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| Olivo hits fifth homer | Friday 5/16, 11:58 PM CT |
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Miguel Olivo went 2-for-4 and belted a two-run homer in Friday's 7-6 win over the Marlins. That was his fifth homer of the season.
Our View: He has now racked up two hits in back-to-back games, and tonight was his fifth multi-hit game of the month. |
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| Nathan picks up 13th save | Friday 5/16, 11:53 PM CT |
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Joe Nathan picked up his 13th save of the season in Friday's 4-2 win over Colorado. He issued one walk and one hit in the ninth inning.
Our View: He is a perfect 13-for-13 in save opportunities, and has 18 strikeouts and four walks over 17 innings. |
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| Haren registers fifth win | Friday 5/16, 11:39 PM CT |
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Dan Haren registered his fifth win of the season on Friday as Arizona topped Detroit 4-3. Haren allowed three runs on six hits over seven innings, with no walks and four strikeouts. Most of the damage came on a two-run homer by Miguel Cabrera.
Our View: Haren held an excellent 0.99 WHIP over 50.1 innings prior to tonight's outing, and he only had one poor start all season, when he got rocked for five earned runs on nine hits over 4.2 innings against the Dodgers on April 23. Haren has played up to high expectations with the D-Backs so far this season. |
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| Cabrera hits two-run homer | Friday 5/16, 11:33 PM CT |
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Miguel Cabrera went 1-for-4 and hit a two-run homer in Friday's 4-3 loss to Arizona.
Our View: Those were his first RBI since May 1, when he collected three against the Yankees. He hit his last home run prior to tonight in that game against New York as well. |
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| Olson remains unbeaten | Friday 5/16, 11:27 PM CT |
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Garrett Olson allowed three runs on nine hits over five innings in Friday's 5-3 win over the Nationals, with no walks and three strikeouts.
Our View: Olsen remains unbeaten at 3-0. He has 18 strikeouts and seven walks over 23.1 innings. He is worth a look in AL-only leagues if still available. |
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| Barmes goes 3-for-4 | Friday 5/16, 11:11 PM CT |
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Clint Barmes went 3-for-4 with an RBI in Friday's 4-2 loss to Minnesota. He had one double, one triple, and one single tonight, with one run scored.
Our View: That was his fifth multi-hit game of May. He is hitting .355 overall, and continues to fare very well as the Rockies' starting shortstop. |
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| Blackburn records fourth win | Friday 5/16, 11:05 PM CT |
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Nick Blackburn only allowed two runs on six hits over seven innings in Friday's 4-2 win over the Rockies, with five strikeouts and no walks. He improved his record to 4-2 and lowered his ERA to 3.77.
Our View: That was one of his best performances so far this season. He now has 10 strikeouts over his last two starts (13 innings), with only one walk issued. He is worth a look if you need pitching help and can land him for cheap. |
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| Mauer played entire game | Friday 5/16, 11:00 PM CT |
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Joe Mauer strained his neck during early batting practice and there was concern he may be scratched tonight, but he managed to play the entire game, and went 1-for-5 with an RBI in the Twins' 4-2 win over the Rockies.
Our View: Mauer seems to be fine, and is once again a safe fantasy option. |
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| Young racks up three RBI | Friday 5/16, 10:46 PM CT |
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Michael Young went 2-for-6 and racked up three RBI in Friday's 16-8 win over the Astros. He also scored three runs.
Our View: Young has recorded seven RBI over his last five games. He is closing in on the .300 mark as well, as he currently stands at .289. |
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| Hamilton collects pair of homers | Friday 5/16, 10:39 PM CT |
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Josh Hamilton had another huge game as he went 5-for-5 with five RBI in Friday's 16-8 win over the Astros. Two of his hits went for home runs, giving him 10 for the season. He also scored four runs.
Our View: He now has 49 RBI over 42 games, with a .314 average. He is on pace for 189 RBI. |
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| Pence productive in leadoff spot | Friday 5/16, 10:32 PM CT |
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Hunter Pence was productive in the leadoff spot as he went 1-for-4 with one RBI and one run scored in Friday's 16-8 loss to the Rangers. He also drew one walk.
Our View: He replaced Michael Bourn for the leadoff role, and is off to good start. If he stays, he will have a good chance to score a lot of runs while hitting ahead of Miguel Tejada and Lance Berkman in the Astros' order. |
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| Tolbert officially placed on DL | Friday 5/16, 10:12 PM CT |
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Matt Tolbert has officially been placed on the 15-day DL due to a torn ligament in his left thumb, according to the AP. To replace Tolbert on the roster, the Twins will purchase the contract of infielder Howie Clark from Triple-A Rochester.
