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| Duchscherer tough luck loser | Saturday 6/28, 11:46 PM CT |
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Justin Duchscherer lowered his ERA from 1.99 to 1.91 and became the majors' ERA leader, but he received no offensive support in a 1-0 loss to the Giants on Saturday night.
Our View: The A's right-hander has allowed two or fewer earned runs in 12 of his 13 starts. What he has done in the first three months of the season is a complete aberration of his career peripherals. Sell high - |
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| Lincecum outpitches Duchscherer | Saturday 6/28, 11:43 PM CT |
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Tim Lincecum was able to outpitch Justin Duchscherer helping the the Giants snap a seven-game losing streak to the Athletics with a 1-0 victory Saturday night.
Our View: Lincecum struck out 11 for his third game with 10 or more Ks this year and won his ninth game against one loss. |
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| Johnson's Independence coming | Saturday 6/28, 11:26 PM CT |
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Florida skipper Fredi Gonzalez told the AP he will consider a six-man pitching rotation when injured starter Josh Johnson returns. Johnson, who has been rehabbing after reconstructive elbow ligament surgery.
Our View: Johnson is expected to return July 4 after his last rehab start Sunday with Double-A Carolina. If Mark Hendrickson continues to pitch poorly, Johnson could enter the current five-man rotation. |
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| Owings says he'll start | Saturday 6/28, 11:23 PM CT |
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Micah Owings said Saturday he expects to make his next scheduled start Wednesday at Milwaukee. Owings left Friday night's 3-1 loss against the Marlins with tightness in his lower back.
Our View: The big right-hander reportedly was favoring the injury after stretching for a catch covering first base an inning earlier. |
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| Miller scuffling; loses seventh | Saturday 6/28, 11:20 PM CT |
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Andrew Miller allowed six runs, three earned, on five hits in 5.2 innings on Saturday night. Miller walked three and struck out four in a 6-2 loss to the Diamondbacks.
Our View: The Marlins lefty has just one win in his last seven decisions and most of his struggles can be attributed to his 3.86 BB/9 ratio. |
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| Webb shows off All Star form | Saturday 6/28, 11:17 PM CT |
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Brandon Webb struck out eight and gave up two runs in six innings for the Diamondbacks, who ended a three-game losing streak and beat Florida 6-2 on Saturday night.
Our View: The Diamondbacks' ace gave up 11 earned runs in his previous two starts, both losses, but bounced back strong to keep Arizona (41-40) from falling below the .500 mark for the first time this season. |
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| Padilla gives up seven runs | Saturday 6/28, 11:11 PM CT |
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Vicente Padilla allowed seven runs on seven hits, walked three and struck out three on Saturday night in an 8-6 loss to his former team, the Philadelphia Phillies.
Our View: The right-hander was 8-1 his previous 11 starts and had won three in a row. |
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| Lidge earns 19th save | Saturday 6/28, 11:09 PM CT |
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Brad Lidge worked a scoreless ninth for his 19th save securing Cole Hamels' eighth win of the season. Lidge has yet to allow a home run this season.
Our View: Lidge made it interesting by giving up two singles before striking out Josh Hamilton and Milton Bradley. |
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| Hamels earns eighth win | Saturday 6/28, 11:05 PM CT |
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Left-hander Cole Hamels struck out eight over seven innings and the Phillies held off two late surges by the Texas sluggers for a 11-10 win on Saturday night.
Our View: Hamels walked two in his eighth win of the season. |
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| Utley goes deep; goes 3-for-5 | Saturday 6/28, 11:02 PM CT |
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Chase Utley broke out of his recent slump and hit a 418-foot home run in the third inning and the Philadelphia Phillies held on for an 8-6 victory over the Texas Rangers on Saturday night.
Our View: After Utley hit a 418-foot shot into the Rangers' bullpen in right-center field and Pat Burrell drew a walk, Howard hit a blast that landed in the second deck of seats above the bullpen. Yes the Phillies showed signs of breaking out of their recent funk. |
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| Myers could be moved to 'pen | Saturday 6/28, 10:50 PM CT |
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The AP is reporting that right-hander Brett Myers could be pulled from the Phillies rotation and put back in the bullpen as Brad Lidge's setup man.
Since winning two straight decisions in mid-April, Myers (3-9, 5.84 ERA in 17 starts) is 1-8 in his last 13 starts. "I talked to (Myers) for quite a while. He's struggling and trying to find it. Whatever he tries doesn't seem to work," Manuel said. "I'll think about what I want to do the next few days and we'll come up with something. We don't have a lot of options."
Our View: The report noted that while Manuel didn't announce any changes, it was clear he and Dubee aren't pleased with how things are going in Myers' return to the rotation.
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| Davies suffers first loss | Saturday 6/28, 10:45 PM CT |
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Kyle Davies allowed five runs on seven hits, walked two and struck out two in a 5-1 loss to St. Louis on Saturday night.
