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| Buchholz pitches well in rehab start | Sunday 5/25, 10:21 PM CT |
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The Red Sox report RHP Clay Buchholz pitched four-plus innings this evening in a rehab start for Triple-A Pawtucket, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: Buchholz has been on the DL since May 13th with a torn nail on his middle finger. The team reports he allowed one run on three hits with three strikeouts and two walks in this outing this evening, topping out at 96 mph on the radar gun. The team did not comment on his pending return, though things look to be progressing nicely. |
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| Berkman injures hand, but finishes game | Sunday 5/25, 10:14 PM CT |
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Astros first baseman Lance Berkman reportedly suffered a mild hand injury in today's loss to the Philadelphia Phillies, but he stayed in the game and finished it off, according to CBSSports.com. Berkman was diving to his right in the seventh inning attempting to reach a hit off the bat of Geoff Jenkins and appeared to have hurt his hand. Tranier Rex Jones attended to Berkman, but he remained on the field without need of medical attention.
Our View: It likely means nothing, but it should warn to watch the lineups tomorrow. |
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| Cain fights, but Giants fall in 9th | Sunday 5/25, 10:10 PM CT |
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San Francisco RHP Matt Cain pitched well, but the Giants' pathetic offense once again failed to show as the Marlins earned the win in the bottom of the ninth to give Florida the win, 5-4. Cain pitched six innings, surrendering just two runs (both earned) on five hits with two walks and six strikeouts.
Our View: Cain walked off with no decision, his sixth such result in 11 starts. Cain now sits at 2-3 with 11 walks versus 34 strikeouts (though he carries eight walks versus 11 strikeouts through May). |
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| Cantu lights up Florida, morning noon and night | Sunday 5/25, 10:06 PM CT |
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The Marlins have been playing great baseball and third baseman Jorge Cantu is looking to join the push, playing a big role in Florida's 5-4 win over the Giants, their second win of the day going 2-0 in today's double-header. Cantu went 2-for-3 in the nightcap with his second homer of the day to total three RBIs in the game.
Our View: Cantu for the day: 4-for-7, four runs scored, two home runs, four RBIs. |
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| Molina keeps hitting against Florida | Sunday 5/25, 10:02 PM CT |
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San Francisco catcher Bengie Molina continues to swing the bat for fortune for the struggling San Francisco Giants, taking their second loss of the day to the Florida Marlins by falling 5-4 in the second game of today's double-header. Molina went 2-for-3 with his 15th double of the season, totaling two RBIs in the game.
Our View: This brings Molina to 9-for-12 with one homer and seven RBIs in three games against Florida. |
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| Uggla hits walk-off homer | Sunday 5/25, 9:59 PM CT |
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Just when you thought he couldn't get any hotter, Florida second baseman Dan Uggla hits the walk-off home run to give his Marlins the 5-4 win over the San Francisco Giants in the second game of their double-header. Uggla went 1-for-4 with one walk overall, hitting a solo homer in the bottom of the 9th to take the win.
Our View: That's 12 homers on the month for Uggla with 25 RBIs during the same span. |
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| Contreras pitches gem for Sox, but no decision | Sunday 5/25, 9:56 PM CT |
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Chicago RHP Jose Contreras pitched an outstanding game to help his White Sox emerge with the 3-2 win over the Angels, but he left without reward for the effort. Contreras pitched eight innings, allowing just two runs on three hits without a single walk surrendered and 10 strikeouts collected on the evening.
Our View: Like the Angels, the White Sox couldn't find their bats, leaving Contreras to leave with no decision. |
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| Quentin hits two homers to lead Chicago to win | Sunday 5/25, 9:53 PM CT |
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On a night where offense was all but impossible to find, the White Sox emerged victorious 3-2 against the Angels, an effort almost exclusively built on the bat of outfielder Carlos Quentin . Quentin went 3-for-3 on the night with two home runs to total three RBIs and two runs scored on the evening.
Our View: Quentin now carries 14 home runs on the evening, seven of them coming through the month of May.
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| Lackey gets loss in second start | Sunday 5/25, 9:50 PM CT |
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In just his second start of the season, RHP John Lackey earned his first loss of the campaign, going eight innings deep to give up three runs (all earned) on six hits with one walk, three strikeouts, and two home runs surrendered.
Our View: Lackey all but dominated the White Sox lineup in the 3-2 loss (both homers hit by outfielder Carlos Quentin) with only three hitters finding a base on the hurler, but the offense support failed to show. |
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| Matthews homers in Angels loss | Sunday 5/25, 9:41 PM CT |
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The Angels managed just three hits this evening in the 3-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox, leaving outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. as the lone point of positive reflection. Matthews went 1-for-4, hitting his sixth home run of the season to total two RBIs on the day.
Our View: This was just the second homer Matthews has hit this month, touting just eight RBIs during that same span. |
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| Volquez suffers loss in 18-inning battle | Sunday 5/25, 9:30 PM CT |
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It boggles in the mind, but on an evening that laid witness to the Reds pushing 10 different pitchers to the mound in an 18-inning marathon with the San Diego Padres, RHP Edinson Volquez walked off the mound with the loss.