Our View: Tolbert was hitting .265 prior to landing on the DL, with 13 runs scored and four stolen bases over 30 games. Six of his 22 hits went for doubles. He provided solid depth to the Twins' infield, and he will be missed while out of action. |
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| Duncan records lone RBI for Cardinals | Friday 5/16, 10:07 PM CT |
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Chris Duncan went 2-for-4 and recorded the Cardinals' lone RBI in Friday's 3-1 loss to the upstart Rays. The run came on a home run, his fourth of the season.
Our View: He was the sole source of offense for St. Louis tonight, but Duncan only has seven hits and six RBI over 15 games in May. |
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| Sonnanstine claims sixth win | Friday 5/16, 10:01 PM CT |
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Andy Sonnanstine only allowed one run on eight hits over eight innings in Friday's 3-1 win over the Cardinals, with no walks and four strikeouts. The only run came on a Chris Duncan homer.
Our View: Sonnanstine is now 6-1 for the season, but holds an unimpressive 4.53 ERA. The Rays average just under seven runs of support over his nine starts. |
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| McCann goes 3-for-4 | Friday 5/16, 9:55 PM CT |
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Brian McCann went 3-for-4 with an RBI in Friday's close 3-2 win over Oakland. Two of his hits went for doubles, and he now has 16 for the season.
Our View: He now has 13 RBI and 19 hits over 14 games in May. He has registered a double in four straight games as well. |
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| Eveland ends night with no decision | Friday 5/16, 9:50 PM CT |
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Dana Eveland pitched well but ended Friday night with a no decision as Oakland was topped by Atlanta 3-2. Eveland allowed two runs on six hits over 5.2 innings, with three walks and four strikeouts.
Our View: Eveland has only allowed five earned runs over his last three starts (18.2 innings). He only allowed four or more runs in two of his nine starts, and held a solid 1.25 WHIP heading into tonight's outing. |
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| Tomko picks up second win | Friday 5/16, 9:42 PM CT |
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Brett Tomko picked up his second win of the season on Friday, as Kansas City edged Florida 7-6. Tomko allowed two runs on five hits over six innings, with one walk and four strikeouts. Most of the damage came on a solo home run by Dan Uggla.
Our View: Tomko bounced back nicely, as he was lit up for six runs on nine hits in his previous start (against Baltimore). He has been solid overall as of late, as he three seven scoreless innings against the Angels on May 5. Tomko is worth consideration if you need help in your rotation. |
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| Uggla blasts 13th homer | Friday 5/16, 9:36 PM CT |
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Dan Uggla went 3-for-3 with one RBI and blasted his 13th homer of the season in Friday's 7-6 loss to the Royals. He scored three runs in the losing effort as well.
Our View: Uggla has pushed his average up to .313, with 30 RBI and 33 runs scored over 40 games. Uggla is having a strong season, and is still getting better as a second baseman. |
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| Guillen remains hot | Friday 5/16, 9:30 PM CT |
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Jose Guillen remains hot as he went 3-for-4 with two RBI in Friday's close 7-6 win over the Marlins.
Our View: He now has racked up nine RBI over his last six games, while collecting 12 hits over the span as well. |
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| Sherrill nails down 16th save | Friday 5/16, 9:25 PM CT |
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George Sherrill nailed down his 16th save of the season in Friday's 5-3 win over Washington. He did not allow a hit or walk in the ninth inning.
Our View: Six of his saves have come over seven appearances in May. He has only allowed six hits over that span as well. |
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| Cueto gives up three homers | Friday 5/16, 9:18 PM CT |
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Johnny Cueto ended Friday's 4-3 win over the Indians with a no decision. He allowed three runs on only three hits over six innings of work, with two walks and seven strikeouts. All of the damage came on three solo home runs.
Our View: He has now given up six homers over his last three starts. On a positive note, he also has 53 strikeouts over 51.2 innings. His WHIP was still solid at 1.25 heading into tonight's game as well. |
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| Blake goes 2-for-4 | Friday 5/16, 9:11 PM CT |
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Casey Blake went 2-for-4 with an RBI in Friday's 4-3 loss to Cincinnati. One of his hits went for a home run, his third of the season.
Our View: Blake is still only hitting .229 but has 26 RBI over 37 games. |
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| Mora fares well in return | Friday 5/16, 9:07 PM CT |
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Melvin Mora missed two straight games due to a sore right shoulder, but fared well in his return on Friday, as he went 1-for-3 with an RBI, his 22nd of the season.
