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| Reyes records two hits in Mets win | Thursday 4/17, 11:55 PM CT |
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Jose Reyes recorded his third straight multi-hit game during Thursday's 14 inning win over the Nationals. The Mets shortstop was 2-for-6 with a run scored.
Our View: Reyes still has only one stolen base in three attempts. |
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| Anderson gets four hits for Springfield | Thursday 4/17, 11:55 PM CT |
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Bryan Anderson went 4-for-6 with a home run on Thursday for Double-A Springfield. He is now hitting .391-2-7 this season.
Our View: Anderson has big fantasy potential if he sticks at catcher. He hit .298 at Double-A last season, and he has been facing older pitchers at age 21. Yadier Molina is in the way in St. Louis, but Anderson is not a liability behind the plate. If he finds a new organization, he will likely be rostered in most keeper leagues, if he is not already. |
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| Mulvey dealing in Rochester | Thursday 4/17, 11:54 PM CT |
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Kevin Mulvey had another terrific start for Triple-A Rochester, allowing one run on six hits and fanning nine for his second win of the season.
Our View: We must remember that Rochester is a big-time pitcher’s atmosphere, but Mulvey’s early results have still been terrific. He now has a 20/3 K/BB ratio in 17.2 innings, which is especially good for a pitcher who struck out only 110 batters in 151.2 innings at Double-A. The Twins’ rotation remains crowded, but Mulvey is bound to get his chance this season if he keeps this up. |
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| Pearce launches two homers for Indy | Thursday 4/17, 11:51 PM CT |
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Steven Pearce hit his first two home runs of the season and added five RBI for Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday.
Our View: Pearce has gotten off to a slow start, which could be related to learning a new position moving from first base to the outfield. Pearce should have made a good enough impression last season to be able to earn some playing time in the majors later this year if and when the Pirates fall out of contention. |
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| Lannan strikes out 11 | Thursday 4/17, 11:38 PM CT |
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John Lannan, who had a career-high 11 strikeouts in the Nats 14th inning loss to the Mets. The left-hander allowed just one run and three hits in six innings of work.
Our View: Lannan became the first rookie left-hander to record 10 or more strikeouts in a start without a walk since Noah Lowry did it for the Giants against the Mets in San Francisco. |
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| Sosa gets extra inning win | Thursday 4/17, 11:34 PM CT |
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A wild pitch in the 14th inning allowed the New York Mets to beat the Washington Nationals 3-2 Thursday night. Six Mets relievers combined to throw seven scoreless innings with Jorge Sosa getting six outs to earn the win.
Our View: Sosa allowed two hits, walked one and struck out two in the two inning win. |
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| Easley scores winner for Mets | Thursday 4/17, 11:19 PM CT |
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Damion Easley scored on Joel Hanrahan's second wild pitch in the 14th inning allowing the New York Mets to defeat the Washington Nationals 3-2 Friday morning.
Our View: Easley got extensive playing time in the extra innings affair. It was Easley's third run scored in eight games. |
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| Howell scores first career save | Thursday 4/17, 11:11 PM CT |
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J.P. Howell earned his first career save with three innings of scoreless relief in the Rays 7-3 win over Minnesota.
Our View: With a 7-3 lead, and Howell pitching well, skipper Madden chose to give the left-hander the save. |
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| Bonser disappointing in loss | Thursday 4/17, 11:04 PM CT |
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Boof Bonser who allowed six earned runs and seven hits in four innings, struggled all night before exiting with the bases loaded in the fifth. Bonser was disappointing after pitching six scoreless innings against the Royals on Saturday.
Our View: The Minnesota starter has struggled at home during his career, but his Thursday outing was one where he simply had no command of his curve ball. |
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| Hammel goes seven strong | Thursday 4/17, 11:00 PM CT |
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Jason Hammel had his second straight strong outing as the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Minnesota Twins 7-3 Thursday night.
In six innings, Hammel allowed six hits and three runs while striking out five.
Our View: The Ray sub-starter allowed two earned runs in a career-best seven innings Saturday. |
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| Hafner homers in Cleveland win | Thursday 4/17, 10:24 PM CT |
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Travis Hafner homered in an 11-1 win over the Tigers on Thursday night. The designated hitters only hit, a home run.
Our View: It was Hafner's third long ball of the season and his 11th RBI. |
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| Garko homers in Indians win | Thursday 4/17, 10:22 PM CT |
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Ryan Garko homered with one out in the fifth inning in the Indians 11-1 win over Detroit on Thursday.
Our View: The home run was Garko's second of the season, and his 10th and 11th RBI. |
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| Verlander still winless | Thursday 4/17, 10:16 PM CT |
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Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander remained winless in four starts, falling to 0-3. The hard throwing right-hander allowed five runs and seven hits in five innings of work.
