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| Tulowitzki exits with quad injury | Tuesday 4/29, 11:45 PM CT |
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A strained left quad is what forced Troy Tulowitzki out of Tuesday's game in the first inning, according to the AP. The shortstop was injured when he bent over to try to stop Aaron Rowand's single. He grimaced and grabbed his left hip and lower back area before walking gingerly off the field.
Our View: It sounds like a potential DL stint could be in the offing for Tulo, but we'll reserve judgment for now. Clint Barmes would take over at shortstop should Tulo be sidelined for a while. |
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| Scherzer dominates in relief | Tuesday 4/29, 11:31 PM CT |
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Max Scherzer had a phenomenal debut for the D'Backs Tuesday, coming on in relief of the ineffective Edgar Gonzalez and tossing 4 1/3 innings of hitless relief while recording seven punchouts.
Our View: We wouldn't be surprised if Scherzer replaces Gonzalez in the rotation his next time out. |
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| Smith a tough luck loser | Tuesday 4/29, 11:27 PM CT |
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Greg Smith was a tough luck loser Tuesday, giving up just two runs on three hits and three walks while striking out five over eight innings.
Our View: The youngster's ERA sits at 2.73 over five starts, as he's making a case to remain in the rotation even after Rich Harden returns. |
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| Saunders improves to 5-0 | Tuesday 4/29, 11:24 PM CT |
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Joe Saunders continues to roll along for the Halos. The left-hander tossed eight shutout innings Tuesday, allowing just four hits and a walk while striking out five to pick up his fifth win of the year.
Our View: Saunders has been lucky to post the numbers he has so far with the low strikeout and hit rates, but it's clear that you shouldn't think about taking out of your lineup. |
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| Guillen finally delights fantasy owners | Tuesday 4/29, 11:14 PM CT |
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Jose Guillen had his best game as a Royal Tuesday, homering and driving in five runs in the victory over Texas. Guillen upped his batting average to a still-ugly .190.
Our View: Hopefully this will be a sign of things to come from Guillen. |
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| Sheets shaky, but still wins | Tuesday 4/29, 11:10 PM CT |
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Ben Sheets was shaky in his return from a triceps injury Tuesday, giving four runs (three earned) on three hits and seven walks while striking out two over five innings. The veteran still managed to pick up his four win in the outing, though.
Our View: The most important thing is that Sheets escaped the game without another injury. Make sure he's in your lineup going forward. |
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| Cameron's '08 debut goes well | Tuesday 4/29, 11:02 PM CT |
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Mike Cameron's 2008 debut went about as well as could be expected, as the outfielder picked up three hits, scored two runs and drove in another two. He hit second in the lineup.
Our View: Hopefully you went ahead and activated Cameron for this week. |
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| Schmidt could begin rehab this week | Tuesday 4/29, 10:57 PM CT |
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Jason Schmidt, recovering from shoulder surgery, threw 78 pitches in a bullpen session Tuesday. He may start a rehab assignment this week, according to the AP.
Our View: Schmidt is progressing, but don't expect to see him until at least June, and it's anyone's guess as to how successful he'll be. |
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| Cordero likely headed back to DL | Tuesday 4/29, 10:55 PM CT |
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Chad Cordero had to leave Tuesday's game with what was initially diagnosed as a strained lat muscle, according to the AP. He is expected to need another DL stint. “It hurt really, really bad,” said Cordero. “They were talking about putting me on the DL, which I think would be good.”
Our View: It's looking more and more likely every day that Jon Rauch will be the closer for the Nats for the duration of the season. |
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| Ellsbury sits with sore groin | Tuesday 4/29, 10:53 PM CT |
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Jacoby Ellsbury sat out Tuesday's game with a sore groin, according to the AP. Coco Crisp got the start in center field and went 0-for-4 at the plate.
Our View: Consider Jacoby day-to-day for the time being. |
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| Everett not close to returning | Tuesday 4/29, 10:51 PM CT |
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Adam Everett, recovering from a shoulder injury, is just starting to take grounders and throw to first base, according to the AP. His return does not appear imminent.
Our View: Matt Tolbert and Nick Punto will continue sharing time at shortstop until Everett is ready. |
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| A-Rod headed to disabled list | Tuesday 4/29, 10:44 PM CT |
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The Yankees placed Alex Rodriguez on the DL Tuesday after an MRI revealed a Grade 2 strain of his right quadriceps, according to the AP. The Yankees haven't announced a corresponding move yet.
