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| Snell will probably miss start | Monday 6/23, 11:36 PM CT |
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Ian Snell may have his next start skipped, but he is not expected to land on the DL, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Snell has a case of "golfer's elbow" that has him listed as day-to-day. "Probably, he'll only have to miss one start," GM Neal Huntington said. "Hopefully, we can avoid the disabled list."
Our View: John Van Benschoten likely will be recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis to start Friday in place of the injured Phil Dumatrait, but it's not clear who will start for Snell if he isn't able to go. |
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| Johnson likely DL-bound | Monday 6/23, 10:52 PM CT |
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Reed Johnson is likely to be placed on the DL to make room on the roster for Sean Marshall, who will be recalled to start on Tuesday, according to the Chicago Tribune. Johnson hasn't played since last Tuesday because of back spasms.
Our View: The Cubs could use Johnson with Alfonso Soriano still out, but at least the move can be backdated. He would be eligible to return on July 3. |
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| Francis blasted by Royals | Monday 6/23, 10:21 PM CT |
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Jeff Francis was blasted by the Royals for seven runs on seven hits and three walks in 4 1/3 innings Monday.
Our View: Francis had been turning it around until this latest outing. Much like hit team, Francis has been very disappointing this season. |
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| Bergmann strong in losing effort | Monday 6/23, 10:15 PM CT |
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Jason Bergmann allowed only one run on six hits while striking out six over seven innings Monday, but the Nats bullpen couldn't get him a win in a 3-2 loss to the Angels.
Our View: Bergmann has been hit-or-miss this year, but he's hit on his last two starts, allowing just one run in each, though he's lost both. |
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| Haren holds Sox scoreless over seven | Monday 6/23, 9:53 PM CT |
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Dan Haren was nails for the D'Backs Monday, holding the Red Sox scoreless over seven innings while allowing just two hits and a walk with five strikeouts.
Our View: This is the first win on the road for Haren this year. He given up just six runs in five starts this month. |
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| Santana gives up five, but just one is earned | Monday 6/23, 9:28 PM CT |
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Johan Santana allowed five runs (though just one was earned because of a David Wright error) on seven hits and two walks while striking out four over seven innings Monday in a loss to the Mariners.
Our View: Santana's line for fantasy owners ended up being very good, but his won-loss record this year (7-6) has been quite disappointing. |
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| Rhodes nails down save | Monday 6/23, 9:26 PM CT |
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Arthur Rhodes nailed down the Mariners' 5-2 win over the Mets Monday, retiring Carlos Delgado and Damion Easley via the strikeout.
Our View: Sean Green started the inning but left after allowing a run on two hits and a walk. Brandon Morrow is due back tomorrow, but it's possible this successful appearance could make Rhodes third in line for saves behind Morrow and the injured J.J. Putz. |
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| Beltran to run more often? | Monday 6/23, 9:13 PM CT |
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New Mets manager Jerry Manuel would like Carlos Beltran to run more often, according to MLB.com. "It's going to be addressed," Manuel said. "He's going to run into a couple of outs. That's OK." Beltran stole his 11th base (in 12 attempts) of the season Monday. His 88.1 percent success rate is the highest among active players with at least 200 steals. "I don't like to get thrown out," Beltran said when told of his manager's remarks. "I like to push it when I feel I can make it to second base. If it's a 3-1 count and they tell me I have to go, I'll go. But I don't like to get thrown out when I'm on my own."
Our View: We'll have to see if Carlos does end up running more often. If he does, it would obviously make his fantasy owners quite happy. |
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| Prado could begin rehab assignment this weekend | Monday 6/23, 9:02 PM CT |
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Martin Prado could also begin a rehab assignment this weekend, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Prado has missed six weeks while recovering from a partially tore a left thumb ligament.
Our View: Prado could be ready around the All-Star break, but he'll probably stay at Triple-A. |
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| Chipper likely out for Milwaukee series | Monday 6/23, 8:54 PM CT |
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Manager Bobby Cox said that Chipper Jones is likely to miss the entire series with the Brewers, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "He's not ready," Cox said. "You never know with Chip — he could come in one day and say, 'I'm in no matter what.' " Chipper is nursing a strained right quad.
