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| Hunter hits seventh homer | Saturday 5/31, 11:49 PM CT |
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Torii Hunter went 1-for-5 with a solo homer in Saturday's 3-2 win over the Blue Jays.
Our View: That was his first homer and RBI since May 23, when he hit a solo shot in a 3-1 win over the White Sox. He only hit three homers with 10 RBI in the entire month of May, and hopefully he can build upon tonight's solid outing, and stay hot heading into June. |
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| Lackey fares well in no decision | Saturday 5/31, 11:43 PM CT |
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John Lackey allowed two runs (one earned) on six hits over eight innings in Saturday's 3-2 win over Toronto, with one walk and seven strikeouts. He ended the night with a no decision, and Scot Shields went on to claim the win, in a game that went 10 innings.
Our View: This was another strong outing for him, and he only allowed six earned runs over his four starts in 2008. He is only 1-1, but would have more wins if not for poor run support from his Angels' team-mates. |
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| Barajas hits homer in loss | Saturday 5/31, 11:36 PM CT |
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Rod Barajas went 1-for-4 with a solo homer in Saturday's 3-2 loss to the Angels.
Our View: That was his first homer since May 17, when he collected two against the Phillies, who happened to be his former team. He has now recorded an RBI in three straight games, with five over the span. |
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| Cuddyer plays well in close loss | Saturday 5/31, 11:13 PM CT |
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Michael Cuddyer went 2-for-6 with two RBI and a solo homer in Saturday's close 7-6 loss to the Yankees.
Our View: That was his second homer of the season, to go along with 22 RBI over 38 games, but he is still only hitting .232 |
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| Wang surrenders five runs | Saturday 5/31, 11:09 PM CT |
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Chien-Ming Wang surrendered five runs on nine hits over 5.1 innings in Saturday's 7-6 win over the Twins, with three walks and four strikeouts. He ended the night with a no decision.
Our View: Wang has now allowed at least five runs in each of his last three starts. He is still 6-2 for the season, but his ERA climbed to 4.14. |
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| Abreu notches two RBI | Saturday 5/31, 11:05 PM CT |
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Bobby Abreu went 2-for-5 with two RBI in Saturday's close 7-6 win over the Twins. He also registered a stolen base, his fifth of the season.
Our View: Abreu raised his average to .298, with 36 RBI, with 20 coming in May. |
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| Hamilton crushes 14th homer | Saturday 5/31, 10:40 PM CT |
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Josh Hamilton went 1-for-4 with three RBI and crushed a two-run homer in Saturday's 8-4 win over Oakland.
Our View: Hamilton is hitting .326 with 61 RBI and the aforementioned 14 homers over 56 games this season. |
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| Ponson claims fourth win | Saturday 5/31, 10:35 PM CT |
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Sidney Ponson gave up four runs on nine hits over seven innings on Saturday, but still claimed his fourth win of the season, as Texas outscored Oakland 8-4. He didn't issue any walks, and had four strikeouts.
Our View: Ponson is 4-1 with a 3.83 ERA over eight starts. The Rangers' offense has offered strong support for Ponson, as they average nearly eight runs over his eight starts. |
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| Olson handed no decision | Saturday 5/31, 9:43 PM CT |
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Garrett Olson allowed two runs on three hits over five innings in Saturday's 6-3 loss to Boston, with two walks and five strikeouts. He ended his outing with a no decision.
Our View: Olson still holds a solid 4-1 record over seven starts, but has failed to work past five innings three times. |
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| Ellsbury steals three bases, again | Saturday 5/31, 9:37 PM CT |
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Jacoby Ellsbury went 1-for-3 with two walks, and stole three bases in Saturday's 6-3 win over Baltimore.
Our View: He has impressively stolen three bases in back-to-back games, and has 26 for the season. |
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| Ortiz leaves game with hand injury | Saturday 5/31, 9:29 PM CT |
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David Ortiz left Saturday night's game in the ninth inning against Baltimore after injuring his left hand, according to the AP.
Our View: He sustained the injury while fouling off a Dennis Sarfate pitch. Sean Casey replaced Ortiz in the game, and no further information regarding the injury is yet available. |
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| Davies earns win in first start of 08 | Saturday 5/31, 9:24 PM CT |
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Kyle Davies only allowed one run on five hits over five innings in Saturday's 4-2 victory over Cleveland, with three walks and two strikeouts.