Our View: He returned to action without a problem, and is safe to return to your lineups. |
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| Zimmerman collects two RBI in loss | Friday 5/16, 9:03 PM CT |
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Ryan Zimmerman went 3-for-5 with two RBI in Friday's loss to the Orioles.
Our View: Zimmerman now has five homers and 10 RBI through 15 games in May. He has 15 hits over the span as well. He is starting to come around following a disappointimg start. |
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| Rios goes 2-for-4 | Friday 5/16, 8:59 PM CT |
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Alex Rios went 2-for-4 with an RBI in Friday's 10-3 loss to the Phillies.
Our View: He has now registered an RBI in back-to-back games, after going 13 straight games without one. He hasn't hit a home run since May 1 as well. |
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| Werth enters Phillies' record book | Friday 5/16, 8:44 PM CT |
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Jayson Werth entered the Phillies' record book on Friday as he tied a franchise mark with eight RBI in a 10-3 win over Toronto, according to the AP. He hit three home runs in the game, one of which was good for a grand slam.
Our View: The most recent member of the Phillies to do it was Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt, who accomplished the feat on April 17, 1976. Werth now has nine homers and 26 RBI over 34 games, and should continue to see plenty of action with the Phillies.
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| Dodgers sign Bellhorn | Friday 5/16, 8:37 PM CT |
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The Dodgers have signed Mark Bellhorn to a minor league deal, according to the LA Daily News. He quietly reported to Double-A Jacksonville on Thursday, and went 2-for-2 with a double and a walk in his debut against Birmingham.
Our View: He was signed to fill a roster spot for Jacksonville, and the Dodgers didn't bring him in with intentions to add him to the big league team. It was strictly a minor league signing. |
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| Lohse expects to make Sunday start | Friday 5/16, 8:30 PM CT |
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Kyle Lohse won't miss his next start, according to MLB.com. He said Friday that he expects to make his scheduled start on Sunday, a day after it appeared that the start was in doubt. Lohse is dealing with discomfort in the back of his right shoulder, and he said, "I'm doing a little bit more than maybe normal, but what's normal. You're doing a pretty not-normal thing when you're throwing a ball, so you can have little things come up."
Our View: In his eight seasons in the majors, Lohse has never missed a start. He is 3-2 with a 4.91 ERA and passable 1.36 WHIP over nine starts, and has been a decent starter in NL-only leagues so far.
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| Prior has tear in shoulder | Friday 5/16, 8:14 PM CT |
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Mark Prior has a tear in the capsule of his right shoulder, which is the shoulder he had surgery on in April of 2007, according to MLB.com. As previously reported, Prior had an examination and an MRI exam on his shoulder on Wednesday at the office of Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Alabama. Prior's agent John Boggs said, "It's a setback, but in terms of how big of a setback, we won't know until you know how Prior is feeling. We just hope it's not a major setback. Mark is looking at it in a positive way. He will just lay low for a few weeks and let the shoulder settle down."
Our View: The team initially hoped Prior would be able to return to the majors by June 1. This new setback will prevent him from throwing for at least two weeks. |
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| Red Sox / Brewers game postponed | Friday 5/16, 7:57 PM CT |
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Friday's game between the Red Sox and Brewers has been postponed due to rain, according to the AP.
Our View: It was rescheduled as the second game of a day-night doubleheader on Saturday. |
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| Bard could be promoted to Double-A | Friday 5/16, 7:54 PM CT |
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Daniel Bard could be promoted to Double-A Portland, according to the Providence Journal. The Red Sox selected the right-hander as their second pick (28th overall) in the 2006 draft.
Our View: The reliever is 1-0 with a 0.67 ERA in 14 appearances at Greenville, with 42 strikeouts over 27 innings.
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| Swisher penciled in to bat seventh | Friday 5/16, 7:47 PM CT |
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Nick Swisher is penciled in to bat seventh in the White Sox lineup tonight, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Our View: Swisher holds a .211 batting average over 40 games, with four homers and 10 RBI, but still managed to score 23 runs, due to a .339 on-base percentage. |
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| Mench leaves game | Friday 5/16, 7:46 PM CT |
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Kevin Mench was removed from the Blue Jays game on Friday night after running into the outfield wall, according to The Sports Network. Mench was replaced by Shannon Stewart after injuring himself on the leaping catch.
