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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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| Milledge goes 2-for-3 | Saturday 5/31, 11:30 PM CT |
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Lastings Milledge went 2-for-3 in Saturday's 4-0 loss to Arizona. Washington only mustered six hits in the game as Brandon Webb threw a complete game shutout, and Milledge had the best night among the Nationals' hitters.
Our View: That was his sixth multi-hit game in May, and he registered at least one hit in eight of his last 10 games. |
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| Reynolds blasts pair of homers | Saturday 5/31, 11:25 PM CT |
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Mark Reynolds went 2-for-3 with two RBI and blasted a pair of solo homers in Saturday's 4-0 win over Washington.
Our View: He is only hitting .240, but has 11 homers and 32 RBI over 51 games, with 38 runs scored. He was cold throughout May but closed out the month on a high note. Hopefully he can keep the momentum going through June. |
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| Webb hurls complete game shutout | Saturday 5/31, 11:19 PM CT |
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Brandon Webb hurled a complete game shutout, with only six hits allowed, in Saturday's 4-0 win over Washington. He issued no walks with eight strikeouts.
Our View: Webb had registered back-to-back losses heading into tonight's contest, but bounced back with a vengeance against the Nationals. He is now 10-2 with a 2.69 ERA. |
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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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| Glaus hits third homer of season | Saturday 5/31, 10:56 PM CT |
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Troy Glaus went 1-for-2 with an RBI and hit his third homer of the season in Saturday's 14-4 loss to the Pirates.
Our View: That was his first homer since May 18, and his first RBI since May 21. It was nice to see the veteran third baseman end May on a positive note. |
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| Maholm enjoys strong outing | Saturday 5/31, 10:52 PM CT |
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Paul Maholm only allowed one run on four hits over 6.2 innings of action in Saturday's 14-4 win over St. Louis, with no walks and five strikeouts.
Our View: Maholm improved to 3-5 and lowered his ERA to 4.74. This was the fourth time that he allowed one or less runs in a start this season, but surrendered at least four runs in all five of his previous outings in May. |
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| Rivas hits grand slam | Saturday 5/31, 10:45 PM CT |
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Luis Rivas went 2-for-5 with four RBI, and notably hit a grand slam in Saturday's 14-4 win over the Cardinals. He still left six men on base, as Pittsburgh registered 19 hits in the game.
Our View: He only had two homers and seven RBI over 78 at-bats heading into tonight's game. He started the contest in place of the ailing Jack Wilson. |
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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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| Blanton suffers seventh loss | Saturday 5/31, 10:28 PM CT |
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Joe Blanton surrendered six runs on 10 hits over six innings in Saturday's 8-4 loss to Texas, with one walk and no strikeouts.
Our View: He drops to 3-7 in 2008, with a 4.27 ERA. Six was the most runs he allowed in any of his starts this season, and tonight was also the first time he failed to register any strikeouts. |
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| Fielder hits eighth homer | Saturday 5/31, 9:57 PM CT |
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Prince Fielder went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer in Saturday's 4-1 win over Houston.
Our View: That was his eighth homer of the season, and has now hit one in back-to-back games. Hopefully he can carry this momentum into June, and put together a strong month. He ended May with only nine RBI, after racking up 20 in April. |
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| Sheets nails down sixth win | Saturday 5/31, 9:52 PM CT |
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Ben Sheets only surrendered one run on seven hits over 8.2 innings in Saturday's 4-1 win over the Astros, with one walk and five strikeouts.
Our View: He improves to 6-1 for the season, with a 2.71 ERA. He has only allowed four total earned runs over his last three starts. |
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| Erstad records lone RBI for Houston | Saturday 5/31, 9:48 PM CT |
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Darin Erstad went 2-for-4 and recorded the Astros' lone RBI in Saturday's 4-1 loss to Milwaukee.
Our View: He raised his season average to .315 over 73 at-bats, with 12 RBI. The veteran can still get the job done, and has proven to be a solid contributor off the Astros' bench this season. He shouldn't be considered for your fantasy squad, however. |
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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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| Ramirez claims 500th homer | Saturday 5/31, 9:34 PM CT |
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Manny Ramirez has joined the 500 home run club tonight, at the expense of the Orioles, according to the AP. Boston won the game 6-3.
