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| Lillibridge gets first major league homer | Saturday 7/12, 11:55 PM CT |
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Not know for his offense with struggles in previous visits to the majors, Atlanta shortstop Brent Lillibridge got the job done at the plate this evening in support of the Braves 4-1 win over the Padres. Lillibridge went 2-for-3 with a double and a homer to total one RBI and two runs scored.
Our View: Lillibridge gets his first homer of the season and his career in one night, and now we wait to see if he uses it to jump as an offensive threat. |
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| Maddux fails to find needed offensive support | Saturday 7/12, 11:50 PM CT |
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Yet another pitcher watches his outing fall short of the win due to poor offensive support, this time in San Diego where veteran Greg Maddux watched his Padres fall short of need at the plate, suffering the 4-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves. Maddux pitched seven innings, surrendering three runs (all earned) on six hits with two walks and three strikeouts.
Our View: Maddux hasn't seen a win since May 10th, though he carries a respectable 3.90 ERA and has walked just 24 batters on the season. |
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| Saito exits with arm injury | Saturday 7/12, 11:47 PM CT |
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Takashi Saito left the Saturday night game against the Marlins after suffering a right arm injury. The Japanese import exited with two outs and a 2-2 count on Wes Helms. Brian Falkenborg relieved Saito.
Our View: We will update the injury to the Dodgers closer when more information is available. |
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| Volquez puts the hurt on Milwaukee | Saturday 7/12, 11:09 PM CT |
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Cincinnati RHP Edinson Volquez put yet another strong outing on the mound this evening, helping his Reds to the dominating 8-2 win over the Brewers. Volquez pitched seven innings, allowing just two runs (one earned) on six hits with two walks and 10 strikeouts.
Our View: Volquez now stands at 12-3 on the season with an impressive ERA of 2.29, though this is his first win over his last four starts. |
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| Dunn keeps driving the wall vs Brewers | Saturday 7/12, 11:06 PM CT |
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Cincinnati outfielder Adam Dunn was the weapon of choice in the Reds' 8-2 win over the Brewers, going 2-for-4 with two homers to total four RBIs and two runs scored on the night.
Our View: Dunn now carries an impressive six homers for the month of July, and we aren't even half way through the month yet. |
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| McClung takes disappointing loss | Saturday 7/12, 11:02 PM CT |
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Milwaukee RHP Seth McClung watched a good outing go to the trash this evening as the Brewers failed to produce offensive supporting, giving McClung his fifth loss of the season. McClung pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing three runs (all earned) on just three hits with three walks and seven strikeouts.
Our View: McClung now has two losses in each of his last two starts, though he's allowed just five total earned runs and one home run through that span. |
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| Fielder lone wolf in Milwaukee loss | Saturday 7/12, 10:56 PM CT |
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Only first baseman Prince Fielder showed up at the plate tonight in support of the Brewers' 8-2 loss to the Reds, going 2-for-3 with one walk and his 18th homer of the season, posting two RBIs and one run scored.
Our View: Only three other players earned hits on the night, though it's no surprise for Fielder, touting hits in eight of his last nine games. |
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| McLouth keeps ringing 'em up | Saturday 7/12, 10:50 PM CT |
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The Pirates are now celebrating the 10-inning 12-11 win over the Cardinals while leadoff man Nate McLouth continues to celebrate his work at the plate. Tonight he went 1-for-4 with one walk and his 19th homer of the season, recording three RBIs and two runs scored on the night.
Our View: Another day, another homer for McLouth. He now has four homers over his last six games, pulling nine RBIs along the way. |
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| Ludwick lights it up versus Pitt | Saturday 7/12, 10:44 PM CT |
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The Cardinals took a heart-breaking loss after 10 innings, falling 12-11 to the Pirates, but give outfielder Ryan Ludwick an "A" for effort. Ludwick went 3-for-5 at the dish with one walk, his third triple, and his 20th homer of the season to total four RBIs on the season and two runs scored.
Our View: Ludwick has provided surges of power from time to time but is not consistent enough to garner top respect. However, you can see the star working to come out of the kid, and it may be a matter of time before he realizes his full potential. |
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| Glaus homers in extra-inning loss | Saturday 7/12, 10:40 PM CT |
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The Cardinals found disappointment after 10 innings, losing 12-11 to the Pirates, though veteran outfielder Troy Glaus did what he could to change the ending. Glaus went 4-for-4 at the plate with two walks and his 14th homer of the season, recording two RBIs and two runs scored.
