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| Chipper leaves after getting plunked | Wednesday 5/21, 11:56 PM CT |
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Chipper Jones left Wednesday's game after he was hit by a pitch in the right shin. The third baseman said he'll try to play Thursday, though. "It's swollen up pretty good," said Jones in the AP. "We'll see. I'm sure it will feel good tomorrow."
Our View: Chipper is always dealing with something it seems. He should be OK, though, this time around. |
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| Brown sent down to Triple-A | Wednesday 5/21, 11:52 PM CT |
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The Angels optioned Matt Brown to Triple-A Salt Lake Wednesday. Brandon Wood was recalled to take his spot.
Our View: Brown has picked up just one hit in 13 at-bats this year with the Halos, though he has raked in his time at Triple-A. |
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| Wood recalled from Triple-A | Wednesday 5/21, 11:50 PM CT |
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The Angels recalled Brandon Wood from Triple-A Salt Lake Wednesday and optioned Matt Brown.
Our View: Wood, the team's top prospect, could start at second while Erick Aybar and Howie Kendrick are out, with Chone Figgins starting at second. |
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| Aybar could miss four weeks | Wednesday 5/21, 11:47 PM CT |
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Manager Mike Scioscia said Erick Aybar, who was placed on the DL Wednesday with a dislocated right pinkie, could miss up to four weeks, according to the AP.
Our View: Aybar hadn't been giving fantasy owners much, but the Angels will miss his defense. |
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| Santana move up a day | Wednesday 5/21, 11:44 PM CT |
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Ervin Santana has been bumped up a day and will start Thursday in place of Joe Saunders, who is dealing with an illness, according to the AP.
Our View: With Monday's day off, Santana will be going on regular rest. |
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| Saunders scratched from start | Wednesday 5/21, 11:43 PM CT |
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Joe Saunders has been scratched from Thursday's start due to flu-like symptoms, according to the AP. Ervin Santana will make the start in his place.
Our View: Saunders is expected to pitch on either Friday or Saturday. |
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| Ramirez inks minor-league deal | Wednesday 5/21, 11:39 PM CT |
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The Royals signed Horacio Ramirez to a minor-league deal Wednesday and assigned him to extended spring training, according to the Kansas City Star. He will report to Triple-A Omaha when he gets into game shape. Ramirez was released by the Mariners this spring.
Our View: Ramirez hasn't been doing anything for a couple months, so it will take him a while before he has any chance of joining the Royals rotation. Once he gets there, he's unlikely to do anything fantasy-worthy. |
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| The Joba Plan finally has begun | Wednesday 5/21, 11:15 PM CT |
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Joba Chamberlain is finally beginning his transition to the Yankees rotation. The youngster pitched the final two innings of an 8-0 win over Baltimore Wednesday, the first step in stretching Chamberlain out. "This is the timetable that we had set," manager Joe Girardi said in the AP. "It's going to (take) him a while to (get) where he's going be - a hundred pitches. But this is what we had planned all along, and we're sticking to our plan that we talked about over the winter and in spring training."
Our View: It will take Joba at least until early June to build his pitch count up to around the 100 mark. Ian Kennedy would be the most likely candidate for a demotion once Chamberlain is ready, though if Darrell Rasner comes back to earth, he would certainly be a candidate |
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| Bard leaves with ankle injury | Wednesday 5/21, 11:01 PM CT |
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Josh Bard left Wednesday's game in the third inning with an apparent left ankle injury. Luke Carlin replaced him behind the plate.
Our View: We'll pass along info on the severity of Bard's injury when more is known. |
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| Young hit in face by liner | Wednesday 5/21, 10:53 PM CT |
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Chris Young had to leave Wednesday's game in the third inning after being hit in the face by an Albert Pujols line drive. He suffered a fractured nose as well as lacerations and was taken to an area hospital.
Our View: Young didn't seem woozy before leaving, so a concussion seems unlikely, but we'll let you know more about his situation when get info. |
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| Dye homers twice, drives in four | Wednesday 5/21, 10:37 PM CT |
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Jermaine Dye got off to a slow start this year, but he's making up for lost time. The outfielder had a pair of home runs Wednesday and drove in four runs. Dye hit just .263 with one homer in April but has put together a .333-6-11 line this month.
Our View: Dye is looking to rebound from a subpar '07 season, and his .307-8-20 line suggests he could be on his way to accomplishing just that. |
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| Ponson goes the distance | Wednesday 5/21, 10:33 PM CT |
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Sidney Ponson appeared to be coming back to earth after two straight poor outings, but he rebounded with another stellar start Wednesday, going the distance while allowing just one run on six hits and a walk while notching five punchouts.