Our View: Ramirez is the 24th player to reach 500 home runs, and that was his 10th of 2008. |
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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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| Sabathia suffers seventh loss | Saturday 5/31, 9:19 PM CT |
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C.C. Sabathia surrendered four runs on eight hits over eight innings in Saturday's 4-2 loss to the Royals, with no walks and four strikeouts.
Our View: He is now 3-7 over 12 starts, with a 4.72 ERA. Sabathia has allowed two or less earned runs in each of his previous four starts, but could not close out May on a high note. |
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| Utley blasts 19th homer | Saturday 5/31, 9:14 PM CT |
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Chase Utley went 1-for-4 with one RBI and blasted his 19th homer of the season in Saturday's 7-3 loss to Florida.
Our View: He collected his 49th RBI of the season tonight as well, along with his 45th run. Utley continues to satisfy fantasy owners as the top rated second baseman for 2008. |
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| Hamels rocked for seven runs | Saturday 5/31, 9:09 PM CT |
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Cole Hamels was rocked for seven runs on eight hits over 5.2 innings in Saturday's 7-3 loss to the Marlins, with one walk and four strikeouts. He gave up three home runs in the game.
Our View: Hamels falls to 5-4 with a 3.73 ERA over 12 starts. He surrendered six runs in his previous outing, and four runs in two other starts in May. He hurled two scoreless efforts in the month as well, and has been erratic from start to start. |
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| Gonzalez registers two RBI in win | Saturday 5/31, 9:04 PM CT |
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Luis Gonzalez went 2-for-4 and registered two RBI in Saturday's 7-3 win over the Phillies. He hit a two-run homer, which was his fourth of the season.
Our View: He raised his season average to .299, and racked up two RBI in back-to-back games against Philadelphia. |
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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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| Zimmerman felt soreness during BP | Saturday 5/31, 8:35 PM CT |
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Ryan Zimmerman felt soreness in his ailing left shoulder during batting practice on Saturday, according to MLB.com. In the first two rounds of the batting session, Zimmerman was taking soft swings. By the fifth round he was swinging the bat harder. He stated, however, that he still felt soreness in his shoulder, and was not sure he would play in the Nationals' third game against the Diamondbacks on Sunday. He added, "We'll see how it feels tomorrow. I think that is the biggest thing. I didn't want to come out and try to hit 500-foot home runs. I was just getting the feel back. Let's see how much I can do and how much I can't do. We'll make a decision from there."
Our View: Zimmerman missed the last six games due to the ailment. We will keep you posted on his progress. Hopefully the injury won't linger, and he will be able to avoid the DL. |
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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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| Jackson awaiting MRI results | Saturday 5/31, 8:07 PM CT |
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Conor Jackson is awaiting his MRI results on his strained right quad, according to MLB.com. He underwent the test before Saturday's game against the Nationals, and is expected to miss the remainder of the homestand, which lasts through Monday. Manager Bob Melvin said, "He had it earlier in the season and it was getting progressively better. He's been playing with it, but it was hurting him significantly enough where he needed to come out."
Our View: Melvin also thinks that the injury will just keep him out a couple of days, and a DL stint is not likely. Chad Tracy will fill in at first base while Jackson is out. |
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| Geary threw two-inning sim. game | Saturday 5/31, 7:49 PM CT |
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Geoff Geary threw a two-inning simulated game on Saturday as he recovers from a right groin strain, according to MLB.com. Geary pitched to catcher J.R. Towles and outfielder Michael Bourn, and threw 15 pitches in each inning as a final step toward activation from the DL. Geary said, "I don't feel any pain or strain anywhere. It's just a matter of controlling adrenaline, which is beyond controllable right now."
Our View: Geary will be activated prior to Tuesday's opener in Pittsburgh, barring a setback. He was enjoying a solid season while working out of the Astros' pen, as he held a 1.15 WHIP over 18.1 innings, with 17 strikeouts. He should continue to hold value in NL-only leagues upon his return. |
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| Werth believes he can return June 8 | Saturday 5/31, 7:43 PM CT |
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Jayson Werth thinks he may be able to return from the DL on June 8, which would be the first day he is eligible, according to MLB.com. He is recovering from a right oblique strain, and has resumed swinging a bat, but has been instructed to slow his swing down to prevent further injury.
