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| Hunter posts two doubles | Tuesday 6/17, 11:57 PM CT |
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The Angels put in work against the Mets this evening, winning 6-1 in interleague action. The offensive kind of the night was outfielder Torii Hunter , going 2-for-3 with a walk and two doubles to total two RBIs and one runs scored on the night.
Our View: Hunter was hitting just .218 for the month of June coming in though he has hits in 11 of 15 games thus far. |
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| Santana takes the loss vs Angels | Tuesday 6/17, 11:53 PM CT |
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The Mets, like many of their NL brothers, found interleague play to be none too rewarding this evening, falling 6-1 to the Angels. LHP Johan Santana picked up the loss, going six innings to surrender five runs (four earned) on eight hits, surrendering two walks with five strikeouts.
Our View: Santana now carries a record of 7-5 with an ERA of 3.04, suffering his second loss in three starts (with a no-decision in between). |
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| Punto could return next week | Tuesday 6/17, 11:46 PM CT |
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The Twins are reporting infielder Nick Punto could be back in action as early as Tuesday, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Manager Ron Gardenhire said Tuesday that Punto, who is currently on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring, played in an intrasquad game in Fort Myers, Fla., earlier in the day. Punto is set to begin a rehab assignment for Class A Fort Myers on Thursday. The plan is to have Punto play three full games for the Miracle and if everything goes well, he will join the team for the series with the Padres. He is eligible to come off the DL on Saturday. |
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| Bay out with stomach bug | Tuesday 6/17, 11:37 PM CT |
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Pittsburgh outfielder Jason Bay was out of the lineup for the Pirates tonight, a late scratch due to a stomach virus, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Our View: The team believes it is not serious and he could return to the field tomorrow. |
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| Thome moves into 16th place for career HRs | Tuesday 6/17, 11:33 PM CT |
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While the White Sox are enjoying the 16-5 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates, the seamheads of the world are applauding designated hitter Jim Thome . Hitting his 14th home run of the season also puts Thome at 521 career homers, moving the veteran swinger into a tie with Willie McCovey and Ted Williams at 16th on the all-time home run list.
Our View: You tend to forget Thome has been around for so long, and now he sits among the great names of the game. |
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| Ellis leads A's to 15-1 win | Tuesday 6/17, 11:31 PM CT |
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Mark Ellis set the table and then some at the top of the A's order Tuesday, going 3-for-4 with a double and a pair of homers in a 15-1 spanking of the D'Backs. The second baseman scored four and drove in four on the night.
Our View: Ellis is always an underrated fantasy option at second. He is hitting .339 with four homers and 12 RBI this month. |
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| Duchscherer's continues to excel as starter | Tuesday 6/17, 11:26 PM CT |
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Justin Duchscherer outdueled Brandon Webb Tuesday, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out six over eight innings.
Our View: Duch's move to the rotation this year has gone exceptionally well, as he holds a 2.08 ERA over 11 starts. |
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| Bowie transferred to 60-day DL | Tuesday 6/17, 11:23 PM CT |
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The Rockies transferred Micah Bowie to the 60-day DL Tuesday to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Doug Bernier. Bowie is coming back from a left forearm injury.
Our View: Bowie holds a 9.64 ERA in five rehab appearances, and he's allowed 10 hits in 4 2/3 innings, which suggests that he's not ready to come back anytime soon. He'll likely stay at Triple-A Colorado Springs for a while after his 60 days are up. |
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| Reynolds looks good in Rockies' win | Tuesday 6/17, 11:14 PM CT |
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Greg Reynolds picked up his second win of the season Tuesday, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out four over six innings in a 10-2 win over Cleveland.
Our View: The Rockies promoted the 22-year-old Reynolds aggressively this year, bringing him up from Triple-A even though he had just a 4.86 ERA in seven starts. He has taken his lumps, as he managed to lower his ERA to 5.98 after this outing. His value right now lies primarily in keeper leagues. |
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| Sox score 16, led by Cabrera | Tuesday 6/17, 10:59 PM CT |
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With 16 runs on the board, it was easy to see how the Chicago White Sox were going to put an end to the night for the Pittsburgh Pirates, winning 16-5. Four different players posted three RBIs on the night, including designated hitter Jim Thome (2-for-4), outfielder Jermaine Dye (2-for-4), and third baseman Joe Crede (2-for-4). However, the top dog of the night was leadoff man Orlando Cabrera , going 3-for-4 with his 13th double and his 5th homer of the season to total three RBIs and two runs scored.
Our View: Cabrera was hitting .333 for the month of June coming in, touting nine RBIs along the way. He's improved both numbers what appears to be one of his best offensive months ever. |
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| Michaels drives in two | Tuesday 6/17, 10:53 PM CT |
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The Pirates couldn't conjure enough offense or pitching this evening, resulting in a disappointing 16-5 loss to the Chicago White Sox. For the Pirates, outfielder Jason Michaels did what he could to help the cause, going 1-for-4 with a double to total two RBIs and one run scored on the night.
