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| Pierre to undergo MRI | Sunday 6/29, 11:54 PM CT |
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The Los Angeles Times confirms that Juan Pierre remained in town on Sunday night and will undergo an MRI on his left knee. The team traveled to Houston, but Pierre won't join them until the results are known. "Obviously, for him to come out of a ballgame, it's more than just a bruise, you would think," manager Joe Torre explains.
Our View: We'll update Pierre's status as soon as more is known. Delwyn Young would likely start in left field if Pierre were to miss more time. |
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| Uggla could be out until Thursday | Sunday 6/29, 10:14 PM CT |
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Second baseman Dan Uggla could be out until Thursday due to a sore left ankle, MLB.com reports. "We'll probable stay away from him for a couple of days; hopefully, he could play the road trip," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "He's just got to ice the [heck] out of it today. He's got to get that whole swelling down and get some treatment on that." The Marlins open the coming week with three home games against the Nationals and then play four games in Colorado.
Our View: Even if Uggla only gets three games in Colorado this week, he id probably worth using over your backup option. He does carry some obvious risk, though. |
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| Marshall pitches well, loses | Sunday 6/29, 9:55 PM CT |
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Sean Marshall kept the White Sox in check on Sunday, but he ended up taking a loss. The right-hander held the rival to five hits and three runs over seven innings. Marshall walked one and struck out five.
Our View: Two homers did Marshall in on Sunday night. Still, he may have earned himself another turn in the rotation. |
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| Kearns goes deep | Sunday 6/29, 9:13 PM CT |
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Austin Kearns went 2-for-4 with a homer, double, and three RBI for Triple-A Columbus on Sunday. He is on a rehab assignment following right elbow surgery and is expected to return in the coming week.
Our View: Kearns is four games into his rehab, and it looks like his bat is working better than it did before the operation. Our expectations remain low. |
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| Zambrano ready to return | Sunday 6/29, 8:45 PM CT |
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Carlos Zambrano threw a pain-free bullpen session on Sunday and declared himself ready to return to the rotation. "I feel great today. I guess 'Z' is back," Zambrano tells the AP. "I'm ready to go out there and do my job." Zambrano, who is out due to a strained right shoulder, will throw another side session on Tuesday. He expects to be activated to start on July 4 against the Cardinals.
Our View: It sounds like fantasy owners can safely start Zambrano in the week ahead. |
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| Myers unlikely to make Thursday start | Sunday 6/29, 8:41 PM CT |
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Brett Myers appears unlikely to make his next scheduled start on Thursday. Nothing is official, but the club is leaning towards pulling Myers from the rotation. "Right now, that's the way we're leaning, but we'll think about it," manager Charlie Manuel tells MLB.com. Reliever Chad Durbin would likely start in Myers' place.
Our View: We should have an official word on Monday or Tuesday, but fantasy owners should pull Myers from their lineups, provided he's even in them. Durbin could make only one start before giving way to Kris Benson. |
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| Perez pushed back to next Sunday | Sunday 6/29, 8:21 PM CT |
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Oliver Perez won't start again until next Sunday against the Phillies, MLB.com reports. The Mets have altered their rotation and pushed the southpaw back by two days. Perez could pitch in relief on Wednesday or Thursday of this week.
Our View: This news will affect fantasy teams with daily transactions, but it shouldn't alter anyone's outlook too greatly. |
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| Benson takes Triple-A loss | Sunday 6/29, 8:18 PM CT |
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Kris Benson worked four innings and allowed four runs for Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Sunday. He allowed five hits, walked none, struck out one, and threw 73 pitches. Benson tells MLB.com that he felt fine. His fastball reached 93 mph. Benson is coming back from surgery to repair a torn right rotator cuff.
Our View: Benson seems to be at least one more start away from throwing his hat into the major league mix. We're not counting on him to help fantasy teams very much, although NL-only owners obviously need to take notice. |
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| Moyer drops third straight | Sunday 6/29, 8:06 PM CT |
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Jamie Moyer continues to be a victim of bad run support. The ageless lefty lost his third straight start on Sunday. He allowed three runs over 5.2 innings against the Rangers. Moyer served up seven hits, walked four, and struck out six. He has allowed three or fewer runs in five straight starts.
