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| Ankiel homers twice in loss | Wednesday 6/25, 11:58 PM CT |
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Rick Ankiel went deep twice for the Cardinals in their 8-7 loss to the Tigers in a rain delayed game.
Our View: The man has a sweet swing when he stays within himself, and on this night he scored three runs while knocking in three. With Ankiel rounding back into form and Albert Pujols almost ready to return, the Cardinals offense could be on the verge of causing some serious damage. |
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| Giles producing hits, little else | Wednesday 6/25, 11:55 PM CT |
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Brian Giles had a hit on Wednesday in three trips to the plate leaving him with a hit in eight of the last 10 games.
Our View: Unfortunately for Giles owners, the hits have come with little production has he has but one home run and a lone RBI in eight games. |
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| Loney extends hitting streak | Wednesday 6/25, 11:43 PM CT |
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James Loney extended his hitting streak to 12-games on Wednesday night with a single in four trips to the plate. He also stole his third base of the season.
Our View: Loney is hitting .020 points higher than vaunted offensive force Matt Kemp (.310 to .290), though he lacks Kemp's athleticism and all-around game. Still, Loney has the makings of a solid corner infielder in mixed leagues. |
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| Stults twirls CG gem | Wednesday 6/25, 11:38 PM CT |
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If Eric Stults needed a big outing to stay in the majors he can rest easy tonight as he dominated the White Sox in a complete game shutout victory in which he allowed only four hits and a single walk.
Our View: Brad Penny is about a week away from returning as is Kiroki Kuroda, so Stults will likely get at least one more start before a decision needs to be made on his future, but tonight's outing was clearly a definitive statement to everyone in Dodgers blue that he wants nothing to do with the minor leagues. |
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| Hawpe goes deep, has two hits | Wednesday 6/25, 10:54 PM CT |
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Brad Hawpe went deep for the tenth time this season on Wednesday night as he went 2-for-4 to raise his average to .263 for the Rockies.
Our View: Hawpe has knocked the ball over the wall seven times in 18 June games as he continues to put the hurt on pitchers after a slow start with a .339 average on the month. |
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| Cooks fails in bid for 11th | Wednesday 6/25, 10:49 PM CT |
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Aaron Cook fell to 10-5 on Wednesday though he didn't pitch horribly in allowing eight hits and four runs (three earned) over 5.1 innings.
Our View: Cook has been a solid hurler this season with the wins, but his K total (54) is low. Though his ERA is a solid 3.64, his WHIP is barely better than average at 1.32, so don't be seduced solely by the win total. |
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| Bourn hits homer, steals base | Wednesday 6/25, 10:40 PM CT |
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Showing some signs of actually life at the plate, Michael Bourn had two hits including his fourth home run of the year for the Astros.
Our View: Bourn also stole his 29th base of the year on the night, though his two hits broke an 0-for-13 slide over the past three games. You have to love the steals you get with Bourn, but you continue to pay a high price for them. |
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| Oswalt falls after solid effort | Wednesday 6/25, 10:35 PM CT |
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Roy Oswalt allowed three runs over seven innings, but with no offensive support his record fell to 6-8 on the year.
Our View: Oswalt struck out five and didn't walk a single batter in his fifth loss in seven decisions despite the fact that he has permitted three or fewer earned runs in six straight outings. |
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| Lilly holds on for win | Wednesday 6/25, 10:26 PM CT |
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Ted Lilly wasn't at his best on Wednesday but he kept the Cubs in the ballgame and was rewarded with his eighth win of the year. Lilly only allowed seven baserunners in seven innings, but he allowed two home runs which led to four runs scored.
Our View: Lilly has now won three straight games and this was the first time in five appearances that he permitted more than three runners to cross the plate. This is about as good as it gets with Lilly, but he is still a solid option in a rotation. |
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| Edmonds making Cubs look intelligent | Wednesday 6/25, 10:18 PM CT |
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Jim Edmonds continued his remarkable resurgence on Wednesday night when he went deep for the fourth time in four games for the Cubs.
Our View: In 90 AB for the Padres Edmonds hit .178 with one home run while he is hitting .305 with six home runs in 82 AB for the Cubs. If he's available on waivers in your mixed league now would be a great time to add him to you squad as he has been known to go on prolonged stretches of mashing the ball. |
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| Maine wins eighth game | Wednesday 6/25, 10:10 PM CT |
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John Maine held the Mariners in check for six innings holding them to five hits and two runs, resulting in his eighth victory of the season.