Our View: Hopefully you don't need us to tell you to sell high on Sidney now if anyone's willing to take him. |
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| Howard punishes Nats pitching | Wednesday 5/21, 10:28 PM CT |
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Ryan Howard's batting average is south of the Mendoza line, but he's at least giving owners nice power totals. The first baseman had a double and a pair of homers in Wednesday's 12-2 thrashing of the Nationals. Howard has 12 dingers and 29 ribbies on the year, to go along, unfortunately, with a .195 average.
Our View: Might we be seeing the beginning of Howard's patented hot streaks? Only time will tell. |
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| Nolasco keeps D'Backs in check | Wednesday 5/21, 10:25 PM CT |
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Ricky Nolasco held the D'Backs offense in check Wednesday, giving up just one run on three hits and two walks while striking out seven over seven innings. His ERA dropped to 4.62.
Our View: Nolasco has good stuff, so he's certainly capable of these types of outings. He's still too inconsistent, though, to be relied upon in standard mixed leagues. |
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| Vlad goes deep twice | Wednesday 5/21, 10:21 PM CT |
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Vladimir Guerrero's power has been pretty absent this year, but he provided his owners with a pair of dingers on Wednesday. Vlad hit a solo shot in the first and followed it up with a three-run shot in the third.
Our View: Vlad now has six bombs on the year - a low total for him, but at least he's creeping closer to where he should be. |
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| Hairston exits after feeling dizzy | Wednesday 5/21, 9:56 PM CT |
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Jerry Hairston Jr. exited Wednesday's game in the first inning after feeling dizzy. Paul Janish replaced Hairston at shortstop.
Our View: We'll update you on Hairston's injury when more is known. |
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| Sheets tosses complete game | Wednesday 5/21, 9:53 PM CT |
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Ben Sheets rebounded from a poor start last week with a great outing Wednesday. The righty allowed one run on 11 hits while striking out six in a complete game win over Pittsburgh.
Our View: Sheets was having a poor month before this outing, so it's good to see he appears to be back on track. |
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| Rasner twirls a gem | Wednesday 5/21, 9:44 PM CT |
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Darrell Rasner was great in his first two starts for the Yanks. He was even better in his third. The righty tossed seven shutout innings Wednesday, allowing just five hits and a walk with six strikeouts.
Our View: The Yankees skipped Rasner his last time out, but we have a feeling they may not do that anymore. He's been the team's best starter this month. |
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| Colon wins in Sox debut | Wednesday 5/21, 9:37 PM CT |
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Bartolo Colon picked up the win Wednesday in his first start with the Red Sox, allowing two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out four over five innings.
Our View: Not a great performance, but certainly respectable. Colon should be able to work deeper into games once he gets builds up arm strength. |
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| Webb's winning streak ends | Wednesday 5/21, 9:32 PM CT |
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Brandon Webb suffered his first loss of the season Wednesday after nine straight wins. The righty pitched well, allowing three runs on six hits and no walks while striking out seven over seven innings, but the D'Backs fell to the Marlins, 3-1.
Our View: Well, it had to come to an end sometime, right? |
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| Punto to begin rehab Friday | Wednesday 5/21, 9:29 PM CT |
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Nick Punto will go to Single-A Fort Myers on Friday to begin his rehab stint, which is not expected to last longer than a week, according to MLB.com. He is coming back from a hamstring injury. "It's just about getting to that full-speed run," Punto said. "It's getting a little better every day, the running part."
Our View: Punto's recovery has gone slower than expected, but it appears he should be back before too long. |
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| Drew sits out Wednesday | Wednesday 5/21, 9:22 PM CT |
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J.D. Drew was out of Wednesday's lineup, one day after fouling a ball off his right knee in the second inning of the win over Kansas City, according to MLB.com. He was available off the bench, though, and Drew expects to be back Thursday. "They told me last night I was going to get the day [off] so I'd be ready for the afternoon game [on Thursday]," Drew said. "I'm a little sore and stiff, but nothing that's holding me back by any means. I hit that pretty good off my leg, but everything is fine."
Our View: Drew always seems to be nursing something, but this injury at least seems to be minor. |
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| Ellis to return on Friday | Wednesday 5/21, 9:16 PM CT |
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Mark Ellis will return to the lineup Friday for the A's, according to MLB.com. He hasn't played in 10 days because of a strained left hamstring. "I'm hoping it'll be fine," Ellis said. "But I won't know until I'm out there. When you play, you can't go 50 percent, you have to go all the way."
Our View: Ellis was six for his last 14 before the injury, so hopefully he can pick up where he left off. |
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| Nothing new on Nomar | Wednesday 5/21, 9:09 PM CT |
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Nomar Garciaparra underwent some tests on his strained left calf that revealed, well, a strained left calf, according to the LA Daily News. The third baseman was being looked at to determine why his progress has stalled. "We just wait for him to feel better," manager Joe Torre said.
