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| Nady may play Monday | Sunday 6/8, 11:38 PM CT |
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The Pirates are reporting outfielder Xavier Nady , struggling with swelling in his left ankle, could be on the field on Monday, according to the Beaver
County Times.
Our View: The team reports Nady could have been used as pinch hitter if needed on Sunday, but the team believes he will be used in full on Monday when the team faces Arizona. |
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| Another save for Wood | Sunday 6/8, 10:39 PM CT |
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Chicago reliever Kerry Wood pitched well once again, picking up his 18th save of the season in the Cubs 3-1 victory over the Dodgers. Woods needed just 11 pitches to close the ninth, striking out two with one fly out.
Our View: That's five consecutive saves for Wood with two walks and six strikeouts during that span. Take it back to May 1: 13 saves, five walks, 26 strikeouts, five earned runs allowed (three on May 1). |
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| Marquis gets win over Dodgers | Sunday 6/8, 10:34 PM CT |
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Chicago RHP Jason Marquis picked up his fourth win of the season as the Cubs put a 3-1 victory on the board versus the Dodgers. Marquis went 6 1/3 innings, allowing just one run (unearned) on three hits with one walk and two strikeouts.
Our View: This is Marquis' second win in four starts with two no-decisions sandwiched in between. During that span, Marquis has surrendered 11 total earned runs, bringing his ERA to 4.54. |
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| DeRosa drives in two for Cubs win | Sunday 6/8, 10:29 PM CT |
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The Cubbies found yet another win this evening, putting the Dodgers to bed 3-1. Second baseman Mark DeRosa led the way, going 3-for-5 with his eighth homer of the season to total two RBIs and two runs scored.
Our View: DeRosa came out of May with high hopes, hitting .310 on the month. Thus far it's not going extremely well, going 7-for-23 through June. This may get him back on track.
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| Penny continues to slide | Sunday 6/8, 10:25 PM CT |
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Dodger RHP Brad Penny suffered his eighth loss of the season as LA fell 3-1 to the Cubs. Penny pitched six innings to allow three runs (all earned) on six hits with three walks and five strikeouts.
Our View: Penny is on a serious slide, suffering five losses over his last six outings, allowing 32 earned runs along the way.
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| Pierre puts offense behind Dodger loss | Sunday 6/8, 10:21 PM CT |
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The Dodgers have taken the 3-1 loss in today's MLB nightcap against the Cubs, posting just four total hits in a lackluster homefield effort. The star of the night for LA was outfielder Juan Pierre , going 2-for-4 with his eighth double of the season, the only extra-base hit the Dodgers posted. Pierre added his 23rd stolen bases of the season as well as one run scored.
Our View: Pierre is holding steady, hitting .286 through June after posting the same average through May. However, this is his first stolen base in eight games. |
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| Alou to come off DL on Tuesday | Sunday 6/8, 10:11 PM CT |
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The Mets are hoping to see a quick return for outfielder Moises Alou , according to MLB.com.
Our View: The team will activate Alou from the disabled list on Tuesday, the second time this season they have taken the veteran outfielder off the list. The team is hoping to see his bat return to form, for the platoon situation in the middle of their batting order is becoming thin. Keeping Alou healthy would be of great benefit, but at 41-years of age, it is sure to be a challenge. |
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| Holliday returning on Tuesday | Sunday 6/8, 9:38 PM CT |
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Colorado left fielder Matt Holliday is set to return to the Rockies lineup on Tuesday for the opener of a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Holliday has been nursing a left hamstring sprain, but three rehab games with Triple-A Colorado Springs without incident has put him on course to return touting a .321 batting average with eight home runs and 26 RBIs. |
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| Trachsel may be hitting the road | Sunday 6/8, 9:21 PM CT |
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Baltimore reliever Steve Trachsel may find an early end to his 2008 season with the Orioles, according to the Washington Post.
Our View: One day after the veteran right-hander had to be bailed out of a difficult late-game relief appearance, Orioles Manager Dave Trembley said Sunday that a decision on Trachsel's fate could be approaching. Trembley said he plans to discuss the matter with pitching coach Rick Kranitz. After being dropped from the starting rotation, Trachsel was moved to the bullpen full-time for the first time in his career. However, after he allowed just two runs in his five-inning bullpen debut, Trachsel gave up four runs (two earne |
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| LaRoche could get call on Monday | Sunday 6/8, 9:16 PM CT |
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With the Dodgers designating corner infielder Terry Tiffee for assignment, the team is facing problems with a a lack of personnel and may turn to Andy LaRoche to as the likely answer, according to MLB.com.
Our View: LaRoche is working as the third baseman for Triple-A Las Vegas and manager Joe Torre, while reserving a desire to see what shortstop Angel Berroa (recently acquired via trade) has to offer, spoke of giving LaRoche that opportunity, noting he could be called up as early as Monday. |
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| Upton smacks another homer versus Texas | Sunday 6/8, 9:03 PM CT |
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The Rays suffered the 6-3 loss to the Rangers this evening, but outfielder B.J. Upton continues to swing a hot stick in support of Tampa's cause. Upton went 1-for-2 with two walks and his fifth home run of the season, totaling two RBIs on the night.
