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| Maddux shines over Cubs | Wednesday 6/4, 11:56 PM CT |
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San Diego RHP Greg Maddux was brilliant in support of the 2-1 win over the Chicago Cubs, a pitcher's duel won by the consummate veteran and future Hall of Famer. Maddux went seven strong innings to allow just one run on three hit with no walks and four strikeouts.
Our View: Maddux now carries an ERA of 3.48, but this is his first win in his last five starts. He stands at 4-4 on the season with just 12 walks allowed versus 42 strikeouts. |
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| Lilly pitches well but suffers loss | Wednesday 6/4, 11:51 PM CT |
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Chicago LHP Ted Lilly put an outstanding performance on the mound this evening, but the end result was his fifth loss of the season as the Cubs fell 2-1 to the Padres. Lilly pitched 7 1/3 innings, allowing just two runs (both earned) on seven hits with two walks and eight strikeouts.
Our View: Lilly has been pitching rather well, going 4-0 through May and putting an outing on the hill that should have garnered the win in his first start in June. |
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| Giles leads the way for San Diego | Wednesday 6/4, 11:41 PM CT |
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The Padres emerged victorious from a pitcher's duel fought against the Chicago Cubs, taking the 2-1 win. The top man behind the offensive effort was outfielder Brian Giles , going 2-for-3 with a walk and two doubles on the evening, posting one run scored.
Our View: This brings Giles to a batting average of .299 on the season, boasting hits in each of his last three games, in six of his last seven, and 12 of his last 14. He's not hitting the ball for power or driving in a ton of runs (8 RBIs in the month of May), but he is putting the bat on the ball. |
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| Theriot lone Cub with hits in loss | Wednesday 6/4, 11:34 PM CT |
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The Cubs suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to the San Diego Padres this evening, posting a total of just four hits as a team. The leader of the cause was shortstop Ryan Theriot , going 2-for-4 with two singles and his 11th stolen base of the season.
Our View: Theriot has been playing well at the plate, posting at least one hit in 14 of his last 17 games. Thus far in June, he is 7-for-16 with two RBIs. |
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| Phillips swipes two for Cincy | Wednesday 6/4, 11:15 PM CT |
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Cincinnati second baseman Brandon Phillips went 1-for-3 with a walk against Philadelphia this evening, but more importantly, he swiped two bases that helped him earn two runs scored.
Our View: Phillips now carries 11 stolen bases on the season and has posted at least one hit in six of his last eight games. |
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| Pedro reports no pain after return | Wednesday 6/4, 11:10 PM CT |
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Mets RHP Pedro Martinez reports he is feeling no pain or discomfort of any kind the day after his first start since returning from a strained left hamstring, according to the NY Daily News.
Our View: Martinez limited the Giants to three runs on seven hits while striking out three and walking three in six innings in the Mets' 9-6 win Tuesday night. He hit 91 mph and also matched a career high with two hits. Martinez next pitches in San Diego on Sunday. |
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| McLouth keeps driving 'em in | Wednesday 6/4, 11:03 PM CT |
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Pittsburgh outfielder Nate McLouth put one RBI on the board today in the win over the Astros and now carries a whopping 43 RBIs on the season.
Our View: He has gone 7-for-23 at the dish with one home run adn four RBI over his last six games, hitting safely in five of his last six games, but the tremendous run production is the story of the day. |
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| Peavy progressing | Wednesday 6/4, 10:31 PM CT |
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San Diego RHP Jake Peavy took a step towards returning to the mound today, completing a successful and challenging bullpen session, according to CBSSports.com.
Our View: The reigning Cy Young winner threw 45 pitches off the mound and has reported no pain or discomfort. He will be re-evaluated on Thursday, and if things go well, he will throw his scheduled rehab start in the minors or in a simulated game on Saturday. |
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| Prior undergoes surgery | Wednesday 6/4, 10:27 PM CT |
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San Diego RHP Mark Prior underwent surgery to repair damage in his right shoulder today, and doctors report the surgery went well, according to CBSSports.com.