Our View: Nomar has been out nearly a month, and a return doesn't appear to be on the horizon. |
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| Wiggy given another day off | Wednesday 5/21, 8:28 PM CT |
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Ty Wigginton was out of the starting lineup for the second straight day Wednesday after manager Cecil Cooper decided the third baseman needed more time to heal from the bruise he suffered last week on the left side of his rib cage. Wigginton admitted Wednesday he probably rushed back too soon. "Monday was definitely a lot better," Wigginton said. "I probably came back too soon from the thumb thing; I probably came back too soon from the rib thing. By no means is that an excuse. That's always been what I've done -- as soon as I feel I can be out on the field, I expect to be out there to help my team, my whole career."
Our View: Cooper assured Wigginton he still is his everyday third baseman, so Wiggy owners needn't worry. He should be back up to full speed soon. |
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| Gonzalez nearing return | Wednesday 5/21, 8:23 PM CT |
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Mike Gonzalez is scheduled to make back-to-back appearances in extended spring training games this weekend before being examined in Atlanta, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution After that he'll begin a brief rehab assignment. Gonzalez is 10 days from the one-year anniversary of Tommy John surgery.
Our View: Gonzalez will come back in a setup role with the Braves but could possibly get some save chances down the line. |
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| Soriano feels good after rehab outing | Wednesday 5/21, 8:16 PM CT |
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Rafael Soriano, recovering from right elbow tendinitis, made his first rehab appearance Wednesday and allowed one hit and one walk with one strikeout in one inning for Double-A Mississippi. He told team officials he felt fine after the 19-pitch outing. Soriano is scheduled to throw again Friday for Mississippi and could be activated soon after, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Our View: Soriano could resume his closing duties when he returns, but John Smoltz is expected back soon after him and is likely to take over ninth inning duties. |
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| Saunders could be scratched from start | Wednesday 5/21, 8:13 PM CT |
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Joe Saunders is feeling under the weather and may be scratched from scheduled start Thursday, according to MLB.com. He said Wednesday he had "congestion, a headache and no energy." Manager Mike Scioscia said he is prepared to start Ervin Santana Thursday on his normal four days' rest and hold Saunders back for a start this weekend in Chicago.
Our View: This wouldn't really disrupt the Angels rotation, so a switch seems likely. We'll update you on Saunders' condition tomorrow. |
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| Blalock expected to start Friday | Wednesday 5/21, 8:10 PM CT |
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Hank Blalock, coming back from a torn hamstring, played five innings in an extended spring training game on Wednesday and seems to be passing all the tests, according to MLB.com. Blalock is moving to first base and is expected to start there on Friday in Cleveland when he's activated. "Hank is coming along good," manager Ron Washington said. "He's making all the adjustments and almost looking like a first baseman. It won't take Hank long. He's already an infielder, he's just moving to the other side. He's got an idea of how to play first base."
Our View: Blalock is worth an add in mixed leagues if someone dropped him following his injury. |
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| Mora exits with hand injury | Wednesday 5/21, 7:58 PM CT |
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Melvin Mora left Wednesday's game in the bottom of the third inning with a hand injury, according to Sports Network. He was injured with the Yankees' Hideki Matsui slid into Mora's throwing hand. Mora tried to grip a baseball but was unable to. Alex Cintron replaced him at third.
Our View: We'll let you know more about Mora's ailment when info becomes available. This sounds like something that could keep him out for at least a few days, though. |
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| Cox expects Smoltz within two weeks | Wednesday 5/21, 7:56 PM CT |
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Manager Bobby Cox said he expects John Smoltz to return within two weeks, according to the AP. The manager hinted Smoltz may not need another side session in Atlanta before beginning a minor league rehab stint. "I don't know for sure," Cox said. "He felt awfully good yesterday."
Our View: It's a good thing Cox is giving up updates, because Smoltz isn't talking anymore. We'll update you on his progress, but this certainly seems like a positive bit of news. |
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| Alou leaves with calf injury | Wednesday 5/21, 7:43 PM CT |
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Moises Alou let Wednesday's game in the third inning with a cramp in his left calf muscle, according to MetsBlog.com. Marlon Anderson replaced Alou in left field.
Our View: Here we go. We all know how much of an injury risk Alou is. Hopefully this isn't too serious. He's off to a great start since returning from the DL, hitting .340 in 47 at-bats. |
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| No shoulder problems for Big Z | Wednesday 5/21, 7:31 PM CT |
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Manager Lou Pinella has said that published reports stating that the Cubs are "keeping a close eye" on Carlos Zambrano's shoulder are untrue, according to the Chicago Tribune. "I don't where all this stuff came from, but I'll tell you this--Larry Rothschild told me yesterday he had the best throw day he had all year," Piniella said. "So, physically, there's nothing wrong."
