Atomic RoadRunners | Andrew Flynn’s High-Energy Fantasy Baseball

Braves RP Manny Acosta, acting as closer with both Rafael Soriano and Peter Moylan disabled, pitched the ninth inning for the fourth time in five games Monday against the Nationals. He has only one save over that stretch, though, because the Braves keep winning by too many runs. He recorded one strikeout and allowed one hit in his one inning of work. Soriano might return within the next week, but Acosta looks like a nice stopgap option until that day arrives, particularly in NL-only leagues.

The Mets stayed close Thursday behind hometown pitcher, Brooklyn-born Nelson Figueroa. The journeyman right-hander struck out seven in seven innings, allowing two runs and three hits. He left with a 2-1 deficit, but it was erased in the eighth inning. Figueroa, who grew up a Mets fan, earned his first major league win since 2003 last Friday when he beat Milwaukee in a home start. Figueroa has now looked sharp in two starts with the Mets and this is what New York is hoping for — a guy that can be a band-aid until Orlando Hernandez or Pedro Martinez returns from the DL. Figueroa remains just a NL-only Fantasy option at this time. His next scheduled start is for Tuesday against the Cubs. He is on track for two starts Fantasy Week 4 (April 21-27) with his second coming against Atlanta.

FAAB Acquisitions:

• P Nelson Figueroa, Mets ($2 bid) [active]
• P Manny Acosta, Braves ($1 bid) [active]
• OF Gregor Blanco, Braves ($0 bid) [active]

Up:

• OF Matt Murton, Cubs
• C Chris Iannetta, Rockies

Down:

• OF Brian Barton, Cardinals
• OF Andruw Jones, Dodgers
• C Javier Valentin, Reds

Cut:

• P Peter Moylan, Braves
• P Jon Lieber, Cubs
• OF Rajai Davis, Giants

Note: Gregor Blanco becomes the first Atomic Roadrunner this season to re-join the team following his release. Blanco has worked his way into a LF platoon with Matt Diaz, something that hadn’t happened when he was released last week.