Our View: Michaels is hitting just .276 through June but has already doubled his run production over the month before, now touting 17 RBIs through June versus the seven he posted last month. |
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| Bonderman set for surgery | Tuesday 6/17, 10:52 PM CT |
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Jeremy Bonderman will undergo potentially season-ending surgery on June 30 to repair thoracic outlet syndrome, according to MLB.com. The Tigers will wait until after the surgery to give a timetable for a potential return for the righty.
Our View: It's pretty safe to go ahead and cut Jeremy loose. It's not as if he was providing much fantasy value while he was healthy, anyway. |
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| Izzy hurls scoreless frame Tuesday | Tuesday 6/17, 10:47 PM CT |
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Jason Isringhausen worked a scoreless inning Tuesday in his first outing since being activated from the DL.
Our View: It's not clear at this point when, or if, Izzy will regain his closer gig. He will likely pitch in a setup role initially and could get his old job back if he shows he is over his funk. |
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| Reyes injures leg | Tuesday 6/17, 10:45 PM CT |
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Jose Reyes was forced to leave the Mets game on Tuesday night in the first inning due to an apparent left leg injury, according to the Associated Press. Damion Easley pinch ran and stayed in the game to play shortstop.
Our View: Reyes appeared to tweak his left hamstring, and was visibly upset when he was removed from the game by interim manager Jerry Manuel. We will update you when more details become available. |
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| Zumaya will be activated on Friday | Tuesday 6/17, 10:39 PM CT |
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Joel Zumaya threw a successful side session Tuesday, and he will be activated from the DL on Friday when the Tigers travel to San Diego, according to MLB.com. He is coming back from right shoulder surgery.
Our View: Joel has been hitting triple digits on the radar gun during his rehab, so it appears as though he's made a full recovery. He isn't likely to close this year, as Todd Jones has done nothing to lose his job, but he will be the early favorite to close next year if he shows he's his old self. |
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| Padilla puts Atlanta on the skids | Tuesday 6/17, 10:32 PM CT |
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Texas RHP Vicente Padilla continues to enjoy a strong '08 campaign, tonight pushing his Rangers to a 7-5 win over Atlanta. Padilla pitched six innings, allowing just two runs (one earned) on two hits with two walks and four strikeouts.
Our View: This brings Padilla to a record of 8-1 over his last 11 starts.
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| Hamilton hits HR #19 vs ATL | Tuesday 6/17, 10:27 PM CT |
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The Rangers enjoyed a strong showing on offense this evening to earn the 7-5 victory over Atlanta, and once again, outfielder Josh Hamilton was the star of the show. Hamilton hit his 19th homer of the season, going deep off Tim Hudson in the first. He added two walks along the way, going 1-for-2 with one RBI and two runs scored.
Our View: Hamilton is just a monster, plain and simple. His average has dipped a bit this month, hitting just .263 through June coming in, but he now touts five home runs on the month with 13 RBIs and 11 runs scored. |
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| Hudson takes the loss | Tuesday 6/17, 10:22 PM CT |
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Atlanta RHP Tim Hudson suffered through a rough outing this evening, taking the loss as his Braves fell 7-5 to the Rangers. Hudson pitched 4 1/3 innings, giving up six runs (all earned) on six hits with two walks and three strikeouts.
Our View: Hudson surrendered just one home run but the flurry of hits in the third led to his demise. He now stands at 7-5 on the season with two losses and three no-decisions over his last five starts. |
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| McCann keeps a hot stick, but Braves fall | Tuesday 6/17, 10:16 PM CT |
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The Braves failed to find success in interleague play this evening, falling to the Texas Rangers 7-5. The offensive effort was led by catcher Brian McCann , going 2-for-4 with his 22nd double of the season as well as his 13th home run of the season, totaling three RBIs and one run scored on the night.
Our View: McCann is now hitting .310 on the season with four homers and 10 RBIs through June. |
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| Kazmir struggles with walks | Tuesday 6/17, 10:06 PM CT |
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Tampa Bay LHP Scott Kazmir didn't go as deep as hoped, but he pitched well overall and helped the Rays get in position to win. Kazmir pitched 4 2/3 innings to allow one run on just three this with four walks and seven strikeouts.
Our View: The struggles with the walks led to bases loaded situation, leading to reliever Grant Balfour coming in to close the door, thus getting the win. This was Kazmir's shortest outing since his first start of the season on May 4th while the four walks surrendered is the highest single-game total he's posted this season. |
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| Longoria goes yard in win over Chicago | Tuesday 6/17, 10:00 PM CT |
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The Rays put the 3-2 win on the board over Chicago, scattering 10 hits over nine batters with third baseman Evan Longoria serving as the top dog. Longoria went 1-for-4 with his 11th homer of the season, totaling one RBI for the effort.
