|
| Bruntlett smacks double, homer in loss | Tuesday 5/6, 11:55 PM CT |
|
Philadelphia SS Eric Bruntlett was one of few offensive highlights for the Phillies in a 6-4 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Bruntlett went 2-for-5 at the plate with his 2nd double and 2nd home run of the season, totaling three RBIs.
Our View: Bruntlett's average has been bouncing around .230 all season long, but he is now 4-for-10 over his last two games. |
|
|
| Drew leads the way for Diamondbacks | Tuesday 5/6, 11:51 PM CT |
|
Arizona SS Stephen Drew carried the load on offense for the Diamondbacks this evening in the team's 6-4 win over Philadelphia. Drew went 2-for-4, hitting his fourth home run of the season to total three RBIs on the evening.
Our View: Drew hasn't been swinging the hottest of bats this season, but he is now 4-for-9 over his last two. |
|
|
| Big Unit picks up second win | Tuesday 5/6, 11:48 PM CT |
|
Arizona LHP Randy Johnson earned his second win of the season, leading the Diamondbacks to a 6-4 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. Johnson pitched six innings, allowing four runs (all earned) on six hits, walking two and striking out six.
Our View: He gave two homers in his deepest outing thus far this season. |
|
|
| Iannetta getting warm for the Rocks | Tuesday 5/6, 11:26 PM CT |
|
The Rockies struggled to produce offense as a team, taking the 6-5 loss from St. Louis, but catcher Chris Iannetta did what he could to keep them in the mix. Iannetta went 2-for-4 at the plate, hitting his 6th double and his 3rd home run of the season to total three RBIs and two runs scored.
Our View: Iannetta's bat has been warming up a bit, going 8-for-16 over his last five games. |
|
|
| Looper earns 5th win | Tuesday 5/6, 11:16 PM CT |
|
Cardinals RHP Braden Looper picked up his fifth win of the season, pitching 8 1/3 innings, allowing four runs (all earned) on 10 hits to lead the Cards to a 6-5 victory. Looper failed to allow a single walk and struck out just one.
Our View: Looper hasn't been terribly strong this season, but wins are wins. |
|
|
| Harden sharp in rehab outing | Tuesday 5/6, 11:11 PM CT |
|
Rich Harden was mostly brilliant in his second rehab start on Tuesday. He allowed only three hits over six scoreless innings and struck out nine batters. Harden walked none but did plunk three guys. He was pitching for High-A Stockton. Harden has been out since April 2 due to a right shoulder strain.
Our View: The A's will likely update his timetable on Tuesday night or Wednesday. He could be back in the majors by Sunday, May 11 if he's deemed to be ready. |
|
|
| Ludwick goes 4-for-4 in win | Tuesday 5/6, 11:10 PM CT |
|
The St. Louis Cardinals managed to find a one-run, 6-5 win over the Colorado Rockies this evening, and it was OF Ryan Ludwick that found his best game to lead the charge. Ludwick was a perfect 4-for-4 with a walk at the plate, hitting two doubles to post one RBI and one run scored.
Our View: Ludwick has reached base via hits in six consecutive games, but this is his first multi-hit performance since April 17th. |
|
|
| Chacon suffers another no decision | Tuesday 5/6, 11:01 PM CT |
|
Houston RHP Shawn Chacon pitched well but managed to give up a few runs and suffer the non-decision in Houston's 6-5 victory over the Washington Nationals. Chacon pitched seven innings, allowing four runs on eight hits. Chacon earned eight strike outs versus four walks, giving up two home runs along the way.
Our View: Chacon has the game to do much better, but in seven starts this season, he has yet to register a win or loss. |
|
|
| Lee grabs 3 RBIs in win over Nats | Tuesday 5/6, 10:57 PM CT |
|
Houston OF Carlos Lee hit the park running today, doing all he could to secure the 6-5 victory over the Washington Nationals. Lee went 3-for-4 at the plate, hitting two doubles to total a team-high three RBIs on the evening.
