a pitcher he's hitting .444 against for his career.
Insight: Lee (.264, 9 HR, 73 RBI) isn't the dominant fantasy hitter that he used to be but he's certainly worth a start with Hanson (12-9, 4.46 ERA) pitching on Thursday.
Description: Marlins outfielder Justin Ruggiano has been ruled out for the rest of the season because of an injured shoulder.
Insight: Ruggiano (.313, 13 HR, 36 RBI) sprained his right shoulder attempting to make a diving catch Friday night in a loss to the Mets. Gorkys Hernandez (.174, 2 HR, 11 RBI) will serve as Ruggiano's replacement in center field.
Description: Marlins starter Ricky Nolasco has made quite a turnaround since the end of August. After allowing four earned runs or more in seven of eight starts from July 15 to Aug. 21, he has given up just six earned in his last 37 innings.
Insight: Nolasco has thrown two complete game shutouts in his last five starts, and though he earned a no decision Sunday against the Mets he still pitched well, allowing two runs on five hits in seven innings.
Description: Miami shortstop Jose Reyes has another unfavorable matchup Sunday against a member of the Mets pitching staff. Reyes is 3-for-17 in his career against Chris Young.
Insight: Reyes went 0-for-4 Saturday against R.A. Dickey, another pitcher he has historically struggled against. The Marlins shortstop could be in for another long day Sunday.
Description: Miami first baseman Carlos Lee has frequently had success against Mets starter R.A. Dickey, batting .310 with one homer and five RBIs in 29 at-bats against the knuckleballer.
Insight: Lee is only hitting .254 with a .681 OPS in 70 games with the Marlins but his 9-for-29 against Dickey makes him a good start Saturday.
Description: Miami shortstop Jose Reyes has been baffled by knuckleballer R.A. Dickey in his career, posting a .105 average against the righty.
Insight: Reyes is making a late season charge to get his average to .300 but that is likely to get stopped cold Saturday against Dickey. Reyes is 2-for-19 with zero RBIs against the knuckleballer.
Description: Miami outfielder Justin Ruggiano left Friday's game after injuring his back attempting to make a diving catch.
Insight: Ruggiano has put together a solid season, starting out as outfield depth and then advancing to full-time starter. He came into Friday hitting .315 with 13 homers and 14 steals in 90 games.
Description: The Marlins are planning on holding out outfielder Giancarlo Stanton (oblique) until Friday, according to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com. Justin Ruggiano will continue to play in place of Stanton.
Insight: Stanton's power is awesome but he's only played in 117 games this season due to various injuries. Still, the 22-year-old's numbers (.283, 34 HRs, 81 RBIs) in those 117 games make him an intriguing high draft pick next season.
Description: Miami right fielder Giancarlo Stanton has all the power a fantasy owner could want but not when he faces Braves starter Tim Hudson. In 15 at-bats, Stanton has managed just three hits for a .200 batting average and all three were singles.
Insight: Stanton has hit 15 homers in the last 37 games, but this matchup doesn't figure to add to the total.
Description: Miami first baseman Carlos Lee has frequently had success against Atlanta veteran Tim Hudson with a career .343 batting average (12-for-35) and 10 RBI in their head-to-head matchups.
Insight: Lee has a nine-game hitting streak, but is only batting .286 over that span with a .774 OPS. He's become a singles hitter, but this is a favorable matchup.
Description: Miami first baseman Carlos Lee has an eight-game hitting streak and he'll face a pitcher Sunday he's always had success against in Marlins starter Ricky Nolasco.
Insight: Lee is essentially a high-priced singles hitter now, but he has five of those in 12 at-bats against Nolasco so start him if you own him.
Description: Righthander Jacob Turner turned in his best outing as a Marlin Friday versus Cincinnati. In seven scoreless innings, Turner let up just two hits, walking two and striking out three.
Insight: The 21-year-old is now 1-2 with a 3.75 ERA in four appearances since getting traded on July 23rd.
Description: Miami first baseman Carlos Lee is a career .375 hitter with three homers and seven RBI in 24 career at-bats against Phillies lefty Cliff Lee.
Insight: Lee's numbers have decreased since leaving the comfort of Houston for a new home in Miami. He's batting .257 with three homers and 38 RBI in 62 games for the Marlins.
Description: Miami utility infielder Greg Dobbs is a stunning 7-for-12 (.583) against Phillies ace right-hander Roy Halladay.
Insight: Dobbs is playing well, despite playing with a strained oblique, batting .304 this season, including 6-for-16 over the past three games. Don't be afraid of giving him a spot start on Tuesday.
Description: Miami shortstop Jose Reyes is a .419 hitter (13-for-31) against Phillies starter Kyle Kendrick with a pair of homers and a 1.228 OPS.
Insight: Reyes (.282, 11 HR, 52 RBI, 35 SB) hasn't been able to match last year's production level, but he's always hit Kendrick and he's batting .309 since the All-Star break.
Description: Miami righthander Ricky Nolasco stunned the Nationals Sunday for his second complete game shutout in his last three starts.
Insight: Since allowing five runs in five innings August 21st against the Diamondbacks, Nolasco is 3-0 with a 0.36 ERA. If you're in need of strong starting pitching, Nolasco is definitely worth taking a look at.
Description: Marlins righthander Josh Johnson turned in a solid performance Thursday against the Brewers, allowing just two runs and four hits over seven innings.
Insight: It's been an up and down year for Johnson (8-11, 3.81 ERA) though he has been solid in his last couple of outings, compiling a 1.80 ERA during that span.
Description: Miami first baseman Carlos Lee will sit out Thursday's game against the Brewers.
Insight: It looks like just a day of rest for the veteran first baseman. He's hitting .260 with three homers and 34 RBI since his midseason trade from Houston.
Description: Miami utilityman Emilio Bonifacio (knee) has been ruled out for the season, according to Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post.
Insight: Bonifacio is shutting it down to get healthy for 2013. The light-hitting Bonifacio will carry 2B/OF eligibility next season, but he'll lose 3B and SS because he didn't play at either of those positions this season. Still, he figures to be a mid-round target due to his stolen base ability (30 in 64 games this season).
Description: Marlins starter Ricky Nolasco fired his third career complete game shutout Tuesday against the Nationals
Insight: Nolasco came in having allowed four earned runs or more in seven of his last eight starts. He can be avoided in fantasy leagues despite his effort Tuesday.
Description: Miami right fielder Giancarlo Stanton finished the team's West Coast road trip with eight homers in 11 games.
Insight: Stanton hit 12 homers in 29 May games and he has already belted 10 this month in 19 games. The outfielder may hit 40 bombs despite missing a month of the season after having knee surgery.
Description: Miami shortstop Jose Reyes is hitting a miserable .154 for his career against Dodgers righthander Aaron Harang.
Insight: Reyes (.284, 10 HR, 42 RBI, 28 SB) is just 1-for-9 in the series and it's probably not going to get much better for the struggling shortstop Sunday versus Los Angeles.
Description: Marlins first baseman Carlos Lee has a nice track record against Dodgers starter Aaron Harang. In 46 previous encounters, Lee has hit .370 against him with a homer and eight RBI.
Insight: Lee (.279, 7 HR, 59 RBI) is mostly a singles hitter nowadays and just one for his last 19 but that shouldn't prevent him from having a productive afternoon Sunday versus Harang (9-7, 3.65 ERA).