Our View: He earned a win in his first start (and appearance) of 2008. |
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| Rodriguez could see time at 3B | Saturday 5/31, 8:58 PM CT |
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Sean Rodriguez could be an option at third base while Chone Figgins is on the DL, according to MLB.com. Rodriguez has been working out at third the last couple of days and can also play short in addition to all three outfield spots. Manager Mike Sciosca said, "Third base will be an easy progression for him, but it is an important progression for any young player to make yourself as versatile as you can. You never know when opportunities are going to be there or when you're going to get a chance."
Our View: Rodriguez could provide depth at third, but hasn't been making much of an impact with his bat, as he is only hitting .175 over 63 at-bats, with no homers and one RBI. So, while he may get more playing time as an option at third, he does not merit fantasy consideration. |
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| Hill misses another game | Saturday 5/31, 8:42 PM CT |
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Aaron Hill was held out of his second straight game on Saturday due to a mild concussion, according to MLB.com. Hill has been asked to refrain from any baseball activity and he said, "I'm just following doctors orders. If something is messing with the head, I don't want to mess with it. I'm just doing what they say. They shut me down. I'm sure it's just for the next day or so."
Our View: Manager John Gibbons said that he may be held out of Sunday's game against the Angels as well. Hill could be cleared to return to second base for the Blue Jays as early as Tuesday, when they play the Yankees. Marco Scutaro will continue to man second while he is out. |
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| Floyd hits another homer vs. Sox | Saturday 5/31, 8:26 PM CT |
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Cliff Floyd went 1-for-3 with a solo homer in Saturday's 2-0 win over the White Sox.
Our View: The Chicago native hit a home run in back-to-back games against the White Sox. That was his third homer over his last five games as well. |
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| Kazmir hurls seven scoreless | Saturday 5/31, 8:23 PM CT |
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Scott Kazmir hurled seven scoreless innings, with only three hits allowed, in Saturday's 2-0 win over the White Sox. He issued three walks, but had six strikeouts.
Our View: He has impressively only allowed two total earned runs over his last five starts, and lowered his ERA to 1.22. |
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| Vazquez pitches well in loss | Saturday 5/31, 8:18 PM CT |
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Javier Vazquez allowed two runs on five hits over seven innings in Saturday's 2-0 loss to the Rays, with two walks and 10 strikeouts.
Our View: This was a strong outing for him, despite being dealt his fourth loss of the season. His 10 strikeouts tonight were also a season high. Chalk it up to no run support from his Chicago team-mates. |
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| Drew improving | Saturday 5/31, 8:12 PM CT |
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J.D. Drew is improving in his bout with vertigo, but is not yet ready to return to the diamond, according to MLB.com. Drew did not feel like he was on a merry-go-round when he woke up on Saturday morning, and said, "I've had little bouts of it here and there, just a day or two at a time. Fortunately, it never lingered for weeks. I know for some guys it was weeks and years and months."
Our View: The team is unclear when he will be ready to return, and missed his second straight game tonight. |
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| Teixeira racks up three more RBI | Saturday 5/31, 6:58 PM CT |
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Mark Teixeira went 2-for-6 and racked up two more RBI in Saturday's 8-7 loss to Cincinnati. One of his hits was good for his seventh homer of the season as well.
Our View: He has registered three or more RBI in three of his last six games, and ended May with 22 RBI. That was his ninth multi-hit game of the month additionally. |
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| Clark DFA | Saturday 5/31, 6:48 PM CT |
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Howie Clark has been designated for assignment, according to CBSsports.com. Nick Punto has been activated from the DL, and the team needed to make room on the roster.
Our View: Clark only registered eight brief at-bats with the Twins this season, with two hits, and held no fantasy value. |
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| Uribe activated from DL | Saturday 5/31, 5:53 PM CT |
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Juan Uribe has been activated from the DL on Saturday, according to the Miami Herald. In an adjoining move, the team designated outfielder DeWayne Wise for assignment.
Our View: Uribe has recovered from a strained right hamstring. He was only hitting .198 over 116 at-bats this season, and should share second base with Alexei Ramirez. |
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| Wise DFA | Saturday 5/31, 5:50 PM CT |
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Outfielder Dewayne Wise has been designated for assignment, according to the Miami Herald. Juan Uribe was activated from the 15-day DL on Saturday following a stint with Triple-A Charlotte.
Our View: Wise was 0-for-6 during his brief stint with Chicago. |
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| Jennings done for the season | Saturday 5/31, 5:45 PM CT |
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Jason Jennings underwent surgery yesterday to repair a torn flexor tendon in his right forearm and is out for the remainder of the 2008 season, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Our View: Jennings was 0-5 with a 8.56 ERA and 1.94 WHIP over six starts this season, and held little to no fantasy value prior to today's news. |
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| King Felix throws seven scoreless | Saturday 5/31, 5:41 PM CT |
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Felix Hernandez threw seven scoreless innings, with only two hits allowed, in Saturday's 5-0 win over the Tigers. He issued no walks with seven strikeouts.