Our View: The crafty Moyer is pitching about as well as the Phillies can expect, but their lineup has produced a total of 10 runs over his last five outings. We guess karma is swinging back after the Phillies supplied Moyer with an average of nine runs per start in May. |
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| Zimmerman could swing next week | Sunday 6/29, 7:00 PM CT |
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Ryan Zimmerman will likely begin to swing a bat next week, which is a good sign. He is out due to a small labral tear in his left shoulder, and he is trying to avoid surgery. The Nationals believe he will return this year, the Washington Post reports.
Our View: Zimmerman isn't close to returning, but this news suggests he could still help fantasy clubs later this year. |
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| Gagne activated | Sunday 6/29, 6:50 PM CT |
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The Brewers activated reliever Eric Gagne from the 15-day DL after Sunday's loss to the Twins, the AP reports. Manager Ned Yost did not say what role Gagne would have. He was out due to right rotator cuff tendinitis.
Our View: Salomon Torres has pitched well enough to keep the closer's role, but Yost showed tremendous loyalty to Gagne earlier this year. Fantasy owners should stick with Torres until we're clear about the roles. |
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| Jones will regain job in center | Sunday 6/29, 6:38 PM CT |
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Andruw Jones isn't expected back until after the All-Star break, but he knows where he'll be playing when he's ready. Manager Joe Torre informs MLB.com that Jones will regain his starting job in center field. Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier will form some sort of platoon in right field. Jones is out due to right knee surgery.
Our View: The Dodgers will likely look to trade Juan Pierre this July, as Kemp and Ethier both have a long-term future with the club. This outfield could frustrate fantasy owners when Andruw is ready. |
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| Peavy falls to 5-5 | Sunday 6/29, 6:28 PM CT |
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Jake Peavy slipped to 5-5 after a tough outing against the Mariners on Sunday. The ace served up 10 hits over six innings, but he held the opposition to three runs. Peavy walked one and struck out six.
Our View: Peavy is going through a relatively tough stretch. We stress the "relatively" part because even the bad times for this stud would be good for most hurlers. We're not concerned. |
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| Tough luck loss for Lowe | Sunday 6/29, 6:22 PM CT |
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Derek Lowe fell to 5-8 on Sunday, but it was hardly his fault. He held the Angels to five hits and one run over seven innings, but the Dodgers offense failed to cross the plate. Lowe walked two and struck out seven.
Our View: After an awful May, Lowe bounced back with a 2.81 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in June. He only went 3-3 in the month, but the wins will come if he continues pitching this well. |
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| Pierre injures knee | Sunday 6/29, 6:16 PM CT |
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Juan Pierre injured his left leg during Sunday's loss to the Angels. He suffered the ailment when sliding into second base, and he left after grabbing his knee. Pierre will likely undergo an MRI on Monday, MLB.com reports.
Our View: If Pierre is out for a while, the Dodgers could use Delwyn Young or Mark Sweeney in the outfield. We'll update his status when more is known. |
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| Aurilia drives in five | Sunday 6/29, 6:10 PM CT |
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Rich Aurilia went 3-for-5 with a homer and five RBI in Sunday's win over the A's. The 36-year-old corner infielder came into the contest with a mere seven RBI in the month of June.
Our View: Rich has hit well this month, but let's not get carried away. He isn't worth using in fantasy leagues, unless you are dealing with injuries in an NL-only format. |
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| Blanton struggles against Giants | Sunday 6/29, 6:07 PM CT |
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Five days after a solid bounce back effort, Joe Blanton returned to his poor ways on Sunday. Blanton served up eight hits and seven runs over four innings against the Giants. The effort included four doubles and a triple. Blanton is now 4-11 on the year.
Our View: Joe is way too solid of a hurler to be 4-11 and own a 4.97 ERA. He's pitching like a guy who is just waiting to be traded. Fantasy owners should bench Joe if they haven't already. |
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| Sanchez wins again | Sunday 6/29, 6:03 PM CT |
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Jonathan Sanchez followed Tim Lincecum's lead and silenced the A's on Sunday. The 25-year-old southpaw held Oakland to four hits and one run over seven innings. Sanchez walked one, struck out seven, and improved to 8-4 with a 3.79 ERA. He is 6-1 since May 28 and owns 103 whiffs over 102.0 innings.