Our View: Chipper can DH this weekend in Toronto, so it seems likely he'll be held out of the starting lineup until then. He's probably available for pinch-hitting duty. |
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| Francoeur fitted for contact lens | Monday 6/23, 8:51 PM CT |
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Jeff Francoeur was fitted Monday for a single contact lens for his right eye, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The outfielder's vision has deteriorated since he was struck in the face by a pitch while squaring to bunt in a 2004 minor league game, and he thinks it might be a cause for the large gap between his stats in day and night games. "We'll see what happens," said Francoeur, who wore the contact lens in Monday night's series opener against Milwaukee. "I'm near-sighted in my right eye a little since I had surgery [for multiple fractures of his right cheek and orbital bone around the eye]. I'm not making excuses, but I feel like I haven't been able to recognize pitches. I've only got to wear it at night."
Our View: Francoeur is a career .292 hitter during the day and a .267 hitter at night, though he was better at night last season (.301, versus a .273 average during the day). You've got to think the lens can only help, so why not give it a shot? |
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| Cameron goes deep in return to lineup | Monday 6/23, 8:39 PM CT |
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Mike Cameron made a successful return to the lineup Monday after missing four games with a hyperextended right big toe. The outfielder had a two-run homer and a walk in four plate appearances.
Our View: Cameron's batting average (.224) is bad (Isn't it always?), but his power numbers (12 homers, 28 RBI) are quite good considering he's played just 41 games. |
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| Sheets dominates Braves | Monday 6/23, 8:36 PM CT |
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Ben Sheets was in top form Monday, limiting the Braves to one run on four hits and no walks while striking out seven in a complete game effort.
Our View: You know the deal with Sheets by now. When he's healthy, he's on the of the best of the game. He's been healthy, and his numbers on the year (9-1, 2.59 ERA, 1.04 WHIP) are outstanding. |
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| Helton will stay in cleanup spot | Monday 6/23, 8:32 PM CT |
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Todd Helton is three for his last 30 and is hitting an un-Helton-like .275 on the year, but manager Clint Hurdle has no plans of removing the veteran from the cleanup spot, according to MLB.com. "Any conversation I have long term," Hurdle said, "I normally have conversations with the players rather than the public. We are of the same opinion that we want to do what's best for the team, what's best for the lineup. I do believe our lineup's dynamic is best with Todd at cleanup."
Our View: Helton's OBP is still over .400, and although his power numbers (seven homers, 27 RBI) are down a bit, this slide is nothing he can't come out of. |
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| Decision looming on Barmes, Baker | Monday 6/23, 7:51 PM CT |
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Clint Barmes and Jeff Baker will both be able to play this week with the DH in play, but once interleague play concludes, the Rockies have a decision to make on who will be their starter at second, according to MLB.com. Barmes played second Monday in his first game back from a sprained knee, while Baker started at DH. "We'll see how he takes it up," manager Clint Hurdle said about Barmes, "and if he's as hot as he was when he left, then we can make the necessary adjustments."
Our View: As Hurdle mentioned, Barmes was red-hot before going on the DL, but Baker has been red-hot of late, winning NL Player of the Week honors last week. Barmes is the better defender at second. Keep a close eye on how these two play over the next few weeks, as the winner of the battle will likely be worth a fantasy roster spot. |
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| Mulder scratched from rehab start | Monday 6/23, 7:03 PM CT |
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Mark Mulder has been scratched from his rehab start for Triple-A Memphis tonight due to back stiffness, according to the AP. He is listed as day-to-day.
Our View: Mulder was in line for a start this weekend in Kansas City, but that presumably won't happen now. At least he wasn't scratched because of a problem with his surgically repaired shoulder. |
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| Johnson's season could be over | Monday 6/23, 6:10 PM CT |
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Nick Johnson could be done for the season, according to the Washington Post. Dr. Richard Berger of the Mayo Clinic recommended that Johnson undergo a diagnostic arthroscopy to evaluate ligaments in Johnson's wrist. The surgery will take place on Tuesday.