Our View: The previous report stated that Zambrano's so-called shoulder problems weren't serious, anyway, but his owners should be breathing a sigh of relief regardless. |
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| Fukudome to get day off in PIT series | Wednesday 5/21, 7:27 PM CT |
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Manager Lou Pinella plans on giving Kosuke Fukudome a day off during the upcoming series against the Pirates in which the Cubs will face three lefties, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Our View: Fukudome hasn't been a slouch against southpaws, hitting .282 against them, but he's batted .320 with both of his dingers against righties. |
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| Soriano to sit once every 12-13 games | Wednesday 5/21, 7:25 PM CT |
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Alfonso Soriano is getting a day off tonight, and manager Lou Pinella said that he plans on giving his outfielder a day off once every 12 or 13 games, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Our View: Soriano is coming off Player of the Week honors, but with the ailments he's had since joining the Cubbies, it's a good decision by Pinella to not overuse him. |
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| Rapada placed on DL | Wednesday 5/21, 6:41 PM CT |
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The Tigers placed Clay Rapada on the DL Wednesday with biceps tendinitis. The move was made to clear a roster spot for Dontrelle Willis.
Our View: Rapada has been decent for the Tigers this year, but he's far from being usable in fantasy. |
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| Kearns could be DL-bound | Wednesday 5/21, 6:40 PM CT |
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Austin Kearns' sore right elbow could force him to the DL, according to MLB.com. Kearns has loose bodies in the elbow, and GM Jim Bowden said the swelling had not gone down. Kearns will see Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., and Dr. Timothy Kremchek in Cincinnati to get second and third opinions, respectively. "We are hoping the swelling goes down and he can play this weekend," Bowden said. "If he can't play by Monday, we have to disable him."
Our View: Kearns hurt the elbow during batting practice on Saturday and has missed the last four games. Keep an eye on updates for him over the next couple days. |
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| Hall to sit more against righties | Wednesday 5/21, 6:18 PM CT |
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Manager Ned Yost told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that Bill Hall is likely to sit more often against right-handers in favor of Craig Counsell. Hall is ripping lefties to the tune of a .371 average but has managed just a .163 clip against righties.
Our View: Hall has nine homers on the year but is batting just .207, making him a risky play in mixed leagues. |
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| Counsell starting at hot corner | Wednesday 5/21, 6:15 PM CT |
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Craig Counsell is starting tonight at third base for the Brewers in place of Bill Hall. Manager Ned Yost said that Counsell needs to playing more with Hall struggling mightily against right-handers, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
Our View: Hall may not be tearing it up, but Counsell doesn't figure to provide a lift. |
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| Torres to lead committee approach | Wednesday 5/21, 6:11 PM CT |
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With Eric Gagne being shut down until further notice, the Brewers will be using a committee in the closer role. However, manager Ned Yost said Salomon Torres is likely to get most of the save chances, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
Our View: Torres struggled and ultimately lost the closer role with the Pirates last year. He's a solid reliever, though, and is worth a pickup in all formats. |
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| Gagne shut down | Wednesday 5/21, 6:09 PM CT |
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Eric Gagne has flown back to Milwaukee and will be shut down until further notice, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. The reliever has a stiff right shoulder and will be examined by team trainers and Dr. William Raasch to decide what the best course of action is. "It's all in the front of the shoulder," Gagne said. "Now we're just waiting to see. It's just one of those things (where) you usually warm up and it goes away, but it was getting tighter and tighter (Tuesday)." Manager Ned Yost said the Brewers will use a committee at closer while Gagne is out, though Soloman Torres will get most of the chances.
Our View: The way Gagne has pitched, perhaps a little time off will do he and the Brewers some good. |
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| Wang dealing with calf strain | Wednesday 5/21, 6:00 PM CT |
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Chien-Ming Wang is dealing with a mild calf strain, according to the NY Daily News. An MRI showed no serious damage. Wang said he suffered the injury while covering first base in the seventh inning on Sunday night. "I'll be fine," Wang said. "It's better. Now it's good. I don't feel it." Yankees media relations director Jason Zillo said that Wang is not expected to miss his next turn in the rotation, which is scheduled for Saturday.
Our View: The Yankees don't need any other problems, though this at least doesn't sound serious. We'll let you know if Wang has any kind of setback and can't go. |
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| Ramirez given day off | Wednesday 5/21, 5:51 PM CT |
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The struggling Hanley Ramirez is out of the Marlins lineup Wednesday for the first time this season. Ramirez is 1-for-15 with 10 strikeouts in the past four games. "Sometimes you can give them a little mental break, and that usually jump-starts them the next day," manager Fredi Gonzalez said in the AP. "Sometimes just giving him a little breath of fresh air is a good thing."
Our View: Hanley's numbers on the year are still superb, and you can bet he will get back on track soon enough. |
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| Cust continues hot May | Wednesday 5/21, 5:25 PM CT |
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Jack Cust continued his hot month of May Wednesday, belting a pair of two-run homers in the win over Tampa Wednesday.