Our View: Mench gave it his all on the play, and that type of effort is what the Jays are looking for. We will update you when we hear how he is doing, but Stewart would figure to be the prime beneficiary with one less bat to share at-bats with in teh Jays outfield if Mench is out long-term. |
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| Ross making case for starting role | Friday 5/16, 7:41 PM CT |
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Cody Ross is working his way into what could be a full-time role as the leadoff hitter and center fielder for the Marlins, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Apparently manager Fredi Gonzalez commented he might give Ross five straight starts, which has set this whole thing in motion. Since he hit .335 in 173 AB last year, that might be a good idea. Still, he doesn't figure to be more than a very low end mixed league option. |
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| Ramirez will start at 2B tonight | Friday 5/16, 7:41 PM CT |
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Alexei Ramirez will start at second base against the Giants tonight, according to the Chicago Tribune. He will bat eighth in the lineup.
Our View: He has loads of potential, but is only hitting .143 so far, with no homers and three RBI over 42 at-bats. Keep him on your bench. |
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| Jenkins riding the pine | Friday 5/16, 7:37 PM CT |
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Geoff Jenkins has had enough of spending time on the bench, but he realizes there may not be much he can do about with the team facing so many left-handed pitchers, according to MLB.com. "I'm bored," Jenkins said. "I've never seen so many lefties before in my life. It's a barrage, just one of the weird, quirky parts of the season. I can't see this happening again."
Our View: With Jayson Werth still tearing it up, he had a huge night on Friday, there just haven't been that many AB for Jenkins, especially since the Phils have faced so many lefties, an area in which Jenkins really struggles. Jenkins will continue to sit anytime a lefty is on the hill, but when the team faces right-handers, Charlie Manuel will have to decide how he wants to use Jenkins, Werth and Shane Victorino. |
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| Betancourt out of closers role | Friday 5/16, 7:30 PM CT |
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Updating a previous report, Rafael Betancourt has indeed been removed from the closers role in Cleveland and the spot will now be filled by four pitchers, according to the Associated Press. “I look at it like we have four guys I feel comfortable using in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings, depending on the matchup and availability,” manager Eric Wedge said. “That’s how I’m goring to play it out. I’m not going to say somebody is or somebody isn’t (a closer). I feel we can be comfortable using all four of those guys.”
Our View: The four pitchers are Jensen Lewis, Rafael Perez, Masa Kobayashi and Bentacourt, and it sure looks like Kobayashi is the top option with Betancourt most likely to slide back into his setup role since most managers like to keep their top lefty (Perez) for tough matchups. |
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| Spilborghs starts in LF | Friday 5/16, 7:29 PM CT |
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Ryan Spilborghs gets the start in left field tonight, as Matt Holliday has been scratched due to a back issue, according to the Star Tribune.
Our View: Spilborghs is hitting .309 over 68 at-bats, with one homer and 15 RBI. He also has three stolen bases. He won't replace the elite Holliday's bat, but he will provide the team with a solid substitute nonetheless. |
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| Pronk won't play first base | Friday 5/16, 7:25 PM CT |
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Contrary to previously established reports, Travis Hafner will not play first base when the Indians take on the Reds in interleague play, according to MLB.com. "I'm not crazy about taking any chances physically," said manager Eric Wedge. "For him to ramp up with the throwing and do everything he needs to do, I don't want to do anything that does affect him physically.
Our View: Maybe the time off will give Hanfer the time he needs to straighten out his lost swing. Ryan Garko, swinging a bit of a down bat himself, will continue to start at first base for the time being. |
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| Holliday scratched for tonight | Friday 5/16, 7:22 PM CT |
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Matt Holliday has been scratched from the Rockies' lineup for tonight due to a lower back ailment, according to the Star Tribune. Head trainer Keith Dugger said, "He’s been battling it for a couple of days. He tried to get loose. It’s precautionary. He didn’t have any injury of any sort, it just kind of came on. It’s not a disk or anything like that, it’s a tight back." Dugger also said he could pinch hit Friday night if his back responds to treatment.
Our View: Holliday is listed as day-to-day. Ryan Spilborghs will cover his spot in left field. |
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| Mauer strained neck during BP | Friday 5/16, 7:18 PM CT |
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Joe Mauer strained his neck during early batting practice but indicated that he can play, according to the Star Tribune.
Our View: There was initial concern that he may be scratched, so he will be a risky fantasy option for tonight. |
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| Rasner to be skipped | Friday 5/16, 7:10 PM CT |
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Darrell Rasner will be skipped in the rotation, according to the AP. Rasner was scheduled to start tonight against the Mets, but the game was postponed due to rain. Andy Pettitte will start on Saturday and Chien-Ming Wang will go on Sunday.
Our View: Manager Joe Girardi was going to keep his pitchers in order, but ultimately decided to change his mind by skipping over Rasner. |
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| Santana pushed back to Saturday | Friday 5/16, 7:05 PM CT |
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Johan Santana has been pushed back to Saturday as Friday's scheduled start against the Yankees has been postponed due to rain, according to the AP. Oliver Perez will follow him on Sunday.