Our View: Glaus is hitting .237 for the month of June but now has three homers and seven RBIs through those 11 games. |
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| Ramirez leaves with shoulder injury | Saturday 7/12, 9:57 PM CT |
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Following up an earlier report on the Marlins' Hanley Ramirez; he left the Saturday night game against the Dodgers with a sore shoulder, this according to the Marlins television network. Alfredo Amezaga replaced Ramirez.
Our View: The team is calling their shortstop day-to-day. |
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| HanRam exits with arm injury | Saturday 7/12, 9:53 PM CT |
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Hanley Ramirez left Saturday night's game against the Dodgers with what is being reported as a arm injury.
Our View: Ramirez was hit above the elbow on Friday night, and tonight's exit could be a result of the beaning. More information on HanRam when it becomes available. |
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| Rodriguez gets the win for Houston | Saturday 7/12, 9:33 PM CT |
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Houston LHP Wandy Rodriguez earned his fourth win of the season this evening, supporting the Astros' 6-4 win over Washington. Rodriguez pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing four runs (all earned) on eight hits with one walk and one strikeout.
Our View: Wandy has struggled to go deep over recent weeks, surpassing the sixth inning just once over his last six starts. Through three July starts, he has allowed 12 earned runs with at least one homer allowed in each. |
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| Harris hoping to get moving | Saturday 7/12, 9:25 PM CT |
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The Nats suffered through the offensive drought through the roster this evening to earn the 6-4 loss against Houston, led by the leadoff bat of outfielder Willie Harris. Harris went 2-for-4 with his fourth double and fifth homer of the season, totaling one RBI and two runs scored on the night.
Our View: After hitting .293 last month, Harris has struggled through July, hitting just .233 with two RBIs coming into tonight. The Nats hope to see more from the top man in their order, especially considering his lack of basepath production this month (five stolen bases in June, none in July). |
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| Berkman looking to get back on track | Saturday 7/12, 9:19 PM CT |
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Houston first baseman Lance Berkman may have found the motivation and stride needed to get his bat on track, helping Houston get the win, 6-4, versus Washington. Berkman went 2-for-5 at the plate with his 30th double of the season to total two RBIs and one run scored on the evening.
Our View: Berkman has struggled over recent weeks, yet to hit a homer this month with a July batting average of .200. Tonight could signify a reversal of fortunes, so keep your hopes up fantasy owners. Things will improve. |
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| Pence homers in loss | Saturday 7/12, 9:15 PM CT |
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The Astros had to fight to hang on, but in the end they got the 6-4 win over Washington with a strong evening from outfielder Hunter Pence . Pence went 2-for-3 with one walk and his 12th homer of the season, posting three RBIs and one run scored for the effort.
Our View: Pence posted just three homers with nine RBIs last month. Tonight's dinger was his second for the month of July with six total RBIs thus far. |
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| ManRam heating up | Saturday 7/12, 9:05 PM CT |
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Boston outfielder Manny Ramirez enjoyed a fun night at the park in support of the Red Sox's 12-1 win over Baltimore, going 2-for-3 with his 18th homer of the season to total one RBI and three runs scored on the night.
Our View: After hitting just .286 last month, Manny is looking to get back on track in July, hitting .313 coming into tonight. He now touts seven RBIs and six runs scored over his last five games. |
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| Nats announce schedule for Zimmerman | Saturday 7/12, 8:21 PM CT |
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The Nationals have announced a rehabilitation schedule for third baseman Ryan Zimmerman , according to MLB.com.
Our View: Zimmerman will go out to Class A Potomac for games on Monday and Tuesday in Salem, Va., and then join Triple-A Columbus for games from Thursday through Sunday. Zimmerman has been on the disabled list since June 3 with a labral tear in his left shoulder. He sustained the injury sliding into second in a May 18 game against Baltimore. |
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| Wood to miss All Star Game | Saturday 7/12, 8:17 PM CT |
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Reports indicate Chicago closer Kerry Wood is likely to miss this year's All Star Game, according to the Providence Journal.