Our View: This brings Upton's average to .301, going 4-for-9 with five walks, no strikeouts, two homers, and three RBIs in three games versus Texas. |
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| Bradley getting it done | Sunday 6/8, 8:58 PM CT |
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The Rangers put the 6-3 in on the Rays this evening with designated hitter Milton Bradley doing solid work in support of the effort. Bradley went 1-for-2 with three walks at the plate, adding two runs scored along the way.
Our View: Bradley is touting a hot bat, coming off a .326 performance for May with an improved .464 through June, going 13-for-28 with six home runs and 12 RBIs thus far, and we aren't even half way through the month. |
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| Murphy replaces Hamilton and homers | Sunday 6/8, 8:53 PM CT |
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The Rangers moved forward without superstar Josh Hamilton this evening, but they earned the 6-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays with the help of his replacement David Murphy , going 1-for-5 with with a homer in the 1st inning.
Our View: Murphy has eight homers on the season and is hitting .323 for the month of June, going 10-for-31. |
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| Crede keeps the wood swingin' | Sunday 6/8, 8:40 PM CT |
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Chicago third baseman Joe Crede continues to keep hot hand, supporting the 12-2 dumping of the Twins. Crede went 2-for-4 at the plate with his 12th double of the season, touting two RBIs and two runs scored on the day.
Our View: Crede has raised his average to .295, going 11-for-23 through June with five home runs and 12 RBIs. |
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| Pedro takes no decision versus Padres | Sunday 6/8, 8:35 PM CT |
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New York RHP Pedro Martinez suffered through a rough day on the mound, but the Padres needed the late innings to get the win against relief pitching, 8-6. Martinez pitched just five innings, allowing four runs (all earned) on 10 hits with no walks and four strikeouts.
Our View: Pedro now owns a 6.91 ERA and escaped today with no decision. He threw 97 total pitches, 62 for strikes, and that speaks well looking forward. |
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| Clark homer gives Wagner 3rd blown save | Sunday 6/8, 8:34 PM CT |
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San Diego needed every out they had today to get the job done, but the Padres pulled four runs in the eighth to get the win over the Mets, 8-6. The win was pushed by pinch hitting first baseman Tony Clark , taking his one at-bat and producing three runs with first home run of the year, giving Mets reliever Billy Wagner his third blown save and giving the Padres the win.
Our View: Clark is used only in spot action, but today he was the savior and can enjoy the win. |
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| Delgado gets swinging | Sunday 6/8, 8:23 PM CT |
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They made it interesting, but the Mets took the fall 8-6 today over the San Diego Padres as the Pads scored four runs in the bottom of the eighth to secure the victory. Several of the Mets made significant contributions, but first baseman Carlos Delgado was the top dog, going 3-for-5 with his 11th double and first triple of the season. Delgado posted two RBIs and one run scored on the day
Our View: The target of ire earlier in the season, Delgado is on fire, hitting .370 for the month of June, going 6-for-9 over his last two games. |
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| Harden coming into form | Sunday 6/8, 8:10 PM CT |
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Oakland RHP Rich Harden put forth a noteworthy effort today in support of the 7-3 extra-inning win over the Angels, pitching six innings to allow three runs (all earned) on six hits with three walks and nine strikeouts. Harden left the mound and let a group of five relievers reel in the win, giving Harden no decision.
Our View: This just his eighth start of the season, suffering three consecutive no-decisions in his last three outings. Harden has gone at least six innings in each of those starts, surrendering a combined total of six earned runs, six walks, and 22 strikeouts. |
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| Santana failed by relief, suffers no decision | Sunday 6/8, 8:01 PM CT |
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Angels RHP Ervin Santana put another strong effort on the mound today, but Oakland fought back against relief pitching and won in 12, 7-3. Santana pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing two runs (both earned) on seven hits with three walks and nine strikeouts.
Our View: Santana walked off with no decision and has allowed two earned runs in each of his last three outings, touting four walks versus 19 strikeouts over that span. |
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| Guerrero strands five in loss | Sunday 6/8, 7:58 PM CT |
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Angels designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero worked through an interesting day at the plate today as LA fell 7-6 to Oakland in 12 innings. Guerrero went 1-for-5 with one walk, two strikeouts, and his eighth home run of the season to total two RBIs on the day, stranding five runners on base along the way.
Our View: After hitting just .219 through May, it appeared Vlad was on the way back, going 3-for-6 in his first two games of the month. He was slowed by a hyperflexed knee and missed a few games, but going 1-for-7 in his last two games is a bit disappointing. |
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| Grand slam by Ellis caps A's win in 12 | Sunday 6/8, 7:51 PM CT |
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It took 12 innings to get the job done, but the Oakland A's earned the 7-3 win over the Angels in dramatic fashion as second baseman Mark Ellis hit a grand slam off the left-field found pole to cap the victory. Ellis went 2-for-6 on the day, leaving six men on base before the slam.
