Key

Discard - Drop player (in most circumstances)
Stash - Hold player if roster space is available; consider dropping if trend continues
Hold - Do not drop player (in most circumstances)

Catchers

Ivan Rodriguez, Detroit Tigers

The Tigers early-season struggles have been well-documented, but things could be about to change. Their big three hitters (third baseman Miguel Cabrera, designated hitter Gary Sheffield and outfielder Magglio Ordonez) all hit home runs in their 6-5 win Tuesday. They've now scored 17 runs in their last two games and could be poised to break out. Curtis Granderson's (finger) return to the top of the lineup is also drawing nearer, which will push Rodriguez further down in the lineup, but should improve his chances at driving in runs. With Brandon Inge the team's only backup at the position, Rodriguez has no one to challenge him for playing time no matter how much he struggles.

Shallow mixed: Hold
Deep mixed: Hold
AL-only: Hold

First Basemen

Nick Johnson, Washington Nationals

A year missed due to injury hasn't hurt Johnson's eye for the ball, as he has nine walks through his first 14 games. If you're in a league that values on-base percentage, his .420 OBP is reason enough to keep him. However, one wonders where the team would be without him as they rank near the bottom of the National League in OBP (.306) despite his help. Johnson, who's seen most of his time hitting fourth, will find it hard to drive in runs if no one is getting on base ahead of him. This is likely one reason why he has just five RBI. He's still the starter at the position, and has greater value in deep leagues because of that, but he'll need to exhibit more power and drive in more runs if he is to give your team a boost.

Shallow mixed: Discard
Deep mixed: Hold
NL-only: Hold

Second Basemen

None

Third Basemen

None

Shortstops

None

Outfielders

Corey Patterson, Cincinnati Reds

A quick start's slowly given way to a woeful slump as Patterson has just one hit in his last 15 at-bats. Manager Dusty Baker has sat him in two of the team's last four games, though the club was facing left-handed starters in both games and turned the starting duties over to outfielder Ryan Freel. The team would certainly like a better batting average from their leadoff man than the .239 Patterson's putting up, but he continues to lead the club in home runs (four) and RBI (nine). Hold on to him in all but shallow leagues, as he still has some value with his power-speed potential.

Shallow mixed: Discard
Deep mixed: Hold
NL-only: Hold

Designated Hitters

Aubrey Huff, Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles could be coming back down to Earth after finishing the season's first week atop the American League East, losing four of their last six games. A big reason is the disappearance of Huff, who has just three hits and no RBI in 22 at-bats since his four-hit, four-RBI game April 8. Of course, fantasy owners should've expected this from him, as he hit just .235 in April last year before going on to finish with a .280 average. If you own him in a shallow mixed league, he could be dropped now, but hang on to him in deeper leagues if you have the room.

Shallow mixed: Discard
Deep mixed: Stash
AL-only: Hold

Starting Pitchers

Jon Lester, Boston Red Sox

Make it three out of four starts the resilient left-hander has failed to garner a win. His latest start Monday saw him depart following just 4 1/3 innings of work after giving up four runs on five hits and five walks. Walking batters has been the big problem for Lester as he has 15 in just 20 1/3 innings. This likely isn't a problem that'll go away anytime soon, as he's averaged more than 4.5 walks per nine innings for his career (89 walks in 164 2/3 innings). He still possesses a good arsenal of pitches and could put it together, but those in shallow leagues can get rid of him if there's another player that piques your interest. If you have a roster spot and the patience, hang on to him in deeper leagues.

Shallow mixed: Discard
Deep mixed: Stash
AL-only: Hold

Dana Eveland, Oakland Athletics

Eveland finally met his match Tuesday when the White Sox got to him for four runs (three earned) in 4 2/3 innings. After the game, he said he struggled with his grip on the ball, which in turn affected the command of his pitches. This was evident as he hit two batters, walked three others and threw one pitch to the backstop. Not to make excuses, but the windy conditions and dry air in Chicago could've played a part in his struggles as they were a big culprit in hindering his grip on the ball. It also didn't help that he was facing a veteran White Sox lineup that ranks in the top 10 in on-base percentage in the majors. He still has potential in deeper leagues, so hang on to him, but he can now be discarded in shallower leagues if you need the space.