Our View: While the operation will end his season, Prior's anterior capsule issues should be alleviated and now he looks towards the future. |
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| Volquez moves to 8-2 | Wednesday 6/4, 9:37 PM CT |
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Cincinnati RHP Edinson Volquez was strong off the hill in support of the 2-0 win over the Phillies this evening. Volquez pitched seven innings of shutout baseball, allowing just two hits with two walks and eight strikeouts.
Our View: This bring Volquez to a dominating 1.32 ERA on the season and is now 4-1 over his last seven starts. |
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| Votto leads Cincy to win | Wednesday 6/4, 9:33 PM CT |
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It wasn't pretty, totaling just three hits as a team on the evening, but Cincinnati managed to score runs and put the win on the board versus Philadelphia, 2-0. First baseman Joey Votto was the voice of offense, going 2-for-3 with a walk and two doubles, good for two RBIs on the night.
Our View: Votto has shown well, hitting .281 through may with six homers and 16 RBIs. His June has gotten off to a slow start, but tonight could get him jump started. |
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| Poor Brett Myers | Wednesday 6/4, 9:30 PM CT |
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Philadelphia RHP Brett Myers put a strong performance on the mound tonight, but there was no offensive support to speak of and thus he suffered his seventh loss of the season, falling to Cincinnati 2-0. Myers pitched 7 1/3 innings, allowing just one run on one hit with six walks and eight strikeouts.
Our View: Myers was a horrific 1-4 through May despite pitching well, and now his June is starting off on the worst possible note. |
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| Howard, Phillies struggle | Wednesday 6/4, 9:26 PM CT |
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The Phillies suffered the 2-0 loss to the Cincinnati Reds this evening, totaling just two hits as an entire team on the night. First baseman Ryan Howard went 1-for-4, outfielder Geoff Jenkins went 1-for-4, and the rest of the team went 0-for-24.
Our View: Howard is struggling mightily to break out of this funk he's in, and at the end of May, it appeared he was starting to get back on track, going 3-for-13 with eight walks, three strikeouts, eight RBIs, and eight runs scored. However, through four games in June, he is just 3-for-15 with zero walks, six strikeouts, one RBI, and one run scored. |
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| Cards, Nats rained out | Wednesday 6/4, 9:20 PM CT |
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This evening's game pitting the St. Louis Cardinals and Washington Nationals has been postponed due to rain, according to MLB.com. The game will be made up as a day-night doubleheader on Thursday with Game 1 beginning at 1:10pm and the second coming at 7:10pm.
Our View: The teams have yet to announce plans for pitchers, so make sure you stay tuned to RotoTimes and Fanball. We will update as news becomes available. |
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| Cardinals and Nationals rained out | Wednesday 6/4, 9:01 PM CT |
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Wednesday night's game between the St. Louis Cardinals and Washington Nationals was rained out. The contest will be made up as part of a day-night doubleheader on Thursday.
Our View: No announcement concerning the scheduled starter for Thursday's games was made by either manager. |
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| Duke gets win over Houston | Wednesday 6/4, 9:00 PM CT |
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Pittsburgh LHP Zach Duke earned his third win of the season this evening, supporting his Pirates through a 5-2 win over Houston. Duke pitched 7 2/3 innings, allowing just two runs on seven hits with two walks and two strikeouts.
Our View: Duke had suffered consecutive losses coming into this match, but tonight he pitched well and has started June with a positive note. |
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| Chavez picks up three RBIs vs Astros | Wednesday 6/4, 8:55 PM CT |
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The Pirates earned the 5-2 victory this evening over the Houston Astros, a win built on the bat of outfielder Raul Chavez . Chavez went just 1-for-3 on the night, but he made that one single work for three RBIs.
Our View: Chavez is just starting to get his feet wet in the major leagues, though he has one hit in five of his last six games. |
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| Oswalt suffers sixth loss | Wednesday 6/4, 8:51 PM CT |
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Houston RHP Roy Oswalt suffered his sixth loss of the season as the Astros fell 5-2 to Pittsburgh. Oswalt pitched six innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on nine hits with one walk and four strikeouts.
Our View: This is Oswalt's third consecutive loss on four starts, having allowed a combined 17 earned runs through that span. |
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| Wigginton finds one of few runs for Astros | Wednesday 6/4, 8:48 PM CT |
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The Astros suffered the 5-2 loss to the Pirates this evening, though third baseman Ty Wigginton attempted to get his team going. Wigginton went 1-for-4 at the plate, hitting his third home run of the season to finish with one RBI and one run scored.
