| Gordon could throw off mound soon | Wednesday 7/23, 11:04 AM CT |
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Tom Gordon, who is recovering from right elbow inflammation, could begin to throw off a mound within seven to ten days, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Our View: The team is yet to set a timetable as to when he may be able to return. |
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| Benson doubtful | Wednesday 7/23, 11:01 AM CT |
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Phillies' GM Pat Gillick commented that Kris Benson is doubtful to pitch for the Phillies this season, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Our View: The Phillies signed him to a minor league deal in February with hopes of him working in the starting rotation in May, but he did not bounce back favorably in his recovery to repair a torn right rotator cuff. |
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| Hanrahan new closer | Wednesday 7/23, 10:45 AM CT |
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As expected, Joel Hanrahan has been tabbed as the Nationals' closer following the departure of Jon Rauch to Arizona, according to the Washington Post. Skipper Manny Acta said, "He's been our most dominant guy out of our bullpen and has the best numbers, so he'll get the crack at it."
Our View: Hanrahan was nothing special as a starting pitcher last season, but has excelled as a reliever in 2008, as Acta stated, and he is worth targeting in mixed-leagues. |
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| Carpenter slated for another rehab start | Wednesday 7/23, 10:45 AM CT |
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Chris Carpenter, coming back from Tommy John surgery, is slated to make his second rehab start on Friday, this time for Triple-A Memphis, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Carpenter tossed four scoreless innings Sunday for Double-A Springfield, throwing 61 pitches. He said he expects his target to be at least 70 on Friday.
Our View: Not surprisingly, Carp's command was off Sunday, as he walked four. Hopefully he'll be able to improve on Friday. The Cards still hope he can be ready in early August. |
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| Votto is fine | Wednesday 7/23, 10:37 AM CT |
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Joey Votto was out of the Reds' lineup Tuesday, but wasn't injured in his collision with Francisco Cordero in the ninth inning of Monday's game, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Manager Dusty Baker just wanted to get Javier Valentin some at-bats at first base.
Our View: So fantasy owners should not be concerned with Votto's absence Tuesday. He should remain a serviceable corner infielder in mixed-leagues. |
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| Izturis ditches switch-hitting | Wednesday 7/23, 10:37 AM CT |
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Cesar Izturis has decided to ditch pinch-hitting and hit exclusively from the right side, at least for the time being, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The shortstop is batting .294 from the right side and .192 from the left side this year. "I'm more comfortable there," Izturis said. "Look at the numbers."
Our View: If Izturis can get his average up to a respectable number just hitting from the right side (he's currently batting .226 overall), he steals enough bases that he would be usable in NL-only leagues. |
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| Hairston cleared | Wednesday 7/23, 10:11 AM CT |
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Jerry Hairston Jr. has been cleared and is running again as he continues to recover from a strained right hamstring, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Our View: Hairston is eligible to come off the DL July 29, and hopes to get in some at-bats in the minors and return to the Reds at that time. |
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| Hensley to start Thursday | Wednesday 7/23, 10:07 AM CT |
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The San Diego Union-Tribune indicates that Clay Hensley will start in the Padres' rotation Thursday in place of Randy Wolf, who was traded to the Astros Tuesday.
Our View: Hensley worked as a reliever over five brief innings, but had three strikeouts and only surrendered one hit, and is worth a look in NL-only leagues if you need help. |
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| Young could be activated | Wednesday 7/23, 10:02 AM CT |
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Manager Bud Black indicated that the club may activate Chris Young from the DL rather than ask him to make a third rehab start, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Our View: Black deems Young ready, and he may be brought back to start Tuesday's game against the Diamondbacks. |
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| Harang cleared | Wednesday 7/23, 9:55 AM CT |
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Aaron Harang, who is recovering from a strained right forearm, has been cleared to resume throwing by medical director Dr. Tim Kremchek, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Harang pitched from 70 feet on Tuesday, with no issues.
Our View: Harang is now eligible to come off the DL, but that won't happen as he went 10 days without throwing, and it is going to take time for him to rebuild arm strength. He will be re-evaluated today. |
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| Wood to throw on the side | Wednesday 7/23, 9:30 AM CT |
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Kerry Wood is scheduled to throw on the side today as he tries to bounce back from a finger blister, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Our View: Following the session, the Cubs hope to have a better idea as to when he may return. He could still be facing a short stint on the DL if his ailment looks like it will persist into the four-game set with Florida that starts Thursday. |
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| Soriano scheduled to come off DL | Wednesday 7/23, 9:25 AM CT |
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Alfonso Soriano is scheduled to come off the DL Wednesday following his recovery from a broken left ring finger, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Our View: He is expected to return to the Cubs' lineup tonight against Arizona, and Lou Piniella is hoping he can spark the offense. He may need a game or two to shake off the rust, but is too talented to leave on your bench while he is active. |
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| Pierre could return this weekend | Wednesday 7/23, 8:54 AM CT |
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Juan Pierre has made rapid progress in his recovery from a sprained ligament in his left knee, and manager Joe Torre mentioned that he could be back with the Dodgers as soon as Saturday, according to the LA Times.