Shallow mixed: Discard
Deep mixed: Stash
AL-only: Hold

Edwin Jackson, Tampa Bay Rays

Fantasy owners could've seen this one coming. Jackson, who was great over his first two starts, faced a veteran Yankees lineup that has had success against him in the past for the second time in 10 days. In 31 2/3 innings (nine starts) against the Yankees, he's given up 32 hits, 18 walks and 21 runs. So, it wasn't a huge surprise when he gave up five runs and four walks in just four innings Tuesday. An ongoing problem for him has been his command, as he's given up 10 walks in 19 innings and is constantly falling behind hitters. A lot of pressure is being placed on getting his breaking ball working, which it obviously wasn't against the Yankees. Hang on to him in deeper leagues as he could make for a decent matchup starter, but you can discard him in shallow leagues.

Shallow mixed: Discard
Deep mixed: Stash
AL-only: Hold

Miguel Batista, Seattle Mariners

Four runs allowed on Tuesday made it three straights starts for Batista where he's given up four earned runs. After this latest start, he complained of a dead arm. The dead arm, he stated, is linked to his inability to work out regularly due to a sore back. The dead arm doesn't explain his previous two starts, though, when he gave up 15 hits and walked seven in just 11 innings. At this point, he's an ineffective pitcher who's struggling with his control. The one positive is that he's safe from losing a rotation spot with the loss of starter Erik Bedard (hip). Hang on to him in AL-only leagues, but if anyone envisioned him emerging as the dark horse closer with reliever J.J. Putz (ribcage) on the shelf they should cut bait now.

Shallow mixed: Discard
Deep mixed: Discard
AL-only: Hold

John Bale, Kansas City Royals

The Royals game against the Mariners on Tuesday could've been the first this year to feature two pitchers suffering from dead arm. Batista was touched upon above, so now we'll look at Bale's case. In this latest start, he didn't look good in any inning as he give up a leadoff hit in each and induced just four groundball outs. He was constantly leaving pitches up over the plate, which is one reason why he's given up 25 hits in only 15 1/3 innings. If the dead arm is the reason for his struggles, he could get back on track once he gets over the discomfort. One should remember he hasn't started regularly since he made 25 starts in Japan during the 2004 season. Keep him on your bench in AL-only leagues, but drop him in all others.

Shallow mixed: Discard
Deep mixed: Discard
AL-only: Stash

Relief Pitchers

Jose Valverde, Houston Astros

Houston's quickly gaining a reputation as a closers graveyard. Valverde's the latest victim as he blew his second save in three chances on Tuesday. This coming after he converted 47 of his 54 opportunities last season. The save chance Tuesday came against a team, the Phillies, who have had some success against him in the recent past. Last year, he had a 10.13 ERA and 1.88 WHIP in 2 2/3 innings against them, but still managed a pair of saves in three appearances. A worrying sign for fantasy owners is that he tends to follow up his best seasons with subpar years. The good news is that the Astros don't have anyone to replace him, with reliever Doug Brocail their next option. Hang on to Valverde in all leagues, as he has a long leash that should see him through these struggles

Shallow mixed: Hold
Deep mixed: Hold
AL-only: Hold

Joe Borowski, Cleveland Indians

A strained triceps forced Borowski to the disabled list Tuesday. The injury goes all the way back to the middle of March and could be one reason for a staggering loss of velocity. The three-run home run Red Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez hit on Monday came on a pitch that was just 83 mph and confused Ramirez as to whether it was a fastball or changeup. So far this year, Borowski's blown two saves and has an ERA of 18.00. All this doesn't mean you should dump him just yet. When he returns from his injury (likely in two to four weeks), he should again be the closer for the Indians. Therefore, stash him on an open DL spot and wait for his return and the saves that'll likely come with him.

Shallow mixed: Stash
Deep mixed: Hold
AL-only: Hold

Pat Neshek, Minnesota Twins

The side-armer gave up two runs in his last inning pitched, which gives him five earned runs and two blown saves over his last 2 2/3 innings pitched (three appearances). If he isn't giving your team low ratios and decent strikeouts, then there's little value in holding on to Neshek, as he shouldn't get many save chances. Perhaps all this means his days as a top fantasy middle reliever are over. Owners may have noticed he sported a 4.82 ERA after the All-Star break last year and his strikeout rate dropped. Opposing hitters might finally be catching up to his unusual delivery, which makes sense as it is two divisional rivals that have hurt him this year. Stash him if you have the room in deeper leagues, but if not, get rid of him.

Shallow mixed: Discard
Deep mixed: Stash
AL-only: Hold