Our View: Wood is nursing a blister on his throwing hand and has no desire to make matters worse. Wood still plans to attend All-Star festivities at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday night. It was unclear whether he'll be replaced on the National League roster because the commissioner's office, as of Saturday night, had yet to be officially notified of Wood's injury. Wood's blister is on his right index finger, leaving him unavailable Saturday during Chicago's 8-7, 11-inning victory over San Francisco. |
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| Rockies waste strong Jimenez offering | Saturday 7/12, 6:34 PM CT |
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The Rockies wasted a perfectly good outing today from RHP Ubaldo Jimenez , falling 3-0 to the Mets. Ubaldo pitched six innings, allowing three runs (all earned) on seven hits with four walks and eight strikeouts.
Our View: This was one of Ubaldo's more positive outings this season, but the loss brings him to 4-9 on the season with an ERA of 4.22. He is steadily improving but his teammates need to produce more than one hit (all they found this evening) to make it work for wins. |
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| Reyes homers in win over Rockies | Saturday 7/12, 6:29 PM CT |
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The Mets have wrapped their eighth consecutive win this evening, defeating the Colorado Rockies 3-0. All eight Met hits were produced by different batters, though leadoff shortstop Jose Reyes made the most of his, hitting his 10th homer of the season to go 1-for-4 with one walk, one RBI, and one run scored on the night.
Our View: Reyes has been surging after a frustrating start, now hitting .302 on the season thanks to improving his .305 June batting average to .375 this month, though he had not homered since June 25th and touts just four stolen bases this month (following 11 through June). |
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| Big Unit gets second July win | Saturday 7/12, 6:18 PM CT |
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Veteran LHP Randy Johnson wasn't at his best this evening, but his Arizona teammates insured the offense needed was there to get him his sixth win of the campaign, beating Philadelphia 10-4. Johnson pitched six innings, surrendering four runs (all earned) on five hits with one walk and three strikeouts.
Our View: The Unit gave up two homers, giving the hurler a troublesome six homers allowed over his three July starts. However, he has two more wins now over that same span than he posted all of last month, going 0-5 in five starts. |
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| Tracy, Reynolds combine for seven RBIs | Saturday 7/12, 6:13 PM CT |
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The Diamondbacks put the whooping on the Phillies this evening, taking the 10-4 win thanks to the batting duo of corner infielders Chad Tracy and Mark Reynolds. Reynolds went just 1-for-4 at the plate but made the one hit good for his 19th homer of the season, totaling four RBIs on the day. Meanwhile Tracy went 3-for-5 at the plate, hitting three singles to total three RBIs and one runs scored.
Our View: Tracy is in the midst of a strong surge on offense, hitting .421 through July with 10 RBIs thus far. However, Reynolds is heading the other direction, hitting just .192 thus far this month with just two RBIs. |
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| Victorino homers twice in loss | Saturday 7/12, 6:02 PM CT |
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The Phillies found hard times at the park this evening, falling 10-4 to the Arizona Diamondbacks, though leadoff outfielder Shane Victorino enjoyed a strong individual effort. Victorino went 3-for-3 at the dish with two home runs (his 4th and 5th of the season) to total three RBIs and two runs scored.
Our View: Victorino is enjoying a nice bounceback effort this month, hitting .320 through July with three homers and 11 RBIs, a strong performance after hitting just .235 with no homers and four RBIs last month. |
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| Oswalt says "no idea" on return | Saturday 7/12, 5:35 PM CT |
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Last evening fantay owners watched in horror as Roy Oswalt , in the midst of his first start since returning from a minor hip injury, left the game after just one inning of work. He was later diagnosed with the left hip abductor strain, and now he tells reporters that he has "no idea" when he may pitch again, according to CBSSports.com.
