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| Belisle suffers third straight loss | Tuesday 5/20, 11:58 PM CT |
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Cincinnati RHP Matt Belisle is desperate for a win, and he put a good foot forward on the mound against the Dodgers this evening, but the offense failed to support the cause as the Reds fall 4-1. Belisle went six innings, allowing three runs (all earned) on seven hits with no walks and three strikeouts to boot.
Our View: Belisle is now 0-3 for May and 1-4 overall, giving up a total of 19 earned runs over five starts. |
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| No decision for Maddux | Tuesday 5/20, 11:51 PM CT |
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Veteran RHP Greg Maddux wasn't around long enough to get the win, but he did pitch well as the Padres put the 3-2 win over St. Louis on the board. Maddux went five innings, surrendering two runs on five hits with one walk and two strikeouts.
Our View: Maddux left with no decision and now has just one win over his last seven starts, but now has allowed just nine walks versus 28 strikeouts this season. |
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| Kouzmanoff homers to secure win | Tuesday 5/20, 11:48 PM CT |
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San Diego third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff enjoyed a strong evening at the plate as the Padres put the 3-2 win on St. Louis this evening. Kouz went 2-for-4 with his fourth home run of the season, a gem winner off Joel Pineiro in the sixth inning totaling three RBIs.
Our View: Kouzmanoff hasn't been a beacon of offense for the Padres each and every time he hits the field, but he now sits at 21-for-72 for the month of May. |
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| Glaus swings it but Cards fall | Tuesday 5/20, 11:44 PM CT |
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St. Louis third baseman Troy Glaus continues to work as the voice of offense for th Cardinals, but his efforts were not enough to overcome the 3-2 loss to the San Diego Padres. Glaus went 2-for-4 on the night with his 15th double on the season to drive in his 29th RBI of the season, also adding a run scored.
Our View: Glaus has gone 17-for-38 since May 11th with eight walks versus just three strikeouts over that span. |
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| Pineiro takes homer on chin for loss | Tuesday 5/20, 11:39 PM CT |
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St. Louis RHP Joel Pineiro pitched well, but a costly home run led to his third loss of the season as the Cardinals failed to overcome the San Diego Padres, 3-2. Pineiro went 5 2/3 innings, allowing three runs (all earned) on six hits with three walks and seven strikeouts.
Our View: Those three runs came of the bat of 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff, going deep with two on in the sixth inning. |
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| Podsednik shows well in leadoff role | Tuesday 5/20, 11:33 PM CT |
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Colorado outfielder Scott Podsednik continues to make his case for regular starts, taking advantage of the time as the Rockies' leadoff man tonight to go 2-for-4 at the plate with one walk, one stolen base (his seventh of the season), and one run scored.
Our View: To be fair, four of those stolen bases came last month in spot action, but the Rockies are desperate to get the offense going and Podsednik could prove capable of providing that spark. |
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| Helton perfect at plate in loss | Tuesday 5/20, 11:29 PM CT |
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Colorado first baseman Todd Helton continues to swing a steady bat for the Rockies but it was San Francisco that emerged victorious 6-5 this evening. Helton went 2-for-2 with three walks on the evening.
Our View: Helton's batting average is holding steady at .276, and while his power numbers continue to disappoint, his 11 walks versus just five strikeouts in the month of May are providing some semblance of balance for a team that is struggling to find wins. |
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| Rowand drives in two for SF win | Tuesday 5/20, 11:24 PM CT |
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There was plenty of offense for those seeking to watch hitters hit, but it was the Giants prevailing 6-5 over the Colorado Rockies this evening in a game that saw two Giant hitters (infielder Rich Aurilia and catcher Benji Molina) go 3-for-4 at the plate while a third, outfielder Aaron Rowand , produced the runs. Rowand went 2-for-5 with two singles, but he managed to gather two RBIs on the evening.
Our View: Rowand enjoyed a hot April but has cooled a bit in May, going 21-for-65 with just three home runs and eight RBIs. |
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| Lincecum gets 6th win | Tuesday 5/20, 11:19 PM CT |
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Giants RHP Tim Lincecum picked up his sixth win of the season as San Fran managed to hang on for an exciting 6-5 win over the Colorado Rockies. Lincecum pitched six innings, surrendering three runs (all earned) on five hits with four walks and six strikeouts.
Our View: Lincecum is now 2-0 over four starts this month with 10 walks versus 29 strikeouts. |
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| Wilson struggles but gets save | Tuesday 5/20, 11:16 PM CT |
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The San Francisco Giants scored two in the ninth to take the lead, but had to tie down the 6-5 win after allowing two runs to the Colorado Rockies in the bottom of that same final inning. Reliever Brian Wilson found his groove just in time to secure the 13th save of his season. Wilson went one inning and surrendered those two runs (both earned) on a Clint Barmes home run.
Our View: Wilson also posted a walk to put that runner onboard, but he found his composure and managed to secure the win despite his best effort to let it slip away. |
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| Ramirez goes deep in loss to Houston | Tuesday 5/20, 11:11 PM CT |
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The Cubbies suffered the 4-2 loss to Houston this evening despite the efforts of third baseman Aramis Ramirez . Ramirez went 2-for-4 at the plate with his eighth homer of the season, good for two RBIs on the evening.