Our View: In just over one month, Sanchez has gone from waiver wire material in most mixed leagues to a rotation fixture. He has really come into his own this year, and it looks like the Giants have quite a lefty to mix in with Lincecum and Matt Cain. |
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| Sheets takes rare loss | Sunday 6/29, 5:57 PM CT |
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Ben Sheets has been hot, but he ran into the Twins buzzsaw on Sunday. The ace allowed nine hits and five runs over seven innings. Sheets, who dropped to 9-2, also walked two and struck out seven. He hadn't lost since May 15.
Our View: Fantasy owners have no reason to worry. Big Ben just had a minor hiccup against a streaking club. |
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| Pujols goes yard | Sunday 6/29, 5:50 PM CT |
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Albert Pujols went 2-for-4 with two runs, two RBI, and, most notably, a home run on Sunday. It was his first long ball since coming off the DL.
Our View: Pujols failed to score or manage an extra-base hit in his first three games back, so it's nice to see him break out. Fantasy owners should obviously activate Albert for the week ahead. |
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| LaRue homers, drives in four | Sunday 6/29, 5:45 PM CT |
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Jason LaRue was an unlikely hero in Sunday's 9-6 win over the Royals. The catcher went 2-for-4 with a triple, homer, and four RBI.
Our View: LaRue is having a solid little run while filling in for Yadier Molina. We don't expect this veteran backstop to keep it up, but NL-only fantasy owners who plugged him in should be very pleased. |
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| Valverde closes the door | Sunday 6/29, 5:41 PM CT |
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Jose Valverde earned his 21st save of the season on Sunday, and we're happy to report that he didn't give up a run. The closer did walk a batter, but he also worked a hitless ninth inning. Valverde had allowed at least one run in four of the last five appearances.
Our View: We've been worried about Valverde, who basically admitted recently to feeling overworked. Fantasy owners should continue to use him, as the Astros don't really have a better option. |
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| Manny hits one out | Sunday 6/29, 5:35 PM CT |
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Manny Ramirez went 2-for-4 with a solo homer on Sunday. It was his first long ball since June 10.
Our View: Manny has been on a cold streak, due in part to a lingering hamstring injury. He has hit well the past two days, though, and we're not worried about his fantasy value. |
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| Moehler pitches well | Sunday 6/29, 5:33 PM CT |
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Brian Moehler went pitch-for-pitch with Josh Beckett on Sunday afternoon. The veteran held the Red Sox to one run over 5.2 innings. Moehler allowed seven hits, walked three, and struck out five. He earned a no-decision, but the Astros eventually won 3-2.
Our View: Okay, so Moehler didn't last as long as Beckett, but it was a nice outing nonetheless. Moehler has allowed only one run in each of his last three starts and is worth trusting in NL-only formats. We're not ready to use him in mixed leagues. |
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| Gorzelanny strikes out eight | Sunday 6/29, 4:48 PM CT |
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Tom Gorzelanny struck out a season-high eight batters on Sunday against the Rays. He gave up eight hits and two runs (both on solo homers) over six innings. Gorzelanny took a no-decision.
Our View: Gorzelanny will wrap up June with a 4.66 ERA, which looks wonderful in comparison to his work in April and May. It's been a very disappointing campaign for the southpaw, and fantasy owners still can't trust him at this point. |
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| Iguchi sheds the sling | Sunday 6/29, 4:41 PM CT |
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Tadahito Iguchi has shed his right arm sling and has begun jogging. The second baseman suffered a separated right shoulder on June 5. "He's started to do some very easy mobilization with his shoulder," manager Bud Black tells MLB.com. "He can't run [pump his arms]. But he can kind of do what he's doing. He is still a ways away." Initial reports called for Iguchi to miss six-to-eight weeks.