Our View: Volquez came in after fellow starter Aaron Harang completed four shutout innings, worked one inning without issue, and then surrendered the walk-off home run to Adrian Gonzalez in the bottom of the 18th for the loss. Volquez finished with 1 2/3 innings pitched with one walk, two strikeouts, and just his second loss of the season. |
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| Kouzmanoff homers twice in 18-inning win | Sunday 5/25, 9:26 PM CT |
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San Diego used every bit of 18 innings to put the Reds in the loss column tonight, though third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff did what he could to end it much sooner. Kouzmanoff went 3-for-7 at the plate with one walk and not one but two home runs, giving Kouzmanoff two RBIs and three runs scored on the evening.
Our View: This brings Kouz to five homers for the month of May, and his batting average is on the rise as well (now hitting .279). |
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| Gonzalez hits walk-off homer in 18th | Sunday 5/25, 9:21 PM CT |
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What can feel better than a walk-off home run? How about a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 18th inning? That would be the role filled by San Diego first baseman Adrian Gonzalez , putting his Padres in the win column after 18 innings this evening, 12-9. Gonzalez went 4-for-9 overall at the dish, hitting a double, a single, and his 14th home run of the season.
Our View: He left the field with four RBIs and the one hit that meant the most to everyone there, ending the affair with two men on and two outs in the bottom of the 18th. |
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| Dunn hits double, homer in 18-inning loss | Sunday 5/25, 9:15 PM CT |
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It took 18 innings, but the Reds and Padres are finally done battling with San Diego emerging victorious. For Cincy, outfielder Adam Dunn was the top dog in the offensive yard, going 2-for-4 with one walk, his sixth double of the year, and his 13th home run of the season, giving Dunn two RBIs on the night.
Our View: Fantasy owners might not be shocked by the nine homer hit this month, or the 20 strikeouts suffered along the way, but the 15 walks during that same span shows he may be striving for better overall production at the plate. |
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| Phillips swings well but Cincy falls in 18 | Sunday 5/25, 9:10 PM CT |
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From time to time, professional baseball needs a marathon to spice things up a bit. Tonight, Cincinnati and San Diego put forth such an effort, needing 18 innings to complete their matchup, and in the end it was the visiting Reds taking it on the chin, 12-9. The players at the top of the order racked up eight or nine at-bats on the day, led by second baseman Brandon Phillips , going 3-for-8 at the dish with one walk and his ninth home run of the season to total two RBIs and three runs scored on the day, also throwing in a stolen base for good measure.
Our View: Phillips is no power monster by any means, but he's hitting .316 through the month of may and has flashed a bit of speed, swiping five bases along the way. |
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| Indians call on Elarton to help struggling pen | Sunday 5/25, 9:02 PM CT |
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The Cleveland Indians have purchased the contract of RHP Scott Elarton , a move made in response to the injury recently suffered by Fausto Carmona, according to the MLB.com.
Our View: Elarton was once a starter for the Indians but, at 33-years of age, is now working as a reliever. Elarton has recently told reporters he was heavily considering retirement, but now he has another shot at the majors and could be an integral part of a bullpen in desperate need of help. |
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| Kershaw pitches gem in Dodgers win | Sunday 5/25, 8:33 PM CT |
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The Dodgers put up-and-coming LHP Clayton Kershaw on the mound today and they were rewarded with a hard-fought 4-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. Kershaw went six innings, allowing just two runs on five hits with one walks versus an impressive seven strikeouts.
Our View: Kershaw failed to get a decision in matchup, but this now serves of sign of great things to come from the young hurler.
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| Ethier hits game winner | Sunday 5/25, 8:24 PM CT |
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The Dodgers pulled the dramatic 4-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals today, thanks to the bottom-of-the-9th single by outfielder Andre Ethier to secure the win. Ethier went 3-for-5 on the day, posting one RBI and one run Scored along the way.
Our View: Ethier came into May hitting over .300 but has gone just .250 since with three walks versus 10 strikeouts. |
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| Wellemeyer pitches well, Cards fall | Sunday 5/25, 8:18 PM CT |
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St. Louis RHP Todd Wellemeyer pitched well today, but the offense and relief pitching failed to support the effort as the Cardinals took the 4-3 loss against the Dodgers. Wellemeyer pitched six innings, giving up three runs (all earned) on five hits without surrendering a single walk, pitching four strikeouts along the way.
Our View: Wellemeyer left with no decision and still has yet to suffer a loss this month. |
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| Pujols one of few Cards to show in loss | Sunday 5/25, 8:14 PM CT |
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The Cardinals took the troubling 4-3 loss from the LA Dodgers, earned on a walk-off single by outfielder Andre Ethier, though first baseman Albert Pujols did what he could to get his team on track. Pujols went 2-for-5 at the plate, hitting his 12th double of the season to post one RBI.