Our View: Morgan Ensberg should get the majority of playing time for the Yanks at third while A-Rod is out. It's not clear how much time the superstar will miss. |
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| Francis moved up a day | Tuesday 4/29, 10:35 PM CT |
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Jeff Francis will be bumped up a day and pitch on Friday instead of Saturday, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Mark Redman has been moved back to next Tuesday. The team has not announced a starter for Saturday's game. |
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| Wells to undergo tests on hand | Tuesday 4/29, 10:33 PM CT |
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Kip Wells left the team Tuesday to return to Denver and see a specialist and undergo diagnostic tests on his right pitching hand, according to MLB.com. The club is concerned because of Wells' history with circulation issues.
Our View: Wells would have been a candidate to replace Franklin Morales in the rotation, but obviously that won't happen now - at least not right away. We'll let you know how Wells' tests go. |
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| Morales will be sent down | Tuesday 4/29, 10:27 PM CT |
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The Rockies will option struggling Franklin Morales to Triple-A Colorado Springs, according to MLB.com. The 22-year-old holds a 6.39 ERA after five starts, showing that he needs more seasoning in the minors. "He needs to go back to dominating the strike zone with his fastball," pitching coach Bob Apodaca said on MLB.com. "Let alone strikes, he has to learn what it takes to make quality strikes with his fastball."
Our View: Morales still has a bright future, he just needs more work in the minors. After all, he's made only three Triple-A starts. The Rockies have yet to announce who will replace Morales in the rotation. |
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| Hammel struggles versus O's | Tuesday 4/29, 10:13 PM CT |
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Jason Hammel allowed three runs on six hits and four walks over 2 2/3 innings Tuesday in a loss to Baltimore.
Our View: With Scott Kazmir ready to come off the DL, Hammel picked a bad time for this hiccup. He could be sent to the bullpen but is out of options and would have to clear waivers to go back to Triple-A, which he almost surely wouldn't do. |
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| Pineiro dominates again | Tuesday 4/29, 10:09 PM CT |
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Joel Pineiro dominated the Reds lineup Tuesday night, tossing seven scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and four walks while striking out three.
Our View: Pineiro struggled in his first two starts but has allowed just one run over his last 14 innings for the surprising Cardinals staff. |
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| Bonser knifes through Sox lineup | Tuesday 4/29, 10:06 PM CT |
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Boof Bonser limited the White Sox to one run over seven inning Tuesday, giving up six hits and a walk while striking out eight in the process.
Our View: Bonser has pitched much better than his 2-4 record would indicate. He is safe to use in all formats. |
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| Olson looks good in season debut | Tuesday 4/29, 10:01 PM CT |
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Garrett Olson looked good in his first start of the year with the O's Tuesday, allowing two runs in 6 2/3 innings to pick up the win. The lefty permitted five walks but helped himself out by striking out six.
Our View: Olson has a good minor league track record, but his time in the big leagues has been less than fruitful. He could be worth a flyer in AL-only play. |
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| Tulowitzki leaves with leg injury | Tuesday 4/29, 9:58 PM CT |
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Troy Tulowitzki had to leave Tuesday's game in the bottom of the first inning after suffering an apparent leg injury.
Our View: With the injuries to Tulo and Jeff Baker, the Rockies infield looked a little out of whack, as Garrett Atkins moved to second base, Chris Iannetta entered the game at third and Clint Barmes moved to shortstop. We'll give you an update on Tulo's status when more is known. |
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| Baker a late scratch | Tuesday 4/29, 9:55 PM CT |
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Jeff Baker was scratched from what would've been his third consecutive start at second base Tuesday after suffering a broken blood vessel in his right middle finger during pregame activities, according to MLB.com.
Our View: This is too bad, as Baker has been swinging the bat well lately, and could become a fantasy asset if he becomes eligible at second. We'll let you know low long he'll be out when we get more info. |
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| Jennings has arm injury | Tuesday 4/29, 9:47 PM CT |
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An irritated ulnar nerve in his right arm is what caused Jason Jennings to be removed from his start on Tuesday.
Our View: It sounds like Jennings will probably need some time on the DL to recover from this ailment. A.J. Murray is a candidate to replace him in the rotation. |
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| Hughes is sloppy again | Tuesday 4/29, 9:44 PM CT |
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Phil Hughes suffered through another poor outing Tuesday, giving up six runs on eight hits and three walks in just 3 2/3 innings of work in a loss to the Tigers. The righty is 0-4 on the year and now sports an unsightly ERA of 9.00.
Our View: Hughes' hold on a rotation spot might be shaky, but it would be a while before Joba Chamberlain could replace him. |
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| Polanco stinging the ball again | Tuesday 4/29, 9:40 PM CT |
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Placido Polanco wrapped four base hits in Tuesday's game, his third multi-hit game in the last four times out.