Our View: It's possible Johnson could make it back at some point this year, but given his injury history, we're not holding our breath. |
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| Escobar back in the lineup | Monday 6/23, 6:04 PM CT |
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Yunel Escobar is back in the lineup Monday after sitting out a couple games with a strained hip flexor.
Our View: Escobar is batting second in the order and playing short. Gregor Blanco is hitting leadoff. |
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| Marmol finds mechanical flaw | Monday 6/23, 5:53 PM CT |
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Carlos Marmol believes he has found a mechanical flaw in his delivery that has contributed to his recent struggles, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. In watchin videos with Cubs coaches Larry Rothschild and Lester Strode, Marmol believes he is flying open too soon and not staying on top enough with his delivery. ''I see what I'm doing good in my good games, and I think I can fix it,'' he said. ''No, not think it. I'm going to do it.''
Our View: Carlos has given up five runs over his last two games. Considering he gave up only three runs in all of March and April and four in May, there was some cause for concern. Hopefully he will get the problem fixed as he says he will. |
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| Romero sent back down | Monday 6/23, 5:01 PM CT |
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The D'Backs optioned Alex Romero to Triple-A Tucson Monday. He has hit just .229 in 35 at-bats with Arizona this year.
Our View: Romero wasn't getting much playing time despite Byrnes being out. |
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| Byrnes activated from the DL | Monday 6/23, 4:57 PM CT |
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As expected, the D'Backs activated Eric Byrnes from the DL Monday. He had been out with tears in both hamstrings. Alex Romero was optioned to Triple-A Tucson to make room on the roster.
Our View: Byrnes had just one hit in 12 at-bats during his rehab, but the important thing is that his hamstrings are feeling better. Hopefully he'll be able to contribute in the stolen base department without hurting himself again. |
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| Sheets gearing up for 15th start | Monday 6/23, 3:10 PM CT |
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Ben Sheets will make his 15th start of the season tonight against the Braves in Atlanta, according to MLB.com.
Our View: The "Brew Crew" is an MLB-best 21-10 since May 20, and Sheets has only allowed 10 earned runs over 42.2 innings over that span (with no losses inherited to his record). |
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| Snell receives MRI results | Monday 6/23, 2:59 PM CT |
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Ian Snell's MRI has revealed no structural damage to the ulnar collateral ligament, but he has been diagnosed with "golfers elbow," according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Our View: Treatments sometimes include anti-inflammatory drugs, but more often than not rest and elbow support are the best ways to aid the problem. He is listed as day-to-day. The Pirates have not yet decided whether he will skip his next scheduled start, which would be Friday against the Rays.
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| Cameron back in action | Monday 6/23, 2:38 PM CT |
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Mike Cameron is expected to return to the Brewers' lineup tonight against the Braves, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. The veteran slugger missed the last four games with a hyper-extended right big toe.
Our View: He in penciled in to bat sixth in the order, between Corey Hart and Bill Hall. He is only hitting .222, but still holds value in the power department as he has 11 homers over 158 at-bats. |
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| Lannan gets CT scan results | Monday 6/23, 2:29 PM CT |
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John Lannan's CT scan revealed no serious problem in his bruised right wrist, according to the Washington Post.
Our View: The test was negative, so Lannan should be able to make his next scheduled start on Saturday against Baltimore. He is being treated for a soft-tissue contusion. Lannan is only 4-8 over 15 starts but holds a decent 3.34 ERA and 1.29 WHIP. |
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| Baker named NL Player of Week | Monday 6/23, 2:18 PM CT |
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Jeff Baker has been named the NL Player of the Week, according to the AP. Baker hit .435 (10-for-23) over six games last week with seven RBI and four homers, which came in four straight games. He registered a slugging percentage of 1.043 and an on-base percentage of .480.
Our View: He raised his season average to .294 with 21 RBI, and only hit one homer prior to his award-winning week. |
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| Haren has bad luck in Fenway | Monday 6/23, 2:08 PM CT |
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Dan Haren is 0-3 in three career starts at Fenway Park. He hopes to reverse that trend tonight when he squares off against Josh Beckett.