Our View: It was the second straight start where Davies was leaving his fastball up in the strike zone and hanging his breaking stuff. After four decent starts, the right-hander is regressing back to his career numbers. |
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| Boggs earns third win | Saturday 6/28, 10:36 PM CT |
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Rookie Mitchell Boggs remained unbeaten as the St. Louis Cardinals beat Kansas City 5-1 on Saturday night, snapping the Royals' six-game winning streak.
Boggs allowed only four hits and one run in six innings.
Our View: Boggs is 3-0 despite a 4.37 ERA and 1.40 WHIP. The prospect has a nice array of pitches and while he isn't mixed league material yet, the sky is the limit for the young right-hander. |
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| Ankiel goes long in Cards win | Saturday 6/28, 10:34 PM CT |
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Rick Ankiel hit a two-run home run to give the St. Louis Cardinals a 4-0 lead in the sixth inning, and eventually beat Kansas City 5-1 on Saturday night.
Our View: Ankiel hit his 15th home run of the season, but still well behind his 2007 pace. |
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| Lowell goes deep in Sox loss | Saturday 6/28, 10:28 PM CT |
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Mike Lowell hit a solo home run off Houston closer Jose Valverde in the ninth, but Jason Varitek struck out to end the Red Sox threat. The Boston third baseman went 4-for-4 in the losing effort raising his average from .285 to .297.
Our View: Lowell, who had a horrible April, has come on strong in hitting his 12th home run over the last two months. |
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| Youkilis records 50th RBI | Saturday 6/28, 10:24 PM CT |
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Kevin Youkilis had two hits and three RBI, but it wasn't enough as the the Houston Astros defeated the Boston Red Sox 11-10 on Saturday night.
Our View: Youk reached 50 RBI on the season in the losing effort. |
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| Bats too heavy for Boston arms | Saturday 6/28, 10:12 PM CT |
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Jacoby Ellsbury and his teammates might be one of the higher scoring offenses in the league, but Boston's pitchers are 0-for-22 at the plate with 16 strikeouts in interleague play.
Our View: Ellsbury started in CF for Coco Crisp, who began serving a five-game suspension for his role in a bench-clearing brawl in a June 5 game against Tampa Bay. |
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| Valverde records 20th save | Saturday 6/28, 10:10 PM CT |
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Jose Valverde gave up a solo homer to Mike Lowell in the ninth, but struck out Jason Varitek to secure his 20th save in the Astros 11-10 win over the Red Sox on Saturday night.
Our View: Valverde has had his moments with his new team and that's evident by his 4.34 ERA and 1.42 WHIP. |
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| Wigginton goes deep in Astros win | Saturday 6/28, 10:08 PM CT |
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Ty Wigginton helped Houston rally from 4-0 and 9-6 deficits with a game-tying home run in the eight inning. Wigginton went 2-for-4 in the Astros' 11-10 win over the Red Sox.
Our View: The long ball was only Wiggs fifth of the season in 159 at-bats. The utilityman was a preseason sleeper to provide power to fantasy owners in NL-only formats. |
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| Lee hits 18th HR | Saturday 6/28, 9:58 PM CT |
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Carlos Lee hit a solo shot and a two-run double to help the the Houston Astros to an 11-10 win over the Boston Red Sox.
Our View: Lee helped Houston rally from 4-0 and 9-6 deficits with big at-bats on Saturday night. |
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| Lester hit; and hit hard by Astros | Saturday 6/28, 9:55 PM CT |
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Jon Lester allowed six runs on nine hits, walked none and struck out three over five innings in an 11-10 loss to Houston. The six runs are the most the Boston left-hander had given up in a single game over his first 17 starts.
Our View: Lester was also hit in the ankle by a come-backer from Miguel Tejada. The lefty stayed in the game only to surrender a three-run home run to the next hitter, ex-teammate Mark Loretta. Lester pitched another 2.1 innings after taking the batted ball and should be available for his next start. |
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| Loretta goes deep in Houston win | Saturday 6/28, 9:50 PM CT |
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Mark Loretta, filling in for the disabled Kaz Matusui, hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the third inning helping the the Houston Astros to an 11-10 win over the Boston Red Sox on Saturday night.
Our View: Loretta will see the majority of the playing time at second base with Kaz out, and took advantage of his at-bats with a huge home run against his former team. |
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| Berkman hits game winning double | Saturday 6/28, 9:46 PM CT |
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Lance Berkman, who stranded a handful of runners with strikeouts in his first three at-bats, hit a two-run double in the eighth inning Saturday night to lift the Houston Astros to an 11-10 win over the Boston Red Sox.
Our View: Berkman recorded his 64th and 65th RBI of the season to go along with his 70 runs, 21 homers and 12 stolen bases. |
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| Kubel hits 12th HR | Saturday 6/28, 9:39 PM CT |
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Jason Kubel provided all of the Twins offense on Saturday night with his 12th home run of the season.