Our View: Polanco got off to a horrible start and was battling a back injury earlier in the year, but it appears he's now up to his old tricks. |
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| Glavine looks good in return | Tuesday 4/29, 9:38 PM CT |
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Tom Glavine showed no ill effects from his hamstring injury Tuesday, limiting the Nationals to two runs over six innings. He left with the game tied and received a no-decision in what was his first start since return from the first DL stint of his career.
Our View: The Nationals lineup doesn't exactly resemble the 1927 Yankees, but this was a positive for Glavine owners nonetheless. |
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| Miller knocked around again | Tuesday 4/29, 9:34 PM CT |
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Andrew Miller had another poor outing Tuesday, giving up six runs on nine hits and two walks without a strikeout over three innings.
Our View: The young left-hander hasn't had a single good start all year, and his ERA now sits at 9.12. His rotation spot has to be in jeopardy. |
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| Hairston snaps out of funk | Tuesday 4/29, 9:30 PM CT |
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Scott Hairston snapped out of a miserable slump Tuesday with a pair of homers and a double in the Pads' 7-4 loss to the Phillies. The outfielder came into the game with just three singles in his last 37 at-bats.
Our View: This is obviously a positive turn of events for Hairston, but he should only be used in deeper leagues until he came string together a few positive games in a row. |
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| Lester twirls a gem | Tuesday 4/29, 9:25 PM CT |
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Jon Lester twirled a gem for the Red Sox Tuesday, going eight shutout innings while allowing just one hit and four walks while striking out six. The lefty failed to register a win, however, as the Sox scored the lone run of the contest in the bottom of the ninth after closer Jon Papelbon pitching a scoreless top of the ninth.
Our View: Lester has still walked more batters than he's struck out this year. That's obviously going to have to change if he wants prolonged success. |
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| Wills on track for rehab start | Tuesday 4/29, 9:18 PM CT |
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Dontrelle Willis threw his scheduled bullpen session on Tuesday without any health issues and is on track to make his first rehab appearance on Friday, according to MLB.com. The lefty is expected make at least two minor league starts before returning to Detroit's rotation.
Our View: The Tigers would probably be better off just sticking with Armando Galarraga in their rotation, but he's the most likely candidate to be sent out when Dontrelle is ready. |
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| Johnson could face batters soon | Tuesday 4/29, 9:14 PM CT |
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Josh Johnson threw a bullpen session on Tuesday and said that he may start facing batters in the next few weeks, according to MLB.com. He is recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Our View: This is positive news for Johnson, but he still won't be back until the second half, if at all. |
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| Mitre could begin throwing next week | Tuesday 4/29, 9:10 PM CT |
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Sergio Mitre may begin throwing in a week, according to MLB.com. Mitre hasn't had any activity since straining his forearm in mid March.
Our View: A best-case scenario would have Mitre coming back in late May, but it will probably be sometime in June. |
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| De Aza begins baseball activities | Tuesday 4/29, 9:08 PM CT |
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Alejandro De Aza has finally begun light baseball activities, according to MLB.com. De Aza has been on the DL all season with an ankle injury.
Our View: De Aza is still a long ways away from returning to the lineup. |
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| Jacobs hopes to be ready Thursday | Tuesday 4/29, 9:05 PM CT |
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Manager Fredi Gonzalez is hoping Mike Jacobs will be able to return from his finger injury on Thursday, but it's definitely not a sure thing. "I'm going to let it calm down for a few days," Jacobs said on MLB.com. "I don't want to push it too much, and take two steps forward and five days back."
Our View: The finger has bothered Jacobs since spring training, but it become too painful during a swing last Saturday. He's available for pinch-hitting, but the Marlins are hoping they don't have to use him. |
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| Foot injury slows Wilson's rehab | Tuesday 4/29, 8:59 PM CT |
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Vance Wilson is progressing well from Tommy John surgery, but a bout of chronic plantar fasciitis in his foot is slowing his rehab, according to MLB.com. "He can throw," manager Jim Leyland summarized, "but he can't walk."
Our View: Wilson had been hoping to be back by now, but his future is now cloudier than ever. |
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| Broxton has strained lat | Tuesday 4/29, 8:49 PM CT |
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The MRI Jonathan Broxton had on his lat Tuesday revealed a strain, according to the LA Daily News.