Our View: Ramirez had been on a cold streak in terms of power hitting, this being his first home run since April 23rd in Colorado |
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| Pence provides offense in Houston win | Tuesday 5/20, 11:07 PM CT |
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Tonight was an opportunity for the Houston Astros to shine, and outfielder Hunter Pence led them along their way to a 4-2 win over the Chicago Cubs. Pence went 3-for-4 at the dish with his fifth home run of the year good for a grand slam, gathering four total RBIs on the grand slam.
Our View: Pence has been swinging a strong stick this month, going 24-for-67 with 17 RBIs over 17 games. |
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| Sampson gets win for Houston | Tuesday 5/20, 10:50 PM CT |
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There was one inning of offense for both teams, shared in the same moment, but the Houston Astros managed to prevail over the Chicago Cubs 4-2, a victory built mostly on the arm of RHP Chris Sampson . Sampson went 6 2/3 innings to give up two runs (both earned) on seven hits, sporting just one walk allowed versus four strikeouts.
Our View: This is Sampson's second win this month in four starts, the others resulting in no decisions. |
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| Mathis rocked by Twins | Tuesday 5/20, 10:45 PM CT |
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Doug Mathis made his first major league start on Tuesday night, and it was a forgettable one. Mathis allowed nine runs (six earned) on eight hits, walked four and didn't strike out a Twin on Tuesday night. All of this in 2.1 innings of work.
Our View: Mathis is currently scheduled to pitch Sunday at Cleveland, a start the Rangers coaching staff might reconsider after the young pitchers performance tonight. |
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| Perkins earns first career win | Tuesday 5/20, 10:41 PM CT |
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Glen Perkins pitched six scoreless innings for his first major league win and the Minnesota Twins beat the Texas Rangers 11-4 on Tuesday.
Our View: Yet another high scoring affair where Texas is involved. Not only did the Rangers make it easy on Perkins, early errors put the Rangers in catchup mode before the end of the first inning and completely out of reach after the third. |
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| Chipper drives in #33 | Tuesday 5/20, 10:41 PM CT |
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Atlanta third baseman Chipper Jones posted his 33rd RBI of the season as the Braves put the 6-2 loss on the Mets in the second game of their Tuesday double-header. Jones went 2-for-4 at the dish with his 10th double of the season with one RBI and one run scored.
Our View: This was Chipper's first RBI since May 14th, and while it is a small run of just five games (6-for-18), Jones is starting to slow just a bit. |
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| Jenks helps Sox win 6th straight | Tuesday 5/20, 10:37 PM CT |
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Bobby Jenks picked up his 11th save of the season to help secure the Chicago White Sox 4-1 victory over the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday night.
Our View: Jenks has been consistent after in early April. His 1.86 ERA and 1.05 WHIP speaks volumes for the once volatile right-hander. |
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| Reyes gaining momentum despite loss | Tuesday 5/20, 10:35 PM CT |
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The Mets struggled to get the offense going this evening as they suffered a loss in the second game of a double-header against Atlanta, falling 6-2. However, New York shortstop Jose Reyes is starting to show a small glimmer of life in what has been a disappointing campaign thus far. Reyes went 2-for-4 with an RBI, raising his batting average to .272.
Our View: Unfortunately, Reyes was caught stealing for the fifth time this season, but he has gone 8-for-22 over his last four, including two home runs and five RBIs. |
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| Sabathia strong in loss | Tuesday 5/20, 10:34 PM CT |
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C.C. Sabathia, who was on a two game winning streak, took a tough loss on Tuesday night, 4-1, to the red-hot Chicgo White Sox. The 2007 AL Cy Young winner allowed seven hits and two runs while striking out eight and walking one in seven innings.
Our View: It was another strong start for the lefty, and this after pitching a five-hit shutout against Oakland on Wednesday.
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| Quentin hits league-leading 12th | Tuesday 5/20, 10:32 PM CT |
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Carlos Quentin hit a first inning home run off Cy Young winner C.C. Sabathia, his league leading 12th of the season, and his second in as many games.
Our View: The kid has been impressive to say the least. Along with his 12 long balls the left fielder has 38 RBI and 31 runs scored. Throw in four stolen bases and the mix equals fantasy stud. |
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| Campillo shines in first start since '05 | Tuesday 5/20, 10:31 PM CT |
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Atlanta RHP Jorge Campillo made his first start since August of the 2005 season and managed to emerge victorious as the Braves put a 6-2 beating on the New York Mets, the second game of a double-header. Campillo lasted six innings, failing to surrender a single run on just three hits allowed.
Our View: Campillo also failed to surrender a single walk and struck out seven, an outstanding performance for the reliever-turned-starter attempting to help the cause as the Braves fight injuries and pitching staff woes. |
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| Contreras en fuego | Tuesday 5/20, 10:29 PM CT |
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Jose Contreras , who held the Angels to one run on four hits in his laststart, outpitched C.C. Sabathia on Tuesday to help the Chicago White Sox to a 4-1 victory over the Indians. It was Cleveland's sixth straight win.
