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| Blanton falls to 3-9 | Thursday 6/12, 11:45 PM CT |
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Joe Blanton lost his ninth game of the season thanks to a grand slam by Hideki Matsui as the Athletics lost 4-1 on Thursday night.
Our View: Blanton only allowed four runs in 6.2 innings, and despite the 3-9 record his ERA is still solid at 4.23. Unfortunately he has given up 111 hits in just 100 innings which has lead to more baserunners than one would like. Blanton is solid, but clearly not a difference maker. |
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| Livan battered by Tribe | Thursday 6/12, 9:55 PM CT |
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Livan Hernandez was abysmal on Thursday allowing 12 hits and seven runs to the Indians in his fourth loss of the season.
Our View: If you had Livan in there today, you just haven't been paying attention as Livan has done his best pitching machine impersonation over his last five starts allowing at least five runs in each outing (good for a 11.10 ERA). |
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| Rollins back in the groove | Thursday 6/12, 9:51 PM CT |
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Jimmy Rollins had two hits on Thursday which led to a run scored and his 12th stolen base of the season.
Our View: Rollins has hits in 5-straight games, though in the previous four games he had only one hit. Still, it's nice to see him healthy and running again. Don't worry, the swing is almost back where it needs to be. |
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| Hermida treading water | Thursday 6/12, 9:48 PM CT |
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Jeremy Hermida went 1-for-3 on Thursday leaving his batting average at a middling .257.
Our View: Hermida has been unable to translate that sweet swing into any type of consistent production for the Marlins this year. If you've held on to him this long you might as well wait a bit longer, but if you are waiting for a breakout mirroring what he did in the second half last year (.340-10-36), you're likely going to be disappointed. |
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| Olsen loses, still pitches well | Thursday 6/12, 9:44 PM CT |
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Scott Olsen allowed two runs, one earned, in picking up his third loss of the season on Thursday. Olsen walked only one with seven strikeouts, but he faced a hot Jamie Moyer who pitched a shutout for eight innings.
Our View: Oslen has looked good as new his last two starts with 12 K and only two BB allowing just one earned run in 13 innings as he appears to have overcome the dead arm issues he was dealing with. |
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| Moyer dominates Marlins on two hits | Thursday 6/12, 9:41 PM CT |
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Jamie Moyer had a no-hitter into the sixth inning and ultimately held the Marlins scoreless for eight innings to pick up his seventh win.
Our View: Moyer eventually allowed two hits and a walk, but as he has done for most of his career, Moyer baffled hitters on this night with a series of slow, and slower, offerings. With the offense behind him he is a solid bet for wins, but he offers nothing in the strikeout department and little help in the ratio categories. |
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| Glaus powering the ball | Thursday 6/12, 9:34 PM CT |
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Troy Glaus hit his eight long ball of the year on Thursday but it wasn't nearly enough as the Cardinals lost 6-2 to the Reds.
Our View: With Albert Pujols on the shelf, the club sorely needs Glaus to step up and fill a run producing void in the middle of the lineup. He has gone deep five times in his last 11 days, so his bat is warming up at the perfect time. |
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| Phillips keys Reds victory | Thursday 6/12, 9:31 PM CT |
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Brandon Phillips knocked in three runs for the Reds on Thursday on a bases loaded triple that broke open a close game in the seventh inning.
Our View: Phillips has struggled to keep the batting average respectable (.269), but the rest of his offensive line has been solid with 12 home runs, 11 stolen bases and 40 runs scored. |
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| Arroyo rebounds in six solid innings | Thursday 6/12, 9:26 PM CT |
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Bronson Arroyo rebounded from two poor starts last week to pitch beautifully on Thursday night as he worked six scoreless innings against the Cardinals. He also went 2-for-2 at the plate with his first home runs of the season.
Our View: Arroyo continues to confound with solid strikeout numbers (75 in 79.2 innings), but an abysmal WHIP (1.60). The big culprit has been batters amazing .375 BABIP off Arroyo this season. When that number regresses, Arroyo's performance should improve. |
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| Pineiro solid in first start back | Thursday 6/12, 9:22 PM CT |
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Making his first start since May 20th, Joel Pineiro held the Reds to two runs over five innings to pick up a no-decision. Pineiro struck out six and only walked one while needing just 69 pitches in the outing.