Our View: Wigginton was hitting well through the month of May, posting a .286 batting average for the month, but his lack of run production is concerning. |
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| Perez suffering tendinitis | Wednesday 6/4, 7:41 PM CT |
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The Nationals have announced LHP Odalis Perez is suffering from tendinitis in his left shoulder and will miss his next scheduled start, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Manager Manny Acta has yet to name a replacement pitcher, but that start is four days away and thus such a decision may not come immediately. Acta added that the new player would likely come from Triple-A Columbus. Injured starter Matt Chico was scheduled for an MRI on Wednesday, but the results of that have not been made available yet. Perez's slot in the rotation will next occur Sunday against the Giants. |
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| Pujols out with leg tightness | Wednesday 6/4, 6:55 PM CT |
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St. Louis first baseman Albert Pujols is out of the lineup once again this evening as he continues to battle with tightness in his left calf, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: Pujols left last night's game early with the same issue. The team does not believe the problem is serious or will result in extended time missed. We will update if more news becomes available. |
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| Ankiel contracts infection | Wednesday 6/4, 6:32 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier report, Rick Ankiel has contracted an infection in his right knee, this according to the team website. The center fielder will not play tonight after being sent back to the Cardinals' team hotel this afternoon. The team has not commented on Ankiel's status moving forward.
Our View: Ankiel sustained scrapes on both his left hand and his knee when he made a sensational diving catch in Sunday's home game against Pittsburgh. His dive took him on the graveled warning track which resulted in several deep abrasions. |
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| Wagner saves lucky 13 | Wednesday 6/4, 6:27 PM CT |
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Billy Wagner allowed a ninth inning hit on Wednesday but he secured John Maine's sixth win of the season with his 13th save.
Our View: At 37 years old Wagner continues to get it done. His ERA is now 0.36 and his 0.76 WHIP are -- wow. The southpaw has struck out 28 in 25 innings and walked only four in 23 appearances. |
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| Valdez working on return | Wednesday 6/4, 6:21 PM CT |
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Giants right-hander Merkin Valdez was scheduled for a two-inning outing at extended spring in Arizona as part of his recovering from a strained elbow, this according to the AP. If he comes out of it OK, he would likely pitch again Saturday.
Our View: The Giants starter has no current fantasy value. |
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| Pedro reports in OK on Wednesday | Wednesday 6/4, 6:13 PM CT |
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The AP noted that Pedro Martinez reported no problems a day after making his second start of the year and first since leaving his April 1st outing with a hamstring injury.
Our View: Martinez struggled early in his first start back from the DL and needed 108 pitches in his six inning win. The team had scheduled a limit of 95 pitches for the former Cy Young winner. Expect him to have some residual effects after over-extending himself on Tuesday night. However, the right-handers next start comes against the light-hitting Padres in hitter-friendly PETCO. |
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| Durham could return Friday | Wednesday 6/4, 6:01 PM CT |
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Ray Durham, who strained a calf muscle while running the bases Tuesday, grounded out as a pinch-hitter in the sixth inning of Wednesday's 5-3 loss to the Mets. Skipper Bruce Bochy said Durham could play Friday's series opener at Washington after the team has a day off Thursday, this according to the AP.
Our View: Durham is an aging veteran who will receiver more days off moving forward. The second baseman has 18 RBI, 19 runs and two home runs in 147 at-bats this season. |
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| Cain losses to able Maine | Wednesday 6/4, 5:56 PM CT |
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Matt Cain allowed five runs on five hits, walked four and struck out three. The Giants right-hander lost his fourth game of the season, his first to the Mets this year.
Our View: In the young starters last two outings he had limited his opponents to five runs over 13 innings. |
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| Maine wins sixth in San Fran | Wednesday 6/4, 5:53 PM CT |
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John Maine allowed two runs (one earned) on seven hits, walked one and struck out four and the Mets scored a 5-3 win over the San Francisco Giants. The Mets right-hander lowered his ERA from 3.66 to 3.47 with his one-run performance.