Our View: The team noted that he will probably play in a rehab assignment within the next few days, and added that he will be ready to go right away when he comes off the DL. He was enjoying a solid season, as he generated nine homers and 26 RBI over 40 games, with seven stolen bases. |
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| Gagne takes leave of absence | Saturday 5/31, 7:36 PM CT |
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Eric Gagne, who is on the DL with right rotator cuff tendinitis, has taken a temporary leave from the team to attend to his ailing wife in Arizona, according to MLB.com. His wife Valerie is six months pregnant with the couple's fourth child, but manager Ned Yost said complications in the pregnancy have forced Valerie into a hospital stay. Yost added, "He's going to Maryvale in the morning on Sunday to get all his rehab work done and stuff. He'll be back Monday or Tuesday at the latest."
Our View: Yost also noted that he doesn't know if Gagne would be prepared to return from the DL when he becomes eligible on Thursday. Gagne personally did not expect to miss more than the 15 day minimum on the DL. |
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| Pineiro was not able for pen session | Saturday 5/31, 7:28 PM CT |
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Joel Pineiro was not able to pitch in Saturday's scheduled bullpen session, according to MLB.com. Pineiro attempted to throw off the mound before today's game against the Pirates to see what kind of progress he has made, but his injured right groin hurt too much, and he was forced to cancel his session. Pineiro received further treatment for his ailment instead.
Our View: It is uncertain how long Pineiro will miss now following today's setback in his recovery from a right groin strain. He was placed on the 15-day DL on Wednesday, retroactive to May 21. |
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| Fogg lit up for six runs | Saturday 5/31, 7:11 PM CT |
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Josh Fogg was lit up for six runs on seven hits over a mere 3.1 innings of work in Saturday's 8-7 win over Atlanta. He had two walks and no strikeouts, and ended the contest with a no decision.
Our View: His ERA has now climbed to 9.85 for the season. He should not be considered as a fantasy pitcher. |
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| Bruce goes 3-for-5 | Saturday 5/31, 7:05 PM CT |
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Jay Bruce went 3-for-5 with an RBI in Saturday's 8-7 win over the Braves. He batted second in the lineup, and scored three runs.
Our View: One of his hits went for his first homer. This was already his third multi-hit game of the season, and his second straight. The rookie phenom has scored eight runs over five games as well. |
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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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| Jurrjens rocked for six runs | Saturday 5/31, 6:53 PM CT |
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Jair Jurrjens was rocked for six runs on nine hits over 4.1 innings in Saturday's 8-7 loss to Cincinnati. He also issued six walks with two strikeouts, and ended the night with a no decision, in a game that took 10 innings to decide.
Our View: That was a poor outing, but he has been pitching well, as he allowed two or less earned runs in six of his previous nine starts. He held a solid 2.86 ERA and 1.24 WHIP heading into tonight's game as well. |
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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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| Rowand records lone RBI for Giants | Saturday 5/31, 6:32 PM CT |
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Aaron Rowand went 1-for-4 and recorded the lone RBI for the Giants in Saturday's 5-1 loss to the Padres.
Our View: Rowand is hitting .335 with 34 RBI over 52 games this season. He closed out May with 20 RBI. |
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| Gonzalez generates three RBI in win | Saturday 5/31, 6:29 PM CT |
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Adrian Gonzalez went 2-for-5 and generated three RBI in Saturday's 5-1 win over the Giants.
Our View: He has 48 RBI over 57 games this season, with 29 coming in May. |
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| Banks dazzles in Saturday start | Saturday 5/31, 6:26 PM CT |
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Josh Banks dazzled in his start on Saturday, as he only allowed one run on six hits over nine innings in a 5-1 win over the Giants, with no walks and five strikeouts.
Our View: Banks has only allowed one earned run over 17 innings of action this season, and his fantasy stock remains on the rise following tonight's strong outing. |
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| Spilborghs left with injury | Saturday 5/31, 6:21 PM CT |
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Ryan Spilborghs left Saturday's game with a bruised wrist in Saturday action against the Cubs, according to CBSsports.com.
Our View: He is day-to-day. He has seen more action since Matt Holliday and Brad Hawpe landed on the DL, and the team cannot afford to lose another outfielder. |
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| Beltran registers two RBI in win | Saturday 5/31, 6:11 PM CT |
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Carlos Beltran went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer in Saturday's exciting 3-2 win over the Dodgers.
Our View: He has five homers and 32 RBI over 53 games, but still needs to bring up his .263 average. That was also his third homer and 19th RBI in May. |
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| Billingsley fares well in no decision | Saturday 5/31, 6:06 PM CT |
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Chad Billingsley threw seven scoreless innings, with only four hits allowed, in Saturday's 3-2 loss to the Mets. He also had three walks with four strikeouts, and ended the battle with a no decision.