Our View: Kubel went 1-for-2 with two walks in a loss that ended the Twins 10-game winning streak. |
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| Bonser works two in relief | Saturday 6/28, 9:25 PM CT |
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Boof Bonser worked two innings in relief of Livan Hernandez on Saturday night. Bonsor, who was moved to the bullpen earlier in the month, gave way to the return of Scott Baker to the rotation.
Our View: Bonser allwed one hit and one walk while striking out one in the Twins 5-1 loss to the Brewers. |
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| Livan can't extend Twins streak | Saturday 6/28, 9:23 PM CT |
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Livan Hernandez lost for the first time in three starts as the Milwaukee Brewers beat Minnesota 5-1 on Saturday night to end the Twins' 10-game winning streak. Livan allowed four earned runs on five hits, walked four and struck out five in the loss.
Our View: The veteran fought through some early inning troubles to pitch seven innings, but did so by recording a season-high 115 pitches. Hernandez has allowed 157 hits in 110 innings this year. |
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| Parra wins sixth straight | Saturday 6/28, 9:18 PM CT |
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Manny Parra allowed two hits in seven innings to win his sixth straight game. The left-hander walked four and struck out six helping the the Brewers beat Minnesota 5-1 on Saturday night.
Our View: Parra improved his 4.29 ERA to 3.95 in the winning effort. |
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| Uggla diagnosed with ankle sprain | Saturday 6/28, 9:09 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier report, Dan Uggla reportedly suffered a sprained left ankle when sliding into second base in the bottom of the fourth inning. Uggla, who tried to take the field in the top of the fifth decided he couldn't continue. According to the Rays broadcasting network the X-rays were negative and Uggla is considered day-to-day.
Our View: If the injury was of the high variety, it's unlikely that Uggla would have even attempted to return to the field. |
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| Ordonez suffers oblique injury | Saturday 6/28, 8:45 PM CT |
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Updating and earlier report, Tigers right fielder Magglio Ordonez came out of Saturday night's game with the Colorado Rockies after fielding a double off the wall by Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki in the third inning, this according to MLive.com. The All Star suffered a spasm in his right oblique.
Our View: He will be further evaluated Sunday. Ordonez is the only Tiger to start all 80 games this season and isn't expected to play on Sunday regardless of his availability. |
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| Beltran strikes out four times | Saturday 6/28, 8:00 PM CT |
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Carlos Beltran had a rough day at the plate on Saturday striking out in all four plate appearances. Three of his strike outs came against the Yankees' starter Andy Pettitte.
Our View: Beltran can be excused from the poor performance. He's been hot in June and is hitting .276 with 54 RBI, 58 runs scored and 11 stolen bases on the season. |
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| Castro hits 425-foot shot in loss | Saturday 6/28, 7:53 PM CT |
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Ramon Castro hit a monster shot off Andy Pettitte on Saturday afternoon that traveled and estimated 425 feet. The home run snapped Pettitte's 20-inning shutout streak.
Our View: Castro had only 51 at-bats coming into the game with one home run. The home run was the catchers only hit on the day. |
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| Santana tough luck loser again | Saturday 6/28, 7:43 PM CT |
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Johan Santana struck out eight over six innings but allowed three runs on four hits, enough for the Yankees to defeat the Mets 3-2 on Saturday afternoon. Santana walked four losing a career-worst four straight decisions.
Our View: Santana has pitched well to win the four games he's lost. In the left-handers last five starts he's recorded a 2.53 ERA. |
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| Pettitte defeats Santana | Saturday 6/28, 7:39 PM CT |
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Andy Pettitte defeated Johan Santana for his sixth straight win as the New York Yankees beat the New York Mets 3-2 on Saturday afternoon.
Pettitte allowed only solo homers to Ramon Castro and David Wright in six innings of work.
Our View: The left-hander improved to 6-0 with a 3.54 ERA in eight outings since a May 17 loss to Santana at Yankee Stadium. |
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| Rivera earns 22nd save | Saturday 6/28, 7:36 PM CT |
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Mariano Rivera worked a perfect ninth inning helping the Yankees defeat the Mets 3-2 on Saturday afternoon.
Our View: Rivera has yet to blow a save this year in 22 chances.
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| Uggla exits with ankle injury | Saturday 6/28, 7:20 PM CT |
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Dan Uggla exited Saturday night's game against Arizona in the top of the fifth inning with an apparent injury to his left ankle.
Our View: We will update the injury to the Florida second baseman when more information is available. |
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| Thornton earns fourth win | Saturday 6/28, 6:58 PM CT |
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Matt Thornton, the third of five White Sox's relievers, pitched 1.2 perfect innings, striking out four of the five batters he faced to win his fourth game of the season.
Our View: Thorton has been one of a handful of bullpen arms to pitch the White Sox into first place in the AL Central. The left-hander has made 33 appearances this year throwing 31 innings, walking nine and striking out 40. |
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| Magg exits game with back injury | Saturday 6/28, 6:51 PM CT |
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Magglio Ordonez left Saturday night's game against the Rockies in the top of the 4th inning after sustaining an apparent back injury.