Our View: Maine continues to hum right along with his quietly efficient production from the hill. Maine has proven himself to be a fine #2 starter over the past year and a half and an excellent third option. |
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| Reyes does it all in win | Wednesday 6/25, 10:07 PM CT |
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Jose Reyes stole his 27th base of the season, hit his ninth home run, scored twice and had three RBI for the Mets.
Our View: Talk about a huge night in points leagues. Reyes continues to push his numbers after a slow start as he is once again proving why a selection in the top-10 of a fantasy draft is always a wise investment with this guy. |
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| Wright returns with a vengence | Wednesday 6/25, 10:05 PM CT |
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David Wright hit home runs in each of his first two AB a night after being benched for the first time this season as the Mets defeated the Mariners 8-2.
Our View: Wright really could use a big night like this after entering the game with a sickly .241 average and just a single home run in 21 June appearances. You can only keep a good man down for so long you know. |
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| Harang in depressing rut | Wednesday 6/25, 9:57 PM CT |
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Aaron Harang had another rough outing on Wednesday allowing five runs in 5.2 innings to the Jays. Harang allowed two home runs while striking out only three on the night.
Our View: We still maintain that there is no way that Harang will finish with such depressed production, so it might behoove to check in with his current owner to see what it will cost to acquire his services. |
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| Rookie bombed by Rays | Wednesday 6/25, 9:46 PM CT |
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Ryan Tucker made his fourth career start on Wednesday and the results were horrific as he allowed seven runs in just four innings against the Rays.
Our View: Through 20 IP over four starts, Tucker has allowed 24 hits and 12 BB leading to a WHIP of 1.80. Memo to the Marlins - perhaps some extra minor league seasoning is in order. |
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| Doumit punches out two more hits | Wednesday 6/25, 9:35 PM CT |
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Ryan Doumit had two hits in four AB to raise his average to .354 on Wednesday.
Our View: Nothing seems to slow this kid down except for his frequent injuries. With a .354 average and 10 home runs, Doumit has been one of the five most valuable catchers in the fantasy game. |
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| Duke has rough outing | Wednesday 6/25, 9:33 PM CT |
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Zach Duke had another rough outing on Wednesday in his fifth loss of the season. Though he allowed only three earned runs, four overall, he allowed seven hits and two walks to the Yankees.
Our View: In four of his last six outings Duke has permitted two or fewer earned runs, but he just doesn't miss enough bats to be consistent game to game making him a risk to blow up, in either direction, in almost every outing. |
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| Rauch picks up fourth win | Wednesday 6/25, 9:25 PM CT |
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Jon Rauch retired all five batters he faced on Wednesday night on his way to his fourth victory of the season for the Nationals.
Our View: Through 39 appearances, Rauch has four wins, 15 saves, a 2.29 ERA and a 0.90 WHIP. With numbers like that, the Nats could almost be happy that Chad Cordero has been hurt. |
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| Milledge goes deep | Wednesday 6/25, 9:16 PM CT |
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Lastings Milledge blasted his seventh home run of the season on Wednesday, a two run shot off of Ervin Santana.
Our View: Milledge is still hitting only .239 on the year, but with the Nats continuing to run him out there daily, Milledge would make a nice buy low candidate given his obvious talent. |
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| Byrnes still looking for swing | Wednesday 6/25, 9:10 PM CT |
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Eric Byrnes went 0-for-4 on Wednesday night and is now just 1-for-13 since returning from the DL.
Our View: We don't think Chris Young is a great leadoff man at this point of his career, but he certainly should be at the top of the order and not the struggling Byrnes. |
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| RJ pitches well, still loses | Wednesday 6/25, 9:06 PM CT |
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Randy Johnson held the Red Sox to just two runs over six innings but his mates were unable to do anything against Tim Wakefield leading to Johnson's sixth loss of the year.
Our View: This was a great bounce back performance against a good offense for Johnson after having allowed 15 runs in his last two outings. |
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| Castillo a triple short of cycle | Wednesday 6/25, 9:01 PM CT |
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Jose Castillo had three hits and finished a triple short of the cycle for the Giants on Wednesday night. Castillo knocked in a run and scored twice from the second hole in the order.
