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| Nomar to play shortstop | Tuesday 6/10, 11:46 PM CT |
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The Dodgers report plans to move Nomar Garciaparra to shortstop are likely to come to fruition, thanks to the continued struggles for health for Rafael Furcal, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Our View: Manager Joe Torre told reporters he hopes to see Nomar starting a rehab assignment in the minors within the next week, allowing him to progress towards a return to the majors and the shortstop position. Garciaparra, a five-time All-Star at shortstop, has not played the position in three years. He was originally scheduled to play third base, but he suffered a hand injury in spring training, and rookie Blake DeWitt has since established himself at that position. |
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| Bradley fine after leg cramp | Tuesday 6/10, 11:45 PM CT |
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Milton Bradley is fine after a left quad cramp caused him to leave Tuesday night's game with two outs in the ninth inning, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. He is expected to play on Wednesday.
Our View: Anytime Milton starts limping, it's cause for serious concern. Thankfully, this one was minor. |
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| Milledge slams game winner for Nats | Tuesday 6/10, 11:38 PM CT |
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Washington outfielder Lastings Milledge was the rock for the Nationals yet again this evening, hitting a game-winning two-run homer off Pittsburgh closer Matt Capps in the top of the ninth to give the Nationals the 7-6 win.
Our View: Milledge went 2-for-5 overall with the two runs on the homer serving as his only RBIs. Milledge is riding a five-game hit streak, going 7-for-19 with two homers and four RBIs over that span. |
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| Fukudome looking to get going | Tuesday 6/10, 11:33 PM CT |
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Chicago outfielder Kosuke Fukudome is looking to get his bat on track, doing his part to support the Cubs in their 10-5 win over Atlanta. Fukudome went 2-for-5 at the plate with one RBI and one run scored, also adding his sixth stolen base of the season.
Our View: Fukudome is hitting just .185 through June with just one homer and four RBIs. |
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| Guerrero homers | Tuesday 6/10, 11:25 PM CT |
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Vladimir Guerrero went 2-for-4 with a homer, two runs, and two RBI in Tuesday's win over the Rays. The veteran outfielder is 9-for-19 with two homers and six RBI over the last five games.
Our View: Fantasy owners continue to wait for Vlad to go on a major tear. We're hoping this recent work is the start of something great. |
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| Pujols injures calf | Tuesday 6/10, 11:23 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier story, St. Louis first baseman Albert Pujols has suffered what appears to be a reaggravation of a strained left calf muscle.
Our View: Pujols injured his left calf while running to first base on Tuesday against the Reds and left the game. He fell to the ground just after leaving the batter's box, and he had to be helped off the field. The team reports this may be a recurrence of the same calf injury Pujols suffered earlier this season. He will be reevaluated on Wednesday, and we will update as news becomes available. |
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| Weaver dazzles Rays | Tuesday 6/10, 11:21 PM CT |
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Jered Weaver improved to 6-6 with an excellent outing on Tuesday night. He held the Rays to four hits and one run over eight innings. Weaver walked two and struck out five. He is 3-1 over his last four starts.
Our View: Weaver remains a frustrating hurler. He has been outstanding in three of his last six starts, but he'll also mix in outings where he's easily hittable. If you're in weekly head-to-head leagues, it's tough to deal with Jered. |
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| Shields takes complete game loss | Tuesday 6/10, 11:16 PM CT |
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James Shields pitched a complete game on Tuesday night despite spotting the Angels four runs in the first inning. The right-hander ended up allowing 10 hits and six runs over eight frames. Shields walked none and struck out nine. Six of hits came in the first inning.
Our View: Hey, at least Shields didn't throw at or hit anyone this time out. |
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| Cook gets win #9 | Tuesday 6/10, 11:12 PM CT |
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Working to become the reliable arm this team needs, Rockies RHP Aaron Cook picked up an impressive ninth win this evening as Colorado put the 10-5 victory on San Francisco. Cook went seven innings to allow four runs (three earned) on nine hits with one walk and three strikeouts.
Our View: Cook now touts an ERA of 3.21 and a record of 9-3 on the season, posting three wins (with one no-decision) over his last four starts. |
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| Helton heating it up | Tuesday 6/10, 11:07 PM CT |
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The Rockies got the offense going in a major way at home this evening with the usual suspects doing the damage. The top dog was first baseman Todd Helton , going 3-for-4 at the dish with his seventh homer of the season to total three RBIs and two runs scored.
Our View: Helton's bat is starting to heat up a bit, now sitting at 11-for-30 through June. |
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| Castillo goes 3-for-5 in loss | Tuesday 6/10, 11:03 PM CT |
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The Giants suffered the disappointing 10-5 loss to San Francisco this evening despite the best efforts from third baseman Jose Castillo . Castillo went 3-for-5 with his 19th double of the season, adding two runs scored.
