|
| Blanton gets needed win | Tuesday 6/24, 11:58 PM CT |
|
Oakland RHP Joe Blanton got the offensive support and earned a much-needed win over the Phillies this evening as the A's took 'em down, 5-2. Blanton pitched seven innings to allow just one run on four hits with four walks and five strikeouts.
Our View: This is Blanton's first win in five starts, and while he continues to battle to lower walks allowed, he is showing signs of improvement. |
|
|
| Moyer pitches well but Phillies fall | Tuesday 6/24, 11:53 PM CT |
|
Veteran LHP Jamie Moyer suffered another tough loss this evening as the Phillies fell 5-2 against Oakland. Moyer pitched 6 2/3 innings to allow three runs (all earned) on five hits with one walk and nine strikeouts.
Our View: Moyer has been pitching in the majors since 1986, so losses like this won't phase him, but it does taint what has been an otherwise strong month, going 2-2 with just 12 earned runs allowed over five starts. |
|
|
| Doumit is impressive in return | Tuesday 6/24, 11:46 PM CT |
|
Ryan Doumit was impressive in his first game back since his concussion. He went 3-for-5 with a double and home run. He accounted for two RBI as well as 2 runs.
Our View: He's back. Doumit is a one of the top fantasy catchers in the NL for 2008. |
|
|
| Burrell homers in loss | Tuesday 6/24, 11:40 PM CT |
|
Philly and Oakland took to the field to do battle tonight, and in the end it was the A's emerging victorious, 5-2, despite the efforts of outfielder Pat Burrell . Burrell hit his 19th home run of the season, going 1-for-3 with a walk, one RBI, and one run scored on the night.
Our View: Burrell is hitting just .254 for the month of June, but he now carries six homers with 12 RBIs for the month. |
|
|
| Dunn, Ricciardi swapping barbs | Tuesday 6/24, 11:33 PM CT |
|
A reported dispute between Cincinnati outfielder Adam Dunn and Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi has taken an intriguing turn, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Last week, Ricciardi criticized Dunn on a Toronto radio station, accusing the slugger of lacking passion for the game. After reading a transcript of the remarks, Dunn shot back, calling Ricciardi a "clown sitting in the front office pushing paper." Before the Reds played at Toronto Tuesday, Ricciardi said he had taken a call from Dunn on Saturday and apologized for starting the furor. Asked later about the call, Dunn denied it had taken place. Ricciardi now believes he may have been the victim of a prank. |
|
|
| Gagne could be back by Friday | Tuesday 6/24, 11:12 PM CT |
|
Eric Gagne made his first rehab start on Tuesday, according to MLB.com. He threw a one-two-three 14 pitch inning against Triple-A Memphis.
Our View: The Brewers have indicated that the closer could be activated as soon as Friday, however, he will not immediately take over the closing duties from Solomon Torres. |
|
|
| Willingham returns | Tuesday 6/24, 11:07 PM CT |
|
Josh Willingham went 1-for-5 with a spectacular diving catch in his return from the DL. He had missed the previous eight weeks with a back injury.
Our View: He batted cleanup and started in left. The slugger was hitting .341 with six home runs in 25 games before going down. |
|
|
| Lindstrom is demoted | Tuesday 6/24, 11:00 PM CT |
|
Fireballer Matt Lindstrom was sent to Triple-A following Tuesday night's 6-4 loss to Tampa Bay.
Our View: Despite near-100 mph heat, Lindstrom was getting hit hard. He has a 1.93 WHIP in 2008 and opponents are hitting .323 off of him. |
|
|
| Muniz summoned from Norfolk | Tuesday 6/24, 10:43 PM CT |
|
The Mets recalled Carlos Muniz from Triple-A Norfolk after Tuesday's game. He held a 5.14 ERA in six games earlier this year with the club.
Our View: Muniz will pitch in middle relief and will have minimal fantasy value. |
|
|
| Vargas designated for assignment | Tuesday 6/24, 10:40 PM CT |
|
The Mets designated Claudio Vargas for assignment after Tuesday's game. Vargas allowed four runs in two relief innings in tonight's contest. Carlos Muniz will replace him on the roster.