Our View: Longoria came in hitting just .255 through June and had been hitless for three straight games coming into tonight. However, he has tied his home run production from last month (4). |
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| Davies wins third in fourth start | Tuesday 6/17, 9:59 PM CT |
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Kyle Davies had another good outing for the Royals Tuesday, allowing just one run over seven innings to pick up his third win in four starts. He boasts a 1.46 ERA over those four games.
Our View: Davies has 12 strikeouts and 12 walks in 24 2/3 innings, so it might be time to sell high on him. |
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| Dempster gets no decision | Tuesday 6/17, 9:55 PM CT |
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Chicago RHP Ryan Dempster put a strong outing on the mound this evening but the relief effort and the lack of offense led to a lost opportunity. Dempster lasted five innings, allowing just one run on six hits with two walks and six strikeouts.
Our View: Dempster walked with no decision, his second over his last five starts that includes three wins. |
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| Aviles goes deep again | Tuesday 6/17, 9:54 PM CT |
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Mike Aviles hit a solo homer in the eighth inning of Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Cardinals Tuesday. Aviles is now batting .333 with three dingers in 42 at-bats since his recall. His three homers have come over the last five games.
Our View: Aviles has been named the team's starter at short and is proving to be a nice option in AL-only play. Mixed leaguers should take note of what he's done, as well. |
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| Theriot tallies lone RBI for Cubbies | Tuesday 6/17, 9:51 PM CT |
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The Cubs found tought times against the surging Tampa Bay Rays this evening, falling 3-2 in interleague action. Chicago managed just six hits, but only one player managed to post a RBI, that being shortstop Ryan Theriot , going 1-for-3 with a walk and one RBI on the night.
Our View: Theriot came into June hot but has cooled a bit over recent days, going just 2-for-16 with two walks and one RBI over his last four games. |
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| Braun hits two over the boards | Tuesday 6/17, 9:49 PM CT |
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Ryan Braun has his third multi-homer game of the season Tuesday, pounding two over the boards in a 7-0 win over the Blue Jays.
Our View: Braun didn't do a whole lot in April, but he has 15 homers since the beginning of May. |
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| Parra goes seven scoreless | Tuesday 6/17, 9:45 PM CT |
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Manny Parra recovered from a poor outing last week with a superb effort Tuesday, as the southpaw tossed seven shutout innings, allowing four hits and four walks while striking out five.
Our View: Parra can be inconsistent, but overall he's been terrific over the last month. |
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| Huff leads Baltimore to win over Houston | Tuesday 6/17, 9:43 PM CT |
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The Orioles posted 12 hits against the Astros this evening, earning the 6-5 win over Houston in interleague action. The man at the top of the board was designated hitter Aubrey Huff , going 2-for-4 with a walk, a double and his 11th homer of the season, ending with two RBIs on the night.
Our View: That's two homers in two games for Huff, hitting .309 through June. |
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| Billingsley has stellar outing | Tuesday 6/17, 9:41 PM CT |
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Chad Billingsley was marvelous for the Dodgers Tuesday night, limiting the Reds to one run on five hits and three walks while striking out nine over 6 1/3 innings.
Our View: It's good to see Chad get back on track after two rough outings to begin June. |
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| Sherrill gets 23rd save | Tuesday 6/17, 9:39 PM CT |
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As promised, Baltimore LHP George Sherrill was available for closing duties tonight and did just that, earning his 23rd save of the season as the Orioles beat the Astros 6-5. Sherrill closed out the ninth, striking out one with two fly outs, all influenced over just 14 pitches.
Our View: Sherrill now touts six saves through June with a 3.68 ERA. |
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| Lester holds Phils' bats at bay | Tuesday 6/17, 9:35 PM CT |
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Well, it wasn't a no-hitter, but Jon Lester had quite a performance on Tuesday. He held the powerful Phillies offense at bay, tossing seven scoreless innings while allowing six hits and a walk with five strikeouts.
Our View: Lester hasn't allowed more than three earned runs in a start since April, and perhaps more importantly, he has allowed just 2.1 walks per nine innings over his last eight starts. |
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| Matsui drives in three | Tuesday 6/17, 9:34 PM CT |
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Both teams brought hot bats to the field tonight as the Orioles outlasted the Astros, 6-5. Houston was led by second baseman Kazuo Matsui , going 1-for-4 at the dish with his 11th double of the season to total three RBIs on the night.
Our View: Matsui was hitting .341 through June coming in but had driven just one run home. |
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| Morneau homers in win over Nats | Tuesday 6/17, 9:30 PM CT |
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There wasn't a ton of offense to be found, but Minnesota managed to find two runs to take the 2-1 win over Washington, both of those runs being pushed home by first baseman Justin Morneau . Morneau went 1-for-4 at the plate, hitting his 11th home run of the season to post the only RBIs of the game for Minnesota.
Our View: This is Morneau's first homer for June, touting 11 RBIs along the way.
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| Lannan pitches well yet suffers loss | Tuesday 6/17, 9:26 PM CT |
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Washington LHP John Lannan suffered his eighth loss of the season as the Nats fell 2-1 against Minnesota. Lannan pitched seven innings, giving up just two runs (both earned) on five hits with two walks and three strikeouts.