Our View: Castillo has been solid in support of his team thus far, hitting .293 last month. He is hitting an impressive 11-for-34 through June thus far. |
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| Drew jacks homer in Zona win | Tuesday 6/10, 10:50 PM CT |
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Four different players, all hitting in consecutive order, racked up two RBIs in tonight's 9-5 win over the Mets for Arizona, but shortstop Stephen Drew tops the cause. Drew went 2-for-5 with his ninth home run of the season to knock in those two runs, adding two runs scored along the way.
Our View: Drew isn't hitting a ton but he's putting the bat on the ball, touting just five strikeouts versus six hits through June. |
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| Owings continues to struggle | Tuesday 6/10, 10:45 PM CT |
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Arizona RHP Micah Owings struggled through a rough outing this evening but his Diamondbacks emerged victorious over the Mets, 9-5. Owings lasted just 4 1/3 innings to allow five runs (four earned) on eight hits with three walks and two strikeouts.
Our View: Owings may have walked away with no decision, but this is his third troublesome outing in a row, allowing 14 earned runs over the span. |
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| Wright goes deep | Tuesday 6/10, 10:41 PM CT |
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The Mets suffered the 9-5 loss to Arizona this evening despite third baseman David Wright 's attempts to get things right. Wright went just 1-for-5 at the plate but made the one hit good for his 12th homer of the season, totaling two RBIs on the night.
Our View: Wright is hitting just .258 through early June after going .287 in May. This was his first home run since May 29th. |
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| Gordon goes long | Tuesday 6/10, 10:39 PM CT |
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Alex Gordon went 2-for-4 with a solo homer on Tuesday night. It was his first long ball since May 9.
Our View: We're still waiting for the superstar to emerge. This 24-year-old third baseman has the tools, but he is still trying to find his groove. Hopefully he can heat up over the second half like he did in 2006. |
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| Wilson knocks down 12th save | Tuesday 6/10, 10:36 PM CT |
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C.J. Wilson made it interesting on Tuesday night, but he was able to nail down his 12th save. The southpaw got out the first two hitters before allowing a single and watching Jose Guillen reach on an error. Wilson struck out Mark Teahen to end the proceedings.
Our View: Wilson had allowed a run in each of his two previous outings, and it's good to see him keep the Royals off the board despite the error. He remains near the bottom of the closer rankings, but he is still useful. |
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| Meche solid in no-decision | Tuesday 6/10, 10:33 PM CT |
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Gil Meche earned a no-decision on Tuesday night, but his effort was solid. The right-hander held the Rangers to four hits and one run over six innings. Meche walked two and struck out four.
Our View: Meche had a very nice May (3.65 ERA, 1.14 WHIP), and he bounced back after a back outing on June 5. His overall numbers continue to look bad, but we view Gil as a useful back-end, mix-and-match hurler in mixed leagues. |
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| Soto puts runs on the board for Cubbies | Tuesday 6/10, 10:32 PM CT |
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The Cubs enjoyed solid efforts from a handful of players in the team's 10-5 win over Atlanta, but none were as potent as catcher Geovany Soto . Soto went 2-for-5 at the plate with his 11th home run of the season to total three RBIs and two runs scored on the night.
Our View: Soto was hitting just .091 through June coming into tonight. This may help him get his swing right moving forward. |
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| Young extends hitting streak | Tuesday 6/10, 10:30 PM CT |
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Michael Young singled in the sixth inning on Tuesday night and extended his hitting streak to 23 games.
Our View: Young's average actually hasn't improved a great deal during this streak. He entered this period at .286 and is hitting .306 as we write. Still, fantasy owners should be enjoying the quality average and a ton of runs. |
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| Lilly getting strong on June | Tuesday 6/10, 10:28 PM CT |
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Chicago LHP Ted Lilly picked up his sixth win of the season as the Cubs put the 10-5 whooping on the Braves. Lilly went 6 2/3 innings to allow three runs (all earned) on four hits with three walks and eight strikeouts.
Our View: In two June starts, Lilly has surrendered five combined walks versus 16 strikeouts, touting his best ERA to date (3.21 for June). |
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| Aybar on the mend | Tuesday 6/10, 10:26 PM CT |
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Erick Aybar took soft toss on Tuesday and could engage in batting practice soon, MLB.com reports. The middle infielder dislocated his right pinkie on May 21.
Our View: It sounds like Aybar is at least one week away from thinking about a return to the Angels lineup. His timetable should become more clear as this week continues, though. |
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| Escobar back before All-Star break? | Tuesday 6/10, 10:24 PM CT |
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The Angels believe Kelvim Escobar could be back with the club before the All-Star break, albeit not in his usual role. "I think if he's going to pitch in our bullpen, he could be back by then," manager Mike Scioscia explains to MLB.com. "If he's going to be a starter, you're talking about a longer process, like the end of July." Escobar has twice thrown off a mound, and the club is pleased with how his right shoulder has held up. Escobar has a tear in his labrum.