Our View: The Mets will be without a long man in their bullpen now. Vargas actually pitched pretty well for them before tonight. |
|
|
| Marshall not sharp in first start | Tuesday 6/24, 10:30 PM CT |
|
Sean Marshall struck out seven batters in his first start of the year Tuesday, but that's where the good news stops. The tall lefty allowed four runs on seven hits and a walk over 4 1/3 innings, picking up his first loss of the season.
Our View: Marshall will get a chance to redeem himself this weekend when the Cubbies travel to the South Side. |
|
|
| Sheets has been dominant in his contract year | Tuesday 6/24, 10:28 PM CT |
|
Ben Sheets is having an exceptional year and it may be more than a coincidence that he becomes a free agent when the season ends. Sheets told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that he is eagerly anticipating free agency at the end of the season.
Our View: Buyer beware. Sheets has had a history of injury problems and lengthy DL stints, but he will still fetch an absurd price on the open market. Some GM will choose to focus only on this most recent campaign. |
|
|
| Rookie outfielder homers to lead Cards | Tuesday 6/24, 10:22 PM CT |
|
The St. Louis Cardinals managed to post 14 total hits in support of the 8-4 win over Detroit in interleague play this evening, led by the effort of rookie outfielder Brian Barton . Barton went 2-for-3 at the dish with his seventh double and second home run of the season, totaling two RBIs and one run scored on the night.
Our View: Barton has struggled at the plate thus far but now carries four hits over his last eight at-bats, including three RBI earned along the way. |
|
|
| Valverde struggles but picks up save | Tuesday 6/24, 10:22 PM CT |
|
Jose Valverde picked up his 19th save of the season Tuesday, but he didn't do so without a little drama. Houston's closer allowed two runs on a hit and walk but was able to escape with the save thanks to three strikeouts.
Our View: Valverde has a 5.79 ERA this month after a dominant month of May. He's now had one terrific month and two horrible ones thus far. That said, Valverde is not in danger of losing his closer role. |
|
|
| Hermida stays hot | Tuesday 6/24, 10:18 PM CT |
|
Jeremy Hermida extended his hitting to 11 games by going 1-for-2 with three walks in the Marlins loss on Tuesday.
Our View: Keep an eye on Hermida. He's riding a hot streak and many feel he has the talents to be a productive outfielder. If available, he is a solid pick-up in deep leagues. |
|
|
| Looper gets win #9 | Tuesday 6/24, 10:18 PM CT |
|
The Cardinals found another win against the Detroit Tigers this evening, polishing their interleague foe off with a convincing 8-4 final. The mound was covered by RHP Braden Looper , going six innings to allow four runs (all earned) one seven hits with one walk and three strikeouts.
Our View: The bulk of the damage done by Detroit came on three homers surrendered by Looper, the first homers he has allowed since May 27th. He now stands at 3-1 for June with four walks and 15 strikeouts. |
|
|
| Olsen can't buy a victory | Tuesday 6/24, 10:02 PM CT |
|
Scott Olsen gave up just two earned runs over seven innings but left without a victory for the ninth straight game dating back to May 6.
Our View: The young lefty has a 3.44 ERA but a mere 4-4 record for the second place Marlins. |
|
|
| Sanchez hurls Giants to win | Tuesday 6/24, 9:56 PM CT |
|
The Giants fought through to a hard-nosed 3-2 win over the Indians tonight, an offensive effort pushed with just six total hits, only one good for extra bases. The tough work had to be done by LHP Jonathan Sanchez , pitching 7 2/3 innings to allow just one run on five hits with two walks and eight strikeouts.
Our View: Sanchez picked up the win and now sits at 7-4 on the season, touting a 3.98 ERA and a record of 4-1 for the month of June. |
|
|
| Cameron struggles in his second game back | Tuesday 6/24, 9:53 PM CT |
|
Mike Cameron went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts on Tuesday. It was his second game back since injuring his big toe.
Our View: Cameron has 18 whiffs in his last 44 at-bats. |
|
|
| Gorzelanny beats the Yanks | Tuesday 6/24, 9:46 PM CT |
|
Tom Gorzelanny picked up the win against the Yankees on Tuesday, the Pirates first such win since the 1960 World Series. He was not particularly sharp though. He walked five and gave up six hits in six innings.