Our View: Verlander's Achilles on Thursday was his command as he walked four batters and struck out only one. |
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| Carmona scatters seven in win | Thursday 4/17, 10:11 PM CT |
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Fausto Carmona allowed a run in 6.2 innings as the Indians defeated the Detroit Tigers 11-1 on Thursday night.
Carmona allowed seven hits, struck out two and walked one in the win.
Our View: The Indians new ace, now that C.C Sabathia is on sabbatical, helped the slumping Indians raise their record to 6-10 on the season. |
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| Sherrill records xtra inning win | Thursday 4/17, 10:06 PM CT |
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George Sherrill recorded his first win of the season in an extra innings victory over the Chicago White Sox. Sherrill worked one inning, allowing a walk and struck out one.
Our View: Sherrill has six saves and a win in the teams first 16 games of the season. |
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| Guthrie goes six strong | Thursday 4/17, 10:02 PM CT |
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Jeremy Guthrie registered a quality start against the White Sox on Thursday night. The right-hander allowed three earned runs on six hits, walked one and struck out two.
Our View: Guthrie received a no-decision for his effort. |
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| Jones' single is game winner | Thursday 4/17, 9:59 PM CT |
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Adam Jones singled in the game-winning run in the 10th inning, capping a late comeback that gave the Baltimore Orioles a 6-5 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Thursday night.
Our View: Jones was 1-for-4 on the day striking out twice. |
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| Markakis hits 3rd homer | Thursday 4/17, 9:52 PM CT |
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Nick Markakis homered for the Orioles in their come from behind win over Chicago on Thursday night.
Our View: The home run, a two run shot, was the young outfielder's third of the season. |
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| Quentin hits two more HRs | Thursday 4/17, 9:45 PM CT |
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Carlos Quentin is having quite a week. After going 1-for-3 with a home run in a 4-1 win over Oakland on Tuesday, the outfielder was 2-for-3 on Thursday, with both hits coming in the form of home runs.
Our View: Quentin raised his average to .244, has four home runs, 11 runs and 15 RBI on the season. Not bad for a player that was going to fill a platoon or utility role heading into the season. Once Jerry Owens is activated from the disabled list, the team has a tough decision to make. What do they do with Quentin? Maybe the question should be what do they do with Owens? It's possible that Swisher will remain in center field and Quentin in right leaving Owens on the bench. |
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| Floyd receives ND | Thursday 4/17, 9:33 PM CT |
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The strong performance by Gavin Floyd on Thursday resulted in a no-decision after closer Bobby Jenks blew a two run lead in the bottom of the ninth inning. Floyd threw six strong innings allowing two runs (both unearned) on two hits, walking two and striking out four.
Our View: Floyd appears to have arrived, and just in time as far as the White Sox are concerned. Tonight's loss was a blow to the division leaders. |
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| Nolasco hit hard by Braves | Thursday 4/17, 9:23 PM CT |
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Ricky Nolasco suffered the loss in the Marlins' 8-0 Thursday whitewashing by the Atlanta Braves. In 4.2 innings of work Nolasco allowed six runs on nine hits, walked none and struck out four.
Our View: Nolasco evened his record at 1-1 and raised his ERA to 6.46. |
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| Chipper goes 4-4; 2 HRs | Thursday 4/17, 9:20 PM CT |
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Chipper Jones went 4-for-4 with two homers and three RBI to help the Atlanta Braves beat the Florida Marlins 8-0 on Thursday night.
Our View: Enjoy it while Chipper is healthy, because it's an inevitable occurrence that he will miss time to an injury at some point this year. Why shouldn't he join the rest of the Braves' disabled? |
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| Smoltz pitches six strong for win | Thursday 4/17, 9:17 PM CT |
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John Smoltz pitched five shutout innings and struck out 10 helping an injury riddled Braves tame to a 8-0 victory over the Florida Marlins on Thursday.
Our View: Smoltz, and Chipper Jones, are the only two productive vessels on a dismal Atlanta squad. The problem with this picture is that both are injury risks at any time. The Braves are taking on water and tonight's victory is nothing more than a piece of bubble gum in the Braves current cracks. |
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| Murphy has three hit performance | Thursday 4/17, 9:00 PM CT |
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David Murphy went 3-for-4 with three doubles, scored once and drove in a run in a 4-1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays.
Our View: Murphy has been surprisingly consistent. After his three hit performance on Thursday the outfielder raised his batting average to .305. Murphy also has three stolen bases on the season. |
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| Padilla goes seven strong for win | Thursday 4/17, 8:53 PM CT |
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Vicente Padilla pitched seven strong innings helping the Rangers send Toronto to it's fifth straight home defeat. Padilla allowed one run on seven hits, walked three and struck out two.