Our View: The Cardinals desperately need some good news, and tonight it came in the form of the right arm of Pineiro who showed no ill effects from the groin injury that sidelined him. |
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| Could Upton be demoted? | Thursday 6/12, 8:20 PM CT |
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Justin Upton is really struggling hitting only .140 with 43 K over his last 93 AB, and there are internal debates going on in the D'backs front office over whether or not Upton should be sent to the minors to work on his problems, according to the Arizona Republic. "Optioning him out isn't that appealing," GM Josh Byrnes said. "We're committed to him for a reason. We believe in him. Obviously for extended stretches he has shown how good he can be."
Our View: Upton has been overmatched of late, not that surprising considering he is only 20 years of age and has such limited experience. We can't see the D'backs sending him down right now, but it certainly is a situation worthy of keeping an eye on. In the least, Upton should be on your bench until he proves he hits his way out of his funk. |
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| Cordero over flu | Thursday 6/12, 8:13 PM CT |
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Francisco Cordero returned to the Reds on Thursday after being unavailable the past two days because of the flu, according to MLB.com. "One guy out of the equation changes the whole bullpen," manager Dusty Baker said. "One guy is one-seventh of your bullpen."
Our View: Cordero has been solid all year and should continue to be so the rest of year given his overpowering stuff. |
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| Hudson treated for dehydration | Thursday 6/12, 7:52 PM CT |
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Tim Hudson held the Cubs to just one run on Thursday before he was treated for dehydration, according to MLB.com. "He couldn't bend his fingers," after being removed from the game Braves manager Bobby Cox said.
Our View: Even if his fingers couldn't bend, Hudson likely would have had a better chance of picking up the win if he had thrown underhand than he did by turning over the game to the team's bullpen. Hopefully Hudson will be able to make his next start, we'll keep you posted. |
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| Werth to serve as backup catcher | Thursday 6/12, 7:48 PM CT |
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Jayson Werth will serve as the Phillies backup catcher the next day or two as normal backup catcher Chris Coste will be away with his wife who just gave birth to their second child, according to MLB.com. "Physically, catching, the physical stuff, I don't think will be a problem," he said. "If anything it will be the game-calling and knowing the hitters."
Our View: Werth was originally drafted as a catcher, so he should be perfectly capable of handling the role if need be. Keep a close on on this situation if your league only requires one outing to qualify at a position. |
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| Giles enjoying third hole | Thursday 6/12, 7:43 PM CT |
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Brian Giles hit a home run, just the fourth of the season, for the Padres on Thursday.
Our View: Since being moved into the third spot in the order Giles has excelled with an OPS over .900 and a batting average of .342 as he has once again become a fantasy relevant outfielder. |
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| DeWitt struggling after big month | Thursday 6/12, 7:41 PM CT |
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Blake DeWitt went 0-for-3 on Thursday and now has just seven hits in his last 37 AB (.189) to drop his average to .281, this after a huge month of May that earned him Rookie of the Month honors.
Our View: With Andy LaRoche with the big league club, DeWitt had better start hitting or he could find himself losing a few at-bats in the short-term and a lot in the long-term when Nomar Garciaparra returns. |
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| Gonzalez continues to excel | Thursday 6/12, 7:36 PM CT |
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Adrian Gonzalez belted his 18th home run of the season while knocking in two runs to push his total to 60 on the year.
Our View: Gonzalez has hits in 6-straight games and hits in 12 of his last 14 outings to raise his average from .279 to .295. After a 30 home run, 100 RBI season, Gonzalez has clearly taken his game to a whole other level this season. |
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| Kuroda looks awful again | Thursday 6/12, 7:31 PM CT |
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Hiroki Kuroda was handed his sixth loss of the season on Thursday as he permitted five hits, four walks and six runs in just 2.1 innings against the Padres.
Our View: This is the second time in three outings that Kuroda has failed to throw three innings while allowing six runs. What makes his recent work so confounding is that these two horrid outings sandwiched a complete game shutout against the Cubs. |
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| Peavy dominates Dodgers | Thursday 6/12, 7:28 PM CT |
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Jake Peavy had a triumphant first effort back as he he hurled six shutout innings against the Dodgers, according to the Associated Press. “I’ve got a long way to go to be where I want to be,” said Peavy. “But I was able to make some good pitches when I had to. I wasn’t asked to grind it out because of the score. I was able to pitch to contact.”