Our View: The victory is the sixth of the season for Maine. He continues to be the teams most consistent starter behind lefty Johan Santana. |
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| Reyes goes yard; steals 19th | Wednesday 6/4, 5:47 PM CT |
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Jose Reyes hit a leadoff double, a home run and finally a single helping the the New York Mets beat the San Francisco Giants 5-3 on Wednesday. Reyes also scored twice.
Our View: Reyes is melting anything in his way, especially poorly placed fastballs. The Mets shortstop also stole his 19th base of the season. |
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| Helton extends hitting streak | Wednesday 6/4, 5:34 PM CT |
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Todd Helton extended his hitting streak to 11 games with an infield single in the first inning of the 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday.
Our View: Helton is batting .292, well below his career average and he has only 22 RBI on the season in 216 at-bats. Need some evidence as to why the Rockies are struggling? Look no further than the team's injuries and the lack of production from past-his-prime Helton. |
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| Bakers goes deep in win over LA | Wednesday 6/4, 5:30 PM CT |
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Jeff Baker drove in both Colorado runs with his first home run of the season. The long ball was enough to help the Rockies to a 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday.
Our View: Baker has 12 RBI in 79 at-bats after today's performance. His fantasy value rests as a middle infielder in deep NL-only formats. |
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| Kershaw losses first big league affair | Wednesday 6/4, 5:27 PM CT |
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Clayton Kershaw struggled with his command on Wednesday. He threw 104 pitches in only five innings, allowing two runs and five hits with five strikeouts and four walks. It was the young left-handers first career loss.
Our View: Kershaw had no-decisions in his first two starts, but the Dodgers ended up winning both those games. The youngster will garner more command in time, but until he shows better control his best fit is in NL-only formats. |
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| Cook goes eight strong in win | Wednesday 6/4, 5:23 PM CT |
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Aaron Cook worked eight strong innings and the Rockies defeated the Dodgers 2-1 on Wednesday.
Cook allowed a run and six hits, struck out six and walked one.
Our View: It took a slow roller, a sacrifice and a misplayed ground ball for the Dodgers to score their only run. The right-hander lowered his ERA to 3.16. Cook is the only Rockies pitcher to throw a complete game this season and he came close today. |
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| Owings yanked after three innings | Wednesday 6/4, 4:39 PM CT |
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Micah Owings allowed five runs (four earned) on eight hits, walked one and struck out three in only three innings of work. Owings got a quick hook in the loss, but all in all, most of the hits he surrendered were singles. He wasn't sharp and his fastball and slider were flat, but his removal after only 67 pitches was somewhat of a surprise.
Our View: Owings was also a victim of poor defensive support. For now, the right-hander is not in jeopardy of losing his starting slot, but Max Scherzer is waiting for a chance to pounce. |
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| Parra wins his fourth | Wednesday 6/4, 4:30 PM CT |
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Manny Parra tied a career high with eight strikeouts in seven innings, retiring his final 14 batters and the Milwaukee Brewers routed the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-1 on Thursday.
Our View: Parra got hit hard in nearly every inning, but the line drives were all right at the Brewers well placed defense. A solid outing for Parra, his second straight, but his LD percentage in the contest was high. |
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| Hart homers in Milwaukee win | Wednesday 6/4, 4:26 PM CT |
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Corey Hart hit a three-run, inside-the-park home run and the Milwaukee Brewers scored a 10-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday.
Our View: It counts as a home run, but it was a single, double at the most, that was misplayed by the Diamondbacks largest defensive liability, Justin Upton. The Diamondbacks right fielder made more than one blunder in the game and committed his seventh error of the season. Seven errors in right field? This is Conseco like. |
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| Glavine fares well in no decision | Wednesday 6/4, 3:53 PM CT |
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Tom Glavine was handed a no decision today, but fared well as he only surrendered two runs on six hits over five innings, in a 6-4 loss to Florida, with two walks and five strikeouts. One of the runs allowed came on a Hanley Ramirez homer.
Our View: That was the eighth time over 11 starts that he allowed two or less earned runs, yet he only holds a 2-2 record. |
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| Francoeur goes 2-for-5 | Wednesday 6/4, 3:48 PM CT |
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Jeff Francoeur went 2-for-5 with an RBI in Wednesday's 6-4 loss to Florida.