Our View: Padilla improved to 2-1 on the season with a 3.12 ERA. |
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| Halladay throws 2nd straight CG | Thursday 4/17, 8:49 PM CT |
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Roy Halladay pitched his second straight complete game against Texas on Thursday. The outcome, however, wasn't what the former Cy Young winner or the Blue Jays wanted. The Rangers recorded 11 hits, four runs and notched a 4-1 victory.
Our View: Halladay helped ease the pain of an overworked bullpen, but the loss leveled out his and Toronto's records, to 2-2 and 8-8, respectively. |
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| Kinlser records three hits | Thursday 4/17, 8:42 PM CT |
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Ian Kinsler was 3-for-4 in Thursday's 4-1 win over Roy Halladay and the Blue Jays.
Our View: The Texas second baseman raised his average to over .300, and has 10 runs scored on the season. |
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| Kazmir on rehab assignment | Thursday 4/17, 8:37 PM CT |
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Scott Kazmir is working on a rehab assignment and will pitch for Tampa Bay's Class A affiliate Vero Beach in the next few days, this according to the team website.
Kazmir will take the mound on Friday, when the left-hander is scheduled to throw three-to-four innings, or about 45 pitches.
Our View: Kazmir has been sidelined since Feb. 25 with a left elbow strain and his return to the Rays rotation has yet to be determined. |
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| Floyd flrts with no-no again | Thursday 4/17, 8:26 PM CT |
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For the second straight game Gavin Floyd flirted with a no-hitter. While his second start wasn't as impressive as his first when he took a no-no into the eighth inning, the White Sox starter retired the first 12 batters before Kevin Millar led off the fifth inning with a single off Joe Crede's glove.
Our View: Floyd has simply been outstanding this year. Coming into Thursday's game the right-hander was 2-0 with a 2.03 ERA. |
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| Manny passes Gehrig and McGriff | Thursday 4/17, 8:02 PM CT |
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Manny Ramirez hit his 494th home run Thursday night. With the home run, he passed Lou Gehrig and Fred McGriff for sole possession of 24th place on the All Time list.
Our View: Loving the spotlight, the left fielder added No. 495 an inning later, his fifth of the year. |
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| Granderson to begin minor rehab | Thursday 4/17, 7:18 PM CT |
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MLB.com reports that center fielder Curtis Granderson will begin a Minor League rehab assignment Friday. It will be the first live action for Granderson since he fractured his right middle finger in spring training.
Our View: Granderson, who hasn't played in a game since March 22, took a third straight day of batting practice Thursday. The Tigers will welcome back their leadoff hitter with open arms sometime next week. |
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| Joba misses fourth straight game | Thursday 4/17, 6:47 PM CT |
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Joba Chamberlain's father is making progress while remaining hospitalized, the New York Yankees said, notes CBS Sports. Chamberlain missed his fourth consecutive game Thursday night to be with his stricken father in Nebraska.
Our View: New York manager Joe Girardi said he spoke to Chamberlain on the phone Thursday but still doesn't have a time line for his return. |
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| Gwynn Jr. on rehab assignment | Thursday 4/17, 6:28 PM CT |
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The Milwaukee Brewers sent outfielder Tony Gwynn on a rehabilitation assignment to Triple-A Nashville Thursday, this according to the Sports Network.
Our View: Gwynn was placed on the 15-day disabled list April 10 with a strained left hamstring, and has not played since. |
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| Wolfe placed on 15-day DL | Thursday 4/17, 6:10 PM CT |
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Jays' right-hander Brian Wolfe was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained right triceps.
Our View: Toronto recalled pitcher David Purcey from Triple-A Syracuse.
The Jays first-round pick in the 2004 amateur draft, Purcey was 2-0 with a 1.89 ERA in three starts at Syracuse this season. |
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| Purcey called up; could start Friday | Thursday 4/17, 6:05 PM CT |
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The Blue Jays recalled pitcher David Purcey from Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday, this according to CBS Sports. To make room for Purcey right-hander Brian Wolfe was placed on the 15-day disabled list, this due to a strained right triceps.
Our View: The Jays are in need of arms for a taxed bullpen, and Purcey could start tomorrow [Friday] night in place of A.J. Burnett who was pushed back after making a relief appearance in the Jays extra inning Wednesday affair. |
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| Duran called up | Thursday 4/17, 5:58 PM CT |
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Marlon Byrd (knee) was placed on the 15-day disabled list, this according to the Star Telegram. German Duran was called up from Triple-A Oklahoma to take Byrd's spot.
Our View: With a stiff back, Hank Blalock is out of tonight's starting lineup, allowing Duran to make his major-league debut at third base. The replacement receives the pleasure of facing former Cy Young winner Roy Halladay tonight. Blalock (who might not be ready to play again until Sunday) will give way to Duran until he is healthy enough to return. |
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| Byrd to DL, Duran called up | Thursday 4/17, 5:49 PM CT |
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The Star Telegram is reporting that a sore left knee has forced Marlon Byrd to the 15-day disabled list. German Duran was called from Triple-A Oklahoma to take Byrd's spot.