Our View: This was his sixth homer of the season and his second of the month, hitting just .167 through June thus far. |
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| Torres gets save #7 | Sunday 6/8, 7:46 PM CT |
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Milwaukee reliever Salomon Torres earned his seventh save of the season in closing the Rockies for a 3-2 win. Torres pitched 1 2/3 innings, allowing no hits with one walk, three ground outs, and two fly outs.
Our View: Torres has now has six saves in his last seven outings, allowing just two hits with no runs, two walks, and 11 strikeouts during that span. |
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| Braun tops effort for Brewers | Sunday 6/8, 7:41 PM CT |
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The Brewers enjoyed a bounty of hits but somehow struggled to put the Rockies to bed, finally earning the 3-2 win over Colorado. With 11 total hits by Milwaukee, including two hits each by the four guys in the meat of the order, outfielder Ryan Braun worked as the man of force, going 2-for-5 with one RBI and one runs scored on the day.
Our View: Braun hit .322 through May but is struggling a bit this month, hitting just .250 thus far. However, his seven RBIs through June is well on pace to eclipse the 11 he posted in May. |
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| Francis falls to 2-6 versus Brew Crew | Sunday 6/8, 7:36 PM CT |
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Colorado LHP Jeff Francis can't seem to get a good thing going this season, suffering sixth loss of the campaign today as the Rockies fell 3-2 to Milwaukee. Francis pitched six innings, allowing three runs (all earned) on seven hits with four walks and four strikeouts.
Our View: Francis now sits at 2-6 on the season with a 5.45 ERA. Through six starts in May, Francis allowed at least one homer in all but one, and while he has yet to give on up in June, his six walks versus nine strikeouts shows the control is lacking. |
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| Helton strands eight in loss | Sunday 6/8, 7:31 PM CT |
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The Rockies suffered the disappointing 3-2 loss to Milwaukee today, though few are likely to feel the pain like first baseman Todd Helton . Helton went 0-for-5 at the plate with one strikeout and a surprising eight men left on base.
Our View: Helton has been surging of late, sporting a 11-game win streak coming into the series with the Brewers. He went 2-for-4 in the first game of the set but has gone 0-for-8with one walk in the two games since. |
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| Lohse gets win versus Houston | Sunday 6/8, 7:25 PM CT |
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St. Louis RHP Kyle Lohse picked up his seventh win of the season today, going six strong innings to hold Houston to three runs (all earned) on five hits with two walks and three strikeouts. The three runs all came in one swing of the bat by Houston first baseman Lance Berkman.
Our View: Lohse now touts four consecutive victories, giving up a combined total of five earned runs with three walks and 10 strikeouts along the way. |
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| Berkman homers in loss | Sunday 6/8, 7:10 PM CT |
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Houston suffered a disappointing 5-4 loss at home to the Cardinals today, though first baseman Lance Berkman continues to work as a force of reckoning. Berkman went 1-for-4 with his 18th home run of the season, going deep in the 3rd with two men on against Kyle Lohse. Berkman finished with three RBIs on the day and is now hitting .372 on the season.
Our View: Through his last 13 games, Berkman has gone 16-for-49 with six RBIs, actually slowing from his pace through the month of May where he hit .471 with nine home runs and 22 RBIs. |
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| Floyd dominates Twins | Sunday 6/8, 6:27 PM CT |
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Chicago RHP Gavin Floyd picked up his seventh win of the season today as his White Sox brought a crate full of offense in support of his arm, winning 12-2 over the Twins. Floyd sent seven innings to allow two runs (both earned) on six hits with one walk and a dominating nine strikeouts.
Our View: Floyd now sits at 7-3 with an ERA of 3.10 on the season. He has three consecutive wins, touting seven earned runs allowed with one walk and 20 strikeouts during that span. |
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| Swisher swings heavy in win over Twins | Sunday 6/8, 6:23 PM CT |
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The White Sox put the 12-2 win on the board versus the Minnesota Twins today, a strong effort pushed by outfielder Nick Swisher . Swisher went 2-for-4 with his eighth double and sixth homer of the season, posting four total RBIs and two runs scored on the day.
Our View: Swisher has posted at least on hit in his last seven games, going 10-for-29 through that stretch with two home runs and seven RBIs. |
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| Konerko goes 2-for-4 vs Minny (again) | Sunday 6/8, 6:19 PM CT |
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The White Sox enjoyed a fun-filled day at Comiskey, putting the 12-2 whooping on the Minnesota Twins. The surge was led by first baseman Paul Konerko , going 2-for-4 with two doubles to post two RBIs and two runs scored.
Our View: Deuces wild for the normally-reliable Konerko today, a trend of sorts on the week. Konerko has gone 2-for-4 in each of the three games against the Twins, moving to 8-for-28 on the month. The overall numbers still lack, but he is showing signs of improving. |
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| Kubel homers in loss | Sunday 6/8, 6:11 PM CT |
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Minnesota found nothing but headaches waiting for them a the park today, taking the 12-2 loss against the Chicago White Sox. The Twins posted just seven total hits on the day, all posted by different players without a single batter posting multiple hits. Outfielder Jason Kubel gets the nod of the day, going 1-for-4 with is seventh home run of the season.