Our View: He now has 35 RBI this season, but is only hitting .254 with seven homers. He needs to limit his strikeouts, which currently stand at 39. |
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| Lowry may not return in 2008? | Wednesday 6/4, 3:42 PM CT |
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Noah Lowry reportedly may not return to the diamond in 2008, according to the AP. He underwent another MRI on his surgically repaired throwing forearm, and could be done for 2008. Manager Bruce Bochy commented, "That’s questionable. We don’t know if he will be back on the mound this year. It’s fair to say we’re getting to that point that it’s a fair question."
Our View: Lowry is still feeling “pins and needles” in his ailing forearm and the tingling has moved down toward his hand as part of the healing process. Once Lowry is cleared medically, he would need to begin a basic throwing program of playing light catch, working into longer distances, simulated games and, eventually, making rehab assignments in the minor leagues. There is still no timetable when that might be, or if it will happen at all this year.
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| Hendrickson ends with no decision | Wednesday 6/4, 3:37 PM CT |
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Mark Hendrickson allowed four runs on nine hits over six innings in Wednesday's 6-4 win over the Braves, with two walks and two strikeouts. He ended the day with a no decision.
Our View: He is still a solid 7-3 for the season, but his ERA climbed a little bit higher to an unfavorable 5.33. He has now allowed at least four runs in each of his last three starts, with 10 surrendered against the Phillies on May 30. |
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| Ramirez blasts pair of homers in win | Wednesday 6/4, 3:31 PM CT |
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Hanley Ramirez went 2-for-3 with three RBI in Wednesday's 6-4 win against the Braves, with both of his hits going for home runs. He also walked twice, and added a stolen base to his already strong stat-line for the day.
Our View: He raised his average to .297 over 57 games, with 11 homers, 26 RBI, 48 runs scored, and 14 stolen bases. |
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| Schneider returns to action | Wednesday 6/4, 2:45 PM CT |
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Brian Schneider returned to the Mets' lineup today against the Giants following a two-game absence, according to the NY Daily News.
Our View: Schneider only holds value in NL-only leagues, as he is hitting .258 with two homers and 15 RBI over 124 at-bats. |
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| Stockman recalled | Wednesday 6/4, 2:23 PM CT |
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Reliever Phil Stockman has been recalled from Triple-A Richmond, according to MLB.com. He will cover the roster spot for John Smoltz, who fell back on the DL, and is expected to undergo season-ending surgery on his shoulder.
Our View: Stockman will help the Braves' pen following the loss of Smoltz, as he only allowed one hit over 4.1 innings of work this season, with six strikeouts. |
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| Alou pushes back return date | Wednesday 6/4, 2:19 PM CT |
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Moises Alou has stated that he doesn't expect to come off the DL until next Tuesday, at the earliest, after suffering a slight setback with his strained left calf, according to the NY Post.
Our View: Alou previously expected to come off the DL Friday, but experienced a setback while running this week. |
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| Smoltz officially placed on DL | Wednesday 6/4, 1:54 PM CT |
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John Smoltz has officially been placed on the DL as he will undergo season-ending surgery on his right shoulder, according to MLB.com. At his news conference, Smoltz stated, "I can't compete against my body anymore. I said I would retire if the desire was gone. I'm not there yet. I'm not there emotionally. Physically, that's still to be determined." GM Frank Wren added, "It's a sad day in a lot of ways. We don't know if the surgery will allow him to pitch, or whether it will allow him to go on with his life."
Our View: Smoltz will visit Dr. James Andrews in Alabama on Tuesday, who will likely perform his surgery. |
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| Gardner undergoes shoulder surgery | Wednesday 6/4, 1:46 PM CT |
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Lee Gardner underwent right shoulder surgery on Tuesday, and his 2008 campaign is over, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Dr. James Andrews performed the surgery to repair a torn labrum and rotator cuff. Gardner is at no-throw status for six months. He held no fantasy value, as he allowed eight earned runs on 14 hits over 6.2 innings, with four walks.
