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| Perez is lights out in relief appearance | Saturday 5/24, 11:52 PM CT |
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Chris Perez looked good in the ninth inning of the Cardinals' 4-0 win over the Dodgers Saturday. The hard-throwing righty allowed a leadoff single to Jeff Kent (the first hit he's allowed in five games this year) before promptly striking out James Loney, Matt Kemp and Blake DeWitt in succession to close it out. Perez hasn't allowed a run in 4 2/3 innings this year and has struck out five.
Our View: Perez touched 98 on the radar gun Saturday and showed a nice slider to complement. Ryan Franklin has done well in the closer role in place of Jason Isringhausen, but Perez is the closer of the future, and it's not out of the question that he could end up in the gig at some point this year. |
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| Lohse tosses six shutout innings | Saturday 5/24, 11:47 PM CT |
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The good Kyle Lohse was on display Saturday, as the righty tossed six shutout innings, allowing six hits and no walks while striking out five in the win over the Dodgers.
Our View: Lohse has given up two or fewer runs in seven of 11 starts this year, but he's also given up a total of 23 runs in his other four outings, making him a risky fantasy play. |
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| Wood blows fourth save | Saturday 5/24, 11:14 PM CT |
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Kerry Wood blew his fourth save of the season Saturday night, allowing a game-tying sacrifice fly in the ninth. The Pirates went on to beat the Cubs in the 14th.
Our View: The four blown saves aren't good, but Wood's other numbers on the year are still quite salty. He's not in danger of losing the closer role, despite how dominant Carlos Marmol has been. |
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| Bay leads Bucs to extra-inning win | Saturday 5/24, 11:12 PM CT |
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Jason Bay was the hero for the Pirates Saturday night, picking up four hits, including the game-winning single in the 14th inning. Bay also hit a two-run homer and stole a base.
Our View: Bay has his average up to .287, to go along with 12 homers and 25 ribbies. His knee doesn't appear to be bothering him this year like it did during the '07 campaign. |
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| Wilson will be back in lineup Tuesday | Saturday 5/24, 11:09 PM CT |
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Jack Wilson may rejoin the Pirates from a minor league rehab assignment as early as Sunday and is expected to play on Tuesday, according to the AP. Wilson has been out since April 3 with a strained left calf.
Our View: The Bucs will likely send Brian Bixler down to make room for Wilson. |
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| Duchscherer holds Sox to one hit over eight | Saturday 5/24, 10:48 PM CT |
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Justin Duchscherer carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning Saturday and ended up tossing eight innings of one-hit ball against the Red Sox, striking out four batters in the process.
Our View: Duchscherer's transition from the bullpen to the rotation has gone above and beyond expectations. He now holds a 2.16 ERA through seven starts. |
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| Smoltz could be back with Braves tomorrow | Saturday 5/24, 10:46 PM CT |
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John Smoltz allowed one hit in one inning on a rehab assignment with Double-A Mississippi on Saturday night and reported no discomfort in his shoulder afterwards, according to the AP. The veteran is coming back from right shoulder inflammation. Smoltz will return to Atlanta on Sunday, at which point the Braves will decide whether to schedule another rehab assignment or activate him.
Our View: It sounds as if Smoltz could be back sooner than anticipated. With Rafael Soriano slated to come back tomorrow, the Braves bullpen will be getting a big boost. |
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| Gwynn optioned to Triple-A | Saturday 5/24, 10:25 PM CT |
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The Brewers optioned Tony Gwynn to Triple-A Nashville Saturday to make room on the roster for Russell Branyan.
Our View: Gwynn hasn't done anything this year to be worthy of attention in fantasy, hitting .200 in just 35 at-bats this year. |
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| Branyan called up from Triple-A | Saturday 5/24, 10:19 PM CT |
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The Brewers have called up Russell Branyan from Triple-A Nashville, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Branyan, who was hitting .359 with 12 homers and 36 RBI at Nashville, will start at third on Sunday against the Nationals.
Our View: Branyan is in line for plenty of playing time at third with Bill Hall struggling against right-handers. He could be worth a pickup for those in NL-only play looking for a power boost. |
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| Tiffee called up from Triple-A | Saturday 5/24, 9:43 PM CT |
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The Dodgers purchased the contract of Terry Tiffee from Triple-A Las Vegas Saturday. Tiffee was ripping the cover off the ball for Vegas, hitting .422 with four homers and 38 RBI in 192 at-bats.
Our View: Tiffee figures to get a start or two per week at third and first and could be worth picking up in NL-only play. |
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| Nomar moved to 60-day DL | Saturday 5/24, 9:41 PM CT |
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The Dodgers moved Nomar Garciaparra to the 60-day DL Saturday, which means he won't be eligible to return until June 25, according to the LA Daily News. Garciaparra has been recovering slowly from a strained left calf.