Our View: Duran will make his major-league debut at third base tonight for the injured Hank Blalock (back), who might not be ready to play again until Sunday. |
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| Duran starts for Blalock | Thursday 4/17, 5:45 PM CT |
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The Rangers' starting lineup will be without veteran Hank Blalock tonight in Toronto. The Rangers third baseman is nursing a stiff back and will be limited to emergency pinch-hitting duty.
Our View: German Duran replaces Blalock and bats ninth. |
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| Young not starting due to calf injury | Thursday 4/17, 5:42 PM CT |
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The Rangers' lineup has been shuffled significantly for tonight's game in Toronto. Shortstop Michael Young won't start for the first time this year as he rests a sore right calf.
Our View: Ramon Vazquez replaces Young and bats eighth. |
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| Inge starting at catcher | Thursday 4/17, 5:21 PM CT |
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Ivan Rodriguez is out of the Tigers lineup that squares off in the second game of a two-game series against the Indians.
Our View: Center fielder Clete Thomas is leading off and Brandon Inge, who is batting ninth, is behind the plate. |
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| Beltran suffering from neck ailment | Thursday 4/17, 5:07 PM CT |
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Carlos Beltran will be out of tonight’s lineup due to a stiff neck, this according to MetsBlog.com.
Our View: If it isn't a left knee it's a right knee. If it isn't one of those, it seems to be something else. Tonight, it is a stiff neck. Beltran, who will have his 31 birthday in late April, has the wear and tear of a player in his late thirties. |
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| Colon still a question mark | Thursday 4/17, 4:57 PM CT |
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Pitcher Bartolo Colon (oblique) continues to just be, this according to the Providence Journal. The paper notes that Colon was sitting in the visitor’s clubhouse earlier today, just flipping a baseball. Francona said he still has no new information on when the veteran right-hander will begin to throw again.
Our View: Colon, at this point, seems to be content just hanging around winners, instead of competing for a spot on a winning rotation. |
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| Cora to have MRI... again | Thursday 4/17, 4:51 PM CT |
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Infielder Alex Cora was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday with a right-elbow sprain, according to the Providence Journal. He was scheduled to have an MRI but according to Francona the test could not be completed because Cora experienced a little anxiety in the tight quarters.
Our View: Cora is expected, at this point, to come off the DL when he is eligible. |
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| Crisp out of action | Thursday 4/17, 4:47 PM CT |
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Outfielder Coco Crisp has been hampered by a hamstring injury and is out of the lineup again tonight, according to the Providence Journal. Red Sox skipper Terry Francona told the paper that Crisp could play if needed, but that doesn’t appear to be the case. The manager said Crisp’s range-of-motion is fine.
Our View: Jacoby Ellsbury will start alongside Manny Ramirez and J.D. Drew. |
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| Youkilis to be penciled in | Thursday 4/17, 4:40 PM CT |
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Kevin Youkilis contacted manager Terry Francona early this morning and informed him he was ready to play, this according to the Providence Journal. The Sox' third baseman fouled a ball off his left big toe in the sixth inning on Wednesday. X-rays were negative.
“He made it very clear to me that if I didn’t play him he would be a pain in the butt,” said the manager. “That’s good news because when a guy has that kind of outlook at 10 in the morning and he’s laughing about it he’s probably feeling a little better than expected.”
Our View: Youkilis and the Sox have been good offensively. The infielder's line of .368/.433/.596 is impressive to say the least. Youk has two home runs, 12 runs scored, 11 RBI and has even attempted (unsuccessfully) a stolen base. |
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| Ludwick has four hit outing | Thursday 4/17, 4:11 PM CT |
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Ryan Ludwick went 4-for-5 with two runs scored and an RBI for the Cardinals on Thursday.
Our View: Ludwick has been on fire of late with at least two hits in four of his last eight games helping to raise his average to .390 on the young season. |
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| Parra picks up ND | Thursday 4/17, 4:08 PM CT |
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Manny Parra had another uneven outing on Thursday as he allowed five hits and five walks in four innings on the hill. Parra wasn't involved in the decision and though he did manage to limit the damage to three runs in four innings.
Our View: Parra owns a 5.40 ERA through three starts, and he has now allowed 11 hits in his last eight innings over two starts. |
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| Lohse goes seven strong | Thursday 4/17, 4:03 PM CT |
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Kyle Lohse pitched seven solid innings allowing just five hits and no walks against the Brewers though he wasn't involved in the decision.