Our View: Kubel has been fine tuning his eye at the plate, touting five walks versus just three strikeouts through June thus far. Today's homer is his first since May 25th. |
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| Struggles for Slowey continue | Sunday 6/8, 6:05 PM CT |
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Minnesota RHP Kevin Slowey suffered through a horrific day on the mound as the Twins suffered the devastating 12-2 loss to the White Sox. Slowey lasted just three innings, surrendering eight runs (all earned) on 10 hits with one walk and four strikeouts.
Our View: Slowey appeared to be getting on track with consecutive wins at the end of May to end a string of four straight losses. This is his second loss in a row, giving up 12 earned runs through nine innings in those games. |
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| Durham goes 4-for-5 | Sunday 6/8, 5:59 PM CT |
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The Giants posted a total of 14 hits today in their 6-2 win over the Nationals with second baseman Ray Durham doing more than his fair share of the lifting. Durham went 4-for-5 on a day that included his 13th double of the season. Durham failed to drive in a run but did post a run scored.
Our View: The veteran is now hitting .306 in his 13th season in the league and his hitting .478 through the month of June, going 7-for-13 with two doubles and three runs scored in three games versus Washington. |
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| Zito gets win #2 | Sunday 6/8, 5:53 PM CT |
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San Francisco LHP Barry Zito earned a much-needed win today, helping his Giants to a 6-3 victory over Washington. Zito lasted just five innings, allowing three runs (all earned) on seven hits with four walks and two strikeouts.
Our View: The struggles for control continue, but Zito has two wins in his last four starts with 12 earned runs allowed over that span. It's not great by any means, but it is an improvement. |
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| Milledge hits but Nats fall | Sunday 6/8, 5:48 PM CT |
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Washington suffered the 6-3 loss to San Francisco today, though outfielder Lastings Milledge put his best foot forward to reverse their fortunes. Milledge went 2-for-4 with his fourth homer of the season to total two RBIs and one run scored.
Our View: Milledge hasn't been so hot that the plate, hitting just .228 through May and .241 through June thus far. |
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| Bedard pitches well, gets no decision | Sunday 6/8, 5:37 PM CT |
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Seattle LHP Erik Bedard threw nice game today off the mound but the offensive support failed to join the effort as the Mariners fell 2-1 to Boston. Bedard threw five innings to allow just one run on two hits with three walks and five strikeouts.
Our View: Bedard walked off the mound with no decision, just his third no-decision in 11 starts. Through his last five starts he has totaled 11 walks versus 27 strikeouts. |
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| Ichiro eats a donut in loss to Boston | Sunday 6/8, 5:33 PM CT |
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Seattle outfielder Ichiro Suzuki went 0-for-4 today as his Mariners managed just three total hits in a loss to Boston, 2-1.
Our View: This is the first time this month Ichiro has failed to get a hit and his first game in his last eight to miss getting on base. He came into today hitting .333 for the month of June, though he touts just one extra-base hit and one walk versus five strikeouts. |
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| Win for Dumatrait | Sunday 6/8, 5:28 PM CT |
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Pittsburgh LHP Phil Phil Dumatrait earned his third win of the season today as the Pirates put the Arizona Diamondbacks away, 6-4. Dumatrait went 5 2/3 innings to allow just two runs (both earned) on four hits with two walks and three strikeouts.
Our View: Dumatrait now carries a 3.44 ERA on the season with just five earned runs allowed over his last four starts. |
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| Davis struggling through rough stretch | Sunday 6/8, 5:23 PM CT |
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Arizona LHP Doug Davis struggled through a rough day on the mound as the Diamondbacks suffered the 6-4 loss to Pittsburgh. Davis last just 3 2/3 innings, allowing five runs (all earned) on seven hits with four walks and no strikeouts.
Our View: Davis has seen limited action and now carries two losses in his last three starts, giving up 12 earned runs through that stretch. |
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| Victorino can't get enough of home plate | Sunday 6/8, 5:17 PM CT |
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Philadelphia outfielder Shane Victorino had the offense flowing today as the Phillies put the 6-3 hurt on the Braves, hitting 3-for-5 (all singles) to post one RBI and three runs scored on the day.
Our View: Slugger Ryan Howard drove Victorino in each time he got on, giving the outfielder eight run scored through June with 25 runs scored through his last 18 games. |
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| Howard smacks three doubles vs Atlanta | Sunday 6/8, 5:10 PM CT |
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It has been a season of struggle for first baseman Ryan Howard in Philadelphia, but today he got on the plate and mashed the ball around the yard in support of the 6-3 win over Atlanta. Howard went 3-for-4 at the dish with three doubles, posting four RBIs on the day.