Our View: Peavy needed just 72 pitches while allowing three hits and not walking a single batter. Feel free to activate him if you were waiting to see how he responded to his injured arm. He looked great today. |
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| Lewis drives in three runs | Thursday 6/12, 7:14 PM CT |
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Fred Lewis went 2-for-5 with two runs scored and three RBI for the Giants in their 10-7 victory over the Rockies.
Our View: One of Lewis' hits was his fifth home run of the year as he continues to provide a decent level of overall production for an outfielder in mixed leagues. |
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| Reybolds bombed in loss | Thursday 6/12, 6:56 PM CT |
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Greg Reynolds dropped to 1-4 after getting pounded for 10 hits and eight runs in just 3.1 innings against the Giants.
Our View: Reynolds is now 1-4 with a 6.69 ERA and has appeared to be overmatched at this level. The Rockies could send him back down to work on his game, something that is advisable given his terrible 0.43 K/BB ratio and overall inability to impose his will on hitters. |
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| Wilson earns 19th save | Thursday 6/12, 6:50 PM CT |
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Brian Wilson struck out two batters in an inning of work on Thursday against the Rockies to pick up his 19th save of the season.
Our View: Wilson was blowing 97 mph heat past the Rockies today, and when he is hitting the corners with stuff like that, batters have little chance. Wilson has faced some struggles this season, but he has converted 10-straight save chances for the Giants. |
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| Helton nearing .300 | Thursday 6/12, 6:44 PM CT |
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Todd Helton produced two hits and two runs on Thursday as he raised his average to .297 on the year.
Our View: .278 in April, .287 in May and now .378 in June. Helton owns a career .330 batting average, and has hit at least .320 in eight of the last nine seasons, so it was only a matter of time before the average began to climb. |
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| Sanchez perseveres for win | Thursday 6/12, 6:41 PM CT |
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Jonathan Sanchez needed 109 pitches to make it through five innings, yet he somehow managed to record the win despite allowing seven runs to the Rockies.
Our View: Sanchez is now 6-3 on the year with a strong 8.96 K/9 mark, though he often has days like this where he has difficulty finding the strike zone. This was the first time in seven starts that he allowed more than three earned runs, so look for a bounce back effort from him next time out. |
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| Durham records 2000th hit | Thursday 6/12, 6:36 PM CT |
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Ray Durham recorded two hits and two RBI for the Giants and is now hitting .305 on the year. Durham's second hit was the 2,000th of his career.
Our View: Not a bad little career for Durham who has been hitting pretty darn well of late including a ultra impressive .405 average in June. If he's on waivers, you might consider adding him to your roster while he is hot. |
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| Edmonds comes up big | Thursday 6/12, 6:27 PM CT |
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Jim Edmonds hit a sacrifice fly in the seventh inning and then hit a home run in the ninth inning to send the game into extra innings for the Cubs.
Our View: Believe it or not, Edmonds has actually resembled a major league hitter in June as he is hitting .321 with eight RBI in nine games on the month. |
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| Francoeur goes yard | Thursday 6/12, 6:24 PM CT |
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Jeff Francoeur went deep for the eighth time this season on Thursday on his way to two hits and two RBI for the Braves.
Our View: Jeff was the Braves offense on this day as he produced their only two runs. He continues to do just enough to stay in most fantasy lineups, but his performance thus far still has to be considered disappointing. |
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| Braves on record losing streak | Thursday 6/12, 6:19 PM CT |
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Blaine Boyer might have blown the save in the ninth inning, but it was Manny Acosta who picked up the loss in the 11th inning on Thursday. This was the Braves 21st straight loss in a one run game on the road, tied for the longest streak in major league history, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Atrocious. The Braves might want to look up Gene Garber and see if he still has any bullets in his arm. Acosta is now 3-5 and in his last seven appearances he has two blown saves and four loses, which begs the question of why Bobby Cox keeps sending him out there? |
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| Zambrano goes seven innings | Thursday 6/12, 6:13 PM CT |
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Carlos Zambrano allowed two runs over seven innings on Thursday against the Braves. Zambrano struck out only three batters on the day with three walks to pick up the no-decision.