Our View: There was no definitive information on the seriousness of the injury. We will update the Detroit slugger when more news is available. |
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| Lee goes 5-for-5, but Cubs lose | Saturday 6/28, 6:46 PM CT |
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Derrek Lee went 5-for-5 with three RBI for the Cubs. Lee leadoff the ninth inning with a double but was stranded when Bobby Jenks got Aramis Ramirez to groundout to short with the infield in and then retired Jim Edmonds on a grounder to second to end the game.
Our View: Lee now has 51 RBI on the season and the five-hit game raised his average to .298. |
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| Vazquez hit hard by Cubs | Saturday 6/28, 6:37 PM CT |
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Javier Vazquez allowed five runs on nine hits, walked three and struck out seven in only 4.1 innings of work. Vazquez was hit hard by the Cubs but didn't figure in the 6-5 decision as the White Sox rallied for the win.
Our View: Vazquez' rose to 4.49 in the start but he raised his K/9 rate with the seven strike outs in the four-plus innings of work. |
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| Marmol suffers third loss | Saturday 6/28, 6:33 PM CT |
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Carlos Marmol suffered his third loss of the season by giving up an eighth inning leadoff home run resulting in a 6-5 defeat at the hands of the White Sox.
Our View: Marmol has been working on a mechanical flaw in his delivery over the last week, but walked one and gave up a long ball to Carlos Quentin in his inning of work. |
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| Dye goes deep in Sox win | Saturday 6/28, 6:28 PM CT |
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Jermaine Dye went 2-for-3 with a home run helping the White Sox win their second straight over the crosstown rival Cubs 6-5 on Saturday afternoon.
Our View: Dye hit his 18th home run of the season and raised his average to .306 on the season. |
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| Quentin hits game winning HR | Saturday 6/28, 6:23 PM CT |
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Carlos Quentin hit the go-ahead home run leading off the bottom of the seventh Saturday helping the White Sox made it two straight over the Cubs with a 6-5 victory. The home run was Quentin's 18th of the season.
Our View: Quentin behind in the count, 0-2, when Carlos Marmol threw a fastball over the outside of the plate allowing Quentin to literally punch the ball into the right field bullpen. |
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| DeRosa records two hits in loss | Saturday 6/28, 6:11 PM CT |
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Mark DeRosa went 2-for-5 in Saturday's 6-5 loss to the crosstown White Sox. The left fielder also scored twice and had a run-scoring single.
Our View: The longtime journeyman has found a home in Chicago. In 251 at-bats this season DeRosa is hitting .289 with 39 RBI and 45 runs scored. He' also stolen two bases without being caught. |
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| Fuku scores twice in Cubs loss | Saturday 6/28, 6:07 PM CT |
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Kosuke Fukudome started for the second straight game after missing two games to a calf injury. The right fielder hit at the top of the batting order and went 0-for-3 in the Cubs 6-5 loss to the White Sox.
Our View: Fuku did score two runs to take his run total to 55 on the season. |
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| Blackburn gives up four long balls | Saturday 6/28, 6:01 PM CT |
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Nick Blackburn's fourth loss on Friday offered negative peripherals. The right-handers ground ball to fly ball ratio continues to be a concern with each passing start. The Twins starter allowed four home runs on Friday over 4.2 innings of work, this after giving up only seven in his first 93 innings this year. Blackburn’s ground balls have decreased and in turn his home runs allowed have spiked.
Our View: In June Blackburn has allowed one more fly ball than ground ball. In April and May his ratio was 115:71. Blackburn pitches to contact and this trend is not favorable. |
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| Matsui could undergo surgery | Saturday 6/28, 5:49 PM CT |
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The Yankees hinted that Hideki Matsui could need surgery on his ailing left knee if it doesn't start feeling better. The slugger was placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday.
Our View: Matsui hasn't played since injuring his knee in a mid-June interleague series against the Astros |
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| Robertson promoted from Scranton | Saturday 6/28, 5:41 PM CT |
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Updating and earlier report that David Robertson was dressed at Shea Stadium before this afternoon's game against the Mets was accurate. The Yankees purchasd Robertson's contract from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Our View: New York also optioned lefty Kei Igawa back to Triple-A, one day after he was called up. Igawa pitched one scoreless inning in Friday's double-header. Skipper Joe Girardi is keeping fresh arms in the bullpen and moving players back and forth from Scranton will be a regular routine for the rest of the summer. |
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| Hairston and Keppinger on the left | Saturday 6/28, 5:23 PM CT |
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Jerry Hairston Jr., since returning from the disabled list, has leadoff in both games, and is penciled in to lead off and start at shortstop tonight in Clevelan. Hariston is 2-for-8 since being activated.