Our View: Howard was just 6-for-29 through June coming into today after hitting just .238 through May. He totaled more RBIs today than he has posted in his last seven games, though he has not hit a homer since May 30th. |
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| Teixeira goes deep versus Philly | Sunday 6/8, 5:06 PM CT |
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The Braves suffered the 6-3 loss to Philadelphia today as relief pitching gave way to the Phillies' offense, though Atlanta first baseman Mark Teixeira did what he could to reverse their fortunes. Teixeira went 3-for-5 with his 10th home run of the season to total two RBIs and one run scored on the day.
Our View: Teixeira had just three homers in the month of May. He has already matched that in June with the bulk of the month to go. |
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| Uggla drives in three versus Reds | Sunday 6/8, 5:00 PM CT |
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Second baseman Dan Uggla was up to his usual tricks again today, helping the Marlins to a dominating 9-2 win. Uggla went 2-for-3, all singles, to post three RBIs and one runs scored.
Our View: Uggla hit .347 through May and was hitting .348 in June coming into today. Through seven games this month, he has failed to post a hit in two.
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| Harang falls again | Sunday 6/8, 4:56 PM CT |
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Cincinnati RHP Aaron Harang suffered a troubling ninth loss today as the Reds fell 9-2 to the Marlins. Harang lasted 5 1/3 innings, giving up eight runs (seven earned) on 11 hits with no walks and four strikeouts.
Our View: Harang hasn't seen a win since May 12th, suffering four losses through is last six starts (including three consecutive falls). |
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| Halladay gets win #8 | Sunday 6/8, 4:51 PM CT |
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Toronto RHP Roy Halladay picked up his eighth win of the season today, helping his team to a 5-4 win over Baltimore. Halladay went 7 2/3 innings to allow four runs (all earned) on eight hits with no walks and seven strikeouts.
Our View: That's four consecutive wins for Halladay, giving up just two walks combined versus 24 strikeouts through that span.
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| Scott homers twice in loss to Toronto | Sunday 6/8, 4:48 PM CT |
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Baltimore outfielder Luke Scott was a force at the plate today despite the 5-4 loss to Toronto, going 2-for-4 with two home runs on the day, finishing with three RBIs and two runs scored.
Our View: Scott hit just .212 through the month of May but has improved, hitting .348 through June coming into today. |
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| Greinke takes fall versus Yanks | Sunday 6/8, 4:45 PM CT |
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Kansas City RHP Zack Greinke suffered his fourth loss of the season today as the Royals fell to the Yankees, 6-3. Greinke went five innings to allow four runs (all earned) on six hits with four walks and six strikeouts.
Our View: Greinke threw a total of 104 pitches but suffered his third loss in four starts, going 2-4 since starting at 3-0 through March and April. |
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| A-Rod warming up in June | Sunday 6/8, 4:39 PM CT |
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Yankee first baseman Alex Rodriguez had the offense working in today's 6-3 win over the Royals, going 2-for-2 with two walks at the dish, hitting his 15th double of the season to total two RBIs on the day.
Our View: After injury and struggles in May, A-Rod has gotten back on track, hitting .429 through the month of June thus far with eight RBIs, including six in his last four games.
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| Abreu drives in three versus Royals | Sunday 6/8, 4:36 PM CT |
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Yankee outfielder Bobby Abreu swung a mean stick in support of the 6-3 win over the Royals today, going 2-for-4 at the plate with his eighth home run of the season to total three RBIs and two runs scored.
Our View: Abreu hasn't been hitting at his normal pace this month, now sporting a .235 batting average for the month, but he has six RBIs through eight games. |
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| Polanco leads way for Tigers | Sunday 6/8, 4:32 PM CT |
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The Tigers pulled the 5-2 win over the Indians today with strong work from second baseman Placido Polanco , going 2-for-4 at the dish with his 14th double of the season, posting two RBIs and one run scored.
Our View: Polanco his .330 through May but has been off the rough start in June, doing 4-for-15 heading into the series with Cleveland with no hits in nine at-bats in the first two games. |
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| Rodriguez unravels in seventh | Sunday 6/8, 4:02 PM CT |
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Wandy Rodriguez was cruising along Sunday until a couple errors and a couple hit batsmen in the seventh inning opened the door to five unearned runs. The lefty ended the day allowing only four hits and a walk while striking out seven over 6 2/3 innings. He didn't give up any earned runs.
Our View: Wandy has continued his mastery at home this year, posting a 0.72 ERA in four starts at Minute Maid this year (he had a 2.94 ERA in 15 starts at home last year). |
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| Reynolds puts two in the seats | Sunday 6/8, 3:56 PM CT |
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Mark Reynolds hit a pair of bombs in Sunday's 6-4 loss to Pittsburgh. The third baseman now has 13 dingers and 39 RBI on the year.
Our View: Reynolds has been an all-or-nothing player this year, with a .250 average and 70 strikeouts to go along with his 13 homers. |
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| Boyer suffers a loss Sunday | Sunday 6/8, 3:53 PM CT |
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If Blaine Boyer was in line to pick up saves while Rafael Soriano recovers from a tender elbow, he didn't do himself any favors Sunday, allowing three runs on four hits and a walk in just a 1/3 of an inning. Boyer picked up the loss.