Our View: The Mets already have a day-night doubleheader Tuesday at Atlanta and didn’t want to schedule another doubleheader for this week. The game will likely be made up some time in June.
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| Griffey not getting dealt any time soon | Friday 5/16, 6:54 PM CT |
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Cincinnati GM Walt Jocketty stated on Friday that the Reds and Mariners have talked a little about Ken Griffey Jr. , but there will need to be extensive negotiations before a player with a $16.5 million option for the 2009 season gets moved anywhere, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Jocketty added, "There haven't been any substantial discussions. I know he's said he wants to end his career in Seattle, but I also know he wants to win a World Series title. And I think he'd like to win that here, if possible."
Our View: The Mariners currently have the worst record in the American League at 16-26, but Cincinnati is not much better as they are 18-23 at the bottom of the NL Central. Griffey won't likely be winning a championship with either of these teams in the near future. |
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| Mora returns to action | Friday 5/16, 6:46 PM CT |
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Melvin Mora returned to the Orioles' lineup on Friday, according to the AP. His sore right shoulder responded well enough to throwing drills, and Manager Dave Trembley thought he was fully recovered, but cautioned to reporters to have erasers handy in case he gets scratched for his third-straight game.
Our View: He has basically had four days to rest the ailment, and should be safe to return to your lineups if his can play tonight's game without any problems. |
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| Geary placed on DL | Friday 5/16, 6:37 PM CT |
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Righty reliever Geoff Geary has been placed on the 15-day DL due to a strained right groin, according to the AP. Right-handed pitcher Fernando Nieve has been recalled from Triple-A Round Rock to fill his spot on the roster.
Our View: Geary was pitching well as he has not allowed a run in 10 consecutive appearances since April 26. He holds a 1.47 ERA and 1.15 WHIP over 18.1 innings, with 17 strikeouts. He will be a tough loss for the Astros' bullpen. |
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| Tupman recalled | Friday 5/16, 6:31 PM CT |
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Matt Tupman has been recalled from Triple-A Omaha, according to the AP. He was brought in to cover John Buck's spot on the roster, who was given three days of bereavement leave because of health concerns for his wife, Brooke, after giving birth to twins.
Our View: Tupman will provide depth during his brief stint with the team, but won't likely see much action. Miguel Olivo will start at catcher while Buck is away. |
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| Buck out on bereavement leave | Friday 5/16, 6:27 PM CT |
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John Buck has been granted three days of bereavement leave because of health concerns for his wife, Brooke, after giving birth to twins, according to the AP. Buck did not accompany the Royals to Miami for their weekend series against the Marlins, and catcher Matt Tupman has been recalled from Triple-A Omaha to fill his roster spot.
Our View: Miguel Olivo will handle the catching role while Buck is away from the team. |
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| Yankees / Mets game postponed | Friday 5/16, 6:20 PM CT |
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| Friday's subway series opener between the Yankees and Mets has been postponed due to rain, according to the AP. |
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| Tolbert expected to land on DL | Friday 5/16, 6:16 PM CT |
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Matt Tolbert is expected to be placed on the 15-day DL due to the thumb injury he sustained in Thursday's game against Toronto, according to the Star Tribune. The team is yet to name a potential replacement on the roster.
Our View: Tolbert was hitting .265 prior to going down, with 13 runs scored and four stolen bases over 30 games. Six of his 22 hits went for doubles. |
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| Rockies acquire Rusch | Friday 5/16, 6:08 PM CT |
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The Rockies have acquired left-handed pitcher Glendon Rusch, according to the Denver Post. He signed a minor league deal with the team, and joined the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Triple-A) in Fresno today. He could be activated soon.
Our View: The reliever was previously released by the Padres. He can pitch in long relief and also could be used as a spot starter, and the Rockies like his versatility. |
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| Fernando Martinez out three weeks | Friday 5/16, 5:58 PM CT |
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Fernando Martinez will be out of action for three weeks due to a strained right hamstring, according to the Press and Sun-Bulletin. Martinez sustained the injury while stealing second base in the second inning of Wednesday night's game against New Britain. He underwent an MRI with Mets team doctors in New York on Friday morning.
Our View: Martinez is a top outfielding prospect for the Mets, and was hitting very well in the minors prior to sustaining the injury. |
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| Hernandez expected back in lineup | Friday 5/16, 5:52 PM CT |
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Ramon Hernandez is expected back in the Orioles' lineup tonight against Washington, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Our View: He has missed five games due to a sore left wrist, and was believed to be battling the pain for a couple of weeks. He should remain on your bench until he proves he can be effective, as he holds a poor .215 batting average over 32 games. |
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| Sexson expected to return | Friday 5/16, 5:42 PM CT |
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Richie Sexson's five-game suspension is up, and he is expected to return to the Mariners' lineup tonight, according to CBSsports.com.