Our View: That's four straight losses for Lannon with no-decision in between, though he's given up just two runs in four of those outings. |
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| Hernandez gets win #7 | Tuesday 6/17, 9:22 PM CT |
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The Nationals and Twins fought through a pitcher's duel this evening, but in the end it was Minnesota pulling the 2-1 win, led by RHP Livan Hernandez . Hernandez pitched seven innings to allow just one run on five hits, giving up no walks but striking out just one.
Our View: This gives Hernandez a 5.51 ERA on the season, rebounding after consecutive losses and three failures in his last six outings before this evening. |
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| Riske sharp in rehab outing | Tuesday 6/17, 9:20 PM CT |
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David Riske struck out all three batters he faced in his one inning during a rehab outing for Triple-A Nashville. "Riske, now there is something to talk about," manager Ned Yost said on MLB.com. "His outing [on Saturday] when he threw the sim game was very impressive. We know he's going to come back. He's back to being [himself]." Riske is coming back from a hyperextended right elbow.
Our View: Depending on how he feels tomorrow, Riske could have one more rehab appearance, or he could make his next appearance for the Brew Crew. |
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| Pettitte dominates Padres | Tuesday 6/17, 9:18 PM CT |
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New York LHP Andy Pettitte was as strong as ever this evening in leading his Yankees to an 8-0 trouncing of the San Diego Padres. Pettitte went seven innings of shutout baseball, allowing just five hits with one walk and nine strikeouts.
Our View: Pettitte now stands at 7-5 on the season but has won four of his last six starts (with no-decisions coming in the others). |
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| Molina could return this week | Tuesday 6/17, 9:15 PM CT |
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Yadier Molina has recovered surprisingly well from his mild concussion, and he could return to the lineup sometime this week, according to MLB.com. The catcher suffered the injury when the Phillies' Eric Brunlett collided with him on Sunday. "The pain in my neck went away," said Molina. "The neck feels fine. My body feels fine. It's just the headaches. I'm going out, going to stretch with the team, try to run out on the field. If I feel fine, a couple of days and I'll be back."
Our View: Molina is still feeling some effects from the concussion, so you can expect that the Cards will use him only in an emergency over the next few games, but it appears at this point that he'll avoid a DL stint. Jason LaRue will be the primary catcher while Molina is out. |
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| Giambi homers twice | Tuesday 6/17, 9:14 PM CT |
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Only three batters failed to post a hit this evening as the Yankees put the Padres to bed, 8-0. The top man of the day in what is becoming an alarming trend over recent weeks was first baseman Jason Giambi , going 2-for-3 at the plate with two home runs on the night, totaling three RBIs.
Our View: This gives Giambi six homers with 13 RBIs through June, hitting .341 for the month. |
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| Headley shows well in first game back | Tuesday 6/17, 9:10 PM CT |
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The Yanks spared no one in tonight's 8-0 victory over the San Diego Padres, laying waste to their interleague foe of the evening. For San Diego, only one player, the recently-recalled outfielder Chase Headley , managed to post multiple hits, going 2-for-4, both singles.
Our View: No Padre managed to hit for extra bases and the score reflects their woes. However, Headley got off to a nice start in his return to the majors and hopes to keep the good vibes going. |
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| Bradley update indicates mild quad strain | Tuesday 6/17, 8:55 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier report, Texas outfielder Milton Bradley has suffered a mild left quad strain, according to the Dallas News.
Our View: Team doctors will re-examine Bradley tomorrow. If he is ok, the team expects he could play. We will update as news becomes available. |
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| Braves will welcome Gonzalez back tomorrow | Tuesday 6/17, 8:49 PM CT |
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The Braves report LHP Mike Gonzalez is ready to return to the major league club, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Gonzalez underwent Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery last year, and now the reliever appears ready to take the mound for the Braves once more. He joined his Braves teammates on Tuesday and will be activated before Wednesday night's game against the Rangers at Rangers Ballpark at Arlington. |
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| J-Johnson progressing, moved to Class A | Tuesday 6/17, 8:41 PM CT |
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Florida RHP Josh Johnson has been moved to Class A Jupiter to continue his rehab efforts, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Johnson is making great strides in his recovery from Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery undergone early last August. Johnson is lined up to make his first rehab start for Jupiter on Thursday night. The game at Roger Dean Stadium will be against the Palm Beach Cardinals, who share the Jupiter, Fla.-based complex with the Hammerheads. If he keeps progressing, there is a realistic chance that he could be activated by the Marlins sometime in July, that being the best-case scenario. However, if he needs a few more weeks, then August would become the time frame. |
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| Bellorin optioned to Triple-A | Tuesday 6/17, 8:32 PM CT |
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The Rockies optioned Edwin Bellorin to Triple-A Colorado Springs Tuesday. He was hitless in two at-bats with the big club.
