Brett Lawrie's injury status should be monitored closely by fantasy owners. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)
The Toronto Blue Jays announced Monday that third baseman Brett Lawrie will start the season on the disabled list because of a rib cage injury.
Lawrie was injured during the World Baseball Classic. He will play in minor league games so the team can backdate his injury.
Lawrie batted .273 with 11 home runs and 48 RBI in 125 games in 2012.
The team also announced that pitcher Dave Bush and catcher Josh Thole were sent to minor league camp. Thole was acquired from the New York Mets as part of a trade that brought National League Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey to Toronto. Bush is 56-69 with a 4.70 ERA in eight major-league seasons.
Fantasy Update: Monitor Lawrie’s situation closely before your draft. Although he will miss some games early on, he could be a late-round steal. Lawrie is ranked Lindy’s No. 11 third baseman entering the season, but his injury status could cause his stock to drop.