Our View: We remain skeptical about Escobar helping fantasy owners much this year. One need only look at John Smoltz for a cautionary tale. Still, this is excellent news for teams holding Escobar in a DL spot. |
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| Glavine injured in third loss | Tuesday 6/10, 10:24 PM CT |
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Atlanta LHP Tom Glavine struggled on the mound this evening and may be headed to the disabled list as a result. Glavine pitched just three innings, allowing four runs (all earned) on six hits with four walks and no strikeouts.
Our View: Glavine was forced to leave the game at that point with what is now diagnosed as a strained left elbow. The Braves expect Glavine to miss his next start and he will be evaluated over the coming days. |
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| Norton strokes homer versus Cubbies | Tuesday 6/10, 10:19 PM CT |
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The Braves were putting hits on the board but could not compete with the Cubs this evening, falling 10-5. Atlanta's offense was led by outfielder Greg Norton , going 2-for-4 with his second home run of the season to total three RBIs and two runs scored.
Our View: Norton has struggled at the plate this season, this being his first multi-hit game since April. |
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| Oswalt puts Milwaukee in check | Tuesday 6/10, 10:10 PM CT |
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Houston RHP Roy Oswalt was pitching like the hurler we have missed this season, all but dominating the Milwaukee Brewers to spark the Astros to a 6-1 win. Oswalt pitched seven innings, allowing one run on five hits with no walks and 10 strikeouts.
Our View: Oswalt gets his ERA down to 5.06 with a record of 5-6 on the season, getting his first win in his last five starts. |
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| McClung suffers loss | Tuesday 6/10, 10:05 PM CT |
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Milwaukee RHP Seth McClung pitched well this evening but it wasn't enough to avoid the 6-1 loss versus Houston. McClung pitched six innings to allow two runs (both earned) on three hits with one walk and five strikeouts.
Our View: The relief pitching and lack of offense let McClung down, falling to 3-3 on the season.
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| Berkman heating up again | Tuesday 6/10, 10:02 PM CT |
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Houston brought the offense and a good bit of pitching to get the 6-1 win over Milwaukee this evening, led once again by the prolific Lance Berkman . Berkman went 3-for-4 at the dish with his third triple and 19th home run of the season, totaling five RBIs on the night.
Our View: Berkman slammed nine homers with 22 RBIs in May, but things had gone cold in June with zero homers and one RBI through the first six games of the month. However, Berkman now has two homers and nine RBIs over his last two games. |
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| Nolasco gets win #6 | Tuesday 6/10, 9:46 PM CT |
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Florida RHP Ricky Nolasco picked up his sixth win of the season, pitching six innings to allow three runs (none of which were earned) on four hits with one walk and three strikeouts to give the Marlins the 5-4 win over Philadelphia.
Our View: After a strong 4-1 May with a 3.97 ERA, Nolasco surrendered a horrendous seven earned runs against Atlanta in his first start of June. This win gets him back on track. |
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| Cantu goes long in win vs Philly | Tuesday 6/10, 9:40 PM CT |
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The Marlins earned the 5-4 win this evening against the Phillies built largely on the efforts of corner infielder Jorge Cantu . Cantu went 2-for-4 with a double and his 12th homer of the season, totaling two RBIs and two runs scored on the night.
Our View: Cantu is now hitting .400 for the month of June, including four home runs for 11 RBIs.
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| Liriano sharp at Triple-A | Tuesday 6/10, 9:37 PM CT |
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Francisco Liriano tossed six innings of one-run ball on Tuesday night. He allowed six hits, walked one, and struck out seven for Triple-A Rochester. Liriano owns a 3.35 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 41 strikeouts over his last eight outings (51.0 innings).
Our View: Liriano has struggled with his location and consistency, but he's still managed to post six quality starts over his last seven outings. We're sure the Twins management will be asked about him again on Tuesday night and Wednesday. |
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| Myers falls in disappointing fashion | Tuesday 6/10, 9:35 PM CT |
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Philadelphia RHP Brett Myers suffered through a horrendous evening on the mound as his Phillies took the 5-4 loss versus Florida. Myers pitched 5 1/3 innings to allow five runs (all earned) on seven hits with four walks, five strikeouts, and three home runs allowed.
Our View: After 10 homers allowed in April, the flag of concern was sent up the pole. However, Myers had not allowed a single homer in his last four starts coming into tonight. |
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| Loewen gets in one inning | Tuesday 6/10, 9:31 PM CT |
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Adam Loewen worked one inning for High-A Frederick on Tuesday night. He retired the side in order and threw 11 of his 14 pitches for strikes and was clocked at 90-92 mph, the Baltimore Sun reports. Loewen is on the DL due to a sore left elbow.
Our View: The Orioles will use Loewen in relief for the rest of this season, as they just want him to stay healthy after missing most of 2007 due to a fracture in his left elbow. The 24-year-old southpaw probably won't have any fantasy value until he competes for a rotation spot next spring. |
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| Burrell goes deep in loss | Tuesday 6/10, 9:30 PM CT |
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The Phillies suffered the 5-4 loss to Florida this evening with outfielder Pat Burrell serving as the leader of their effort. Burrell went 2-for-4 with a double and his 16th home run of the season.
