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| Linebrink blows save opportunity | Tuesday 7/8, 11:54 PM CT |
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With Bobby Jenks on the DL, the White Sox turned to Scott Linebrink to get the save in the 11th inning on Tuesday. However, he gave up two runs on three hits allowing the Royals to tie the score.
Our View: Ozzie Guillen has a deep bullpen to pick a replacement closer out of, but he made the wrong choice on Tuesday. Expect him to experiment with other relievers in the role until Jenks returns. |
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| Aviles has a four hit night | Tuesday 7/8, 11:51 PM CT |
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Mike Aviles appears to be busting out of his slump. He is 7-for-12 in his last two games.
Our View: Aviles almost appears to be an all or nothing player. He is an intriguing player to watch because of the power he has shown at his position. We would like to see some more consistency from him. |
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| Ramirez scores game-winner | Tuesday 7/8, 11:48 PM CT |
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Alexei Ramirez continues to hit for the White Sox. On Tuesday he scored the winning run in the 13th to cap off a 4-for-6 night.
Our View: Following a June that saw him hit .355, Ramirez is hitting .435 so far in June. |
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| Duchscherer throws complete game shutout | Tuesday 7/8, 11:33 PM CT |
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Justin Duchscherer faced a mere 30 batters in a complete game, two-hit shutout against the Mariners on Sunday. He struck out four and walked none.
Our View: When it comes to surprises, there are none bigger the Duchscherer. His ERA is a mind-boggling 1.78 after 101 innings and his WHIP is down to 0.86. He's making a strong run at Waiver-Wire Pickup of the Year. |
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| Ryan pitches flawless ninth for the win | Tuesday 7/8, 11:27 PM CT |
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B.J. Ryan worked a perfect ninth to record his second win of the season.
Our View: Ryan has not seen many save opportunities this season and has just five saves going back 14 appearances to May 28. This seems like a bit of a fluke and his numbers should be better in the second half. |
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| Hamilton notches two more RBI | Tuesday 7/8, 11:20 PM CT |
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Josh Hamilton's major league leading 87th RBI was the game winner on Tuesday. He finished 1-for-2 with two RBI and a sac fly.
Our View: Not much more can be said about this miracle. Hamilton continues to blow away the rest of the AL when he's at the dish. |
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| Salty returns | Tuesday 7/8, 11:17 PM CT |
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Jarrod Saltalamacchia started for the first time since leaving Saturday's game at Baltimore with a right groin strain.
Our View: Salty has been a disappointment for fantasy owners that hoped to see similar power numbers on pace with his previous seasons. There's no reason he should have only three home runs playing in Texas. |
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| Wilson survives the ninth | Tuesday 7/8, 11:13 PM CT |
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C.J. Wilson gave up a hit and two walks but no runs in the ninth to earn his 22nd save of the season on Tuesday.
Our View: It's a bit amazing that Wilson only has endured two losses this season. He carries a heavy 1.43 WHIP and 4.58 ERA, yet seems to get three outs before the winning run nearly every time. He may be a good sell high candidate to an owner desperate for saves. |
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| Harrison wins major league debut | Tuesday 7/8, 11:02 PM CT |
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Matt Harrison won his first major league start on Tuesday. He went seven strong innings and gave up two runs on five hits and a walk. He managed only one strikeout.
Our View: Congrats to Harrison, who was just called up on Monday. We don't expect him to be a fantasy contributor any time soon, but his first appearance makes him worth monitoring. |
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| Davis on Cust-like pace | Tuesday 7/8, 10:59 PM CT |
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Chris Davis went yard again - the fifth time in his first 25 major league at-bats. His solo shot was his only hit of the night.
Our View: The young first baseman has certainly shown the power stroke, but he is hitting just .216 with 10 Ks in 37 at-bats. We'll chalk up the production as a fluke for now, but he may end up being this season's Jack Cust. He will be helped by playing in a hitter's park. |
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| Jeter's clutch again | Tuesday 7/8, 10:54 PM CT |
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Derek Jeter hit a go-ahead double in the eighth and finished the night 2-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored.