Description: Marlins starter Nathan Eovaldi has allowed three runs or less in eight of his 11 starts since joining the team in a trade for Hanley Ramirez.
Insight: Eovaldi gave up two runs on four hits and struck out eight in six innings in a no decision Tuesday against the Braves.
Description: Marlins pitcher Jacob Turner will remain in the rotation, according to Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post.
Insight: Turner is one of the top pitching prospects in baseball. He threw a quality start Wednesday in his first appearance with the Marlins since coming over from the Tigers and is worth a look in deeper leagues.
Description: Jacob Turner's first start with the Marlins Wednesday went much better than his first six with the Tigers. Turner lost the game, but he threw a quality start and didn't walk a batter.
Insight: Turner is one of the top pitching prospects in baseball, but he posted an 8.28 ERA in six starts with Detroit over the past two seasons. Turner has recorded a 1.98 ERA in Triple-A since coming over in a trade for Anibal Sanchez and Omar Infante. The right-hander will only stay in the big leagues if the team expands to a six-man rotation, but he could earn a permanent spot in September.
Description: Miami utilityman Emilio Bonifacio, who was recently activated from the 15-day disabled list, is back on the shelf. The team placed Bonifacio on the DL with a knee sprain Wednesday.
Insight: Bonifacio has made three trips to the disabled list this season and he's likely to be out until mid-September.
Description: Miami utilityman Emilio Bonifacio, who was recently activated from the 15-day disabled list, is injured again. Bonifacio left Tuesday's game with a sore right knee.
Insight: When healthy, Bonifacio is a base-stealing machine with 30 SB in just 64 games. Unfortunately, he's rarely been healthy this season.
Description: Miami utilityman Emilio Bonifacio (thumb) has been activated from the 15-day disabled list and is in the lineup Sunday.
Insight: Bonifacio will play the outfield for the rest of the season as the team looks to protect his thumb, which has landed him on the disabled list twice this season. He was moved to second base after the team traded Omar Infante to Detroit.
Description: Miami first baseman Carlos Lee is a career .500 hitter in 10 at-bats versus Colorado starter Jeff Francis, including three extra base hits and a 1.583 OPS.
Insight: Lee (.287, 7 HR, 55 RBI) doesn't have the power he once did, but he's having a nice August batting .309 with an .803 OPS. He's got a favorable matchup on Friday which should be utilized.
Description: Miami utilityman Emilio Bonifacio (thumb) had two hits in his first rehab game Wednesday, according to Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post.
Insight: Bonifacio should be back in the Marlins lineup Sunday barring any setbacks.
Description: Miami outfielder Justin Ruggiano left Wednesday's game against Philadelphia with a strained right oblique.
Insight: Technically he's listed as day-to-day, but given the nature of oblique injuries, we're guessing it's going to be a while before we see Ruggiano (.326, 10 HR, 26 RBI) back on the field for the Marlins.
Description: Miami right fielder Giancarlo Stanton is just 3-for-15 (.200) in his career against Phillies right-hander Roy Halladay. The long-ball specialist has only three singles versus Halladay and a .400 OPS.
Insight: Stanton has just two hits in his last 17 at-bats and this matchup likely won't help break out of the cold streak. Sit him.
Description: Marlins shortstop Jose Reyes is one of the few hitters with consistent success against Phillies ace Roy Halladay, batting .375 with five extra base hits and a .988 OPS.
Insight: Reyes has picked in up since the All-Star break batting .352 with a .971 OPS. Start him on Wednesday.
Description: Marlins shortstop Jose Reyes has always been a thorn in the side of Phillies starter Kyle Kendrick, batting .429 with five extra base hits and a 1.286 OPS in 28 career at-bats.
Insight: Reyes is behind last year's pace when he batted an NL leading .337, but he has picked in up since the All-Star break batting .356 with a .986 OPS. Start him on Tuesday.
Description: Marlins outfielder Austin Kearns owns Dodgers starter Chris Capuano. He's batting an outstanding .615 in 13 go-rounds with the veteran lefthander.
Insight: Kearns (.245, 4 HR, 13 RBI) doesn't typically receive enough playing time to garner much fantasy consideration but he's in the lineup today and it could behoove you to pick him up for Sunday's matchup.
Description: Marlins shortstop Jose Reyes' 26-game hitting streak was snapped Thursday by Mets starter R.A. Dickey.
Insight: Reyes hit .365 (38-for-104) with five homers, nine RBIs and eight stolen bases during the streak to run his average from .265 to .288. Thursday's 0-for-4 knocked his average down to .285, but the rejuvenated Reyes is still likely to challenge .300 this season.
Description: Marlins first baseman Carlos Lee has a 13-game hitting streak and a favorable matchup Thursday against Mets ace R.A. Dickey.
Insight: Evidently, Dickey hasn't been able to fool Lee with his knuckleball. In 21 career at-bats, Lee has eight hits and five RBIs. Start him Thursday.
Description: Marlins outfielder Justin Ruggiano seems to be over the back spasms that plagued him at the end of last week. Ruggiano has registered two straight multi-hit games.
Insight: Ruggiano missed several games at the beginning of this month due to the back issue but he's been productive in the last two games, going 2-for-4 with a stolen base in both of them.
Description: Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton displayed his power potential in his second game back from the DL. Stanton bopped two homers and drove in four runs as part of a 4-for-5 night against the Mets Wednesday.
Insight: Stanton's pop was sorely missed when he spent a month on the disabled list after having knee surgery. Get him back in the lineup if you haven't already.
Description: Marlins shortstop Jose Reyes exceeded his homer total from last season with a first inning solo blast Wednesday against the Mets. Reyes extended his hitting streak to 26 games with the shot, his eighth of the season.
Insight: What was looking to be a disappointing first season in Miami has turned into an excellent fantasy effort from Reyes. The shortstop is hitting .288 with eight homers, 31 RBIs, 62 runs and 28 stolen bases.
Description: Marlins shortstop Jose Reyes is just 1-for-12 (.083) against Mets starter Chris Young with four strikeouts.
Insight: Reyes is riding a 25-game hitting streak, batting .366 with a 1.006 OPS over that span, so he may just be able to overcome this unfavorable matchup.
Description: Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton returned to the lineup Tuesday against the Mets after missing a month due to knee surgery. The outfielder went 0-for-3 with an RBI.
Insight: Stanton managed to hit 19 homers and drive in 50 runs with a bum knee so hopefully big things are ahead now that his knee is clean.
Description: Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton has been activated from the 15-day diabled list for Tuesday's game against New York. He is coming off arthroscopic right knee surgery.
Insight: Stanton (.284, 19 HR, 50 RBI) should be put immediately in all lineups. Stanton has improved his batting average, on base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS in each season.
Description: Marlins outfielder Justin Ruggiano is back in the lineup Sunday. He hasn't started since July 31 due to back spasms, but he was able to pinch-hit the last two games.
Insight: Ruggiano should be owned in deeper leagues as he's ensured of a starting spot with Emilio Bonifacio, Giancarlo Stanton and Logan Morrison on the DL. Ruggiano is hitting .350 with eight homers and eight steals in 51 games this season.
Description: Marlins shortstop Jose Reyes went 5-for-10 in Miami's doubleheader against Washington Friday and he followed that with three more hits in four at-bats Saturday to raise his average to .288.
Insight: Reyes has a 23-game hitting streak going and he's been one of the hottest hitters in the league during that stretch, batting .376 (35-for-93) with eight doubles, three triples, four homers, eight RBIs, 18 runs scored and seven steals.