Our View: With Yorvit Torrealba returning from suspension, Bellorin was no longer needed. |
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| Bernier summoned from Triple-A | Tuesday 6/17, 8:30 PM CT |
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The Rockies purchased the contract of Doug Bernier from Triple-A Colorado Springs Tuesday. Bernier was hitting .225 with five homers and 18 RBI in 160 at-bats with the Sky Sox. He replaces Edwin Bellorin on the roster.
Our View: Bernier will serve as a backup infielder but will likely be sent down when Troy Tulowitzki returns, which could happen later this week. He has no fantasy value. |
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| Bradley leaves with leg injury | Tuesday 6/17, 8:26 PM CT |
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Milton Bradley has left tonight's game against Atlanta with an apparent injury to his left leg.
Our View: The team has not updated his status. When that news comes, we will bring it to you. He was replaced by Brandon Boggs. |
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| Blalock's rehab delayed once more | Tuesday 6/17, 8:15 PM CT |
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Rangers corner infielder Hank Blalock will continue to see his work towards heath delayed, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Blalock had been scheduled to be at Triple-A Oklahoma for rehab games this week, but was instead with the Rangers on Tuesday, fielding grounders and taking batting practice. Manager Ron Washington said Blalock was still experiencing problems with his hands following surgery May 30 for carpal tunnel syndrome. The former All-Star third baseman, who will shift to first base when he comes back, was originally on the 15-day disabled list since April 29 with a torn left hamstring. He recovered from that injury and was preparing for a rehabilitation assignment then before experiencing wrist soreness. Blalock is now scheduled to rehab with Oklahoma for three games starting Saturday. If all goes well, he will rejoin the Rangers for their series in Houston that begins next Tuesday. |
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| Carmona held back due to soreness | Tuesday 6/17, 8:01 PM CT |
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Fausto Carmona threw a three-inning, 50-pitch simulated game at Single-A Mahoning Valley Monday, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. However, when the righty reported to Progressive Field on Tuesday, he complained of soreness in the hip. Indians head physician Dr. Mark Schickendantz will examine Carmona today. Lonnie Solof, Indians head athletic trainer, said a bit of soreness in Carmona's hip was expected, but added, "we're going to proceed with caution."
Our View: Carmona was set to make his first rehab start sometime this week, but that won't happen. We'll continue to update you on his progress. |
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| Crawford to return on Wednesday | Tuesday 6/17, 7:55 PM CT |
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The Rays report outfielder Carl Crawford will return to action on Wednesday, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Today is the final game of Crawford's four-game suspension, earned for his part in the bench-clearing brawl between the Rays and the Boston Red Sox. Crawford reports the break was difficult but has done his legs well, suffering through nagging hamstring and knee issues throughout the early part of this season. He reports the rest has done him well and he now intends to return the give back to the team for letting them down. |
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| Pronk headed to see Dr. Andrews | Tuesday 6/17, 7:53 PM CT |
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Dr. James Andrews will examine Travis Hafner's sore right shoulder on Wednesday, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Hafner, who has been out since May 25, has not responded to strengthening exercises as quickly as the Indians have hoped. "Travis has not responded as we would have hoped," said Lonnie Solof, Indians head athletic trainer. "As such we're going to seek a second opinion with Dr. Andrews. We want him to examine Travis and evaluate our return-to-play plan. We also want to have Dr. Andrews make any recommendations on how we can expedite his return to play." Solof added that it was "unlikely" Hafner would need surgery.
Our View: Pronk has taken some swings but has yet to face pitching. We'll let you know what Dr. Andrews has to say about his shoulder when we receive news. |
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| Sherrill good to go if needed tonight | Tuesday 6/17, 7:42 PM CT |
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Orioles closer George Sherrill is available for use this evening despite reports of an ailing and "dead" arm, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Sherrill was 12-for-12 in save opportunities prior to this past weekend's three-game series with the Pirates; he came out of that series with a blown save and a loss. On Sunday, after the Orioles tied the game in the bottom of the ninth, Sherrill was once again ineffective, allowing the Pirates to take the lead in the 10th and ultimately seal the win. After Sunday's game, the closer said he felt his arm was dead and didn't feel as though he could get anybody out. However, today Sherrill spoke with reporters and says his arm is just fine, stating his words were more out of frustration than pain. Sherrill has appeared in seven of the Orioles' past 12 games, is second in the American League in saves with 22 and is tied for the league lead in appearances this season with 33. |
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| Iwamura to appeal suspension, may cost Rays | Tuesday 6/17, 7:16 PM CT |
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Tampa Bay second baseman Akinori Iwamura reports he plans to appeal his pending three-game suspension, according to the Tampa Tribune.
Our View: Iwamura was set to begin his suspention tomorrow night, but now his appeal will not be heard until early next week. He will be allowed to play while he awaits that hearing. This could be a problem for the Rays, as Jason Barlett's wife is due to give birth any day now, and she will be induced on Wednesday if she has not given birth by then. If Bartlett is out and Iwamura does not start his suspension until that same time, the Rays will be without both of their starting middle infielders. |
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| Barfield to miss 6-8 weeks | Tuesday 6/17, 7:14 PM CT |
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Josh Barfield underwent surgery to repair an injured ligament on the left middle finger on Tuesday and is expected to miss 6-8 weeks, according to the AP. He will return to Cleveland on Wednesday and begin therapy on his hand Friday.