Our View: Jeter remains as steady as ever and we could see his average climb over .300 before long. Unfortunately, his days of stealing 20-plus bases seem to be over. He has just five this season. |
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| Peralta goes yard again | Tuesday 7/8, 10:49 PM CT |
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Jhonny Peralta hit a two-run home run in his second consecutive game, this one coming off of Justin Verlander.
Our View: Peralta will likely set career highs for home runs and RBI this season, but if he doesn't get his average up, he does not warrant consistent play. |
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| Ordonez could be back next week | Tuesday 7/8, 10:46 PM CT |
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The AP reports that Magglio Ordonez said his pulled oblique is improving and expects to be OK to play when eligible to be activated from the DL next week.
Our View: If Pudge, Cabrera and Granderson maintain their recent improvements, the Tigers offense should explode in the second half. |
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| Carmona won't return before the All-Star break | Tuesday 7/8, 10:44 PM CT |
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Fausto Carmona threw a side session on Tuesday but the Indians will not bring him back prior to the All-Star break according to the AP.
Our View: No reason to rush this. Carmona had a disturbing 38 walks to just 23 strikeouts before going on the DL. |
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| Pedroia extends his streak | Tuesday 7/8, 10:40 PM CT |
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Dustin Pedroia went 2-for-4 to extend his hitting streak to 16 games.
Our View: Few have been hotter than Dustin and he looks more and more deserving of All-Star status every game. |
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| Papelbon gets his 27th save | Tuesday 7/8, 9:42 PM CT |
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Jonathan Papelbon earned his second save in as many nights against the Twins on Tuesday. He gave up one hit and struck out one in a three-out appearance.
Our View: It looks like Papelbon has no recollection of the loss he suffered in Yankee Stadium on Sunday. Another good sign that he will be a dominant closer for years. |
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| Blackburn holds Red Sox at bay | Tuesday 7/8, 9:40 PM CT |
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Nick Blackburn was solid for his second consecutive start on Tuesday, but watched his bullpen blow his win. He allowed just two runs on six hits in 6.2 innings against the Boston Red Sox.
Our View: Blackburn has been somewhat inconsistent and it seems just as he's getting it together, he gets shelled his next start. Be wary of picking him up. |
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| Rios plays big role in win | Tuesday 7/8, 9:34 PM CT |
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Already with a three RBI triple on the night, Alex Rios used his legs and his instinct to get Toronto the victory on Tuesday. He drew a walk in the ninth, stole second (his 22nd of the year), went to third on a throwing error by the catcher and finally scored when Freddie Bynum couldn't handle a hard hit grounder by Scott Rolen.
Our View: If nothing else, Rios is playing his heart out. He has six stolen bases in six games this month. |
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| McGowan to have MRI | Tuesday 7/8, 9:29 PM CT |
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Dustin McGowan left his Tuesday night start with stiffness in his shoulder. He will undergo an MRI on Wednesday morning according to the Toronto Globe and Mail.
Our View: McGowan lasted four innings and gave up just two earned runs. We will keep you updated on his status. |
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| Kaz strikes out nine in the loss | Tuesday 7/8, 9:26 PM CT |
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Scott Kazmir had electric stuff on Tuesday but failed to get run support against the Yankees. He whiffed nine batters in just five innings while allowing two runs on five hits.
Our View: Kazmir has 84 strikeouts in 77 innings this season. |
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| Pettitte shuts out Rays | Tuesday 7/8, 9:23 PM CT |
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Andy Pettitte rebounded from a rough start against Boston by shutting out the Rays over eight innings of work on Tuesday. He allowed just four hits and no walks while striking out five.
Our View: When Pettitte is on, he is still one of the game's best. In his 10 wins, he has a 0.91 ERA. |
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| Bedard out until after the All-Star break | Tuesday 7/8, 9:10 PM CT |
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The Seattle Times reports that Erik Bedard will not make another start prior to the All-Star break.