Our View: Pujols has struggled just a bit by Pujols standards this month, hitting .321 through May with just 12 RBIs. |
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| Blanton gets third win | Sunday 5/25, 7:45 PM CT |
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Oakland RHP Joe Blanton found his third win of the season as his Athletics put the 6-3 whooping to the Boston Red Sox. Blanton pitched six innings, allowing three runs (all earned) on five hits with four walks and seven strikeouts.
Our View: This is Blanton's first win this month and matches his top single-game strikeout total of the season. |
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| Hannahan leads Oakland to win | Sunday 5/25, 7:41 PM CT |
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Oakland third baseman Jack Hannahan was involved in four of the six runs the A's scored today to put the Red Sox in the loss column, 6-3. Hannahan went 2-for-5 on the day, both singles, gathering two RBIs and two runs scored on the day.
Our View: Hannahan has struggled to provide the spark you'd hope to see from a leadoff hitter, now sitting at .239 for the month of May with just seven RBIs and 19 strikeouts. |
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| Lester takes the loss versus Oakland | Sunday 5/25, 7:32 PM CT |
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Life after the no-hitter has gotten off on the wrong foot for Boston LHP Jon Lester , taking the loss today as the Red Sox fell 6-3 to Oakland. Lester pitched five innings, giving up four runs (three earned) on seven hits with two walks and three strikeouts.
Our View: Lester is now 2-1 for the month of May and 3-3 overall. |
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| Big Papi goes yard vs Oakland | Sunday 5/25, 7:28 PM CT |
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Boston DH David Ortiz was one of few hitting the ball today as the Red Sox suffered the 6-3 loss to Oakland. Big Papi went 1-for-3 with one walk and his 11th home run of the season.
Our View: Papi left April with a batting average under .200. Now he's at .322 through the month of May with six homers and 18 RBIs. |
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| Manny being Manny vs Oakland | Sunday 5/25, 7:24 PM CT |
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Boston suffered the 6-3 loss to Oakland today, but the force that is outfielder Manny Ramirez continues to work as a major league power. Ramirez went 3-for-4 at the plate, all singles, good for two RBIs on the day.
Our View: Manny got to the middle of May as hot as ever, but he has since gone cold, going 12-for-57 since May 7. |
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| Cook dominates Mets | Sunday 5/25, 7:04 PM CT |
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The Rockies enjoyed a 4-1 win against the Mets today, an effort built largely on the work of RHP Aaron Cook . Cook pitched the complete game, allowing just one run on a lowly four hits with one walk and three strikeout.
Our View: This brings Cook to 7-3 on the season, slowly but surely becoming the ace of the Colorado staff. |
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| Rockies win, but few find hits | Sunday 5/25, 7:00 PM CT |
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The Rockies may have pulled the 4-1 win over the Mets today, but they didn't do a ton of hitting to get the job done. Outfielder Seth Smith was the top man of the day, going 1-for-2 with one walk at the dish with his first home run of the season, good for three of the four runs scored by Colorado on the day.
Our View: This was Smith second game of the season, failing to get a hit in four plate appearances the day before. |
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| Maine taken to task by Rockies | Sunday 5/25, 6:55 PM CT |
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The Mets managed to just post just four hits on the day, leaving RHP John Maine to carry the load, a task he failed to achieve as the Mets fell 4-1 to the Colorado Rockies. Maine pitched six innings, surrendering four runs (three earned) on just three hits, posting four walks versus eight strikeouts.
Our View: Maine pitched well, but he now carries two consecutive losses after going 5-2 coming into late May. |
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| Lee goes deep in Houston loss | Sunday 5/25, 6:44 PM CT |
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In the wake of 15 runs scored by the opposition, Houston outfielder Carlos Lee managed to continue with his progress. The Astros lost 15-6, but Lee went 1-for-3 with one walk, hitting his 11th home run of the season with two men on to gather a total of four RBIs and one run scored on the day.
Our View: Lee has just five home runs this month, but he has racked up 27 RBIs and appears to be on the upswing. |
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| Jenkins goes long as Phillies score 15 | Sunday 5/25, 6:40 PM CT |
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Philadelphia outfielder Geoff Jenkins put forth a strong effort today as the Phillies put an offensive clinic on against the Houston Astros, winning 15-6. Jenkins went 3-for-5, hitting his third home run of the season to finish with two RBIs and three runs scored.
Our View: Early struggles appear to be on the mend of Jenkins, hitting .309 through the month of May, though his three walk versus 12 strikeouts continues to hamper his true value. |
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| Burrell lights it up as Phillies score 15 | Sunday 5/25, 6:34 PM CT |
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The Phillies scored a shocking 15 runs on 16 hits today, giving more than a few of the roster members strong numbers to report. Outfielder Pat Burrell went 2-for-3 with a walk, hitting his 14th double and his 13th home run of the season. Burrell ended the day with one RBI and two runs scored.
Our View: After a hot start, Burrell has cooled, hitting just .230 for the month of May with 10 RBIs on the month (after racking up 24 in April). |
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| Shields gets no decision, but Rays win | Sunday 5/25, 6:17 PM CT |
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Tampa Bay RHP James Shields went deep into the battle with Baltimore today, but late scoring kept him from the win as the Rays emerged victorious 5-4. Shields went eight full innings, surrendering four runs (three earned) on eight hits with just one walk and three strikeouts.
