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| Mulder makes season debut | Monday 6/30, 11:26 PM CT |
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Mark Mulder recorded the last three outs in the Cardinals' 7-1 win over the Mets on Monday night. It was Mulder's first career relief appearance and his 2008 season debut. The former starter is making a comeback after missing most of the previous two seasons with a shoulder injury.
Our View: Throwing from a lower arm angle after problems cut short one rehab assignment earlier in the year, he allowed two hits and recorded one strikeout in the single inning of work. |
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| Maine and Mets pathetic | Monday 6/30, 11:22 PM CT |
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John Maine lasted only four innings in Monday's 7-1 loss to the Cardinals. The Mets, who have lost three of four and dropped the opener of an eight-game trip against the Central-contending Cardinals, looked like a team that has nothing to play for; this while entering the game only four games back of the NL East-leading Phillies. It wasn't that Maine pitched poorly, the Cardinals hit several seeing eye singles and bloop hits in the first four innings building an early 5-0 lead. Maine gave up five runs (three earned) on seven hits, walked three and struck out one in the loss.
Our View: Maine was visibly frustrated by the play of his teammates and committed his first error since 2005, suffering his sixth loss of the season. |
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| Lohse earns 10th win | Monday 6/30, 11:16 PM CT |
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In a game where most of the New York hitters were facing a pitcher they had historically hit hard, the Mets looked like little leaguers in a 7-1 Monday loss to Cardinals starter Kyle Lohse.
The St. Louis right-hander allowed an unearned run in seven innings in the win. Lohse allowed five hits, walks and struck out four in his 10th win of the year.
Our View: Lohse has never had more than 14 wins in a season and entered the 2008 campaign 11 games below .500 for his career. |
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| Capps blows fourth save in June | Monday 6/30, 11:10 PM CT |
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Matt Capps allowed two runs on two hits and suffered his third loss of the season as the Reds rallied to a 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday night.
Our View: The Pirates closer converted his first 15 save chances this year before blowing his first on June 10. Capps now has blown four of his last six chances. |
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| Harang goes seven strong | Monday 6/30, 11:06 PM CT |
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Aaron Harang allowed three runs on seven hits, walked one and struck out eight in a no-decision versus the Pirates on Monday night.
Our View: Harang who was 3-10 entering Monday's game against Pittsburgh pitched well enough to win and lowering his 4.51 ERA to 4.47 with a quality start. |
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| Cordero earns third win | Monday 6/30, 11:04 PM CT |
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Francisco Cordero escaped a bases-loaded jam in the ninth inning on Monday night, helping the Reds move a percentage point ahead of the Pirates with a 4-3 win in relief of starter Aaron Harang.
Our View: Cordero allowed two walks and struck out one earning his third win of the year. |
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| Redding hittable in no-decision | Monday 6/30, 11:01 PM CT |
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Tim Redding didn't record an out in the sixth inning of the National Monday night loss to Florida after giving up two hits to start the inning. Jesus Colome relieved Redding and allowing Matt Treanor to tie the game with a sacrifice fly.
Redding stuck out six in five-plus innings, giving up four runs on eight hits for the Nationals. The outing was his eighth straight no-decision.
Our View: Redding has been the most consistent Washington pitcher this year. He entered the game with a 6-3 record, 4.05 ERA and 1.30 WHIP. |
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| Uggla unlikely till Thursday | Monday 6/30, 10:56 PM CT |
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Dan Uggla was out of the Monday lineup, a second straight game, after the second baseman sprained jos left ankle on Saturday.
Our View: Manager Fredi Gonzalez told the media on Monday that Uggla is still not expected to play until Florida begins a four-game series at Colorado on Thursday. |
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| Tucker sloppy in no-decision | Monday 6/30, 10:54 PM CT |
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Ryan Tucker gave up four runs on six hits and escaped a bases-loaded jam in the fourth, allowing only one run in the inning to keep the Marlins ahead 3-2 in Monday's win over the Nationals. Tucker walked two and struck out six in five innings of work.