Our View: This is not good news for fantasy owners. Bedard has tightness in his pitching shoulder which is among the worst injuries for a starter to come up with. |
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| Verlander is back | Tuesday 7/8, 9:07 PM CT |
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Justin Verlander settled down after a first inning home run to earn his sixth victory of the season. He lasted seven innings, gave up two hits, one walk, and just two runs while striking out seven. His once bloated ERA is down to 4.24.
Our View: He is now 4-0 in his last six starts with a 2.54 ERA and a 36:14 K:BB ratio. Look for a dominant second half from the former AL Rookie of the Year. |
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| Granderson picking up against lefties | Tuesday 7/8, 9:02 PM CT |
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Curtis Granderson led off again on Tuesday, despite a southpaw on the mound. He went 2-for-5 with a run scored and two RBI.
Our View: Granderson's average is up to .300, more than 60 points higher than it was a month ago. Granderson was awesome in the second half of last season and he may still meet the high expectations that were on him prior to the season. |
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| Thames hits his 17th home run | Tuesday 7/8, 8:58 PM CT |
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Marcus Thames got another start and hit another home run on Tuesday for the Tigers. He added a double, three RBI and two runs scored.
Our View: Thames is a good play while Magglio Ordonez is on the DL. He is hitting one home run every 10 at-bats, a pace that would be nearly impossible to sustain. |
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| M. Cabrera launches two home runs | Tuesday 7/8, 8:55 PM CT |
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Miguel Cabrera was 4-for-4 with two home runs, and three RBI on Tuesday.
Our View: He has picked up the slack since Magglio Ordonez landed on the DL. In his last five games he is 10-for-23 with four home runs. |
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| Liriano named IL Pitcher of the Week | Tuesday 7/8, 8:09 PM CT |
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Francisco Liriano is 6-0 with a 3.37 ERA and a 45:9 K:BB ratio over 42.2 innings since June 1. "It's a great feeling now because everything is working," Liriano told the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle. "I think I'm close to where I need to be. I just need to continue doing what I'm doing right now."
Our View: Liriano would be pitching for other teams, but the Twins have little use for him right now. Their starters have been lights out and the team is on a roll. Still expect to see him in majors before the end of the season. If he's on your waiver wire at the All-Star break, you should pick him up. |
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| Cuddyer still a ways away | Tuesday 7/8, 8:01 PM CT |
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According to MLB.com, Michael Cuddyer is eligible to return to action on Sunday but a return then seems highly unlikely. He isn't even close to being sent down on a rehab assignment, so a target date for his return is not yet available.
Our View: Tendons can be a tricky thing, so don't count on Cuddyer to return before the All-Star break. When he does return, let's hope his production increases. |
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| Matsui's return still iffy | Tuesday 7/8, 7:29 PM CT |
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Hideki Matsui took 45 swings off a tee Tuesday, and he reported nothing negative after the session. "I felt pretty good," Matsui said through a team spokesman. "No pain. I hope to keep going in a positive direction." Still, Yankees manager Joe Girardi can't rule out the possibility of surgery, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Surgery would be a terrible blow to the Yankees and fantasy owners. The Yanks have had some luck with minor league outfielders such as Brett Gardner, who's value would increase if Hideki cannot return this season. |
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| Braden recalled to Oakland | Tuesday 7/8, 7:17 PM CT |
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Dallas Braden was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento.
Our View: Braden has been working as a starter in the minors, posting a 2.36 ERA with a 54/11 K/BB ratio in 53.1 innings. He will probably replace recently traded Chad Gaudin in the bullpen, but could take Rich Harden's spot in the rotation next time it comes up. |
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| Hurley placed on the DL | Tuesday 7/8, 7:11 PM CT |
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Eric Hurley has been placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to June 30.
Our View: He is battling a sore left hamstring but figures to be back after the All-Star break. Prior to the injury, Hurley looked like a serviceable major leaguer. In four starts, he has a 3.57 ERA. |
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| Sweeney moved to the 60-day DL | Tuesday 7/8, 7:06 PM CT |
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Mike Sweeney was transferred to the 60-day disabled list.