Our View: Lee has been grinding along with little blips of greatness like this from time to time. The power is there to do better, but the consistency has lacked. |
|
|
| Berkman goes off in win over Nats | Tuesday 5/6, 10:49 PM CT |
|
Houston 1B Lance Berkman has been enjoying another great season thus far, and in tonight's 6-5 victory over the Washington Nationals, he continued to show why he is one of the more feared hitters in the game. Berkman went 5-for-5 at the plate, hitting two doubles to gather just one RBI but four runs scored.
Our View: Berkman is now hitting .353 and is proving why he deserves a modest place among the game's elite.
|
|
|
| Reyes improving | Tuesday 5/6, 10:43 PM CT |
|
Al Reyes played catch from 130 feet on Tuesday and mixed in some curveballs. He had no discomfort in his right shoulder, the Tampa Tribune reports. Reyes will throw off a mound on Friday. The veteran is on the DL due to a shoulder impingement.
Our View: The Rays might not want to bring Reyes back. Their bullpen has been outstanding. We're joking with that first line, but they have little reason to rush his recovery. |
|
|
| Johnson takes free bases in loss to Houston | Tuesday 5/6, 10:42 PM CT |
|
The numbers may not immediately jump from the page, but Washington 1B Nick Johnson contributed a strong effort to the cause in a 6-5 loss to the Houston Astros. Johnson went 1-for-1 with three walks on the evening, making that one swing good for his 5th homer of the season and his 17th RBI.
Our View: Johnson has been struggling in recent weeks and is hoping this can help him get back on track. |
|
|
| Kearns goes long versus Houston | Tuesday 5/6, 10:38 PM CT |
|
Washington OF Austin Kearns put forth a strong effort to keep the Nationals in the mix, but in the end his team suffered the heartbreaking 6-5 loss to the Houston Astros. Kearns went 2-for-4 at the plate, hitting his third home run of the season for his 14th RBI.
Our View: This is Kearns' first homer since April 20th, but it also marks his fourth multi-hit game in five May matchups, a definitive sign of change for the better. |
|
|
| Gonzo goes 4-for-4 in win over Brew crew | Tuesday 5/6, 10:29 PM CT |
|
Florida OF Luis Gonzalez has more than his fair share of seasons in the majors under his belt, and tonight he showed why experience can be your best friend. Gonzo went 4-for-4 in the Marlins' 3-0 win over the Milwaukee Brewers, picking up his 6th RBI of the season and raising his seasonal batting average to .273.
Our View: Gonzo is now 6-for-7 over his last two games, hoping to get his bat going in the right direction. |
|
|
| Ramirez grabs stolen base versus Milwaukee | Tuesday 5/6, 10:24 PM CT |
|
Florida SS Hanley Ramirez continues to make fantasy owners smile, putting another strong performance on the field as the Marlins put a 3-0 whopping on the Milwaukee Brewers. Ramirez went 1-for-3 with a walk at the plate, striking out twice but posting one runs scored and one stolen base along the way.
Our View: Ramirez now touts 11 stolen bases on the season, though his batting average has dipped to .318 on the season. |
|
|
| Olsen dominates Brewers | Tuesday 5/6, 10:16 PM CT |
|
Florida LHP Scott Olsen continues to shine for the Marlins, picking up his fourth win of the season in leading Florida to 3-0 shutout victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. Olsen pitched 8 2/3 innings, failing to allow a single run on just two hits surrendered. He walked four, struck out eight, and completely dominated the Brewers' lineup from top to bottom.
Our View: This is Olsen's first win since he racked up three consecutive victories in mid-April, and it easily ranks as his best to date. |
|
|
| Sanchez, McLouth set tone for Pirates | Tuesday 5/6, 10:02 PM CT |
|
The top of the order provided a strong lift in Pittsburgh's 12-6 win over the San Francisco Giants this evening. 2B Freddy Sanchez went 3-for-4 with three singles and a walk, totaling two RBIs and two runs scored. OF Nate McLouth followed going 3-for-5 at the plate with two home runs for three RBIs on the evening.