Our View: Since both Hairston and Jeff Keppinger have returned from the disabled list they are covering the left side of the infield. Edwin Encarnacion has seen limited action in part to a back injury. |
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| Inglett clutch in Jays win | Saturday 6/28, 5:11 PM CT |
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After hitting a two-out grand slam that highlighted a Jays rally last week, Joe Inglett hit a two-run, two-out
single as part of a four-run sixth and the Blue Jays hung on to beat
the Atlanta Braves, 9-5, in the second of a three-game interleague set at the Rogers Centre.
Our View: Inglett went 2-for-5 on Saturday. The utility option is hitting .315 with two home runs, 16 RBI, 12 runs scored and has two stolen bases. |
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| Perez designated for assignment | Saturday 6/28, 5:07 PM CT |
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The New York Yankees, who recently claimed Oneli Perez off waivers from Cleveland, have now designated the pitcher for assignment.
Our View: Perez didn't make an appearance for the Indians this year, or for the Yankees in the last week. |
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| Yanks say Martinez tipped pitch | Saturday 6/28, 4:59 PM CT |
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According to Matt Cerrone's Mets Blog Pedro Martinez was tipping his pitches in Friday's beat down at the hands of the Yankees. Following the game Martinez told reporters that he would need to review tape of his last few starts to determine exactly what he has been doing wrong of late.
Sure enough, during today’s broadcast on FOX, Ken Rosenthal said Martinez told reporters today that he was clearly telegraphing his change-up to Yankee hitters yesterday by widening his glove while switching his grip.
In his last two starts, Martinez allowed 12 runs and 21 base runners in 10 innings pitched.
In his previous three starts, Martinez was 2–0 with a 4.23 ERA.
Our View: Rosenthal talked with a Yankees coach, and a few players, all of whom confirmed Martinez had been tipping his pitches, just as the pitcher suspected. |
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| Lo Duca back in lineup; starting in LF | Saturday 6/28, 4:52 PM CT |
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Paul Lo Duca is starting in left field for Saturday night's game against the Nationals. Washington is hosting the Orioles, the second tilt of a three-game interleague set.
Our View: Lo Duca was suffering from light-headedness earlier in the week which was probably a result of looking at his statline this year. The veteran catcher is hitting .190 with no home runs, four RBI and seven runs scored in 63 at-bats. |
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| ManRam in left second straight game | Saturday 6/28, 4:48 PM CT |
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Manny Ramirez is in playing left field for the second straight game on Saturday in Houston. The Boston slugger has been gimpy due to a right hamstring strain and was 0-for-4 in his return Friday night.
Our View: Ramirez is 0-for-3 in his career versus Astros' starter Brandon Backe. |
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| Butler recalled from Omaha | Saturday 6/28, 4:35 PM CT |
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Billy Butler was recalled from Triple-A Omaha for Saturday’s game. He opened the season with the Royals but was optioned May 29 to the team's top affiliate after batting .263 with one homer and 18 RBIs in 53 games.
Our View: Butler batted .337 in 26 games at Omaha with five homers and 13 RBI. |
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| Callaspo placed on DL | Saturday 6/28, 4:32 PM CT |
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The Royals placed infielder Alberto Callaspo on the disabled list, this according to the KC Star. It appears that after Callaspo was arrested for DUI last night and spent seven hours in lockup the team has asked him to undergo evaluation and treatment
Our View:
The club filled the roster vacancy by recalling first baseman/DH Billy Butler from Class AAA Omaha. |
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| Mauer returns to action, but Cuddyer is out | Saturday 6/28, 3:55 PM CT |
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Local reporters have sent in news on the starting lineup and it appears the Twins will welcome catcher Joe Mauer back into action but Alexi Casilla won't be in the starting lineup while the team is giving Michael Cuddyer a day off, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
Our View: The outfield will feature Carlos Gomez in center and hitting leadoff, flanked by Jason Kubel in right and Delmon Young in left, hitting sixth and seventh respectively. Craig Monroe will be at DH with Brian Buscher at third and Brendan Harris at short. |
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| Hall to third, Branyan to first | Saturday 6/28, 3:49 PM CT |
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Regular first baseman Prince Fielder will once again be filling designated hitter duties for Milwaukee in interleague action against Minnesota today, but putting Russell Branyan at first base has surprised local reporters, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Our View: The move also puts Bill Hall at third base, potentially the driving force behind the changes. Hall is 3-for-10 versus Minnesota star Livan Hernandez and will hit seventh in the order. |
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| Rangers put Gabbard on the DL | Saturday 6/28, 3:38 PM CT |
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The Rangers have placed LHP Kason Gabbard on the 15-day disabled list, recalling reliever Warner Madrigal from Triple-A Oklahoma to fill his roster spot, according to FoulTerritory.com.
Our View: Gabbard pitched just 3 1/3 innings Friday night and didn't factor in the decision. He has two wins this year and a 4.82 ERA. He's walked 39 in 56 innings and allowed 64 hits. This will be his second trip to the DL this year. |
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| Wells leads in win over Atlanta | Saturday 6/28, 3:33 PM CT |
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The Blue Jays put the big win against Atlanta on the board today, taking the Braves down 9-5 on the offensive effort of outfielder Vernon Wells . Wells went 3-for-5 on the day, hitting his ninth double and eighth homer of the season to total three RBIs and one rusn scored on the day.