Our View: Contreras is en fuego. The win gave him five on the season and lowered his ERA to 3.17. |
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| A-Rod goes deep upon return | Tuesday 5/20, 10:17 PM CT |
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After missing three weeks with a strained right quadriceps, Alex Rodriguez was back in action on Tuesday night against the Orioles. A-Rod was in the cleanup spot and started at third base. The MVP reached on an error in the second inning, grounded out in the fourth and hit a two-run homer in the sixth off Cabrera to make it 10-2.
Our View: Rodriguez didn't miss a beat hitting hitting his fifth home run in 94 at-bats. |
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| Hendrickson with the win, Gregg with the save | Tuesday 5/20, 10:17 PM CT |
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Florida LHP Mark Hendrickson got the win, his sixth of the season, and reliever Kevin Gregg got the save, his eighth of the season, as the Marlins took a dramatic 3-2 win against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Hendrickson went five inning, allowing one run on four hits with one walk and seven strikeouts. Solid middle relief brought on Gregg, going 1 2/3 innings without allowing a single hit with one walk and three strikeouts.
Our View: The first four starts of May have not been kind to Hendrickson, going 1-1 over three starts with eight walks versus seven strikeouts. Now he may be back on track and ready to contribute to a strong Florida season. |
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| Cabrera wins fifth | Tuesday 5/20, 10:14 PM CT |
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Daniel Cabrera allowed two runs on five hits, walked none and struck out four in a huge 12-2 win over the free-falling Yankees. Even the return of Alex Rodriguez couldn't help New York on Tuesday night.
Our View: Cabrera continues to show signs of being the pitcher he's been projected to be for a handful of years. The right-hander pushed his record to 5-1 and lowered his ERA to 3.48. |
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| Uggla smacks 14th homer | Tuesday 5/20, 10:04 PM CT |
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The Marlins had to fight to squeak out the 3-2 win, finding the drive from the bat of emerging team leader, second baseman Dan Uggla . Uggla smacked his 14th homer of the season, taking a 6th-inning offering from Arizona RHP Micah Owings deep for what proved to be a game-winning dinger.
Our View: Uggla also added his second stolen base of the season, now touting 10 home runs for the month of May with a .429 batting average for the same span.
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| Hudson hits but Zona can't convert the runs | Tuesday 5/20, 9:57 PM CT |
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On a night of lackluster offense, Arizona struggled to make good on a strong performance from the pitching and suffered the 3-2 loss to Florida. However, second baseman Orlando Hudson did what he could to get the positive vibes flowing, going 2-for-3 with a walk.
Our View: Hudson's bat failed to produce runs, but he was on base as his teammates failed to bring him home. |
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| Renteria knocks in five | Tuesday 5/20, 9:54 PM CT |
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Edgar Renteria hit one of Detroit's four home runs and matched his career high with five RBI in the Tigers' 12-8 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday.
Our View: Renteria now has four home runs on the season to go along with his 23 RBI and 20 runs. |
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| Owings takes second loss | Tuesday 5/20, 9:52 PM CT |
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Arizona RHP Micah Owings has suffered his second loss of the season as his Diamondbacks have fallen 3-2 to the Florida Marlins. Owings went seven innings to surrender three runs (all earned) on seven hits with just two walks and an impressive 10 strikeouts.
Our View: In the end, the offense failed to produce the support needed for the win. Owings is now 1-2 in four starts in the month of May, but he touts nine walks versus 24 strikeouts. |
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| Ichiro steals 21st | Tuesday 5/20, 9:52 PM CT |
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Seattle's Ichiro Suzuki, who had stolen at least one base in his last 16 games, added another on Tuesday night. The theft was his major league-leading 21st.
Our View: Ichiro added three hits in the game raising his average to .289 on the season. |
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| Parra gets much-needed win | Tuesday 5/20, 9:46 PM CT |
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Milwaukee LHP Manny Parra took the Brewers to a 7-2 win versus Pittsburgh this evening, and though he failed to go deep in the outing, he was strong and led Milwaukee to the victory. Parra went 5 2/3 innings, failing to surrender a single run on four hits with just one walk and six strikeouts.
Our View: This is Parra's first win since April 5th, his first start of the season. It is also the first outing out of four pitched his month in which he failed to surrender a home run. |
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| Silva bombed by Tigers | Tuesday 5/20, 9:44 PM CT |
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Carlos Silva allowed nine hits and seven runs over four innings in the 12-8 loss to the Tigers on Tuesday night.
Our View: Silva hasn't won in his last six starts after beginning the season 3-0. Look up regress in the dictionary, and you will find a picture of Silva.
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| Cameron goes 3-for-4 against Pitt | Tuesday 5/20, 9:40 PM CT |
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The Brewers enjoyed a flurry of offense in taking the 7-2 whooping stick to Pittsburgh this evening a outfielder Mike Cameron led the way. Cameron went 3-for-4 at the dish with is fifth home run of the season, totaling two RBIs with one walk and two men left on base.