Our View: Shields failed to get the decision, his second start with such results, but touts seven walks versus 24 strikeouts through the month of May. |
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| Upton shines for Rays | Sunday 5/25, 6:09 PM CT |
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Fantasy owners are sure to be happy with Tampa Bay outfielder B.J. Upton today, putting a strong performance in the box score as the Rays earned the 5-4 win over Baltimore. Upton went 1-for-3 at the plate with two walks, one run scored, and two stolen bases.
Our View: Upton has picked up his efforts a bit as the Rays continue to win, now hitting .316 through the month of May with nine stolen bases and nine doubles. |
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| Payton's good day fails to produce win for O's | Sunday 5/25, 6:05 PM CT |
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Baltimore outfielder Jay Payton put a strong effort on the plate today as the Orioles fell 5-4 to Tampa Bay. Payton went 2-for-3 at the plate, both singles to total two runs scored.
Our View: Payton has struggled through a rough month, this being just his second multi-hit game to bring him to .229 in the batting average column. |
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| Cabrera takes no decision, struggles with control | Sunday 5/25, 6:01 PM CT |
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Baltimore RHP Daniel Cabrera suffered through a troublesome day on the mound at the Orioles fell to the Tampa Bay Rays 5-4. Cabrera pitched 5 2/3 innings, surrendering four runs (all earned) on nine hits with a whopping six walks versus just one strikeout.
Our View: Cabrera was riding three consecutive wins coming in but takes the no-decision today. Despite the worrisome walk/strikeout ratio today, he now sits at nine walks versus 21 strikeouts on the month. |
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| Redding leaves with no decision | Sunday 5/25, 5:55 PM CT |
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Washington RHP Tim Redding failed to add to his team-leading record today, but the Nationals emerged with the 7-6 over Milwaukee regardless. Redding lasted 5 2/3 innings, giving up five runs (all earned) on 10 hits with just one walk surrendered and seven strikeouts on the day.
Our View: Redding has posted a strong 3-1 record this month with just nine walks overall versus 21 strikeouts over that span. |
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| Boone leads Washington to win | Sunday 5/25, 5:50 PM CT |
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Washington first baseman Aaron Boone has enjoyed his opportunity with the Washington Nationals and continued to build on his success in today's 7-6 win over Milwaukee. Boone went 2-for-4 at the plate with his fourth home run of the season, totaling two RBIs and two runs scored on the day.
Our View: Boone hasn't got a ton of playing time this month, but when he has, he has hit well, going .356 through the month of May. |
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| Cameron can't get Brewers over Nationals | Sunday 5/25, 5:46 PM CT |
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Milwaukee outfielder Mike Cameron did what he could at the plate today to bring the Brewers success, but it was for naught as his team fell 7-6 to the Nationals. Cameron went 2-for-5, hitting his sixth home run of the season to gather two RBIs and one run scored on the day.
Our View: Cameron has six home runs and 15 RBIs through the month of May after missing the bulk of the first weeks of the season to injury. |
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| Maholm pitches well, but no decision | Sunday 5/25, 5:37 PM CT |
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Pittsburgh LHP Paul Maholm put forth a strong effort in helping his Pirates earn the 6-5 win over the Chicago Cubs today. Maholm went eight innings, allowing five runs (all earned) on eight hits, surrendering just two walks versus seven strikeouts.
Our View: Maholm left with no decision and is now 0-3 in five starts this month. |
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| Rivas hits two homers | Sunday 5/25, 5:34 PM CT |
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Pittsburgh shortstop Luis Rivas put the Pirates in great position to win today as Jason Bay brought them to the victory, beating the Chicago Cubs 6-5. Rivas went 2-for-5 with one walk and two home runs, his first homers of the season, both with no runners on base, giving Rivas two RBIs on the day.
Our View: Rivas was struggling before today, hitting just .208 on the month coming in. Today may bring better days ahead. |
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| Lilly gets no decision, but Cubs fall | Sunday 5/25, 5:30 PM CT |
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Chicago LHP Ted Lilly struggled through a disappointing day on the mound as the Cubs took the heartbreaking 6-5 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Lilly pitched six innings, giving up four runs (all earned) on 10 hits, also surrendering two walks balanced with two strikeouts.
Our View: More than anything, the three home runs allowed put a damper on Lilly's day on the mound. He has surrendered six homer through five starts this month, but he walked away today with no decision and stays at 4-0 on the month. |
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| Ramirez drives in two, but Cubs fall | Sunday 5/25, 5:23 PM CT |
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Chicago third baseman Aramis Ramirez was the force of reckoning for the Cubbies in today's 6-5 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Ramirez went 2-for-5 with two singles to drive in two runs.
Our View: Ramirez is hitting .306 this month, but he has just two homers and 13 RBIs over that span. |
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| Bay hits game winner versus Cubs | Sunday 5/25, 5:19 PM CT |
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Jason Bay has solidified his place as one of the more talented sluggers in the game today, but he had never before earned a game-winning hit. Yesterday he erased that void from his resume, and today he did it once again, putting the game-winning run across the plate to lead the Pirates to a 6-5 win over the Chicago Cubs.
