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| Nice night for Kent | Monday 7/21, 11:55 PM CT |
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Jeff Kent went 3-for-3 with two doubles, three runs, and two RBI in Monday's win over the Rockies.
Our View: This was Kent's most productive offensive outing of the season. Seriously, look it up. Kent hadn't been responsible for five runs in a game since July 14, 2007. |
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| Tulowitzki goes 5-for-5 | Monday 7/21, 11:51 PM CT |
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Troy Tulowitzki went 5-for-5 with a double, four singles, one run, and one RBI in Monday's loss to the Dodgers. It was his first game since coming off the DL.
Our View: Apparently his adjustments at the plate are working, huh? We'll be more inclined to believe in Tulo's resurgence when he strings together a long run of success. This is an excellent start. |
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| Loney notches five RBI | Monday 7/21, 11:49 PM CT |
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James Loney led the Dodgers in their 16-10 romp over the Rockies on Monday. The first baseman went 3-for-6 with a triple, two runs, and five RBI.
Our View: Loney hasn't emerged as hoped this year, but we can't forget that he hit .316-12-51 in 72 games after the break last year. |
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| Young works five innings in rehab start | Monday 7/21, 11:25 PM CT |
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Chris Young worked five innings for High-A Lake Elsinore on Monday night. He allowed three hits and two runs, walked one, and struck out three. Both runs came on solo homers. Young has made two rehab starts as he comes back from a fractured nose.
Our View: Young is at least one more start away from jumping back to the majors. The previous timetable called for a return before the end of July. The Padres will likely update his status on Tuesday. |
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| Qualls earns a save | Monday 7/21, 11:17 PM CT |
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Chad Qualls worked a scoreless ninth inning on Monday and picked up a save against the Cubs.
Our View: Brandon Lyon had worked the previous three nights, so he presumably wasn't available. It was still a bit surprising to see Qualls, as he hasn't pitched well in July. Qualls was fresh, though. We don't believe there is a closer controversy at this point. |
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| Harden strikes out 10, loses | Monday 7/21, 11:14 PM CT |
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Rich Harden struck out 10 Diamondbacks over seven innings on Monday, but he took a loss. The right-hander also allowed only one hit and one run (a solo homer), but Randy Johnson and two relievers held the Cubs scoreless.
Our View: Harden appears to be adjusting to NL life quite nicely, as he has 20 whiffs and one run allowed over 12.1 innings. The wins will come. |
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| Johnson silences Cubs | Monday 7/21, 11:12 PM CT |
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Randy Johnson stirred up some old magic on Monday. The southpaw held the Cubs to two hits and no runs over seven innings. Johnson walked one and struck out four. He is now 7-7 over 18 starts and has won three straight decisions.
Our View: The Big Unit remains far from the dominant start of old, but the southpaw apparently still has some game left in him. |
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| Valverde booted by Bucs | Monday 7/21, 11:00 PM CT |
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Jose Valverde was handed a one-run lead on Monday against the Pirates, and he allowed five hits and six runs over 0.1 innings. The closer served up two homers, three singles, and a walk before handing the ball to Tim Byrdak, who allowed an inside-the-park dinger.
Our View: Valverde has had a roller coaster season of sorts, and Monday was an obvious dip. His job is not in jeopardy. |
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| Sanchez drives in four | Monday 7/21, 10:56 PM CT |
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Freddy Sanchez capped off a huge ninth inning for the Pirates on Monday by hitting a three-run, inside-the-park homer. The second baseman went 3-for-6 with two runs and four RBI in the win.
Our View: It wasn't conventional, but we'll take it. Most fantasy owners have given up on Freddy by this point, which is reasonable. It wouldn't be too shocking, though, if he shook off a bad first half and showed up over the remaining months. |
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| Four hits for Hardy | Monday 7/21, 10:05 PM CT |
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J.J. Hardy went 4-for-6 with a double and an RBI in Monday's win over the Cardinals. He is hitting .348 since the start of June (35 games).
Our View: The shortstop continues to swing a hot bat and look more like the slugger who surprised the fantasy world over the first half of 2007. |
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| Franklin takes the loss | Monday 7/21, 10:02 PM CT |
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Ryan Franklin stumbled again on Monday night. The closer notched the final out in the ninth, but he allowed four hits and three runs (two earned) in the 10th frame against the Brewers. Franklin has served up eight runs over his last seven innings.