Our View: He improved to 3-5 for the season, and bounced back well from his last poor start, when he allowed five runs against Boston on May 26. |
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| Verlander suffers another loss | Saturday 5/31, 5:38 PM CT |
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Justin Verlander surrendered four runs on eight hits over seven innings in Saturday's 5-0 loss to Seattle, with two walks and one strikeout.
Our View: Verlander has now slipped to 2-8 for the season, with a 5.16 ERA. His record is terrible, but he has actually been pitching well as of late, as he only allowed four total earned runs over his previous three starts before today's loss. He is worth targeting if you can get him for a rock-bottom price. |
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| Buchholz activated, and sent to AAA | Saturday 5/31, 5:06 PM CT |
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Clay Buchholz has been activated from the DL, and optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket, where he had been on a rehab assignment, according to the AP. Buchholz was placed on the disabled list back on May 14 with a torn nail on his right middle finger.
Our View: Manager Terry Francona said he wanted Buchholz to work on his command, fastball consistency and his arm slot while in Triple-A. He was 2-3 over eight starts with Boston this season, with a 5.53 ERA and poor 1.63 WHIP.
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| Leyland ejected | Saturday 5/31, 4:43 PM CT |
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Tigers' Manager Jim Leyland has been ejected from Saturday's game against the Mariners in the sixth inning by first base umpire Dan Iassogna for arguing, according to the AP.
Our View: Leyland was upset when Curtis Granderson was called out on a close play at first base after a long throw from Mariners third baseman Adrian Beltre. |
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| Baker to start for Single-A | Saturday 5/31, 4:19 PM CT |
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Scott Baker is scheduled to start tonight for Single-A Fort Myers, according to the Star Tribune.
Our View: Baker has recovered from a strained right groin muscle, and will likely be called up if he pitches well tonight. He was 2-0 with a 4.09 ERA and solid 1.09 WHIP over 33 innings before landing on the DL, with 29 strikeouts. |
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| Pena designated for assignment | Saturday 5/31, 4:10 PM CT |
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Catcher Brayan Pena has been designated for assignment, according to the Miami Herald.
Our View: Pena was claimed off outright waivers from the Braves on Friday. He went 4-for-14 (.286) in limited action with Atlanta this season.
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| Dice-K begins strength program | Saturday 5/31, 4:06 PM CT |
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Daisuke Matsuzaka has started a strength program, according to the Boston Globe. He is recovering from a mild rotator cuff strain and stated, "Even though I might feel OK, the club has told me to rest up. I do feel bad being the only one getting rest on this team, dwelling on that isn't going to help me heal. I'm going to treat this as a mini-camp."
Our View: He hopes to be back in business by the time he comes off the DL on June 14. |
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| Musser optioned | Saturday 5/31, 4:03 PM CT |
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Pitcher Neal Musser has been optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Saturday, according to the AP.
Our View: Musser only registered one inning of work during his brief stint with the Royals, and held no fantasy value. |
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| Leyland reports Zumaya, Rodney will return soon | Saturday 5/31, 3:49 PM CT |
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Detroit manager Jim Leyland spoke with reporters today and, among other topics, addressed the status of pitchers Joel Zumaya and Fernando Rodney, according to the Detroit News.
Our View: Leyland indicates that if the current path of these two hurlers stays straight, they will be back sometime during the month of June. The team had feared both relievers would miss extended time this season, but it appears Leyland is calm in suggesting otherwise. We will update with further news if/when it becomes available. |
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| Royals recall Davies, designate Pena | Saturday 5/31, 3:45 PM CT |
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The Kansas City Royals have recalled pitcher Kyle Davies from Triple-A Omaha, thus designating catcher Brayan Pena for assignment, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: The 25-year-old Davies will make his first appearance this season, starting Saturday night's match with Cleveland, opposite the Tribe's C.C. Sabathia. Davies made 11 starts for Kansas City last season with a 3-7 record, carrying a 6.66 earned run average over 50 innings. Davies holds a 17-28 career mark in parts of four seasons with the Atlanta Braves and Royals. He carries a 6.24 ERA in 63 career games. Pena was claimed off outright waivers from the Atlanta Braves on Friday. |
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| Griffey smacks #599 | Saturday 5/31, 3:27 PM CT |
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Cincinnati outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. wasted little time in getting the mood set as the Reds host the Atlanta Braves, taking a first-inning offering from Atlanta RHP Jair Jurrjens deep for career home run .
