Nathan

Haynes

Haynes is no longer preferred.

The Los Angeles Times quotes a team official as saying, “We can’t take him off the roster or we’ll lose him.” A 1997 first-round pick who’s battled through injuries and come back from retirement, Haynes batted .391 at Triple-A prior to being called up last month. In order to make room for Izturis on the roster, the newspaper suggests that Shea Hillenbrand could be let go or Erick Aybar will be demoted.

Haynes, a 1997 first-round pick who retired for a time in 2004, will be making his major league debut after hitting .399/.466/.586 in 169 at-bats for Salt Lake. The Angels could keep him around as a fifth outfielder even after Garret Anderson returns, but he shouldn’t have any fantasy value at all.

The Angels’ outfield is extremely crowded and Willits is the most likely odd man out, but he doesn’t deserve a trip back to the minors after a very strong rookie season that saw him bat .293 with a .391 on-base percentage and 27 steals in 136 games. Complicating the matter is that Nathan Haynes is out of options, so the Angels could choose to keep him around over Willits in order to retain both players.

The Brewers figure to activate Tony Gwynn Jr. on Wednesday to take the open roster spot. With Gross around, it doesn’t look like the Rays will have room for either Nathan Haynes or Justin Ruggiano. Jonny Gomes figures to lose additional playing time, and Dan Johnson’s role could be diminished before he even makes his debut.

Haynes is the Rays’ worst offensive option in right field, but he’s the best defensively, something that may result in him getting too much playing time while Cliff Floyd is out. Since he does have speed, he could be worth using in AL-only leagues.

Last time it happened in 2006, Upton missed five games before returning. A similar absence is possible this time. Nathan Haynes would fill in for him in center field.

Upton aggravated the shoulder on a swing during Thursday’s game. “It looks bad right away. It feels bad right away,” Upton said. “But this is the best it’s ever felt right after, so we shouldn’t think too much of it.” Nathan Haynes figures to start in Upton’s place tomorrow.

Not a great sign for Tampa Bay’s offense. Manager Joe Maddon said Hinske is sitting because he’s 3-for-21 lifetime against O’s starter Daniel Cabrera. He added that Gomes would play Thursday and Saturday.

With Cliff Floyd expected to be out for the next month or so, Johnson figures to step in as a part-time DH. He’ll be hitting in a slightly better park for lefties, too, giving him a slight value boost. Jonny Gomes and Nathan Haynes figure to lose at-bats to him.