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| Jones not in lineup today | Wednesday 6/4, 1:32 PM CT |
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Chipper Jones had a scheduled day off and wasn't in Wednesday's lineup against the Marlins, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Our View: He was replaced at third base by Omar Infante. Jones could appear as a pinch-hitter. |
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| Casanova on dereavement leave | Wednesday 6/4, 1:23 PM CT |
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Raul Casanova has been placed on the bereavement list on Wednesday, according to CBSsports.com. The team recalled catcher Robinson Cancel from Triple-A New Orleans to cover his spot on the roster. Casanova's father has passed away.
Our View: Casanova could be out until the series against Arizona, which starts June 10. The backup catcher holds no fantasy value. |
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| Freel placed on DL | Wednesday 6/4, 1:03 PM CT |
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Outfielder Ryan Freel has been placed on the 15-day DL due to a strained right hamstring, according to RedlegNation.com. Corey Patterson has been called up to fill his spot on the roster.
Our View: Freel was hitting .298 over 131 at-bats, but he held little fantasy value with no homers and only 10 RBI. |
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| Patterson recalled | Wednesday 6/4, 12:59 PM CT |
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Corey Patterson has been recalled from Triple-A Louisville, according to RedlegNation.com. Ryan Freel has been placed on the DL due to a strained hamstring, as an adjoining move.
Our View: With Jay Bruce firmly planted in center field now, Patterson will hold no fantasy value. |
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| Uggla left Marlins early Thursday | Wednesday 6/4, 12:52 PM CT |
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Dan Uggla left the Marlins early Wednesday to attend the birth of his second child, according to the Palm Beach Post.
Our View: He is expected to return to action Thursday. Adjust your lineups accordingly. Alfredo Amezaga is covering second base today against Atlanta. |
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| Werth update | Wednesday 6/4, 12:05 PM CT |
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Jayson Werth stated that if he is not ready to come off the DL when eligible on Saturday, then he will likely wait until Tuesday to return, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. Manager Charlie Manuel said Tuesday that Werth likely would play a couple of games in the minors before rejoining the team.
Our View: It depends on how well his final stages of his recovery from a right oblique strain play out. The Phillies would like to get him back for Saturday, as they are scheduled to face Braves' lefty hurler Jo-Jo Reyes. |
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| Hoover recalled | Wednesday 6/4, 11:55 AM CT |
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Paul Hoover has been recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque, according to CBSsports.com.
Our View: The catcher favorably went 3-for-7 (.429) in his previous stint with the Marlins this season, but won't see enough action to merit fantasy consideration. |
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| Zimmerman update | Wednesday 6/4, 10:27 AM CT |
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The first step in Ryan Zimmerman's rehab from a small labral tear in his right shoulder will be a week of rest and anti-inflammatory medication, and he will be re-examined afterward. He said, "I think I want to come back a lot quicker. But I think it's going to be a little bit longer. I don't know weeks or anything like that. It's going to be taken slowly, and they're going to be pretty strict about it." He added, "If I'm going to have to get surgery, if I can get to the point where I can play the rest of the year and be sure that I won't hurt anything, I think that would be the plan that I would go."
Our View: The Nationals are still seeking a second opinion from the Mayo Clinic and that opinion, along with his re-evaluation, will determine when he can return, and if he will need surgery. |
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| Smoltz's season is over | Wednesday 6/4, 10:10 AM CT |
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John Smoltz will undergo season-ending surgery on his right shoulder, according to the AP.
Our View: Smoltz and general manager Frank Wren declined comment until today's briefing, but the pitcher said on his radio show that he will miss the rest of the season. He does hope to return in 2009, however. |
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| Doumit's rehab has begun | Wednesday 6/4, 10:05 AM CT |
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Ryan Doumit's rehab assignment has begun on Tuesday night (with Double-A Altoona), according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He will play all three games of Altoona's series against New Britain, and will be evaluated after that. On Tuesday, he singled in his only at-bat as a DH. He is expected to catch tonight.
Our View: If all goes favorably, he could rejoin the Pirates on Friday. He was enjoying a solid season prior to fracturing his left thumb, as he held a .350 average over 103 at-bats, with five homers and 15 RBI. |
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| McCann comments on Smoltz | Wednesday 6/4, 9:57 AM CT |
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Catcher Brian McCann told Atlanta radio station 790 The Zone that John Smoltz is set for season-ending surgery, according to the AP.