Our View: Edgar Gonzalez continues to get most of the start at second base. Sadly, youngster Matt Antonelli wasn't ready to step up and fill the void. The Padres don't have a huge incentive to rush Iguchi back, other than maybe to trade him by July 31. |
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| Bergmann sharp in no-decision | Sunday 6/29, 4:34 PM CT |
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The good version of Jason Bergmann took the hill on Sunday and held the Orioles to six hits and one run over seven innings. Bergmann walked one, struck out three, and took a no-decision. It was his third straight outing with only one earned run allowed.
Our View: Bergmann seems to be either outstanding or awful every time he takes the mound. There's no in between. He has a bright future if he can figure out how to work more consistently. Fantasy owners should be wary until we see a more extended run of success. |
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| Bard not near return | Sunday 6/29, 4:28 PM CT |
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The Padres don't expect Josh Bard to return until after the All-Star break, MLB.com reports. He is on the DL due to a high ankle sprain. "It is painful to squat. I've also been told that these high ankle sprains tend to linger. Even though he'll be able to play at some point, he's going to feel some discomfort," manager Bud Black explains.
Our View: Bard is one of three Padres backstops that has struggled at the plate this year, and we're not completely sure what the organization will try moving forward. We'd think Josh would return as part of a committee, which means he'd have very little fantasy value. |
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| Carpenter could move to bullpen | Sunday 6/29, 4:25 PM CT |
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The Cardinals are thinking about moving Chris Carpenter to the bullpen, at least in the short term. "I think we have to consider that," general manager John Mozeliak informs MLB.com. Carpenter had a setback earlier this month, and although he did not need more elbow surgery, his return date has been delayed. He is currently throwing in Florida and may face hitters in about one week.
Our View: We imagine a move to the bullpen would only be for 2008 and to ensure that Carpenter gets back to the majors this year. Fantasy owners shouldn't expect much, if anything, out of him this season. |
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| No support for Reyes | Sunday 6/29, 4:15 PM CT |
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Jo-Jo Reyes held the Blue Jays to six hits and one run over seven innings on Sunday, but the Braves lost 1-0. The 23-year-old southpaw walked two, struck out five, and slipped to 3-6.
Our View: The Braves have to be pleased with this youngster's progression. Reyes owns a 3.22 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 35 strikeouts over his last seven starts. He has only managed one win during that span, but it's hardly his fault. Fantasy owners who have him in a keeper league should be excited. |
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| Buchholz puts up another zero | Sunday 6/29, 4:05 PM CT |
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Taylor Buchholz pitched a scoreless inning on Sunday afternoon against the Tigers. He hasn't allowed a run in his last 10 appearances and now holds a 1.36 ERA over 35 appearances.
Our View: Taylor has really taken a liking to life in the bullpen. Brian Fuentes is a potential trade candidate for the July 31 deadline, and Buchholz could end up saving games over the final couple months. |
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| Tulowitzki crushes two-run homer | Sunday 6/29, 3:52 PM CT |
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Troy Tulowitzki went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer in Sunday's 4-3 loss to the Indians.
Our View: That must have felt good, to him as well as fantasy owners, as it was his first homer since April 23. |
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| Encarnacion enjoys solid return | Sunday 6/29, 3:39 PM CT |
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Edwin Encarnacion enjoyed a solid return to the diamond on Sunday as he went 2-for-3 with three RBI in a 9-5 win over Cleveland. He hit a single and a two-run homer, his 13th of the season.
Our View: He missed five games due to back spasms, but is safe to return to your lineups, evidenced by today's performance. |
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| Arroyo nails down win for Reds | Sunday 6/29, 3:36 PM CT |
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Bronson Arroyo only allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits over six innings in Sunday's 9-5 win over the inter-league rival Indians, with two walks and six strikeouts.
Our View: He improves to 5-7 and trimmed his ERA to 6.19. He bounced back well from his last start, as he was rocked for 10 earned runs over one inning against the Jays. |
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| Delgado hits another homer vs. NY | Sunday 6/29, 3:24 PM CT |
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Carlos Delgado went 1-for-4 with a solo homer in Sunday's 3-1 win over the Yankees.
Our View: He blasted three homers over a four-game span against the Yankees, and has 14 for the season. He is still available in some leagues, and is worth a look if you need help in your infield. |
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| Perez claims sixth win | Sunday 6/29, 3:20 PM CT |
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Oliver Perez hurled a gem in Sunday's 3-1 win over the Yankees, as he only allowed one earned run on three hits over seven innings, with no walks and eight strikeouts. The only run came on a Wilson Betemit homer.