Our View: Cust hit just .188 with one homer in April, but he's humming along at a .339-6-10 clip this month. Hopefully you bought low on him. |
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| Eveland tosses first complete game | Wednesday 5/21, 5:22 PM CT |
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Dana Eveland continues to befuddle American League batters. The left-hander tossed his first career complete game Wednesday limiting the Rays to one run on three hits and a walk while striking out five. He needed just 95 pitches to get through the nine frames.
Our View: Eveland's ERA now sits at an impressive 2.90. He's sure to go through his fair share of rough patches, but he's been one of the biggest fantasy pitching surprises so far this year. |
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| Wilkerson to stick in leadoff spot | Wednesday 5/21, 5:18 PM CT |
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Brad Wilkerson will remain in the leadoff spot for the foreseeable future, according to the Toronto Globe and Mail. Manager John McLaren likes Wilkerson in the one hole, where he's started six of the last seven games.
Our View: And why shouldn't McLaren like Wilkerson in the spot? I mean, he's hit .184 with a pristine .262 OBP in 11 games since joining the Jays. Wilkerson draws some walks and has a bit of pop, but his dismal batting average makes him a poor fit for the leadoff spot, or for any other spot in the lineup for that matter. |
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| Eckstein suffers setback | Wednesday 5/21, 5:14 PM CT |
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David Eckstein has suffered a setback in his return from a hip flexor injury, and he won't be back with the Blue Jays on Thursday as expected, according to the Toronto Globe and Mail. He is currently on a rehab assignment. "He was a little tender, and he didn't play (Tuesday) or today (Wednesday)," manager John Gibbons said.
"There's still 4 1/2 months left in the season and we want this cleared up when he's here. So he'll need to play a few more games down there."
Our View: Gibbons also mentioned that Eckstein won't be in the leadoff spot when he returns, as he likes Brad Wilkerson there. |
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| Burke to catch Washburn and Bedard | Wednesday 5/21, 5:09 PM CT |
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Manager John McLaren told the Seattle Times Wednesday that he wants to match the pitching and catching batteries that work together when he can. That means Jamie Burke will start tonight with Jarrod Washburn on the hill, and Burke will also catch Erik Bedard for the foreseeable future.
Our View: Burke can't hit a lick, so he's pretty useless in fantasy. Of course, Kenji Johjima is really struggling with the bat, as well. |
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| Johjima not starting tonight | Wednesday 5/21, 5:07 PM CT |
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Kenji Johjima will yield to backup Jamie Burke on Wednesday, according to the Seattle Times. Manager John McLaren said he wanted to match the pitching and catching batteries that work together when he can. The manager apparently thinks Burke meshes well with Jarrod Washburn. Johjima will be back in the lineup for tomorrow's day game.
Our View: The article also mentions that Burke is likely to catch Erik Bedard for the foreseeable future. |
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| Loe called up from Triple-A | Wednesday 5/21, 4:58 PM CT |
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The Rangers recalled Kameron Loe from Triple-A Oklahoma Wednesday, according to the Star-Telegram.
Our View: Loe will give the Rangers another bullpen arm, but his fantasy value is nil. |
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| German designated for assignment | Wednesday 5/21, 4:57 PM CT |
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The Rangers designated Franklyn German for assignment Wednesday, according to the Star-Telegram. Kameron Loe was recalled to replace him on the roster.
Our View: German's 2.08 ERA was certainly good enough to keep him on the roster, but he was caught up in a numbers game, as the Rangers needed another arm for the bullpen, and German threw 3 2/3 scoreless innings Tuesday. |
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| Hirsh scheduled to throw in game | Wednesday 5/21, 4:51 PM CT |
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Jason Hirsh, who is recovering from a right shoulder strain, is scheduled to throw a "camp" game in Tucson, essentially an intrasquad game, since there was not a game scheduled for Wednesday, according to MLB.com. "This will be his first game he's thrown in, so we have to see how today goes before we progress him to the next step," Rockies head athletic trainer Keith Dugger said. "We're getting on a four-day rotation, five-rotation, depending on how he feels."
Our View: Hirsh is still a long ways away from a return, since he missed nearly all of spring training. |
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| Vizcaino takes positive step | Wednesday 5/21, 4:47 PM CT |
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Luis Vizcaino took another positive step Tuesday in recovering from his strained right shoulder, throwing 17 pitches in an extended spring training game. "He came out great," Rockies head athletic trainer Keith Dugger told MLB.com. "He feels good. His velocity was up. I don't know the line, but he was fine."