Our View: That's five runs scored from the first two batters in the order, a strong effort that bolstered an offensive explosion for the Pirates. |
|
|
| Castillo jacks 2nd homer for 3 RBIs | Tuesday 5/6, 9:56 PM CT |
|
San Francisco 3B Jose Castillo jacked just his 2nd home run of the season in the Giants' 12-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates this evening, but he made it count for three RBIs to top the San Francisco effort. Castillo went 1-for-3 with a walk on the evening, leaving two men on base along the way.
Our View: Castillo may not be hitting the long ball, but he's got a hot bat in his hands, going 7-for-18 over his last six games. |
|
|
| Aurilia goes 3-for-4 in loss | Tuesday 5/6, 9:55 PM CT |
|
San Francisco 1B Rich Aurilia did what he could to put the Giants in the win column this evening, but his efforts were not enough to overcome an offensive surge from the Pittsburgh Pirates, putting the Giants to bed 12-6. Aurilia went 3-for-4 at the plate with his 3rd double of the season, posting one RBI and two runs scored.
Our View: Aurilia has struggled to find his groove, but he is now 6-for-7 over his last two games. |
|
|
| Jurrjens strikes out 8 in win over Padres | Tuesday 5/6, 9:42 PM CT |
|
Atlanta RHP Jair Jurrjens earned his fourth win of the season, pitching a gem to lead the Braves to a 5-3 win over the San Diego Padres. Jurrjens pitched six innings, allowing just one run on seven hits. Jurrjens also held the Padres to just one walk while striking out eight.
Our View: That's three wins for Jurrjens over his last four outings (including one no decision), touting 23 strike outs versus just eight walks. |
|
|
| Giles lone offensive support in Pads loss | Tuesday 5/6, 9:36 PM CT |
|
OF Brian Giles has a good thing going as the leadoff man for the Padres despite a 5-3 loss to the Atlanta Braves. Giles went 4-for-5 with his 8th double of the season, totaling two runs scored.
Our View: This is just the second game in the last 11 in which Giles has failed to earn a walk, touting 10 hits over his last seven games. |
|
|
| Chipper keeps it hot | Tuesday 5/6, 9:35 PM CT |
|
Atlanta 3B Chipper Jones enjoyed another strong night at the plate, helping his Braves earn a 5-3 win over the San Diego Padres. Jones went 1-for-2 at the plate with two walks, hitting his 10th home run of the season to gather two RBIs on the evening.
Our View: That brings Jones to 29 RBIs thus far with an impressive .426 batting average, one of the best starts he has enjoyed since his best days as the young offensive catalyst for the Braves. It certainly helped cover for the 0-for-4 performance of 1B Mark Teixeira hitting cleanup behind Jones (leaving five men on base). |
|
|
| Zambrano aces Cincy for 5th win | Tuesday 5/6, 9:11 PM CT |
|
Chicago ace Carlos Zambrano showed why he is the face of success for the Cubs, pitching his team to a dominating 3-0 victory. Zambrano pitched eight innings, failing to surrender a single run on three hits. The Chicago hurler surrendered three walks balanced with three strike outs, picking up his fifth win of the season.
Our View: With one minor sidenote of worry, Zambrano now touts nine walks over his last three starts after throwing just six in his first six starts. |
|
|
| Harang pitches well, suffers loss | Tuesday 5/6, 9:06 PM CT |
|
Cincinnati starter Aaron Harang may have suffered his 5th loss of the season, but he pitched rather well and only lacked the support of his offense in falling 3-0 to the Cubs. Harang pitched seven innings, allowing three runs (all earned) on seven hits with just two walks surrendered and six strike outs earned.
Our View: Harang now carries a respectable 3.09 ERA and touts one of the best BB/K ratios in the majors. If only he pitched for a team worthy of his talents. |
|
|
| Ramirez shows well versus Cincy | Tuesday 5/6, 9:03 PM CT |
|
Cubs 3B Aramis Ramirez put in work to help Chicago prevail 3-0 over the Cincinnati Reds this evening. Ramirez went 1-for-3 with a walk, collecting his 23rd RBI of the season and adding a run scored.