Our View: Cameron was caught stealing as well, but he gathered six total bases on the night and set the pace for an evening in which the Brewers posted 14 total hits. |
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| Maholm takes fifth loss vs Milwaukee | Tuesday 5/20, 9:37 PM CT |
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Pittsburgh LHP Paul Maholm suffered his fifth loss of the season this evening as the Pirates suffered the 7-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. Maholm lasted 6 1/3 innings, surrendering four runs (all earned) on nine hits with two walks and five strikeouts.
Our View: This is Maholm's third loss in his last four outings with a no-decision in the mix, a span with 19 total earned runs allowed. |
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| McGowen strong in loss | Tuesday 5/20, 9:36 PM CT |
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Dustin McGowan allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits in 6.1 innings of work. McGowan, who has won just once in his past six starts, walked four and struck out four in the loss.
Our View: McGowen pitched well enough to win but Angels starter John Lackey was better. |
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| Kendrick takes batting practice | Tuesday 5/20, 9:32 PM CT |
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Los Angeles second baseman Howie Kendrick took batting practice with the team prior to Tuesday's game against Toronto, but has not been cleared to resume running.
Our View: Kendrick is nursing a strained left hamstring. There is still no timetable for his return. |
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| Bay produces only runs for Pirates | Tuesday 5/20, 9:32 PM CT |
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The Pirates have suffered a tough 7-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers this evening as outfielder Jason Bay was the only batter capable of producing runs. Bay went 1-for-3, hitting his 10th home run of the season with one man on to produce two RBIs, the only runs Pittsburgh would score on the evening.
Our View: Bay added a walk, his fourth in as many games. The homer is his third over his last five games, the only hits he has seen during that span.
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| Figgins to come off DL | Tuesday 5/20, 9:30 PM CT |
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Chone Figgins worked out with his teammates before Tuesday's game against Toronto and is expected to be activated from the disabled list on Wednesday.
Our View: Figgins has missed the last two weeks with a hamstring strain. |
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| K-Rod records 18th save | Tuesday 5/20, 9:27 PM CT |
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Francisco Rodriguez loaded the bases with three straight walks in the ninth, but was able to work out of the jam and record his major-league leading 18th save. With one out, Rodriguez walked Gregg Zaun, Marco Scutaro and Brad Wilkerson, but Aaron Hill popped out and Alex Rios struck out looking.
Our View: Rodriguez who is reportedly not 100 percent, is doing his job despite. The right-hander has a 2.79 ERA with 16 strikeouts to 12 walks. |
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| Kotchman most consistent | Tuesday 5/20, 9:23 PM CT |
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Casey Kotchman remains arguably the Angels most consistent contributor. The first baseman doubled home Torii Hunter with the go-ahead run in the third inning, and the Angels snapped a four-game road losing streak in Toronto.
Our View: Kotchman has 27 RBI, 21 runs, one stolen base and six home runs while hitting .316 on the season. |
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| Lackey earns first win | Tuesday 5/20, 9:20 PM CT |
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John Lackey won for the first time since Sept. 28, pitching seven strong innings giving the Angels a 3-1 win over the Blue Jays on Tuesday night. Lackey allowed one run on seven hits, walked three and struck out six.
Our View: This was Lackey's second start after a long stint on the disabled list. The right-hander threw 106 pitches of which 67 were strikes. |
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| Beltre goes deep off Verlander | Tuesday 5/20, 9:12 PM CT |
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Adrian Beltre hit a solo home run off the Tigers Justin Verlander in the first inning giving the Mariners an early lead. But Seattle didn't score again until the seventh inning when they trailed by 10.
Our View: The home run was Beltre's ninth of the season. The third baseman later added another hit and two more RBI. |
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| Verlander earns second win | Tuesday 5/20, 9:10 PM CT |
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Justin Verlander struck out a season-high seven and the Tigers' 12-8 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night.
Verlander allowed one run on four hits and walked one in six innings.
Our View: The victory is only the second on the season against seven losses for the Detroit right-hander. |
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| Papelbon saves 13th of the year | Tuesday 5/20, 9:05 PM CT |
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Jonathan Papelbon recorded four outs for his 13 save of the year in a 2-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.
Our View: Papelbon has been less than stellar in May, this after a near perfect April. However, he looked like himself tonight striking out three of the four batters he faced. |
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| Howard continues to fail | Tuesday 5/20, 9:04 PM CT |
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Philadelphia pulled the hard-fought 1-0 win over Washington this evening, but first baseman Ryan Howard continues to struggle for comfort. Howard went 0-for-3 at the dish with strikeouts in all but one of his plate appearances.
Our View: This brings Howard to eight walks versus an astounding 30 strikeouts for the month of May, and while the home run touch has been a bit more prevalent this month, the inability to approach .200 in the batting average column is growing increasingly worrisome for the man once viewed as the game's top power hitter. |
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| Masterson earns first career win | Tuesday 5/20, 9:01 PM CT |
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Justin Masterson earned his first career victory as the Red Sox defeated the Royals 2-1 on Tuesday night. Masterson allowed one run on three hits, walked three and struck out five.