Our View: Every dog has his day. Gorzy has had a terrible year as indicated by his 6.43 ERA. Still he has managed a 6-6 record. |
|
|
| Headley still looking for first walk | Tuesday 6/24, 9:40 PM CT |
|
Chase Headley is off to a nice start with the Padres, hitting .292 with a couple homers in 24 at-bats. However, Headley is still looking for his first walk. He has struck out 11 times already. Headley, though, is not worried. "Walks go in spurts. You will get three or four in a couple days period, then you won't get one for a week," Headley said on MLB.com. "I've been in some deep counts. You're not going to walk as much here, guys throw more strikes. Being a rookie, I think they're going to challenge me a bit more in the strike zone, at least early in the count. They're not going to let me walk my way on base."
Our View: Headley has always walked a lot in the minors, so we wouldn't worry about his lack of free passes thus far. The high strikeout total, though, is a bit of a concern. |
|
|
| Davis gets no decision vs Boston | Tuesday 6/24, 9:34 PM CT |
|
Arizona LHP Doug Davis put a good effort on the mound this evening, but his Diamondbacks fell just short, taking the 5-4 loss versus Boston. Davis lasted seven innings, surrendering three runs (all earned) on seven hits with one walk and six strikeouts.
Our View: Davis walked with no decision as the relief pitching failed to keep Boston at bay, giving Davis his fourth no-decision finish in five starts this month. |
|
|
| Hill hammered by Angels | Tuesday 6/24, 9:32 PM CT |
|
Shawn Hill was shelled again for eight runs in three innings Tuesday night at home against the Angels.
Our View: Hill has given up 30 hits in his last 11.2 innings, a span of three starts. |
|
|
| Tracy homers but Zona falls | Tuesday 6/24, 9:31 PM CT |
|
The Diamondbacks found frustration at the park this evening, coming just short in the 5-4 loss to the Boston Red Sox. Designated hitter Chad Tracy led the effort, going 2-for-3 with a walk and his fourth home run of the season, totaling four RBIs on the night.
Our View: Tracy is hitting just .235 through June before finding his groove this evening, hitting his first homer since June 13th. |
|
|
| Arroyo rocked for 10 runs in one inning | Tuesday 6/24, 9:16 PM CT |
|
At first glance it may look more like a football score, but the Toronto Blue Jays put the offense in full motion this evening, scoring 14 runs to defeat the Reds, 14-1. The bulk of the pain was felt by Cincinnati RHP Bronson Arroyo , surrendering an unbelievable 10 runs (all earned) on 11 hits, all posted in just one inning of work. Six runs were surrendered on three home runs during that span, giving Arroyo his seventh loss of the season.
Our View: The outing raises his ERA to 6.52 on the season, touting a record of 0-3 through five starts this month with nine total homers surrendered over that span. |
|
|
| Bush throws second consecutive gem | Tuesday 6/24, 9:14 PM CT |
|
Dave Bush was very effective for his second straight start. He gave up just one run on four hits over seven innings Tuesday night at Turner Field. He allowed just two hits in eight innings just five days ago.
Our View: It's hard not to get a little excited about these consecutive starts. However, it took Bush these 15 innings with only one earned run to get his ERA under 5.00. |
|
|
| Pujols may return on Thursday | Tuesday 6/24, 9:00 PM CT |
|
St. Louis first baseman Albert Pujols , nursing a calf injury, was put through one of the more rigorous workouts he has seen in rehabilitation today, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Matthew Leach of MLB.com reports Pujols ran extensively, and also took plenty of swings. It was by far his most extensive workout since he suffered the injury. If he feels no ill effects on Wednesday, he will go through a normal pregame workout. He said he is feeling no discomfort in his calf at this point. If the team feels he is ready, he could rejoin the team on Thursday. |
|
|
| Morton picks up his first loss | Tuesday 6/24, 8:57 PM CT |
|
Charlie Morton looked fairly sharp against a powerful Brewers tonight but could not avoid the loss. He gave up two earned runs in six innings. The Braves made an uncharacteristic four errors in the game.
Our View: With Glavine's status up in the air, Morton may be in the big leagues to stay. The Braves have had the injury bug all season and Morton has proven he can hold his own. |
|
|
| Torres dodges a bullet | Tuesday 6/24, 8:52 PM CT |
|
Despite giving up a two run home run to Mark Teixeira in the ninth, Salomon Torres notched his eighth save of the month.