Description: Miami's Emilio Bonifacio was initially feared to be lost for the season due to a sprained left thumb but Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post said the injury is not as bad as the Marlins thought Friday.
Insight: Bonifacio is only expected to miss 2-3 weeks after initially being ruled out for the season. The utilityman's 30 steals will keep him on fantasy rosters but owners have to be growing impatient with his frequent injuries.
Description: Miami's Emilio Bonifacio has been placed on the 15-day disabled list.
Insight: Bonifacio (.261, 1 HRs, 11 RBIs, league-leading 30 SB) isn't an elite hitter but he does tend to fill up the stat sheet in one area: stolen bases.
Description: Miami's Emilio Bonifacio is expected to miss Saturday's game against Washington with a sprained left thumb.
Insight: Bonifacio (.261, 1 HRs, 11 RBIs, league-leading 30 SB) isn't an elite hitter but he does tend to fill up the stat sheet in one area: stolen bases.
Description: Marlins first baseman Carlos Lee is a .474 hitter (9-for-19) against Washington starter John Lannan with a pair of homers and a 1.447 OPS.
Insight: Lee (.290, 6 HRs, 43 RBIs) is no longer the power hitter he once was, but he's still a viable fantasy option. Start him on Friday.
Description: Miami center fielder Emilio Bonifacio would be a first-ballot Hall of Famer if he got to face Braves starter Mike Minor every night. For his career he's hitting .429 against the Atlanta lefthander.
Insight: Bonifacio (.268, 1 HRs, 9 RBIs) isn't an elite hitter but he does tend to fill up the stat sheet in one area: stolen bases. He bagged his 29th steal of the season Wednesday in a 4-2 Marlins victory. That's the second-highest stolen base total in the NL. Dodgers shortstop Dee Gordon has 30 to lead the league.
Description: Marlins shortstop Jose Reyes kept his hit streak going with a pair of singles Wednesday night against the Braves. The streak should live for another day, as Thursday he'll be facing Mike Minor, a pitcher that Reyes is hitting .385 against for his career.
Insight: Reyes (.279, 7 HRs, 30 RBIs) got off to a slow start this season (.220, 0 HRs, 3 RBIs in April) but now he's starting to make fantasy owners remember why they drafted him so early in this year's draft. He goes for 19 in a row tonight.
Description: The Marlins were originally shooting for an August 10th return for Giancarlo Stanton but now it's looking like the star outfielder might return to the majors as early as Tuesday (August 7). Stanton has been out for the last several weeks after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery.
Insight: Stanton (.284, 19 HR, 50 RBI) is beginning a rehab assignment with High-A Jupiter tonight and if everything goes as planned he should be back hitting goliath blasts in the major leagues within the week.
Description: Marlins first baseman Carlos Lee will go up against Ben Sheets on Wednesday, a hitter he's had a good amount of success against in his career. He's hitting .368 in 19 at bats versus the Atlanta righthander.
Insight: Lee (.283, 6 HRs, 41 RBIs) is 4-for-7 so far in this series and overall, he is hitting .357 against the Braves this season.
Description: Jose Reyes' 18-game hitting streak is in serious danger of ending Wednesday night against Atlanta. The Marlins shortstop is only hitting .182 in 11 lifetime at bats versus Braves righty Ben Sheets.
Insight: Reyes (.277, 7 HRs, 30 RBIs) should struggle Wednesday against the resurgent Sheets (3-0, 0.50 ERA).
Description: Marlins starter Ricky Nolasco should not be started against the Braves Tuesday. Nolasco has been crushed by several members of the Braves lineup in extended at-bats.
Insight: Nolasco has posted a 4.80 ERA this season, so he's not much of a fantasy option most of the time, but that's especially true Tuesday. Nolasco has struggled against Jason Heyward (6-for-17), Dan Uggla (5-for-14), Matt Diaz (10-for-23), Brian McCann (18-for-52, 6 HR, 20 RBIs), Chipper Jones (15-for-44, 4 HR) and Martin Prado (12-for-37). Get all of your Braves in the lineup tonight against the Marlins starter.
Description: Miami first baseman Carlos Lee went 3-for-3 Monday against the Braves, but all three hits were singles.
Insight: Even though Lee has been hitting cleanup for the Marlins, he's nothing more than a singles hitter at this point in his career. If you're in a mixed league, you likely can do better than him in the outfield and you definitely can do better at first base.
Description: Miami shortstop Jose Reyes extended his hitting streak to 17 games with two doubles in five at-bats Monday against the Braves.
Insight: Reyes hit third for the fourth straight game and also stole his 25th base of the season Monday. The shortstop is batting .343 with four homers, eight RBIs and five steals during his hitting streak. He still has a long way to go until he reaches .300, but fantasy owners have to be happy Reyes is finally providing consistent fantasy production.
Description: Marlins starter Carlos Zambrano has been moved to the Marlins' bullpen, according to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Wade LeBlanc will take his spot in the rotation.
Insight: Zambrano had a 1.96 ERA in his first 55 innings with the Marlins this season, but he's recorded a 6.90 ERA with a 42/45 K/BB ratio in 60 innings since. LeBlanc may just be keeping a rotation spot warm for newly acquired pitching prospect Justin Turner.
Description: Miami shortstop Jose Reyes has a good matchup Monday as he tries to extend his hitting streak to 17 games. Reyes will face Braves right-hander Tommy Hanson, against whom Reyes is 6-for-15 (.400) with three doubles and two RBIs.
Insight: Reyes is batting .339 with four homers, seven RBIs and four steals during his 16-game hitting streak streak. He's finally providing fantasy owners with a return on their investment.
Description: Miami shortstop Jose Reyes extended his hitting streak to 16 games with a two-hit day Sunday against San Diego.
Insight: Reyes is batting .339 with four homers, seven RBIs and four steals during the streak. With Hanley Ramirez traded to Los Angeles, Giancarlo Stanton on the DL and Logan Morrison possibly out for the season, Reyes has hit third in each of the last three games.
Description: The Marlins have placed outfielder/first baseman Logan Morrison on the DL with right knee inflammation. The injury could be serious enough to keep Morrison on the shelf for the rest of the season.
Insight: If this is the end of Morrison's 2012 campaign, he went out in disappointing fashion, going hitless in his final 16 at bats. Luckily for Miami, injured right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (.284, 19 HRs, 50 RBIs) should be in the lineup again within the next couple of weeks.
Description: Miami right fielder Giancarlo Stanton will begin a rehab assignment with Single-A Jupiter on Wednesday. August 10 has been set as the target date for Stanton's return to the majors.
Insight: Stanton (.282, 19 HR, 50 RBI) underwent arthroscopic knee surgery over the All-Star break. He should quickly resume his place among the best power hitters in baseball upon his return.
Description: With Zack Greinke now off the market, the Rangers have turned their focus to acquiring Miami righthander Josh Johnson.
Insight: The Marlins are reportedly seeking a king's ransom for the two-time All-Star so it remains to be seen whether or not the two sides will be able to work out a deal before Tuesday's deadline.
Description: Marlins catcher John Buck is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against Atlanta.
Insight: Buck produced decent power numbers over the past two seasons (36 HR), but is struggling in 2012 with a .177 batting average, .607 OPS and eight home runs.