Our View: The move comes after the Rich Harden trade and was likely done to open up spots on the 40-man roster for the incoming players. Sweeney should be back by August. |
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| Jenks placed on the DL | Tuesday 7/8, 7:04 PM CT |
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The Chicago Tribune reports that White Sox closer Bobby Jenks is headed to the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to June 30, as a precautionary measure.
Our View: Jenks played catch without any pain Tuesday but said he felt uncomfortable after trying to throw off a mound in the a Kauffman Stadium bullpen. He expressed no qualms about going to the DL and plans to be ready for the second half on July 18. |
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| Giambi benched | Tuesday 7/8, 6:51 PM CT |
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Jason Giambi, trying to shore up the final spot on the All-Star team, was held out of Tuesday night's lineup in favor of Wilson Betemit.
Our View: The opposing pitcher, Scott Kazmir, is another lefty who has been dominant against the Yankees slugger. Giambi is hitting just .125 in 16 career at-bats against Kaz, including seven strikeouts. |
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| Donaldson shipped to Oakland | Tuesday 7/8, 6:35 PM CT |
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Josh Donaldson was sent to Oakland from Chicago as part of the Rich Harden deal.
Our View: Donaldson was a second round selection in 2007 but has not had a great start to his pro career. He is currently hitting .217 with six homers in 235 at-bats for Single-A Peoria this season after being selected by the Cubs in the second round of the 2007 draft. |
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| Elarton transferred to the DL | Tuesday 7/8, 6:26 PM CT |
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The Cleveland Indians transferred Scott Elarton to the 15-day disabled list with a non-baseball medical condition.
Our View: The right-hander was originally placed on the restricted list June 30 after informing the team he needed to leave for personal reasons.
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| Castillo joins the Orioles as a pitcher | Tuesday 7/8, 6:18 PM CT |
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To take Adam Loewen’s roster spot (DL), the Orioles recalled right-hander Alberto Castillo from Triple-A Norfolk.
Our View: The 33-year-old Castillo is a converted catcher, having spent some time behind the plate for the O's last season. At Norfolk, he was 3-1 with a 2.05 ERA in 19 games.
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| Patterson sent to Oakland | Tuesday 7/8, 6:02 PM CT |
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Eric Patterson was dealt to the Oakland A's on Tuesday as part of the Rich Harden trade.
Our View: Patterson had seen 13 games with the Cubs this season but was at Triple-A Iowa at the time of the trade. The A's current second baseman, Mark Ellis, is a free agent at the end of the season, so Patterson could see regular duty there next season. For now, he figures to see time in the A's outfield. |
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| Hughes not expected back until September | Tuesday 7/8, 5:58 PM CT |
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Phil Hughes, who has begun the initial steps in his rehab, may not start again until September, according to Newsday.
Our View: The Yanks are clearly taking their time with their prized arm, but may be rushed if the AL East/wildcard race heats up. |
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| Murton traded to Oakland | Tuesday 7/8, 5:51 PM CT |
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Matt Murton was sent to Oakland as part of the Rich Harden trade.
Our View: Murton should see plenty of at-bats while playing the corner outfield spots for the Athletics. |
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| Gallagher to the A's | Tuesday 7/8, 5:49 PM CT |
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Sean Gallagher was sent to Oakland as part of the Rich Harden trade. He was 3-4 with a 4.45 ERA for the Cubs this season.
Our View: Gallagher figures to take Harden's spot in the rotation immediately. |
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| Ballard called up to start | Tuesday 7/8, 5:39 PM CT |
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Michael Ballard will be called up to start for the Rangers on Wednesday against the Angels, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Our View: Ballard is 8-3 with a 3.97 ERA in 15 starts for Triple-A Oklahoma. He has 64 strikeouts and 29 walks. Opponents are hitting .304 against him.