Our View: Bay went 2-for-5 at the dish overall today, hitting his seventh double of the season to drive home one run, the one run that made the most difference in the game. |
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| Owings gets win versus Braves | Sunday 5/25, 5:10 PM CT |
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Arizona RHP Micah Owings got his sixth win of the season today, hurling his Diamondbacks to a 9-3 victory over Atlanta. Owings pitched six innings, giving up three runs (two earned) on six hits with two walks and three strikeouts.
Our View: After going 4-0 for through April, Owings has since gone 2-2 through May, touting 11 walks versus 27 strikeouts on the month. |
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| Young goes deep in Zona win | Sunday 5/25, 5:06 PM CT |
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Arizona outfielder Chris Young served the Diamondbacks well as the team's leadoff man today, helping Arizona to a 9-3 win over Atlanta. Young went 2-for-4 with one walk and his 11th home run of the season, totaling two RBIs and two runs scored on the day.
Our View: Five of Young's 11 home runs have come in the month of May with 15 RBIs to show for his efforts on the month. |
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| Hudson with three doubles to lead Arizona | Sunday 5/25, 5:02 PM CT |
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Arizona second baseman Orlando Hudson was the man of the hour today, helping his Diamondbacks to a dominating 9-3 win over the Atlanta Braves. Hudson went 3-for-5 at the dish with three doubles (his 10th, 11th, and 12th of the season), picking up one RBI and one run scored along the way.
Our View: Hudson is now hitting .370 for the month of May, also touting six doubles and seven RBIs through the month thus far. |
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| Byrnes goes yard with grand slam | Sunday 5/25, 4:59 PM CT |
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It was his only hit of the day, but Arizona outfielder Eric Byrnes made it count in putting his team on top of the Atlanta Braves, going on to win 9-3. Byrnes went 1-for-3 with two walks at the dish, hitting his sixth home run of the season with the bases loaded, a grand slam that proved too much for the Braves to overcome.
Our View: Byrnes finished with four RBIs and two runs scored on the day, but still left five men on-base when all was said and done. |
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| Glavine gives up granny for loss | Sunday 5/25, 4:56 PM CT |
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Atlanta LHP Tom Glavine struggled through a rough outing on the mound today, taking the 9-3 loss to Arizona. Glavine lasted just 4 2/3 innings, surrendering six runs (all earned) on five hits with six walks versus just two strikeouts.
Our View: Two homers surrendered, including a grand slam to Arizona outfielder Eric Byrnes, did the bulk of the damage, giving Glavine his first loss of the month. |
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| Hendrickson gets win | Sunday 5/25, 4:50 PM CT |
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Florida LHP Mark Hendrickson earned his seventh win of the season today, helping his Marlins to an 8-6 victory in the first of two games these teams will play today. Hendrickson pitched just five innings, allowing five runs (all earned) on nine hits, allowing two walks with five strikeouts.
Our View: Clearly the Giants were hitting the lefty around the yard, but the Marlins put forth a strong level of offensive support and helped Hendrickson to his second consecutive win. |
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| Molina on fire for Giants | Sunday 5/25, 4:43 PM CT |
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San Francisco catcher Bengie Molina put forth a valiant effort at the plate in the Giants 8-6 loss to the Marlins in the first to two games these combatants will wage today. Molina went 4-for-4 with three doubles, collecting three RBIs and two runs scored on the day.
Our View: Molina has one of the hottest bats in the majors right now, touting hits in each of his last seven games, going 16-for-27 along the way. |
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| Uggla hits homer #16 in win over SF | Sunday 5/25, 4:39 PM CT |
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Florida second baseman Dan Uggla continues to swing a hot bat for the Marlins as they put the 8-6 win on the Giants in the first game of their double-header today. Uggla went 1-for-3 with a walk and his 16th home run of the season, tabbed for two RBIs.
Our View: Uggla now has 12 homers and 24 RBIs through the month of May. |
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| Cantu leads Marlins to win | Sunday 5/25, 4:36 PM CT |
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Florida third baseman Jorge Cantu enjoyed a strong day of production as the Marlins earned the 8-6 win over the San Francisco Giants. Cantu went 2-for-4 with a walk and his sixth home run of the year, totaling one RBI and three runs scored.
Our View: Cantu has one hit in each of his last four games but hasn't necessarily been improving his batting average along the way (hitting .228 through May coming into today). |
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| Ramirez improves in leadoff spot | Sunday 5/25, 4:32 PM CT |
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Florida shortstop Hanley Ramirez appears to be adjusting to life as the leadoff hitter for the Marlins, helping his team take an 8-6 over the Giants today. Ramirez went 2-for-4 with one walk and two runs scored.