Our View: The big righty is considered day-to-day and will not need to go on the DL, but it's also not known just how much time he'll miss. |
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| Jennings leaves with injury | Tuesday 4/29, 8:47 PM CT |
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Jason Jennings was pulled three pitches into the third inning Tuesday with an undisclosed injury. The right-hander was suffering through another poor start, allowing five runs on eight hits and a walk.
Our View: Things couldn't be going much worse for Jennings. We'll give you more specifics on the injury when we have them. |
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| Moseley will stay in bullpen | Tuesday 4/29, 8:39 PM CT |
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Dustin Moseley pitched two innings of relief Monday and will remain in the Halos' bullpen for now. He had been scheduled to start Thursday, but a minor leaguer will be called up to make that start instead, according to the Orange County Register.
Our View: Nick Adenhart pitched on Sunday, so he wouldn't be a candidate for Thursday's start. We'll let you know who the team plans on calling up. |
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| Baker to test groin Wednesday | Tuesday 4/29, 8:32 PM CT |
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Scott Baker is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Wednesday to see how his strained groin muscle feels, according to MLB.com. As of now, he's scheduled to take his turn on Saturday, but if Baker has even the slightest hint of discomfort in his groin, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said the pitcher will not make the start and could end up on the DL. "We're going to be very careful with this thing," Gardenhire said. "He's going to have to have no issues for us to put him back out there. The plan is for him to pitch Saturday, but that could change tomorrow with his bullpen session."
Our View: We'll let you know how tomorrow's session goes. |
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| Cueto blasted by Cards | Tuesday 4/29, 8:25 PM CT |
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Johnny Cueto suffered through the worst outing of his young career Tuesday, giving up seven runs on eight hits and a walks in just 1 2/3 innings against the Cardinals. His ERA jumps up to 5.86, and he's allowed 12 runs over his last two starts.
Our View: You knew a start like this had to be coming. Yes, Cueto is very good, but he's also very young and will go through some rough patches. |
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| Arroyo's next start pushed back | Tuesday 4/29, 8:21 PM CT |
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Bronson Arroyo has been pushed back in the rotation and will make his next start next Tuesday instead of Saturday as originally planned, according to MLB.com. Arroyo, who is coming off his first win of the year, will be pitching on seven day's rest. Matt Belisle will pitch on Saturday, and Edinson Volquez, Aaron Harang and Johnny Cueto will get to stay on their regular rest after Thursday's day off.
Our View: Arroyo didn't look very good Monday despite the win and has been throwing a lot of offspeed pitches. Perhaps a little more rest between starts will help get him back on track. |
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| Soriano to stay in leadoff spot | Tuesday 4/29, 8:10 PM CT |
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Alfonso Soriano will stay in left field and bat leadoff when he returns from the disabled list Thursday, according to the AP. “He’s been swinging the bat very well in batting practice,” manager Lou Piniella said. “The ball’s jumping off his bat. Let’s hope that on Thursday when we get him in there, he gets nice and hot for us.” Soriano is coming back from a calf injury.
Our View: Hopefully Alfonso found his swing over the layoff. |
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| Robles claimed off waivers | Tuesday 4/29, 7:48 PM CT |
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The Phillies claimed Oscar Robles off waivers from the Padres Tuesday and assigned him to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Our View: The veteran utilityman will provide depth at Triple-A. |
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| Reyes won't be back Thursday | Tuesday 4/29, 7:42 PM CT |
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Al Reyes, on the DL with a shoulder impingement, will not return to the team Thursday as expected, according to MLB.com. He felt good after his 12-pitch outing Monday at Single-A Vero Beach but will need one more appearance. "Al Reyes threw well in Vero but still feels as though he needs one more time out," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "We're going to give that to him on Thursday. He's going to pitch in [an extended Spring Training game] on Thursday, again, just to fulfill his own feeling about how he feels. So we respect that, and that was fine."
Our View: The Rays will re-evaluate Reyes' situation on Friday. It sounds as if there's a good chance he'll be activated this weekend. |
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| Hafner will work through slump | Tuesday 4/29, 7:34 PM CT |
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Travis Hafner is in a 7-for-47 (.149) slide at the plate, but he'll continue to be in the lineup. “Hafner is grinding right now, but we’ve got to let him work his way out of it,” manager Eric Wedge told the AP.
Our View: After last year's down season, Pronk's owners have to be a bit worried that this slump could continue for a while. The smart move would not be to sell him low, though. Be patient and hope he snaps out of this funk. |
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| Slumping Garko benched Tuesday | Tuesday 4/29, 7:31 PM CT |
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The slumping Ryan Garko was benched Tuesday night. “We’ll give Ryan a day off, a little mental and physical break,” manager Eric Wedge said in the AP. “He arguably was our most consistent hitter early, but he’s been trying to do a little too much of late." Casey Blake moved to first base from third, while Andy Marte got the start at the hot corner.