Our View: Burrell is looking to get back on track after hitting just .227 last month. Thus far he is 9-for-30 with three homers and six RBIs. |
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| Belliard homers twice in return | Tuesday 6/10, 9:18 PM CT |
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The Nationals welcomed second baseman Ronnie Belliard back this evening and he wasted no time in asserting his influence on the game, leading his team to a 7-6 win over Pittsburgh. Belliard went 3-for-4 at the plate with two homers, good for three RBIs on the night.
Our View: Belliard was activated from the DL yesterday and was quick to make the lineup. Tonight's home runs brings Belliard to four on the year. |
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| Maholm gives up four homers in loss | Tuesday 6/10, 9:14 PM CT |
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Pittsburgh LHP Paul Maholm escaped tonight's 7-2 trouncing from Washington with no decision, lasting 6 2/3 innings to allow four runs (all earned) on 10 hits with no walks, four strikeouts, and a whopping four home runs allowed.
Our View: Maholm has now allowed seven homers over his last five starts. |
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| Doumit goes 4-for-4 with double dingers | Tuesday 6/10, 9:08 PM CT |
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There was plenty of offense in tonight's 7-6 win for the Nationals over the Pirates, though Pittsburgh catcher Ryan Doumit was in a world of his own at the plate. Doumit went 4-for-4 at the dish with two doubles and two home runs on the night, totaling three RBIs and three runs scored.
Our View: Doumit has struggled to earn consistent playing time and had just one hit in June coming in. This may garner a bit more favor looking forward. |
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| Barfield injures finger | Tuesday 6/10, 9:06 PM CT |
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Josh Barfield left in the sixth inning on Tuesday night after straining his left middle finger, the AP reports. Jamey Carroll took his place.
Our View: We'll update Barfield's status when more is known, but "strain" makes it sound relatively minor. |
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| Ludwick lights up Cincinnati | Tuesday 6/10, 9:04 PM CT |
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St. Louis outfielder Ryan Ludwick was a power at the plate this evening as the Cardinals put the 7-2 win over Cincy on the board. Ludwick went 4-for-5 on the evening, hitting two doubles and one home run to total four RBIs and and two runs scored on the night.
Our View: Ludwick now carries 15 homers on the season, including two in his last three games. |
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| Polanco nearing .300 | Tuesday 6/10, 9:03 PM CT |
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Placido Polanco's pursuit of the .300 mark is nearly complete. The second baseman went 3-for-4 with a pair of runs on Tuesday and is up to .297. Polanco was sitting at .140 on April 24, but he has hit .354 over his last 40 games.
Our View: Polanco's fantasy value rests almost entirely on his batting average, and he's quietly been great since his atrocious start. |
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| Boggs gets first career win | Tuesday 6/10, 8:59 PM CT |
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St. Louis RHP Mitchell Boggs picked up his first win of the season, and his career, this evening as the Cardinals put the 7-2 hurt on the Cincinnati Reds. Boggs lasted five innings, allowing two runs on four hits with three walks and no strikeouts.
Our View: The rookie hurler was used in relief in his only other appearance of the season. |
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| Contreras bitten by Tigers | Tuesday 6/10, 8:58 PM CT |
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Jose Contreras served up 13 hits and six runs to the Tigers on Tuesday night. Only two of the 13 hits were for extra bases, but the effort was enough to drop the right-hander to 6-4 with a 3.18 ERA.
Our View: After nearly two months of quality work, Contreras had gained a lot of believers. We'll chalk this up as an off-night. |
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| Robertson picks up a win | Tuesday 6/10, 8:55 PM CT |
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Nate Robertson improved to 4-6 with a win over the White Sox on Tuesday night. He held the Sox to three runs over 6.1 innings despite giving up eight hits, including a homer. Robertson has won three of his past four starts.
Our View: The southpaw has still allowed fewer than three runs in only one of his 13 outings, and we have no reason to trust him in fantasy leagues. |
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| Votto goes deep for Reds | Tuesday 6/10, 8:54 PM CT |
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The Reds suffered the 7-2 loss to St. Louis this evening with first baseman Joey Votto providing the only offense of note for Cincy. Votto went 1-for-4 with his 11th home run of the season, good for two RBIs.
Our View: Votto has struggled at the plate this month, hitting .211 through June. Tonight's homer was his first since May 24th. |
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| Drew continues to rake | Tuesday 6/10, 8:52 PM CT |
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J.D. Drew is in a zone. The outfielder went 1-for-2 with a homer, two walks, two runs, and two RBI on Tuesday. Drew is 15-for-28 with five homers, 12 RBI, and 12 runs over nine games this month.