Our View: Ramirez has struggled through the month of May, hitting just .254 with one home run, four stolen based, and five RBIs coming into today. The hope is to see him get back on track with the move the top spot in the rotation, and today indicates he could be on his way. |
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| Sabathia pitches well in no decision | Sunday 5/25, 3:58 PM CT |
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C.C. Sabathia pitched well in a no decision on Sunday, as Clevelend was edged by Texas 2-1. Sabathia only allowed one run on five hits over seven innings, with two walks and five strikeouts. One of the runs came on an Ian Kinsler home run.
Our View: Sabathia has only allowed four earned runs over his last four starts, with 33 strikeouts. |
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| Kinsler hits sixth homer | Sunday 5/25, 3:52 PM CT |
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Ian Kinsler went 1-for-5 with one run and one RBI in Sunday's close 2-1 win over the Indians. His hit went for a home run, his sixth of the season.
Our View: Kinsler has now extended his hit streak to 10 games, notching 13 over the span, with 11 runs. |
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| Damon hits 14th double | Sunday 5/25, 3:46 PM CT |
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Johnny Damon went 1-for-4 with one RBI and one run scored in Sunday's 6-5 win over Seattle. His hit went for a double, his 14th of the season.
Our View: He only scored 11 runs over 21 games in May, and is only hitting .266 for the season. He hit his first double since May 8 as well. |
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| Wang gives up five runs | Sunday 5/25, 3:40 PM CT |
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Chien-Ming Wang gave up five runs on seven hits over 6.1 innings in Sunday's 6-5 win over Seattle, with four walks and two strikeouts. Wang ended his day with a no decision.
Our View: Wang had his scheduled start on Saturday pushed to today, even though his strained right calf felt fine when throwing on Thursday. Wang has now allowed 12 earned runs over his last two starts. |
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| Suzuki collects two RBI | Sunday 5/25, 3:35 PM CT |
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Ichiro Suzuki went 2-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored in Sunday's close 6-5 loss to the Yankees. One of his hits was good for his third home run of the season.
Our View: That was his eighth multi-hit game in May. He scored 14 runs in the month as well. |
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| McGowan moves to 3-4 | Sunday 5/25, 3:30 PM CT |
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Dustin McGowan moved to 3-4 for the season in Sunday's 3-1 win over the Royals. He only surrendered one run on nine hits over seven innings, with no walks and seven strikeouts.
Our View: He also lowered his ERA to 3.90. McGowan has now only allowed five earned runs over his last three starts. His fantasy stock is on the rise. |
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| DeJesus contributes lone RBI for KC | Sunday 5/25, 3:22 PM CT |
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David DeJesus went 0-for-3 but collected the Royals' lone RBI on a sacrifice in Sunday's 3-1 loss to Toronto.
Our View: His five-game hitting streak has been snapped. He collected eight hits over the span, but with only one run scored. |
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| Meche dealt seventh loss | Sunday 5/25, 3:18 PM CT |
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Gil Meche pitched well but was dealt his seventh loss of the season on Sunday, as Kansas City was topped by Toronto 3-1. Meche only allowed two runs on five hits over six innings, with two walks and five strikeouts.
Our View: He only allowed two runs on five hits in his previous loss as well (to Boston on May 20). Both losses are solely due to poor run support by the Royals. |
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| Guillen registers lone RBI for Tigers | Sunday 5/25, 3:12 PM CT |
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Carlos Guillen went 3-for-4 and generated the Tigers' lone RBI on a home run in Sunday's 6-1 loss to Minnesota.
Our View: That was his fifth homer of the season, and he raised his average to .299, with 23 RBI. |
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| Verlander pitches well in no decision | Sunday 5/25, 3:09 PM CT |
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Justin Verlander pitched well in a no decision on Sunday, as Detroit fell to Minnesota 6-1. Verlander only allowed one run on five hits over seven innings, with three strikeouts and four walks. Other than the high walk count, it was a strong outing for him.
Our View: Verlander has now only surrendered two earned runs and nine hits over his last two starts. He is only 2-7 for the season, but is seemingly starting to turn things around and is worth targeting if you can get him for a rock-bottom price. |
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| Kubel racks up four RBI | Sunday 5/25, 3:04 PM CT |
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Jason Kubel went 2-for-3 and racked up four RBI in Sunday's 6-1 win over Detroit.
Our View: All four RBI came on a grand slam, which was his sixth homer of the season. He now has 25 RBI over 44 games. |
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| Perkins improves to 2-1 | Sunday 5/25, 3:02 PM CT |
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Glen Perkins improved to 2-1 for the season in Sunday's 6-1 win over Detroit at Comerica. Perkins only allowed one run on seven hits over 7.2 innings of work, with two walks and four strikeouts. The only run came on a Carlos Guillen home run.
Our View: We recommended starting him for today, and he did not disappoint. He has now only allowed five total earned runs over his last three outings. |
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| Ellsbury starting in CF | Sunday 5/25, 2:52 PM CT |
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Jacoby Ellsbury is going to start in center field today against Oakland, according to FenwayWest.com. As usual, he will bat leadoff.