Our View: Vizcaino will throw a side session before at least one more extended spring game. He would then likely make a few minor league rehab appearances. |
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| Moss to begin rehab assignment | Wednesday 5/21, 4:38 PM CT |
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Brandon Moss will report to Triple-A Pawtucket tomorrow to begin his rehab assignment, according to the Boston Globe. He is recovering from an appendectomy.
Our View: Moss will likely stay at Triple-A after he's ready, at least until J.D. Drew gets injured. |
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| D-Train to rejoin Tigers as reliever | Wednesday 5/21, 4:36 PM CT |
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The Tigers will activate Dontrelle Willis from the DL today, but he's not going to be inserted into the rotation. Instead, the team will use him out of the bullpen initially. "We just want to keep him working, get some more innings in, get him fine-tuned a little bit, and then we'll play it from there," manager Jim Leyland said on MLB.com.
Our View: Willis walked nine in five innings in his two starts with the Tigers this year, and he's had control problems in his three rehab starts, as well, so this move makes sense. Armando Galarraga has pitched very well since taking over for Willis, and he'll remain in the rotation. |
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| Figgins activated from DL | Wednesday 5/21, 4:31 PM CT |
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The Angels activated Chone Figgins from the DL today to replace the injured Erick Aybar on the roster.
Our View: Robb Quinlan and Matt Brown, who played third most of the time while Figgins was out, will go back to bench duty. |
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| Church says he may play Thursday | Wednesday 5/21, 4:27 PM CT |
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Ryan Church still has a headache, but he suggested he could be back in the lineup as soon as Thursday, according to the New York Daily News. The outfielder suffered a mild concussion when he collided with the Braves' Yunel Escobar in last night's game.
Our View: It's good to hear he'll be alright. The Mets could play it safe and hold him out until the weekend, but it sounds like he'll be back soon enough. |
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| Aybar placed on DL | Wednesday 5/21, 4:19 PM CT |
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The Angels placed Erick Aybar on the DL Wednesday with a dislocated right pinkie. Aybar was injured when he attempted to stop a grounder last night.
Our View: Maicer Izturis will replace Aybar at shortstop, while Sean Rodriguez will handle second base until Howie Kendrick is ready. |
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| Jeter back in Yankees' lineup | Wednesday 5/21, 3:55 PM CT |
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As he earlier insisted, Derek Jeter has in fact returned to the Yankees' lineup Wednesday, according to the AP. X-rays taken during Tuesday night's game against Baltimore were negative, as Jeter was diagnosed with a contusion after being hit by a Daniel Cabrera pitch on his left hand. That was the third time he has been hit by a pitch this season.
Our View: Jeter thinks he will be fine, and he will try and help the Yankees end a four game losing skid today. |
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| DiNardo recalled | Wednesday 5/21, 3:15 PM CT |
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Lenny DiNardo has been recalled from Triple-A Sacramento, according to USA Today. The team brought him in to cover the roster spot for pitcher Andrew Brown, who landed on the DL due to appendicitis.
Our View: DiNardo was on the opening day roster and appeared in four games, going 1-1 with a 10.57 ERA and 2.61 WHIP. He made four starts with Sacramento, going 3-1 with a 5.25 ERA. He does not merit fantasy consideration.
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| Percival experiences tightness | Wednesday 5/21, 3:07 PM CT |
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Troy Percival reportedly felt some tightness in his left hamstring during Tuesday's win against Oakland, according to the St. Petersburg Times.
Our View: The closer is expected to be fine by Friday, but won't be used Wednesday. He is enjoying a strong resurgance this season with 13 saves, and a 0.68 WHIP over 19 innings, with 18 strikeouts. |
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| Gagne has shoulder stiffness | Wednesday 5/21, 3:00 PM CT |
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Eric Gagne entered Tuesday’s battle against the Pirates in the ninth inning with a comfortable 7-0 lead but could not finish the game, according to the AP. He allowed two runs on two hits and left complaining of tightness in his shoulder. Gagne said, "It wasn’t really pain, it was just stiffness. It feels like I slept on it or something. It just wouldn’t get warm."
Our View: Gagne has blown five saves in 15 opportunities this season, and holds a poor 6.98 ERA and 2.02 WHIP over 19.1 innings. He won't be missed that much by fantasy owners if forced to miss time, but we will keep you posted on his status. |
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| Molina started at catcher | Wednesday 5/21, 2:51 PM CT |
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Bengie Molina was set for a day off on Wednesday, but Steve Holm went down due to illness, and Molina was forced to start at catcher against the Rockies, according to MLB.com.
Our View: He has started 38 of San Francisco's first 48 games, putting him on a pace to start 128 games, which is a high amount for a catcher, especially a 33-year old one like Molina. Molina has started six games in a row and 12 of the last 13, including today. He still leads the team with 23 RBI, and holds a solid .289 batting average. |
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| Holm pulled from Wednesday lineup | Wednesday 5/21, 2:46 PM CT |
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Steve Holm was pulled from today's lineup at catcher due to illness, according to MLB.com. Manager Bruce Bochy thought Holm had a touch of food poisoning.