Our View: Tucker wasn't involved in the decision but the effort wasn't his best. He actually raised his 6.75 ERA to 6.84 in his five innings of work . |
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| Rauch blows fifth save | Monday 6/30, 10:50 PM CT |
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Jon Rauch allowed a 10th inning walk-off home run to Hanley Ramirez in a 6-5 loss to the Marlins on Monday night. It was his fifth blown save in 21 chances this year.
Our View: With the news that Chad Cordero would miss the rest of the season to shoulder surgery -- and the understanding that he would be the Nats closer for the rest of the year -- the big right-hander celebrated by blowing a save. |
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| HanRam hits 18th HR | Monday 6/30, 10:46 PM CT |
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Hanley Ramirez hit his 18th home run of the season off Nats closer John Rauch in the ninth inning on Monday night.
Our View: The Marlins' shortstop also hit a tying homer in the ninth a day earlier to help the Fish defeat the Arizona Diamondbacks. HanRam raised his average to .296 with a two hit performance in Florida's 43rd win of the season. |
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| Willingham hits game winner | Monday 6/30, 10:43 PM CT |
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Josh Willingham hit a game-winning home run in the 10th inning after the Marlins' Hanley Ramirez's tying homer in the ninth forced extra innings and Florida rallied to beat the Washington Nationals 6-5 on Monday night.
It was the third career walkoff homer for Willingham, whose shot off Jon Rauch (4-2) was his second of the game.
Our View: It is only Willingham's second game back after missing nearly two months to injury. The home run was Willingham's seventh of the year. |
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| Valverde earns 22nd save | Monday 6/30, 10:40 PM CT |
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Jose Valverde allowed one hit in the top of the ninth inning but secured the victory for Roy Oswalt with one scoreless inning and his 22nd save of the year.
Our View: The Astros have hit left-handed starters hard this year and that continued on Monday night with a 4-1 win over the Dodgers and Eric Stults. |
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| Stults suffers first loss | Monday 6/30, 10:37 PM CT |
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Eric Stults set down eight in a row before walking Berkman with one out in the fourth and eventually giving up a three run inning. The Dodgers lefty allowed four runs in total on five hits, walked three and struck out three in the 4-1 loss to Houston.
Our View: Stults lost his first game of the season raising his .060 ERA to 2.21 in the process. |
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| Berkman goes deep in Astros win | Monday 6/30, 10:31 PM CT |
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Lance Berkman hit a solo homer, his 22nd of the season, and his fifth batting right-handed and Houston defeated the Red Sox 4-1 on Monday night.
Our View: It was the first homer allowed by Stults in three starts this season. Berkman went 1-for-2 with one RBI and one run scored in the game. |
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| Oswalt goes six strong; injuried | Monday 6/30, 10:19 PM CT |
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Roy Oswalt struck out nine in six strong innings, then left with an apparent injury in the Houston Astros' 4-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday night.
Oswalt allowed a run and six hits, but walked off the field with an Astros trainer after throwing his warmup pitches for the seventh.
Our View: There was no word on the severity of the injury. We will update you when information is available. |
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| Jones will regain starting role | Monday 6/30, 8:00 PM CT |
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According to the Dodgers' official website, before Andruw Jones underwent knee surgery on May 27, Dodgers manager Joe Torre took the gut-approach to who he would play in center field in Jones' place. Torre said Jones will take back his starting spot in center and Juan Pierre (if healthy) will stay in left field, leaving Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier for right field.
Our View: Torre said the right-field situation will not be a straight platoon between Kemp and Ethier, but more of a who has a hot bat. It looks like Kemp will again lose at-bats upon the return of Jones. |
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| Johnson not ready to return | Monday 6/30, 6:52 PM CT |
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Josh Johnson (elbow) start on Sunday at Double-A Carolina wasn't good enough for the team to activate him from the disabled list, this according to the Sun-Sentinel. Johnson worked 5.2 innings and gave up five earned runs on 11 hits with a walk and three strikeouts.