Our View: The Cards have talked about working Jason Isringhausen back into the closer mix, but Izzy hasn't been sharp. Tony La Russa might have to figure out a different solution if things continue going this way. |
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| Weeks has big night | Monday 7/21, 9:58 PM CT |
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Rickie Weeks went 2-for-5 with a homer, two runs, three RBI, and a walk on Monday against the Cardinals.
Our View: Weeks didn't have a three-RBI game this season prior to Monday, and he had gone deep only once since May 22. Do you think he noticed the Ray Durham trade? Maybe that move will spur Rickie to finally lock in at the plate. |
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| Delgado sent down | Monday 7/21, 9:56 PM CT |
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The Marlins optioned reliever Jesus Delgado to Double-A Carolina on Monday night, the AP reports. He had been called up on Saturday.
Our View: Did Delgado even get a chance to unpack his bags? He didn't even get to appear in a game. |
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| Tomko throws in bullpen | Monday 7/21, 9:53 PM CT |
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Brett Tomko threw in the bullpen on Monday. He is on the DL due to a sore right elbow. "We’ll see how he is tomorrow and determine his fate, whether he throws another bullpen or a simulated game," manager Bud Black informs the AP.
Our View: If you're waiting on Tomko to return from the DL, you must be playing in a Padres-only fantasy league. |
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| Greene back in lineup | Monday 7/21, 9:50 PM CT |
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Khalil Greene went 1-for-5 on Monday night against the Reds. He missed the previous game due to tightness in his lower back.
Our View: The back injury obviously wasn't serious. |
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| Hairston homers again | Monday 7/21, 9:41 PM CT |
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Scott Hairston continues to swing a hot stick. He went 2-for-3 with a homer, two runs, an RBI, and two walks in Monday's win over the Reds. Hairston is 19-for-41 with seven home runs in 13 games this July.
Our View: Hairston has always been a streaky hitter with good potential. He is in the midst of an obvious hot run. Pick him up at your own risk. |
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| Cordero blows up again | Monday 7/21, 9:38 PM CT |
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Francisco Cordero blew his sixth save of the season on Monday. He served up two hits and three runs over 0.2 innings against the Padres. Cordero hurt his own cause by walking three batters. The closer has allowed seven runs in 3.0 innings since the All-Star break.
Our View: We're mildly worried at this point. Cordero has built up too much favor for us to panic after two bad outings. The walks are out of character, though. |
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| Lieber to begin throwing | Monday 7/21, 9:34 PM CT |
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Jon Lieber will throw three innings at the Cubs spring training complex on Tuesday, MLB.com reports. He is on the DL due to a strained right foot.
Our View: It's a good sign that Lieber is taking the mound so quickly after going on the DL. He still has a bit of value in NL-only leagues. |
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| Kouzmanoff drives in three | Monday 7/21, 9:32 PM CT |
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Kevin Kouzmanoff doubled, singled, and drove in three runs for the Padres against the Reds on Monday. The third baseman now has an RBI in six straight games.
Our View: Kouzmanoff hasn't hit as well as we hoped this season, but he has picked up his pace since the middle of June. He is hitting .343 with four homers and 19 RBI over the last 26 games. |
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| Wood applying ointment | Monday 7/21, 9:27 PM CT |
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Kerry Wood will avoid the DL, for now. The closer is putting ointment on his blister and hopes to throw on Wednesday, MLB.com reports.
Our View: Why didn't they bring out this magic ointment on July 12, one day after Kerry's last appearance? Carlos Marmol is in line to close for as long as Wood is out. |
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| Escobar to play Tuesday | Monday 7/21, 9:08 PM CT |
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Yunel Escobar is expected to rejoin the Braves lineup on Tuesday, manager Bobby Cox tells the AP.
Our View: We expected Escobar to play on Monday, and we assume Cox opted to give the shortstop one more day to rest his shoulder. |
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| Bourn gets a start | Monday 7/21, 8:57 PM CT |
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Michael Bourn is in the starting lineup on Monday for the first time since July 11, MLB.com notes. He is hitting second.
Our View: Bourn had had an awful July after picking up his play in June. We expected much more out of him this season, and it'll be interesting to see how much the Astros rely on him over the final months. |
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| Volstad takes first loss | Monday 7/21, 8:52 PM CT |
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Chris Volstad worked six innings against the Braves on Monday. He allowed six hits and three runs, walked three, struck out three, and took the first loss of his career. Volstad is 2-1 with a 2.16 ERA.
Our View: Volstad was much more impressive in his previous start, but you still have to like what this 21-year-old showed on Monday. He'll probably have plenty of ups and downs as the season plays out. |
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| Quintero could return Tuesday | Monday 7/21, 8:50 PM CT |
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Humberto Quintero could be activated on Tuesday, MLB.com reports. He is on the DL due to a concussion, and he would likely replace J.R. Towles on the roster.