Our View: Garko is in an 0-for-23 slump that has sent his batting average south of .230. Hopefully a little breather can get him back on track. |
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| Drew leaves game in fourth | Tuesday 4/29, 7:27 PM CT |
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J.D. Drew exited Tuesday's game in the fourth inning with a left quad injury, according to the AP. Brandon Moss replaced Drew in the field.
Our View: Consider Drew day-to-day for the time being, but given his history, a DL stint is always a possibilty. |
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| A-Rod gets MRI on quad | Tuesday 4/29, 7:24 PM CT |
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Alex Rodriguez was sent for an MRI exam on his strained right quadriceps Tuesday, according to the AP. The third baseman was removed for a pinch hitter in the eighth inning of Monday's game. “It might be two days, but I’m not under the impression that it’s going to be long,” manager Joe Girardi said.
Our View: It sounds like A-Rod owners will get their stud back later in the week. We'll keep you posted on the MRI results. |
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| Broussard shags some flies | Tuesday 4/29, 7:19 PM CT |
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Manager Ron Washington said that Ben Broussard will take some fly balls in the corner outfield spots in case he's needed out there, according to the Dallas Morning News. Broussard is primarily a first baseman but has played in over 50 games in the outfield in his career.
Our View: Broussard might struggle to get at-bats now with that .173 average and Chris Shelton now up. Shelton is starting at first base tonight. |
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| Borowski will get job back upon return | Tuesday 4/29, 7:13 PM CT |
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Joe Borowski threw for the second straight day Tuesday, expanding out to 75 feet. The reliever said his strained right triceps has responded well to the rest. "It's feeling as normal as normal can be right now," Borowski said on MLB.com. "Hopefully, it just keeps progressing." Borowski is expected to miss at least another two weeks as he builds his arm strength back up.
Our View: Rafael Betancourt is 2-for-2 in save opportunities since taking over the closer role, but manager Eric Wedge has said that Borowski will resume his closing duties when he returns. |
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| Loewen will need more than 15 days | Tuesday 4/29, 6:36 PM CT |
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Adam Loewen underwent a bone scan, CT scan and MRI on his left elbow Monday. Although the results of the exams aren't known yet, Loewen definitely won't be ready to return when his 15 days are up, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Our View: Hopefully Loewen won't get the worst news. We'll update you on the results of his tests. |
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| Posada to get several more opinions | Tuesday 4/29, 6:16 PM CT |
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Jorge Posada, on the DL with a shoulder injury, was examined by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham Monday, and the films from the Andrews visit have been sent to Reds team physician Dr. Timothy Kremchek for a second opinion, which the Yankees hope to receive on Wednesday, according to MLB.com. Posada would then be examined by team physician Dr. Stuart Hershon on Tuesday, and he was scheduled to see Dr. David Altchek on Thursday for an additional opinion. "Until all the doctors weigh in, I'm not going to guess and speculate," Posada said in a statement released through the team. "When they give me concrete information, I'll be sure to share it with [reporters]."
Our View: Manager Joe Girardi is optimistic that the films will not show any major structural damage and that Posada will be able to return to the club later this season. |
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| Willingham a late scratch | Tuesday 4/29, 6:09 PM CT |
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Josh Willingham was scratched from Tuesday's game because of a stiff neck, according to MLB.com. Luis Gonzalez replaced him in left field.
Our View: Willingham is considered day-to-day. Hopefully the Fish will get his red-hot bat back into the lineup Wednesday. |
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| Chipper in Tuesday's lineup | Tuesday 4/29, 6:04 PM CT |
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Chipper Jones is back in the lineup Tuesday after missing a pair of games with back spasms.
Our View: Chipper will have his bumps and bruises throughout the year, but hopefully he'll avoid anything major. |
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| Escobar back in lineup Tuesday | Tuesday 4/29, 6:00 PM CT |
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Yunel Escobar is back in the lineup Tuesday after missing two games with a broken fingernail.
Our View: Go ahead and insert the young shortstop back into your lineup. |
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| Broxton to have MRI | Tuesday 4/29, 5:41 PM CT |
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Jonathan Broxton is having an MRI on his lat Tuesday, according to the LA Daily News. He will be unavailable for tonight's game.