Our View: Perez improved his record to 6-5, and bounced back following two poor outings as he allowed nine total earned runs, and only five strikeouts. |
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| Drew hits two-run homer in loss | Sunday 6/29, 3:15 PM CT |
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Stephen Drew went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer in Sunday's 4-3 loss to Florida.
Our View: That was his 11th homer of the season, and his first since June 18. He hasn't registered an RBI since that date either. |
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| Haren pitches well in no decision | Sunday 6/29, 3:11 PM CT |
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Dan Haren pitched well in Sunday's 4-3 loss to the Marlins, as he only surrendered one run (not earned) on five hits over seven innings, with two walks and seven strikeouts. He ended the day with a no decision.
Our View: His no decision snapped a two-game winning streak, but fantasy owners should still be very pleased by today's performance. He has only allowed three total earned runs over his last four starts. |
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| Cantu goes 2-for-5 with RBI | Sunday 6/29, 3:07 PM CT |
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Jorge Cantu went 2-for-5 with an RBI in Sunday's 4-3 win over the D-Backs.
Our View: He has registered an RBI in three straight games, and has 47 for the season. He also has 14 homers and a .278 average, and remains a favorable third baseman for mixed-leagues. |
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| Ramirez blasts 18th homer | Sunday 6/29, 3:04 PM CT |
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Hanley Ramirez went 2-for-4 with a solo homer in Sunday's 4-3 win over Arizona.
Our View: He raised his average to .294 and collected his 18th homer and 69th run of the season. He also extended his hitting streak to six games. |
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| Park returns to bullpen | Sunday 6/29, 2:42 PM CT |
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Chan Ho Park had two solid starts in a row, but skipper Joe Torre has decided to move him back to the bullpen, according to the LA Daily News. He only allowed one earned run over those two starts (11 innings).
Our View: He is no longer worth starting in traditional NL-only leagues. |
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| Pierre to remain in Dodgers' outfield | Sunday 6/29, 2:34 PM CT |
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Juan Pierre is going to remain in the Dodgers' outfield, even after Andruw Jones returns to action, according to the LA Daily News. Manager Joe Torre said, "Pierre has been that consistent guy for us every day, and he refuses to acknowledge any bumps or bruises, even though you know he has them. Juan is going to be our left fielder, and Andruw will be our center fielder."
Our View: So when Jones returns, Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp will be battling for playing time in right field. Pierre deserves to play every day as he is hitting .277 with 24 RBI, 30 runs scored, and 34 stolen bases over 72 games. Five of his stolen bases have come over his last four games. |
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| Barthmaier sent back to Triple-A | Sunday 6/29, 1:55 PM CT |
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Jimmy Barthmaier has been optioned back to Triple-A Indianapolis, according to the AP.
Our View: He made a spot start against the Rays in place of the injured Phil Dumatrait over the weekend and failed to take advantage of the opportunity, as he was rocked for seven earned runs on seven hits over a mere 2.1 innings of action. |
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| Taubenheim optioned | Sunday 6/29, 1:50 PM CT |
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Ty Taubenheim has been optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis, according to the AP.
Our View: He earned a no decision in his spot start against the Rays, with only two earned runs allowed on seven hits over six innings. He fared well, but will have to wait for another chance to prove his worth with the Pirates. |
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| Jones misses eighth straight game | Sunday 6/29, 1:34 PM CT |
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Chipper Jones has missed his eighth straight game on Sunday due to a strained quad, according to MLB.com. He doesn't know if he will be able to return on Tuesday and said, "As of right now, I'm not prepared to say that. I certainly hope I'm ready. I'm still in a lot of pain."
Our View: Jones still isn't able to run with more than 50 percent effort, but manager Bobby Cox remains hopeful to have him back on Tuesday, when the Braves begin a series against the Phillies. |
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| Samchez recalled | Sunday 6/29, 1:17 PM CT |
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Pitcher Romulo Sanchez has been recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis, according to the AP.