Our View: Manager Fredi Gonazlez confirmed Johnson would make another appearance for the Mudcats on July 4 against Jacksonville and would be evaluated after each minor league start. |
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| No decision on Myers status | Monday 6/30, 6:44 PM CT |
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According to the Phillies' official website, skipper Charlie Manuel wasn't ready to reveal his decision about the status of starter Brett Myers. In fact there is no evidence that any decision has even been made. Myers remains in limbo for his next start, scheduled for Thursday in Atlanta "I'll have it by Tuesday, probably," Manuel said. "We'll talk about it [Monday]."
Our View: Manuel will have discussions with pitching coach Rich Dubee and general manager Pat Gillick, who said on Sunday's pregame show that the Phillies might make an "adjustment" to the rotation. |
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| McLouth scratched from lineup | Monday 6/30, 5:54 PM CT |
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Center fielder Nate McLouth was a late scratch from the Pirates' lineup tonight because of a sore left knee, this according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Jason Michaels started in center field in McLouth's place.
Our View: McLouth was replaced after six innings in the game against the Tampa Bay Rays after fouling several pitches off his knees in recent days. McLouth is considered day-to-day. |
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| Nats' Cordero out for season | Monday 6/30, 5:25 PM CT |
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According to MLB.com, the Washington Nationals have officially lost Chad Cordero for the rest of the season. His torn right labrum will cause him to have season ending surgery on his shoulder.
Our View: Now that Cordero is gone for the season it is safe to drop him in all formats, if you haven't already. Jon Rauch will continue to see the save oppurtunites for the Nats. |
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| Thompson recalled for Mets series | Monday 6/30, 5:19 PM CT |
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With Braden Looper exiting Sunday's game early, the Cardinals coaching staff decided to go back to 13 pitchers for the series against the Mets, this according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Right-hander Brad Thompson was recalled from Triple-A Memphis.
Our View: Outfielder Nick Stavinoha, who hit .250 in limited duty, has been optioned back to to the team's top affiliate. |
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| Zimmerman ready to start hitting | Monday 6/30, 4:44 PM CT |
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According to the Washington Times, Nats skipper Manny Acta said Ryan Zimmerman, who has been on the disabled list since June 3 with a small labral tear in his left shoulder, has been able to start lifting weights and is close to being able to swing a bat, two major steps in the third baseman's return. “He'll be swinging the bat this next week. He's doing very well,” Acta said. “He's making a lot of progress.”
Our View: Zimmerman was hitting far below his career numbers when he went on the DL. The third baseman had eight home runs, 27 RBI, 24 runs scored and was hitting .257 in 206 at-bats. |
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| Balester to get extended audition | Monday 6/30, 4:39 PM CT |
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Right-hander Collin Balester will be called up from Triple-A Columbus to make his first major league start Tuesday, this according to the Washington Times.
The report notes that it will be an extended audition much like John Lannan received last year. Balester is filling in for the injured Shawn Hill.
Our View: Balester, a fourth-round pick in 2004, is frequently touted as one of the best of the Nationals' young pitching prospects. Bowden said the team has set a maximum number of innings it will allow Balester to throw this year like it did with Lannan last season but would not reveal what the number is. |
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| ManRam's frustrations showing | Monday 6/30, 4:29 PM CT |
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Manny Ramirez began June on fire hitting home runs in five of his first eight games. Since then the slugger has cooled. ManRam isn't as young as he once was, his attention to detail at the plate has regressed and his BB rate has declined. The Boston left fielder also doesn't offer anything in the way of stolen bases. He's still a starter in mixed formats but far from a top-tiered option any longer.
Our View: Manny's plate frustrations showed on Saturday, or so the latest reports suggest. Ramirez reportedly shoved the team's traveling secretary Jack McCormick to the ground on Saturday. When McCormick warned Ramirez that he might not be able to get the 16 tickets he requested, Ramirez responded by shouting, "Just do your job!" And then shoved the unsuspecting McCormick. |
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| Repko recalled | Monday 6/30, 4:10 PM CT |
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Outfielder Jason Repko has been recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas, according to the AP. The team placed Juan Pierre on the 15-day DL with a sprained MCL in his left knee, and Repko fills his spot on the roster.