Description: Miami shortstop Jose Reyes homered for the third time in seven games Tuesday against the Braves.
Insight: Reyes also extended his hitting streak to 12 games with a 2-for-4 night. The shortstop has been underwhelming this season, but he appears to be getting things going again.
Description: Marlins outfielder Emilio Bonifacio hit his first homer of the season Monday against Atlanta.
Insight: Bonifacio is a viable fantasy option solely for his speed (25 SB in 50 games), as he has just eight extra-base hits this season. It would be a surprise if he left the ballpark again in the remaining two-plus months.
Description: Miami starter Josh Johnson left Monday's start due to skin irritation on his right middle finger, according to Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post.
Insight: The Marlins were likely trying to prevent a full blister from developing on Johnson's finger. The news is unfortunate, as the right-hander was in the midst of his best start of the season, shutting out Atlanta on one hit with nine strikeouts and zero walks over six innings.
Description: Marlins left-hander Wade LeBlanc will get the first shot at replacing Anibal Sanchez in the rotation.
Insight: LeBlanc went 5-5 with a 3.74 ERA and a 91/20 K/BB in 98 2/3 innings for Triple-A New Orleans before being called up at the beginning of July. He's yet to allow a run in seven relief appearances. The lefty is worth a flier in deeper mixed leagues.
Description: The Marlins have assigned right-hander Jacob Turner to Triple-A New Orleans.
Insight: Turner was acquired Monday from Detroit for Anibal Sanchez and Omar Infante. He's considered one of the top prospects in baseball, so he's worth a look in deeper leagues if he's recalled this season.
Description: The Marlins dealt Omar Infante to Detroit Monday, which conceivably opens up a spot in the everyday lineup for Justin Ruggiano.
Insight: Ruggiano (.367, 7 HR, 18 RBIs, 17 R, 6 SB) has been receiving plenty of playing time as Miami's fourth outfielder with Emilio Bonifacio and Giancarlo Stanton both spending time on the disabled list. Bonifacio started at second base Monday, with Ruggiano in center.
Description: Detroit has traded Jacob Turner for Anibal Sanchez and Omar Infante.
Insight: Turner has made six starts at the major league level and has allowed 23 earned runs in 25 innings, but the 21-year-old is ranked 10th on MLB.com's list of the top 100 prospects. It's unknown if Miami will keep Turner in the big leagues or send him to the minors, so you can hold off on adding him in fantasy right now.
Description: Marlins third baseman Hanley Ramirez (hand) could return to the starting lineup Tuesday, Miami manager Ozzie Guillen said.
Insight: Ramirez (.246, 14 HRs, 47 RBIs) wasn't able to grip a bat as of Sunday due to his hand infection, so it seems unlikely that he'll be back in the lineup tomorrow.
Description: Marlins starter Anibal Sanchez has put together three straight solid starts since his six-start rough patch.
Insight: Sanchez watched his ERA rise from 2.56 to 4.19 from June 5 to July 3, but he's recorded a 2.70 ERA, a 1.15 WHIP and an 18/2 K/BB ratio in 20 innings over his last three starts.
Description: Marlins third baseman Hanley Ramirez will not appear in Sunday's game against the Pirates. He's still battling a hand infection.
Insight: Ramirez (.246, 14 HRs, 47 RBIs) stole a base as a pinch-runner Friday in the series opener but he is still unable to grip a bat at this time. The three-time NL All-Star could endure a short stint on the DL if his hand doesn't start improving in the next couple of days.
Description: Miami third baseman Hanley Ramirez cannot grip a bat at this time due to an infection in his right hand, according to Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post.
Insight: Ramirez is day-to-day but the team still hasn't set a return date. The third baseman doesn't think the injury will require a DL stint, but if he still can't grip a bat by Monday the Marlins may choose to go in that direction.
Description: Miami shortstop Jose Reyes is just 3-for-21 (.143) in his career against Pittsburgh starter A.J. Burnett.
Insight: Reyes started slowly this season after the move to Miami, but he's been much improved since May 1. He's still not hitting like the batting champion of 2011, but he's heading in the correct direction. Saturday, however, is a bad matchup.
Description: Miami third baseman Hanley Ramirez is not in the starting lineup for Friday's game against Pittsburgh due to an infection in his right hand.
Insight: This is a remnant of his punching a cooling fan the game before the All-Star break. He could miss more than one day.
Description: Miami third baseman Hanley Ramirez could be in for a big fantasy day Thursday against the Cubs. He's a .353 career hitter in 17 at bats versus lefthander Paul Maholm.
Insight: Two of Ramirez's six hits against Maholm have been homers. If he homers again Thursday it will be the third jack Ramirez (.249, 14 HRs, 47 RBIs, 13 SBs) has hit in his last four games.
Description: Marlins outfielder and occasional first baseman Logan Morrison is out for Thursday afternoon's matchup with the Cubs.
Insight: Morrison (.243) has produced 11 homers in 84 games this season, which isn't bad, but we were expecting more from him after he clobbered 23 homers in 123 games during his breakout 2011 campaign.
Description: Miami first baseman Carlos Lee is just 2-for-15 against Cubs starter Travis Wood.
Insight: Since joining the Marlins, Lee is batting .259 with no homers and just three RBI. That's the kind of lack of production Miami was getting before they made the decision to trade for him.
Description: Marlins third baseman Hanley Ramirez went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer and a stolen base Monday against Washington, though his move to fifth hasn't exactly produced instant results.
Insight: Ramirez has batted fifth in four straight games, going 3-for-14. He's been decisively below average in three out of four months this season, which has to be disappointing to fantasy owners who drafted him expecting a rebound year.
Description: Marlins reliever Juan Carlos Oviedo has a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, according to Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald.
Insight: Oviedo was preparing to return from a suspension on July 23 but that won't happen now. The right-hander was expected to compete for the Marlins closer role, so this is good news for Heath Bell and Steve Cishek.
Description: Miami second baseman Omar Infante is a stunning 7-for-13 (.538) against Washington right-hander Edwin Jackson.
Insight: Infante does a little of everything, batting .282 with 40 runs, 7 HR, 30 RBI and 10 stolen bases. He's always been a low-end starter fantasy value and 2012 is no different.
Description: Marlins outfielder Emilio Bonifacio has officially been activated from the DL. He'll play center field and bat seventh Friday against the Nationals. Bonifacio has been out since mid-May while tending to a strained left thumb.
Insight: Bonifacio has virtually no power and his batting average isn't anything special (.268) but he'll be an asset to any fantasy team that needs production out of the stolen base category. At the time of his injury, Bonifacio had been leading the major leagues in stolen bases with 20 thefts in 21 attempts.
Description: Marlins third baseman Hanley Ramirez is in Friday night's starting lineup, but will bat fifth for the first time this season and just the second time in his career.
Insight: It will be interesting to see how he takes to the new spot in the batting order. Ramirez is hitting .248 with 46 runs, 12 HR, 44 RBI and 12 SB. The drop down to No. 5 could help his RBI totals.
Description: Marlins outfielder Emilio Bonifacio (thumb) is expected to be activated on Friday.
Insight: Bonifacio (.268, 20 SB in 39 games) should get right back to stealing bases when he returns, as long as his thumb injury doesn't hinder him from getting on base.
Description: Marlins outfielder Emilio Bonifacio (thumb) wrapped up his minor league rehab assignment with High-A Jupiter Wednesday and is expected to be activated from the disabled list Friday.