Our View: Bengie Molina was set for a day off, but has been placed into the starting lineup. Holm was hitting .268 over 41 at-bats with one homer and four RBI, and getting scratched shold hold no fantasy significance. |
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| Denker recalled from Triple-A | Wednesday 5/21, 2:25 PM CT |
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Infielder Travis Denker has been recalled from Triple-A Fresno, according to the AP. The team also optioned second baseman Eugenio Velez to Fresno.
Our View: Denker was hitting .315 (17-for-54) for Fresno this season, and is yet to make his Major League debut. He brings youth to an aged Giants' infield, but doesn't merit fantasy consideration. |
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| Velez optioned | Wednesday 5/21, 2:22 PM CT |
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Eugenio Velez has been optioned to Triple-A Fresno by the Giants, according to the AP. The team recalled infielder Travis Denker from Fresno to fill the open spot on the roster.
Our View: Velez was only hitting .207 with 11 runs scored over 121 at-bats, and held little to no fantasy value prior to his demotion. |
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| Dobbs tweaked back | Wednesday 5/21, 1:32 PM CT |
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Greg Dobbs tweaked his back while fielding a ball during batting practice on Monday, according to the Philadelphia Enquirer. He said he was feeling much better, although he still had some tightness in the area.
Our View: Dobbs holds little fantasy value as a backup third baseman, but he is providing solid depth to the Phillies' bench, as he holds a .356 average over 59 at-bats, with two homers, 13 RBI, and seven runs scored. He also chipped in one stolen base. |
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| Benson to pitch in ext. spring game | Wednesday 5/21, 1:27 PM CT |
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Kris Benson is scheduled to pitch in an extended spring training game on Thursday, according to the Philadelphia Enquirer. He will then pitch another extended spring training game Tuesday.
Our View: He had a slight change in his schedule, as he was previously going to pitch in a simulated game today. The Phillies are hopeful that Benson will be pitching well enough as early as the middle of June to contribute and help them.
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| Posada did more throwing Tuesday | Wednesday 5/21, 12:56 PM CT |
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Jorge Posada did some more throwing Tuesday, as he tries to work his way off the DL from rotator cuff tendinitis, according to the NY Daily News. Posada has been throwing at distances of 75 and 90 feet, though Manager Joe Girardi said the Yankees increased the number of throws he made Tuesday. Posada will increase the distance and number of throws during the week, and he could be ready to begin a minor-league rehab assignment next week.
Our View: Posada would need to catch four or five games in the minors as the team needs to see how he bounces back after catching two in a row. The team previously set a target date for his return in the first week of June.
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| Pedro returns home to be with father | Wednesday 5/21, 12:51 PM CT |
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Pedro Martinez returned home to the Dominican Republic to be with his sick father, according to the AP. Martinez had planned to rejoin the Mets for a bullpen session Wednesday, but after arriving in Atlanta on Wednesday morning from Port St. Lucie, Florida, Martinez learned his father, Pablo Martinez, had experienced a medical setback. Martinez then left to be with his father, who has a form of brain cancer.
Our View: The return home delays his plans to test his ailing hamstring. Team spokesman Ethan Wilson said the team does not know how long Martinez plans to remain in the Dominican Republic. The Mets hoped he could return by the end of the month, but that is now unclear.
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| Jeter listed as day-to-day | Wednesday 5/21, 12:44 PM CT |
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Derek Jeter is officially listed as day-to-day after being drilled on the left hand by a Daniel Cabrera pitch on Tuesday, according to the NY Daily News. X-rays taken during Tuesday night's game were negative, as Jeter was diagnosed with a contusion, and he said, "Fortunately, it's not broken. I should be okay for Wednesday." Manager Joe Girardi added, "We'll look at how sore he is and how swollen it is. I wouldn't be surprised if he can't play, but I wouldn't be surprised if Derek finds a way to play. That's the type of player he is. He got hit pretty hard. There aren't too many days he sits out. My gut tells me he's going to be pretty sore, but there are a lot of days that people don't think Derek will play and he goes out there."
Our View: Jeter insists he'll be back in the lineup Wednesday as the Yankees try to snap their four-game losing streak. Pencil him into your lineups with caution.
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| Colon to make season debut | Wednesday 5/21, 12:29 PM CT |
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Bartolo Colon has been called up and will make his season debut in the Red Sox rotation tonight against the Royals, according to the USA Today. Young hurler Justin Masterson was sent down to Triple-A Pawtuckett to make room for Colon.