Our View: It's looking more and more likely that Mike Gonzalez just might be the closer at some point for the Braves. It would be wise to beat the rush and go to the waiver wire and pick him up now. |
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| Masterson win again | Sunday 6/8, 3:35 PM CT |
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Justin Masterson picked up his third straight win Sunday, allowing just one run on three hits and three walks while striking out four over six innings.
Our View: Masterson boasts a 2.59 ERA in four starts, making a statement that he should remain in the Sox rotation. |
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| Guillen plays through injury and homers | Sunday 6/8, 3:30 PM CT |
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Jose Guillen had been questionable to play Sunday because of a bruised shin. Not only did he play, but he had a couple hits, including a home run. It was Guillen third long ball in the last two days.
Our View: Guillen got off to a painfully slow start but has made up for it over the last month. It appears the shin injury is a non-issue. |
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| Big Papi gets smaller cast | Sunday 6/8, 3:26 PM CT |
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David Ortiz's arm-length cast removed Sunday and was replaced with a half-cast that went from his hand to just below his elbow, according to MLB.com. Big Papi is recovering from a partial tear of the ECU tendon sheath in his left wrist. "It's only been a week," Ortiz said. "The only change is if they don't want my elbow and my shoulder to be going too crazy after a while. I had a problem sleeping with that one cast. This will take it easy on the rest of my arm."
Our View: The Red Sox have not set a timetable for Ortiz's return, but Big Papi is hoping to come back by early July. |
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| Ramirez designated for assignment | Sunday 6/8, 3:20 PM CT |
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The Rangers designated Elizardo Ramirez for assignment Sunday. Ramirez was rocked for nine runs in 2 2/3 innings in his lone appearance with the club.
Our View: We hope you weren't rostering Ramirez, but if you were, go ahead and cut him loose. |
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| Duran recalled from Triple-A | Sunday 6/8, 3:18 PM CT |
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The Rangers recalled German Duran from Triple-A Oklahoma Sunday. To make room on the roster, Elizardo Ramirez was designated for assignment.
Our View: Duran is starting at third today and hitting last in the lineup. |
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| Cameron likely to be moved down in order | Sunday 6/8, 3:10 PM CT |
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The slumping Mike Cameron was out of the lineup Sunday for the third time in four games, and when he does return to action, he's likely to be hitting lower in the order, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. "I might do that," said manager Ned Yost. "I'm thinking of that. I don't know. We'll see. I'm thinking through it, with an off day (today). I don't want to act on impulse. But we're getting closer to that point. Maybe move both players and they both take off. I've got to think through it and make sure the timing is right."
Our View: J.J. Hardy would replace Cameron in the two hole. Cameron is hitting just .214 in 32 games, though he does have seven homers. |
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| Hanley takes Harang deep twice | Sunday 6/8, 3:03 PM CT |
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Hanley Ramirez had a pair of two-run homers as well as a single in Sunday's 9-2 win over Cincinnati. Hanley has five bombs over his last five games and 14 overall on the year.
Our View: Hanley went through a little slump last month, but he's obviously come through it nicely. |
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| Taylor victorious in debut | Sunday 6/8, 2:59 PM CT |
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Ryan Tucker fared well in his major league debut Sunday, allowing just one run on two hits and five walks while striking out six over five innings to pick up the win.
Our View: The five walks are an eyesore, but it's hard to ask for more out of the 21-year-old in his first ever start. He's worth an add in NL-only play and should be monitored in mixed formats. |
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| Wells goes deep in second game back | Sunday 6/8, 2:56 PM CT |
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The decision to activate Vernon Wells from the DL earlier than expected is already paying dividends. Wells had three hits, including a homer, in the Jays' 5-4 win over Baltimore Sunday. He has five hits in two games since coming back from a fractured wrist.
Our View: Players coming back from wrist injuries sometimes suffer from a power outage, so it's good to see Wells hammer a longball already. |
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| Joba lasts 4 1/3 in second start | Sunday 6/8, 2:30 PM CT |
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Joba Chamberlain's second start was better than his first start, but he still wasn't the dominating force he's been as a reliever. Joba made it through 4 1/3 innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits and a walk while striking out five. He threw 78 pitches.
Our View: It was good to see Joba have better control this time out. He'll get better. Be patient with him. |
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| Sweeney to undergo knee surgery | Sunday 6/8, 2:21 PM CT |
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Mike Sweeney will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his bothersome left knee Wednesday and will miss 4-6 weeks, according to the AP. Sweeney, who had right knee surgery last year, hopes to be back to doing baseball activities in 3-4 weeks.
Our View: Is anyone really surprised? You should also not be surprised if it takes Sweeney longer than 4-6 weeks to rejoin the A's. |
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| Valverde says knee not an issue | Sunday 6/8, 2:17 PM CT |
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Jose Valverde was walking around with a slight limp on Sunday, but he said it's nothing to worry about, according to MLB.com. The closer has had mild soreness in his left knee since spring training, but it hasn't affected him on the mound, and Valverde doesn't anticipate it affecting him in the future. "I'll be OK," Valverde said. "I can run on it. I'm always ready to pitch."