Insight: Bonifacio should get right back to stealing bases when he returns, as long as his thumb injury doesn't hinder him from getting on base.
Description: Marlins reliever Heath Bell has been stripped of his closing duties for the second time this season as Miami will go with a closer-by-committee for the time being, according to Joe Frisario of MLB.com.
Insight: Bell started out his Marlins tenure with an ERA of 11.42 and four blown saves in his first 11 appearances, but he appeared to be back on track when he saved 11 games with a 1.84 ERA in 14 2/3 innings from May 16 to June 22. However, he's melted down again since then, allowing 10 runs in 7 1/3 innings including a blown save in his last appearance of the first half. Steve Cishek will likely handle most of the save chances for now with Juan Carlos Oviedo taking over when he returns from suspension, but Miami has a lot of money invested in Bell so there's a chance he gets the role back again.
Description: It turns out Marlins third baseman Hanley Ramirez' finger laceration that caused him to leave Sunday's game occured during a temper tantrum after making an out rather than in the field.
Insight: Ramirez will likely be fine once the second half gets underway next week, but his immaturity is disconcerting to fantasy owners and to his team. Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen called out the third baseman yesterday, saying the laceration that occured when Ramirez slammed his right hand against a cooling fan was "a very stupid injury," according to the Palm Beach Post.
Description: Since collecting two hits in his Marlins debut Thursday against Milwaukee, first baseman Carlos Lee is 0-9. He went 0-3 with a strikeout Sunday against the Cardinals.
Insight: Hopefully Lee (.280, 5 HRs, 29 RBIs) can find his swing again when the second half opens up. Miami's next game will be on Friday against the first-place Washington Nationals.
Description: Miami second baseman Omar Infante led his team with three hits Sunday in the Marlins' 5-4 loss to St. Louis.
Insight: Infante's .290 average is impressive but it's not enough to offset his below average power (seven homers in 286 at bats) and mediocre speed (eight steals in 75 games). His 89.9 percent ownership in fantasy is mostly a product of the league's lack of depth at second base this season.
Description: Miami ninth-inning man Heath Bell's nightmare season continued Sunday against the Cardinals after he let a 4-2 lead slip away in the ninth inning. For Bell, it was his sixth blown save of the season.
Insight: Bell (2-5, 6.75 ERA) was one of the most reliable closers in the league while he was with the Padres but he's been anything but that since moving over to the Marlins. He has already lost his closer's job once this season and he could be one or two more bad outings away from losing it again.
Description: Marlins third baseman Hanley Ramirez left Sunday's game due to a right finger laceration, according to Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post.
Insight: Ramirez will likely be fine once the second half gets underway next week.
Description: Marlins reliever Juan Carlos Oviedo may share closing duties with Heath Bell if Bell continues to struggle, according to the Miami Herald.
Insight: Oviedo is eligible to return from suspension on July 23. Manager Ozzie Guillen said he will use Oviedo when Bell is unavailable and may even flip-flop the two if Bell continues to struggle.
Description: According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton has opted for knee surgery and will be out 4-6 weeks.
Insight: Stanton (.284, 19 HR, 50 RBI) was pulled for a pinch hitter Saturday because his nagging knee injury acted up. It was thought that the outfielder would wait until after the season to have surgery, but apparently he is going to get it out of the way now. Obviously, he'll miss the All-Star game and Home Run Derby. Teenage sensation Bryce Harper will take his place on the National League roster.
Description: Updating an earlier report, Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton left Saturday's game in the third inning due to discomfort in his right knee, according to Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post.
Insight: As we speculated, Stanton (.282, 19 HR, 50 RBI) was pulled for a pinch hitter Saturday because his nagging knee injury acted up. The outfielder was out of the starting lineup for four straight games before starting Saturday. It would surprise us if Stanton participated in the Home Run Derby Monday.
Description: Miami outfielder Giancarlo Stanton left Saturday's game in the third inning, likely due to his nagging knee injury.
Insight: Stanton (.282, 19 HR, 50 RBI) pinch hit on Friday night after missing four straight games with a knee injury that will likely require offseason surgery. There is no official word as to why Stanton was removed for a pinch hitter Saturday.
Description: Miami outfielder Giancarlo Stanton expects to be back in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Cardinals and Kyle Lohse which is a good thing for fantasy owners as Stanton is 5-for-11 in his career against the right-hander with a pair of homers.
Insight: Stanton (.282, 19 HR, 50 RBI) pinch hit on Friday night, but struck out. He's got a favorable matchup for Saturday and should be started.
Description: Miami outfielder Giancarlo Stanton expects to be back in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Cardinals. Stanton is missing Friday's contest because of a "loose body" in his right knee.
Insight: Stanton (.283, 19 HRs, 50 RBIs) won't undergo surgery, which was considered a possibility earlier in the week. He should be a go for the Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game next week in Kansas City.
Description: Marlins first baseman Carlos Lee is a career .450 hitter (18-for-40) against Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook with a pair of homers and a 1.211 OPS.
Insight: The acquisition of Lee by the Marlins puts him in a better position to knock in runs with a more dangerous lineup surrounding him.
Description: Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton might undergo arthroscopic surgery on left his knee during the All-Star break. He has officially been ruled out for Miami's game Friday against St. Louis.
Insight: This injury might force Stanton (.283, 19 HRs, 50 RBIs) to miss both the Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game next week in Kansas City.
Description: Marlins reliever Juan Carlos Oviedo will begin working out at Miami's spring training complex Saturday in preparation for his late July return, according to Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post.
Insight: Oviedo, formerly Leo Nunez, is eligible to return from suspension on July 23. As Heath Bell's setup man, he'll be next in line for saves, but Bell has been able to stabilize his situation after each of his recent implosions so there's no guarantee Oviedo receives any save chances.
Description: Marlins first baseman Gaby Sanchez was demoted to Triple-A to make room for Carlos Lee.
Insight: Sanchez hit a key home run and lifted his average over .200 for the first time since June 11 Wednesday, and his reward was a demotion as Lee took his roster spot and his starting first base job.
Description: Marlins first baseman Carlos Lee is batting third and playing first base Thursday in his first game with the team.
Insight: The acquisition of Lee forced Gaby Sanchez to the minors. Lee should benefit from playing in a better lineup in Miami, but his power numbers likely won't change much considering Marlins Park is 23rd in baseball in home run factor, according to MLB Park Factors.
Description: An MRI revealed that Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton has a "loose body" in his right knee, according to Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post. Stanton will miss the rest of Miami's series with Milwaukee after being scratched Tuesday and Wednesday.
Insight: Stanton didn't rule out surgery after the season. He still hopes to return Friday.
Description: Miami outfielder Giancarlo Stanton (knee) hopes to return Friday against St. Louis, according to Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald.
Insight: Stanton will miss the rest of Miami's series with Milwaukee after being scratched Tuesday and Wednesday. He had an MRI Tuesday and is awaiting the results.
Description: ESPN's Buster Olney is reporting that Houston has dealt first baseman Carlos Lee to Miami for two prospects. Lee was removed in the seventh inning Wednesday against Pittsburgh.
Insight: The Marlins were not part of Lee's limited no-trade clause, according to the Houston Chronicle. Lee is hitting .286 with five homers and 29 RBIs this season, numbers that likely won't improve in Miami's pitcher-friendly ballpark.
Description: Miami outfielder Giancarlo Stanton is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against Milwaukee due to a sore right knee.