Our View: Who needs David Ortiz when you have Drew? J.D. has long had the talent to go on runs like this, but he rarely sustains such hot streaks, often thanks to injuries. |
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| Thome hits one out | Tuesday 6/10, 8:50 PM CT |
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Jim Thome went 3-for-4 with a homer, one RBI, and two runs on Tuesday. It was, sadly, just his second game of the year with more than two hits. However, Thome does now have six extra-base knocks in nine games this June.
Our View: Thome is showing a few signs of coming around, but we really need to see Jim go on about a two-week tear before we will buy into a turnaround. |
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| Furcal gets bad news | Tuesday 6/10, 8:48 PM CT |
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Dodger shortstop Rafael Furcal has learned he is not likely to return to action for at least two more weeks, according to the LA Daily News.
Our View: Furcal was examined by doctors over the weekend and have suggest Furcal withhold from baseball activities for at least two more weeks as he struggles with lower back pain. Should Furcal return to some sort of baseball activity in two weeks, he will need at least a week of additional rehab work to get ready for a return. In other words, it will be the All-Star break when Furcal returns. |
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| Manny goes deep again | Tuesday 6/10, 8:47 PM CT |
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Manny Ramirez really seems to enjoy life as a DH. He went 2-for-4 with a solo homer on Tuesday and is now hitting .400-5-15-11 over 11 games in David Ortiz's usual spot.
Our View: Fantasy owners have been enjoying Manny's work all season, and the good times keep rolling. He has had some minor bumps and bruises lately, but those aren't slowing him down. |
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| Markakis stays hot | Tuesday 6/10, 8:43 PM CT |
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Nick Markakis continues to swing a hot bat. He went 3-for-5 with a double and two runs against the Red Sox on Tuesday. Markakis was also caught stealing. He is 18-for-37 this June.
Our View: Markakis had a rough May, but we knew he was too talented to keep down. We can only dream of the day when the Orioles surround him with more talent. |
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| O's rough up Okajima again | Tuesday 6/10, 8:41 PM CT |
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The Orioles got to Hideki Okajima again. The reliever allowed two hits and three runs over 0.1 innings on Tuesday night. He hurt himself by walking two batters. Okajima allowed four runs to the O's on June 2.
Our View: Okajima has allowed only nine runs all year, and the Orioles are responsible for eight of them. We have no way of explaining that. |
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| Huff collects four hits | Tuesday 6/10, 8:37 PM CT |
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Aubrey Huff went 4-for-5 with four singles, one run, and two RBI in Tuesday's win over the Red Sox. The DH also had a four-hit game back on April 8.
Our View: Huff has not hit very well over the past month, but he's still useful in AL-only formats and maybe as an injury fill-in for mixed leaguers. |
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| Brewers make lineup changes | Tuesday 6/10, 8:36 PM CT |
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Milwaukee manager Ned Yost was forced to make a few changes to the Brewers starting lineup this evening, according to MLB.com.
Our View: With second baseman Rickie Weeks on the disabled list with a left knee injury, Yost moved right fielder Corey Hart up to the leadoff hole and used Bill Hall at second base for the first time this season. Yost also dropped outfielder Mike Cameron from the two-hole and replaced him with shortstop J.J. Hardy, who had success in that spot last season batting in front of No. 3 hitter Ryan Braun. |
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| Silva takes another loss | Tuesday 6/10, 8:34 PM CT |
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Carlos Silva swallowed his seventh straight loss on Tuesday night. The right-hander held the Blue Jays to three runs over seven innings but only received one run of support. Two of the nine hits that Silva allowed were homers. He hasn't picked up a win since April 17.
Our View: For once, you can't fully blame this one on Silva. He has been awful more often than not, but this was a decent showing. We'd still avoid him at all costs in fantasy leagues. |
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| Wells swinging well | Tuesday 6/10, 8:31 PM CT |
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Vernon Wells is feeling just fine. The outfielder went 2-for-4 with a solo homer on Tuesday night. He is 7-for-16 with a pair of long balls and a double in four games since coming off the DL.
Our View: Wells missed a month after breaking his left wrist, and we had some doubts about how he would swing after such a quick return. Fantasy owners should be very pleased. |
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| Valdez to undergo MRI | Tuesday 6/10, 8:30 PM CT |
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San Francisco RHP Merkin Valdez will undergo an MRI on his strained throwing elbow on Wednesday, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Valdez has struggled with recurring pain in the elbow as he has attempted to complete his rehabilitation, and Giants head athletic trainer Dave Groeschner told reporters his arm felt "dead" while playing catch on Sunday, one day after pitching a scoreless inning for Class-A San Jose. Groeschner reiterated that Valdez's injury does not stem from the Tommy John elbow surgery he underwent on Sept. 27, 2006. Groeschner added that Wednesday's test should result in a more conclusive diagnosis on Valdez. The 26-year-old had thrived in 17 appearances, posting a 1-0 record and a 1.69 ERA while stranding 11 of 12 baserunners. |
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| Reed goes deep | Tuesday 6/10, 8:28 PM CT |
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Jeremy Reed socked a solo homer on Tuesday night, but his teammates didn't help him out. The Mariners lost 3-1 to the Blue Jays.