Our View: Ramirez enjoyed a couple of days off and has struggled a bit with strike outs. Fantasy owners are sure to note his lack of power. He hasn't hit a homer since April 23rd. |
|
|
| Theriot swings it versus Cincy | Tuesday 5/6, 8:58 PM CT |
|
Chicago SS Ryan Theriot seems to be enjoying nearly each and every trip to the plate these days, helping his team to a 3-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds this evening.
Our View: Theriot went 2-for-5 at the plate, adding one run scored and his 8th stolen base of the season. Theriot has eleven hits over his last seven games, also sporting four walks versus just one strike out, though this was his first stolen base this month. |
|
|
| Schmidt unable to pitch sim game | Tuesday 5/6, 8:45 PM CT |
|
Dodger RHP Jason Schmidt did not throw his scheduled game simulation today, according to the LA Daily News.
Our View: Schmidt has yet to recover from lingering soreness resulting from his last simulated game, thus the team has yet to schedule his next step in rehab and will wait to see how his arm feels tomorrow. |
|
|
| Ramirez hits No. 497 | Tuesday 5/6, 8:44 PM CT |
|
Manny Ramirez went 3-for-5 on Tuesday night and swatted a solo homer, the 497th long ball of his career.
Our View: Manny hadn't homered since April 20, but the Tigers practically set it up on a tee for him when they brought in rookie Freddy Dolsi. |
|
|
| Furcal out, may miss two | Tuesday 5/6, 8:42 PM CT |
|
Dodger SS Rafael Furcal has been scratched from tonight's lineup as the Dodgers face the New York Mets, according to the LA Daily News.
Our View: Furcal's back has been bothering him due to tightness, and while the team suggests it is not a problem, the News suggests trainer Stan Conte has hinted he may miss tomorrow as well. Furcal will be replaced by Chin-lung Hu. We will update as needed. |
|
|
| Ledezma gets shot as starter | Tuesday 5/6, 8:09 PM CT |
|
The San Diego Padres have announced LHP Wilfredo Ledezma will start on Thursday against the Atlanta Braves, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Manager Bud Black was certain to assert this decision does not solidify Ledezma as the team's fifth starter. "He'll start Thursday, and when we come to next Tuesday, we will address that over the weekend," said Black. Ledezma has performed well in long relief and is going to get a shot to take the spot currently filled by Justin Germano, having gone 0-3 with an ERA of 6.35 thus far. In Germano's last three starts, he has allowed 21 total earned runs, and thus the Padres are considering other options. |
|
|
| Eckstein injures his groin | Tuesday 5/6, 8:07 PM CT |
|
David Eckstein left Tuesday's game in the fifth inning due to a sore right groin. John McDonald took his place.
Our View: That's all the info we have at the moment. We'll update the situation when more is known, which likely means sometime after the game against the Rays. |
|
|
| Misch start moved to Friday | Tuesday 5/6, 8:03 PM CT |
|
San Francisco manager Bruce Bochy has revised the team's starting rotation as the return of Barry Zito has allowed him to shake things up a bit, namely for fellow LHP Patrick Misch , according to CBSSports.com.