Insight: Stanton is having a solid season, batting .283 with 19 HR and 50 RBI. He's also a second-half guy with an OPS 68 points better after the break. This injury should only keep him out a day or two at the most.
Description: Miami outfielder Giancarlo Stanton is not in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against Milwaukee due to a sore right knee.
Insight: Stanton is having a solid season, batting .283 with 19 HR and 50 RBI. He's also a second-half guy with an OPS 68 points better after the break. This injury should only keep him out a day or two at the most.
Description: Marlins third baseman Hanley Ramirez will miss Tuesday's game with Milwaukee due to a sore knee.
Insight: Ramirez is hitting .259 with 12 HR, 43 RBI and 10 SB. He's still along way from the guy who batted over .300 from 2007-10, but he's still got low-end starter value.
Description: Miami shortstop Jose Reyes has stolen three bases in the last two games after not attempting a steal from June 2-29.
Insight: Reyes reached base three times in eight plate appearances over the last two games and managed to steal three bases, so it appears he's running again.
Description: Miami shortstop Jose Reyes is a career .356 hitter (16-for-45) against Phillies ace Cole Hamels.
Insight: Reyes' batting average is nowhere near last year's league-leading .337, but he's still doing a decent job scoring runs (35). He has 16 steals this season, but strangely, none in the last four weeks. He needs to start running again to get the most fantasy value.
Description: Miami shortstop Jose Reyes is batting .274 this month after his 1-for-5 performance Friday against Philadelphia, but he strangely hasn't attempted a stolen base in 23 games.
Insight: Reyes stole 11 bases in 12 attempts in May and started off 1-for-1 in June, but he hasn't even attempted a steal since June 2.
Description: Marlins starter Anibal Sanchez bounced back from a string of rough outings to pick up a win in seven strong innings Wednesday against St. Louis.
Insight: Sanchez came in 1-4 with a 6.49 ERA in his last six starts and a K/BB of 11/10 in his last three starts. Things didn't start out well Wednesday, as Sanchez gave up two runs in the first inning, but he rebounded to hold the Cardinals to three runs on seven hits in seven innings.
Description: Marlins closer Heath Bell gave up four runs on three hits and one walk in an inning of work Monday against St. Louis.
Insight: Horror Movie Heath returned last night. The closer entered in a four-run game and promptly served up four runs, with the big blow coming in the form of a two-run homer by Yadier Molina. Bell had put together 10 straight scoreless appearances after carrying an ERA over eight through his first 21 outings.
Description: Marlins first baseman Gaby Sanchez will not start Miami's series opener against the Cardinals on Monday.
Insight: Sanchez (.195, 2 HRs, 16 RBIs) is hitting just .190 with one homer and five RBIs since being recalled from Triple-A New Orleans two weeks ago.
Description: Miami ace Josh Johnson held Toronto to one run in seven innings in a no decision Saturday.
Insight: Johnson has finally pushed his ERA south of 4.00 for the first time this season. The right-hander has a 2.56 ERA in his last nine starts after posting a 6.61 in his first six.
Description: Marlins starter Anibal Sanchez allowed six earned runs on seven hits in 3 1/3 innings Friday against Toronto. Sanchez walked four and struck out three as he dropped to 3-6.
Insight: Over his last six turns, Sanchez is 1-4 with a 6.49 ERA. He has a K/BB of 11/10 in his last three starts. Still, we expect a turnaround, as Sanchez' stuff is too good for him to suffer results like this for long.
Description: Marlins outfielder Emilio Bonifacio (thumb) is expected to begin hitting off a tee Monday.
Insight: Bonifacio is taking the steps necessary to get back to the big leagues, but he still has a while to go. Don't expect him back until after the All-Star break, which is currently a little more than two weeks away.
Description: Miami outfielder Giancarlo Stanton went 2-for-3 with a solo homer and a walk Thursday at Boston.
Insight: The blast was just the second homer Stanton has hit this month, and first since June 7, after he crushed 12 in May. He's also batting .194 this month, but as May proved, he can get hot and stay hot, so he should be in your lineup over the weekend based on Thursday's results.
Description: Marlins third baseman Hanley Ramirez went 0-for-4 Thursday against Boston.
Insight: Ramirez is hitting .194 (13-for-67) in June after batting .322 with an .890 OPS last month. He hasn't homered since June 3 and he hasn't attempted a steal since he was caught twice on May 30. Park him on the bench until he starts producing.
Description: Marlins catcher John Buck could be in store for a big fantasy day Thursday against the Red Sox. Buck is 5-10 in his career against Daisuke Matsuzaka, who will be on the mound for Boston.
Insight: With that said, it's not a definite that Buck (.168, 5 HRs, 14 RBIs) will even play on Thursday. He was taken out of Wednesday night's game in the ninth inning because of leg cramps.
Description: Miami shortstop Jose Reyes went 0-for-5 Tuesday against Boston.
Insight: Reyes is 0-for-9 in his last two games and 3-for-19 (.157) in his last four. He appeared to be turning his season around for owners who drafted him with a high draft choice, but he's quickly reverted to his early season failures as of late.
Description: Miami closer Heath Bell hasn't allowed a run in his last nine appearances. He's 7-for-7 in save opportunities with 15 strikeouts in 8 1/3 innings in that span.
Insight: Bell has pitched much better after a horrifying start with Miami this season. After going 0-3 with four blown saves and an ERA of 11.42 in his first 8 2/3 innings, Bell is 2-0 with 11 saves in 11 chances, a 2.70 ERA, a 1.20 WHIP and 19 strikeouts in his last 16 2/3 innings.
Description: When Miami outfielder Giancarlo Stanton faced Boston starter Clay Buchholz a week ago, he struck out all three times.
Insight: Stanton is struggling again hitting just .163 over the past two weeks. If not for a huge May (.343, 12 HR, 30 RBI) he'd be killing fantasy owners. Tuesday against Buchholz is not the day he'll likely turn it around.
Description: Miami second baseman Omar Infante will have the afternoon off on Sunday.
Insight: Infante is coming off a terrible game on Saturday. The Marlins second baseman went 0-7 with four strikeouts in Miami's 4-3 extra innings win. He is just two-for-26 in his last six outings (.077).
Description: Miami outfielder Giancarlo Stanton is just a .125 batter (1-for-8) versus James Shields with five strikeouts.
Insight: Stanton began the season poorly, had a huge May, but is back to struggling again hitting just .225 over the past two weeks. Sit him today, but don't get frustrated as he'll still reach the 30 home run mark by the end of the season.
Description: Marlins starter Carlos Zambrano gave up four runs on three hits in two innings Friday against Tampa Bay. Zambrano walked six and struck out three.
Insight: Zambrano left his last start with lower back tightness, and he was a mess Friday on one extra day of rest. Over his last two starts, Zambrano has given up nine earned runs on eight hits and nine walks in just 4 1/3 innings. Hopefully Big Z can prevent his season from imploding in his next start.
Description: The Marlins are likely to recall Scott Cousins from Triple-A New Orleans before Friday's game in Tampa Bay.
Insight: Cousins is most known for ending Buster Posey's season on a play at the plate in May 2011. He's done well in Triple-A this season (.292, 7 HRs, 32 RBIs) but we wouldn't expect him to have much of an impact at the major league level.
Description: Miami shortstop Jose Reyes went 1-for-3 with his second homer of the season Wednesday against Boston.