Our View: With Blake DeWitt hitting well, there was no need to rush Nomar back. What originally looked like a minimum DL stint has turned into at least a two-month stay for the former star. |
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| Jones to have surgery, sidelined 4-6 weeks | Saturday 5/24, 9:38 PM CT |
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Andruw Jones will have arthroscopic surgery to repair a tear of the medial meniscus in his right knee, according to the LA Daily News. The procedure will sideline him 4-6 weeks. The Dodgers placed Jones on the DL before Saturday's game. Terry Tiffee was recalled to replace him on the roster.
Our View: Jones' owners are likely thrilled to hear this news with the way the outfielder has been swinging the bat. Matt Kemp will continue to start in center field for LA, with Juan Pierre holding down left and Andre Ethier playing right. |
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| Boof gets lit up in Motown | Saturday 5/24, 9:25 PM CT |
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Boof Bonser fell to 2-6 Saturday with a horrendous performance against the Tigers, as he allowed a whopping nine runs on seven hits and two walks in three innings of work.
Our View: Boof has looked at times this year, and he hasn't been as bad as his record indicates, but inconsistency has been a problem. |
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| Magglio has monster day in thrashing of Twins | Saturday 5/24, 9:23 PM CT |
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Magglio Ordonez had a monster game Saturday in Detroit's 19-3 pounding of the Twins. The outfielder was 3-for-3 with a double, two homers, four runs scored and six RBI.
Our View: The Tigers may be underperforming, but it's not because of Magglio. He's put together two good months to start off the season. |
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| Torres tallies save | Saturday 5/24, 9:19 PM CT |
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Salomon Torres picked up his second save of the year Saturday, pitching around two Bill Hall errors in the ninth inning.
Our View: Manager Ned Yost has said that he'd be going to a committee approach at closer while Eric Gagne is out, but Torres is definitely the head of that committee. |
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| McClung wins in first start of the year | Saturday 5/24, 9:17 PM CT |
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Seth McClung picked up the win Saturday in his first start of the year, giving up two runs on four hits while striking out four over five innings. The righty made his first 11 appearances this year out of the bullpen
Our View: Perhaps the most important part of McClung's line is the zero walks, as he has always had control problems throughout his career. |
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| Bourn gets two hits, another steal | Saturday 5/24, 9:07 PM CT |
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Michael Bourn had two hits, scored two runs and stole his 22nd base in Saturday's win over Philadelphia.
Our View: The speedster has picked up a hit in eight of his last nine games, raising his average from .181 to .221. Bourn still has a ways to go as a hitter, but he appears to be coming along. |
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| Brocail shaky, but still notches save | Saturday 5/24, 9:02 PM CT |
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Doug Brocail picked up a save Saturday in place of Jose Valverde, who was given the night off. It didn't come without any drama, though, as Brocail loaded the bases before getting Shane Victorino to ground into a double play to end the game.
Our View: Brocail is clearly second in line for saves in Houston, but Valverde isn't giving up the job anytime soon. |
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| Francisco doubles, homers in win | Saturday 5/24, 8:57 PM CT |
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Ben Francisco continued his hot hitting Saturday, picking up a double and a three-run homer in the win over Texas.
Our View: Francisco is now hitting .365 with two homers and 11 RBI in just 19 games. Ride him now while he's hot, but expect him to come back to earth eventually. |
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| Borowski picks up first save since returning | Saturday 5/24, 8:55 PM CT |
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Joe Borowski picked up his first save since returning from the DL Saturday, allowing one hit in a scoreless ninth inning versus the Rangers.
Our View: Borowski is still a major risk, but he's got a firm grip on the closer job for now and should be started by those that own him. |
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| Campillo says he won't miss a start | Saturday 5/24, 8:50 PM CT |
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Jorge Campillo left after 59 pitches Saturday because of two blisters on his right middle finger and a third one that's developing on his index finger, but he expects to make his next start. "With four or five days off, I'll be fine," Campillo said in the AP. "My arm feels fine." Manager Bobby Cox didn't sound so confident. "His blisters went down to the meat (of his middle finger)," Cox said.
Our View: If Campillo is unable to go next week, Jeff Bennett is likely to start in his place. |
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| Banks could get start next week | Saturday 5/24, 8:45 PM CT |
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Josh Banks is likely to make his first start with the Padres next Saturday, according to MLB.com. "We do have to make a decision a week from tonight with a starting pitcher," said manager Bud Black. "It could come from this staff and the likely guy would be Josh Banks." Banks was claimed off waivers from the Blue Jays last month.
Our View: Banks at one point was considered a pretty good prospect with Toronto. A former second-round pick, he has fallen on hard times the last couple years. The righty holds a combined ERA of 6.80 between Triple-A Syracuse and Triple-A Portland this season. |
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| Atkins scratched with stiff neck | Saturday 5/24, 8:29 PM CT |
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Garrett Atkins was a late scratch from Saturday's lineup because of a stiff neck, according to the AP. Ian Stewart started at third in his place.