Our View: He was brought in to help a shorthanded Pirates' bullpen, and will hold no fantasy value in standard leagues while working as a middle reliever. |
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| Bruce given a rest | Sunday 6/29, 12:24 PM CT |
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Jay Bruce was not in Sunday's starting lineup as Manager Dusty Baker wanted to give him a game off, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Indians' hurler Aaron Laffey is tough on lefties, and Bruce is only 8-for-51 (.157) over his last 13 games. Bruce will spend the day watching video and working on hitting. |
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| Encarnacion returns | Sunday 6/29, 12:18 PM CT |
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Edwin Encarnacion has recovered from his back spasms and returned to the Reds' lineup at third base on Sunday, according to MLB.com.
Our View: He missed five games due to the ailment. Jeff Keppinger moved from third to shortstop, and Jerry Hairston moved to center field, as Jay Bruce was given the day off. |
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| Bernadina recalled | Sunday 6/29, 11:53 AM CT |
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Outfielder Roger Bernadina has been recalled from Double-A Harrisburg, according to the Sports Network. He will fill the roster spot for Lastings Milledge, who has been placed on the DL with a groin ailment.
Our View: Bernadina was hitting .325 with five home runs, seven triples, 26 stolen bases and 38 RBI for Harrisburg prior to his promotion to the Nationals. He will be making his major league debut, and could be given a shot to roam center field while Milledge is away.
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| Milledge placed on DL | Sunday 6/29, 11:47 AM CT |
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Lastings Milledge has landed on the 15-day DL due to a strained right groin, according to the Sports Network. To fill his spot on the roster, the Nationals recalled outfielder Roger Bernadina from Double-A Harrisburg.
Our View: A timetable for his return is yet to be set. This is a tough loss for the Nationals, as Milledge has been hot with five hits, four RBI, and a homer over his last three games. |
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| Church activated | Sunday 6/29, 11:39 AM CT |
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Ryan Church has been activated from the 15-day DL Sunday and is back in the Mets' lineup against the Yankees, according to the AP. The team placed Trot Nixon on the 15-day DL due to a groin ailment, to make room for Church on the roster.
Our View: Church was enjoying a solid season prior to landing on the DL with a concussion, as he held a .300 average with 10 homers, 35 RBI, and 35 runs scored over 50 games. He should be safe to return to your fantasy lineups. |
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| Uggla out for Sunday | Sunday 6/29, 11:34 AM CT |
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Dan Uggla is out for Sunday's game due to his sprained left ankle, according to the AP.
Our View: He believes he will be back in action within a few days. Robert Andino replaces him in the lineup. |
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| Gagne closing in on return | Sunday 6/29, 10:06 AM CT |
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Eric Gagne threw a 30-pitch bullpen session on Saturday and could be activated from the DL soon, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Gagne will be looked at today to see how he feels, and if there isn't an issue, he will likely be back in the Brewers' bullpen as a late-inning, set-up reliever. Manager Ned Yost said, "It was a pretty good workout so we'll see how he rebounds from that. I'm looking for command and life on his pitches. He had life on his pitches. Command on his fastball was decent. He's looking like he's real, real close. We'll see if he passes his tests and comes back feeling good. Then we'll go from there."
Our View: Gagne is feeling good and as close to 100% as he is going to get. He won't likely hold much fantasy value as a setup man in standard leagues. |
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| Valdez works off flat ground | Sunday 6/29, 9:34 AM CT |
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Merkin Valdez, who is trying to bounce back from a strained right elbow, threw off flat ground for the third time on Saturday, according to the SF Chronicle.
Our View: Manager Bruce Bochy feels he is coming along, but remains a while away from returning. The team is going to take it slow with him, and could be back in late July. |
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| Young throws sim. game | Sunday 6/29, 9:29 AM CT |
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Chris Young threw a successful simulated game on Saturday, according to MLB.com. Young threw 45 pitches to teammates Craig Stansberry, Luke Carlin and Paul McAnulty through three simulated innings. Following the session, Young said, "It was just something to build on. My off-speed stuff was OK. It wasn't as sharp as I'd like but all things considered, I think it went well."