Our View: There were no immediate plans to place Oswalt, who is 7-8 with a 4.56 ERA, on the disabled list, manager Cecil Cooper said. Cooper had hoped to use Oswalt as the Astros' starter in the team's first game after the All-Star break Friday against Chicago, but conceded that was now unlikely. We will keep you posted on the team's decisions with medical testing and treatment as it becomes available. |
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| Pedro leaves early with shoulder pain | Saturday 7/12, 5:28 PM CT |
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New York RHP Pedro Martinez has left his start against the Colorado Rockies after four innings due to tightness in his right shoulder, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: The oft-injured Martinez missed about two months earlier this season with a strained left hamstring. He also missed most of last season after having surgery on his right shoulder late in 2006. Martinez, who walked around the clubhouse with a large ice pack on his right hip before the game, threw 66 pitches with three walks and three strikeouts. We will update his status as news becomes available. |
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| Molina keeps Giants in contention | Saturday 7/12, 4:43 PM CT |
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San Francisco catcher Bengie Molina may be starting to swing a hot bat again, going 3-for-6 in today's 11-inning loss to the Cubs (8-7). Molina hit two doubles on the day to total two RBIs and two runs scored on the day.
Our View: Molina hit .275 with 13 homers and 27 RBIs last month, but is hitting just .162 with no homers and seven RBIs through July thus far. Today could indicate the start of another streak of good fortune, so keep tabs on his progress. |
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| Edmonds drives in four versus Giants | Saturday 7/12, 4:38 PM CT |
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The offensive charge for the Chicago northsiders in today's 8-7, 11-inning win over San Francisco was led by outfielder Jim Edmonds , going 2-for-4 at the dish with his 10th double and 10th home run of the season, totaling four RBIs and two runs scored on the day.
Our View: Edmonds has struggled at the plate thus far in July, hitting just .194 on the month (disappointing after hitting .319 last month). His RBIs, six this month, have come in clusters with four today and two on July 2nd. |
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| Harden shows well in Chicago premier | Saturday 7/12, 4:32 PM CT |
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It took 11 innings, but the Cubbies have laid the San Francisco Giants to rest, 8-7. The win in late innings failed to give newly-acquired ace Rich Harden his first win as a National League employee, though the righty pitched well, going 5 1/3 innings by allowing no runs on five hits with three walks and 10 strikeouts.
Our View: That brings Harden to an ERA of 2.19 and gives fans in Chicago a reason to feel optimistic. Harden now tallies three wins over his last six starts with just one loss and five combined earned runs allowed along the way. |
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| Upton update | Saturday 7/12, 2:54 PM CT |
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Manager Bob Melvin is optimistic Justin Upton could be ready to return to action following the All-Star break, acccording to MLB.com. He has not played since straining his left oblique muscle on Wednesday. Melvin said, "Once we get these next three days off, we get him to a workout on Thursday, he should be a full go and hopefully starting the next day."
Our View: As for now, there is a chance Upton could be used as a pinch-runner in an emergency situation Saturday or Sunday against the Phillies, according to Melvin. This is good news, as it was previously believed that he would be placed on the DL. |
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| Myers set for third minor league start | Saturday 7/12, 2:05 PM CT |
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Brett Myers is making his third minor league start today with Double-A Reading, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Our View: Myers is also expected to make another start before hopefully returning to the Phillies. He is not worth waiting for, as he held a 3-9 mark over 17 starts, with a poor 5.84 ERA and 1.56 WHIP. |
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| Winn held out today | Saturday 7/12, 1:31 PM CT |
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Randy Winn has been held out of the Giants' lineup Saturday due to his bruised right knee, according to Giants.com. Skipper Bruce Bochy said, "I'm hoping he can play Sunday. I'm hoping before the end of the game he feels good enough to pinch-hit. Randy Winn is one of the better players in the game, and one of the more underrated players."
Our View: John Bowker replaced Winn in the outfield, and Rich Aurilia covered first base. Winn is day-to-day. |
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| Penny to begin throwing | Saturday 7/12, 11:20 AM CT |
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Brad Penny intends to start a throwing program next week, according to the LA Times. He is going to be cautious with his return to the Dodgers and said, "Since we are right in contention for first place, I'd rather take a little more time and come back fresh."
Our View: He received a cortisone shot last Monday in his ailing right shoulder, which prevented him from pitching since May 14. Fantasy owners need to be patient with him, but he could provide a boost down the stretch when he will be needed the most. Keep him reserved if you have him on your roster. |
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| Church update | Saturday 7/12, 11:07 AM CT |
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Ryan Church, who is still recovering from post-concussion syndrome, underwent multiple neurological tests in Cleveland over the last few days, according to Newsday.