Our View: Consider Atkins day-to-day for the time being. |
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| Longoria rips a pair of longballs | Saturday 5/24, 8:24 PM CT |
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Evan Longoria had his first career multi-homer game Saturday, ripping a three-run shot in the first inning and a two-run shot in the second. His six RBI were also a career high.
Our View: Evan is batting just .241, but his power numbers over 137 at-bats (seven homers, 26 RBI) are pretty impressive. |
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| Morton sent down to Double-A | Saturday 5/24, 8:19 PM CT |
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The Padres optioned Colt Morton to Double-A San Antonio Saturday. Morton had just been called up on Thursday.
Our View: The Pads had no need for Morton with the activation of Michael Barrett. |
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| Barrett activated from DL | Saturday 5/24, 8:16 PM CT |
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The Padres activated Michael Barrett from the DL Saturday. He has been out since April 8 with a strained ligament in his right elbow.
Our View: The Padres could certainly use Barrett's bat, especially with Josh Bard out for at least the next month. |
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| Marshall placed on minor league DL | Saturday 5/24, 8:14 PM CT |
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Triple-A Iowa has placed Sean Marshall on the seven-day DL after the lefty strained his left hamstring during his start Thursday.
Our View: Marshall is back at Triple-A building his innings up with the hope of rejoining the Cubs at some point as a starter. This ailment obviously pushes that timetable back. |
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| Pokey inks minor-league deal | Saturday 5/24, 8:11 PM CT |
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The Nationals have signed Pokey Reese to a minor-league deal and assigned him to Triple-A Columbus, according to the Washington Post.
Our View: Reese hasn't played since 2006, when he abruptly left the Marlins during spring training without giving any explanation. He'll provide depth for the Nats but holds way more value with his glove than he ever will with his bat. |
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| Dukes back in lineup Saturday | Saturday 5/24, 8:08 PM CT |
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Elijah Dukes was back in the lineup Saturday, a day after injuring his left ankle on a foul ball, according to MLB.com. He said the ankle is sore but not enough to keep him from playing.
Our View: The Nats can't afford to lose Dukes with Austin Kearns already out, so it's good that he's able to play through this malady. |
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| V-Mart sits out again Saturday | Saturday 5/24, 8:04 PM CT |
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Victor Martinez was surprisingly held out of the lineup for the second straight day Saturday because of a cut of his left middle finger. "I really thought he'd be back in there [Saturday]," manager Eric Wedge said on MLB.com. "But he's still struggling with gripping the bat."
Our View: It was mildly surprising that V-Mart missed yesterday's game, so the fact that he didn't play today was discouraging. He should be back soon, but obviously he's no given for tomorrow. |
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| Scherzer works in relief | Saturday 5/24, 7:56 PM CT |
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Max Scherzer made his first relief appearance since being removed from the starting rotation. In fact he took the ball from his replacement, Doug Davis, and worked a perfect eighth inning.
Our View: When needed, Scherzer will serve as the spot starter and long reliever for the D'Backs. If any of the Arizona starting five suffer and untimely injury he figures to be the first in line to rejoin the rotation. |
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| Molina extends hitting streak | Saturday 5/24, 7:52 PM CT |
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Bengie Molina recorded his fourth multi-hit game in the last week and extended his hitting streak to six games on Friday night. The Giants catcher went 3-for-5 with a home run and two RBI.
Our View: Molina's .304/5/26 line makes him one of the fantasy elite at the catcher position. Molina currently ranks in the top five among catchers in most all formats. |
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| Zimmerman extends streak to seven | Saturday 5/24, 7:46 PM CT |
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Ryan Zimmerman extended his hitting streak to seven games on Friday night with a double in three at-bats. Zimmerman has a solid piece of work in May hitting .291 with 14 RBI and five home runs.
Our View: The Nationals third baseman needs desperately to improve his strikeout to walk ratio (38:9) if he's ever to join the fantasy elite as a corner infielder. |
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| Volquez stunningly good at PETCO | Saturday 5/24, 7:39 PM CT |
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The legend of Edinson Volquez continues to grow. The rookie recorded his sixth quality piece of work in ten starts this season and he still hasn't allowed more than two earned runs in a start.
Our View: Volquez found out what it would be like to throw his home games in PETCO instead of Great American Park on Friday night. His ERA is now 1.34 and his K/9 is a ridiculous 11.04. One would be hard pressed to find a rookie pitcher that had a 4.77 BB/9 ratio with a 1.21 WHIP after 10 starts in the history of the league. |
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| Schmidt works out in Phoenix | Saturday 5/24, 7:29 PM CT |
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Jason Schmidt, (shoulder) who left the team to attend to family matters in Phoenix, reportedly threw a bullpen session while in Arizona.