Our View: Valverde has been arguably the best closer in the game since mid-April, so it doesn't appear that this is anything to sorry about. |
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| Braden optioned to Sacramento | Sunday 6/8, 2:12 PM CT |
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The A's optioned Dallas Braden to Triple-A Sacramento Sunday. The move was made to clear a roster spot for Andrew Brown, who was activated from the DL.
Our View: Alan Embree is now the lone lefty in the A's pen. |
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| Brown activated from DL | Sunday 6/8, 2:10 PM CT |
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As expected, the A's activated Andrew Brown from the DL Sunday. Brown had been recovering from an appendectomy.
Our View: Dallas Braden was sent to Triple-A Sacramento to clear a roster spot. |
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| Manny hopes to return to left soon | Sunday 6/8, 2:05 PM CT |
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Manny Ramirez hasn't played left field since May because of a tender hamstring, but he hopes to be back in the outfield by next weekend, according to MLB.com. Manny won't be able to DH in the series against the Reds that weekend, so he'll have to play in left if he's going to play at all. "I don't know if you're going to see him out there [before that]," said manager Terry Francona. "And hopefully when we get on the road, he'll feel good enough, because, obviously, we're better with his bat."
Our View: Expect Manny to be in the lineup versus Cincy. He's been ripping the ball out of the DH spot lately. |
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| McClellan could be moved to rotation | Sunday 6/8, 1:33 PM CT |
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If the injuries to starters Adam Wainwright and Todd Wellemeyer turn out to be worse than expected, the Cardinals will consider inserting Kyle McClellan into the rotation, pitching coach Dave Duncan told KSDK Channel 5. Duncan added that if they move McClellan into a starter role, that's the role he'll remain in this year.
Our View: McClellan has been terrific out of the bullpen for the Cards this year, holding a 2.51 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 26/8 K/BB rate over 32 1/3 innings. The soon-to-be 24-year-old has some upside and could potentially be worth owning in mixed leagues if he is used as a starter, so keep an eye on this story. |
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| Casilla scratched with sore back | Sunday 6/8, 1:20 PM CT |
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Alexi Casilla was scratched from the lineup Sunday because of a sore lower back, according to the AP. Matt Macri played second in his place.
Our View: Hopefully this isn't anything too serious, because Casilla has been a terrific fantasy producer over the last couple weeks. |
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| Tucker could be up for a while | Sunday 6/8, 1:17 PM CT |
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Manager Fredi Gonzalez sees Ryan Tucker, who was called up Sunday to make his major league debut, sticking around a while, according to MLB.com. "We'll take it one day at a time, but I don't foresee him being a spot starter or anything like that," said Gonzalez. "I think we're going to give him an opportunity to stick around."
Our View: A former first-round pick, Taylor dominated at Double-A Carolina before his call-up, boasting a 1.41 ERA and 62/27 K/BB rate over 70 innings. He's only 21 years old and has plenty of potential, but you should take a wait-and-see approach with him in fantasy for the time being. |
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| Meathook still battling the flu | Sunday 6/8, 1:11 PM CT |
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Dmitri Young missed his third straight game Sunday because of flu-like symptoms, according to MLB.com. Young was originally in Saturday's lineup but was a late scratch because of the illness.
Our View: Aaron Boone is playing first in place of Meathook. Manager Manny Acta said he wasn't sure when Young would be back. |
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| Loewen will come back as reliever | Sunday 6/8, 1:07 PM CT |
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Adam Loewen is hoping to be back with the Orioles by the end of the month, but he'll do so as a reliever. "Somebody told me that Loewen has not ruled out coming back here and starting in 2008. I can tell you right now Loewen will not start for the rest of the season," manager Dave Trembley said on MLB.com. "We're trying to cover for him and not put a lot of undue stress and strain on his arm. Mentally, he doesn't have to prepare himself to go out there and throw nine innings or 115 pitches." Loewen is coming back from soreness in his pitching elbow.
Our View: This is the smart move by the O's, as the team is going nowhere and they want to protect Loewen's talented left arm. |
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| Rowand back in lineup Sunday | Sunday 6/8, 1:03 PM CT |
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Aaron Rowand is back in the lineup Sunday after missing Saturday's game with a sore right quadriceps. "He's good to go and feels 100 percent," manager Bruce Bochy said on MLB.com.
Our View: Rowand said he sat out yesterday just as a precaution, so it's not surprising to see him back in there today. |
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| Willingham takes BP Sunday | Sunday 6/8, 1:00 PM CT |
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Josh Willingham took batting practice on the field before Sunday's game, the first time he's been able to do so since injuring his back in April. Manager Fredi Gonzalez said Willingham could be taking part in some rehab games pretty soon if all goes well. "Sometimes these things, he feels good one day, but then you got to see how he feels [on Monday]," Gonzalez said on MLB.com. "If he feels good again, maybe take another BP. If everything goes well, I think by the middle of the week he should be playing some games in the minor leagues -- whether it's Gulf Coast or some place else."