Our View: Reed is one heckuva Triple-A hitter, but he's never been able to get it done in the majors. This solo shot was just his second extra-base hit over 46 at-bats this year. |
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| McGowan goes the distance | Tuesday 6/10, 8:26 PM CT |
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Dustin McGowan loves pitching at home, and he showed it again on Tuesday. The right-hander went the distance in a 3-1 win over the Mariners. McGowan allowed five hits, walked two, and struck out seven. He is 4-1 with a 1.73 ERA and 1.15 WHIP over six starts at the Rogers Centre this year.
Our View: If Dustin could do something about his 6.02 ERA on the road, we'd be looking at a darn good fantasy pitcher. McGowan has the stuff to be a top-30 hurler in mixed leagues, but he needs to even things out. |
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| Garko drives in lone run | Tuesday 6/10, 8:22 PM CT |
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Ryan Garko provided all the offense the Indians needed on Tuesday night. He singled home Ben Francisco in the first inning of a 1-0 win over the Twins. Garko went 2-for-4 and is 17-for-39 (.436) over his last 10 games.
Our View: After two dismal months, Garko has finally woken up. Now if the Indians could get the pop back into Victor Martinez's bat and welcome back Travis Hafner, they might have a decent lineup. |
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| Tough loss for Baker | Tuesday 6/10, 8:19 PM CT |
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Don't blame Scott Baker for the Twins' loss on Tuesday night. The right-hander held the Indians to eight hits and one run over seven full innings. Baker walked one and struck out one.
Our View: Baker has allowed only three runs over 12 innings since coming off the DL. He's not the most exciting arm, but he can fill out the back of a fantasy rotation in mixed leagues. |
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| Paulino to continue work in Houston | Tuesday 6/10, 8:17 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier story, Houston RHP Felipe Paulino is traveling to Houston to begin a rehab-and-conditioning program with the Astros' athletic training staff, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Paulino was held from action during spring training due to a pinched nerve in his right arm. Doctors cleared Paulino to begin throwing a month ago but he recently suffered a setback and is once again restricted from anything other than light tossing. Extended spring training has completed, thus Houston has to either send him home or continue work with the major league club. |
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| Sabathia shuts down the Twins | Tuesday 6/10, 8:17 PM CT |
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C.C. Sabathia tossed a complete game shutout against the Twins on Tuesday night. The portly southpaw allowed five hits, walked none, and struck out five. He improved to 4-8 with a 4.34 ERA, and Sabathia owns a 2.10 ERA over his last 10 starts.
Our View: Sabathia hadn't won since May 14 and was roughed up by the Rangers and Royals in his last two outings. So, yeah, fantasy owners will love to see this box score. The inconsistency is a bit annoying, but as the 10-game stat notes, C.C. has been pretty darn good since late April. |
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| Pujols leaves with calf injury | Tuesday 6/10, 8:09 PM CT |
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Albert Pujols injured his left calf while running to first base on Tuesday against the Reds and left the game. He fell to the ground just after leaving the batter's box, and he had to be helped off the field.
Our View: We have no idea how serious the injury is at this time, but it did not look good. The calf has given him problems in the past, so the injury is not a new one. We'll keep you updated. |
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| Rodney update | Tuesday 6/10, 8:08 PM CT |
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Fernando Rodney threw in front of Tigers pitching coach Chuck Hernandez on Tuesday afternoon. The reliever is on his way back from right shoulder tendinitis and is trying to work out any mechanical issues, MLB.com reports. Rodney will make a two-inning outing at Triple-A Toledo on Friday and is likely still a week away from returning to the majors.
Our View: It wasn't too long ago that Rodney was a potential option to replace the sometimes-shaky Todd Jones, but the Tigers have to simply hope Fernando can come back and stay healthy. We don't view him as a closer candidate at this point. |
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| Percival on pace for Friday | Tuesday 6/10, 7:59 PM CT |
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Troy Percival threw a simulated inning on Tuesday and remains on schedule to come off the DL on Friday, the Tampa Tribune reports. He is out due to a sore left hamstring.
Our View: Fantasy owners can plan to activate Troy this weekend. |
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| Aybar playing over Floyd again | Tuesday 6/10, 7:58 PM CT |
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Cliff Floyd is out of the lineup again on Tuesday, as the Rays continue to use Willy Aybar. "They’re going with the hot bat, and I don’t blame them – we’re winning," Floyd tells the Tampa Tribune. "I’m a realist. I like to win, too. At the end of the day, whoever gives you the best chance to win the game, you play." Floyd hasn't been in a game since June 6.