Our View: The results were positive enough that the team is cautiously optimistic the outfielder will be able to return to action this season. The timetable for a potential return remains uncertain, however. |
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| Reyes feeling good | Saturday 7/12, 10:56 AM CT |
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Al Reyes' shoulder felt good during his rehab outing with Single-A Vero Beach on Thursday, according to the St. Petersburg Times. He threw at 87 mph, and hit 89 mph a couple of times.
Our View: He'll throw again Sunday and Monday, and looks to be ready to return soon after the All-Star break. |
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| Bard set for rehab work | Saturday 7/12, 10:38 AM CT |
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Josh Bard is set to begin a rehab assignment with Single-A Elsinore next week as he continues to recover from a high ankle sprain, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Our View: He is expected to come off the DL later this month, but an exact estimate has not been determined. Bard may not be worth waiting for as a fantasy backstop, as he was only hitting .200 prior to going down, and would likely have to fight for playing time upon his return. |
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| Cruz plays catch | Saturday 7/12, 9:05 AM CT |
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Juan Cruz, who is recovering from a left oblique strain, played catch on Friday, according to the Arizona Republic.
Our View: Manager Bob Melvin indicated there was no schedule for him to throw off a mound.
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| Snyder takes BP | Saturday 7/12, 9:02 AM CT |
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Chris Snyder took batting practice Friday for the first time since going on the DL due to a testicular fracture, according to the Arizona Republic. He also caught a bullpen session Thursday.
Our View: Snyder remains hopeful to return from the DL immediately following the All-Star break. |
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| Byrnes has 98 percent tear | Saturday 7/12, 8:58 AM CT |
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On his weekly radio segment Friday with KGME-AM 910, Eric Byrnes said he tore two-thirds of his hamstring off the bone, describing it as a "98 percent tear," as reported by the Arizona Republic.
Our View: He wasn't ready to rule himself out for the season, however. He also said he's leaning toward no surgery.
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| Hernandez update | Saturday 7/12, 8:46 AM CT |
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Orlando Hernandez may have at least two more starts in the minors before being brought back to New York, according to the NY Daily News. He has reverted to his high leg kick, and his fastball was regularly hitting 83-84 mph and topped out at 86 mph last night against Dunedin.
Our View: He could be back after the All-Star break, but the Mets intend to initially use him as a reliever due to the current strength of their rotation. |
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| Osoria activated from DL | Saturday 7/12, 8:35 AM CT |
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Franquelis Osoria has recovered from bursitis in his right ankle and has been activated from the DL, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Luis Munoz was optioned back to Double-A Altoona to make room on the roster.
Our View: Osoria allowed 35 earned runs, 75 hits, and 11 walks over 52.1 innings this season, with only 27 strikeouts. The reliever should not be considered for your fantasy team. |
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| Fuentes prefers Yankees? | Saturday 7/12, 8:06 AM CT |
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Brian Fuentes is said to be a top target of the first place Rays, but he stated that he would like to play with the Yankees, according to the NY Post. Fuentes commented, "I've never played in Yankee Stadium. I have no preference, but putting on the pinstripes would be something special by itself."
Our View: Fuentes wouldn't push Mariano Rivera for save opportunities, and would hold more value as insurance for Troy Percival in Tampa Bay. |
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| Flores needs more work | Saturday 7/12, 7:43 AM CT |
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Randy Flores, who is recovering from left ankle peroneal tendinitis, needs more work and will remain with Triple-A Memphis until after the All-Star break, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Manager Tony LaRussa said, "He needs to get work. He was not pitching great when he left. He could use the work."
Our View: He held a 5.12 ERA over 19.1 innings before moving to Triple-A. He won't be worth acquiring when he returns to the Cardinals' bullpen after the break. |
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| Rasmus visits team doctor | Saturday 7/12, 7:38 AM CT |
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Colby Rasmus met with a team doctor in St. Louis after lingering soreness in his groin, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The team ruled out a sports hernia.
Our View: Rasmus, who is the Cardinals' top offensive prospect, was diagnosed with a groin strain and directed to rest. He is expected to resume baseball activities on Thursday. |
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| Gorzelanny set for Triple-A start | Saturday 7/12, 7:27 AM CT |
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Tom Gorzelanny is scheduled to start for Triple-A Indianapolis tonight, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View: He will pitch three innings or throw 50 pitches, whichever comes first.
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