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| Ortiz to get regular batting practice | Tuesday 7/8, 5:04 PM CT |
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Terry Francona is pleased with David Ortiz's progress in his return from a wrist injury, according to the Boston Globe. Ortiz will continue to take batting practice throughout the week.
Our View: Ortiz is still a couple of weeks, at least, away from returning to the lineup. |
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| Nix recalled from Triple-A | Tuesday 7/8, 4:36 PM CT |
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Jayson Nix was recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs on Tuesday to provide infield depth now that Jeff Baker is banged up.
Our View: Nix does not figure see regular at-bats as he hit only .111 with 12 K's in 45 plate appearances when he played earlier this season. |
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| Sizemore to participate in derby | Tuesday 7/8, 4:10 PM CT |
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Grady Sizemore will become the first Cleveland Indian to participate in the State Farm Home Run Derby since 1998 when Jim Thome performed.
Our View: Sizemore leads the AL in home runs with 22. |
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| Varitek not in the starting lineup | Tuesday 7/8, 4:07 PM CT |
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Jason Varitek is not in Tuesday's starting lineup, according to the Providence Journal. Kevin Cash will start in his place.
Our View: Over his last 35 games, Varitek is hitting a meager .128. His extended slump should force fantasy owners to look for younger more productive players at the position. |
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| Saunders expected to make start | Tuesday 7/8, 3:14 PM CT |
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Joe Saunders is expected to make his start tonight at Texas, according to the OC Register. His pregnant wife is due for delivery, but Saunders said everything is still on hold. The baby can be born any day now, and Saunders said, "If it comes, I'm out of here."
Our View: Saunders, who is 12-4, should be in your lineups tonight, but keep in mind the risk that he could be called away at any time. |
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| Napoli underwent MRI | Tuesday 7/8, 3:07 PM CT |
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Mike Napoli underwent an MRI on Monday which confirmed he is suffering from shoulder irritation, according to the OC Register. Skipper Mike Sciosca said, "It’s more of a relief than anything. There’s a lot of things that can happen with a shoulder and that’s an area you need to do a lot of things. We’re relieved. Once the inflammation comes out of there and he gets some strength back in that shoulder, he should be able to get back with us and we’re going to need him."
Our View: Napoli is expected to rejoin the Angels in Texas on Tuesday and begin a rehabilitation program. Jeff Mathis is also expected to get nearly all of the work at catcher until Napoli returns.
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| DeJesus credits routine for surge | Tuesday 7/8, 2:52 PM CT |
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David DeJesus credits his change in workout routine for his surge in production this season, according to the Kansas City Star. His batting average has dropped over the last two seasons, but he is currently hitting .316 over 74 games in 2008. He said, "I get up now, eat my breakfast and go to the gym. I think that’s the key. I’m going to the gym earlier in the day and then take a nap to recover. When the game starts, I feel lighter out there. I feel like I’ve got more energy. I feel stronger out there. I’m feeling as strong out there as I’ve felt throughout any year of my career."
Our View: DeJesus used to do his workout in the afternoon and never considered a switch until coach Luis Silverio offered a suggestion. DeJesus made the switch in his routine in mid-May, and is hitting .349 over his past 45 games. He also leads the majors with a .474 average with runners in scoring position.
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| Good news for Willis | Tuesday 7/8, 2:36 PM CT |
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Dontrelle Willis received good news on Tuesday as his MRI results revealed that he is merely suffering from tendinitis in his right knee, according to the AP.
Our View: The Tigers said Willis received a cortisone shot to reduce inflammation and was fitted for a brace to provide support when he returns to Lakeland, Florida, later this week to continue a program designed to help him regain control.
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| Rowland-Smith may move to rotation? | Tuesday 7/8, 2:24 PM CT |
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Manager Jim Riggleman has been impressed with Ryan Rowland-Smith over his two starts, and stated that a decision will be made whether to use him mainly in relief or to convert him to a starting pitcher in the rotation, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Riggleman said, "A left-hander who can throw hard is something you always like to have in the rotation. He's making it a tough decision."