Our View: Griffey's spot in the Hall of Fame is all but reserved as the best player in the league during the 1990s, and now this approach to 600 career home runs reminds us all just how good he has been (and how great he could have been if not for his all-out play in center). |
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| Punto activated, Clark designated | Saturday 5/31, 2:43 PM CT |
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Minnesota infielder Nick Punto has been officially activated from the 15-day disabled list, leading the Twins to designate Howie Clark for assignment, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: Punto had been sidelined since May 8 with a strained left hamstring. Entering Saturday, Punto was batting .265 in 20 games with seven RBIs. |
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| Baldelli nearing return | Saturday 5/31, 2:40 PM CT |
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Tampa Bay outfielder Rocco Baldelli went hitless through five at-bats in his second extended spring training game today, working as the designated hitter, and the team believes he could be nearing his return to the major league club, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Baldelli has been out of action since May of last season due to a mitochondrial disorder that causes extreme fatigue. Placed on the 60-day disabled list during spring training, Baldelli has a .282 batting average with 48 homers and 221 RBIs in 419 career games. His 26 assists during the 2003-04 seasons were the third most in the majors. However, various injuries have limited him to just 127 games since the start of the 2005 season. Extended spring training ends in 10 days and Baldelli is expected to be there until the end. |
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| Francona to miss Sunday | Saturday 5/31, 2:31 PM CT |
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The Boston Red Sox report manager Terry Francona will miss Sunday's game at Baltimore, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: Francona will be attending his daughter's high school graduation. There is no need for alarm. |
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| Sexson sitting today | Saturday 5/31, 2:06 PM CT |
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Fresh off our report that rumors are swirling about the status of Seattle first baseman Richie Sexson , the team has announced Sexson will be sitting today, according to the Seattle Times.
Our View: For the fourth consecutive game, the Mariners have announced Sexson will remain listed as "day-to-day" by team reports and will be replaced by Miguel Cairo in the lineup today. The team also announced Jeremy Reed will be getting the start in right field, his fourth opportunity to start since getting the call from Triple-A Tacoma. |
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| Rumors swirl around Sexson | Saturday 5/31, 2:01 PM CT |
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Recent struggles and a reportedly growing cry from fans to take action has writer Geoff Baker reporting "mounting speculation" that the Mariners will seek to acquire Scott Hatteberg to replace the failing Richie Sexson , according to the Seattle Times.
Our View: Sexson is struggling mightily at the plate, hitting just .205 through 121 games last season. However, to be fair, the Times notes Sexson has nine homers through 31 hits this season while his work against lefties is surprisingly solid (.333). It would make sense for the Mariners to pursue Hatteberg regardless of the situation with Sexson, a worthy role player that could help a team struggling to perform. We will update if these rumors become reality turned into action. |
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| Lackey set for start #4 | Saturday 5/31, 12:43 PM CT |
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The Angels are set to continue doing battle with the visiting Toronto Blue Jays this evening and will push RHP John Lackey to the mound for just his fourth start this season, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: Lackey is 1-1 with a lowly 2.05 ERA thus far and comes off a disappointing loss on Sunday versus the Chicago White Sox despite allowing just three earned runs on six hits over eight innings. Lackey is 3-2 lifetime against Toronto. |
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| Toronto turns to Marcum | Saturday 5/31, 12:39 PM CT |
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The Toronto Blue Jays have taken wins in three consecutive games heading into today, sporting eight wins in their last nine games. Today they turn the ball to RHP Shaun Marcum to keep the good emotions rolling, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: Marcum is 5-3 with a 2.64 EA over 71 2/3 innings of work this season. He has surrendered just 41 hits over that span balanced by a lowly 21 walks allowed. Over his career, Marcum is 2-1 with a 3.20 ERA against the Angels. |
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| White Sox turn to Vazquez vs Rays | Saturday 5/31, 12:31 PM CT |
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The Chicago White Sox will give RHP Javier Vazquez the start this evening as they travel to Tampa to face the Rays, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: Vazquez currently stands at 5-3 on the season with an ERA of 3.52. He has already beaten the Rays this season and carries a career record of 5-2 with a 4.48 ERA against Tampa Bay. Chicago has won nine of the last dozen battles with the Rays, going 7-2 on the Rays' home field. |
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| Rays hope to keep Kazmir in wins | Saturday 5/31, 12:26 PM CT |