Our View: The Royals have one run and three hits in the two games at Fenway. |
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| Hamels dominates Nats | Tuesday 5/20, 8:59 PM CT |
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It was the Phillies emerging with the 1-0 win over Washington this evening, but LHP Cole Hamels failed to garner the win. Hamels pitched seven innings of shutout baseball, allowing just four hits with two walks and an amazing 11 strikeouts.
Our View: Hamels entered tonight going 3-0 over his last four starts, going seven or more inning in each with 44 strikeouts versus 19 walks. He may not have gotten the win, but Hamels now sits as one of the most dominating arms of the moment in professional baseball. |
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| Meche goes seven strong in loss | Tuesday 5/20, 8:59 PM CT |
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Gil Meche threw his fourth straight outing on Tuesday at Fenway Park. The right-hander allowed two runs on five hits, walked two and struck out eight in seven innings of work. Meche suffered the loss however as the Royals fell 2-1 to Justin Masterson and the Red Sox.
Our View: Meche is now 3-6 on the season but in the effort he lowered his ERA nearly a half a run to 5.58. |
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| Bergmann pitches well, takes no decision | Tuesday 5/20, 8:54 PM CT |
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It was a pitcher's duel as the Phillies traveled to Washington to face the Nationals, and it was the home-town team taking the loss, 1-0, despite a valiant effort from RHP Jason Bergmann . Bergmann pitched seven innings of shutout baseball, allowing just five hits (just one for extra bases) with three walks and five strikeouts.
Our View: Bergmann walked away with no decision and lowered his ERA to 5.47, posting his second consecutive seven-inning outing on the mound. |
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| Benches clear; Hawkins ejected | Tuesday 5/20, 8:48 PM CT |
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Yankees reliever LaTroy Hawkins was ejected in the sixth inning of Tuesday's game against the Orioles after throwing at Luke Scott on consecutive pitches. After the second pitch nearly miss Scott's head both benches emptied.
Our View: The Yankee right-hander was retaliating from a Jeter hit-by-pitch earlier in the game. Expect a find and suspension for Hawkins. |
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| Kearns MRI is good, but Nats remain cautious | Tuesday 5/20, 8:42 PM CT |
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Today's MRI for Washington outfielder Austin Kearns' sore right elbow appears to be free of concern, but the team remains cautious in bringing him back to action, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Manager Manny Acta is going to keep Kearns listed as day-to-day and held him out of his third consecutive game this evening. Acta believes it will be at least a couple of days before Kearns is free and clear of swelling and they would just assume wait and be safe than to push and suffer from a rushed decision. |
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| Jeter day-to-day | Tuesday 5/20, 8:38 PM CT |
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Following up on an earlier report Derek Jeter was hit on his left hand by a pitch Tuesday night, forcing him out of the Yankees' game against Baltimore, and the teams nearly came to blows when New York tried to retaliate three innings later, this according to the AP.
With the Orioles leading 9-0 in the third, right-hander Daniel Cabrera plunked Jeter with a 2-1 delivery and the star shortstop spun away in pain.
The shortstop went to the locker room following the incident and had X-rays taken. The results were negative.
Our View: Jeter is day-to-day with a bruised hand. |
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| Aybar exits after injuring hand | Tuesday 5/20, 8:23 PM CT |
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Angels shortstop Erick Aybar injured his right hand while making a diving stop of Alex Rios’ ground ball up the middle. Aybar dove for the ball and tried to roll over and throw Rios out. Rios was safe and Aybar grabbed at the outside of his right hand in obvious pain. Aybar left the game immediately.
Our View: There is no update on his condition yet. |
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| Francoeur games played streak comes to an end | Tuesday 5/20, 8:15 PM CT |
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Atlanta outfielder Jeff Francoeur has been held out of action in the Braves' second game of the day, finishing a double-header with the New York Mets, according to MLB.com.
Our View: This is the first time since his rookie campaign in 2005 that Francoeur has missed a game, ending a Major League-best streak of 370 consecutive games. Francoeur has been battling soreness in his right foot and manager Bobby Cox wanted to rest him after a tough battle against the Mets earlier today (especially with wet and rainy conditions tainting the nightcap). |
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| Jeter exits after being HBP | Tuesday 5/20, 8:08 PM CT |
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Derek Jeter left the Tuesday night game against the Orioles after being hit by a pitch. Orioles right-hander Daniel Cabrera was throwing inside to the All Star shortstop when Jeter was hit in the hand.
Our View: No word on the severity of the injury. It's more than possible that the Yankees shortstop left as a precaution. The Yankees trailed 9-0 at the time he was hit. |
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| Tulowitzki takes batting practice | Tuesday 5/20, 8:08 PM CT |
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Injured Colorado shortstop Troy Tulowitzki took part in the Rockies' batting practice today, attempting to avoid media attention by jumping in with the pitchers, according to CBSSports.com.