Our View: Torres appears to be a reliable closer. Eric Gagne began his minor league rehab assignment tonight, but this is Torres' job to lose at this point. |
|
|
| Beltran ejected | Tuesday 6/24, 8:35 PM CT |
|
Carlos Beltran was thrown out arguing balls and strikes in the fourth inning. New manager Jerry Manuel was ejected, as well.
Our View: At least the manager's got his back. The high emotions did little for the Mets as they were down 10-0 going into the ninth. |
|
|
| Lo Duca leaves game with lightheadedness | Tuesday 6/24, 8:20 PM CT |
|
Paul Lo Duca left tonight's game with lightheadedness, according to the Orange County Register. He was taken to a nearby hospital to be further evaluated.
Our View: This is not good news. Lo Duca has battled post-concussion syndrome most of this season. There was no collision. |
|
|
| Tavarez becomes a free agent...again | Tuesday 6/24, 8:10 PM CT |
|
MLB.com reports that Julian Tavarez, or maybe his agent Scott Boras, rejected Milwaukee's assignment to Triple-A, forcing the Brewers to part ways with him.
Our View: This is the second time this year that Tavarez has refused an assignment. The first came while he was with the Red Sox. His command was a little sloppy in Milwaukee. Still, a team desperate for middle relief may make a run at him. |
|
|
| Smoltz contemplating retirement | Tuesday 6/24, 7:30 PM CT |
|
MLB.com lets us know that John Smoltz has had a lot of time to think since being shut down for the season. "There's really nothing left for me to do," Smoltz said. "There's nothing I want to do but get back to the playoffs...I'd rather have another Tommy John [surgery] than to have one of these surgeries again," said Smoltz, who had four elbow surgeries before having his shoulder cut for the first time two weeks ago.
Our View: Smoltz does not sound too optimistic at this point so nobody else should be either. |
|
|
| Mulder may still be the man on Saturday | Tuesday 6/24, 7:18 PM CT |
|
Updating an earlier report, St. Louis LHP Mark Mulder is still in consideration for a scheduled start with the Carindals, his first of the season, this weekend, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Manager Tony LaRussa has told reporters that despite being scratched from tonight's planned start for Triple-A Memphis he is still one of two candidates for the start against Kansas City on Saturday. He will fly to Detroit to join his teammates on Wednesday. At that time, he will be re-evaluated, and a decision will be made in the coming days about Saturday's starter. If Mulder does not pitch Saturday, rookie Mitchell Boggs will take the ball. |
|
|
| Hoffpauir sent back down | Tuesday 6/24, 7:08 PM CT |
|
The Cubs optioned Micah Hoffpauir to Triple-A Iowa Tuesday. Hoffpauir has hit .400 in 35 at-bats in his two stints with the big club this year.
Our View: Hoffpauir couldn't have done much more to show the Cubs he should stick around, but Daryl Ward was ready to come off the DL, and Micah was deemed expendable. |
|
|
| Ward activated from DL | Tuesday 6/24, 7:06 PM CT |
|
The Cubs activated Daryle Ward from the DL Tuesday. He had been out with a bulging disc in his lower back.
Our View: Ward will serve as a pinch hitter and could get some starts in the outfield with both Alfonso Soriano and Reed Johnson out. |
|
|
| Johnson placed on DL | Tuesday 6/24, 7:05 PM CT |
|
The Cubs placed Reed Johnson on the DL Tuesday with back spasms.
Our View: Johnson had said he was feeling better and didn't think he needed a DL stint, but the Cubs needed to make a move to clear a spot for Sean Marshall, tonight's starter. |
|
|
| Marshall recalled to make start | Tuesday 6/24, 7:03 PM CT |
|
As expected, the Cubs recalled Sean Marshall from Triple-A Iowa Tuesday. He is starting tonight's game against the Orioles. Reed Johnson was put on the DL to make room on the roster.
Our View: Marshall is taking the place of the injured Carlos Zambrano. He's in line for another start this weekend. |
|
|
| Miles is a force in interleague | Tuesday 6/24, 6:48 PM CT |
|
Entering interleague play, you may want to consider Aaron Miles. He is MLB's all-time best hitter during interleague play, coming in at .367. Cesar Izturis' recent trip to the DL further increases Miles' value.