Our View: Ellsbury is hitting .289 over 149 at-bats, with four homers, 19 RBI, 39 runs scored, and 19 stolen bases. Start if you have him today. |
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| Glaus checks out fine | Sunday 5/25, 2:45 PM CT |
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Troy Glaus checked out fine following his hospital visit, according to the AP. Glaus said, "It’s something I’ve never felt before, so obviously you’re going to have to be a little bit alarmed. It looked like it kind of peaked and wasn’t really getting worse for about an hour or an hour and a half, and that made me feel a little bit more comfortable. They ran the whole battery of tests—blood test, ultrasound, all that. It was all precautionary. They could tell me what it wasn’t, but not what it was. It could have been anything. But everybody over there was fantastic and got us through there as seamlessly and quickly as they could."
Our View: Glaus returned to the Cardinals' lineup on Sunday after a brief bout with stomach pains, which forced him out of a game on Saturday that resulted in the trip to the hospital. The pain had subsided sometime around midnight before Glaus checked out of the hospital, and he was not given any medication.
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| Valverde is fine, and available to pitch | Sunday 5/25, 2:33 PM CT |
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Jose Valverde took a line drive to the jaw on Friday, but is said to be fine, and is available to pitch on Sunday, if needed, against the Phillies, according to MLB.com. Manager Cecil Cooper said, "He was walking around yesterday with one of those goalie masks on, having fun. I'm banking that he's OK."
Our View: This is good news for fantasy owners, as he has 15 saves, and 32 strikeouts over 26 innings of work. |
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| Rodriguez ready to pitch Wednesday | Sunday 5/25, 2:29 PM CT |
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Manager Cecil Cooper expects Wandy Rodriguez to be ready to pitch on Wednesday against the Cardinals, according to MLB.com. He is recovering from a strained left groin, and completed a successful rehab outing Friday for Double-A Corpus Christi. He needed only one rehab start to prepare himself for a return to the rotation, and showed no discomfort after allowing only one run over six innings.
Our View: The team will have to remove someone from the rotation when Rodriguez is activated, and the most likely candidate is Brian Moehler, who is 2-1 with a 4.40 ERA. |
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| Piniella backs Wood | Sunday 5/25, 2:20 PM CT |
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Kerry Wood blew his fourth save of the season on Saturday but skipper Lou Piniella stands behind him and Wood is not in danger of losing his closer's job, according to MLB.com. Piniella said, "The only thing that Woody has to do is, he's hit the first hitter three times in the ninth inning, and it's tough enough doing the closer's job without putting yourself in trouble. We have to figure out how to help him not do that. Woody's got a job here, that's his role. I'm comfortable with it. I've got confidence in him, and he's got to go out and do it. That's it."
Our View: If the Cubs needed a closer on Sunday in the series finale against the Pirates, Carlos Marmol would get the call because he is the freshest. Piniella used seven pitchers on Saturday, and Wood went two innings, throwing 34 pitches. Marmol will not be replacing Wood as the regular Cubs' closer, however.
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| Game delayed due to umpire injury | Sunday 5/25, 2:13 PM CT |
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The contest between the Astros and Phillies was delayed when plate umpire Jerry Crawford was struck in the head by Carlos Lee's bat, according to the AP. Lee fouled off a 2-2 pitch from Phillies' ace Cole Hamels in the first inning and his bat hit Crawford on the follow-through. Crawford took off his helmet and immediately jogged to the Astros' dugout, where trainers Dave Labossiere and Rex Jones met him on the steps. Crawford had a bloody gash on the left side of his head and Labossiere put a white towel over it before escorting Crawford into the Astros' clubhouse. His condition was not immediately known.
Our View: After a 12-minute delay, first-base umpire Rob Drake took over behind the plate and the game resumed. On the second pitch after the delay, Lee hit a three-run home run to put the Astros on top 3-0.
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| Hamilton ejected | Sunday 5/25, 2:06 PM CT |
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Josh Hamilton was ejected in the sixth inning of action against Cleveland on Sunday for arguing balls and strikes with the umpire, according to the AP.
Our View: Brandon Boggs replaced him, and Hamilton went 0-for-2 with a walk prior to leaving the game. |
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| Wilson expected back on Tuesday | Sunday 5/25, 2:00 PM CT |
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Jack Wilson, who is recovering from a strained left calf, is expected back on Tuesday, according to the AP. He will spend extra time at Double-A Altoona on a rehab assignment but still plans to rejoin the Pirates in Cincinnati on Tuesday. GM Neal Huntington said, "He’s feeling great, he’s throwing great, he’s fielding great. But he still wants to get his timing down."
Our View: The team will likely send down Brian Bixler to make room for Wilson on the roster. |
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| Tavarez granted free agency | Sunday 5/25, 1:17 PM CT |
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Julian Tavarez was officially granted his free agency after being designated for assignment by the Red Sox on May 12, according to the Miami Herald.
Our View: Tavarez can sign with whatever team he chooses, and Boston is on the hook for his $3.75 million salary until he signs with another club, at which point the new team will only have to pay the prorated minimum. Colorado was previously reported to be interested in acquiring Tavarez. |
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| Moss activated, and optioned | Sunday 5/25, 1:12 PM CT |
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Brandon Moss has been activated from the 15-day DL, and optioned to Triple-A Pawtuckett, according to the Miami Herald.
