Cliff Lee

Lee's agent Darek Braunecker has been quoted as saying “We don’t anticipate him playing at this point.”

Fantasy Impact

This is, surprisingly, somewhat relevant depending on where Cliff Lee went. Lee could have been a nice late round- first waiver wire pick up. It has been a very good career for Lee and some great fantasy seasons. We thank you.

After trying to pitch through the discomfort of a torn flexor tendon, Cliff Lee and the Phillies have decided to shut down the former AL Cy Young award winner with the hope that a trip to the 60 day DL will allow him enough recovery to pitch before the season ends. At this point though surgery is a matter of when, not if and it would not be a surprise to see Lee miss the season.

Fantasy Impact

At this point the concern for Lee moves away from his fantasy value and towards his future in baseball. Those who gambled on Lee should put him on the DL for now but don't let his name alone keep him on your roster. Most other players you draft will be more deserving of that spot than Lee on your roster.

Cliff Lee attempted some limited throwing activities on Friday but continues to deal with a concerning amount of discomfort in his throwing shoulder. At this time, Lee is attempting to pitch through the discomfort but with his recent history and age it is becoming more and more likely we may not see Cliff Lee play in 2015.

Fantasy Impact

As a former fantasy ace, it is tough to watch Lee struggle with injuries as his career winds down. At this point though, picking Lee is a big risk and a replacement should be lined up ahead of time. Surgery is required at some point for Lee and it wouldn't be surprising if he and the team opt to do it sooner rather than later.

According to Ryan Lawrence of the Philadelphia Daily News, Cliff Lee Is feeling elbow discomfort.

Fantasy Impact

As discomforting as this is from a trade perspective for the rebuilding Phillies, it could potentially be even more troubling from a fantasy perspective. Until a further update is given take caution when drafting Lee in the early rounds of your draft.

Making his first trip to the mound since July 31st, Cliff Lee tossed 22 pitches across two scoreless frames. Following the start, Lee reported that everything felt normal in his left elbow.

Fantasy Impact

Coming off a left elbow strain that prematurely ended his 2014 campaign, Lee's report of feeling fine is the key take away for fantasy owners. While the lack of strikeouts and high 80s fastball aren't ideal, it also shouldn't be cause for concern. All things considered, this start is exactly what Lee needed and should be taken as a positive sign by fantasy owners.