Our View: The right-hander is expected to make a rehab start Monday for San Bernardino of the California League as he works his way back from right shoulder surgery. |
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| Barrett working in Single-A | Saturday 5/24, 7:23 PM CT |
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Michael Barrett caught last night at Single-A Lake Elsinore and will be re-examined on Saturday or Sunday to determine when he can be activated and added to the 25-man roster.
Our View: Most reports have Barrett joining the team early next week. Josh Bard (ankle) is expected to miss at least 4-6 weeks giving Barrett some time to reestablish himself after a 2007 season where he displayed significant regression. |
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| Rangers let Patterson go | Saturday 5/24, 7:16 PM CT |
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The Rangers have released John Patterson, according to MLB.com. The veteran, who was signed to a minor-league deal after being released by the Nationals, is expected to sidelined for the rest of the season by a sore forearm.
Our View: Patterson is worth tracking because of what he's accomplished in the past, but it's pretty clear he'll never again be what he once was. |
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| McCarthy cleared to start throwing again | Saturday 5/24, 7:13 PM CT |
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Brandon McCarthy has been cleared to start throwing again, according to MLB.com. The right-hander is out until the All-Star break because of severe inflammation in his right forearm.
Our View: We'll continue to monitor McCarthy's recovery. |
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| Rheinecker has cleanup surgery | Saturday 5/24, 7:11 PM CT |
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John Rheinecker had cleanup surgery on his shoulder Saturday, according to MLB.com. The lefty had already been ruled out until after the All-Star break after being affected by thoracic outlet syndrome on his shoulder. This surgery was considered minor and won't affect his return date.
Our View: Rheinecker can basically be ignored in all fantasy formats for this season. |
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| Mendoza to work at Triple-A | Saturday 5/24, 7:08 PM CT |
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Luis Mendoza is being assigned to Triple-A Oklahoma and is scheduled to start there Monday, according to MLB.com. Sidelined by both shoulder soreness and a finger blister, Mendoza will likely need at least three to four starts at Oklahoma before he can even be considered as an option for the Rangers.
Our View: Mendoza won a rotation spot this spring but failed miserably in three outings before his injury. He's far from an option in fantasy at this juncture. |
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| Gabbard feels fine physically | Saturday 5/24, 7:04 PM CT |
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Kason Gabbard walked six Cleveland batters in just 2 2/3 innings last night, but he insists his control problems are not the result of any sort of physical ailment. "I questioned him about it last night and he gave me an unequivocable positive answer," pitching coach Mark Connor said on MLB.com. "It was very uncharacteristic of him, but he's had six starts, and four have been quality. Last night was non-quality, but we'll get him back out there in five days. I have a lot of confidence in Gabby, I've never seen him struggle to find the strike zone. He was down with his sinker and getting behind guys. It wasn't pretty."
Our View: Gabbard has walked five batters per nine innings in his career, so it's not like he's had Greg Maddux-like control that is suddenly eluding him. He's just a young guy that's going to have his fair share of outings where he's completely lost, and Friday was one of those. |
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| Mets give Francis a beating | Saturday 5/24, 7:00 PM CT |
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Jeff Francis was shellacked for six runs on seven hits and three walks over six innings in a 9-2 loss to the Mets Saturday. The lone bright spot is that he struck out a season-high eight batters.
Our View: Francis can't seem to put a string of solid outings together. He's sandwiched this outing and a horrible effort against the D'Backs on May 13 around a superb effort against the Twins on May 18. It would be best for those in mixed leagues to use him only in very favorable matchups right now. |
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| Millwood cleared to rejoin rotation | Saturday 5/24, 6:55 PM CT |
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Kevin Millwood has been cleared to return to the Rangers rotation and is scheduled to pitch Friday against the A's, according to MLB.com. He was given the go-ahead after throwing 65 pitches in a simulated game at Progressive Field on Saturday. Millwood has been sidelined for two weeks with a strained right groin. "My groin feels good, I didn't have any problems with it," Millwood said. "I felt my stuff and location was as good or better than it has been all year."
Our View: Millwood gave up 17 runs over his last 16 innings before his injury, so it would be best to see what he has for at least one start before activating him. |
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| Valentin picks up two hits in rehab game | Saturday 5/24, 6:39 PM CT |
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Jose Valentin went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI on Friday for Single-A St. Lucie. The veteran is rehabbing a torn right ACL.
Our View: It sounds like Valentin could conceivable be back before the end of the month, but we haven't heard a definitive timetable. |
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| Church sits out again | Saturday 5/24, 6:30 PM CT |
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Ryan Church was out of the lineup again Saturday. He hasn't started since suffering a mild concussion on Tuesday. "He still says he feels a little funny," manager Willie Randolph said in the AP.