Our View: Bochy reports Zito will start on Wednesday in Pittsburgh, allowing him to move Misch into the spot between two righties, Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum. Misch was scheduled to start on Wednesday but now will face the Phillies on Friday. |
|
|
| Hudson out of lineup, undergoes MRI | Tuesday 5/6, 7:59 PM CT |
|
Arizona 2B Orlando Hudson was back on the field for the Snakes on Monday night, but Tuesday he was once again held out of the starting lineup and the team reports he has undergone an MRI on his aching right hamstring, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: The team has yet to report on the specific results of the examination, but manager Bob Melvin remains optimistic Hudson will avoid a stint on the DL. "My feeling is it's only going to be a couple of days, if that," said Melvin. Augie Ojeda has replaced Hudson in the lineup as Arizona faces Philadelphia this evening. |
|
|
| Cards concerned with Mulder's struggles | Tuesday 5/6, 7:37 PM CT |
|
The St. Louis Cardinals report pitcher Mark Mulder has suffered a setback in his rehab assignment, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Mulder got the start for Triple-A Memphis Redbirds on Monday and failed to impress in his fifth rehab start in the miniors. He allowed seven runs on nine hits through six innings, walking two and striking out four. Mulder has posted an ERA of 13.03 in his two Triple-A start and is reportedly complaining about shoulder fatigue. Mulder is recovering from shoulder surgery performed at the end of 2006 as well as arthroscopic surgery performed a year later. For now, the Cardinals are not making future plans for the struggling veteran starter, hoping to see positive results from upcoming medical tests that may reveal news about that shoulder fatigue. |
|
|
| Dukes nearing return | Tuesday 5/6, 7:22 PM CT |
|
The Washington Nationals report OF Elijah Dukes is nearing return to the majors, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Dukes went 0-for-4 on Monday for Triple-A Columbus in his continued effort to complete rehab for a strained right hamstring. He has been on the DL since March 30 and is now 4-for-14 with a double, a triple, and three RBIs. "We just want to make sure he's ready when we bring him up," manager Manny Acta said. "When the (coaches) tell us that he's ready and we think he's ready, he'll be there." |
|
|
| Willingham nearing return | Tuesday 5/6, 7:16 PM CT |
|
The Florida Marlins report OF Josh Willingham should be ready to take the field within the next week, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Willingham went to the DL on May 2nd, retroactive to April 28th, and thus is ineligible to return until May 13th. He has not swung a bat since last Tuesday and may struggle to return as quickly as hoped. "There usually is no rhyme or reason to when or where," said Willingham. "It's one of those things where it happens once or twice a year. I hate it," Willingham said. |
|
|
| Marlins interested in OF Jones | Tuesday 5/6, 7:08 PM CT |
|
The Florida Marlins have made an official inquiry to the Detroit Tigers about OF Jacque Jones , according to MLB.com.
Our View: Jones was recently designated for assignment and is now a potential trade target for a few teams in need of a speedy outfield presence. The Marlins are hoping to inquiry about a potential deal and could have a swap in place later this week. We will update as news becomes available. |
|
|
| Moylan done for the year | Tuesday 5/6, 7:00 PM CT |
|
Atlanta relief pitcher Peter Moylan will undergo elbow surgery likely to end his season, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Our View: The sidearm pitcher was recenty forced to stop a bullpen session after only seven pitches and is going to undergo surgery to repair painful bone spur that is interfering with an elbow ligament. He is expected to miss about 12 months are a result of the surgery. |
|
|
| More tests for ailing Soriano | Tuesday 5/6, 6:12 PM CT |
|
Rafael Soriano will undergo an MRI and other testing on Wednesday to help figure out what's wrong with his right elbow. "We're going to see if we can get to the bottom of it," general manager Frank Wren tells the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "It just hasn't seem to improve much."
Our View: Lingering soreness stories never seem to turn out well. We'll continue to update Soriano's status, but between this elbow injury and John Smoltz's plans, this closer has lost a ton of value. |
|
|
| Blanco starting again | Tuesday 5/6, 5:51 PM CT |
|
Gregor Blanco will make his fifth straight start in left field on Tuesday night. All five of the games have come against right-handed pitchers, and the rookie is batting .333 against righties.
Our View: Matt Diaz opened the season as the full-time starter in left, but this situation is clearly a platoon at this point. Diaz is batting .462 vs. lefties and .173 against right-handers. The logic is obvious. |
|
|
| Yost stands by Gagne | Tuesday 5/6, 5:46 PM CT |
|
Manager Ned Yost reiterated on Tuesday that the Brewers will stick with Eric Gagne as their closer. In fact, Yost says it's "ridiculous" to even talk about a change. "This is a guy who has had a lot of success in this role," Yost tells the AP. "You allow him the time to work through it." Gagne owns nine saves, but he also leads the majors with five blown chances and sports s 6.14 ERA.
Our View: It may only seem "ridiculous" because nobody else in the Brewers bullpen has been consistent enough to challenge for the closer's spot. Anyway, it sounds like Gagne is safe, for now. |
|
|
| Sanchez, McLouth swap lineup spots | Tuesday 5/6, 5:38 PM CT |
|
The Pirates have tweaked their lineup a bit. Freddy Sanchez will bat leadoff on Tuesday, and Nate McLouth will move down to second, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. "This may get (Sanchez) going a little bit," manager John Russell explains.