Our View: Jamey Carroll will handle the bulk of the starts while Barfield is out, though Asdrubal Cabrera could possibly earn a recall with a good stretch of play at Triple-A Buffalo. |
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| Looper pushed back a day | Tuesday 6/17, 7:02 PM CT |
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Braden Looper has been pushed back a day in the rotation and will start Wednesday instead of Tuesday. Joel Pineiro switches spots with Looper.
Our View: No reason was given for pushing Looper back, but the Cardinals are likely just giving him an extra day of rest after the righty's shutout his last time out. |
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| Youkilis expected back soon | Tuesday 6/17, 6:55 PM CT |
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Kevin Youkilis hopes to return from his back injury on Wednesday, but the team could play it safe and wait to bring him back on Friday after Thursday's off day, according to MLB.com. "He's better tonight," manager Terry Francona said. "Unless he's really good, I don't know that we would do that [on Wednesday] and take chances of setting him back. We'll see. If he's OK, we could certainly play him."
Our View: Sean Casey is filling in for Youk, but it sounds like the Greek God of Walks should be back shortly. |
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| Hairston making speedy recovery | Tuesday 6/17, 6:45 PM CT |
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Jerry Hairston Jr., recovering from a fractured left thumb, could begin a minor league rehab assignment as soon as next week, according to MLB.com. Hairston began hitting and fielding grounders on Sunday, and after taking Monday off he took batting practice and did more fielding on Tuesday. "As of right now, being a week into it, I feel a lot better than expected," Hairston said. "I'm very pleased. Hopefully, I can be back sooner than later."
Our View: Hairston's speedy recovery is good news for the Reds, who have three shortstops on the DL right now. Jeff Keppinger is likely to beat him back to the lineup, though, so Hairston could come back in a utility role despite how well he performed before getting injured. |
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| Soriano seeking second opinion | Tuesday 6/17, 6:41 PM CT |
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Chicago outfielder Alfonso Soriano will have his broken left hand re-examined on Friday, according to the AP. Soriano was hurt when he was hit by a pitch from Atlanta's Jeff Bennett in the second inning of a game on June 11.
Our View: Soriano hopes to hear a better prognosis for return and believes he could be back before the All-Star break. He will go out on a minor league rehab assignment before being activated from the 15-day disabled list. |
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| Huber optioned to Triple-A | Tuesday 6/17, 6:29 PM CT |
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The Padres optioned Justin Huber to Triple-A Portland Tuesday. Huber batted .246 in 61 at-bats for the Pads.
Our View: We're a little surprised Huber wasn't given more of a chance given the team's offensive woes, but he is headed to Triple-A nevertheless. |
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| Headley gets the call | Tuesday 6/17, 6:26 PM CT |
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The Padres officially recalled Chase Headley from Triple-A Portland Tuesday. Headley, the team's top prospect, was batting .305 with 13 home runs and 40 RBI in 65 games with the Beavers this season. Justin Huber was sent down to make room on the roster.
Our View: Headley will be the everyday left fielder and will look to add a spark to an offense that desperately needs it. He should be added in deeper mixed leagues immediately and is a must-have in keeper formats. |
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| Jones' swing looking much better | Tuesday 6/17, 6:22 PM CT |
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Andruw Jones, who is coming back from knee surgery, has been hitting at Dodger Stadium and reportedly looks better than he has at any point all season, according to the LA Daily News. There is no word yet on when Jones might begin a rehab assignment.
Our View: What, Jones looks better than he did earlier this year while he was hitting .165? Excuse us for not getting overly excited by this news. Jones needs to be ignored for fantasy purposes until he shows he can, in fact, still hit a bit. |
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| Furcal not expected back before break | Tuesday 6/17, 6:18 PM CT |
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Manager Joe Torre told the LA Daily News that Rafael Furcal isn't likely to return from the DL before the All-Star break. Furcal is recovering from a strained lower back.
Our View: This isn't surprising given what we've heard about Furcal's progress (or lack thereof) lately. Angel Berroa will continue to man shortstop until Furcal is ready. |
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| Kuroda to have MRI on shoulder | Tuesday 6/17, 6:14 PM CT |
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Hiroki Kuroda has returned to LA to have an MRI on his right shoulder, according to the LA Daily News. The righty told manager Joe Torre he has had shoulder discomfort for a while. Derek Lowe will start in place of Kuroda tomorrow, while Eric Stults will pitch Thursday and Clayton Kershaw on Friday.
