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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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| Kershaw set for debut | Sunday 5/25, 11:19 AM CT |
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Clayton Kershaw will start for the Dodgers today against the Cardinals, which will mark his Major League debut, acccording to the Sports Network. To make a spot for him on the 40-man roster, the team designated veteran Esteban Loaiza for assignment.
Our View: The lefty memorably had a dominant spring training, as he only surrendered one run over 15 innings, while striking out 19 with just three walks. The future star is expected to be the team's fifth starter for the foreseeable future, and will likely get at least three starts before the Dodgers' next off-day on June 9. He should be a hot waiver-wire target, and is worth consideration if you need help at the position.
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| Furcal not expected for trip | Sunday 5/25, 10:15 AM CT |
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Rafael Furcal's sore lower back has greatly improved, but trainer Stan Conte said Furcal isn't expected to accompany the Dodgers on their upcoming seven-game trip primarily to avoid sitting in a plane for six hours on the flight back from New York, according to the LA Times.
Our View: Chin-lung Hu will continue to play shortstop. Furcal is hitting .366 over 32 games, with eight stolen bases and 34 runs scored, and will be worth the wait when he returns. |
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| Glaus taken to hospital Saturday | Sunday 5/25, 10:10 AM CT |
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Troy Glaus left Saturday's game in the ninth inning and was taken to the hospital after complaining of stomach pains, according to the LA Times.
Our View: Early speculation is that the ailment could be a possible appendicitis. We will keep you posted when his status is updated. |
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| Peavy will undergo follow-up MRI | Sunday 5/25, 9:46 AM CT |
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Jake Peavy will undergo a follow-up MRI on his sore right elbow on Tuesday, according to the North County Times. It was originally believed that Jake Peavy would resume playing catch on Saturday, but that plan was abandoned following a meeting with team doctors on Friday. Manager Bud Black noted that Peavy's elbow is improving, but doctors can't fully clear him. Black added, "There's still a little discomfort when he goes through a few of the stress tests." Peavy commented, "It's still tender. Everybody wants to get back out there, but you have to listen to your body."
Our View: Peavy won't perform any baseball activities until he's cleared, which could come after his follow-up MRI. Black said if Peavy doesn't begin throwing by this week, he will require a rehab assignment before returning.
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| Zimmerman will sit out Monday | Sunday 5/25, 9:40 AM CT |
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Ryan Zimmerman will sit out on Monday to rest his sore left shoulder, according to the Washington Post. Manager Manny Acta said, "He'll be out of the lineup tomorrow. I gave him the option, today's a left-handed pitcher, he'll go today. And then he'll take Monday off. But it's a playable thing. He's been playing through it. So he is going to have a day off on Monday, just a day off to give it some time. It's nothing serious. We wouldn't have our franchise player out there playing with something serious."
Our View: The injury is minor and he is going to play on Sunday. Fantasy owners shouldn't be concerned about the ailment, and Zimmerman said the shoulder is just sore. |
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| Cards will skip Pineiro's next start | Sunday 5/25, 8:46 AM CT |
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The Cardinals are going to skip Joel Pineiro's next start, according to MLB.com. The team will be moving the other four starters up a day thanks to Monday's off-day, and Manager Tony LaRussa commented that Pineiro is dealing with some discomfort in his groin. Braden Looper will pitch on Tuesday at home against Houston, followed by Adam Wainwright, Kyle Lohse and Todd Wellemeyer. Pineiro will return to the rotation on May 31 at home against Pittsburgh. LaRussa added, "Pineiro's groin is barking a little bit. So I think we're going to take advantage of that. We're going to hold Pineiro till a spot opens, which will be over the weekend."
Our View: Pineiro is not pitching well right now, and holds a 4.50 ERA with a passable 1.36 WHIP. He only has 23 strikeouts over 44 innings, and he has failed to reach the sixth inning in either of his last two starts. |
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| Hundley hits sixth homer at Triple-A | Sunday 5/25, 8:21 AM CT |
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Catcher Nick Hundley hit his sixth home run of the season in Triple-A on Saturday in a 17-4 win over Angels' affiliate Salt Lake City, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune.
Our View: He hit 20 homers at Double-A last season, and is proving he has solid power for a catcher so far in Triple-A. He is a former second-round draft pick. |
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| Stauffer out for the season | Sunday 5/25, 8:14 AM CT |
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Pitching prospect Tim Stauffer is out for the season, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. A surgeon repaired the Triple-A hurler's torn labrum on Friday, and he will need another year to fully recover.
Our View: The former first round draft pick had shoulder problems dating to 2003. Within a month after the Padres drafted him (in 2003), Stauffer told them his shoulder was ailing. The Padres still decided to sign him, though for nearly $2 million less than their original offer. At the time, they also said he might need shoulder surgery. He held no fantasy value for this season. |
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| Zimmerman was playing injured | Sunday 5/25, 8:08 AM CT |
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Ryan Zimmerman admitted that he has been playing with a sore left shoulder for almost a week, according to MLB.com. He injured the shoulder on Sunday against the Orioles. Zimmerman said, "It's sore, but I don't think there's anything wrong with it. If there was anything wrong with it, I wouldn't play. I'm still playing, so that's good."
Our View: Zimmerman extended his hitting streak to eight games against Milwaukee on Saturday, and the ailment is not holding him back. He is safe to keep active in your lineups. |
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| Encarnacion did not play Saturday | Sunday 5/25, 8:02 AM CT |
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Edwin Encarnacion did not play on Saturday due to a case of the flu, according to MLB.com. That was the second straight game that he missed. He commented, "I feel better than yesterday. I had the flu and my head hurt a lot. I wasn't able to do anything. I couldn't sleep. I haven't eaten, but I'll try later."
Our View: Encarnacion was given intravenous fluids to help get his strength back. Ryan Freel made another start at third base on Saturday while he recovers.
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