Our View: Castillo has 22 doubles and is hitting .268, but without a bit more long ball pop, he has six dingers, he just doesn't warrant much attention in fantasy leagues. |
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| Zito dominates Indians | Wednesday 6/25, 8:54 PM CT |
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Barry Zito hurled his best game of the season on Wednesday as he was in total command of all his pitches holding the Indians to just one run in 6.2 innings for his third victory of the season.
Our View: The best news of the night might have been the zero in the walk column. It's only one night, but this was vintage Zito without a doubt. |
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| Kearns to begin minor league rehab | Wednesday 6/25, 8:31 PM CT |
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Austin Kearns will officially begin his recovery from elbow surgery on Thursday at which point he will embark his minor league rehab assignment, according to the Associated Press. “I’m just trying to get out there and work on timing,” Kearns said. “It’s been a while. I’m just trying to get some reps.”
Our View: Kearns is hopeful of returning to the active roster late next week at which point the Nationals will have have to decide how to split playing time in what would be a crowded outfield. |
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| Schmidt has positive outing | Wednesday 6/25, 8:22 PM CT |
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Jason Schmidt finally received some good news on Wednesday as he did not feel any discomfort after throwing a bullpen session on Tuesday, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Schmidt will now resume his minor league rehab assignment on Saturday at Las Vegas. Schmidt will likely use the entire 30 days at his disposal to build up strength in his shoulder before he is promoted to the big league club. |
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| Penny shows improvement | Wednesday 6/25, 8:20 PM CT |
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Brad Penny had a successful throwing session on Wednesday and will move on to throw a simulated game on Saturday, according to MLB.com.
Our View: The team believes Penny will be able to return to the club next week, but he might need to make at least one start in the minors to test his sore shoulder before given the green light to start with the big league club. |
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| Kuroda on road to recovery | Wednesday 6/25, 8:17 PM CT |
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Hiroki Kuroda had a successful bullpen session on Wednesday and is scheduled to take the next step in his recovery from shoulder tendinitis on Friday when he will throw a simulated game, according to MLB.com.
Our View: The Dodgers are hopeful that Kuroda will be activated early next week, that is if he doesn't suffer any setbacks over the intervening days. |
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| Lo Duca feeling better | Wednesday 6/25, 8:15 PM CT |
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Paul Lo Duca may have been suffering from a bout of food poisoning which led to his removal from action on Tuesday, according to MLB.com. "My stomach had been bothering me all day," he said. "I was badly dehydrated."
Our View: The good news is that he is feeling better and was back on the bench and ready to go on Wednesday night. |
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| Chacon suspended by club | Wednesday 6/25, 8:10 PM CT |
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Shawn Chacon requested a trade after being removed from the starting rotation and in response the Astros suspended him, according to MLB.com. "My agent and I have made it clear to the Astros that I would like to be traded and I don't want to pitch out of the bullpen. Nothing negative, nothing dramatic. It's simple. If you don't want me to start, let me go somewhere else to start because that's what I signed here for."
Our View: How about this Shawn. How about you pitch better than a below average hurler and force a team to keep you in a rotation? Poor K totals, too many walks, too many home runs allowed and terrible ratios equal a trip to the bullpen, even if your pride isn't allowing you to be honest with yourself. |
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| Proctor dealing with elbow woes | Wednesday 6/25, 8:06 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier report, Scott Proctor has an issue with his elbow that has forced him to the DL, according to the Los Angeles Daily News. "Scotty is that guy who figures that even in spite of it, he can go out and get people out,'' manager Joe Torre said.
Our View: Apparently he may have been hurt for a while. Looking at his numbers, it may have been bothering him since training camp. |
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| Nats offer extension to shortstop | Wednesday 6/25, 7:36 PM CT |
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Cristian Guzman has been offered a two year extension to remain with the Nationals, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Guzman is having his best season in years, and certainly his best effort since signing a four year deal for $16 million to join the Nationals franchise. If Guzman continues to hit over .300 and play solid defense, the Nats would be wise to lock him up. |
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| Arizona supports struggling reliever | Wednesday 6/25, 7:33 PM CT |
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Chad Qualls has really struggled of late, but that doesn't mean that manager Doug Melvin is ready to throw in the towel, according to MLB.com. "We still are confident in him," Melvin said. "He has some struggles, but earlier in the year, he was as good as anybody we've had."