Our View: Perhaps this explains Kuroda's poor performance of late. The News speculates that this doesn't sound like anything major, but you can never take a shoulder injury lightly. |
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| Reyes to make spot start | Tuesday 6/17, 6:11 PM CT |
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Manager Tony La Russa will hold back Anthony Reyes "as much as we can" over the next two games in anticipation of Reyes starting Thursday in place of the injured Todd Wellemeyer, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Reyes picked up the win for the Cards on Sunday, pitching a scoreless 10th inning in relief.
Our View: Reyes was pitching well at Triple-A before his recall, holding a 3.28 ERA and 31/14 K/BB rate in 35 2/3 innings. But then again, he always pitches well at Triple-A and usually struggles in the big leagues. Wellemeyer is expected back next week, so this is expected to be just a spot start for the righty. |
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| Wellemeyer scratched, Reyes to fill in | Tuesday 6/17, 6:07 PM CT |
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Todd Wellemeyer's spot in the rotation will be skipped Thursday, as the righty needs some time to rest his irritated elbow, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Wellemeyer returned from irritation and impingement last week after missing a start but was still experiencing soreness. Anthony Reyes will start in his place Thursday.
Our View: At this point the Cards plan on Wellemeyer returning to the rotation next week. That seems like a pretty optimistic stance. |
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| Carpenter gets good news on elbow | Tuesday 6/17, 6:01 PM CT |
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Chris Carpenter received good news Tuesday when Dr. James Andrews confirmed Cardinals team doctor reports that there was nothing structurally wrong with the right-hander's elbow, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Carpenter, who halted his rehab from Tommy John surgery last week after experiencing pain, said he plans to throw a side session before going back to Florida to extended spring training so he can face hitters. "Everybody is different," Carpenter said. "Unfortunately mine went through pain at 10 ½ months. If I had this issue in February when I first started throwing, there would be no issue. … My ligament and my reconstruction looks good. Everybody reacts differently. It's just a frustrating process."
Our View: The Cardinals are still hopeful that Carpenter will pitch for them sometime this year, but we have our doubts... especially if the team is out of the playoff race at that point. |
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| Weeks says knee is improving | Tuesday 6/17, 5:47 PM CT |
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Rickie Weeks said that his sprained left knee is improving, though his work today was limited to taking ground balls, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Manager Ned Yost said Weeks may not be ready to return from the DL on Sunday when he's eligible, but that it shouldn't be long after that.
Our View: We'll let you know how Weeks fares in his workouts over the next few days. It sounds like he should be back to action sometime next week. |
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| Gagne has another pen session | Tuesday 6/17, 5:44 PM CT |
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Eric Gagne threw his second bullpen session Tuesday since going on the DL with rotator cuff tendinitis, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. He said the session went well, and he will have another one on Thursday, followed by live batting practice on Saturday. He will then go out on a minor league rehab assignment.
Our View: Assuming all goes well, it sounds like Gagne could be back by next weekend or so. But will he have his closer gig upon his return? Saloman Torres has made a case to keep the role. |
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| Hardy expects to be back on Wednesday | Tuesday 6/17, 5:37 PM CT |
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J.J. Hardy isn't in tonight's lineup for the fifth straight game because of an irritated left shoulder, but he expects to be back in there on Wednesday, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Hardy participated in the pre-game workout Tuesday for the first time since being sidelined and didn't have any discomfort. "It felt really good," he said. "Really, it felt better than it has allyear. I could probably play tonight."
Our View: We expected Hardy to be back soon, but it's good to hear that his shoulder is doing so well. Expect to insert him back into your lineup tomorrow. |
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| Wang officially lands on DL | Tuesday 6/17, 5:19 PM CT |
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The Yankees officially placed Chien-Ming Wang on the DL Tuesday. The righty will miss at least six weeks, and likely more, with a mid-foot sprain of the Lisfranc ligament and a partial tear of the peroneal longus tendon in his right foot, according to SportsTicker. Wang injured the foot while running the bases on Sunday.
Our View: It's possible Wang's season is over, though the Yankees hope he can return not long after the All-Star break. Dan Giese will take his spot in the rotation for the time being. |
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| Giese will start on Saturday | Tuesday 6/17, 5:16 PM CT |
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As expected, Dan Giese has been named the starter for the Yankees on Saturday against the Reds, according to the Journal News. Giese holds a 1.23 ERA in 7 1/3 relief innings for the Yanks.
Our View: Giese appeared in 13 games (10 starts) at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this year, boasting a 1.98 ERA. Despite those impressive totals, you should spend much (if any) of your FAAB on the 31-year-old. |
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| Traber recalled from Scranton | Tuesday 6/17, 5:03 PM CT |
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The Yankees recalled Billy Traber from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Tuesday. He replaces the injured Chien-Ming Wang on the roster.
Our View: Traber held a 4.50 ERA in 11 games earlier this year with the Yankees and a 4.07 ERA in 22 games with Scranton, though he also had a nifty 25/8 K/BB rate in 24 1/3 innings at Triple-A. He'll fill a middle relief role. |
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| Hardy missing from lineup again | Tuesday 6/17, 4:54 PM CT |
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J.J. Hardy is not in the lineup again for the Brewers tonight, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. The shortstop has now missed five straight starts with an irritated left shoulder. Craig Counsell started again in his place.