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The Tampa Bay Rays have handed the ball to strong-armed LHP Scott Kazmir for their game against the Chicago White Sox this evening, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: Kazmir has enjoyed solid success this season, returning late due to injury only to show and prove with a 4-1 record and 1.50 ERA since coming back. Through 30 innings pitched, Kazmir has posted 32 strikeouts and has yet to surrender a single home run. Against Chicago, Kazmir owns a 2-1 career record with a 4.19 ERA. |
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| Davies set for season debut | Saturday 5/31, 12:17 PM CT |
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The Kansas City Royals will give RHP Kyle Davies his season debut on the mound this evening against the Cleveland Indians, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: Davies has spent three years in the majors and carries a disappointing 0-3 record for his career against Cleveland, touting a horrific 12.27 ERA through those starts. That leaves very little room for optimism this evening. |
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| Bonser getting last shot at start? | Saturday 5/31, 12:07 PM CT |
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With rumors of a pending move to the bullpen, in part to make room for returning starter Scott Baker and in part to stop a downward spiral of inept performance, Minnesota RHP Boof Bonser will be sent to the mound to start against the New York Yankees this evening, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: Bonser is 2-6 this season with a 6.16 ERA, but his performance against the Yankees has been especially worrisome, going 0-2 with a 9.31 ERA over his career. Manager Ron Gardenhire has avoided identifying Bonser as the odd man out for demotion or move when Baker returns, but the numbers suggest it would be the wise move to make. |
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| Wang ready to take fight to Twins | Saturday 5/31, 12:02 PM CT |
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The New York Yankees have slated ace Chien-Ming Wang for tonight's start at the Minnesota Twins, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: Wang has allowed a total of just 63 hits over 73 innings of work this season, and while he is 2-0 over his career versus Minnesota, he comes off a tough no-decision against Seattle, surrendering five runs (all earned) on seven hits over 6 1/3 innings. |
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| Olson looks to keep B-more straight | Saturday 5/31, 11:36 AM CT |
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The Baltimore Orioles have been as hot as any team at home this season, and this evening they will ask LHP Garrett Olson to keep them going, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: Olson carries a record of 4-1 with a 4.09 ERA into his start against the Red Sox this evening, touting a record of 3-0 with a 2.41 ERA at home. However, against Boston, work has not been as kind, going 0-2 with an ERA of 7.63. |
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| Ellsbury terrorizing base paths | Saturday 5/31, 10:23 AM CT |
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On Thursday, we noted Boston outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury was 20-for-22 on stolen bases and was on pace to challenge the franchise record for stolen bases. Last night, Ellsbury swiped three more and now stands at 23-for-25 on the season.
Our View: The kid has been in a bit of a hitting slump, but he is now just one stolen base behind Michael Bourn and the great Ichiro Suzuki for the major league lead in swipes, and he carries a better OBP and slugging percentage than both. |
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| Willis, Galaragga to share mound on Tuesday | Saturday 5/31, 9:42 AM CT |
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Detroit manager Jim Leyland spoke with the press following last night's game and reports LHP Dontrelle Willis will get the start on Tuesday and will be followed in relief by Armando Galarraga, according to CBSSports.com.
Our View: This will be Willis' second start since returning from the disabled list on May 21st, and the outing is planned to be short. Galarraga has been making starts without Willis in the rotation and Leyland contends that will continue. He simply wants to get Willis working towards a full return and wants to do so cautiously, thus he'll let Willis ride for approximately four innings before going back to Galarraga. |
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| Posada targets Tuesday for return | Saturday 5/31, 8:37 AM CT |
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Yankees catcher Jorge Posada is looking and hoping to rejoin the lineup on Tuesday night, according to the New York Post.
Our View: Posada has been on the DL since April 26th with rotator-cuff tendinitis and has been working towards return ever since. On Tuesday night, hurler Joba Chamberlain is looking to make his first big-league start of the season and Posada reportedly feels good enough to give it a go in support of that cause, though the catcher claims he's just anxious to get on the field as quickly as possible and that night makes sense. |
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| Hunter goes 3-for-4 | Saturday 5/31, 12:29 AM CT |
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Torii Hunter went 3-for-4 with two runs scored in Friday's 10-4 loss to Toronto. He also stole two bases.
Our View: Hunter improved his season average to .284, to go along with 14 doubles, 28 runs scored, and seven stolen bases over 53 games. He only hit two home runs in May, and has six so far in 2008. |
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| Overbay crushes two homers in win | Saturday 5/31, 12:24 AM CT |
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Lyle Overbay went 3-for-5 with three RBI, and crushed two homers in Friday's 10-4 win over the Angels.
Our View: Four of his five homers have come in May, and he raised his season average to .282 following tonight's performance. |
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