Our View: Qualls has a loss and a blown save while allowing eight hits and five runs over his last two outings. It won't take too many more outings like that to see Tony Pena leapfrog Qualls in the bullpen hierarchy. |
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| Soriano still hopeful of quick return | Wednesday 6/25, 7:24 PM CT |
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Alfonso Soriano (broken hand)and manager Lou Pinella believe that the star outfielder will indeed be able to return to action quicker than the original six week estimate, according to MLB.com. "I would think, just looking at it, it won't be six weeks," Piniella said. "If we get him back right after the All-Star break, I think we'd feel really good about it...He heals really quick."
Our View: Let's hope that all this positive thinking does indeed result in Soriano returning to action earlier than originally believed. Our fingers are crossed (or is that a jinx?). |
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| Tulo out of lineup on Wednesday | Wednesday 6/25, 7:19 PM CT |
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Troy Tulowitzki was not in the Rockies lineup on Wednesday night after starting every game for the club since being activated from the DL, according to the Denver Post. Omar Quintanilla started in his place.
Our View: Tulo has been only 3-for-20 since his return so this night off is likely performance related and not to be construed as a setback with any type of injury. |
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| Mulder hopeful despite setback | Wednesday 6/25, 7:16 PM CT |
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Mark Mulder is still hopeful of making a start on Saturday for the Cardinals though his recent back flair up has the entire organization concerned despite Mulder's brave face, according to MLB.com. "The last two days were bad, but today is a lot better. I'll probably go out and see if I can play catch. I don't really have a plan and haven't really discussed anything with [team staff]."
Our View: At this point, with all the setbacks he has faced, we would be pretty surprised if Mulder did indeed start this weekend. Mulder will need to throw a side session on Thursday in order to pitch, so keep an eye on whether or not that happens. If Mulder can't go Mitchell Boggs will make the start. |
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| Bocock has blood clot in finger | Wednesday 6/25, 7:11 PM CT |
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Brian Bocock, who played shortstop for the Giants early in the year when Omar Vizquel was injured, has been placed on the minor league DL due to a blood clot in his middle finger, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Bocock, who was hitting only .163 in Triple-A after hitting .143 with the Giants, has been suffering pain in the finger for a long while. Look for him to be out of action for awhile before returning to minor league action. |
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| Fukudome out on Wednesday | Wednesday 6/25, 7:02 PM CT |
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Kosuke Fukudome did not start the Cubs game on Wednesday due to a tight left calf, according to MLB.com. Hot youngster Eric Patterson will start in his place.
Our View: This move is to avoid a potentially bigger issues of Fukudome really injuring himself. Look for a potentially quick return from Kosuke. |
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| Bonds will not play in minors | Wednesday 6/25, 6:59 PM CT |
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Barry Bonds wants to play again, but he will not play for any independent minor league teams, according to the Associated Press. “He doesn’t need to go to an independent team and hit two home runs a night hoping to get attention to prove that he still has the skills that would warrant him playing at the major league level," agent Jeff Boris said. "His performance in 2007 demonstrates that he’s capable of playing at the major league level for the 2008 season.”
Our View: As much as we deplore Bonds, Boris is right that Bonds can still be a quality major league hitter making it surprising that no team has given him a chance to hit the field. |
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| Proctor headed to DL | Wednesday 6/25, 6:52 PM CT |
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Scott Proctor has been placed on the DL with an unspecified injury, according to the Los Angeles Daily News. To take his spot on the roster, the Dodgers will call up relief pitcher Brian Falkenborg while placing Gary Bennett on the 60-day DL meaning that the catcher is out of action until at least July 18th.
Our View: We will update the injury when we get more information, but the fact is that Proctor has been pitching like he is hurt for most of the year if you take a look at his performance, a performance which has hopefully been on waivers in your league. |
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| Former Yankee now a Met | Wednesday 6/25, 6:29 PM CT |
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The Mets claimed former Yankees first baseman Andy Phillips off waivers from the Reds on Wednesday, according to the New York Post.