Our View: Haren is 2-0 with a 2.00 ERA in his last four starts but this mathup does not bode well. |
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| Francis looks to continue positive trend | Monday 6/23, 2:03 PM CT |
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Jeff Francis enters his start against the Royals tonight looking for his third win of the month. In 25 innings this month he has a 2.88 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP.
Our View: Francis appears to be rebounding from a terrible first two months. He may be a quality buy low candidate. |
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| Amezaga hopeful for Tuesday | Monday 6/23, 12:51 PM CT |
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Alfredo Amezaga noted that he is hopeful his tight left groin will be healthy enough for him to play Tuesday, but he remains uncertain, according to the Miami Herald. He said, "I'm going to see how it goes."
Our View: Cody Ross should roam center field if Amezaga is not ready to return on Tuesday against the Rays. |
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| Miller sent down | Monday 6/23, 12:36 PM CT |
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Outfielder Jai Miller has been sent back down to Triple-A Albuquerque, according to the Miami Herald. His demotion will free up a roster spot for Josh Willingham, who is expected to be activated from the DL on Tuesday.
Our View: Miller's stint with the Marlins lasted less than 24 hours, and he struck out in his only at-bat on Sunday. |
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| Vizquel's starting job in jeopardy | Monday 6/23, 11:23 AM CT |
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Omar Vizquel is reportedly close to being unseated by Emmanuel Burriss for the starting job at shortstop, according to the Mercury News.
Our View: Vizquel is 41-years old and is only hitting .171 over 105 at-bats, with a .258 OBP. Burriss holds a more starter-worthy .286 average, and would be worth consideration in NL-only leagues if given a chance to play regularly. |
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| Prospect Marrero out for season | Monday 6/23, 11:17 AM CT |
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Nationals' top prospect Chris Marrero will miss the remainder of 2008 due to a broken fibula, according to the Washington Times. He will need surgery to repair the broken bone and ligaments in his ankle. GM Jim Bowden said, "It's disappointing, because he had really come on strong the last month after a slow start. He hit his 10 home runs and was on pace to hit about 25 homers. We'll heal him up and get him back up starting next year."
Our View: The 19-year old first baseman won't be playing for the Nationals as soon as anticipated, but Bowden doesn't believe his development will be compromised by the injury. |
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| Langerhans accepts assignment | Monday 6/23, 11:11 AM CT |
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Ryan Langerhans, who was outrighted to Triple-A Columbus to clear a roster spot for hurler Garrett Mock, has accepted the assignment and will report to the Clippers, according to the Washington Times.
Our View: Langerhans hit .200 with nine strikeouts over 30 at-bats with Washington this season, and holds no fantasy value. |
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| Kearns will begin rehab this week | Monday 6/23, 11:08 AM CT |
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Austin Kearns, who is recovering from right elbow surgery, will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A on Thursday, according to the Washington Times.
Our View: Kearns could be back in the Nats' lineup in time for their series in Cincinnati that begins July 3.
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| Thompson could undergo surgery | Monday 6/23, 11:03 AM CT |
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Triple-A Indianapolis outfielder Kevin Thompson could undergo season-ending surgery on his hand, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View: He had had trouble all season long with a wrist tendon and the hamate bone. He did not make an appearance with the Pirates this season, and held no fantasy value. |
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| Kouzmanoff to return | Monday 6/23, 10:08 AM CT |
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Kevin Kouzmanoff is expected to return to the lineup on Tuesday after missing the previous six games with a sore back, according to the San Diego Tribune.
