Help down the road - on DL now but help you later

[surferguy]

This is designed for the owner who has room for a DL spot or two. I'd like to start a list of players who have been DL'd but could assist later in the summer. I'll start off with:

Tim Hudson
(copied from CBS Sportsline)
Braves SP Tim Hudson said he could be throwing off the mound in two to three weeks. The former 20-game winner said he'd be willing to come back as a reliever if that would help the team and bump up his comeback from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. Hudson noted that Braves reliever Peter Moylan was back on the mound 11 months after the same operation - about a month earlier than the normal recovery period. Hudson isn't expected to return before August, but he's looking for ways to speed up the process. "Maybe I can come back sooner and help in the bullpen," said Hudson, a starter throughout his career.

Recovery looks to be progressing nicely. He has always put up decent numbers for ERA and WHIP.

[Holein1]

Justin Dushscherer

A's RHP Justin Duchscherer has started a throwing program in Arizona in his comeback from right elbow surgery. He is at least a month away from pitching in a rehab assignment, according to the team. (04/30)

Ben Sheets

According to Newsday, Ben Sheets, working with Rangers team doctor Keith Meister after February surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon in his right elbow, might be ready to come back around the start of August. The bidding for Sheets will start in earnest after the June 9-10 amateur draft, when teams will no longer will be obligated to surrender a top draft pick as compensation. The Mets, Phillies, Rangers, White Sox, Angels, Cardinals and Dodgers all figure to be interested. (04/06)

[silverZ]

John Smoltz should be back by early-mid June to replace Penny/Wakefield in the rotation.

Sat, May 9

Smoltz (shoulder) will throw is next side session on Tuesday in Florida, the Boston Herald reports.

Recommendation: The Red Sox hope he can throw an inning or two in a minor league game on Friday.
(Rotowire.com)

[surferguy]

Justin Dushscherer and Smoltz are good choices. Sheets is not on the DL as he never signed with a team prior to his surgery so he is a FA and would use a valuable bench spot.