Our View: As previously reported, Smoltz has scheduled a Wednesday morning news conference for 11:30 a.m. ET at Turner Field. Smoltz could be done for the season and potentially his career, but we will know for sure following the news conference.
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| Paulino could be sent down? | Wednesday 6/4, 9:51 AM CT |
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Ronny Paulino could be sent down to Triple-A Indianapolis to keep Raul Chavez as the team's backup catcher when Ryan Doumit returns from the DL, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Manager John Russell is pleased with Chavez and commented, "I really like the way he's catching. I especially like how he's handling the rotation. We're seeing some clean innings. Now, is that totally the catcher? No, the pitchers are most important."
Our View: Chavez is 35-years old, but Paulino is struggling at the plate with a .218 average over 110 at-bats, with only two homers and 18 RBI. |
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| Ankiel could return tonight | Wednesday 6/4, 9:46 AM CT |
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Rick Ankiel was not in the lineup on Tuesday, but Manager Tony LaRussa mentioned that he may be in action tonight against lefty John Lannan and the Nationals, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View: Ankiel sustained a sizable abrasion to his left hand while making a diving catch on the Busch Stadium warning track Saturday, and his hand remained bandaged on Tuesday. No stitches were needed to close the wound. |
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| Isringhausen could begin rehab soon | Wednesday 6/4, 9:33 AM CT |
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Jason Isringhausen could begin a minor league rehab assignment as soon as next week, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. GM John Mozeliak said, "He's definitely doing things that are encouraging. He's feeling better. Based on what happens in his next throw, we may consider a rehab. Things are definitely moving forward."
Our View: He has been on the DL since May 16 due to sustaining a right hand laceration after punching a clubhouse television in Milwaukee. The team is yet to set a timetable for his return to the Cardinals, or what his role may be with the team, as he blew five save opportunities this season. |
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| Smoltz may be facing surgery | Wednesday 6/4, 9:05 AM CT |
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John Smoltz may need shoulder surgery, according to MLB.com. The Braves have scheduled an 11:30 a.m. ET press conference at Turner Field, and they are expected to discuss Smoltz's future. There has been talk that he will need to undergo season-ending surgery on his right shoulder.
Our View: He woke up on Tuesday with increased pain in his ailing shoulder, and realized that he may not be able to pitch any more this year. Smoltz also has previously said that he'll be content if he never throws another pitch. We will keep you posted on his status. |
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| Perez left Tuesday's game | Wednesday 6/4, 8:22 AM CT |
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Odalis Perez was forced out of action after three innings on Tuesday because of tendinitis in his left shoulder, according to MLB.com. Perez said the ailment felt like something burning.
Our View: Manager Manny Acta said Perez will miss his next start because of the injury, and he didn't name a potential replacement starter. The severity of the injury is yet to be determined as well. |
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| Wood gets save #16 | Wednesday 6/4, 12:58 AM CT |
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Chicago closer Kerry Wood picked up his 16th save of the season as the Cubs wrapped a 9-6 win over the Padres, working the ninth with two strikeouts and one flyout on the night.
Our View: As we noted yesterday, Wood is working well but the Cubs are becoming disturbingly reliant on his arm. He now has seven appearances in the Cubs' last nine games with nine relief spots over their last 12. With his history of arm troubles, this should be a concern. |
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| Soriano pushes Chicago's offense in win | Wednesday 6/4, 12:54 AM CT |
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Chicago leadoff man Alfonso Soriano continues to shine as the Cubs beat the Padres 9-6. Soriano went 2-for-4 with a walk at the dish, including his 10th double of the season and his 14th home run of the year.
Our View: Soriano also added a stolen base with three total RBIs and two runs scored. |
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| Johnson swipes two of six for the Cubs | Wednesday 6/4, 12:51 AM CT |
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The Cubs pulled the 9-6 win over the Padres this evening and did so with opportunistic base running. The Cubs finished with six total stolen bases on the night, including two by outfielder Reed Johnson .