Our View: Concussions are tricky, so it's hard to predict when Church will be back. The Mets could certainly use him, as their outfield is really banged up right now. |
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| Figgins misses third straight game | Saturday 5/24, 6:28 PM CT |
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Chone Figgins missed his third straight game Saturday because of a strained right hamstring, according to the AP.
Our View: Figgins was expected to play at some point this weekend. Well, there's only one day left, so we'll see if he's back in there Sunday. |
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| Weaver shuts Sox out over eight | Saturday 5/24, 6:04 PM CT |
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The White Sox bats have been very quiet lately, and Jered Weaver made sure Saturday that that trend continued, as the right-hander shut the Sox out for eight innings allowing just three hits and two walks while striking out six.
Our View: Weaver has allowed just four hits and no runs over his last 15 innings versus the Sox, and he's allowed only two runs over his last three starts. |
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| Evans pounds out three doubles in debut | Saturday 5/24, 5:59 PM CT |
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Nick Evans had quite a debut for the Mets Saturday, pounding out three doubles in four at-bats in the 9-2 win over Colorado. He scored one run and drove in a pair.
Our View: Evans isn't a super prospect by any means, but he could carve out some NL-only value while the rest of the Mets outfield is so banged up. |
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| Big Unit is filthy but receives no-decision | Saturday 5/24, 5:53 PM CT |
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Randy Johnson looked like his old dominating self Saturday in Atlanta, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out 10 over six innings. The Big Unit was dealt a no-decision in the 3-1 loss.
Our View: This was Johnson's first start in Atlanta since his perfect game over four years ago. His trademark slider with filthy Saturday, though his fastball velocity is still not nearly what it once was. |
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| Francoeur gives Braves walk-off win | Saturday 5/24, 5:49 PM CT |
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Jeff Francoeur won Saturday's game for the Braves with a walk-off, two-run shot off the D'Backs' Chad Qualls. He also singled earlier in the game.
Our View: Francoeur had just five dingers on the year after managing just 19 last season. His RBI total (32) is keeping his fantasy value afloat, at least. |
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| Soriano back in lineup Saturday | Saturday 5/24, 5:46 PM CT |
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Alfonso Soriano is back in the lineup Saturday after having to leave Friday's game in the seventh inning with what appeared to be leg problems.
Our View: Soriano says that he isn't having any issues with his legs, but if you observed his mobility on Friday, you would suggest otherwise. You should certainly continue to play him, just be aware that his numbers could be affected - especially his stolen base totals. |
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| Weight problem hurts Watkins chances at call-up | Saturday 5/24, 5:32 PM CT |
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With the Twins infield so banged up, many have wondered why Tommy Watkins has yet to be called up. It's because he reported to camp 20 pounds overweight, which has affected his mobility, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Watkins hit .357 in nine games with the Twins in August before suffering an abdominal strain, which needed several weeks at the end of the season to heal. That could explain in part why Watkins put on weight, but the Twins still don't understand how he put on so much.
Our View: Watkins is batting just .232 in 69 at-bats with Triple-A Rochester, so it's not like he's done his part to convince the Twins he deserves a call-up. |
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| Aybar nearing a return | Saturday 5/24, 5:23 PM CT |
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Willy Aybar is close to being able to return to action for the Rays, according to MLB.com. He has missed 40 games with a strained left hamstring. "He played [Friday] night, batted fourth for Durham ... [and] he's doing well," manager Joe Maddon said. "So he's moving along well. He's starting to run better. He's starting to field better. Now is a good time to get him to play a couple of games in a row to see how that happens. He's playing again [Saturday night]. I think the plan is three games in a row, then see what he looks like."
Our View: The Rays would like Aybar to add the outfield to the list of positions he can play, but the plan for now is to concentrate on third, first and second base. |
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| Valverde OK, but won't pitch today | Saturday 5/24, 5:07 PM CT |
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Jose Valverde said his face was "a little sore" Saturday but that he was otherwise OK after getting hit in the face by a line drive Friday, according to the AP. The Phillies' Pedro Feliz hit a pitch that glanced off the closer's glove and then the side of his face, but Valverde was able to stay in the game and pick up a save. Valverde said he was ready to pitch today, but manager Cecil Cooper was leaning towards holding him out. "That was pretty amazing stuff he did last night," Cooper said. "He might just need a night to just think about it all."
Our View: It sounds like Valverde will be just fine, and with the way he's pitched lately (save for last night), that's terrific news for his owners. |
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| Betemit could rejoin team Monday | Saturday 5/24, 4:57 PM CT |
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Wilson Betemit will make another rehab start at Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes-Barre on Saturday and could rejoin the Yankees on Monday, according to the AP. Betemit has been out since May 10 with a strained right hamstring.