Our View: Phillips, who was only 3-for-21 with the Reds, follows his former Mets GM Wayne Krivsky to the Mets. The Mets take on the Yankees in the Subway Series starting in two days, so it will be interesting to see if Phillips plays a role. |
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| Hairston to be activated on Thursday | Wednesday 6/25, 5:52 PM CT |
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Jerry Hairston Jr. will be activated by the Reds on Thursday, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Hairston, who had been out with a broken thumb, will force the Reds to make another move to add him to the roster with the likely casualty being Paul Janish, though the team could also chose to DL Edwin Encarnacion who is dealing with back spasms. |
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| Hampton progressing in rehab | Wednesday 6/25, 5:47 PM CT |
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Mike Hampton had a successful outing allowing two hits and striking out two batters in 2.2 innings of work with the Gulf Coast League Braves before reaching his 45-pitch limit, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
Our View: Hampton is still scheduled to make three more starts before the Braves will consider adding him to the roster, but given that he is injured about as often as most people take a shower, don't count on Hampton to make much of an impact even if he does make it back to Atlanta. |
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| Infante day to day with hammy strain | Wednesday 6/25, 5:29 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier report, Omar Infante suffered a strained left hamstring on Wednesday and is being listed as day-to-day, according to the Associated Press. “I don’t think it’s going to be that bad,” manager Bobby Cox said. “He wanted to stay in and when I asked him to bend down and stretch it a little bit, (his hamstring) grabbed him pretty good.”
Our View: The Braves are off on Thursday and the hope is that Infante will be able to go on Friday. If not, the mighty Brent Lillibridge will likely be pushed into action. |
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| Bautista traded to Pirates | Wednesday 6/25, 4:17 PM CT |
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Denny Bautista was traded from the Tigers to Pittsburgh today for minor league pitcher Kyle Pearson after being designated for assignment on Friday, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View: Bautista was 0-1 with a 3.32 ERA for the Tigers, but he walked 14 batters while striking out just 10 in 19 innings this season. On a positive note, he did hold left-handed batters to a .143 BA. |
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| Stults needs a strong outing | Wednesday 6/25, 4:02 PM CT |
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MLB.com reports that Eric Stults will need a strong outing on Wednesday if he hopes to remain in the majors much longer. Both Brad Penny and Hiroki Kuroda may not be far off from coming back into the rotation.
Our View: Stults was very sharp in his first outing while giving up just one run in six innings. A similar performance tonight will make the starting rotation decision for Joe Torre a problem worth having. |
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| Prado could return next week | Wednesday 6/25, 3:20 PM CT |
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MLB.com reports that Martin Prado will play six games at Triple-A beginning on Thursday, and then likely be called back up to the Braves. He has been on the disabled list since May 5 with a badly sprained left thumb. "That kid has really worked his tail off to get back," Cox said of Prado, who hit .282 in 18 games before being injured.
Our View: The Braves can't get him up fast enough. With Yunel Escobar, Omar Infante and Chipper Jones all on the mend, they are becoming desperate for another infielder. |
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| Chipper is unsuccessful in his role off of the bench | Wednesday 6/25, 3:03 PM CT |
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Chipper Jones was called upon to pinch-hit in the eighth on Wednesday, despite missing the previous four games due to a strained quad. He struck out.
Our View: Chipper was needed due to the rash of injuries the Braves have endured lately. On Wednesday, Yunel Escobar and Omar Infante joined the temporarily injured list. Don't expect to see Jones again before their weekend series in Toronto where he will likely DH. |
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| Weeks has been effective since his return | Wednesday 6/25, 2:58 PM CT |
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Rickie Weeks has played well in the four games since his return from the DL. He is 5-for-15 with two doubles and a triple. There should be no concerns about his sprained left knee.
Our View: Perhaps more importantly, the free-swinger has just one strikeout in that stretch. |
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| Gonzalez earns his second save | Wednesday 6/25, 2:52 PM CT |
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Mike Gonzalez earned his second save in just his third appearance of the season on Wednesday. He gave up one hit and struck out two in his one inning of work.
Our View: It appears that Braves manager Bobby Cox is sticking with Gonzalez ase the closer for his injury-riddled bullpen despite the fact the lefty gave up three runs in one inning on Sunday. |
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| Johnson plays big role in Braves win | Wednesday 6/25, 2:48 PM CT |
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Kelly Johnson came through big in the three-hole for the Braves on Wednesday. The second baseman went 2-for-4 with three of the team's four RBI.