Our View: Manager Bud Black felt he displayed good control on his pitches and had zip on his fastball, but a timetable for his return is yet to be determined until he has his fractured nose operated on. Young will have surgery on Monday to repair his septum to improve his breathing, and will need a four-to five-day recovery period after the surgery is complete. |
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| Kuroda nearing return | Sunday 6/29, 9:22 AM CT |
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Hiroki Kuroda, who is recovering from tendinitis in his right shoulder, faced 16 batters over three simulated innings Saturday and is on pace to be activated from the DL on Wednesday to make a start in Houston, according to the LA Times. He threw 49 pitches during the session and said, "Of course, I didn't feel the way I do when I'm pitching well. I wanted to throw as much as I could to regain that feeling."
Our View: Kuroda will be part of a six-man rotation until the All-Star break, namely because skipper Joe Torre figures that Kuroda's shoulder could use an extra day of rest between starts.
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| Penny throws successful session | Sunday 6/29, 9:16 AM CT |
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Brad Penny, who is recovering from tendinitis in his right shoulder, threw a successful 70-pitch bullpen session on Saturday, according to the LA Times. He said, "I threw the ball as hard as I could. It feels like I've got a new arm."
Our View: He didn't feel any discomfort in his shoulder and is confident he will return to the Dodgers before the All-Star break. His next step will be to pitch in a shortened simulated game some time during the four-game series against the Astros.
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| Morgan optioned | Sunday 6/29, 8:57 AM CT |
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Nyjer Morgan has been optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Our View: Morgan held no fantasy value prior to his demotion, as he maintained an anemic .143 average over 42 at-bats, with no homers and two RBI. He has also been caught on two of three steal attempts. |
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| Van Benschoten recalled | Sunday 6/29, 8:54 AM CT |
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John Van Benschoten has been recalled from Triple-A Indiapolis, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. The team optioned outfielder Nyjer Morgan to Triple-A as a corresponding move.
Our View: Van Benschoten is a candidate to make a spot start on Wednesday against the Reds, in place of the injured Phil Dumatrait. He has been unstable with the Pirates this season, as he allowed 13 hits, six walks, and eight earned runs over 8.2 innings. He is not worth acquiring if he is officially penciled in to start Wednesday. |
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| Osoria placed on DL | Sunday 6/29, 8:47 AM CT |
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Reliever Franquelis Osoria has been placed on the 15-day DL due to bursitis in his right ankle, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. The team recalled TJ Beam from Triple-A to fill Osoria's spot on the roster.
Our View: The ailment bothers him when he pushes off during his delivery, and his ankle has been sore the past five days or so. He allowed 35 earned runs and 75 hits over 52.1 innings this season, and the team can afford to lose his services while he recovers. |
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| Beam recalled | Sunday 6/29, 8:43 AM CT |
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T.J. Beam has been recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. The team placed reliever Franquelis Osoria on the 15-day DL as an adjoining move.
Our View: The Pirates' bullpen is shorthanded right now, and Beam was brough in for depth. His service with the club will likely be brief and he does not merit fantasy attention, especially since he allowed five runs over 4.1 innings with the Pirates this season, with only two strikeouts. |
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| Bautista played catch | Sunday 6/29, 8:37 AM CT |
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Denny Bautista, who is recovering from a forearm contusion, was able to play catch on Saturday, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Our View: Manager John Russell noted that he could return to action on Monday if his ailment continues to progress favorably, and his ability to throw Saturday was a good sign. |
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| Alou expected back next weekend | Sunday 6/29, 8:04 AM CT |
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Moises Alou, who is recovering from a strained left calf, should begin rehab games on Monday, according to the NY Daily News. If that goes favorably, he could return for next weekend's series against the Phillies, which starts July 4.
Our View: Alou is productive when he plays as he holds a .347 average over 49 games with nine RBI, but he has already landed on the DL three times this season, and shouldn't be counted on as a starter in your fantasy outfield when he returns. |
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| Armas to be called up | Sunday 6/29, 7:58 AM CT |
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Tony Armas will reportedly be called up from Triple-A to make a spot start on Tuesday against the Cardinals, according to the NY Daily News.
Our View: After his start, Armas could work as a long reliever out of the bullpen, and is expected to replace Carlos Muniz. He isn't worth targeting as a fantasy prospect. |
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