Our View: Zambrano continues to be unable to punch out batters out as he has had three or fewer strikeouts in six of his last nine starts, an alarmingly low rate for a pitcher who has averaged 196 K the past three years. He doesn't appear to be injured, but perhaps all the innings are starting to catch up to him? |
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| Hudson denied eighth win | Thursday 6/12, 6:04 PM CT |
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Tim Hudson limited the Padres to just one run over 6.2 innings on Thursday, but he picked up a no-decision after Blaine Boyer blew the save in the ninth inning.
Our View: The Braves bullpen simply stinks. Hudson has allowed just two runs over his last two starts, but both times he was saddled with the no-decision when the bullpen blew the game in the ninth inning. |
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| Bourn swipes two bags | Thursday 6/12, 5:25 PM CT |
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Michael Bourn had two hits and stole two bases from the seventh spot in the order for the Astros.
Our View: Bourn has hits in four of his last five games to push his average to .228, its highest mark since April 16th. Still, you are paying a high price for those steals, and for a player with his speed to have only 26 runs scored in 63 games is almost criminal. That's right, he has as many steals as runs scored. |
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| Braun hits, steals two bases | Thursday 6/12, 5:22 PM CT |
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Ryan Braun had two hits, scored a run, knocked on in and stole two bases for the Brewers on Thursday.
Our View: Braun has looked good of late with with 11 RBI over his last 11 games. He hasn't taken the next step this year, but that hasn't stopped him from hitting the ball at a pace that would provide a .290 average with nearly 40 home runs, and most of us could certainly live with that kind of production. |
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| Hart extends hitting streak | Thursday 6/12, 5:19 PM CT |
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Corey Hart had only one hit on Thursday but it was his 10th home run of the year, a three runs shot, for the Brewers.
Our View: Hart has picked up the pace during his current 7-game hitting streak during which time he has four home runs and 11 RBI for the Brew Crew as he is well on his way to rewarding those that drafted him early this season. |
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| Closer struggles in non-save situation | Thursday 6/12, 5:10 PM CT |
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Jose Valverde, pitching a meaningless inning with the game well out of reach, did what many closers do in such situations, he imploded. Valverde allowed three hits and a walk which led to two runs allowed.
Our View: Why is it so hard for closers to pitch when it isn't a save situation? The plate is still the same size, and the ball still has the same number of stitches on it, but runs seem to follow in this situation nonetheless. |
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| Sheets fans nine in seventh win | Thursday 6/12, 5:06 PM CT |
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Ben Sheets struck out a season-high nine batters on his way to picking up his seventh victory of the season. Sheets walked two and allowed seven hits to the Astros in the victory.
Our View: The only thing that ever holds Sheets back from being a legitimate top-20 hurler each season is health. We are a bit concerned that he was allowed to throw 117 pitches, but high pitch counts are common when a hurler is racking up the strike outs. |
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| Young solid in win | Thursday 6/12, 4:37 PM CT |
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Chris Young went 2-for-5 with a run scored and an RBI from the leadoff spot for the D'backs.
Our View: The 12 home runs are great, but the four stolen bases are very discouraging. Toss in a .234 average, and so far Young hasn't been any better than he he was during his rookie season, though that doesn't mean he has been a major disappointment, he just hasn't been able to take the next step and likely won't until he controls the strike zone better. |
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| Santana sizzles in no-decision | Thursday 6/12, 4:33 PM CT |
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Johan Santana was at his dominating best on Thursday striking out 10 D'backs while holding them scoreless over seven shutout innings. Unfortunately, Billy Wagner blew the save in the ninth before Aaron Heilman blew the game in the 10th.
Our View: This was the first time in 10 starts that Johan had struck out nine or more batters, so it was nice to see him return to the level of dominance he has shown in past seasons. There's nothing you can do when the bullpen blows a game, but that doesn't make it any less frustrating. |
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| Haren holds Mets down in no-decision | Thursday 6/12, 4:28 PM CT |
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Dan Haren worked six strong innings on Thursday permitting the Mets to score only two runs in a no-decision. Haren, as always, exhibited tremendous control walking none while striking out five.