Our View: Johnson is 10-for-24 over his past seven games. He won't stick around the third spot in the order very long, though. Chipper Jones could be back to DH this weekend. |
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| Campillo earns the victory against Milwaukee | Wednesday 6/25, 2:46 PM CT |
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In just his eighth career major league start, Jorge Campillo logged seven innings of four-hit ball against a potent Milwaukee Brewers lineup on Wednesday. He gave up two runs while striking out six.
Our View: Campillo has a 2.54 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and a respectable strikeout ratio. It is past time to consider picking him up if he's available. |
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| Berkman is hot again | Wednesday 6/25, 2:24 PM CT |
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Lance Berkman is riding yet another scalding hot streak. He has recorded 14 RBI and nine runs in his past 13 games.
Our View: Big Puma is delivering an MVP worthy year even as the Astros sit 12 games out of first place. He is hitting .358 with 21 home runs, 62 RBI, and 68 runs scored. |
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| Lohse has won six straight | Wednesday 6/25, 2:14 PM CT |
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Kyle Lohse has been credited with six consecutive wins going into Wednesday's matchup with the Detroit Tigers. He has a 1.95 ERA during that stretch.
Our View: No one expected this out of Lohse going into the season, hence the reason why he couldn't find anyone to sign him. The Tigers pose a dangerous threat to end this incredible streak tonight. |
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| Maddux is still razor sharp | Wednesday 6/25, 2:08 PM CT |
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Greg Maddux looks for win number 351 tonight as the Padres host the Twins. Maddux is 0-1 with a 1.73 in four June starts but has not gotten a win since May 10.
Our View: Maddux is still dealing at 42 years of age. He should be a popular target as the trade deadline approaches. |
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| Braun playing with an injured hand | Wednesday 6/25, 1:52 PM CT |
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Ryan Braun has been receiving treatment on his right hand for about a week, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Braun said he is swinging the bat, "OK, but not great." It's doubtful he misses any time, but these things have a tendency to linger and worsen if not given proper rest. |
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| De La Cruz to be recalled | Wednesday 6/25, 1:45 PM CT |
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MLB.com reports that the Florida Marlins are expected to recall Eulogio De La Cruz to fill the roster spot left vacant by Matt Lindstrom.
Our View: De La Cruz's numbers are not overwhelming in Triple-A, but he has tallied 67 strike outs in 78.2 innings to go with a 4.12 ERA. |
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| Castillo to be limited | Wednesday 6/25, 1:09 PM CT |
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Luis Castillo will be limited to three or four games per week due to his chronically sore knees, which means his fantasy value takes a hit. Fewer at-bats mean fewer runs, Castillo's primary contribution outside of his batting average, which is lingering around the .250 mark this year.
Our View: Castillo's stolen base totals figure to decrease as well. |
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| Byrnes healthy enough to steal | Wednesday 6/25, 12:56 PM CT |
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Eric Byrnes told the Diamondbacks television network on Tuesday night he's now able to steal bases, something he wasn't prior to rehabbing his hamstring injuries. Byrnes was 4-for-7 in steal attempts before going on the disabled list.
Our View: Expect to see an increase in stolen base attempts and a higher success rate from the veteran outfielder. |
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| Infante exits with left injury | Wednesday 6/25, 12:48 PM CT |
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Omar Infante was injured during Wednesday afternoon's game against the Brewers. Infante appeared to sustain a leg injury after sliding into second base after hitting a double off Jeff Suppan.
Our View: Brent Lillibridge ran for Infante. More information forthcoming when details are available. |
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| Edmonds is a force in Wrigley | Wednesday 6/25, 12:38 PM CT |
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Jim Edmonds hit his sixth home run of the season at Wrigley Field on Tuesday. On the season, Edmonds is hitting .343 at Wrigley. He has 14 RBI, five home runs and a triple in 35 at-bats in the friendly confines.
Our View: Apparently the change of scenery, from San Diego to Chicago, was exactly what Edmonds needed. If you own him, keep sitting him against lefties, as he is hitting just .154 against south-paws. |
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| Penny to throw off a mound | Wednesday 6/25, 12:30 PM CT |
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The Press Enterprise reports that Brad Penny will throw off a mound on Wednesday. It will be his first time back on the mound since developing pain in his shoulder.
Our View: Penny has thrown on flat ground and insists that the pain was only an issue when throwing off a mound. He is 5-9 with a 5.88 ERA. |
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| Peavy continues impressive pitching at home | Wednesday 6/25, 12:20 PM CT |
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Jake Peavy was solid once again on Tuesday but did not factor into the decision. He allowed one run on five hits with six strikeouts in six innings.