Our View: The News speculates that the injury doesn't sound serious, but we'll know more after the MRI results. |
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| Ramirez recalled from Triple-A | Tuesday 4/29, 5:30 PM CT |
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The Yankees recalled Edwar Ramirez from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Tuesday. Ramirez pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings earlier this year with the Yanks and was dominating at Triple-A, allowing no runs in nine innings with a 13/1 K/BB rate.
Our View: Ramirez is an option in deeper AL-only leagues with his strikeout potential. |
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| Alou will be ready to play Friday | Tuesday 4/29, 5:24 PM CT |
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Moises Alou told the New York Daily News that he'll be activated from the DL Friday. The outfielder had an MRI on his ailing ankle Monday, and the test revealed no fractures. Alou was originally on the DL because of hernia surgery.
Our View: It will be nice to give Alou a few games to get his feet wet before you activate him next week. |
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| O's starting rotation messy | Tuesday 4/29, 5:21 PM CT |
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Before Monday's game against the Chicago White Sox, O's skipper Dave Trembley named long reliever Jim Johnson the starter for Wednesday game against the Tampa Bay, this according to the Washington Post. However, Trembly was forced to use Johnson in relief during the Orioles' bizarre 11-inning stalemate with the White Sox, making him a question mark to start Wednesday.
Our View: The Orioles recalled Garrett Olson from Triple-A Norfolk Tuesday. Olson will start tonight against the Rays. |
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| Olson recalled, will start tonight | Tuesday 4/29, 5:18 PM CT |
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The Orioles recalled Garrett Olson from Triple-A Norfolk Tuesday. Olson will start tonight against the Rays.
Our View: Olson was dealing for Norfolk, holding a 1.85 ERA with 25 Ks in 24 1/3 innings, but given what he did last year in an O's uniform (7.79 ERA), you should take a wait-and-see approach with him. |
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| Bohn sent back down | Tuesday 4/29, 5:08 PM CT |
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The Phillies optioned T.J. Bohn to Triple-A Lehigh Valley Tuesday to make room on the roster for Shane Victorino.
Our View: Bohn received just three at-bats in over a week with the big club. |
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| Victorino activated from DL | Tuesday 4/29, 5:04 PM CT |
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The Phillies activated Shane Victorino from the DL Tuesday. The outfielder has been out since April 12 with a strained calf. T.J. Bohn was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley to make room on the roster.
Our View: We'll see how much the calf ailment holds back Victorino in the running game, since he obviously derives most of his fantasy value from his steals. |
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| Ortiz back in lineup tonight | Tuesday 4/29, 5:01 PM CT |
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David Ortiz is back in the lineup Tuesday after missing a couple games with a bruised knee, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: Ortiz had treatment on the knee on Monday's off day and told manager Terry Francona he was good to go. Feel free to start him despite his .177 batting average. |
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| No contract talks with Dunn | Tuesday 4/29, 4:57 PM CT |
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Former Reds GM Wayne Krivsky told the Cincinnati Enquirer that the team has had no contract talks with free-agent-to-be Adam Dunn. Dunn is off to a slow start this year, hitting .208-3-9 through the first 25 games.
Our View: If no progress is made on a long-term deal and the Reds are out of contention at the trade deadline, there would seem to be a good chance Dunn would be dealt. |
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| Kazmir to make season debut Sunday | Tuesday 4/29, 4:51 PM CT |
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Scott Kazmir will be activated from the DL and make his season debut on Sunday, according to the Tampa Tribune. The lefty started the year on the DL with a strained elbow.
Our View: Someone will have to be bumped from the rotation to make room for Kaz. Andy Sonnanstine and Matt Garza have options, while Edwin Jackson and Jason Hammel do not. Jackson or Hammel could possibly be sent to the bullpen. |
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| Boggs promoted from Triple-A | Tuesday 4/29, 4:42 PM CT |
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The Rangers recalled Brandon Boggs from Triple-A Oklahoma Tuesday to replace the injured Hank Blalock on the roster. Boggs was batting .309 with six RBI at Oklahoma in 68 at-bats.
Our View: The switch-hitting outfielder will provide another bat off the bench, but he doesn't appear to be in line for much playing time. |
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| Blalock placed on DL | Tuesday 4/29, 4:39 PM CT |
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The Rangers placed Hank Blalock on the DL Tuesday with a hamstring strain. He is expected to miss 3-4 weeks with the injury. Brandon Boggs was called up to replace Blalock on the roster.
Our View: Blalock will be sidelined until at least mid May and will likely require a rehab assignment before returning. |
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| Shelton's contract purchased | Tuesday 4/29, 4:35 PM CT |
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The Rangers purchased the contract of Chris Shelton from Triple-A Oklahoma Tuesday. He was hitting .354 with three homers and 18 RBI at Triple-A.