Our View: Lohse's ERA now sits at 1.48 after 24.1 innings though he has only 10 K. His numbers will regress as the year drags on, but he is certainly looking like a fine starter in deep mixed leagues. |
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| Fielder hits first home run | Thursday 4/17, 3:59 PM CT |
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Prince Fielder hit his first home run of the season on Thursday as he went 2-for-5 with three RBI on the day.
Our View: We all knew this would happen, and so it did, but of bigger concern with Fielder is what does he do moving forward since he is still batting just .241 on the year. He only has nine K on the year, so for the most part he has managed to make consistent contact. |
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| Youkilis injures foot | Thursday 4/17, 3:41 PM CT |
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Kevin Youkilis injured his foot on Wednesday night and x-rays on his toe were negative so he hopes to play on Thursday, this according to MLB.com. "For me, it's just trying to get healthy and do what's best with this team. It's nothing long term, so that's a good thing. Hopefully I'll be out there."
Our View: The team is already without Mike Lowell and can ill afford to also be without Youkilis. If Youkilis can't go look for Jed Lowrie to take over duties at third base. |
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| Burrell hits sixth long ball | Thursday 4/17, 3:31 PM CT |
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Pat Burrell hit his sixth home run of the season on Thursday on his way to two hits, two RBI and two runs scored. Ryan Howard hit his fourth home run and also had two runs scored and two RBI.
Our View: Burrell continues to hum along with six HR and 17 RBI in the early going for the Phillies. Dating back to last season, Burrell has hit .309-25-77 over his last 90 games. |
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| Tejada hits third HR | Thursday 4/17, 3:27 PM CT |
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Miguel Tejada went 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored on Thursday, hours after a story broke that he had lied about his age.
Our View: Tejada is now batting .328 with 11 RBI as he continues to be one of the better hitting shortstops in baseball, even if he is two years older than he had previously stated (he is 33). |
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| Valverde awful again | Thursday 4/17, 3:22 PM CT |
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Jose Valverde had another rough outing on Thursday as he allowed two runs in one inning for the Astros.
Our View: Valverde now owns a 12.27 ERA and horrible 2.53 WHIP as he has looked terrible this season thanks to an amazing four home runs allowed in 7.1 innings. |
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| Myers goes seven strong innings | Thursday 4/17, 3:19 PM CT |
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Brett Myers allowed just one run over seven innings on Thursday to pick up his second victory of the season. Myers struck out eight Astros batters, walked only one, and allowed just five hits.
Our View: The only run Myers allowed today was on a solo HR, the sixth home run he has allowed in just four games. If he can cut back on the taters he would appear to be in line for a big-time season. |
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| Cahill nearly unhittable again | Thursday 4/17, 3:07 PM CT |
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Trevor Cahill threw six scoreless innings on Wednesday to earn his third win of the season at High-A. He allowed two hits, one walk and struck out nine.
Our View: The 20-year-old Cahill was one of Oakland’s better pitching prospects entering the season, and he has earned more hype in his first three starts with a 0.50 ERA and 21/2 K/BB ratio in 18 innings. He is one of several excellent A’s pitching prospects. |
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| Meloan shows big upside as SP | Thursday 4/17, 3:06 PM CT |
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Jonathan Meloan threw six scoreless innings on Wednesday, allowing only one hit, four walks and fanning four to bring his ERA down to 1.69 at Triple-A Las Vegas.
Our View: Meloan was overpowering as a reliever between Double-A and Triple-A last season (2.03 ERA and 91 strikeouts in 66.2 innings), but the Dodgers are giving him a try as a starter this season. He has had some control issues, but the upside is enormous if he continues to work out. |
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| Phillips to be given a day off | Thursday 4/17, 3:04 PM CT |
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Brandon Phillips will be given the day off on Thursday, this according to MLB.com. "I think he needs it. He's played every day, every inning," manager Dusty Baker said. "You see him swinging at bad pitches and taking good ones. He's not trusting himself right now." Ryan Freel will play in his place.
Our View: Phillips is 6 for his last 31 (.194) and is without a hit in 10 AB, so perhaps a mental day off will allow him to get his game back on track. |
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| SS prospect Iorg showing pop | Thursday 4/17, 3:04 PM CT |
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Cale Iorg, a sixth-round pick last year, hit his third home run in as many games on Wednesday at High-A. He is now hitting .333-3-7 this season.
Our View: It’s nice to see the Tigers prospect get off to a good start. The Tigers farm system was thinned out after dealing several good prospects during the offseason for Edgar Renteria, Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis. |
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| Bruce suffers minor shoulder injury | Thursday 4/17, 3:02 PM CT |
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Jay Bruce left Wednesday’s game with an injured shoulder, Baseball America reports. The injury is not considered serious, but he could miss Thursday’s game.
Our View: Not too much to be worried about for keeper-league owners and Bruce fans. |
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| Springer hopes to be back on Monday | Thursday 4/17, 3:01 PM CT |
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Russ Springer (inflamed nerve in elbow) threw a successful bullpen session on Thursday and is looking forward to being activated from the DL on Monday, this according to MLB.com. "Everything is fine. All my pitches worked. I'm right where I want to be."