Our View: He has seven homers this season, but only 18 RBI over 34 games, with a dismal .202 batting average. |
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| Bourn dropped in order | Friday 5/16, 5:35 PM CT |
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Michael Bourn has been dropped from the leadoff spot in the Astros' batting order, and will now bat eighth, according to the Houston Chronicle. Hunter Pence will replace him at the top of the order.
Our View: Bourn has 17 stolen bases, but is only hitting .181 over 38 games, and only scored 16 runs while hitting ahead of Miguel Tejada, Lance Berkman, and Carlos Lee. |
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| Pence moving to leadoff spot | Friday 5/16, 5:30 PM CT |
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Hunter Pence will be moving into the Astros' leadoff spot, according to the Houston Chronicle. Pence holds a .286 batting average and a .335 on-base percentage, and will be replacing Michael Bourn at the top of the order, as Bourn only has a .188 batting average over 144 plate appearances this season.
Our View: Pence also has 10 doubles, one triple, and five stolen bases this season, and has enough speed to excel in the leadoff spot. |
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| Nieve called up | Friday 5/16, 5:14 PM CT |
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Fernando Nieve has been called up from Triple-A Round Rock, according to the Houston Chronicle. He will replace injured reliever Geoff Geary, who left Thursday's game with a strained right groin, on the 40-man roster.
Our View: Nieve underwent Tommy John surgery last May, and was unable to compete for a rotation spot during the spring. He will be used as a long-reliever. |
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| Borowski threw two-inning sim. game | Friday 5/16, 5:08 PM CT |
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Joe Borowski threw a two-inning simulated game on Friday at Great American Ballpark, and said he was fit to start his rehab assignment Monday night at Class-A Lake County, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Borowski threw 36 pitches against Asdrubal Cabrera, Jamey Carroll, Andy Marte and Franklin Gutierrez. Borowski said, "All systems are go. You have to judge how you feel every day. So far, knock on wood, everything has been good."
Our View: Borowski is expected to pitch the first inning Monday night at Lake County. He said after that he'll probably pitch an inning out of the bullpen for Double-A Akron. He has been on the DL since April 15 due to a strained right triceps. Borowski will resume his closer's role when he returns, if he is 100% recovered.
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| Stockman recalled | Friday 5/16, 4:30 PM CT |
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Phil Stockman has been recalled from Triple-A Richmond, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Chuck James has been optioned to Richmond, and Stockman fills his spot on the roster.
Our View: The reliever will provide a fresh arm in the injury weakened Braves' bulllpen. Stockman last pitched in the majors in 2006, and allowed three hits and one run over four innings. |
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| Mientkiewicz plays third base | Friday 5/16, 4:28 PM CT |
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Doug Mientkiewicz played his ninth game at third base on Friday and used the chance to hit his first home runs of the season.
Our View: Doug now has four hits in his last four AB and is one game from his 10th outing at the hot corner, which will give him added value in NL Only leagues, not much, but a little. |
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| James optioned to Triple-A | Friday 5/16, 4:26 PM CT |
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Chuck James has been optioned to Triple-A Richmond, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The Braves also recalled right-handed pitcher Phil Stockman.
Our View: James was rocked for five earned runs in four innings of work in his last start on May 15. His ERA climbed to 8.22 over 23 innings, and he held little fantasy value prior to his demotion. |
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| Bay goes yard, again | Friday 5/16, 4:24 PM CT |
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Jason Bay homered for the second straight game on Friday to give him nine taters on the year.
Our View: Of course his long ball was a solo shot, he has just 18 RBI on the year, but he continues to work the count and get on base which should eventually pay off in the counting categories. |
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| DeRosa has 7-game hitting streak | Friday 5/16, 4:21 PM CT |
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Mark DeRosa hit his fourth home run of the season on Friday as he went 2-for-4 to push his average up to .293.
Our View: DeRosa is working on a 7-game hitting streak that has allowed his average to rebound from a low water mark of .257 as he continues to be one of the best all-purpose bench players in the fantasy game. |
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| Gallagher defeats Pirates | Friday 5/16, 4:19 PM CT |
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Sean Gallagher had a nice outing on Friday as he held the Pirates to one run over six innings to pick up his first big league victory. On the day, Gallagher allowed four hits and three walks while striking out three.