Our View: Shelton shouldn't have any trouble gaining some playing time at first base in place of the struggling Ben Broussard. He's worth an immediate pickup in AL-only leagues. |
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| Botts designated for assignment | Tuesday 4/29, 4:30 PM CT |
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The Rangers designated Jason Botts for assignment Tuesday. The team needed to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Chris Shelton, whose contract was purchased from Triple-A Oklahoma. Botts is hitting .158 in 38 at-bats this year.
Our View: Botts has had good numbers in the minors but was never really given much of a chance with the big club. Someone may claim him off waivers before the Rangers can send him back to Triple-A. |
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| Gomez returns to lineup | Tuesday 4/29, 4:22 PM CT |
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Carlos Gomez is back in the lineup for the Twins Tuesday after missing the last two games with a sore calf, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
Our View: It's safe to put Carlos back in your lineup. Hopefully he doesn't suffer some sort of setback. |
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| Glavine activated, will start tonight | Tuesday 4/29, 4:17 PM CT |
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The Braves activated Tom Glavine from the DL Tuesday, and the left-hander will get the ball tonight against the Nats. He has been recovering from a hamstring injury.
Our View: It's probably safe to go ahead and activate Glavine since he's going up against the weak Nationals lineup. |
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| Smoltz heads to DL, won't need surgery | Tuesday 4/29, 4:15 PM CT |
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The Braves placed John Smoltz on the DL Tuesday. The veteran was examined in Birmingham, Ala., by Dr. James Andrews, who diagnosed a severely inflamed biceps tendon and inflammation of the rotator cuff in the right shoulder, according to the AP. However, Smoltz will not need surgery to correct the problem. Andrews injected Smoltz's shoulder for the inflammation and prescribed rest and rehab until he is pain free.
Our View: The Braves aren't sure when Smoltzie will return, but it sounds like it might be a while. We'll update you on his progress. |
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| McCrory recalled from Triple-A | Tuesday 4/29, 3:57 PM CT |
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Bob McCrory has been recalled from Triple-A Norfolk, according to the AP. Greg Aquino has been designated for assignment to open a roster spot for McCrory.
Our View: McCrory went 0-2 with four saves with a 1.80 ERA in nine appearances with Norfolk, and has yet to appear in a Major League game.
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| Fahey optioned to Norfolk | Tuesday 4/29, 3:53 PM CT |
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Brandon Fahey has been optioned to Triple-A Norfolk, according to the AP. The team called up pitcher Garrett Olsen from Norfolk to make a start in place of the injured Adam Loewen tonight against the Rays, and felt Fahey was expendable to free up a roster spot.
Our View: Fahey registered five hits over 25 brief at-bats for Baltimore this season. |
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| Olsen has been called up, with start | Tuesday 4/29, 3:48 PM CT |
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Garrett Olson has been called up from Triple-A Norfolk and will start for the Orioles against Tampa Bay tonight, according to the AP. Infielder Brandon Fahey has been optioned to Norfolk to make room on the roster for Olson.
Our View: Olson went 1-3 with a 7.79 ERA over seven starts with Baltimore in 2007. He is filling the spot in the rotation left open by the injured Adam Loewen. |
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| Shelton expected to be called up | Tuesday 4/29, 3:28 PM CT |
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The Rangers are expected to purchase the contract of slugger Chris Shelton, according to the Dallas Morning News. Hank Blalock will be placed on the DL. The team will reportedly designate Jason Botts for assignment, who was ineffective with a .158 batting average.
Our View: Shelton will see time in the first-base rotation, mainly against left-handers, but it won't be surprising if he gets some time against righties too. Shelton blasted 16 homers over 115 games with Detroit in 2006, but won't likely get enough action to consider for your fantasy squad while Blalock is out.
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| Botts to be DFA | Tuesday 4/29, 3:22 PM CT |
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Jason Botts is expected to be designated for assigment, according to the Dallas Morning News. Hank Blalock is going on the DL, and the team is reportedly going to purchase the contract of Chris Shelton.
Our View: The team needs a productive right-handed bat for their lineup, and Shelton appears to be their guy. Botts was only hitting .158 over 38 at-bats, with 18 strikeouts. Botts held no fantasy value prior to his expected demotion. |
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| Corey designated for assignment | Tuesday 4/29, 3:14 PM CT |
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Pitcher Bryan Corey has been designated for assignment, according to the Boston Globe. Mike Lowell has been activated from the DL, and the team considered Corey to be expendable to free up a roster spot.