Our View: Miles was 10-for-19 in his four starts against AL teams last week, including his first home run of the season. |
|
|
| Kennedy gets first career start at first | Tuesday 6/24, 6:18 PM CT |
|
Adam Kennedy is making his first career start at first base tonight.
Our View: This may sound like a strange move, but Kennedy has actually done well against lefties this year and is swinging a hot stick of late. Sadly, he's probably a better option than Chris Duncan at this point. |
|
|
| Doumit back in lineup Tuesday | Tuesday 6/24, 6:10 PM CT |
|
Ryan Doumit is back in the lineup Tuesday after missing five games with a concussion.
Our View: Doumit is playing behind the plate and batting cleanup for the Bucs. |
|
|
| Glavine to rest 4-6 weeks | Tuesday 6/24, 4:57 PM CT |
|
Tom Glavine has been told to rest his sore left elbow for the next 4-6 weeks. The program includes total rest for two weeks before the veteran begins strengthening exercises, according to the AP. Glavine said two MRI exams have confirmed the ligament in the elbow is strong, but the problem is the flexor tendon, which is pulling away from the bone.
Our View: Glavine could face a difficult decision if he's not ready to take the mound by the break. He could either have surgery and be ready for 2009 or continue to rest in the hope that he could help the Braves later in the year. |
|
|
| Willingham eager to return to lineup | Tuesday 6/24, 4:54 PM CT |
|
Josh Willingham is eager to get back in the lineup tonight after a lengthy stint on the DL with a back injury, according to the AP. "It's been a long process," Willingham said. "Been frustrating, but I'm back in the lineup and hopefully I can do something to help the team win."
Our View: Manager Fredi Gonzalez noted that Luis Gonzalez will probably play left on Thursday, which is a day game after a night game, but after that Josh should be back in the lineup to stay. |
|
|
| Loretta to handle second base duties | Tuesday 6/24, 4:49 PM CT |
|
Mark Loretta will be the Astros' primary second baseman with Kaz Matsui now on the DL.
Our View: Geoff Blum and Ty Wigginton could get the occasional start at second, but Mark should be in the lineup more time than not over the next couple weeks. |
|
|
| Newhan recalled from Triple-A | Tuesday 6/24, 4:45 PM CT |
|
The Astros recalled David Newhan from Triple-A Round Rock Tuesday to replace the injured Kaz Matsui on the roster. Newhan had one at-bat earlier this year with the 'Stros.
Our View: Newhan was hitting well at Triple-A, with a .308 average, nine homers and eight steals. He doesn't figure to garner much playing time. |
|
|
| Matsui lands on DL | Tuesday 6/24, 4:43 PM CT |
|
The Astros placed Kazuo Matsui on the DL Tuesday with a strained right hamstring, according to the Houston Chronicle. Matsui was injured in Sunday's win over Tampa. "I feel bad for my team," Matsui said through an interpreter. "Right now all I'm thinking about is coming back as soon as possible." David Newhan was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock to replace him on the roster.
Our View: Matsui owners will take a hit in the stolen base department, but not really anywhere else. Mark Loretta will be the team's primary second baseman while Kaz is out. |
|
|
| Bush will attempt to reverse fortune on road | Tuesday 6/24, 4:22 PM CT |
|
Dave Bush will attempt to reverse his fortune on the road tonight in Atlanta. The righty boasts a 3.18 ERA and 1.10 WHIP at Miller Park this year, but on the road he is 0-5 with an 8.10 ERA and 1.50 WHIP.
Our View: Bush was terrific his last time out, taking a no-hitter into the eighth. Of course, that start was at home. Bush was much better at home than on the road in '06 and '07, as well, so this isn't a new thing. |
|
|
| Giants purchase Romo's contract | Tuesday 6/24, 3:54 PM CT |
|
The Giants have purchased right-handed reliever Sergio Romo's contract from Double-A Connecticut, according to MLB.com. The team designated Vinnie Chulk for assignment, as an adjoining move.
Our View: Romo was 1-3 with a 4.00 ERA over 27 innings with Connecticut, with 11 saves, 30 strikeouts and only seven walks. He will be an upgrade over Chulk in the bullpen, but his fantasy value will be limited as a long reliever.
|
|
|
| Chulk designated for assignment | Tuesday 6/24, 3:44 PM CT |
|
Pitcher Vinnie Chulk has been designated for assignment by the Giants, according to MLB.com. The team also purchased the contract of right-hander Sergio Romo from Double-A Connecticut.