Our View: He only allowed one earned run on five hits over five innings in his last start against the Tigers on July 6, and is worth acquiring in AL-only leagues in case Riggleman pulls the trigger on moving him to the rotation. |
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| Bedard could return soon as Saturday | Tuesday 7/8, 2:18 PM CT |
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Erik Bedard could return to the rotation as soon as Saturday, but the club will wait until he throws more in the next couple of days before making a final decision, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. He is dealing with tightness in his left shoulder.
Our View: It was previously believed that the team may hold him out until after the All-Star break. |
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| Batista officially slated for Wednesday | Tuesday 7/8, 2:12 PM CT |
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Miguel Batista is officially slated to start on Wednesday in place of Erik Bedard, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Manager Jim Riggleman said, "The way Miguel aired it out against the Tigers in relief, that's why I want to see him back in the rotation. He was throwing hard and with location. Now we might not see exactly that, not when he's going to try to pitch deep into the game, but as long as he's in command of the strike zone, that's what we want."
Our View: Batista was bumped from the rotation a few weeks ago, and will be looking to redeem himself on Wednesday. |
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| King Felix pushed back to Friday | Tuesday 7/8, 2:07 PM CT |
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The Mariners initially believed Felix Hernandez would return to the rotation on Thursday in the final game of the series against Oakland, but he is now being pushed back to start Friday against Kansas City, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Manager Jim Riggleman said, "We just wanted to get Felix to where we were sure he was comfortable."
Our View: R.A. Dickey will now start Thursday. |
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| Konerko activated from DL | Tuesday 7/8, 1:45 PM CT |
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Paul Konerko has been activated from the DL following his bout with an oblique strain, according to the Sports Network. To make room for him on the roster, the Sox designated infielder Pablo Ozuna for assignment.
Our View: He was only hitting .215 prior to going on the shelf, and hopefully he will benefit from the time off and get on track in the second half of the season. Now Nick Swisher can move back to the outfield. |
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| LaPorta moving to left field | Tuesday 7/8, 1:23 PM CT |
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Power-hitting prospect Matt LaPorta is moving to left field, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. He will report to Double-A Akron following his acquisition from the Brewers.
Our View: This move makes sense as he is average defensively, and his arm won't be tested as much in left field. He may even end up at first base when he ultimately gets called up to the Indians. |
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| Iwamura riding hitting streak | Tuesday 7/8, 12:26 PM CT |
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Akinori Iwamura extended his hitting streak to 11 games on Monday with a double off the center field wall against the Royals, according to the Tampa Tribune.
Our View: He has four multi-hit efforts over the streak, with five doubles, one triple, one homer, nine runs, and eight RBI. Keep him active as a starter while he is hot. |
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| Percival doing well | Tuesday 7/8, 12:20 PM CT |
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Manager Joe Maddon commented that Troy Percival seems to be doing well in his recovery from his left hamstring strain, according to the Tampa Tribune. Maddon said he is doing laps around the training room.
Our View: The source states that he could be activated as early as the first game after the All-Star break, which would be July 18 against Toronto at Tropicana Field.
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| Saltalamacchia could return today | Tuesday 7/8, 9:41 AM CT |
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Jarrod Saltalamacchia did not start on Monday due to a groin ailment, but could return to the lineup today, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Our View: He has registered a hit in five of his last six games, but isn't playing up to expectations in the power department, as he hasn't homered since June 3, which is an 18-game drought. |
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| Laird update | Tuesday 7/8, 9:36 AM CT |
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Gerald Laird, who is recovering from a strained left hamstring, took some swings in the batting cage on Monday, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Our View: Laird hopes he can get a few rehab games in and be ready to return by the time the Rangers start a series against the White Sox in Chicago on July 21. |
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| Blalock took some swings | Tuesday 7/8, 9:32 AM CT |
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Hank Blalock took some swings in the batting cage for the first time in more than a week on Monday, and felt good, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Our View: Barring a setback, he will go on a rehab assignment with Frisco during the All-Star break. |
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| Padilla scratched for Wednesday | Tuesday 7/8, 9:28 AM CT |
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Vicente Padilla, who is battling a bruised right thumb and neck strain, has been scratched from his scheduled start on Wednesday, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Our View: Dustin Nippert was an option to take his place, but not now as he threw 103 pitches in long relief on Monday. |
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| Santiago officially activated | Tuesday 7/8, 9:15 AM CT |
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Ramon Santiago has officially been activated from the 15-day DL, according to the Detroit News. He has recovered from a separated left shoulder. Michael Hollimon was optioned to Triple-A Toledo as the adjoining move.