Our View: Peavy is spectacular at PetCo Park. He has a 1.29 ERA at home, the best in the majors. |
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| Escobar jams his shoulder | Wednesday 6/25, 12:13 PM CT |
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The Associated Press reports that Yunel Escobar jammed his shoulder on Tuesday and will not be in the starting lineup on Wednesday.
Our View: Bobby Cox said he expects him to be back in the lineup Friday in Toronto. |
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| Hill has soreness in his pitching arm | Wednesday 6/25, 11:03 AM CT |
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Shawn Hill has been pitching through pain in his forearm and elbow, according to the Associated Press. He will be sent to the Mayo Clinic for another opinion.
Our View: This would explain three consecutive disastrous starts. It appears Hill might be headed to the DL. |
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| Furcal still in limbo | Wednesday 6/25, 10:27 AM CT |
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Rafael Furcal increased his workout regiment, as he took grounders and threw from short to first, this according to the Los Angeles Times. "I'm tired from not having played for so long," Furcal said. The Dodgers veteran shortstop said that he hasn't been told by anyone that he might have to undergo surgery on his back if the latest round of treatment doesn't work.
Our View: Furcal hasn't played since May 5, and there is still no timetable for his return. |
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| Troncoso expands arsenal | Wednesday 6/25, 10:22 AM CT |
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Ramon Troncoso, who was recalled last week from Triple-A Las Vegas, says he feels as if he has more pitches at his disposal than when he was in the majors earlier this season, this according to the Los Angeles Times. The 25-year old sinkerballer, who was a surprise inclusion on the opening-day roster-- was optioned back to Triple-A just two weeks into the regular season.
Our View: The right-hander said he spent his time in the minors working on his slider and changeup. His fantasy value rests in deep NL-only formats. |
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| Badenhop's MRI shows no ligament damage | Wednesday 6/25, 10:20 AM CT |
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Burke Badenhop underwent an MRI Monday, which revealed no ligament damage, according to FishStripes.com. The righty was placed on the DL on Sunday with right shoulder tendinitis.
Our View: There is currently no timetable for Badenhop's return, but the good news on the MRI could mean he may start his rehab soon. |
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| Oliver Perez is on thin ice | Wednesday 6/25, 10:12 AM CT |
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Oliver Perez was knocked around at home against the Mariners on Tuesday. He gave up six runs, two home runs, in five innings. The New York Post spoke after the game with manager Jerry Manuel. "I'm definitely concerned about his struggles right now," Manuel said. "And we're going to have to address it at some time." Asked specifically about dropping Perez from the rotation, Manuel avoided any definitive answer. "I don't want to really get that far into it."
Our View: This should certainly get Perez's attention. He has been inconsistent all year, but perhaps the new manager will get him to stay focused. |
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| Schneider returns | Wednesday 6/25, 9:56 AM CT |
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Brian Schneider returned to action on Tuesday from a bruised hand. He went 3-for-4 in his return.
Our View: Schneider is a good bet when the Mets are facing righties. He's known as a streaky hitter, so this could be the start of a hot streak. |
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| Nomar nearing rehab assignment | Wednesday 6/25, 9:51 AM CT |
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Nomar Garciaparra told the Los Angeles Times he hopes to go on a minor-league rehab assignment next week. Garciaparra worked in the cages and did some running on Tuesday in an attempt to break up the scar tissue in his right calf.
Our View: Nomar is eligible to come off the disabled list today, but won't join the team for another 1-2 weeks minimum. |
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| Park to start for Kuroda if necessary | Wednesday 6/25, 9:27 AM CT |
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Chan Ho Park was unavailable to pitch in relief Tuesday because skipper Joe Torre wants him rested to start in place of Hiroki Kuroda if necessary, this according to the Los Angeles Times.
Our View: Kuroda is still a question mark for Friday's start against the cross town rival Angels. |
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| Hardy reports no shoulder issues | Wednesday 6/25, 9:11 AM CT |
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J.J. Hardy said he had no problems with the balky left shoulder that forced him to sit out four games at the outset of the Brewers’ last home stand, this according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Hardy was having trouble with looseness and discomfort in the shoulder but has responded well to exercises and treatment. “It feels the best it has all season,” Hardy said. “That rotator cuff (tendinitis) was a totally new thing. Once we figured that out, it got better."