Our View: He has only allowed three total earned runs over his last four starts, and is pitching well despite his 4-6 record. |
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| Wilson scratched from lineup | Saturday 5/31, 5:59 PM CT |
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Jack Wilson has been scratched from Saturday's lineup against the Cardinals, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Wilson is bothered by tightness and fatigue in a muscle behind his left knee. The ailing area is just above the spot in his calf which he injured April 3. He said, "It’s a sharp pain in there every time I’ve run the past couple of days. Hopefully, it’s just inflamed."
Our View: Wilson will reportedly be available to pinch-hit tonight if needed. The team expects Wilson back in the lineup tomorrow as well. |
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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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| Guevara activated from DL | Saturday 5/31, 4:49 PM CT |
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Pitcher Carlos Guevara has been activated from the DL, according to MLB.com. The team brought him in following Shawn Estes' move to the DL, and Manager Bud Black said, "He's throwing his fastball in the mid to high 80s. His changeup sort of has screwball action. He's totally recovered from the groin and hamstring injuries. Our Minor League people and our front office people felt as though he was the guy."
Our View: Guevara, who was a Rule 5 pick from the Reds, has been on the shelf since spring training due to a groin strain. He will likely see action from the Padres' pen, and will hold little fantasy value. |
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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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| Wise to get second opinion | Saturday 5/31, 4:38 PM CT |
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Matt Wise is going to get a second opinion on his ailing right rotator cuff (tendinitis), according to MLB.com. Manager Willie Randolph said, "It must be relatively serious. I don't know if he's going to be out of the year, but he's going to be out a couple months, probably."
Our View: Wise's ailment is related to a nerve problem in the back of his shoulder that makes his arm feel as if he's throwing underwater, and could be out two to three months, as Randolph noted. Wise allowed five runs and 10 hits over seven innings in relief this season, and is not worth waiting for as a fantasy performer.
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| Correia strong in rehab start | Saturday 5/31, 4:32 PM CT |
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Kevin Correia hurled 3.1 shutout innings in his first rehab start for Class-A San Jose on Friday, and was in the Giants' dugout before Saturday's game against the Padres, according to MLB.com. Correia was placed on the 15-day DL back on April 27 due to a strained muscle in his left side, but said his oblique is no longer bothering him at all. He surrendered just one hit and one walk in his Friday appearance while using all of his regular pitches. He'll make another start for Fresno on Tuesday. He said, "I think it's pretty much ready, I just need to get my pitch count up."
Our View: Manager Bruce Bochy wants him to throw at least 65-70 pitches before he returns to the Giants. Correia would likely take Pat Misch's place in the starting rotation. |
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| Ramirez in Marlins' lineup Saturday | Saturday 5/31, 4:24 PM CT |
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Hanley Ramirez is penciled into tonight's lineup against the Phillies, according to MLB.com. He left Friday's game with a bruised left thumb, but responded fine following several ice treatments, and was not forced to miss any games.
Our View: The elite fantasy shortstop is safe to start in your lineups for tonight. |
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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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| Injury for Estes may move Baek to starts | Saturday 5/31, 3:53 PM CT |
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The San Diego Padres are pondering a move to send RHP Cha Seung Baek to the role of starting pitcher after today's announcement that Shawn Estes will be placed on the disabled list, according to CBSSports.com.
Our View: Estes has broken the tip of his thumb on his throwing hand, and with an obvious need to keep starters in the rotation, the Padres appear to be leaning towards Baek for that job. We will update if/when news becomes official. |
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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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| Dodgers looking to enhance pitching staff | Saturday 5/31, 3:40 PM CT |
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The Los Angeles Dodgers report that as RHP Jason Schmidt nears return to the mound, the team may consider holding more pitchers than normal to insure he is eased into his role with caution, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Essentially, the Dodgers are considering naming co-fifth starters in the rotation, allowing rookie Clayton Kershaw to share that spot with Schmidt. This is becoming much more common as managers seek to rest arms and insure hampered pitching commodities are not pressed into extensive service and resulting damage. Schmidt still faces at least one or two more rehab starts before he rejoins the club, but the time to start planning that move is now. |
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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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| Estes suffers fractured thumb | Saturday 5/31, 3:15 PM CT |
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The San Diego Padres have reportedly placed LHP Shawn Estes on the 15-day disabled list after fracturing the end of his left thumb during a fall down some stairs, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Estes suffered the fracture when he fell going down the stairs that lead from the visiting clubhouse to the dugout during San Diego's 7-3 victory in 13 innings on Friday. The Padres have reinstated RHP Carlos Guevara from the disabled list to take Estes' spot on the 25-man roster. |
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| Soriano shines as Cubs beat Rockies | Saturday 5/31, 3:12 PM CT |
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Chicago leadoff man Alfonso Soriano wasted no time in getting his Cubs on track for the 5-4 win against the Colorado Rockies today. Soriano garnered two of the 11 total hits the Cubs would post, going 2-for-4 with is 12th home run of the season as well as his fourth stolen base, finishing with three RBIs and the one run scored.