Our View: Hardy is reportedly feeling much better, but clearly he's not quite ready. Perhaps he'll be back in there tomorrow. |
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| Big Papi goes through range of motion exercises | Tuesday 6/17, 4:48 PM CT |
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David Ortiz had a good day with his range of motion exercises Tuesday, according to the Boston Globe. Big Papi, who is coming back from a torn tendon sheath in left wrist, has had the cast removed from his wrist and has three different splints he wears in its place.
Our View: The team's medical staff is optimistic regarding Papi's return, but they will not place a timetable on it. He has yet to swing a bat, so obviously he's not out of the woods yet. |
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| Schilling to have shoulder checked out | Tuesday 6/17, 4:43 PM CT |
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Curt Schilling will have his right shoulder examined tomorrow, according to the Boston Globe. Red Sox manager Terry Francona has said that Schilling has reached a "plateau" in his comeback and been told to shut things down for a while. "It's been a frustrating week for him," Francona said of Schilling.
Our View: Schilling's recovery had been going well until this recent setback. We'll let you know how the exam goes. |
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| Patterson sent back down | Tuesday 6/17, 4:25 PM CT |
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The Cubs optioned Eric Patterson to Triple-A Iowa Tuesday. Patterson hit .143 in 14 at-bats.
Our View: Patterson has yet to have been given a legit chance with the Cubs, even though his minor league track record suggests he could be an asset. |
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| Murton recalled from Triple-A | Tuesday 6/17, 4:23 PM CT |
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As expected, the Cubs recalled Matt Murton from Triple-A Iowa Tuesday. He replaced Eric Patterson on the roster. Murton has three hits in 14 at-bats this year with the Cubbies and a .298 average with one homer in 54 games with Iowa.
Our View: Reed Johnson will continue to get the lion's share of playing time in left while Alfonso Soriano is out, even though in our opinion Murton is a much better option. On days where the opposing team has a lefty on the mound, Murton should get some starts in left, with Johnson sliding over to center. |
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| Griffey out of lineup | Tuesday 6/17, 3:55 PM CT |
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Ken Griffey Jr. is out of Tuesday's lineup due to illness, according to the AP. Manager Dusty Baker said, "He’s looking pretty bad. He’s sick on his night. He called yesterday and said he was feeling bad."
Our View: This was the night picked to honor his 600th home run milestone at the Great American Ballpark. |
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| Webb shooting for 12th win | Tuesday 6/17, 3:50 PM CT |
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Brandon Webb will be shooting for his 12th win of the season tonight when the Diamondbacks host the Athletics, according to MLB.com. Webb faced the Athletics back in 2006 and threw a complete game, while allowing one run on four hits at McAfee Coliseum. Webb is 11-2 with a 2.73 ERA and 1.00 WHIP over 14 starts this season.
Our View: Webb has been nursing a bruised hip, but Manager Bob Melvin isn't concerned, and Webb got an extra day of rest with Monday's off day. |
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| Hudson to start tonight | Tuesday 6/17, 3:41 PM CT |
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Tim Hudson was removed from his last start due to cramps and dehydration, but is set to take the mound tonight against the Rangers, according to MLB.com. The former member of the Athletics is 6-5 with a 4.01 ERA in 16 career starts against the Rangers.
Our View: Hudson had trouble staying healthy this season, but still managed to generate solid numbers, as he holds a 7-4 mark with a 2.76 ERA and 1.14 WHIP, and has only allowed one earned run in each of his last two starts. |
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| Stults recalled from Vegas | Tuesday 6/17, 3:29 PM CT |
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Left-handed hurler Eric Stults has been recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas, according to MLB.com. The team placed Brad Penny on the DL, as a corresponding move.
Our View: Stults was likely brought in to cover Penny's next turn in the rotation, which is Friday against Cleveland. Stults was only 5-6 with a 3.59 ERA through 14 starts for Las Vegas this season, and held a 5.82 ERA and 1.73 WHIP over 38.2 innings with the Dodgers in 2007, and isn't worth acquiring while Penny is out of action.
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| Penny placed on DL | Tuesday 6/17, 3:24 PM CT |
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Brad Penny has been placed on the 15-day DL due to inflammation and tendinitis in his right shoulder, according to MLB.com. In an adjoining move, left-hander Eric Stults was called up from Triple-A Las Vegas.
Our View: The DL move is retroactive to June 14. Stults will likely cover Penny's next scheduled start, on Friday against the Indians. |
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| Kazmir aims to continue dominance | Tuesday 6/17, 3:17 PM CT |
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Scott Kazmir aims to continue his dominance at Tropicana Field when the Rays host the Cubs tonight, according to MLB.com. Kazmir is 4-0 with a microscopic 0.35 over four starts at home this season.
Our View: Kazmir is 6-2 overall with a 1.74 ERA and 0.97 WHIP, and has impressively allowed one or less earned runs in five of his eight starts. |
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