Our View: This news doesn't really affect fantasy leagues. If anything, we hope McLouth will see more RBI chances. |
|
|
| Ramirez to start Tuesday | Tuesday 5/6, 4:59 PM CT |
|
Aramis Ramirez is listed in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Reds. He tells the Chicago Sun-Times that his sore left wrist isn't 100 percent, but he's good enough to play. Ramirez took a pitch off the joint on Friday.
Our View: We're less amazed with A-Ram's status than the fact that the Sun-Times uses Twitter to provide updates. Most papers are still trying to adapt to the whole world of blogs. Anyway, it sounds mildly safe to use Ramirez in fantasy lineups. |
|
|
| Zito to start Wednesday | Tuesday 5/6, 4:44 PM CT |
|
Barry Zito will start against the Pirates on Wednesday, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Our View: Fantasy owners in daily lineup leagues might want to bump up their Pirates on Wednesday. |
|
|
| Hensley has setback | Tuesday 5/6, 4:24 PM CT |
|
Clay Hensley is having further issues with his surgically repaired right shoulder and won't throw for at least another four or five days, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. He has made five minor league rehab appearances and now needs to wait seven days before taking the hill again.
Our View: This sounds like a minor setback for Hensley. The right-hander was mainly a starter prior to tearing his labrum in 2007, but his more immediate future may be as a long reliever. |
|
|
| Harang aiming to end skid | Tuesday 5/6, 2:50 PM CT |
|
Aaron Harang is winless in his last four starts and will aim to end the skid tonight when the Reds host the Cubs in Cincinnati, according to MLB.com. In this season's previous start against Chicago on April 15 at Wrigley Field, Harang gave up five earned runs and eight hits over six innings while battling through a cold.
Our View: Harang is 1-4 for the season, but holds a favorable 2.05 ERA and a strong 1.08 WHIP. He has fired 41 strikeouts over 48.1 innings, and has only allowed six earned runs over his last three starts, but the Reds provided poor run support over the stretch, which prevented from claiming any wins. He should be in your lineups tonight. |
|
|
| Molina ranks 2nd in RBI among C | Tuesday 5/6, 2:07 PM CT |
|
Bengie Molina currently ranks second in the Major League among catchers with 19 RBI, according to MLB.com. Geovany Soto of the Cubs leads with 20.
Our View: Molina is also hitting .296 with four homers (over 25 games), and 17 of his RBI came over the last 17 games. He has proven to be a tremendous value for those fantasy owners who like to hold off and wait to address the catcher position during the draft. |
|
|
| Rowand is hot | Tuesday 5/6, 2:00 PM CT |
|
Aaron Rowand is hot right now, as he is batting .383, with six doubles, three homers, and 11 RBI over his last 16 games, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Rowand is hitting .337 overall this season, and should remain in your lineups while he's hot, especially tonight against Pirates' hurler Zack Duke, who is 0-2 with a 4.79 ERA. |
|
|
| Duke still looking for first win | Tuesday 5/6, 1:41 PM CT |
|
Zach Duke will be looking to claim his first win of the season tonight when the Pirates host the Giants, according to MLB.com. Duke is 0-2 over six starts with a 4.79 ERA and poor 1.63 WHIP.
Our View: Duke should not be in your lineups tonight, especially since he only racked up 10 strikeouts over 35.2 innings pitched. |
|
|
| Sanchez in action against Pirates | Tuesday 5/6, 1:36 PM CT |
|
Jonathan Sanchez is set to take the hill against the Pirates tonight, according to MLB.com. Sanchez is 2-1 with a 3.48 ERA and 1.28 WHIP over 33.2 innings, with 40 strikeouts.
Our View: Sanchez is pitching great right now, as he only allowed 11 hits and three runs over his last three starts. He has 10 walks over that span, but his season WHIP is still fine at 1.28. |
|
|
| Young in action tonight | Tuesday 5/6, 12:57 PM CT |
|
Chris Young will be in action tonight when the Padres battle the Braves in Atlanta, according to MLB.com. Young is 2-2 this season with a 3.63 ERA, and is 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA over his career at Turner Field.