Our View: Simply put, Haren is one of the best starters in baseball, and a tremendous number two option for Arizona. Haren has made 14 starts this year and 13 times he has allowed two or fewer walks, which goes a long way to explaining his success. |
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| Wagner blows thirs straight save | Thursday 6/12, 4:23 PM CT |
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Billy Wagner blew his third straight save on Thursday by allowing two runs wasting a tremendous effort by Johan Santana. Wagner's effort resulted in his ERA being pushed to 2.33 after it was at 0.36 just a week ago. The Mets went on to lose in 10 innings to the D'backs, 5-4.
Our View: Ugly. The Mets really don't have any other viable option to turn to, plus, it doesn't make any sense to freak out over 2.1 IP, but the situation certainly bears watching as the Mets simply cannot continue to give away games if they want to make the playoffs this year. |
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| Doumit blasts another homer | Thursday 6/12, 3:48 PM CT |
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Ryan Doumit went 2-for-3 with three RBI in Thursday's 7-5 victory over Washington. Most of the damage came on a two-run homer, which was his ninth of the season.
Our View: He raised his average to .365 over 126 at-bats, and has impressively hit a home run in three straight games, notching four over the span. |
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| Gorzelanny evens up to 5-5 | Thursday 6/12, 3:44 PM CT |
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Tom Gorzelanny allowed three runs on six hits over 5.2 innings in Thursday's exciting 7-5 win over the Nationals, with three walks and six strikeouts.
Our View: It wasn't a great effort, but was good enough for him to even his season record to 5-5. He still holds a poor 6.65 ERA. |
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| Guzman goes 3-for-5 with three RBI | Thursday 6/12, 3:41 PM CT |
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Cristian Guzman went 3-for-5 with three RBI in Thursday's 7-5 loss to the Pirates.
Our View: He has raised his season average to .314, and this was the most RBI he registered in a game, since racking up six on May 3, which was also against the Pirates. |
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| Bergmann handed fourth loss | Thursday 6/12, 3:36 PM CT |
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Jason Bergmann allowed six runs (four earned) on eight hits over 4.1 innings in Thursday's 7-5 loss to the Pirates, with one walk and two strikeouts.
Our View: He falls to 1-4 for the season, with a 5.48 ERA. He has now allowed at least four earned runs in three straight starts, after allowing no runs over a three-start stretch in May. |
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| Pujols officially placed on DL | Thursday 6/12, 3:17 PM CT |
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Albert Pujols has officially been placed on the 15-day DL due to his strained left calf, according to the AP. Pitcher Joel Pineiro has been activated from the DL, as an adjoining move.
Our View: As previously noted, Pujols is expected to miss a minimum of three weeks. |
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| Pineiro activated | Thursday 6/12, 3:14 PM CT |
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Joel Pineiro has been activated from the DL, according to the AP. He has recovered from a strained right groin. Albert Pujols was placed on the DL as well.
Our View: He will return to the Cardinals' rotation tonight against the Reds. He is 2-3 with a 4.50 ERA and passable 1.36 WHIP this season. It would be best to wait to see how he responds in his first start back before considering him for your lineup, specifically for NL-only leagues. |
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| Webb bruised, but not injured | Thursday 6/12, 2:37 PM CT |
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Brandon Webb is a little sore after sustaining a bruise (above his right hip) when struck by a line drive by Carlos Delgado of the Mets, but he is not injured, according to MLB.com. Webb has experienced a decrease in velocity on his pitches, but is not concerned, as he stated, "I don't know what to say about it. My arm doesn't hurt as of yet, so I'm not concerned. I think all pitchers, over the course of the year, go through a span where they have a dead-arm period, and I think that's what this is. I don't know, we'll see."
Our View: Manager Bob Melvin isn't concerned either, and noted that a decrease in velocity at points during a season is common. His next start is scheduled for Tuesday, and he will get an extra day to rest as the team has an off day Monday. |
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| Boone leaves with injury | Thursday 6/12, 1:55 PM CT |
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Aaron Boone was forced out of action today in the sixth inning against the Pirates due to a strained neck, according to the AP.