Our View: This situation is likely temporary, unless Aybar keeps his hitting streak (at five games) going. |
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| So far, so good for Figgins | Tuesday 6/10, 7:44 PM CT |
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Chone Figgins will play seven innings in a Triple-A rehab game on Tuesday night, the Orange County Register notes. The third baseman is on his way back from a sore right hamstring and could be back on Friday.
Our View: It's a good start. We won't exhale until Figgins actually makes it through three games unharmed. Keep in mind that Chone already came back once from this injury. |
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| Matthews not starting on Tuesday | Tuesday 6/10, 7:41 PM CT |
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Gary Matthews Jr. is not in the lineup on Tuesday due to an upset stomach, the Orange County Register reports. He may be available to pinch-hit.
Our View: What bad timing. Matthews has been on a roll (finally) over the past week or so. It doesn't sound like the outfielder expects to be out too long. |
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| Accardo to begin rehab work | Tuesday 6/10, 7:38 PM CT |
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Jeremy Accardo is slated to begin a minor league rehab stint with High-A Dunedin on Tuesday, MLB.com reports. The reliever has been out since May 10 due to a strained right forearm. He is expected to need at least one week before rejoining the Blue Jays.
Our View: Between this injury and B.J. Ryan's excellent month of May, Accardo has lost pretty much all of his fantasy stock. |
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| Peavy to return on Thursday | Tuesday 6/10, 7:38 PM CT |
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San Diego RHP Jake Peavy will come off the disabled list to face the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: The team reports Peavy performed well in a four-inning simulated game on Saturday and has felt no pain or discomfort since, nursing a strained right elbow. His last start was on May 14th against the Chicago Cubs. But the club shut him down when a lingering pain in his elbow continued after that start. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list on May 20, retroactive to May 15. The team has debated leaving him out of action until Friday to open their series at Cleveland, but the Padres are ready to get him on the mound and target Thursday for that return. |
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| Hill at least one week away | Tuesday 6/10, 7:34 PM CT |
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Aaron Hill could begin a minor league rehab assignment next week. The second baseman has been out since May 29 due to a concussion. "He feels a lot better. He's not dizzy. He's not nauseous," general manager J.P. Ricciardi tells MLB.com. "He's on the field moving around. After exercise, he's not dizzy. They consider that asymptomatic."
Our View: The Blue Jays obviously aren't going to take any chances when it comes to handling a concussion. Fantasy owners should be prepared to work without Hill next week. |
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| Ledezma designated for assignment | Tuesday 6/10, 7:32 PM CT |
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The Padres have designated LHP Wilfredo Ledezma for assignment, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Ledezma was 0-2 with a 5.04 ERA in 14 games for the Padres this season, including six starts. In his final game as a Padre, Ledezma allowed five runs on six hits over four innings, earning a no-decision on Sunday in a game San Diego won, 8-6. LHP Joe Thatcher has been recalled to fill Ledezma's roster spot. |
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| Zaun pushed to Friday | Tuesday 6/10, 7:31 PM CT |
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Gregg Zaun won't be back in the majors on Wednesday, as previously hoped. The backstop will head to Syracuse for Triple-A rehab work and could rejoin the Blue Jays on Friday, MLB.com reports. Zaun is on the DL due to a strained right elbow.
Our View: Either way, fantasy owners are best off waiting until the end of the weekend to think about using Zaun. |
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| Byrnes eligible but will not be activated | Tuesday 6/10, 7:28 PM CT |
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Arizona outfielder Eric Byrnes is eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday but the team reports plans of withholding from making that move, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Arizona would like Byrnes to complete more rehab work before returning, including hits off live pitching when they return home from their current road trip. Byrnes has tears in both his hamstrings. He initially injured one of his hamstrings just prior to the start of Spring Training and injured the other while compensating for it. An MRI exam taken a couple of weeks ago showed small tears in both. |
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| Griffey ignoring trade rumors | Tuesday 6/10, 7:12 PM CT |
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Just one day after hitting career home run , Cincinnati Ken Griffey Jr. was asked about rumors stating the team would look to trade the power-hitting veteran after reaching the milestone, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: The Reds are in last place and may seek to add youth from a contender by shopping Griffey's bat to those in the mix for something better. Griffey claims he knows nothing and is not thinking about a potential move at all, but he acknowledges that he is in the last year of his contract and the desire to move him could also be influenced by finances. The Reds own an option on Griffey for next season at the cost of $16.5 million or may buy him out of the deal for $4 million. Getting out from under that cost would be beneficial, but the thought of getting prospects is the key to their trade discussions. |
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| Zimmerman visiting surgeon | Tuesday 6/10, 7:04 PM CT |
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Washington third baseman Ryan Zimmerman is traveling to Cincinnati this evening to meet with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tim Kremchek to undergo further examination on his ailing left shoulder, according to MLB.com.