Our View: Springer is coming off his best season (8-1, 2.18 ERA, 0.91 WHIP) and will add a great arm to a Cardinals staff that is off to a solid start in the new year. |
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| Fontenot enjoys leading off | Thursday 4/17, 2:55 PM CT |
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Mike Fontenot will continue to fill the leadoff role for the Cubs until Alfonso Soriano returns from the 15 day DL, this according to MLB.com. "It's been a few years since I've done it," Fontenot said . I keep my same approach. I usually don't hack at a lot of pitches -- I try to see a few pitches, so it works out."
Our View: Ryan Theriot figures to bat second on most nights to help break up the the run of left-handed and right-handed batters. |
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| Royals bullpen rocking | Thursday 4/17, 2:36 PM CT |
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Joakim Soria has five saves on the year without allowing a run to spearhead what has been one of the best bullpens in baseball in the early going, this according to MLB.com.
Our View: The Royals bullpen currently sports a 2.31 ERA which is first in baseball and almost a run ahead of the second best team in the AL, the White Sox (3.10). |
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| Rollins out until Sunday | Thursday 4/17, 2:31 PM CT |
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Jimmy Rollins may have pinch hit last night but his ankle continues to bother him, this according to MLB.com. Besides that issue there is also a death in the family, so the decision has been made to hold Rollins out of action until at least Sunday.
Our View: Rollins is using a hyperbaric chamber to improve his ability to recover, but the bottom line is that he is out until at least Sunday, so continue to make other arrangements until he returns to action. |
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| Lohse signing paying off | Thursday 4/17, 1:54 PM CT |
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Kyle Lohse has started off hot and rewarded the faith in him that the Cardinals showed when they signed him late in the preseason, this according to MLB.com. "He's using his breaking ball's a lot more effectively, and his stuff looks better than it was last year," said one scout. "That's [pitching coach Dave] Duncan for you. He'll take a guy other teams have given up on and win with him."
Our View: Lohse is 2-0 with a 1.04 ERA through three starts a year after he went 9-12 with a 4.62 ERA. Lohse doesn't figure to have suddenly morphed into an all-star, but there is no denying that he has the stuff to be an above average major league hurler. |
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| Kotchman off to fine start | Thursday 4/17, 1:50 PM CT |
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Casey Kotchman is off to the best start of his young career this season as he has four HR in 58 AB, twice as many home runs as he had in 151 career AB in April entering the season, this according to MLB.com. "He's putting it all together," one scout said. "You could seem him coming on last year. He's got the smooth swing, good eye, and has had enough time to figure out how [opposing pitchers] are going to pitch him.
Our View: Kotchman doesn't figure to develop into a 30 HR hitter, but there is nothing wrong with a .300 hitting corner infielder with 20 home runs now is there? |
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| Hall back wearing contacts | Thursday 4/17, 1:47 PM CT |
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Bill Hall has gone back to wearing contacts after choosing not to wear them the past three years, this according to MLB.com. "Now, when I take my contacts out at night I'm like, 'Why did I ever not wear them?'" Hall said. "Maybe that was my problem last year."
Our View: Ya think? It always amazes us, the stupidity of some players. If you go to the eye doctor and they tell you that you need correction to see better, why not listen to them? Hall has five HR in the early going but he has has 18 K and just one BB, so maybe the contacts aren't helping that much after all. |
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| Hairston could be called up | Thursday 4/17, 1:40 PM CT |
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Jerry Hairston may find himself in the Cincinnati dugout before too long as Dusty Baker is close to making some roster decisions, this according to the the Cincinnati Enquirer. The team could also call up Jolbert Cabrera instead.
Our View: Hairston is hitting .429-2-10 in his time in the minors this year and he appears to be the logical choice of a bat to add if the team decides to go in that direction. |
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| Morrow ready to stick with big club | Thursday 4/17, 1:32 PM CT |
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Brandon Morrow was called up to the Mariners on Wednesday and he is eager to show the team that the control issues that have plagued him are behind him, this according to the Seattle Times. "He's ready to go," manager John McLaren said. "He's been throwing on a regular basis down there. I don't see any reason to hold him back."
Our View: Morrow concentrated on throwing his changeup and worked on a split-finger fastball while in the minors, but he did also walk six batters in 7.1 innings, so perhaps his newfound confidence is a bit optimistic. |
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| Towles should be back on Friday | Thursday 4/17, 1:27 PM CT |
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J.R. Towles caught a bullpen session on Wednesday and appears to be in line to return to action on Friday, this according to the Houston Chronicle. "I felt all right," he said. "It didn't really bother me. I felt it on the low pitches when I had to turn my thumb down. It was definitely better than I expected. I thought I'd be more sore."