Our View: The Cubs have already stated that Gallagher won't be removed from the starting rotation for a while, so today's outing certainly gives some tangible backing to that statement. |
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| Gorzelanny shelled | Friday 5/16, 4:16 PM CT |
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Tom Gorzelanny was torched for seven runs on Friday over six innings in his fourth loss of the season. On the afternoon Gorzelanny was victimized for four home runs by the Cubbies.
Our View: Momma said there would be days like this. With this outing, Gorzelanny's ERA ballooned to 6.64 and it's becoming very apparent that Tom just isn't a consistent enough option to roll out there every start, an obvious statement to make given the fact that he has allowed seven earned runs three times in eight starts on the year. |
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| Crabbe sent back to Milwaukee | Friday 5/16, 4:12 PM CT |
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The Padres have sent Rule 5 pick Callix Crabbe back to the Brewers, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. The Padres designated Crabbe for assignment last weekend, giving them 10 days to trade him or have him clear waivers. After he cleared waivers, however, the rules state that San Diego had to offer him back to Milwaukee for half the $50,000 draft price. The Brewers decided to reacquire Crabbe and have assigned him to Triple-A Nashville
Our View: Crabbe only hit .176 over 34 at-bats in the majors this season, and isn't going to make an impact if he gets called back up from Nashville. |
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| Soriano goes deep twice | Friday 5/16, 4:11 PM CT |
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Alfonso Soriano hit two home runs on Friday on his way to four RBI in the Cubs 7-4 victory over the Pirates.
Our View: Soriano has really been stroking it of late with five straight games of two hits and 14 hits in his last seven games. Look for the mashing to continue as he brings up his numbers to his previously established level of excellence. |
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| Petit recalled | Friday 5/16, 4:06 PM CT |
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Infielder Gregorio Petit has been recalled from Triple-A Sacramento, according to Scout.com. He will replace pitcher Santiago Casilla on the roster, as he has landed on the DL.
Our View: He should see some action with Mark Ellis ailing, but won't likely play enough to merit fantasy consideration. |
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| Crisp cleared to play | Friday 5/16, 4:05 PM CT |
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Coco Crisp has been cleared to return to the field after dealing with an illness the past couple of days, according to the Providence Journal. "He feels better,'' said manager Terry Francona. "(But) I don't think he feels terrific. I don't think he's 100 percent yet. Whatever hit him, hit him hard."
Our View: Despite a couple of stops and starts this year, Crisp has been fairly productive when on the field with a .315 average and six SB. |
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| Lugo back in the lineup | Friday 5/16, 4:02 PM CT |
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Julio Lugo is back in the lineup for the Red Sox on Friday after missing a few games due to a minor concussion, according to the Providence Journal.
Our View: The Sox are a better offensive team with Lugo in the lineup flashing his speed, though how in the world he has scored only 10 runs in 35 games is beyond us. |
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| Drew starting on Friday | Friday 5/16, 4:00 PM CT |
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J.D. Drew will return to the Sox lineup on Friday night after missing the past couple of days after rolling over his wrist in the field, according to the Providence Journal.
Our View: Drew will look to pick right up where he left off getting on base at around a .400 clip, though it would be nice to see him generate a few more extra base hits than the nine he has produced in 34 games. |
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| Casilla placed on DL | Friday 5/16, 3:48 PM CT |
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Santiago Casilla was placed on the DL on Friday with soreness in his right elbow, according to The Sports Network. The team called up infielder Gregorio Petit who was hitting .304 with a .448 batting average with RISP.
Our View: Casilla was simply dominating so far with a 10.24 K/9 mark and a 0.83 WHIP through 19.1 innings, so this is a big blow to a strong A's pen. There isn't much info to go on yet, so we don't know if Casilla will need to miss more than the 15 days. |
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| McGowan to step down | Friday 5/16, 3:30 PM CT |
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Peter Magowan will officially step down from his spot as San Francisco Giants General Manager at the end of the year, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Macgowan, rumored to be on his way for about a week, will be replaced by William Neukon.
Our View: While this obviously isn't fantasy news, it is noteworthy for the fact that no man was more responsible for keeping the Giants in San Francisco. If Macgowan hadn't stepped up there would likely be no team in S.F., and the team in Tampa would be called the Tampa Bay Giants. |
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| Tracy to be traded? | Friday 5/16, 2:55 PM CT |
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Chad Tracy is still working his way back onto the field, but once he does finally return to action, don't look for him to remain with the D'backs for very long, according to Jayson Stark of ESPN.