Our View: Corey held no fantasy value prior to his demotion. He got rocked for seven runs over six brief innings this season, and left with a 2.33 WHIP. |
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| Lowell back in action | Tuesday 4/29, 3:10 PM CT |
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Mike Lowell has been activated from the DL (sprained left thumb) and is going to return to his post at third base tonight against Toronto, according to the Boston Globe. The team designated pitcher Bryan Corey for assignment to make room on the roster for Lowell.
Our View: Lowell was only 6-for-30 with no homers or RBI before getting hurt, and you should pencil him back into your lineups with caution for his first game or two back in action. |
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| Ellsbury to sit tonight | Tuesday 4/29, 3:06 PM CT |
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Jacoby Ellsbury will ride the pine tonight against Toronto, according to the Boston Globe. Coco Crisp is starting in center field.
Our View: Ellsbury is hitting .280 over 75 at-bats, with three homers, 11 RBI, and eight stolen bases. It is a shame that he doesn't get to play every day yet. |
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| Swisher is in a slump | Tuesday 4/29, 2:58 PM CT |
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Nick Swisher only has five hits over his last 36 at-bats (.139), according to MLB.com. He is only 19-for-86 (.221) overall for the season, with 19 strikeouts.
Our View: Swisher walked 21 times though, and scored 18 runs over 25 games. His fantasy stock will climb back up, as soon as his average does. See if you can lure him away for cheap right now during his slump. |
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| Floyd set to battle Twins | Tuesday 4/29, 2:52 PM CT |
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Gavin Floyd will take the mound tonight against the Twins, according to MLB.com. Floyd is 2-0 this season with a 2.84 ERA, but is 0-2 over two career starts against Minnesota, while allowing 10 earned runs on 15 hits over 11.1 innings, with five of those hits going for homers.
Our View: Floyd also holds a solid 1.03 WHIP this season, and will have a good chance to change his luck against the Twins. |
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| Dye will return to right field tonight | Tuesday 4/29, 2:46 PM CT |
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Jermaine Dye will return to right field for the White Sox when they battle the Twins tonight, according to MLB.com. He was previously out of action while nursing a groin injury.
Our View: Dye only hit two homers over 20 games, but holds a solid .316 average. He should be penciled back into your lineups tonight, especially against opposing hurler Boof Bonser, who is 1-4 with a 4.34 ERA. |
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| Nomo released by Royals | Tuesday 4/29, 2:40 PM CT |
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Hideo Nomo has been released by the Royals, according to the Miami Herald. The Royals earlier requested his unconditional release, designating him for assignment April 20. He is now a free agent, and was to remain on waivers until Tuesday or until another team claimed him.
Our View: The 1995 NL Rookie of the Year was rocked for nine runs on 10 hits over a mere 4.1 innings of action this season, with three strikeouts and four walks. Three of the hits went for homers. He held no fantasy value for this season. |
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| Young riding hitting streak | Tuesday 4/29, 2:34 PM CT |
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Michael Young is riding a 12-game hitting streak, according to MLB.com. He is hitting .404 during the streak with 21 hits over 52 at-bats, and he will try to extend it tonight against righty Brett Tomko and the Royals.
Our View: Young raised his average up to .301 following a slow start to the season, and is back on pace to challenge 200 hits, which he reached in five straight seasons. |
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| Vazquez likely to start at third base | Tuesday 4/29, 2:28 PM CT |
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Hank Blalock is expected to go on the DL, and Ramon Vazquez will likely start at third base against the Royals tonight, according to MLB.com. The team is facing righty Brett Tomko, and German Duran would start if they were going against a lefty.
Our View: Vazquez is only 5-for-26 (.192) with one RBI this season. He isn't worth fantasy consideration. |
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| Greinke named Royals Pitcher of Month | Tuesday 4/29, 2:21 PM CT |
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Zack Greinke was named the Royals Pitcher of the Month, according to MLB.com. He is 3-0 with a 1.25 ERA and 1.11 WHIP over 36 innings, with 19 strikeouts.
Our View: Greinke is among the best pitchers in the American League right now. He ranked outside the top-60 on most draft boards, and is proving to be among the biggest fantasy steals of 2008. |
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| Jennings looking for first win | Tuesday 4/29, 2:15 PM CT |
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Jason Jennings will be looking for his first win of 2008 when he takes the hill against the Royals tonight, according to MLB.com. He is 0-4 with a 7.46 ERA and 1.74 WHIP over 25.1 innings, with 17 walks and 12 strikeouts. This will be his first game against Kansas City.
Our View: Jennings should not be on your fantasy team right now, and has already allowed eight homers this season. |
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