Our View: Towles has had a rough start to the year being in and out of the lineup, but he has three HR and seven RBI in 11 games, not to mention six BB and three HBP which offset his lowly .207 batting average. |
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| Wigginton progressing with thumb | Thursday 4/17, 1:24 PM CT |
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Ty Wigginton, out with a displaced fracture in his left thumb, was able to play an extended game of catch and feels he is nearing a return to the lineup, this according to the Houston Chronicle. Hitting isn't really the problem. Catching has been the problem. It's improved. Not great, but improved."
Our View: Wigginton hopes to be ready when he is able to be activated on April 21st, but he might need a couple of extra days past that date to make sure everything is good to go. |
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| Tejada older than listed | Thursday 4/17, 12:58 PM CT |
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It turns out that the rumors are true, Miguel Tejada is older than he has always stated, this according to a report on the AP. Though currently listed as 31 years old, Tejada is actually 33, a fact that goes back to when he signed his first pro contract and said he was 17 when he was really 19. “I’m a poor kid that wanted to sign,” Tejada said. “I’m feeling free now. It’s something that I had in my mind.”
Our View: Kudos for Tejada clearing that up, but did he really have to wait 14 years? Maybe this helps to explain why his range on defense has diminished so greatly the past couple of seasons; he is older than we thought. Doesn't this guy have enough problems with PED's already? If he lied about his age, what else has he lied about? |
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| Clement update | Thursday 4/17, 11:03 AM CT |
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Matt Clement could begin a rehab assignment as soon as early May, as he continues his recovery from right shoulder surgery, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He has shown marked improvement in his arm strength, but the team noted that they want to make sure when he goes on a rehab assignment that he's really at a point where he has the ability to let it loose.
Our View: This is favorable news, but he is still a long way from returning to the Cardinals. |
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| Hudson's health in question | Thursday 4/17, 10:47 AM CT |
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Following up on an earlier report; Tim Hudson's fastball velocity was down about five mph in Wednesday's loss to the Marlins. Tim Hudson told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "I felt fine physically. Just one of those nights I went out there and just couldn't get anything behind the ball. It was kind of a weird feeling. My heater fastball is normally a lot better than that. Just wasn't coming out of my hand good, for whatever reason."
Our View: Things look bad in Hotlanta. Their entire starting rotation is in shambles, their closer is on the disabled list, and Mark Teixeira can't hit left-handed pitching, his strong suit. Don't be deceived. While the Braves are not disclosing any injury news concerning Hudson, a team and coaching staff don't pull their ace after three innings for simply "not having his best stuff." Throw up the yellow caution sign around Hudson and the Braves. They are taking on water with a quickness. |
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| Kaz to debut against Roks | Thursday 4/17, 10:38 AM CT |
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Kazuo Matsui will return to the starting lineup this weekend, this according to Rototimes sources. Houston skipper Cecil Cooper told sources that the Astros' second baseman will start Friday and Saturday against his old mates, the Roks.
Our View: Kaz is coming off a .288 season where he stole 32 bases. He's a solid pickup and potential contributor in the speed category for managers in shallow leagues. The former Met and Rok shouldn't be available otherwise. |
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| Z-Man having April success | Thursday 4/17, 10:33 AM CT |
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Carlos Zambrano picked up his third quality start of the season on Tuesday, and notched his second win of the young season. The Z-Man gave up two runs on eight hits over seven innings of work. If he can continue to throw the same strikeout to walk ratio (5:1) at his gameday line moving forward, the big right-hander is in for a solid season.
Our View: The Cubs' ace is a two start pitcher in Week 4, facing an overrated Mets offense and Nats' bats that he should find favorable. |
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| Cordero a concern? | Thursday 4/17, 10:25 AM CT |
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The Nationals' are concerned with closer Chad Cordero, according to the Washington Post. His warm-up pitches were gravely slow on Wednesday night. His first pitch registered at a mere 75 mph, and it took him 15 throws to top 80. His top speed was 82 mph, and the team may pull him from his closer's role until he gets his velocity up, although he did throw a scoreless inning against the Mets. Manager Manny Acta commented, "What do you do? He says he's fine. He has no pain. He's going to continue to pitch. Just right now we're going to have to pick and choose our spots, because I really don't feel right now, the way he's throwing the ball, I should trust him to save a game here."
Our View: Jon Rauch could return to the closer's role until Cordero regains his velocity. |
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| Lackey on track to return | Thursday 4/17, 10:16 AM CT |
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John Lackey is believed to be on track to return in about three weeks, according to the LA Times. The Angels' ace said he felt "really good" after pitching a one-inning simulated game on Wednesday, but said the more important test would be how he feels today, and added, "It felt good in spring training in the last bullpen I threw. I couldn't move my arm two days later." Manager Mike Scioscia said Lackey is scheduled for a two-inning simulated game Saturday, followed by three or four minor league rehab starts. That timetable puts his anticipated return in the second week of May. Scioscia noted that Lackey could split those starts between Class-A Rancho Cucamonga and extended spring training, with the latter option enabling the Angels to control his pitch count by declaring an inning over whenever they choose. He is recovering from a right triceps strain.