Our View: Dmitri Young took over at first base following Boone's exit. We will keep you post regarding the severity of the ailment. |
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| Thatcher optioned to Triple-A | Thursday 6/12, 1:52 PM CT |
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Left-handed pitcher Joe Thatcher has been optioned to Triple-A Portland, according to the AP. The team activated Jake Peavy from the DL, and Thatcher was seen as expendable to make room on the roster.
Our View: Thatcher was 0-4 over 20.2 innings of relief this season, with 17 earned runs allowed and a 2.03 WHIP. He held no fantasy value prior to his demotion. |
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| Peavy officially activated from DL | Thursday 6/12, 1:48 PM CT |
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Jake Peavy has officially been activated from the DL, according to the AP. The team optioned lefty Joe Thatcher to Triple-A Portland as an adjoining move.
Our View: He has recovered from a strained right elbow, and will return to the rotation today against the Dodgers. He will be on a pitch count of 90, but should be penciled back into your fantasy lineups. |
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| Capps to rest Thursday | Thursday 6/12, 1:30 PM CT |
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Manager John Russell stated that he will rest closer Matt Capps for Thursday's finale against the Nationals, according to MLB.com. Capps has pitched in four games in as many days, and Russell doesn't want to push him one more day.
Our View: Capps has nailed down 16 saves, which ranks fourth highest in the NL, with a 0.98 WHIP. Russell will go with Tyler Yates, Damaso Marte, and John Grabow for the late-inning duties. Any of the three could be used in a save situation, and who gets the call will be dictated by the progression of the late innings. |
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| Alou could return to DL? | Thursday 6/12, 1:21 PM CT |
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Moises Alou is still being bothered by tightness in his left calf and commented that a return trip to the DL is a possibility, according to MLB.com. He underwent an MRI on Wednesday, and the results are yet to be determined.
Our View: He feels a few days away from returning to the lineup due to soreness, and isn't optimistic about playing at all during the Mets' current homestand. |
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| Hardy to have shoulder checked out | Thursday 6/12, 1:12 PM CT |
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J.J. Hardy traveled back to Milwaukee to have his ailing left shoulder evaluated by team doctors, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Hardy re-aggravated his left shoulder catching a throw in from the outfield Wednesday night. When he picked up a bat after the fifth inning of action, he said if felt like "it was 1,000 pounds" because he had a "dead arm." The official diagnosis was irritation in Hardy's shoulder, the same one he had surgically repaired in 2004, and ended his season at Triple-A Indianapolis. It isn't known yet if the current injury is related to that torn labrum. Hardy is unsure how much time he will miss but said, "I don't know. We'll see what the doctor says, but I feel like I can play today (Thursday). I think the fact that we don't know exactly what it is is annoying because it's been lingering for a while."
Our View: It is encouraging news that he felt like he could have played today, but the team will remain cautious with their young star shortstop. We will keep you posted on his status. |
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| Lo Duca could return from DL | Thursday 6/12, 1:04 PM CT |
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Paul Lo Duca could return from the DL this weekend, according to the Washington Times.
Our View: His broken right hand has healed quickly, and he deems he is ready to play. Lo Duca would share the catching duties with Jesus Flores upon his return. Lo Duca could also see time as a DH during inter-league play in AL parks. |
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| Perez could land on the DL | Thursday 6/12, 12:57 PM CT |
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Odalis Perez could land on the DL due to shoulder tendinitis, according to the Washington Times.
Our View: Perez missed his last outing due to the shoulder ailment, and he wont be ready to make his next scheduled start for Saturday either. If placed on the DL, it could be retroactive to June 4, meaning he could still return to the Nationals within another week or so. Tyler Clippard is believed to make another spot start in his place on Saturday. |
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| Kemp has suspension reduced | Thursday 6/12, 12:51 PM CT |
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Matt Kemp's suspension for his altercation with the Rockies has been reduced to two games, according to the LA Daily News.
Our View: It has been reduced from the original four games, and he will begin serving the suspension today. |
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| Clippard will start Saturday | Thursday 6/12, 12:43 PM CT |
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The team has stated that Tyler Clippard will make another spot start on Saturday, according to MLB.com. He will cover for Odalis Perez, who could ultimately land on the DL. Perez hasn't pitched since June 3, due to shoulder tendinitis, and has already missed a start because of the injury.