Our View: Young has issued three walks in each of his last three starts, but has only allowed 10 hits and five earned runs over that span (19 innings). He is pitching well, despite one poor outing against the Dodgers on April 12th, when he got rocked for six runs. |
|
|
| Estes notches another win in Triple-A | Tuesday 5/6, 12:48 PM CT |
|
Shawn Estes improved to 4-2 with seven innings with no earned runs allowed on Saturday for Triple-A Portland, according to MLB.com. Estes has a 3.67 ERA this season in the minors.
Our View: It is possible that the 35-year old lefty might be considered for a start on Thursday with the Padres, who are thinking of making a change in the fifth starter spot of their rotation. Wil Ledezma and Glendon Rusch are the in-house candidates for the start if the Padres opt to replace Justin Germano, who hasn't won a decision this season.
|
|
|
| Michaels officially designated | Tuesday 5/6, 11:42 AM CT |
|
Jason Michaels has officially been designated for assignment, according to the AP. Outfielder Ben Francisco has been recalled from Triple-A Buffalo, and Michaels was seen as expendable to free up a roster spot.
Our View: The 32-year old Michaels was struggling with a .207 average over 58 at-bats, with 13 strikeouts, and held no fantasy value prior to his demotion. |
|
|
| Mathieson thinking about surgery | Tuesday 5/6, 10:58 AM CT |
|
Scott Mathieson, who has been on the shelf after right elbow surgery, is deciding whether to have another operation, according to the Philadelphia Enquirer.
Our View: That could mean his second Tommy John surgery. He first underwent the surgery on September 29, 2006. |
|
|
| Benson is improving | Tuesday 5/6, 10:54 AM CT |
|
Kris Benson is improving, and has been throwing long toss, according to the Philadelphia Enquirer. He is recovering on the DL from a strained right groin. There remains no timetable for his return to the diamond.
Our View: He isn't expected to be back before June, and isn't worth waiting for as a fantasy prospect. He held a below average 1.40 WHIP over 183 innings in 2006, with a mere 88 strikeouts. |
|
|
| Snelling still feeling soreness | Tuesday 5/6, 10:51 AM CT |
|
Chris Snelling is still feeling soreness in his inflamed left knee, according to the Philadelphia Enquirer.
Our View: The former prized prospect for the Mariners hit a home run over three brief at-bats this season before landing on the DL. He could develop into a star, but very poor durability could prevent that from ever happening. |
|
|
| Richar not expected back soon | Tuesday 5/6, 10:45 AM CT |
|
Danny Richar is being brought along slower than expected to guarantee his recovery from a stress fracture in his rib cage, according to the Chicago Tribune. He has had some complications and isn't expected to start a rehab assigment until at least the third week of May.
Our View: Richar could provide solid depth off the bench for Chicago, but isn't ready to make an impact as an every day player. His fantasy stock shall remain low. |
|
|
| Davis threw sim. game Monday | Tuesday 5/6, 10:38 AM CT |
|
Doug Davis threw a simulated game on Monday, according to the East Valley Tribune. Davis was pleased with his command in a 65-pitch simulated game, which came 25 days after his cancerous thyroid was removed and a week after a radiation iodine treatment kept him isolated for three days. Jeff Salazar said, "He looked real good, just as good as every other big leaguer we've been facing. He buckled me one time on a breaking ball. Strike three." Manager Bob Melvin also commented that his endurance was better than expected.
Our View: Davis expects to make a rehab start at Triple-A Tucson on Saturday, and the Diamondbacks are planning for him to make one more start before returning from the DL, a move that could potentially push rookie phenom Max Scherzer to the bullpen. Davis is taking aim at a return to the team during the May 16-18 home series against Detroit.
|
|
|
| Rodriguez to throw pen session | Tuesday 5/6, 10:22 AM CT |
|
Wandy Rodriguez, who is on the DL recovering from a strained groin, will throw a bullpen session today at Minute Maid Park, according to the Houston Chronicle. He said, "I don't know if I'm healthy yet, because I have to see after I throw. I have to see if I feel it when I throw. I have to pitch because that's when I can see how I feel."