Our View: Kouzmanoff has a .263 batting average to go with 10 home runs and 33 RBI to this point, but has always been a good play in the 2nd half. In the 2nd half on '07 he hit .317 with 11 home runs and 37 RBI in 73 games. |
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| Doumit could pinch-hit Tuesday | Monday 6/23, 10:05 AM CT |
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Ryan Doumit, who is recovering from a mild concussion, was symptom-free on Sunday, and could serve as a pinch-hitter on Tuesday against the Yankees, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View: Doumit also believes he may be able to return to full duty on Wednesday, barring a setback. |
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| Carpenter on 60-day DL | Monday 6/23, 9:55 AM CT |
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Chris Carpenter was moved to the 60-day disabled list to make room for minor league call-up Nick Stavinoha, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View: Despite positive news from Dr. James Andrews last week, Carpenter's return has been moved to late in the season, if at all, as opposed to the previously predicted All-Star break. |
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| Church could return by weekend | Monday 6/23, 9:48 AM CT |
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Interim manager Jerry Manuel commented that he hopes to have Ryan Church back in the Mets' lineup by this weekend's series against the Yankees, according to the NY Post.
Our View: He is recovering from post-concussion syndrome, and will take batting practice before tonight's game with Seattle. He will then play in one or two games with Single-A Brooklyn prior to his return. |
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| Schneider expected to rest | Monday 6/23, 9:33 AM CT |
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Brian Schneider is expected to rest for a few more days to nurse his bruised left hand, according to the NY Post.
Our View: Ramon Castro should handle the catching duties while he rests. Schneider could return on Tuesday, at the earliest. |
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| Alou may not return | Monday 6/23, 9:28 AM CT |
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Acting manager Jerry Manuel stated that Moises Alou might not return to the Mets this season, and may even decide to retire at 41-years old, according to the NY Post. Manuel said, "I think he's determined to get back this season. I do believe that if this happens in the fashion that it happened before, I think he'll have some serious problems, and he'll head to the house."
Our View: Alou has already been sent to the DL three times this season, with his latest trip due to a strained left calf. |
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| Castillo will not play Monday | Monday 6/23, 9:23 AM CT |
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Luis Castillo will miss Monday's game against Seattle due to a sore left quad, according to the NY Post. Acting manager Jerry Manuel said, "I don't see Luis moving as well as I'd like to see him move right now. I know he's not quite 100 percent, and we're going to do what we can to keep him fresh."
Our View: Manuel also did not rule out a trip to the DL for Castillo, who battled several ailments this season. Damion Easley will continue to roam second base while he is out of action. |
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| Nix arrested | Monday 6/23, 9:16 AM CT |
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Brewers' minor league outfielder Laynce Nix has been arrested on Saturday on suspicion of drunk driving, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. He claimed his innocence and said, "I was charged with this, but everything is pending. I passed the field sobriety tests and no way was I impaired."
Our View: Nix was batting .267 with 10 homers and 35 RBI with Triple-A Nashville, and did not make an appearance with Milwaukee. |
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| Kuroda update | Monday 6/23, 9:11 AM CT |
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Skipper Joe Torre noted that the Dodgers will wait until after Hiroki Kuroda's bullpen session on Wednesday before deciding whether he would come off the DL and return to the rotation on Saturday, according to the LA Times.
Our View: He is recovering from right shoulder tendinitis. If the team waits to activate him, Chan Ho Park would get another spot start on Saturday. |
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| Nomar plans to resume activities | Monday 6/23, 9:07 AM CT |
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Nomar Garciaparra plans to resume baseball activities on Tuesday, according to the LA Times. That would be five days after his physical therapist advised he rest his strained calf for 10 days. Manager Joe Torre said, "Nomar decided. This is something that has been tough to get a grip on. You have to rely on how he feels. The whole thing is his call."
Our View: He is eligible to come off the DL on June 25, but the team did not specify when he is expected back. |
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| Mulder could return against Royals? | Monday 6/23, 8:44 AM CT |
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The Cardinals are projecting Mark Mulder, who is recovering from left rotator surgery, to start in the rotation in next weekend's series against the Royals, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View: His return will depend on a successful light outing tonight with Triple-A Memphis. |
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| Marshall will start Tuesday | Monday 6/23, 8:12 AM CT |
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Sean Marshall will be recalled from Triple-A Iowa to start Tuesday against Baltimore in place of the injured Carlos Zambrano, according to the Daily Herald.
Our View: He will likely make two starts while Zambrano is out. He surrendered eight hits, seven walks, and four earned runs over 8.2 innings with the Cubs this season, and isn't worth fantasy consideration during a short stint in the rotation. |
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