Our View: Tulo gave himself away with a few long shots into the left-field bleachers, taking his first on-field steps towards recovery since tearing a quad muscle in late April. The team does not expect him back on the field until the All-Star break, but today's appearance has some wondering if he is progressing at an accelerated rate. |
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| Brown placed on DL | Tuesday 5/20, 7:58 PM CT |
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The Oakland Athletics placed pitcher Andrew Brown on the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday, this according to the Sports Network.
The right-hander was scheduled to undergo an appendectomy on Tuesday.
Our View: In 17
relief appearances this season, Brown is 0-0 with a 2.45 earned run average. |
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| Schroder recalled for third shot at majors | Tuesday 5/20, 7:50 PM CT |
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The Washington Nationals have recalled RHP Chris Schroder from Triple-A Columbus today, giving the hurler his third attempt with the major-league squad this season, according to MLB.com.
Our View: The Nationals made the move after placing infielder Ronnie Belliard on the 15-day disabled list. Schroder has no decisions in three starts this season with a promising 2.25 ERA. Last season he went 2-3 with an ERA of 3.18 in 37 appearances out of the Washington bullpen. |
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| McClung added to starting rotation | Tuesday 5/20, 7:45 PM CT |
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Milwaukee RHP Carlos Villanueva has been tossed from the Brewers' starting rotation and sent to the bullpen following his loss to Boston on Sunday, bringing RHP Seth McClung into the starting rotation, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Villanueva is 2-5 with an ERA of 6.43 through nine starts, but life has been especially rough in May (1-3, 9.00 ERA). Manager Ned Yost informed Villanueva of the decision today. McClung is 1-1 with an ERA of 3.79 over 10 relief appearances, going 12-20 over his career in 37 starts. |
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| Eckstein to return Thursday | Tuesday 5/20, 7:38 PM CT |
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Toronto manager John Gibbons told the team website prior to Tuesday's game that David Eckstein is on target to rejoin the Jays for Thursday's game against the Angels.
Our View: Eckstein is currently on a rehab assignment with Class A Dunedin. In a game on Monday, the shortstop went 1-for-3 at the plate with a double and a walk. |
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| McDonald scheduled for rehab | Tuesday 5/20, 7:34 PM CT |
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The Toronto Blue Jays team website reports that manager John Gibbons indicated prior to Tuesday's game that John McDonald will be sent on a rehab assignment at some point within the next week.
A rehab schedule will become more clear for John McDonald on Wednesday, when he is set to perform more baseball-related activities, according to general manager J.P. Ricciardi.
Our View: McDonald sprained his right ankle when his cleat was caught on the turf as he tried to field a ground ball. |
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| Davis to return Friday | Tuesday 5/20, 7:30 PM CT |
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Arizona LHP Doug Davis is all set to return to the rotation and will do so on Friday, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Arizona manager Bob Melvin addressed the media and announced Davis will be back with the team on Friday, making his official return from surgery to remove a cancerous thyroid gland performed on April 10th. He has been declared to be fully free of cancer and has completed to rehab starts in Triple-A Tucson. While the news is positive, Melvin has yet to address how the Diamondbacks will make room on the roster for Davis, sure to be a difficult choice. Max Scherzer, a former first-round draft pick, has pitched well during his time in the majors after getting the opportunity when Davis went down. It will be difficult for Arizona to send him down to the minors, so the team may seek alternative methods to free up space. We will update as news becomes available. |
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| Liriano goes seven strong | Tuesday 5/20, 7:19 PM CT |
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Francisco Liriano had another solid outing for Triple-A Rochester in a midday game against Syracuse on Tuesday. The left-hander allowed two runs on eight hits, walked one and struck out three in seven innings of work.
Our View: The outing was Liriano's fourth straight solid minor league start. The team has not defined when he would return to the 25-man roster. |
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| Tolbert to have surgery | Tuesday 5/20, 7:16 PM CT |
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The Star Tribune reports that after being examined on Tuesday, Twins infielder Matt Tolbert said that he will have surgery on Thursday to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb. He’ll need about 5-6 weeks to fully recover. Tolbert injured his thumb when he dived for first base on Thursday while making the final out of the game.
Our View: With this kind of surgery, it could be closer to two months before he plays again. |
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| Guillen praises Varitek | Tuesday 5/20, 7:10 PM CT |
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According to the Royals team website, Jose Guillen said no player or team wants a no-hitter pitched against them, but he was shining when talking about those involved.
"You never want to see a no-hitter go against you like that, but, unfortunately, that situation happened," Guillen said. "I give a lot of credit to the pitcher, but most of the credit I give to Jason Varitek ."
Our View: Varitek, who caught Lester's no-hitter on Monday night, became the first in history to catch four no-hitters in his career. He was behind the plate for Clay Buchholz's no-hitter last September, for Derek Lowe's in '02 and for Hideo Nomo's in '01.
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| Mussina bombed by O's | Tuesday 5/20, 6:58 PM CT |
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Mike Mussina didn't do his best Jamie Moyer impression on Tuesday night against the Orioles. The veteran right-hander allowed seven runs (one earned) on five hits, walked two and struck out one in two-thirds of an inning before giving way to Ross Ohlendorf.