Our View: Considering that Tracy plays third base and first, and brings a left-handed bat to the party, it's a a bit odd to think the team might move Tracy, but on a slow news day, this was worth reporting. |
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| Izzy officially placed on DL | Friday 5/16, 2:44 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier report, the Cardinals have in fact placed Jason Isringhausen on the 15-day DL with what is being called a lacerated pitching hand, according to The Sports Network.
Our View: There is no official word on how Izzy injured his hand, but a report is circulating that he injured himself when he punched a TV in the locker room, twice, on May 9th, meaning that he pitched three times since the incident. When will pitchers learn to punch things with their non-pitching hand, or better yet to be adult about things and just throw a bat? |
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| Pavano could throw next week | Friday 5/16, 2:05 PM CT |
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Carl Pavano could throw off the half mound sometime next week in his ongoing attempt to make it back from arm surgery, according to the New York Daily News.
Our View: Does anyone really care anymore? After the contract signed by Mike Hampton, Pavano's deal is likely the worst in the history of baseball for a starting pitcher. |
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| Team calls up minor league closer | Friday 5/16, 2:02 PM CT |
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Minor league closer Chris Perez has been called up to the majors to take the open roster spot left by the injured Jason Isringhausen, according to the St. Louis Post Dispatch.
Our View: Pitching in Triple-A, Perez has 22 K and eight saves in 17.2 innings. With Ryan Franklin enjoying success in the closers role there is no need to run to the waiver-wire as Perez won't be moving into the closers role with the Cards. |
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| Wilson pain-free in first appearace | Friday 5/16, 1:55 PM CT |
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Jack Wilson started his rehab assignment well on Thursday as he went 1-for-3 at the plate without feeling problems in his injured left leg, according to MILB.com. "It was good to get the first-inning single, and run the bases a little bit," Wilson said. "I have to be patient because it's going to take a while to get my timing back."
Our View: Wilson will probably need about a week's worth of games to get his timing back before he can join the Pirates who are desperate need of some offense from the shortstop position. |
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| Kobayashi new closer? | Friday 5/16, 1:47 PM CT |
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Rafael Betancourt, who has struggled for most of the past two weeks, may have lost his hold on the closing job in Cleveland to Masa Kobayashi, according to MLB.com. "I've got to reflect upon everything and go from there," manager Eric Wedge said when asked about the fate of Bentancourt. "I haven't had time to think about it just yet."
Our View: What is clear in all of this is that Kobayashi appears to be a must pick up in deep mixed leagues as the potential for him to pick up saves moving forward appears to be very real given that he has two in his last two appearances. |
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| Marlins interested in Jones | Friday 5/16, 12:15 PM CT |
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Jacque Jones officially became a free agent Thursday after being released by the Tigers, according to MLB.com. The Marlins are known to have interest in the outfielder.
Our View: Jones could help out in left and center, but is he really better than what the Fish already have? |
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| Sowers recalled from Triple-A | Friday 5/16, 11:52 AM CT |
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The Indians recalled Jeremy Sowers from Triple-A Buffalo Friday. The lefty will make a spot start for the Tribe Saturday against the Reds. Jason Tyner was demoted to make room on the roster.
Our View: Sowers is expected to make just one start and then be sent back down. He's not a recommended play at Great American Ballpark. |
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| Baker to begin rehab assignment Fri. | Friday 5/16, 11:43 AM CT |
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Scott Baker, recovering from a strained right groin, is scheduled to head to Fort Myers, Fla., on Friday to begin a rehab assignment, according to MLB.com.
Our View: The righty will throw two bullpen sessions and likely make a start in an extended spring training game on Thursday. A decision on whether to activate Baker from the DL will be made after that. |
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| Bradley expected back tonight | Friday 5/16, 11:33 AM CT |
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Milton Bradley is expected to play this weekend in Houston after missing a couple games because of a sore right shoulder, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Milton had three dingers in his last six games before sitting out, so his owners should be happy to know he'll be back in action tonight. |
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| Velandia sent back to Triple-A | Friday 5/16, 11:28 AM CT |
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The Blue Jays optioned Jorge Velandia to Triple-A Syracuse after Thursday's game. The move was made to make room for David Purcey, who is making a spot start Friday.
Our View: Velandia was called up to provide depth with both David Eckstein and John McDonald out, but he failed to pick up a hit in seven at-bats. |
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| Barton could be used at third | Friday 5/16, 11:23 AM CT |
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If Mark Ellis' hamstring injury forces him to miss the entire series in Atlanta this weekend, manager Bob Geren said that Daric Barton could be used some at third base, according to MLB.com. Barton played 18 games at third base for Triple-A Sacramento last season and made nine errors.
Our View: This could potentially give Barton some positional flexibility in some leagues, but his value is pretty minimal right now since he's barely hitting his weight. |
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