Our View: Wells hasn't been as hot with the bat this month as hoped, hitting .269 through June coming into today. Today's homer is the first he had hit since June 10th. |
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| Parrish gets first win of the season | Saturday 6/28, 3:26 PM CT |
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Toronto LHP John Parrish earned his first win of the season today, helping his Blue Jays put the Atlanta Braves to rest, 9-5. Parrish pitched six innings to allow just one run on four hits with two walks and four strikeouts.
Our View: Parrish was called up to fill in for injured Shawn Marcum and performed nicely. Parrish was 10-1 with a 2.74 ERA in 15 starts at Triple-A and clearly deserves a shot hang in the majors and see if he can make the grade. |
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| Hudson takes the loss | Saturday 6/28, 3:20 PM CT |
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Atlanta RHP Tim Hudson suffered through his sixth loss of the season today, falling 9-5 the Toronto Blue Jays. Hudson lasted five innings, surrendering six runs (all earned) on seven hits with three walks and three strikeouts, including two homers surrendered to do the bulk of the damage.
Our View: This brings Hudson to 1-3 for the month of June and 8-6 overall, today being the second game in his last three starts to surrender six earned runs. |
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| Teixeira homers (again) in loss to Toronto | Saturday 6/28, 3:16 PM CT |
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The Blue Jays and Braves wasted no time getting to business today, but the absence of top bats in the Atlanta lineup left the Braves vulnerable, falling 9-5. Despite the fall, first baseman Mark Teixeira continued to swing a hot bat, going 1-for-2 with two walks and his 16th homer of the season, totaling two RBIs and two runs scored on the day.
Our View: Teixeira now carries six home runs over his last six games with 11 RBIs and eight runs scored across that same span. He's as hot as it gets, but today his efforts came up short. |
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| Mets seeking pitcher for Tuesday | Saturday 6/28, 3:07 PM CT |
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New York manager Jerry Manueal has told reporters the Mets, facing a four-game set against the Cardinals later this week and a rotation in need of help, will be either activating an arm from Triple-A New Orleans or may seek to trade for a vetearn capable of starting, according to MetsBlog.com.
Our View: The game in question will be on Tuesday, the second of the four-game set. John Maine is set to go on Monday but the spot after is vacant. We'll update as news comes forth. |
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| Konerko takes BP, but feels discomfort | Saturday 6/28, 2:58 PM CT |
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The White Sox report first baseman Paul Konerko felt minor discomfort today after taking batting practice with the team, the first time Konerko has done so in weeks, but the performance could get him on the road to a minor-league rehabilitation assignment, according to ChicagoSports.com.
Our View: Recovering from a left oblique strain, Konerko noted he has no known timetable for events but was happy to get swings in today. The discomfort was expected and is one of many little steps that will come between now and his return to action. |
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| Church confirmed for Sunday | Saturday 6/28, 2:37 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier report, the Mets have confirmed outfielder Ryan Church will be on the field tomorrow in the third and final game of the interleague series against the Yanks, according to MetsBlog.com.
Our View: MB also notes outfielder Moises Alou is likely to return next weekend. We'll keep you posted on the progress of that sidestory with updates likely to come later in the week. |
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| Eyre to DL, Ascanio recalled | Saturday 6/28, 2:15 PM CT |
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The Cubbies had hoped to avoid the need to rest him for a prolonged period of time, but reliever Scott Eyre has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a left groin strain, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: Eyre has gone 2-0 with a 4.91 earned-run average in 8 relief appearances for Chicago this season. To replace Eyre on the roster, the Cubs have called up pitcher Jose Ascanio, who will be available for Saturday's game against the White Sox, from Triple-A Iowa.
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| Yanks bring Robertson from Triple-A | Saturday 6/28, 2:02 PM CT |
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Reports are circulating that have RHP David Robertson in the park and dressed for action in support of the Yankees efforts against the Mets today, clearly indicating the team has called up the young hurling prospect from Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes Barre.
Our View: We have nothing official from the MLB just yet, but several Yank blogs have noted the Yanks top pitching prospect is in the house. We'll keep you posted on any official updates or if he gets into action today. |
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| Chipper & others out for Braves today (and Sun) | Saturday 6/28, 1:25 PM CT |
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The Braves are reporting progress for several of their injured players, including third baseman Chipper Jones, but none will return for interleague action today, according to MLB.com.
Our View: The Braves are also without Yunel Escobar and Omare Infante today. All three missing pieces took batting practice today and show signs of pending return, but the reports from MLB suggest they are all likely to sit on Sunday as well. |
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| Phillips gets the start in left for the Mets | Saturday 6/28, 1:19 PM CT |
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The Mets are giving outfielder Andy Phillips his first start with the club against the Yankees today, lining him up in left field and hitting seventh in the order, according to the NY Daily News.