Our View: Clippard allowed three runs on five hits over 4.1 innings in his Nationals' debut on Monday. He does not merit fantasy consideration. |
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| Tomko DFA by Royals | Thursday 6/12, 12:32 PM CT |
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Brett Tomko has been designated for assignment by the Royals, according to the Kansas City Star. Right-handed pitcher Carlos Rosa has been recalled from Triple-A Omaha as an adjoining move.
Our View: Tomko went 2-7 this season with a 5.93 ERA and 1.53 WHIP, and held no fantasy value prior to his designation. |
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| Hart optioned | Thursday 6/12, 12:23 PM CT |
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Right-handed pitcher Kevin Hart has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa, according to the AP. Infielder Micah Hoffpauir has been recalled from Iowa as an adjoining move.
Our View: Hart was rocked for 13 earned runs and 23 hits over 17.2 innings with the Cubs this season. He also issued 13 walks. He held no fantasy value prior to his demotion. |
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| Hoffpauir recalled from Triple-A | Thursday 6/12, 12:17 PM CT |
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Infielder Micah Hoffpauir has been recalled from Triple-A Iowa, according to the AP. The team also optioned right-handed pitcher Kevin Hart to Iowa.
Our View: Hoffpauir hit .421 over 19 at-bats in his previous stint with Chicago this season. He is expected to start as the Cubs' DH when they play the Jays on Friday in Toronto, and could see regular time in that role during inter-league play at AL parks. |
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| Soriano placed on DL | Thursday 6/12, 12:09 PM CT |
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Alfonso Soriano has been officially placed on the 15-day DL due to his broken left ring finger, according to the AP. The team recalled Eric Patterson from Triple-A.
Our View: He is expected to miss 4-6 weeks of action, but the team will know for sure when he has his splint removed in three weeks. Reed Johnson and Jim Edmonds should both play regularly now while he is out. |
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| Anderson sent down | Thursday 6/12, 11:18 AM CT |
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Outfielder Josh Anderson has been sent down to Triple-A Richmond, according to Rain-Delay.com. The team replaced him on the roster with Brandon Jones.
Our View: Anderson fared well in limited action with Atlanta, as he held a .318 average over 22 at-bats, with two RBI. He will now have to wait for another chance to prove his worth with the club. |
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| Ridgway recalled from Triple-A | Thursday 6/12, 11:14 AM CT |
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Pitcher Jeff Ridgway has been recalled from Triple-A Richmond, according to Rain-Delay.com.
Our View: Ridgway allowed one hit over two brief innings with Atlanta this season, with two strikeouts. |
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| Hardy out with sore shoulder | Thursday 6/12, 11:02 AM CT |
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J.J. Hardy is out for Thursday action against the Astros due to a sore left shoulder, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The ailment flared up on him last night, and has been lingering through the course of the season.
Our View: Craig Counsell will cover shortstop in his place. The team did not state when Hardy will return. |
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| Isringhausen to throw Friday | Thursday 6/12, 10:55 AM CT |
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Jason Isringhausen is scheduled to throw on Friday in front of the Cardinals' brass, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. If that goes favorably, he could be activated from the DL as early as this weekend. He noted that his mechanics are corrected, and his confidence restored.
Our View: He deemed himself ready to return to the Cardinals' bullpen when he returns, if not right away as the closer. |
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| Pujols injury update | Thursday 6/12, 10:46 AM CT |
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The left calf injury suffered by Albert Pujols is believed to be no worse than a moderate strain, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. It was initially believed that he had a complete tear, but the team is relieved the injury is not as bad. GM John Mozeliak said, "I think based on what we first feared, this is extremely good news. To lose arguably the game's best hitter for any amount of time is tough to take. But the fact we're talking weeks and not months is encouraging."
Our View: He is still expected to miss a minimum of three weeks, but fantasy owners should be very pleased that he avoided a much more serious injury. |
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| Willingham could return in 10-14 days | Thursday 6/12, 10:39 AM CT |
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The Marlins project to get outfielder Josh Willingham back in about 10-14 days, according to MLB.com.
Our View: He went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in his first rehab start, and has been on the DL since May 2 due to a lower back strain. He held a .341 average over 25 games, with six homers this season. |
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| Andino recalled from Triple-A | Thursday 6/12, 10:31 AM CT |
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Infielder Robert Andino has been recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque, according to MLB.com. Struggling outfielder Jacque Jones has been designated for assignment, and Andino fills his spot on the roster.