Our View: After winning five straight, Mussina was bombed. While we don't expect the veteran to get lit up like he did against the O's, his five straight wins were a bit of an aberration for an arm that is throwing in the mid-eighties. |
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| Willingham out at least a month, maybe more | Tuesday 5/20, 6:56 PM CT |
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Florida outfielder Josh Willingham seems likely to miss another month, and possibly more, as he continues to struggle with a herniated disc, according to CBSSports.com.
Our View: Willingham has been out since April 27th in what seems to be a recurring problem, having struggled with back issues last season. Willingham underwent an MRI in Los Angeles on Monday and was examined by orthopedist Dr. Robert Watkins. Willingham has been told to spend 10 day to three weeks without any baseball activity. That means we are unlikely to see Willingham in action until mid-June. |
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| Johnson throws simulated game | Tuesday 5/20, 6:50 PM CT |
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Florida RHP Josh Johnson threw a 51-pitch simulated game on Monday and appears to be progressing towards return, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Manager Fredi Gonzalez made the trip to Jupiter, Florida to catch a bit of the outing and reports Johnson looked good in taking another step in the return from Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery, performed on August 3, 2007. The typical rehab time lasts 12 to 18 months, but it has been just 10 months since Johnson went under the knife. The team remains cautious, but today is a great sign for the not-so-distant future. |
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| Reed back in the bigs | Tuesday 5/20, 6:46 PM CT |
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When the Mariners begin a three-game series on Tuesday against the Tigers, Jeremy Reed will be with the team. Reed, who has been honing his skills at Triple-A Tacoma, was batting .349 before being called up today, this according to the team website.
Our View: Reed was a mainstay in center field in 2005, playing in 141 games and batting .254 with 45 RBIs. Reed was the regular center fielder in 2006 as well -- until July 2 when he broke his right thumb. Reed underwent surgery four days later and missed the remainder of the season.
By the time he came back, the Mariners had moved Ichiro Suzuki from right field to center field and signed right-handed-hitting Jose Guillen to play right field. |
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| Gomez back in starting role | Tuesday 5/20, 6:39 PM CT |
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Carlos Gomez is back in the starting lineup for the Twins on Tuesday night against the Rangers. Gomez has been available only as a pinch hitter since last week while he nursed a wrist injury.
Our View: Gomez has 155 at-bats heading into Tuesday's game. He's recorded 14 RBI, 24 runs scored, three home runs and 16 stolen bases while hitting .271. |
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| Podsednik gets start, top spot in order | Tuesday 5/20, 6:35 PM CT |
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In an attempt to get the offense back on track, Colorado manager Clint Hurdle has pushed outfielder Scott Podsednik into the top spot in the batting order, according to the Denver Post.
Our View: Podsednik replaces Willie Taveras who has failed to meet offensive expectations. Podsednik has shown well at the plate and adds speed and the threat of steals to the base paths. |
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| McLouth hitting third | Tuesday 5/20, 6:30 PM CT |
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With cleanup hitter Ryan Doumit sidelined until further notice, rumors had Pirates skipper John Russell moving Nate McLouth to the middle of the lineup. Russell rebuked the notion and said he liked McLouth hitting behind leadoff man Freddy Sanchez. Tonight, McLouth is hitting third while Jose Bautista hits in the No. 2 slot.
Our View: Nate McLouth's numbers suggest he could be a productive middle-order hitter. The outfielder has 12 homers, the most among all center fielders in baseball. His 36 RBIs trail just Houston's Lance Berkman for the National League lead. He also sports a .629 slugging percentage, and the 53 hits, the 14 doubles are all team-high totals. |
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| Castillo gets rest in Game 2 for Mets | Tuesday 5/20, 6:30 PM CT |
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New York second baseman Luis Castillo is getting the night off after going 1-for-4 in the first game of today's double-header against the Atlanta Braves, according to the NY Daily News.
Our View: Castillo has been struggling with a strained left quad but muscled through in Game 1 today. The Mets want to give him a rest, and thus he will be replaced by Damion Easley, set to bat sixth in the order. |
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| Alou taking night off for Mets | Tuesday 5/20, 6:26 PM CT |
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Mets outfielder Moises Alou hit the field for the first game of the team's double-header against Atlanta today, but he will be replaced by Marlon Anderson for the nightcap, according to the NY Daily News.
Our View: Alou hasn't been on the field too long and is a veteran that will need rest along the way during the long baseball season. Anderson will hit second in the order tonight. |
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| A-Rod starting at third base | Tuesday 5/20, 6:26 PM CT |
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Alex Rodriguez, who was activated from the disabled list today, is starting at third base and hitting cleanup against the Orioles.
Our View: A-Rod missed the teams last 17 games. |
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| Joyce starting in LF vs Silva | Tuesday 5/20, 6:24 PM CT |
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Matt Joyce continues to receive playing time in the Tigers lineup. The left fielder is starting and hitting seventh tonight against Seattle and Carlos Silva.