Insight: Both of Reyes' homers this season have come on the Marlins' current homestand. On the season, he's batting .278, but he hasn't attempted a stolen base since June 2.
Description: Marlins outfielder Logan Morrison isn't in the lineup for Miami's game against Boston on Wednesday.
Insight: After swatting 23 homers in 123 games last year for the Marlins, Morrison has mostly underachieved this year (.235, 5 HRs, 17 RBIs). He has been hitting the ball better recently however and could be useful in deeper leagues.
Description: Marlins third baseman Hanley Ramirez went 2-for-4 Tuesday.
Insight: Ramirez went 1-for-22 in the previous seven games, his second streak of 20 or more at-bats and one hit or less this season (he went 0-for-21 from April 20-27). If not for those brutally cold stretches, Ramirez would undoubtedly be a top five player in fantasy leagues.
Description: Miami outfielder Logan Morrison went 2-for-4 with a solo homer Tuesday against Boston.
Insight: Morrison was given two days off to clear his head following an 0-for-15 stretch last week. Since returning to the lineup, the Marlins outfielder has six hits in 11 at-bats, including three doubles and a homer.
Description: Marlins starter Ricky Nolasco does not make for a good streaming option for his start Wednesday against Boston due to his home struggles this season.
Insight: Nolasco has a 5.56 ERA and 1.65 WHIP in six home starts this season. Nolasco has been much better on the road, going 4-1 with a 3.35 ERA and 1.09 WHIP.
Description: The Marlins are hoping that outfielder Emilio Bonifacio (thumb) will be ready soon after the All-Star break.
Insight: Bonifacio is still first in baseball with 20 steals despite having last played on May 18, which should tell you how valuable he was to fantasy owners, especially since he's eligible at third base and shortstop. Bonifacio just had the stitches removed from his surgically repaired left thumb and he should be cleared to start baseball activities soon.
Description: Miami ace Josh Johnson was phenomenal Monday evening in a win over the Red Sox. He surrendered only one run and four hits in seven innings of work. Johnson recorded seven strikeouts while walking just one.
Insight: Johnson (3-4, 4.27 ERA) seems to be getting better with each month. In April, Johnson's ERA was 5.34 and he finished May with an ERA of 4.41. So far in June, he's trimmed his ERA all the way down to 1.84.
Description: Second baseman Omar Infante isn't starting Monday night against the Red Sox.
Insight: After a strong opening two months of the season (.317, 6 HRs, 20 RBIs), Infante has struggled since the calendar turned to June (.205). Maybe he'll be better Tuesday after taking the night off Monday.
Description: Miami shortstop Jose Reyes is an ugly .071 career batter (1-for-14) versus Boston starter Josh Beckett.
Insight: Reyes' batting title in 2011 seems to be a one-year exception as he's batting just .274 this season with an OPS 157 points lower than a year ago. At least he's still stealing bases, but he's not playing at the level expected. Monday is a bad matchup for Reyes and he should not be started.
Description: Despite being forced to leave Saturday night's game early because of a stiff back, Marlins starter Carlos Zambrano is still in line to start next Friday's game against Tampa Bay.
Insight: Zambrano says he is already feeling improvement in his back and should be fine by Friday. The Miami righthander had a tough outing Saturday (2.1 IP, 5 H, 7 ER, 3 BBs) but overall, he's been solid in 2012 (4-4, 3.55 ERA).
Description: Miami first baseman Gaby Sanchez is a good hitter against James Shields. He's 5-10 lifetime with a homer and four RBIs versus the Tampa Bay righthander.
Insight: Shields (6-4, 4.27 ERA) has lost three out of his last four starts so Sanchez (.197, 1 HR, 11 RBIs) has to like his chances today.
Description: The Marlins have recalled first baseman Gaby Sanchez from Triple-A New Orleans. Sanchez will start at first and bat sixth Sunday against Tampa Bay.
Insight: Sanchez struggled mightily at the major league level earlier in the year (.197, 1 HRs, 11 RBIs) but he seems to have found his stroke again after a productive 19-game stint in Triple-A (.310, 3 HRs, 10 RBIs). Sanchez went 4-4 with a homer and four RBIs and reached base in all five of his plate appearances Saturday against the Astros' Triple-A affiliate, the Oklahoma City RedHawks.
Description: Marlins starter Carlos Zambrano left Saturday's game after just 2.1 innings because of lower back stiffness.
Insight: Zambrano (4-4, 3.55 ERA) was getting crushed by the Rays before his exit (five hits, seven runs, three walks allowed on 57 pitches). We're not sure if the bad outing was a result of his back woes or if he was just having an off game. We should know more on Zambrano's status soon but for now, consider the Miami righthander day-to-day.
Description: Miami outfielder Logan Morrison is getting a few days off to rest mentally, according to the South Florid Sun-Sentinel.
Insight: Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen evidently thinks that a few days off will do LoMo well. The outfielder is mired in a 3-for-30 stretch that has dropped his batting average to .216.
Description: Marlins starter Ricky Nolasco does not make for a good streaming option Friday for his start against Tampa Bay. Nolasco has gone 2-2 with a 5.79 ERA and 1.64 WHIP in five home starts this season.
Insight: Nolasco has been much better on the road, going 4-1 with a 3.35 ERA and 1.09 WHIP. Plus, Nolasco has gone 2-3 with an 8.51 ERA and 1.77 WHIP in five career starts against the Rays.
Description: Miami shortstop Jose Reyes went 0-for-4 Wednesday against Atlanta, snapping his 15-game hitting streak
Insight: Reyes hit .370 (23-for-62) during the streak. He's yet to hit a home run this season, but he's been one of the top contributors on the basepaths, swiping 16 bags.
Description: Miami Marlins minor league starter Wade LeBlanc has been terrific in 12 starts for Triple-A New Orleans this season. The lefty has allowed 30 runs on 64 hits in 79 innings. He's struck out 75 batters and walked just 13.
Insight: LeBlanc (3-4, 3.42 ERA), acquired by Miami from San Diego for catcher John Baker this past offseason, made 52 starts for the Padres from 2008 to 2011. He went 17-22 with a 4.54 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP, but perhaps he's figured things out at Triple-A New Orleans.
Description: Marlins starter Anibal Sanchez was lit up for seven runs on eight hits in 6 2/3 innings against Atlanta on Tuesday. Sanchez walked one and struck out five.
Insight: That makes two poor starts for Sanchez in his last three turns. There's really no need to worry though, as Atlanta simply owns Sanchez -- the right-hander is 4-11 with a 5.42 ERA in 17 career starts against the Braves.
Description: Miami outfielder Giancarlo Stanton is just a .167 batter (2-for-12) versus Atlanta starter Tim Hudson with five strikeouts.
Insight: Stanton began the season poorly, but a huge May in which he batted .343 with 12 homers and 30 RBI has turned his season around. His first three games in June haven't produced much and today's matchup against Hudson should be avoided.
Description: Carlos Zambrano picked up his second straight win on Sunday against the Phillies. Zambrano held Philadelphia to one run on four hits in 7 2/3 innings. He walked two and struck out seven.
Insight: Zambrano (4-3) has enjoyed a comeback season with the Marlins. The right-hander has a 2.81 ERA and an impressive 1.11 WHIP. He's won both of his starts since he allowed seven runs in five innings against Colorado on May 23.