Our View: Gonzalez has previously established the All-Star break as a legitimate target for a return for Willingham, but it sounds like it could be a little sooner than that. We'll keep you posted on his recovery. |
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| Viciedo defects from Cuba | Sunday 6/8, 12:53 PM CT |
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Dayan Viciedo, one of Cuba's top baseball prospects, has defected and is living in South Florida with hopes of playing in the major leagues, according to the AP. "There's a lot of hard work ahead of him to accomplish what he needs to accomplish," his agent, Jaime Torres said. Since Viciedo is living in the US, he's subject to draft rules. However, Torres thinks he should be a free agent. "He was processed at the end of May," Torres said. "To me, he was not drafted and should be an undrafted free agent. We'll see if the union agrees with me."
Our View: The 18-year-old Viciedo is capable of playing third, short and the outfield. If he is ruled a free agent, we'll have to see what kind of bids teams will put up for him. He was generally regarded as Cuba's best young player, so there should be no shortage of suitors. |
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| Fulchino summoned from Omaha | Sunday 6/8, 12:27 PM CT |
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The Royals purchased the contract of Jeff Fulchino from Triple-A Omaha Sunday. He held a 3.99 ERA in 12 games with Omaha.
Our View: The Royals needed another bullpen arm, as their relievers have been worn out lately. Fulchino doesn't have any fantasy value. |
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| Peralta optioned to Triple-A | Sunday 6/8, 12:25 PM CT |
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The Royals optioned Joel Peralta to Triple-A Omaha Sunday. Peralta was one of six relievers used in Saturday's 12-11 loss to the Yankees, as he allowed a run in 1 1/3 innings. Jeff Fulchino was brought up from Omaha to replace Peralta on the roster.
Our View: Peralta is likely just the victim of a numbers game here, as KC just needed another fresh arm. The righty's ERA (5.64) is bloated this year, as his other numbers (1.16 WHIP, 17/4 K/BB rate) are quite good. |
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| Boggs to make first ML start Tuesday | Sunday 6/8, 12:19 PM CT |
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Mitchell Boggs will start on Tuesday in place of the injured Todd Wellemeyer, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Boggs made his major league debut in relief on Friday, giving up a solo homer in two innings.
Our View: Boggs is one of the Cards' better pitching prospects and produced good numbers in his time at Triple-A Memphis (3.28 ERA, 1.16 WHIP). He will probably get just one start, unless Wellemeyer ends up having to go on the DL. NL-only owners should monitor Boggs' outing. |
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| Rapada activated from DL | Sunday 6/8, 12:11 PM CT |
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The Tigers activated Clay Rapada from the DL Sunday. He had been recovering from biceps tendinitis.
Our View: Rapada has no fantasy value even in the deepest of leagues. |
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| Mock recalled to make debut | Sunday 6/8, 12:09 PM CT |
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As expected, Garrett Mock was recalled from Triple-A Columbus and will start for the Nats Sunday. It will be the right-hander's major league debut.
Our View: Mock posted a 3.06 ERA and 51/13 K/BB rate in 11 starts for Columbus. He is worth monitoring, but probably not yet worth adding, in NL-only play. |
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| Inglett back with Jays already | Sunday 6/8, 12:04 PM CT |
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The Blue Jays recalled Joe Inglett from Triple-A Syracuse Sunday to replace the injured Shannon Stewart on the roster.
Our View: Inglett was just sent down yesterday. He'll fill a utility role. |
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| Stewart placed on DL | Sunday 6/8, 12:02 PM CT |
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The Blue Jays placed Shannon Stewart on the DL Sunday with a sprained right ankle, according to the AP. Stewart left yesterday's game in the first inning with the ailment. "It's a pretty serious sprain," manager John Gibbons said. "It's in the high ankle, and those are usually the worst."
Our View: It sounds like this will definitely be more than a minimum stay on the DL for Stewart. Joe Inglett was recalled to replace him on the roster, and Brad Wilkerson is expected to handle the bulk of the playing time in left while Shannon is out. |
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| Hernandez assigned to Triple-A | Sunday 6/8, 11:57 AM CT |
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Luis Hernandez has cleared waivers and has been assigned to Triple-A Norfolk, according to the Baltimore Sun. Hernandez was designated for assignment last week.
Our View: Hernandez was better at the plate than Freddie Bynum in his time with the O's but the team kept Bynum around for his versatility. |
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| Chipper to miss time with quad ailment | Sunday 6/8, 11:16 AM CT |
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Chipper Jones won't play Sunday and may miss one or two additional games due to a small tear in his right quadriceps, according to the AP. Chipper injured the muscle on April 9 and felt more soreness as the Braves' road trip continued. "I won't do anything today or tomorrow," he said. "I'll see how it feels after the off day. ... I'll probably miss a day or two in Chicago."
Our View: Omar Infante is in the lineup today in Chipper's place. |
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