Our View: Mike Fontenot, Ryan Theriot, Alfonso Soriano, and Ronny Cedeno added the other swipes, though Cedeno was also caught stealing once. |
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| Gonzalez stays hot for Padres | Wednesday 6/4, 12:47 AM CT |
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The Padres suffered the 9-6 loss to the Cubs this evening, but first baseman Adrian Gonzalez continues to shine at the plate. Gonzalez went 3-for-5 with his 15th double of the season, finishing with one RBI on the night.
Our View: Gonzalez has been especially hot over the last week, going 12-for-22 over his last five games with two home runs and 11 RBIs. |
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| Pedro gets win #1 | Wednesday 6/4, 12:43 AM CT |
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Mets RHP Pedro Martinez made his first full start of the season and he earned the win, going six innings to allow three runs (all earned) on seven hits with three walks and three strikeouts in the 9-6 win over the Giants.
Our View: Pedro has struggled for health and is getting on in years, but this is a great sign for the Mets moving forward. |
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| Easley goes 3-for-4 versus Dodgers | Wednesday 6/4, 12:40 AM CT |
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The Mets gave Damion Easley the start at second base this evening as Luis Castillo nurses a hip flexor, and he made good on the opportunity as the Mets put the 9-6 win on the board versus the Dodgers. Easley went 3-for-4 with a walk at the dish, hitting his fourth double of the season to finish with three RBIs and one run scored.
Our View: Easley has struggled along, going 8-for-49 through May with just four RBIs. He nearly matched that production this evening in one game. |
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| Denker shines off bench | Wednesday 6/4, 12:34 AM CT |
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The Giants took the fall against the Mets this evening, falling 9-6, but they didn't go down without a fight. Rookie second baseman Travis Denker , entering the game as a pinch hitter for Ray Durham, went 2-for-3 at the dish with his first home run of the season (and his career) to finish with three RBIs and two runs scored.
Our View: Denker started getting looks in late May and has struggled a bit, but tonight shows he has the potential to make noise. |
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| Zito keeps falling | Wednesday 6/4, 12:29 AM CT |
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Giants LHP Barry Zito has suffered his ninth loss of the season, pitching just 4 1/3 innings to allow six runs (five earned) on seven hits in the Giants 9-6 loss to the Mets. Zito surrendered five walks and earned just one strikeout.
Our View: Zito had shown a small sign of hope on May 23rd with a win over Florida, but tonight shows the damage will continue. He now carries 36 walks versus just 32 strikeouts on the season. |
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| Francis finally gets win | Wednesday 6/4, 12:24 AM CT |
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Colorado LHP Jeff Francis found a much-needed win this evening as the Rockies put the 3-0 win on the board against the Dodgers, and he did so in dominating fashion. Francis pitched seven innings, failing to allow a single run on just four hits with two walks and five strikeouts.
Our View: Francis improves to 2-5 on the season, posting his best start since April 17th. |
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| Two more walks (and a hit) for Helton | Wednesday 6/4, 12:21 AM CT |
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The Rockies have stopped an eight-game slide by taking the Dodgers to the loss column, 3-0. As usual, first baseman Todd Helton was the man on the trigger, going 1-for-2 with two walks and one RBI on the night.
Our View: Helton entered June with a whopping 44 walks versus just 28 strikeouts on the season, and he is once again making his way to first base with ease. |
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| Pierre helps, and hampers, Dodgers in loss | Wednesday 6/4, 12:17 AM CT |
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The Dodgers found struggle this evening, taking the 2-0 loss from the Colorado Rockies with a grand total of six hits posted by the entire team. Leadoff man Juan Pierre was the lone voice of offense, going 2-for-4 on the night, including his seventh double of the season.
Our View: Unfortunately, Pierre was also caught stealing (his fifth time being caught this season) and was picked off at second base after that double. |
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| Penny suffers fifth consecutive loss | Wednesday 6/4, 12:16 AM CT |
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Dodger RHP Brad Penny put forth a valiant effort for his team this evening, but his team failed to support the cause as the Dodgers fell to the Rockies, 3-0. Penny pitched six innings to allow two runs (both earned) on six hits with four walks and five strikeouts.
Our View: Penny has now suffered five losses in his last six starts, with a no-decision in the other. |
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