Soriano, Pujols, Putz on the shelf

It's been a lousy 24 hours for some big fantasy names.

You may have heard about these injured studs, but let's take a closer look at the ramifications.

ALFONSO SORIANO, OF, CUBS: Chicago's leadoff hitter turned into a very tight inside pitch in the second inning and - poof! - just like that, Soriano will be out for at least 6 weeks with a broken left hand.
Fantasy spin: This is frustrating on so many counts, whether you're a fantasy owner or a Cubs fan, but ultimately, Soriano increasingly crowding the plate may have led to the brush-back pitch that broke his hand. Eric Patterson has been called up to replace Soriano and is starting today in left field. Patterson and Reed Johnson will likely see the most increased playing time. Mark DeRosa could play some left, giving Mike Fontenot and/or Ronny Cedeno some additional at-bats. It's obvious, that Soriano owners need to fish off the wire for this one. You might take a flier on Gary Matthews Jr., who has been swinging a hot bat and running a little (.500, 2 SB in the past week).

ALBERT PUJOLS, 1B, CARDINALS: Anyone who saw Pujols go down as he started to take off for first on Tuesday night could tell this was not a small injury. The bad news for Pujols owners is it's a calf strain. The good news is it's not a tear, rather some severe stretching of the muscle. He should only be out three weeks with what's being labeled as a Grade I-II strain.
Fantasy spin: The Cardinals called up Chris Duncan, who hit 21 and 22 HR the past two seasons, but was only hitting .160 in 25 AAA at-bats since being sent down May 30. Duncan might make for a decent fill-in, but veterans Casey Blake and Kevin Millar will likely have better numbers over the next few weeks. All three will probably drain your batting average.

J.J. PUTZ RP, MARINERS: When it rains it pours in Seattle (pun intended). After an awful 24-42 start, the M's may have lost their closer as Putz left the ninth inning with an elbow injury, which is being examined today. Putz was quoted as saying his right elbow was barking. Never a good sign.
Fantasy spin: Brandon Morrow (1.00 ERA/1.06 WHIP), who hasn't allowed an earned run since Hillary was still in contention (May 12), came in and picked up his first Major League save. Morrow, who the M's see as an eventual starter, should be added in all formats, if you can find a spot. There's a solid chance Putz lands on the DL, but this could also end up being one of those season-ending surgeries as Seattle is almost nearing the season-implosion point anyway.

VICTOR MARTINEZ, C, INDIANS: Another right elbow injury, this one coming on a first-inning swing. No news yet, but we should know more soon after today's MRI. Coach Eric Wedge said the elbow has been bothering him off an on all year, which may explain V-Mart's severe and mysterious power outage.
Fantasy spin: Until the results come back, not much you can do. Get Ryan Doumit on standby if he's still available. Dioner Navarro is also red-hot. In AL-only leagues, Gerald Laird would make a nice fill-in.