Our View: Joe Torre noted that he will have some decisions to make regarding the Dodgers' outfield when Pierre returns, as Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier have made great strides, and he doesn't want to make Andruw Jones a part-time player (due namely to his lucrative contract). |
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| Paulino's return remains unknown | Wednesday 7/23, 7:41 AM CT |
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Ronny Paulino's sprained right ankle was believed to be minor, but he is still not playing, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He is progressing in his rehab, but there remains no timetable for his return to the Pirates.
Our View: Paulino wouldn't be play much behind Ryan Doumit (holds a .323 average) if he was with the Pirates right now anyway. |
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| Phillies join list for Nady | Wednesday 7/23, 7:36 AM CT |
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The Phillies have joined the list of interested teams for Xavier Nady, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Phillies are also interested in reliever Damaso Marte.
Our View: Nady is hitting .327 with 56 RBI, and his rate of home runs would increase by playing his home games at Citizen's Bank Ballpark. |
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| Sanchez finally on track | Wednesday 7/23, 7:31 AM CT |
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Freddy Sanchez battled through injuries this season but is seemingly finally on track as he has registered three hits in three of his last four games, and has homered in each of his last two, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Sanchez said, "I just feel better up there. I'm looking for the pitch I can hit, and I'm getting a good swing on it. It's obviously taken a lot longer than I wanted, but I really can't look back at the first half."
Our View: Sanchez should be penciled into your lineups again, and it looks like fantasy owners may be rewarded for their patience over the second half of the season. |
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| Barton set for rehab assignment | Wednesday 7/23, 7:23 AM CT |
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Brian Barton, who is recovering from a fracture in his right wrist, will report to Triple-A Memphis Wednesday to begin a rehab assignment, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View: As a Rule 5 draft pick, Barton must remain on the Cardinals' major-league roster all season for them to gain control of his rights. As with other major league players, the rules allow for Barton to go on a 20-day rehab assignment without passing through waivers or using an option. He will be back in a part-time role when his wrist allows, but will not merit fantasy attention, as he only hit .246 over 122 at-bats this season before getting hurt.
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| Rasmus injured | Wednesday 7/23, 7:17 AM CT |
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Colby Rasmus was forced to leave Tuesday's game with Triple-A Memphis due to a knee injury, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He is scheduled for an MRI today.
Our View: He just returned to the team following time off due to a groin injury. Rasmus is the Cardinals' top prospect, but has had trouble staying healthy this season in the minors, which slowed his development. |
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| Wainwright progressing | Wednesday 7/23, 7:13 AM CT |
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Adam Wainwright has been cleared to throw off a mound and had a 40-pitch workout in the Cardinals' bullpen Tuesday as he recovers from a sprained right middle finger, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He threw fastballs and changeups during the session, and will move up to his curveball next. "It felt like I wanted to feel, it felt natural," Wainwright said. "I've got some joint stiffness that has to break down, but otherwise it's about building my pitch count up... "Best case?" he said earlier. "Two and a half weeks, maybe."
Our View: Wainwright is still dealing with some stiffness but noted that his throws felt natural during the session. He expects to return to the Cardinals' rotation within three weeks. |
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| Ramirez is struggling | Wednesday 7/23, 12:10 AM CT |
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Aramis Ramirez went 0-for-3 on Tuesday against the Diamondbacks. He is 0-for-20 since the All-Star break.
Our View: Ramirez is hitting just .213 on the road this season compared to .338 at home. |
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| Jackson tallies three more hits | Wednesday 7/23, 12:02 AM CT |
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Conor Jackson went 3-for-5 with his 10th home run, three RBI and two runs scored on Tuesday.
Our View: Jackson continues to be one of the more reliable hitters in the NL West. His average stands at .308 and could be on its way up. |
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| Petit beats the Cubs in spot start | Wednesday 7/23, 12:00 AM CT |
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Yusmeiro Petit pitched well enough for the win on Tuesday night against the Cubs. In five innings he allowed just one run but walked three and gave up five hits.
Our View: Will Petit take Micah Owings' spot in the rotation? His ERA is down to 2.78 and he has given up just two runs in two starts. |
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