Our View: Betemit has managed just 26 at-bats this year due to the hamstring malady and a bad case of pink eye. It sounds like he'll be back on the field soon enough, though. |
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| Soriano could be back Sunday | Saturday 5/24, 4:42 PM CT |
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Rafael Soriano will be reevaluated by Braves doctors on Saturday and could be activated from the disabled list as early as Sunday, according to MLB.com. The reliever hasn't pitched for Atlanta since experiencing discomfort in his right elbow on April 6.
Our View: Soriano should slide back into his closer role right away, so it sounds like you should be able to stick him back in your lineup next week. However, his ninth-inning role could be short-lived, as John Smoltz is due back soon and expected to take over the gig. |
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| Anderson lands on DL | Saturday 5/24, 4:39 PM CT |
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The Mets placed Marlon Anderson on the DL Saturday with a strained left hamstring. Nick Evans was brought up from from Double-A Binghamton to replace him on the roster.
Our View: The Mets outfield is really banged up. Evans started in left field Saturday, while Fernando Tatis got the start in right field. Endy Chavez should be in line for most of the playing time in left while Moises Alou is out. |
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| Campillo exits with blister problem | Saturday 5/24, 4:28 PM CT |
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Jorge Campillo had to leave Saturday's start after just four innings because of a blister on his right middle finger. The righty had been cruising along, not allowing a run while giving up just two hits and striking out three. Jeff Bennett replaced him.
Our View: Campillo was pitching on three day's rest, so chances are he wasn't going to last much longer, anyway. We'll let you know if this blister problem will keep him from taking the ball the next time out. |
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| Mujica gets the call | Saturday 5/24, 4:21 PM CT |
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The Indians recalled Edward Mujica from Triple-A Buffalo Saturday to replace Jensen Lewis on the roster. Mujica posted an 8.31 ERA in 10 games last year with the Tribe. He has a 4.15 ERA with 27 Ks in 26 innings at Buffalo this season.
Our View: Mujica has a 1.26 ERA over his last 10 appearances at Triple-A, while Lewis had been struggling. We still like Lewis over the long haul, though. |
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| Lewis sent to Triple-A | Saturday 5/24, 4:18 PM CT |
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The Indians optioned Jensen Lewis to Triple-A Buffalo Saturday. Lewis posted a 3.58 ERA in 20 games. Edward Mujica replaced him on the roster.
Our View: Lewis has struggled his last four times out, but it's a little surprising the Tribe didn't give him a longer leash after what he did for them last year. |
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| Carmona placed on DL | Saturday 5/24, 4:15 PM CT |
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The Indians placed Fausto Carmona on the DL Saturday with a strained left hip. Carmona injured the hip in last night's loss to the Rangers. The team purchased the contract of Scott Elarton from Triple_A Buffalo to replace Carmona on the roster.
Our View: Jake Westbrook is expected to take Carmona's place in the rotation next week. |
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| Silva's poor outings continue | Saturday 5/24, 3:57 PM CT |
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Carlos Silva, who was moved up a day in the rotation to accommodate Mariners ace Felix Hernandez, didn't fare well pitching on short rest. The right-hander gave up seven runs (five earned) on 11 hits over six innings. The Yankees knocked Silva around early when Giambi connected on a 1-2 pitch for an opposite-field, three-run homer to left, in the second inning. Cano followed with a double and Silva was fighting for his pitching rights most of the afternoon.
Our View: Silva was 3-0 with a 2.79 ERA before a disastrous outing May 4 against the Yankees. Since then he has seen his ERA climb to 5.14 with five poor starts this month.
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| Giambi records three hits in win | Saturday 5/24, 3:52 PM CT |
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Jason Giambi hit a three-run homer as the Yankees improved to 5-0 against the Mariners this season. Giambi was 3-for-4 adding a double and single to his long ball. He scored twice and raised his average nearly twenty points (.234) with the three-hit performance.
Our View: Giambi and the rest of the Yankee bats had a field day against Seattle starter Carlos Silva, how has hit hard times after a solid April start. |
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| Mussina wins despite shaky start | Saturday 5/24, 3:48 PM CT |
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Mike Mussina allowed four runs on seven hits, walked one and struck out four in five shaky innings Saturday. In a game that figured to be high scoring, the Yankees bombed Mariners' starter Carlos Silva, and New York recorded their 24th victory of the season with a 12-6 win.
Our View: Mussina game way to Joba Chamberlain who entered in the sixth, his second appearance since starting the transition from setup man to starter. Chamberlain faced eight batters and threw 40 pitches, 22 for strikes. |
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| Stairs misses 3rd straight game | Saturday 5/24, 3:42 PM CT |
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Matt Stairs (stiff neck) missed his third straight game Saturday but Brad Wilkerson supplied the power in the 6-0 win over the Royals.