Our View: The team believes he will not require surgery and the doctor will simply use this exam to determine a beneficial plan of rehabilitation. Zimmerman was batting .257 with eight home runs, 11 doubles and 27 RBIs in 50 games played before being placed on the disabled list. |
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| Belliard returns to lineup | Tuesday 6/10, 6:59 PM CT |
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Washington second baseman Ronnie Belliard is back in the lineup this evening, batting seventh in his first action since returning from the disabled list, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Belliard was activated on Monday after suffering a strained calf. He reports the leg is 100% healthy and the team is injecting him right back into action this evening. |
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| Tulowitzki ready to start rehab assignment | Tuesday 6/10, 6:55 PM CT |
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Colorado shortstop Troy Tulowitzki will begin his rehab assignment with Class-A Modesto immediately, headed to join the team as we speak, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Tulowitzki suffered a torn tendon in his left quadriceps and was expected to be out of action until the All-Star break. The team reports he is healing much more quickly than anticipated. The team has refrained from putting a timetable for return on the young shortstop due to the nature of the injury, but it sounds like he's on his way and could be back before too long. |
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| Blalock making throws | Tuesday 6/10, 6:53 PM CT |
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Hank Blalock has begun to make some throws to second base and could hit on Friday, the Dallas Morning News reports. The third baseman-turned-first baseman underwent surgery on May 30 to relieve carpal tunnel syndrome in his right wrist. Blalock was previously out due to a torn left hamstring. He could go on a minor league rehab assignment next week.
Our View: We won't feel too confident until Blalock is working in the minors and gets through a couple games without hurting his wrist (or any other body part). He will attempt to hold down the every-day job at first when he's healthy. |
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| Willingham set for rehab assignment | Tuesday 6/10, 6:38 PM CT |
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Florida outfielder Josh Willingham is ready to beging a rehab assignment in the minors, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Willingham has been nursing a strained lower back but was running bases with the team in pregame warmups as well as fielding fly balls. On Wednesday, Willingham is scheduled to play in an extended spring game at the Marlins' complex in Jupiter, Fla. On the disabled list since May 2, retroactive to April 28, the 29-year-old left fielder could be back with the big league club in about two weeks. |
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| Pineiro to start on Thursday | Tuesday 6/10, 6:26 PM CT |
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The Cardinals report they will activate RHP Joel Pineiro from the 15-day disabled list later this week and will give him the start on Thursday, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Pineiro has been on the DL since May 21st with a strained right groin, but after a successful bullpen session today, the Cards are ready to get him back on the mound. Pineiro has missed 17 games since going onto the DL. He is 2-3 through eight starts with a 4.50 ERA. He'll go up against the Reds' Bronson Arroyo in the series finale with Cincinnati. |
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| Smoltz's future cloudy | Tuesday 6/10, 6:23 PM CT |
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John Smoltz underwent right shoulder surgery on Tuesday, and his future remains uncertain. "The prognosis on John’s shoulder is unclear based on the findings of today’s surgery," general manager Frank Wren informs the AP. "We will know more as John starts to progress through his rehab." Smoltz needed surgery to repair an injured labrum. He will miss the rest of 2008 but previously said he hopes to pitch in 2009. "They repaired a lot of damage," manager Bobby Cox notes.
Our View: This news actually doesn't have a lot of bearing in fantasy leagues. Smoltz is out for 2008, and at 41 years old, his keeper league value wasn't even that high when he was healthy. |
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| Chipper out again | Tuesday 6/10, 6:18 PM CT |
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Chipper Jones is not in the lineup for Tuesday's tilt against the Cubs. It will be the second straight game he's missed due to a small tear in his right quad. "I'm hoping maybe [to] be back in there tomorrow," Jones informs the AP. "It's better. I still can't run the way I need to. I wouldn't be able to run the bases. I don't know what kind of range I would have out at third base."
Our View: We haven't seen the lineup yet, but Omar Infante will likely get the start at third on Tuesday. We'll continue to follow Chipper's progress. |
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| Hafner not close to returning | Tuesday 6/10, 6:07 PM CT |
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Travis Hafner remains at least a week away from beginning a minor league rehab assignment. "We still need him to strengthen that shoulder," manager Eric Wedge explains to MLB.com. Hafner began swinging a bat over the weekend, but he is not ready for live pitching. He is on the DL due to a sore right shoulder.
Our View: It sounds like Pronk is a minimum of 10 days away from returning, and that's far from a set timetable. The DH has badly burned fantasy owners this year, but the hope is that he can return and make up for his awful two months of work. |
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| Young back in action | Tuesday 6/10, 5:52 PM CT |
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Michael Young is back in the lineup on Tuesday, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. The shortstop is playing with a broken finger and dealing with a sore groin.
Our View: Fantasy owners can feel free to use Young despite the nagging ailments. |
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| Hamilton cleared to play | Tuesday 6/10, 5:49 PM CT |
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Josh Hamilton has been cleared to play and is in tonight's line-up for the Rangers.
Our View: Hamilton missed Texas' last game due to a viral infection. He claims to be at 90 percent for tonight's game. |
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