Our View: Santiano hit .361 over 36 at-bats with four doubles, one triple, and one homer with the Tigers this season, but won't see enough action as a utlility infielder to merit a spot on your fantasy roster. |
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| Inge began rehab | Tuesday 7/8, 9:12 AM CT |
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As expected, Brandon Inge began his minor league rehab assignment at Triple-A Toledo on Monday, while he recovers from a pulled left oblique, according to the Detroit News.
Our View: He notably hit a three-run homer and is optimistic he can return to the Tigers not long following the All-Star break. |
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| Escobar may not return in 2008 | Tuesday 7/8, 9:08 AM CT |
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It is becoming more likely that Kelvim Escobar will undergo season ending shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum, according to the LA Times. Escobar worked to strengthen his shoulder and made two starts in the minor leagues, but the last time he picked up a ball he was unable to complete 10 throws because of discomfort. Manager Mike Sciosca said, "It will be Escobar's decision and we're going to support it. It's a little disappointing. He's worked very hard to get to this point. But if surgery's the only thing that's going to get him back to where he needs to be, then it's obviously something he's going to need to look at."
Our View: Surgery would sideline him for at least a year, hence ending his bid to return to the Angels in 2008. |
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| Willis may not return this season? | Tuesday 7/8, 7:33 AM CT |
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Dontrelle Willis, who is going to have his right knee examined by team doctor Stephen Lemos this week, may not be able to pitch again this season following his latest setback, according to the AP.
Our View: This report is still very early, and his status shouldn't ultimately be decided until after he meets with Lemos. |
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| Murphy was available | Tuesday 7/8, 7:27 AM CT |
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Donnie Murphy tested his sore right elbow and was available, if needed, on Monday, according to the SF Chronicle.
Our View: The utility man holds favorable value to Oakland with his glove, but holds no fantasy value with his bat, as he is hitting .197 over 76 at-bats. He has played at 2B, SS, 3B, and one game in the outfield this season. |
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| Devine threw Monday | Tuesday 7/8, 7:21 AM CT |
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Joey Devine, who is recovering from right elbow inflammation, made 30 throws at a distance of 100 feet Monday, according to the SF Chronicle. He said he quickly will be back throwing at a distance of 200 feet and then working off the mound.
Our View: Devine still hopes to return to Oakland's bullpen right after the All-Star break. |
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| Bankston hits first career HR | Tuesday 7/8, 12:06 AM CT |
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Recently called up Wes Bankston hit his first career home run on Monday night helping the Oakland A's score a 4-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners.
Our View: Bankston went 2-for-3 scoring two runs to go along with his two-run homer. The prospect is hitting .391 through six games and 23 at-bats. |
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| Washburn suffers eighth loss | Tuesday 7/8, 12:03 AM CT |
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Jarrod Washburn suffered his eighth loss of the season in an eight inning complete game against the A's on Monday night. Washburn allowed four runs on seven hits, walked none and struck out five.
Our View: The death blow for Washburn was the two-run home run to first baseman, Wes Bankston, the first of his career. |
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| Eveland scratches out 7th win | Tuesday 7/8, 12:01 AM CT |
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Dana Eveland didn't deserve to win on Monday night against the Mariners, but his teammates found way to scratch out enough runs and the bullpen bailed out the struggling left-hander to help him earn his seventh win of the season.
Our View: Eveland allowed three runs on nine hits, walked four and didn't strike out a batter in the win. |
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