Our View: Rodriguez, who continued to feel discomfort during a simulated game last Monday in Arizona, was shut down Friday after he was examined by Dr. Dave Lintner. The Astros initially had hoped Rodriguez would be ready to come off the DL and start today against Washington, but it's uncertain if he'll even be ready before next week. Ed Wade stated the team will have to play it by ear, and see how his session goes today. |
|
|
| Mulder struggles again | Tuesday 5/6, 9:22 AM CT |
|
Mark Mulder made his second start for Triple-A Memphis on Monday, and was unable to make the big pitches in a 7-6 Pacific Coast League loss to Colorado, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Cardinals' GM John Mozeliak was looking on from behind home plate. Mulder was rocked for seven runs on nine hits over six unstable innings that left Mozeliak quite unimpressed, who said, "Obviously it wasn't an outing where he could just breeze through it. I feel that at times it lacked effort, or intensity may be the right word. There's still some work to be done." Mulder is recovering from left rotator surgery.
Our View: Mulder is due to come off the 30-day DL May 14, but it's unclear what the Cardinals plan to do him. Mozeliak said he doesn't want to put him in a situation he isn't prepared for. Mulder will make one more start for Memphis on Saturday. After that, the Cardinals must decide whether to activate him from the DL, sideline him or send him to extended spring training.
|
|
|
| Pie could land in Triple-A | Tuesday 5/6, 9:14 AM CT |
|
Felix Pie could potentially get sent down to the minors, according to the Arlington Daily Herald. Lou Piniella wouldn't reveal how long the Cubs would work with Pie on his hitting at the major-league level, but when asked if Pie could get sent down to Triple-A to work on his game, Piniella said, "Nothing's indefinitely. We'll just leave it at nothing's indefinitely."
Our View: Pie is only hitting .231 over 52 at-bats, with 18 strikeouts. The Cubs have Reed Johnson ready to play every day in the outfield, and the team could afford to send Pie down. Pie isn't helping fantasy teams right now either, so a demotion wouldn't hurt. |
|
|
| Fogg on Rockies' radar? | Tuesday 5/6, 9:04 AM CT |
|
Josh Fogg is believed to be on the Rockies' radar, according to the Denver Post. The Rockies rotation is hurting with mechanics issues and injuries right now, and the team is discussing a possible trade for Fogg, as well as Julian Tavarez of the Red Sox. The Rockies also targeted Oakland's Rich Harden and Joe Blanton, and Texas' Kevin Millwood. Harden is injured, Blanton is currently unavailable. And while the Rangers will listen to offers for Millwood, they want the right players in return, not salary relief. Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd said, "It's early in the year, and there a lot of clubs sorting through issues, and when they get through them that's about the same time that Hirsh, Morales and Reynolds should be ready to help us. So I am trying to find one guy for six or seven starts."
Our View: Colorado is searching for a pitcher to solidify the rotation until Franklin Morales, Greg Reynolds and the injured Jason Hirsh are ready to contribute sometime in June. Fogg is sitting in the Reds' bullpen right now, and could help as he previously won 10 games for Colorado. Boston's Tavarez is also a former member of the Rockies.
|
|
|
| Kapler back to reserve role | Tuesday 5/6, 8:05 AM CT |
|
Gabe Kapler has returned to his reserve role when outfielder Mike Cameron returned from his suspension, according to CBSsports.
Our View: Kapler hasn't started a game since April 26, and only has four at-bats since that date. Kapler was hitting well prior to Cameron's return, as he hit four homers and 13 RBI, but he now holds little fantasy value. |
|
|
| Castro hits two-run homer for St. Lucie | Tuesday 5/6, 7:09 AM CT |
|
Ramon Castro hit a two-run homer in a rehab start for Single-A St. Lucie, according to MetsBlog. He is recovering from a right hamstring strain.
Our View: He will serve as Brian Schneider's backup when he returns. Gustavo Molina would likely be out of the mix, as team's don't usually carry three catchers. |
|
