We're going to take a different approach with this week's Injury Watch.
We'll look at six current or former fantasy studs who are trying to come back from significant setbacks and analyze whether you should expect them to make significant contributions this season.
Three to Target
Josh Beckett, SP, Red Sox (back): He is scheduled to throw a bullpen session June 26, then make three or four starts in the minor leagues. That puts him on track to return July 16 or July 21.
Beckett was brutal in his first eight starts this season (7.29 ERA, 1.66 WHIP), but he had 80 wins the previous five seasons and is only 30.
Beckett's trade value is near its lowest point. If an owner is desperate, make an offer that could pay dividends for you in three or four weeks.
Erik Bedard, SP, Mariners (shoulder): He will make a minor-league start June 26 and could return to Seattle's rotation as soon as July 6.
Bedard made only 30 combined starts in 2008 and '09, but he struck out 162 in 164 innings in that span, with an 11-7 record and 3.24 ERA. Bedard, when healthy, is a major strikeout asset (he has 801 Ks in 822 career innings) and he's available in almost 90 percent of the leagues on ESPN.com.
Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Red Sox (ribs): This second-round fantasy pick has played in only nine games and has been one of the season's biggest draft-day busts. Ellsbury has been resting at the Athletes' Performance Institute and will be re-evaluated soon by the Sox.
He likely won't be back for at least a few weeks, but owners might be getting sick of waiting for him, allowing you to offer a lesser player in return.
Three to Dismiss
Carlos Beltran, OF, Mets (knee): He started his minor-league rehab June 24 -- an assignment that is expected to last 20 days. Yes, he's a longtime fantasy stud who has had at least 22 homers and 22 steals in the same season eight times.
He's also 33, is coming off major knee surgery and, when he returns, will join a Mets outfield that already features Angel Pagan, Jeff Francoeur and Jason Bay. Would the Mets really sit Pagan, who is batting .302 with 14 steals and 35 RBI in 255 at-bats?
Beltran will play, but he might not receive more than four starts per week.
Brian Roberts, 2B, Orioles (back): On June 15, the Orioles said Roberts would require another 4 to 6 weeks of rehab before returning. He still needs a decent amount of at-bats in the minor leagues, and every update seems to be more pessimistic. Don't count on the player who averaged 13 homers, 64 RBI, 99 runs and 37 steals from 2005-09 helping you much -- or at all -- this season.
Brandon Webb, SP, Diamondbacks (shoulder): He threw a bullpen session on June 23 and said he was "real encouraged by everything."
His manager, A.J. Hinch, said: "We're real optimistic that he's going to pitch this season."
This season? That doesn't sound optimistic, and Webb seems to be nothing more than a pitcher taking up a spot on your DL at this point.
More Updates
Brett Anderson, SP, Athletics (elbow): He is slated to return after the All-Star break. He's been dropped in about 35 percent of the leagues on ESPN.com. If that's the case in your league, Anderson (2.35 ERA and 1.04 WHIP in six starts) is worth a roster spot.
Asdrubal Cabera, SS, Indians (forearm): He is on schedule for a late July or early August comeback.
Jorge De La Rosa, SP, Rockies (finger): He pitched in the minor leagues on June 23 and probably needs two more starts down on the farm. De La Rosa seems to be a go for Week 14.
Mike Gonzalez, RP, Orioles (shoulder): He started a rehab assignment June 22 and is still a couple of weeks away.
J.A. Happ, SP, Phillies (forearm): He will make a rehab start June 29 and should return to Philly's rotation in Week 14.
Rich Harden, SP, Rangers (glute): He is expected to begin throwing from the mound this weekend, but needs at least a couple of starts in the minors. Sounds like a post-break return.
J.J. Hardy, SS, Twins (wrist): He might not return until after the All-Star break, but isn't worth waiting on anyway.
Jair Jurrjens, SP, Braves (hamstring): He could return to the Braves' rotation on June 29 or 30. Waiting a week to put him back in your lineup seems to be a safer choice.
Brad Penny, SP, Cardinals (back): He is slated to throw from a mound June 28, but is a few weeks away.
Coming Attractions
Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez was expected to be activated June 25. He's owned in only half of the ESPN leagues, making him worth a gamble. Remember, however, that he's batting .168 and don't start him immediately. ... Dodgers pitcher Chad Billingsley is scheduled to start June 28, leaving him in a line for a pair of appearances in Week 13. ... Mariners pitcher Doug Fister will start June 26 and is owned in only 20 percent of the ESPN leagues. Acquire him and, if you are desperate for pitching, start him right away. ... Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka is slated to start June 30 and is another candidate to be a waiver-wire bargain (39.6 percent ESPN ownership).