Our View: Gary Sheffield has returned to the designated hitter role offering Joyce regular playing time. |
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| Crisp leading off vs KC | Tuesday 5/20, 6:22 PM CT |
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Coco Crisp is leading off and playing center field tonight as the Red Sox host the Royals.
Our View: Regular center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury is not in the lineup tonight against KC right-hander Gil Meche. |
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| Ardoin's contract purchased | Tuesday 5/20, 5:27 PM CT |
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Veteran backup catcher Danny Ardoin, who is hitting the cover off the ball at Triple-A Las Vegas, had his contract purchased by the Dodgers today. Ardoin took the roster spot of catcher Gary Bennett, who was placed on the 15-day DL with plantar fasciitis.
Our View: To make room for Ardoin onto the 40-man roster, the team had to move Jason Schmidt to the 60-day DL. |
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| LA's Bennett to DL | Tuesday 5/20, 5:24 PM CT |
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Gary Bennett was placed on the disabled list Tuesday. The Dodgers backup catcher he is now suffering from plantar fasciitis in his left foot, this according to the LA Daily News. He has been replaced on the roster by veteran backup Danny Ardoin, who has been on fire of late at Triple-A Las Vegas and had his contract purchased. To get Ardoin onto the 40-man roster, Dodgers had to move Jason Schmidt to the 60-day DL.
Our View: For those of you still holding on to Schmidt, the move to the 60-day DL won't delay his return. |
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| Thatcher replaces Peavy | Tuesday 5/20, 5:15 PM CT |
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The Padres recalled left-hander Joe Thatcher from Class AAA Portland on Tuesday. Thatcher is taking the roster spot of Jake Peavy (elbow) who was placed on the 15-day disabled list.
Our View: Thatcher began the season with the Padres, going 0-4 with a 6.75 ERA in 16 relief appearances before being optioned to Portland on May 11. |
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| Francoeur's start streak ends | Tuesday 5/20, 5:12 PM CT |
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Jeff Francoeur's starting streak is over, according to the Atlanta Journal- Constitution.
The Braves right fielder is not in the lineup for the second game of today's doubleheader against the New York Mets.
Our View: The Braves outfielder has started in 370 consecutive games dating to Oct. 1, 2005. He has the longest active games-played streak in the majors, and Francoeur could still keep that alive if he enters the 7:10 p.m. game in any capacity, be it as a pinch-hitter or defensive substitute. |
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| Tavarez accepts minor league role | Tuesday 5/20, 5:05 PM CT |
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Julian Tavarez has accepted an outright assignment to the PawSox after clearing waivers, this according to the Boston Herald. The report notes that most don’t expect the veteran pitcher to remain there long. It appears that Tavarez only did so to allow the Sox some added time to complete a trade that will land him back in the big leagues sometime in the next few days.
Our View: The report didn't mention where Tavarez might be headed, but the Mets are a good bet according to RotoTimes sources. |
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| Francisco new starter? | Tuesday 5/20, 5:00 PM CT |
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Ben Francisco isn't receiving much face time in the major media outlets, but it appears he's taken over the starting outfield spot from Franklin Gutierrez. Granted, Francisco's small sample (41 at-bats) and major league peripherals have exceeded his minor league portfolio, but it's hard to ignore what he's done so far in Cleveland.
Our View: Francisco has six RBI, six runs scored, a stolen base, has struck out only seven times and is hitting .372 in his 41 at-bats. |
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| Stockman impresses Cox | Tuesday 5/20, 4:53 PM CT |
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Phil Stockman has been added to the Braves "closer by committee" and could be the sleeper among the group to grab the majority of the ninth inning work. The right-hander has impressed manager Bobby Cox since being called up last week.
Our View: Stockman has a history with the disabled list, but he's been terrific at every stop in his minor league tenure. Stockman allowed only eight hits in 22.1 innings of work at Triple-A Richmond, striking out 19 and walking nine. Owners in NL-only formats looking to vulture saves, should consider taking a chance on Stockman. |
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| Peavy goes on DL | Tuesday 5/20, 4:45 PM CT |
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As expected, the San Diego Padres placed Jake Peavy on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday, one day after an MRI revealed he has a strained right elbow.
According to the (TICKER), the move is retroactive to Thursday, May 15. The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner skipped his scheduled start Monday and will miss at least two more outings before he is eligible to be activated on May 30. To take Peavy’s spot on the roster, the Padres recalled lefthander Joe Thatcher from Class AAA Portland.
Our View: Peavy will undergo another MRI later this week to determine if the swelling has subsided. |
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| Marmol backbone of Cubs pen | Tuesday 5/20, 4:42 PM CT |
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Carlos Marmol continues to be the backbone of the Cubs bullpen. The right-hander picked up his 12th hold of the season on Monday.
Our View: His 1.55 ERA and 0.66 WHIP of 0.66 are over-the-top good and if Kerry Wood were to suffer and untimely injury Marmol would go from setup to closer. |
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| Young Loney rolling | Tuesday 5/20, 4:36 PM CT |
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