Our View: The addition of Andino gives the team more flexibility to use Alfredo Amezaga in the outfield. The 24-year old Andino is talented, but won't see enough action to merit fantasy consideration, however. |
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| Jones designated for assignment | Thursday 6/12, 10:27 AM CT |
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Jacque Jones has been designated for assignment by the Marlins, according to MLB.com. The team recalled infielder Robert Andino from Triple-A Albuquerque as an adjoining move.
Our View: The 33-year-old left-handed hitter was brought in to platoon with Cody Ross in center field, but Jones hit just .108 (4-for-37) with two RBI in 18 games for the Marlins. He has 10 days to clear waivers, which would make him eligible for free agency.
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| Keppinger 7-10 days from returning | Thursday 6/12, 10:21 AM CT |
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Team GM Walt Jocketty commented on Wednesday that Jeff Keppinger is around 7-10 days away from returning to Cincinnati, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Manager Dusty Baker said, "There's a lot Kepp has to do. You don't want his legs to fatigue. That's when you pull stuff. You want to make sure everything's back together before they get here."
Our View: The team has a need at shortstop following the loss of Jerry Hairston Jr, but Keppinger will not be rushed in his rehab. Keppinger was hitting .324 over 39 games this season, with three homers and 21 RBI, and is worth waiting for in NL-only leagues. |
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| Brandon Jones could be dealt? | Thursday 6/12, 10:14 AM CT |
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There is speculation that outfielder Brandon Jones has been called up from Triple-A to show off his talent to set him up for a potential trade, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
Our View: Josh Anderson was optioned to Triple-A to make room for Jones, which was viewed as a surprising swap of outfielders. Manager Bobby Cox defended the move by saying that the team wanted to have the option of using Jones in left field and letting Greg Norton see some time at first base, so Mark Teixeira could be used as a DH during next week's interleague slate. |
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| Horwitz could make two starts? | Thursday 6/12, 9:32 AM CT |
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Brian Horwitz has been handed more playing time since his call up, and Manager Bruce Bochy said he may start two games versus Oakland against a pair of left-handed pitchers this weekend, according to the SF Chronicle. The Giants will be facing Oakland lefties Greg Smith and Dana Eveland. Bochy added, "Brian is swinging the bat well. It's hard not to get him at-bats against lefties."
Our View: Horwitz is hitting .429 over nine games, with two homers and four RBI. He is worth consideration for your lineups this weekend if you need help in your outfield. |
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| Durham considering retirement | Thursday 6/12, 9:27 AM CT |
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Ray Durham is considering retirement after his 2008 campaign, according to the SF Chronicle. He said, "I don't know if I will retire after this season. I really have to sit down and think of things. I know it's the last year of my contract. More than that, I've missed a lot of my kids' growing up. That's what's going to be weighing on my mind in the offseason."
Our View: Durham will turn 37-years old in November, and the team will have a slew of talented young players fighting for the second base role in 2009 with Eugenio Velez, Travis Denker, and Kevin Frandsen, if healthy. |
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| Webb may be dealing with dead arm? | Thursday 6/12, 9:16 AM CT |
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Brandon Webb experienced decreased velocity in his last start in which ended after five innings, and stated on Wednesday that he may be going through a "dead arm" period, according to the Arizona Republic. Webb added, "Yeah, it doesn't hurt. Maybe a dead-arm period or something like that. Like I said, it doesn't hurt, so it's tough to tell. Everything feels good."
Our View: The team is hopeful he will bounce back refreshed in his next start on Tuesday against Oakland. He will be getting an extra day of rest with Monday's off day. Fantasy owners shouldn't be concerned unless he continues to struggle in his next start. |
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| Peavy will be on soft pitch count | Thursday 6/12, 9:05 AM CT |
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Jake Peavy will be on a soft pitch count of 90 when he returns from the DL today on Thursday, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Manager Bud Black said, "We've got to see how the game goes."
Our View: Peavy has recovered from a strained right elbow. The Padres' ace should be in your fantasy lineups, regardless of a pitch count. |
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