Our View: His return would remove Dustin Moseley from the rotation. |
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| DeRosa will spend time in LF | Thursday 4/17, 9:53 AM CT |
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Mark DeRosa will spend time in left field in place of the injured Alfonso Soriano, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Mike Fontenot will step in and cover second base.
Our View: DeRosa is hitting 14-for-48 so far, with three homers and 10 RBI. He will play in left field for Chicago, rather than calling up Matt Murton from the minors. |
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| Soriano expected to be fully recovered | Thursday 4/17, 9:48 AM CT |
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Alfonso Soriano is expected to be fully recovered from his calf strain when he comes off the DL, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The team does not think his ailment will linger, or be a problem when he returns.
Our View: This is favorable news, and Mark DeRosa will spend time in left field until he returns. |
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| Cuddyer not healing favorably? | Thursday 4/17, 9:32 AM CT |
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Michael Cuddyer probably won't be ready to come off the DL on Sunday because he's slow on the mend from a dislocated and lacerated right index finger, according to the Star Tribune. He said, "It's frustrating because 99.5 percent of my body is healthy. The main thing is just trying to get the swelling down." He still cannot grip a bat to swing it.
Our View: Hopefully he can bounce back favorably when he is ultimately able to return. |
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| Bale complaining of dead arm | Thursday 4/17, 9:22 AM CT |
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John Bale will be monitored over the next few days by the team, after complaining of a "dead arm" following his tough start on Tuesday against Seattle, according to the Kansas City Star. Pitching coach Bob McClure commented, "He’s just tired. Most pitchers get it at some point in the season. It just feels like the ball isn’t coming out of your hand right. It usually goes away. There is some concern there that it happened this early. We need to keep an eye on it."
Our View: The converted reliever is 0-3 with a 7.63 ERA as a starter this season, and his replacement would likely be Luke Hochever, who is pithing well in Triple-A right now. |
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| Granderson nearing return | Thursday 4/17, 9:16 AM CT |
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Curtis Granderson could be back in the Tigers' starting lineup as early as next week, according to the Detroit News. Granderson notably had a second successful day of batting practice before Wednesday's Tigers-Indians game. He could leave as early as this weekend for a rehab stint in the minor leagues. Manager Jim Leyland commented, "Tentatively, possibly, he could be playing this weekend. I don't think it will be long. I think he'll be playing with the Tigers very shortly."
Our View: This is great news, and the fantasy owners who drafted him should be rewarded for their patience soon. |
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| Rodney gets good news | Thursday 4/17, 9:11 AM CT |
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Fernando Rodney's latest test on his injured shoulder showed no additional structural damage, according to the Detroit News. Rodney will resume throwing in 3-5 days.
Our View: This is good news for him, but there remains no timetable set for his return to the Tigers. |
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| Montero update | Thursday 4/17, 9:05 AM CT |
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Miguel Montero had played in six games of his rehab assignment entering Wednesday, according to the Arizona Republic. Manager Bob Melvin said Montero would need to catch nine innings in back-to-back games before he is ready to return. He was scheduled to catch seven innings on Wednesday and is expected to be ready to come off the DL before the end of the month. He is recovering from a fractured right index finger.
Our View: He will compete for a backup catcher role when he returns. |
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| Tracy update | Thursday 4/17, 9:00 AM CT |
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Chad Tracy is moving toward starting a minor-league rehab assignment, according to the Arizona Republic. He will run the bases over the weekend, Manager Bob Melvin said, and if all goes favorably, he could go down to Tucson sometime next week to begin playing in extended spring-training games or in Triple-A. He is recoving from right knee surgery.
Our View: He would battle Mark Reynolds for playing time at third base when he returns. |
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| Putz eager to return | Thursday 4/17, 8:56 AM CT |
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| J.J. Putz is eager to return to the Mariners following his bout with torso inflammation, according to the Seattle Times. He threw 41 pitches over eight minutes in a bullpen session on Wednesday and hopes to pitch in a simulated game on Saturday in Anaheim. The Mariners' closer commented, "I'm really, really excited to get back. I'm bored out of my mind. To the point where I'm seeing how many pitches the batting-practice guys are throwing every day." The team could send Putz on a minor-league rehab assignment. Putz said he believes the earliest he might be activated from the DL is Tuesday, the start of the Mariners' next homestand. He added, "You don't want to push it. You just want to stay with the course and do what the training staff has planned | |