Our View: Soriano was on his usual pace to gather excruciating strikeout totals, touting 23 strikeouts versus just eight walks coming into today. However, he failed to take a K today and has gone 9-for-23 with four home runs over his last five games. |
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| Dempster gets win vs Rockies | Saturday 5/31, 3:08 PM CT |
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Chicago RHP Ryan Dempster didn't go too deep and didn't have great control, but he managed to endure and earn the win as his Cubs put the Rockies to rest, 5-4. Dempster completed five innings of work to allowed three runs (all earned) on three hits with four walks, seven strikeouts, and two home runs allowed.
Our View: Dempster had good stuff working but was rather erratic off the mound. He now carries consecutive wins and sits at 7-2 on the season. |
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| Rusch takes third loss vs Cubs | Saturday 5/31, 3:05 PM CT |
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Colorado LHP Glendon Rusch got his first decision for the month of May, but we doubt he's happy with the results, taking the 5-4 loss against the Chicago Cubs. Rusch lasted just 4 2/3 innings, allowing five runs (all earned) on nine hits with one walk and four strikeouts.
Our View: This was Rusch's fourth start of the month, but we are unsure what fact may be more concerning: This was his longest outing of that list, it was the first decision he has seen since April or that he now sits at 1-3 with a 7.03 ERA. |
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| Rockies struggle, fall to Chicago | Saturday 5/31, 3:01 PM CT |
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The Colorado Rockies filled the early plate for baseball fans today, facing off against the Cubbies in Chicago, but at game's end they had managed just four hits and fell well short of needs for the win, taking the 5-4 loss. For the Rockies, it was veteran first baseman Todd Helton serving the cause as well as any, going 1-for-1 with three walks at the dish, hitting his sixth home run of the season with no runners on base, finishing with one RBI on the day.
Our View: Helton has struggled a bit in attempting to get his batting average to .300 (now standing at .280). However, he has hit safely in each of his last seven games with 24 total walks earned through the month of May. |
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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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| Billingsley looks to stay hot | Saturday 5/31, 2:22 PM CT |
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The New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers will do battle on the fields of major league baseball today as Dodger ace RHP Chad Billingsley takes the mound, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: Billingsley has built a strong 23-15 career record to this point and is surging as the go-to arm for the Dodgers this season, surrendering two or less runs in five of his last six starts. In his last outing against the Cubs, Billingsley allowed just two runs on four hits with seven strikeouts but failed to get the win. His lone career start against the Mets ended with a win, going six innings to allow just one earned run. |
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| Pelfrey starting for the Mets today | Saturday 5/31, 2:17 PM CT |
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The New York Mets will turn to RHP Mike Pelfrey as they face surging Chad Billingsley and the Los Angeles Dodgers today, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: Pelfrey was the 9th-overall selection of the 2005 entry draft but has struggled to meet the expectations associated with that status, going 7-15 with an ERA of 5.48 over 26 starts in the majors. The kid is riding a six-game losing streak coming in and hasn't seen a win since facing Washington on April 15th. In each of his last two starts, Pelfrey has lasted just four innings. |
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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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| Atkins taking Saturday off | Saturday 5/31, 1:50 PM CT |
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Colorado third baseman Garrett Atkins will be spending today on the bench rather than filling his normal duties at the bag, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Atkins has been suffering through a bit of a mini-slump, having led the team in hitting over the first month and a half of the season only to fall as a stiff neck and back spasms have set his balance off. Atkins is 1-for-18, going hitless in his last 16 at-bats, heading into today and thus will be resting as his Rockies face the Chicago Cubs. |
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