Our View: Repko displays good power, but only merits fantasy attention in larger NL-only leagues as he won't see regular playing time in the Dodgers' outfield during his stint with the club. |
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| Pierre placed on DL | Monday 6/30, 4:00 PM CT |
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Juan Pierre has been placed on the 15-day DL due to a sprained ligament in his left knee, according to the AP. The team recalled outfielder Jason Repko from Triple-A Las Vegas to fill the open spot on the roster.
Our View: His loss weakens the speed of the Dodgers as he racked up 35 stolen bases over 73 games. This is his first trip to the DL over his nine-year career. |
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| Mackowiak signs minor league deal | Monday 6/30, 3:38 PM CT |
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Rob Mackowiak has signed a minor league deal with the Reds, according to the Dayton Daily News.
Our View: He has joined Triple-A Louisville. The Reds have a deep and talented outfield and Mackowiak isn't going to see much action if he gets called up before the end of the year. |
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| Sanchez earns NL Player of Week | Monday 6/30, 3:30 PM CT |
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Jonathan Sanchez has been named the NL Player of the Week, according to the AP. The young lefty went 2-0 with a 1.23 ERA and 14 strikeouts in two starts to earn the honor.
Our View: Sanchez is 8-4 overall, with a 3.79 ERA and 1.34 WHIP, and has won four of his last five starts. |
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| Miles riding hitting streak | Monday 6/30, 1:32 PM CT |
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Aaron Miles is currently riding an 11-game hitting streak, according to MLB.com.
Our View: He has 20 hits over the span, and is hitting .321 for the season overall. |
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| Lohse targeting 10th win | Monday 6/30, 1:25 PM CT |
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Kyle Lohse will be targeting his 10th win of the season tonight when the Cardinals host the Mets, according to MLB.com. Lohse is 9-2 with a 3.94 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over 17 starts.
Our View: Lohse was riding a six-game winning streak prior to earning a no decision in his last start against the Tigers. He has only lost once at home this season as well, making him a favorable fantasy option tonight. |
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| Maine set to battle Cards | Monday 6/30, 1:20 PM CT |
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John Maine is set to battle the Cardinals in St. Louis tonight, according to MLB.com. Maine is 8-5 this season, with a 3.73 ERA and 1.31 WHIP over 94 innings, with 79 strikeouts.
Our View: Maine is riding a two-game winning streak, and has allowed two earned runs in each of those wins. Keep him active in your lineups. |
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| DiFelice optioned to Nashville | Monday 6/30, 1:12 PM CT |
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Mark DiFelice has been optioned to Triple-A Nashville, according to the Star Tribune. The team activated reliever Eric Gagne from the DL, and DiFelice was viewed as expendable to make room on the roster.
Our View: DiFelice posted a 3.95 ERA over 10 appearances, while striking out 16 without a walk over 13.2 innings.
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| Utley continues to lead AS voting | Monday 6/30, 12:38 PM CT |
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Chase Utley continues to lead all NL players in All-Star voting, according to the Miami Herald.
Our View: Utley has drawn 2,645,027 votes and a starting position is virtually locked up in the All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium, as he has an edge of more than 1.5 million votes over his closest competition at second base, Mark DeRosa of the Cubs. Utley deserves to start, as he is hitting .297 with 23 homers, 23 doubles, 65 RBI, seven stolen bases, and 60 runs scored over 82 games.
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| Reyes close to returning to action | Monday 6/30, 11:29 AM CT |
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Al Reyes, who is recovering from right shoulder tendinitis, is close to being ready for game action, according to the Tampa Tribune.
Our View: He threw his second bullpen session in a three day span on Sunday, and could be sent out for some minor-league rehab appearances this week. |
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| Young likely to replace Pierre tonight | Monday 6/30, 11:16 AM CT |
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Delwyn Young will likely get the start in left field tonight against the Astros in place of the injured Juan Pierre, according to the LA Times.