Our View: The Mets claimed former Yankees first baseman Andy Phillips off waivers from the Reds on Wednesday. Only 3-for-21 with the Reds, nothing would be better than getting in the mix against his old mates today. |
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| Church in the house, not likely to start | Saturday 6/28, 1:16 PM CT |
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Reports from New York have Mets outfield Ryan Church in uniform and in the clubhouse today, but beliefs put forth have him serving off the bench rather than starting against the Yankees today, according to the New York Daily News.
Our View: Church, on the disabled list since June 6 because of post-concussion syndrome, was scheduled to play in the field last night for the Single-A Brooklyn Cyclones, but rumors of a return on Sunday have him back with the squad in the Big Apple. It sounds like he is on pace to meet our expectations but could pinch hit today. Stay tuned. |
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| Miller gets crack at Webb & Arizona | Saturday 6/28, 12:43 PM CT |
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The Marlins will turn to young starter Andrew Miller in their battle with the Arizona Diamondbacks today, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: Miller was successful in his first meeting with the Diamondbacks on May 22nd, scattering five hits over seven scoreless innings, walking one and striking out nine in the Marlins' 4-0 victory. He's 1-3 in six starts since, however, including a 7-1 loss to Oakland on June 22nd in which he gave up seven hits and four earned runs in four innings. |
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| Zona needs Webb back on track | Saturday 6/28, 12:39 PM CT |
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The Diamondbacks will be enjoying the efforts of the best pitcher on the staff as they face the Florida Marlins this evening, one of few non-interleague slates on the day, according to the Sports Network. Brandon Webb comes in hoping to get his season back in dominating form, but there is reason for concern.
Our View: Webb began the season with nine straight victories, but has since dropped four of six decisions, including a 3-1 loss at Florida on May 21st, allowing six hits and three runs over seven innings in that outing, walking none and striking out seven. Webb pitched for two more wins on May 31st and June 6th to improve to 11-2, but is winless in three subsequent starts, allowing 21 hits and 12 earned runs in 15 1/3 innings against the New York Mets, Oakland and Minnesota. |
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| Parra gets the start vs Minnesota | Saturday 6/28, 12:32 PM CT |
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The Brewers are set to match a strong arm with one of their own, sending RHP Manny Parra to the hill to do battle with the Twins, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: Parra is riding a five-game win streak and has his sights set on #6. However, Parra has not pitched well away from Miller Park, posting a mediocre 2-2 record in six starts with a worrisome 7.23 ERA. |
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| Hernandez gets the start vs Milwaukee | Saturday 6/28, 12:29 PM CT |
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The Twins will be sending veteran Livan Hernandez to the mound today to keep the good vibes going against the Milwaukee Brewers, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: The Twins have collected 10 consecutive wins and now sit just a half-game back of the AL Central leading Chicago White Sox. During this impressive stretch Minnesota swept National League opponents Washington, Arizona and San Diego, and are tied with the Kansas City Royals for the best record in interleague play this season at 13-3. Since going 0-3 over a span of six starts, Hernandez has won back-to-back starts, including a 5-3 decision over Arizona this past Sunday. The 33-year-old hurler is a perfect 6-0 in nine starts at home. |
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| Duchscherer vs Lincecum set for the Bay | Saturday 6/28, 12:22 PM CT |
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Oakland and San Francisco will match up in the continued Battle for the Bay this evening, each sending their best arms to the mound to wage war for the evening, according to the Sports Network. The A's will send reliever-turned-starting phenom Justin Duchscherer for the events of the evening while the Giants counter with RHP Tim Lincecum.