Our View: Chulk held a 4.83 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over 31.2 innings with only 16 strikeouts while working out of the Giants' pen this season. The 29-year old will spend 72 hours on waivers while the Giants try to trade him, which is not likely to happen. Chulk indicated that if he isn't claimed, he would decline an outright assignment to Triple-A Fresno.
|
|
|
| Moss to start at first base | Tuesday 6/24, 3:36 PM CT |
|
Brandon Moss is penciled in to start at first base against Arizona tonight, according to the Providence Journal.
Our View: Kevin Youkilis is sitting out after he was struck under his right eye on Monday. Moss is not worth starting in your fantasy lineups, as he is hitting .227 over 22 at-bats this month, with eight strikeouts and no homers. |
|
|
| Branyan back at third base tonight | Tuesday 6/24, 2:47 PM CT |
|
Russell Branyan will be back at third base tonight against the Braves, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. He is penciled in to bat sixth in the order.
Our View: He did not start the last two games for Milwaukee. He is worth returning to your roto-lineups as he is hitting .300 over 50 at-bats in June, with eight homers. |
|
|
| Johnson done for 2008 | Tuesday 6/24, 2:36 PM CT |
|
Nick Johnson is done for 2008 following Tuesday's surgery to repair a tear in a ligament on the ulnar side of his wrist, according to the Washington Post. Dr. Richard Berger of the Mayo Clinic performed the surgery.
Our View: The Nationals stated that Johnson would be 100 percent for spring training 2009. Dmitri Young's value for the remainder of the season goes up.
|
|
|
| Rollins holds active streak | Tuesday 6/24, 2:26 PM CT |
|
Jimmy Rollins stole second and third base in the first inning against the Angels on Sunday, which gives him 31-consecutive steals without being caught, according to MLB.com.
Our View: That is the longest active steals streak in the Major Leagues, with 17 of those steals coming in 2008. |
|
|
| Blanton set for 17th start | Tuesday 6/24, 2:19 PM CT |
|
Joe Blanton will be making his 17th start of the season tonight when the Athletics host the Phillies in inter-league play, according to MLB.com. Blanton is 3-10 with a 4.81 ERA and 1.42 WHIP over 103 innings, with only 47 strikeouts.
Our View: Blanton is coming off his worst outing of the season as he was rocked for eight earned runs over a mere three innings against the D-Backs, and he isn't likely to bounce back against an explosive Phillies' offense that is headlined by Chase Utley and Ryan Howard. |
|
|
| Moyer seeking eighth win | Tuesday 6/24, 2:14 PM CT |
|
Jamie Moyer will be seeking his eighth win of the season tonight when the Phillies battle the Athletics in Oakland, according to MLB.com. Moyer is 7-4 with a 4.09 ERA and 1.40 WHIP over 88 innings, with 47 strikeouts.
Our View: In 43 lifetime starts against the Athletics, Moyer is 17-15, including two shutouts, with a 4.46 ERA. But he isn't a favorable fantasy option as a starter, as his WHIP and ERA are a bit high, and he only averages around three strikeouts per start.
|
|
|
| Wright expected to sit out first game | Tuesday 6/24, 1:28 PM CT |
|
David Wright is expected to be held out of the Mets' lineup for the first time in 2008 tonight, according to the NY Post. Wright said, "Jerry knows the game. I'll get a blow and hopefully come back refreshed."
Our View: The move comes a night after Wright made a costly second-inning error that loaded the bases for Felix Hernandez, who shockingly hit a grand slam off of Johan Santana. Wright also went 0-for-3 last night, and is only hitting .241 (20-for-83) in June. He should benefit from a night off. Fernando Tatis is likely to roam third base in his place. |
|
|
| Ramirez leading NL in votes at SS | Tuesday 6/24, 12:43 PM CT |
|
Hanley Ramirez is leading the NL in All-Star votes at shortstop, according to the AP. He holds a 11,615-vote edge over Miguel Tejada of Houston.