Description: If you were hoping for a big afternoon for Miami shortstop Jose Reyes on Sunday, well, you picked the wrong day. Reyes is only a .167 lifetime hitter against Philadelphia's Joe Blanton.
Insight: Reyes is in the midst of a 13-game hitting streak and has seen his season batting average rise from .242 to .275 in that span.
Description: Marlins outfielder Chris Coghlan should be in line for another start on Saturday with a good matchup against Phillies lefty Cole Hamels. Coghlan is a career .368 hitter versus the Phillies ace with a pair of home runs and a 1.244 OPS.
Insight: Coghlan (.157 for the season) was having trouble finding at-bats until injuries opened up a spot. He's played well over the past week batting .313 (5-for-16).
Description: Miami outfielder Logan Morrison is a career .400 hitter (4-for-10) versus Phillies starter Kyle Kendrick with a pair of home runs.
Insight: Morrison has been battling a knee problems and it shows in all his numbers. He's batting .231 with three homers and 14 RBI. He batted just .210 in May with a poor .665 OPS, however, maybe the favorable matchup will get him started.
Description: Marlins third baseman Hanley Ramirez went 2-for-3 with a double and a solo homer against the Nationals on Tuesday. Ramirez also stole a base.
Insight: Despite a low batting average, Ramirez has returned to form as a fantasy baseball force. He now has eight homers and 10 stolen bases. He's batting .307 with four blasts and six steals in May.
Description: Marlins starter Anibal Sanchez returned to form on Tuesday against Washington. The right-hander held the Nationals to one unearned run on three hits in seven innings.
Insight: Sanchez had a streak of six straight seven-inning starts snapped in his last outing. Consider that the aberration in a career year for the Miami righty.
Description: Giancarlo Stanton slugged another home run on Monday against the Nationals. It was Stanton's 12th round-tripper of the year.
Insight: Stanton's numbers for the month are .324 with 11 HRs and 27 RBIs. If he didn't have such a pitiful April (.247, 1 HR, 9 RBIs) Stanton could be in the conversation for the National League MVP right now.
Description: Miami shortstop Jose Reyes is a lifetime .529 hitter (9-for-17) versus San Francisco Giants ace Matt Cain.
Insight: Reyes started the season slowly, but is headed in the right direction. He's batted .360 this week to raise his average over .260. He's scored 24 runs and stolen 15 bases, so he's doing what is expected of him.
Description: Mark Buehrle turned in another solid performance on Saturday, limiting the Giants to just two runs on eight hits over 7.1 innings. The victory was Buehrle's fifth of the season and his fourth win in his last five starts.
Insight: Buehrle finishes the month of June with a 4-0 record and a 3.19 ERA.
Description: Heath Bell was pulled in the ninth inning for the second game in a row Saturday against the Giants.
Insight: Bell's leash seems to be getting shorter and shorter every time he takes the mound. Ozzie Guillen has already revoked Bell's closer privileges once this season. Don't be surprised if he does it again if Bell's struggles continue.
Description: Giancarlo Stanton went 2-for-4 with a homer and two RBIs against the Giants on Friday.
Insight: Stanton has more than made up for his light-hitting April with 10 home runs in May. Those who bought low on the Marlins slugger must be smiling right now.
Description: Heath Bell allowed two runs on three hits while only recording one out after entering a 7-4 game in the ninth inning. Steve Cishek took over for Bell and picked up his first save of the season.
Insight: Bell's Jekyll and Hyde season continued. After five straight scoreless outings and four straight save conversions, Bell reverted to his April form on Friday.
Description: Anibal Sanchez was knocked around by San Francisco on Thursday. The Marlins RHP gave up five runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings.
Insight: Sanchez walked two and struck out seven. Thursday snaps a streak of six straight seven-inning starts and eight straight quality starts for Sanchez. He has a K/9 of 9.4 this season, so keep starting him with confidence.
Description: Emilio Bonifacio will undergo surgery on his sprained thumb on Friday. He is expected to be on the shelf for the next 4-6 weeks.
Insight: For those of you who were relying on Bonifacio to carry you in the steals department (he's 20-21 in stolen base attempts in 39 games this season), this is very bad news.
Description: Austin Kearns has been moved to the 15-day DL with a right hamstring strain.
Insight: Kearns (.375, 3 HRs, 9 RBIs) hurt his hamstring in Tuesday's game against Colorado. Logan Morrison (.235, 2 HRs, 10 RBIs) should get more consistent playing time in the outfield while Kearns is out.
Description: Hanley Ramirez went 2-for-4 with a double against the Rockies on Wednesday.
Insight: Ramirez is 7-for-12 with a double, a triple, five runs scored and three steals in the last three games and 17-for-44 (.386) since May 13. He's a must-start again.
Description: Carlos Zambrano had his worst outing of the season on Wednesday against the Rockies. Zambrano gave up seven runs on five hits in five innings. The Marlins RHP walked three and struck out three.
Insight: Zambrano was due for one of these meltdowns. He came in having allowed two earned runs or less in six of his eight starts and no more than four runs in any of his eight turns this year. Zambrano's xFIP prior to Wednesday was nearly two runs higher than his actual ERA, so you might want to shop him around before he has a stat correction.
Description: Miami outfielder Logan Morrison is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against Colorado. With Austin Kearns and Emilio Bonifacio out, Greg Dobbs will get the start.
Insight: Morrison is off to a slow start battling a knee problem as well as opposing pitching. He's batting just .239 with two homers and 10 RBI.
Description: Austin Kearns left Tuesday's game against Colorado with a hamstring injury.
Insight: Kearns is seven for his last seven at the plate so he is really heating up right now. Hopefully for fantasy owners, Kearns' injury doesn't end up being a serious one.
Description: Omar Infante is expected to return to the Marlins on Wednesday. Infante has been away from the team following the death of his grandfather this past weekend.
Insight: Infante has been sensational this season, collecting a .326 batting average to go along with 6 HRs and 20 RBIs. Make sure to slot him in your lineup again as soon as he returns.
Description: Miami third baseman Hanley Ramirez is 17-for-50 (.340) versus "Old Man River" Jamie Moyer with four homers and seven RBI.
Insight: Ramirez has hit safely in eight of his last nine games to bring his average from .212 to .232 in a little over a week. While he's not close to his career .303 batting average, fantasy owners can finally see progress.
Description: Josh Johnson won his second straight start on Sunday after giving up one run on five hits in seven innings against the Indians.
Insight: Johnson seems to have things turned around now. He's thrown seven innings in each of his last three starts after doing that just once in his first six. Over his last three turns, Johnson has lowered his ERA from 6.61 to 4.82.
Description: Hanley Ramirez is 14-for-26 with six doubles, one homer and five walks against Cleveland's Derek Lowe. Unfortunately, Ramirez is also 9-for-46 (.196) against groundball pitchers this season.
Insight: Lowe pitched in the NL East with Atlanta the last few years, and interleague play allows Ramirez to get another look at the right-hander. Ramirez is 18-for-63 (.285) with three homers since May 4. He has seven home runs and six steals this season, so he still has ample fantasy value despite his .233 batting average. However, the Marlins infielder hasn't attempted a steal in 15 games.
Description: As expected, Emilio Bonifacio was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained thumb. The move is retroactive to May 19.
Insight: Bonifacio had an MRI on his thumb, but the results have not been released yet so we don't know the severity of the sprain. Hopefully the major league stolen base leader can return after the minimum amount of time on the disabled list.