Our View: Young is hitting .289 over 76 at-bats, but would have a tough assignment against Roy Oswalt tonight, and is not worth consideration for your lineup. |
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| Penny scheduled to start Saturday | Monday 6/30, 11:08 AM CT |
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Brad Penny, who is battling mild tendinitis in his right shoulder, is scheduled to return to the Dodgers' rotation on Saturday, according to the LA Times.
Our View: He will throw a shortened simulated game on Tuesday, and he will start Saturday if he doesn't experience any issues related to his shoulder following the session. Penny would take the place of Chan Ho Park in the six-man rotation that the Dodgers will use until the All-Star break. |
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| Perez changed his delivery | Monday 6/30, 10:59 AM CT |
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Oliver Perez changed his delivery prior to Sunday's gem against the Yankees as he only allowed one earned run over seven innings, with no walks and eight strikeouts, according to the NY Post. Perez worked with pitching coach Dan Warthen during a side session on Friday, and Manager Jerry Manuel commented following Sunday's performance, "This adjustment that he did seemed to carry him throughout the game. Dan moved his feet around a little bit and got him a little rhythm, and he stayed with it."
Our View: During his new windup, Perez is feeling more power while rocking back, and Sunday was the first time that he did not issue a walk in a start. This is good news for fantasy owners as he needs to trim down his 1.47 WHIP. He is 6-5 for the season and could be headed for a solid second half. |
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| Jones headed for DL? | Monday 6/30, 8:53 AM CT |
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Chipper Jones has missed eight straight games since aggravating his thigh injury, and could be headed for the DL, according to ESPN.com. Jones said there is a distinct possibility the team would sideline him, and he added, "Bottom line, I'd miss nine or 10 days that, quite frankly I'm probably going to need. About two days after I hurt it I had some improvement, but I haven't gotten any better since."
Our View: Manager Bobby Cox doesn't believe Jones is close to playing either. We will keep you posted on his status. |
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| Soriano update | Monday 6/30, 8:48 AM CT |
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Alfonso Soriano has been cleared to do strengthening work without a splint, and he said he talked to trainers about starting to take batting practice at some point this week but was told to wait until possibly the St. Louis series next weekend, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Soriano said, "The doctors keep saying they want to be careful, that we're in first place and we have a whole second half." He is recovering from a broken left ring finger.
Our View: Soriano is still trying to get back in time for the All-Star game. |
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| Ramirez will miss next three games | Monday 6/30, 8:43 AM CT |
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Aramis Ramirez will miss the next three games to deal with a family matter in the Dominican Republic, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Our View: Ramirez initially asked for four days off but was told he could take three. He is scheduled to rejoin the Cubs Thursday for the finale of a four-game set in San Francisco. The team is expected to use Mark DeRosa and Ronny Cedeno at third while Ramirez is away, who currently leads the Cubs with 55 RBI. Ramirez was obviously distracted during the Cubs' weekend series against the White Sox, as he went 0-for-13.
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| Ramirez shoves traveling secretary | Monday 6/30, 8:22 AM CT |
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Manny Ramirez reportedly shoved the team's traveling secretary Jack McCormick to the ground on Saturday, according to the Providence Journal. The two got into an argument over Manny's ticket allotment. Ramirez had asked McCormick for 16 tickets for Saturday night's Red Sox-Astros game, which is a high number for day-of-game. When McCormick warned Ramirez that he might not be able to get that many tickets, Ramirez responded by shouting, "Just do your job!" Amd that is when he shoved McCormick.
Our View: Later, the two met behind closed doors and Ramirez apologized to McCormick, who accepted. No further disciplinary action is expected against Ramirez. It is over, and manager Terry Francona is pleased with how the incident was handled.
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| Church fares well in return | Monday 6/30, 7:30 AM CT |
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Ryan Church fared well in his first game back from post-concussion syndrome on Sunday, according to the NY Post. He delivered two hits and made three putouts in the outfield in the Mets' 3-1 win over the Yankees. He said, "The whole day was fine."
Our View: Church is safe to return to your lineups, and he is confident his return will not be sidetracked, and he has not had a post-concussion symptom for around two weeks. |
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