Our View: Moss hit .286 with two homers and three RBI over 21 brief at-bats with the Red Sox this season. He has a promising future ahead of him in Boston, but will have to wait for his chance to shine behind a talented outfield, led by Manny Ramirez. |
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| Sullivan recalled | Sunday 5/25, 1:03 PM CT |
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Outfielder Cory Sullivan has been recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs, according to the AP. The team brought him in to cover the roster spot left open by Matt Holliday, who went on the DL with a strained hamstring.
Our View: Sullivan won't replace the elite Holliday's production, but he could be a solid sub nonetheless, as he hit .286 with two homers and 14 RBI over 140 at-bats in 2007. |
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| Holliday placed on DL | Sunday 5/25, 12:58 PM CT |
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Matt Holliday has been placed on the 15-day DL due to his strained hamstring, according to the AP. Outfielder Cory Sullivan has been recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs to take his spot on the roster.
Our View: The Rockies have been hit hard by injuries this season, as they already have Brad Hawpe, Clint Barmes, and Troy Tulowitzki on the DL. Garrett Atkins is also nursing a stiff neck, and sat out on Sunday. |
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| Carmona expected to miss 4 weeks | Sunday 5/25, 12:53 PM CT |
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Fausto Carmona is expected to miss four weeks of action after being placed on the DL with a strained left hip, according to the AP. An MRI exam revealed a moderate strain of an exterior muscle in Carmona’s left hip. Head trainer Lonnie Soloff said, "The good news is that there was no damage to the interior, which would have been much more serious. If all goes well, Fausto should be able to start playing catch in about seven days."
Our View: The Indians are expected to activate Jake Westbrook from the DL to take Carmona's place in the rotation. |
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| Posada heads to extended spring | Sunday 5/25, 12:47 PM CT |
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Jorge Posada is heading to extended spring training, according to the AP. He expects to play four or five games as he continues to rehabilitate his injured throwing shoulder. He will hit and catch, but not be allowed to throw during the first two games. If all goes favorably according to plan, he’ll add the throwing in his third game.
Our View: The Yankees hope to have him back within two weeks, and Posada noted it could be as early as June 3.
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| Jones scratched for Sunday | Sunday 5/25, 12:25 PM CT |
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Chipper Jones has been scratched for Sunday action, according to MLB.com. He has been forced out with an isolated spasm in the middle of his back. Jones said he may be able to pinch-hit and was feeling considerably better on Sunday morning after receiving treatments. Jones also stated that his back seized up while playing with his children on Saturday night. Unlike the back spasms that forced Jones to miss two games against the Mets on April 25 and 26, this pain is isolated. Kelly Johnson will now bat third in the Braves' lineup, and said, "Hopefully, he's only out this game. Because, no offense to me or anybody else, but we need his bat in the lineup."
Our View: Omar Infante will start at third base. Jones fought back ailments all season long, and is still impressively hitting .417 with 12 homers and 35 RBI over 46 games. We will keep you posted regarding his status. |
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| Inge starting at catcher | Sunday 5/25, 12:15 PM CT |
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Brandon Inge started at catcher today in place of Ivan Rodriguez, according to the Star Tribune. He is batting ninth in the lineup.
Our View: Inge remains a favorable bench player in AL-only leagues due to his versatility. He racked up four homers and 19 RBI over 105 at-bats this season, along with six doubles, one triple, and 13 runs scored. |
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| Granderson rides pine today | Sunday 5/25, 12:11 PM CT |
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Curtis Granderson is riding the pine today, according to the Star Tribune. Ryan Raburn started in center field and is batting leadoff.
Our View: Granderson is only hitting .207 in May, with only eight runs scored and one double. Hopefully he will benefit from the day off to get back on track. |
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| Casilla starting at second base | Sunday 5/25, 12:04 PM CT |
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Alexi Casilla is starting at second base for the Twins today, according to the Star Tribune. He is batting second in the lineup between Carlos Gomez and Joe Mauer.
Our View: He is getting a chance to prove his worth in Minnesota due to injuries to Nick Punto and Adam Everett, and he is doing a good job so far as he racked up four hits, four runs, one homer, and three RBI over his last three games. He should continue to generate solid numbers while hitting in the two-hole in the Twins' lineup. |
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| Sheffield needs three more RBI | Sunday 5/25, 11:54 AM CT |
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Gary Sheffield is three RBI away from tying Andre Dawson for 32nd on the all-time list, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Sheffield has registered four RBI over his last two games, with three coming last night in a 19-3 win over Minnesota. |
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| Mauer should remain hot | Sunday 5/25, 11:49 AM CT |
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Joe Mauer has reached base safely in 28 of his last 32 games, and should remain hot today against Justin Verlander and the Tigers, according to MLB.com. Mauer is hitting .444 (8-for-18) over his career against Verlander, who is currently 2-7 with a 5.61 ERA.
Our View: Mauer is yet to hit a homer over 157 at-bats, but is hitting .338 with 20 RBI and 28 runs scored in 44 games. |
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