Our View: Colon is back, but shouldn't be considered for your rotation until he proves he can still be effective. He held a poor 6.34 ERA and 1.62 WHIP over 18 starts in 2007. |
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| Masterson sent down | Wednesday 5/21, 12:25 PM CT |
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Justin Masterson has been sent down to Triple-A Pawtuckett following his Tuesday night spot-start, according to the USA Today. Bartolo Colon was called up to the Red Sox as well.
Our View: Masterson claimed his first win on Tuesday prior to getting sent down, and the Red Sox could bring him back up in either a starting or bullpen role later in the season.
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| Tyner accepts outright assignment | Wednesday 5/21, 12:19 PM CT |
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Jason Tyner cleared waivers and has accepted an outright assignment to Triple-A Buffalo, according to USA Today. He was designated for assignment on May 16.
Our View: Tyner holds no fantasy value for this season. He was hitless over two brief at-bats with the Indians. |
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| Church swinging the bat well | Wednesday 5/21, 12:14 PM CT |
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Ryan Church left Tuesday night's game with a concussion after trying to break up a game-ending double play, but is doing good, according to MetsBlog.com. Catcher Brian Schneider told WFAN that he talked with Church this morning by phone, and Church is doing good, and will report to the field today at regular time, though it is doubtful he will play.
Our View: Church is listed as day-to-day. Church is hitting well with a .311 average over 42 games with nine homers and 32 RBI, and it took a concussion to slow him down. We will keep you posted on his status. |
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| LaRussa thinks Mulder will contribute | Wednesday 5/21, 10:30 AM CT |
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Manager Tony LaRussa continues to believe that Mark Mulder will contribute this season, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The Cardinals postponed Mulder’s next throwing session seven to 10 days Monday due to lingering shoulder tightness. The shutdown occurred two weeks after Mulder’s last rehab start for Triple-A Memphis. LaRussa commented, "I know he was pushing to get back. He wants to pitch. I anticipate him making a contribution this season."
Our View: His latest setback means it is unlikely he will return to the diamond for St. Louis before late June. If he is able to play this season, he won't likely hold any fantasy value in anything but deep NL-only leagues. |
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| Schumaker battling plantar fasciitis | Wednesday 5/21, 10:24 AM CT |
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Skip Schumaker is battling plantar fasciitis in his left heel, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He was absent from the lineup Tuesday night but said, "The ailment is very, very minor."
Our View: Schumaker is having a solid season as he holds a .286 average over 47 games, with 31 runs scored, and four stolen bases. He only blasted two homers, but has nine doubles and one triple. The ailment is minor, as he stated, and you shouldn't be worried about him or his production. |
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| Ankiel could return Friday? | Wednesday 5/21, 10:16 AM CT |
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Rick Ankiel missed a fourth consecutive start Tuesday night while his strained right shoulder continues to heal, but could be back in action very soon, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Manager Tony La Russa speculated based on trainer’s reports that Ankiel could play in Friday’s series opener against the Dodgers.
Our View: Ankiel has not swung a bat since hurting himself on a swing last Friday against the Rays. Wait until he returns to the Cardinals' lineup and proves to be effective before starting him again.
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| Bernero suffers another setback | Wednesday 5/21, 10:11 AM CT |
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Hurler Adam Bernero was placed on the minor league DL at Triple-A Indianapolis because of soreness in his right elbow, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View: Bernero missed 2007 due to an injury on the same elbow, and required Tommy John surgery. |
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| Figgins could be on CWS radar? | Wednesday 5/21, 10:06 AM CT |
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Chone Figgins could be on the Chicago White Sox radar, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. A source close to the situation said that Chicago GM Kenny Williams started sending out feelers more than two weeks ago to teams that had leadoff hitters also capable of playing second base, and speculation is that his interest in Figgins has grown. Williams said, "Figgins? That's an interesting name. I'm talking about the guys that will ultimately be available, and I don't know if they will be any better than what we already got. Again, the key phrase being that they will ultimately be available. Not that I can't sit here and play the fantasy game. Hell, I can play that game and come up with a bunch of people. Reality, that's the game I have to deal in."
Our View: Further evidence that Figgins could be expendable is that while the Sox were in Los Angeles playing the Angels last week, there was whispers that the Angels would make a hard push for free agent-to-be Joe Crede when the season ends. Figgins would add more speed to Chicago's lineup as he had 11 stolen bases over 32 games before getting hurt.
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| Wilson could be close to returning | Wednesday 5/21, 9:56 AM CT |
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The Pirates reported that Jack Wilson is close to returning from the DL, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Manager John Russell commented, "He's close. There's still no exact date, but it's mostly a matter of getting over some fatigue he has after the fifth or sixth inning, which is to be expected."
Our View: Wilson joined Double-A Altoona Tuesday night in Akron, Ohio, where he will play the Curve's entire three-game series before his left calf is evaluated again Friday.
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| Westbrook could rejoin rotation soon | Wednesday 5/21, 9:50 AM CT |
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