Our View: Stairs is the power in a lineup full of singles hitters, and while his absence hasn't hurt the run production for the Jays with KC in town, his return will be a welcome addition. |
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| Wells ready for rehab | Saturday 5/24, 3:37 PM CT |
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Vernon Wells, who broke his left wrist making a diving catch in Cleveland on May 9, worked in the outfield with his teammates before Saturday's game against the Royals. The center fielder is expected to begin a rehab stint in Florida on Monday.
Our View: The estimated time of return for Wells is in late June or early July. |
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| Wilkerson is Grand in Jays win | Saturday 5/24, 3:34 PM CT |
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Brad Wilkerson was 1-for-4 in Saturday's 6-0 win over the Royals. His one hit, a first inning Grand Slam off KC starter Luck Hochevar.
Our View: Wilkerson, who was recently picked up by the Jays after being released by the Mariners, was hitting .174 with one home run and three RBI in 13 games with Toronto. |
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| Hochevar is cursed | Saturday 5/24, 3:28 PM CT |
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Luke Hochevar, who was the victim of Jon Lester's no-hitter on Monday, lost on Saturday afternoon to Jesse Litsch's complete game shutout. Hochevar allowed five runs (four earned) on six hits, walked four and struck out four in six innings of work.
Our View: Hochevar gave up four of the runs in the first inning when he made a good pitch, out of the strikezone, that Brad Wilkerson deposited in the center field bleachers for a Grand Slam. His command was shaky for the second straight start and two first inning walks ultimately cost him and his team any chance of winning. |
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| Litsch shuts down KC | Saturday 5/24, 3:22 PM CT |
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Jesse Litsch threw a complete game shutout on Saturday afternoon, his sixth victory of the season in 6-0 win over Kansas City.
Litsch allowed seven hits, walked one and struck out three for his fourth straight win.
Our View: Litsch extended his streak of innings without a walk to 38.2 until he issued a two-out pass to Mark Teahen in the ninth. The Blue Jays stellar pitching continues to carry the club, and outside of a first inning Grand Slam by Brad Wilkerson, the offense continues to sputter. |
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| Butler looking to work way out of slump | Saturday 5/24, 2:43 PM CT |
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Billy Butler has seen his average dip to .262 after going 6-for-35 (.171) over his last 11 games, but he continues to work on his swing and is trying not to get down on himself, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Butler's slump is even more protracted. After hitting .295 in April, he is hitting just .221 over 68 AB in May. Being that he is only DH eligible in most leagues his value is pretty low right now, though he certainly shouldn't be let go - just stash him on your bench until he starts hitting again. |
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| Stewart called up to provide infield depth | Saturday 5/24, 2:38 PM CT |
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Ian Stewart was recalled to the Rockies on Saturday to take the roster spot of injured Clint Barmes, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: No, Stewart wont play shortstop. He will back up Garrett Atkins and Todd Helton at the corners, but being that he has been named PCL player of the week two straight weeks, there is no reason why he shouldn't get the chance to put his hot bat to use. He could also see some work at second base and the outfield, as well. |
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| Hawpe placed on DL with bad hammy | Saturday 5/24, 2:33 PM CT |
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Brad Hawpe has been placed on the DL due to a sore right hamstring that has kept him out of action the past three days, according to the Associated Press. “He’s not close," manager Clint Hurdle said. "We felt he might be close about three or four days from now. That puts him halfway home being on the DL so we just go retroactive to the last game he played and he goes from there.”
Our View: The team has called up outfielder Seth Smith to help fill the void. It will be interesting to see if the Rockies decide to go with Scott Podsednik in the lineup if Wily Taveras is also playing, or if they will go with Smith instead. |
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| Duncan working on groove at plate | Saturday 5/24, 2:22 PM CT |
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Shelley Duncan has settled in nicely as a spare part on the Yankees roster, according to MLB.com. "That can be hard on anyone, not getting regular playing time or getting the at-bats you need," Duncan said. "But as soon as you get that feeling, that comfort feeling, it's nice to lock it into your brain and just ride it out."
Our View: Duncan continues to see work when the Yanks face a lefty, he owns a .281 batting average against them, allowing the team to rest either Bobby Abreu, Johnny Damon or Jason Giambi. |
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| Smith called up to add OF depth | Saturday 5/24, 1:27 PM CT |
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Seth Smith will be called up to the Rockies to give the team added depth in an injury depleted outfield, according to the Denver Post.
Our View: It isn't clear who the team will send to the DL to make room for Smith between Willy Taveras (knee) and Brad Hawpe (hamstring), so stay tuned for further reports. |
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| Barmes headed to DL with injured knee | Saturday 5/24, 1:22 PM CT |
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Clint Barmes will be placed on the DL due to a sprained right knee, according to the Denver Post. Ian Stewart will be called up to take his roster spot.