Our View: The 2006 NL Rookie of the Year holds a .295 average and has scored 64 runs over 74 games, with 19 stolen bases. |
|
|
| Hoover recalled | Tuesday 6/24, 12:19 PM CT |
|
Catcher Paul Hoover has been recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque, according to MLB.com. The team optioned Mike Rabelo to Triple-A, as an adjoining move.
Our View: Hoover will serve as Matt Treanor's backup and his fantasy value will be limited. |
|
|
| Rabelo optioned | Tuesday 6/24, 12:14 PM CT |
|
Mike Rabelo has been optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque, according to MLB.com. The team recalled catcher Paul Hoover from Triple-A, as a corresponding move.
Our View: Rabelo only hit .202 over 109 at-bats, and held little fantasy value prior to his demotion. |
|
|
| Willingham activated | Tuesday 6/24, 12:10 PM CT |
|
As expected, Josh Willingham has been activated from the DL, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Hopefully his lower back soreness will not return. Willingham was hitting .341 with six homers and 16 RBI over 25 games prior to landing on the DL in late April, and should be penciled back into your lineups. |
|
|
| Johnson has good record vs. Bush | Tuesday 6/24, 12:04 PM CT |
|
Kelly Johnson has a good track record against Dave Bush, tonight's opposing hurler for Milwaukee, according to MLB.com. Johnson is 3-for-6 with a pair of homers over his career versus Bush.
Our View: Johnson is riding a six-game hitting streak, with three doubles over the span. Start him if you have him tonight. |
|
|
| Diaz expected to resume activities | Tuesday 6/24, 11:55 AM CT |
|
Matt Diaz met with Braves' doctors on Monday and is expected to be cleared to resume all baseball activities on Tuesday, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Diaz, who is recovering from a sprained PCL in his left knee, would like to be activated from the DL before the Braves begin a six-game West Coast trip on July 7 (against the Dodgers and Padres). |
|
|
| Morton gearing up for third start | Tuesday 6/24, 11:50 AM CT |
|
Charlie Morton will make his third start of the season tonight when the Braves host the Brewers, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Morton features a strong mid-90s fastball, and an accurate sinker. He allowed three earned runs and five hits in each of his two starts. He is filling in for the injured Tom Glavine, and has held his own so far. |
|
|
| Young working on weaknesses | Tuesday 6/24, 11:09 AM CT |
|
Chris Young, who is stuck in a hitting slump, is trying to work on his weaknesses with a different approach, according to the Arizona Republic. He is trying to relax while remaining aggressive. He is a natural pull hitter, but has been trying too hard to drive the ball to the opposite field.
Our View: Hopefully he will see improved results soon, as he is only hitting .220 over 82 at-bats this month, with one homer. |
|
|
| Soriano still sore | Tuesday 6/24, 8:53 AM CT |
|
Rafael Soriano is still experiencing soreness in his right elbow when he throws, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Our View: Manager Bobby Cox noted that there remains no timetable for his return. |
|
|
| Hampton will remain on rehab work | Tuesday 6/24, 8:49 AM CT |
|
Mike Hampton will likely need four or five more rehab starts before he can return to Atlanta, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Our View: He has been on the DL all season long due to his pectoral injury, and hasn't pitched in the majors in nearly three years. If he doesn't suffer another setback, he could return to the Braves around the All-Star break. |
|
|
| Byrnes healthy enough to steal | Tuesday 6/24, 7:49 AM CT |
|
Eric Byrnes went 0-for-5 in his return to the diamond on Monday, but noted that he feels he is healthy enough to steal bases again, according to the East Valley Tribune. He said, "I plan on running if I get on base, given the right situation. I didn’t necessarily have that in my bag before I went on the DL. By the time I went on the DL, I could barely run."
Our View: He is almost back to 100% after missing 25 games due to his hamstring ailment. |
|
|
| Phillies looking for pitcher | Tuesday 6/24, 7:26 AM CT |
|
The Phillies are in the market for a starting pitcher, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Greg Maddux, CC Sabathia, Roy Oswalt, and Erik Bedard are among the hurlers being considered.
Our View: Their farm system has talent but lacks an arm that is ready to make an impact this season in the Phillies' rotation. The Phillies have strong depth in their outfield, and Shane Victorino could serve as favorable trade bait to land one of the aforementioned pitchers. |
|