Our View: Hardy is expected to be in the starting lineup without issue moving forward. The Brewers are beginning to find their stride and Hardy is an important piece to the team's success. |
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| Snell cleared to throw | Wednesday 6/25, 8:21 AM CT |
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Ian Snell was told he could begin throwing within the next two days after tests on Monday cleared the right-hander of any significant injury, this according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "It took them about 45 minutes to tell me, and I was freaking out sitting in DeMeo's office," Snell said of team physician, Dr. Patrick DeMeo. "Brad Henderson, our head trainer, came in and told me I was fine. But I still wanted to hear it from the doctor."
Our View: Snell is nursing elbow soreness and is expected to miss one start. |
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| Van Benschoten won't be promoted | Wednesday 6/25, 8:11 AM CT |
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John Van Benschoten isn't expected to fill the Pirates open slot in the rotation on Friday or Saturday night. He pitched on Tuesday for Triple-A Indianapolis meaning he would be pitching on three-days rest if promoted to the parent club. The right-hander allowed three runs on eight hits in just four innings of work.
Our View: With Van Benschoten out of the picture to fill Phil Dumatrait's spot in the rotation, Ty Taubenheim, Jason Davis and Double-A Altoona's Yoslan Herrera are the most likely candidates to be promoted. |
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| Kouz back in action on Tuesday | Wednesday 6/25, 7:51 AM CT |
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Kevin Kouzmanoff was back in the lineup Tuesday night. Kouzmanoff missed six games because of back pain.
Our View: Kouzmanoff went 1-for-4 in the game and is hitting .263 on the season. |
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| Giles returns to starting lineup | Wednesday 6/25, 7:42 AM CT |
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Brian Giles was back in the lineup Tuesday night. The Padres right fielder was out two games because of a hamstring strain, and his left shoulder will require treatment indefinitely.
Our View: Giles, like most of the San Diego players, has struggled at the plate and with injuries in the first three months of the season. Giles went 1-for-4 in Wednesday's loss to the Twins. |
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| Bard out minimum two more weeks | Wednesday 6/25, 7:39 AM CT |
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Manager Bud Black said catcher Josh Bard is still at least two weeks from coming off the disabled list, this according to the San Diego Union Tribune.
Our View: Bard was struggling at the plate during the absence of Michael Barrett, and before heading to the DL was hitting .200 with only seven RBI and no home runs. |
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| Pujols still questionable | Wednesday 6/25, 7:36 AM CT |
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Albert Pujols might not be playing in the field Thursday when he's eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list, this according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The All Star first baseman is still nursing a strained left calf, but is actively rehabilitating the injury.
Our View: Pujols could take the designated hitter role on Thursday, and through the weekend, or the team may choose to hold him out until the first of next week. Pujols, just as he did in his recovery from a strained oblique in 2006, has healed faster than expected. |
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| Church nearing rehab assignment | Wednesday 6/25, 7:25 AM CT |
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The New York Daily News reports that Ryan Church (concussions) ran "full-out gasser sprints" in the outfield Tuesday, but he doesn't expect to start his rehab assignment at Brooklyn until tomorrow. "I don't think it will be (today)," Church said. "I want to be back to play against (the Yankees this weekend), but I know I have to be smart about this whole thing."
Our View: Church's return to active duty is on a day-to-day timetable. |
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| Bocock to see specialist | Wednesday 6/25, 7:18 AM CT |
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The San Francisco Chronicle reports that shortstop Brian Bocock , now assigned to Triple-A Fresno, flew to Arizona on Tuesday to see a team doctor about lingering pain in the fingers of his throwing hand.
Our View: Bocock brought his plate struggles to Fresno, where he is hitting .163 in 123 at-bats. |
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| Hoffman gives up a pair of longballs | Wednesday 6/25, 12:07 AM CT |
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Trevor Hoffman allowed a pair of solo homers in the ninth inning of a 1-1 game Tuesday. The all-time saves leader picked up the loss and is now 1-5 on the year, to go along with a 4.85 ERA.
Our View: The strange thing with Hoffman is that his strikeouts are way up and his walks are down, yet his ERA is at an all-time high. Is this the beginning of the end, or has he been unlucky? |
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