Our View: Terrible news for the Rockies who are now without their top-2 options at shortstop. Omar Quintanilla or Jonathan Herrera figure to become the short-term answer for what the team will do to cover the position, and neither is anything more than a desperation play in NL Only leagues at the moment. We would give the nod to Quintanilla if we had to make a call between the two. |
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| Loaiza designated for assignment | Saturday 5/24, 1:05 PM CT |
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Esteban Loaiza was activated from the DL and then designated for assignment to make room for phenom Clayton Kershaw, according to MLB.com.
Our View: This basically ends Loaiza's association with the club, though they still will be responsible for the rest of his $6.5 million contract this year (minus the prorated minimum his new team will pay) as well as either a $375,000 buyout or a $7.5 million salary next year, a pretty hefty price to pay for two wins in a Dodgers uniform. |
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| Padres' Young to be out longer than expected | Saturday 5/24, 12:55 PM CT |
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Chris Young will be out longer than 15 days as it was announced that he not only had a broken nose but multiple facial fractures, according to the Associated Press. “It’s not going to be two to three weeks, it’s going to take longer,” manager Bud Black said. “Whatever time frame it takes for Chris, we’re good with it.”
Our View: Young will not be allowed to do any physical activity for at least two weeks which means under a best case scenario we are probably looking at a return in late June. It is reasonable to posit that he could be out until the All-Star break which is potentially devastating news to his owners. |
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| Johan Santana slipping? | Saturday 5/24, 12:48 PM CT |
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Buster Olney wrote in his blog that there are whispers that Johan Santana isn't the pitcher that he once was due to declining velocity, according to ESPN. Said one unnamed AL scout Santana's "...stuff isn't even close to what it was [with the Twins]."
Our View: While it is true that Santana is the classic second half pitcher, he is currently working on 6-year worsts in K/9 (7.79), K/BB (3.87) and OPSA (.723), though to be fair all of those numbers are still very strong. In addition, over his last 17 starts, he has a 4.05 ERA and he has allowed the most home runs in baseball since the start of last season (44). Johan is still one of the best hurlers in the game, but it remains to be seen if he will return first round value this season. |
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| Wells set to begin rehab from broken wrist | Saturday 5/24, 12:30 PM CT |
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Vernon Wells, out with an injured wrist, will begin his rehab on Monday, according to MLB.com. Wells caught balls during batting practice on Saturday, but even that was a challenge. "I'm not used to my hand getting tired from squeezing the glove a few times."
Our View: Wells hasn't even attempted to swing a bat yet, and there is still no timetable established for his return to the Jays, though a best guess would be that he is still a month away from returning to the big league club. Wrist injuries often kill a hitter's ability to hit for power, so even when he does return don't be surprised if he fails to hit the long ball. |
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| Knuckleballer to pitch out of pen | Saturday 5/24, 12:23 PM CT |
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R.A. Dickey will not help the Mariners in a starting role, instead the knuckleballer will be used out of the bullpen, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Carlos Silva and Jarrod Washburn were moved up in the rotation one day each as the team decided to push back Felix Hernandez two days because of his right calf injury. |
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| Choo nearing recall | Saturday 5/24, 11:59 AM CT |
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Shin-Soo Choo will be recalled from Triple-A Buffalo probably sometime next week if you listen to GM Mark Shapiro, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "He's a guy on the horizon," said Shapiro. "We'll take it series to series. Once he's here, he's here."
Our View: Choo, who is coming back from Tommy John surgery, is out of minor league options. When he is called back to the big league club, Franklin Gutierrez could be the odd man out in the Indians outfield. |
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| Mientkiewicz new third baseman | Saturday 5/24, 11:52 AM CT |
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Doug Mientkiewicz is the new starting third baseman for the Pirates, according to a report in the Allegheny Times. The team hasn't come out and said that Jose Bautista will be benched in favor of the former first baseman, but Doug has started seven of the last eight games at the hot corner.
Our View: Bautista is just 3-for-25 (.120) in his last 11 appearances, and the team needs an injection of offense right now. We all know Mientkiewicz, besides having an extremely difficult name to spell, is a terrific fielder, and he has seemlessly made the move across the diamond. |
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| Wilson close to return | Saturday 5/24, 11:46 AM CT |
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Jack Wilson (calf) went 2-for-3 on Friday at Double-A Altoona while playing eight innings in the field, according to the Allegheny Times. Wilson will also play on Saturday and could be activated for the Pirates game on Sunday, or at worst for Tuesday.
Our View: The Pirates have missed Wilson's defense, his bat and his veteran presence this season. Those looking for some middle infield depth might consider bidding some FAAB dollars this weekend for his services if he is still on waivers. |
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| Doumit to return on Thursday? | Saturday 5/24, 11:41 AM CT |
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