Our View: Duchscherer is currently 8-4 on the year and is boasting an amazing ERA of 1.99. He's riding a four-game win streak and has not allowed more than three earned runs in each of his 13 starts this season. At home, he's a monster, going 6-0 through six starts. Lincecum is 8-1 with a 2.54 ERA. However, he has not found a win in his last three starts despite allowing just seven earned runs over the past 41 1/3 innings. |
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| Struggling Silva to face Padres | Saturday 6/28, 12:09 PM CT |
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The Mariners will send RHP Carlos Silva to the mound this evening against the San Diego Padres, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: Silva's woes continued this past Sunday as the 29-year-old lasted just four innings in an 8-3 loss to Atlanta, surrendering four runs on nine hits, three going for home runs. In nine road starts he has a horrific 1-5 record with an adjoining 6.31 ERA. |
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| Padres turn to Baek against Seattle | Saturday 6/28, 12:06 PM CT |
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Nothing like facing your former employer in interleague action, a reality RHP Cha Seung Baek will enjoy this evening as his Padres hit the field against the Seattle Mariners, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: The Padres acquired Baek from the Mariners back on May 29th, and in return the Padres sent pitcher Jared Wells to Seattle. Since being acquired, the right-hander is 0-2 in four starts, but does have a win in a relief appearance. Baek allowed six runs on eight hits in 6 1/3 innings against Detroit in his last outing. |
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| Billingsley set to face Angels | Saturday 6/28, 12:00 PM CT |
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RHP Chad Billingsley will be hitting the mound to represent his Dodgers against the cross-town rival Angels this evening, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: Billingsley is just 6-7 on the season but has won his last two starts, and has lowered his ERA to a solid 3.64. Billingsley only lasted five innings in his matchup against the Cleveland Indians this past Sunday, but he still collected a 4-3 victory, allowing three runs on eight hits, but also posted four strikeouts. In his career, the 23-year-old has made three appearances against the Angels, including one start. In nine total innings of work against Anaheim, Billingsley has surrendered four runs (only two earned) on six hits and five walks. |
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| Weaver takes the mound for Angels | Saturday 6/28, 11:57 AM CT |
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The Dodgers and Angels will continue to battle for the west-coast title today with the Angels sending RHP Jered Weaver to the mound, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: Weaver comes off a solid outing against Philadelphia, holding the Phillies to just one run on four hits in 5 1/3 innings. In the 3-2 victory, Weaver walked three batters but struck out six. This will be the second outing for Weaver against the cross-town rival
Dodgers. Just last month Weaver tossed 5 1/3 innings against Los Angeles, striking out seven batters, while allowing just two runs in the 10-2 win. In his career against the Dodgers, the young hurler has dominated LA, going 3-0 with a stellar 2.08 ERA. |
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| Boggs starts for St. Lou | Saturday 6/28, 11:53 AM CT |
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The Cardinals will send RHP Mitchell Boggs to the mound this evening to face the Kansas City Royals, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: Boggs is 2-0 with a 5.40 ERA and comes off a win last Saturday against the Boston Red Sox, allowing three runs and five hits in 5 1/3 innings. |
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| Davies looks to keep Royals straight vs Cardinals | Saturday 6/28, 11:50 AM CT |
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The Royals have enjoyed the results against the National League thus far this season and hope to keep it going this evening, sending RHP Kyle Davies to the mound against the Cardinals, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: Davies is 3-0 with a 3.12 ERA, though his last outing was anything but successful. On Sunday against the San Francisco Giants Davies was hammered for five runs and six hits in just 1 1/3 innings. Davies defeated the Cards two starts ago, holding them to a run and five hits in seven innings in his only other appearance against St. Louis. |
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| Pettitte, Santana set for war | Saturday 6/28, 11:38 AM CT |
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It will be an exciting battle for the Big Apple today as the Yankees and Mets face off with aces on the mound, the Yanks sending Andy Pettitte to the hill against the Mets' Johan Santana, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: Over his last three starts Pettitte has surrendered just one run in 21 innings. He also enters today's tilt with a 19-inning scoreless streak, his longest since a 23-frame run in 1997. Pettitte lost to the Mets earlier in the year and is 7-4 lifetime against them with a 3.48 ERA. Santana lost his second straight start and third consecutive decision on Monday against Seattle, as he allowed five runs (one earned) and seven hits in seven innings. Santana defeated Pettitte and the Yankees back on May 17, upping his career mark against them to 4-0 to go along with a 2.98 ERA. |
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| Lannan takes mound for Nats | Saturday 6/28, 11:34 AM CT |
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The Nationals will ask John Lannan to cover the duties on the mound this evening as they face the Washington Nationals, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: Lannan has surrendered three runs or less in his last six starts, giving up two in each of his last five outings, but does not have much to show for it, posting an 0-4 mark over that span. Washington has given Lannan just four runs of support in his last six starts. Lannan, who is 4-8 with a 3.34 ERA on the season, received a no-decision on Sunday against the Texas Rangers, as he allowed two runs and four hits in six innings of his team's 5-3 loss. |
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| Olson facing Washington today | Saturday 6/28, 11:31 AM CT |
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The Orioles will bring LHP Garrett Olson this evening as they resume the Battle of the Beltway, facing the Washington Nationals in interleague action, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: Olson lost his second straight decision on Sunday against Milwaukee, allowing four runs and four hits in five innings. Olson defeated Washington on May 16th in his only other start against them, surrendering three runs and nine hits in five innings. |
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| Bautista to DL, Benchoten & Beam recalled | Saturday 6/28, 11:23 AM CT |
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The Pirates have recalled pitchers John Van Benchoten and T.J. Beam from Triple-A Indianapolis, also placing reliever Denny Bautista on the 15-day disabled list, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View: Bautista was struck on the right forearm by a line drive last night. X-rays did not detect a fracture last night, but he was to have been tested further today. It was not immediately clear why Van Benschoten was getting the call, although the Pirates are in need of a starter for the game next Wednesday in Cincinnati. Ty Taubenheim already had been summoned to make the start tonight in place of Dumatrait, and it is possible he could be sent right back after the game. Beam had just been sent back to Indianapolis Thursday and, in an ordinary circumstance | |