Our View: Towles has done nothing to suggest he belongs in the majors, which is sad. Quintero has very little value, too. |
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| Campillo tosses a gem | Monday 7/21, 8:47 PM CT |
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The Braves got a gem from Jorge Campillo on Monday. The right-hander tossed seven scoreless innings against the Marlins. Campillo allowed two hits, walked one, and struck out six.
Our View: Campillo's ERA has been on the rise since the start of June, but apparently the All-Star break came at a good time. We don't believe he can maintain his 2.83 ERA, but he is obviously helpful in the right matchup. |
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| Oswalt on track | Monday 7/21, 8:44 PM CT |
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Roy Oswalt will take it easy this week, at least as far as throwing. "We're not going to do much bullpen stuff," manager Cecil Cooper tells MLB.com. "We have to do some rehab, some stuff with the muscles on that side. That's all we can do at this point in time." Oswalt is on the DL due to a strained left hip and is expected to return on July 28.
Our View: Fantasy owners should plan on using Oswalt next week. |
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| Cervenak sent down | Monday 7/21, 8:05 PM CT |
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The Phillies shipped infielder Mike Cervenak to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Monday, the Sports Network reports.
Our View: The 31-year-old Cervenak hopefully enjoyed that one at-bat. |
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| Myers called up | Monday 7/21, 8:03 PM CT |
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The Phillies recalled pitcher Brett Myers from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Monday, the Sports Network reports. He made four minor league starts at three different levels since being sent down on July 1. Myers will start on Wednesday against the Mets.
Our View: We're not sure why the Phillies didn't wait until Wednesday to make this move, but the timing doesn't really matter. Myers was able to clear his head in the minors. We remain wary. |
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| Nunez designated for assignment | Monday 7/21, 8:01 PM CT |
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The Braves designated reliever Vladimir Nunez for assignment on Monday, the AP reports.
Our View: This news has no bearing on fantasy leagues. |
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| Soriano activated | Monday 7/21, 7:59 PM CT |
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The Braves activated reliever Rafael Soriano from the 15-day DL on Monday, the AP confirms. He had been out since June 6 due to right elbow inflammation.
Our View: Soriano has been dealing with elbow issues since spring training, and he will likely need to prove himself in a setup role before the Braves consider him as a closer. The team hasn't said how they plan to use Soriano. |
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| Glaus up to 10 games | Monday 7/21, 7:55 PM CT |
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Troy Glaus doubled in the first inning on Monday. The hit not only generated a run, it also moved Glaus' hitting streak to 10 games.
Our View: This veteran slugger is not known for hitting streaks, but he is on a very hot run right now. Fantasy owners should enjoy it. |
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| Bruce extends hitting streak | Monday 7/21, 7:52 PM CT |
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Jay Bruce doubled in the third inning on Monday and extended his hitting streak to 10 games.
Our View: It's a very modest streak, but we're looking for consistency out of this talented youngster. Bruce has all the tools to be a superstar. It's just a matter of how long it takes him to adjust. |
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| Miller throwing | Monday 7/21, 7:36 PM CT |
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Andrew Miller is throwing lightly, MLB.com reports. He is on the DL due to right patellar tendinitis.
Our View: This report doesn't enlighten his status much. The young southpaw still might need an operation to correct his knee issue. |
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| Treanor making progress | Monday 7/21, 7:02 PM CT |
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Matt Treanor is catching and hitting, and he hopes to begin a rehab assignment or play in a simulated game by the end of this week. MLB.com reports. The catcher is on the DL due to a strained left hip.
Our View: Treanor hopes to return as part of a platoon, but he isn't assured of any playing time when he is healthy. |
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| Salas sent down | Monday 7/21, 6:43 PM CT |
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The Pirates sent reliever Marino Salas back to Triple-A Indianapolis on Monday, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review confirms.
Our View: It's too bad the road between Indianapolis and Pittsburgh isn't longer because Salas would be racking up a ton of frequent flyer miles this year. He has no fantasy value. |
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| Wagner to be re-examined on Tuesday | Monday 7/21, 6:41 PM CT |
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Billy Wagner will be re-examined on Tuesday and may undergo an MRI if necessary, MLB.com reports. The closer experienced some tightness in his left shoulder on Sunday. Wagner says his trapezius muscle has bothered him for a couple weeks.
Our View: We can only sit back and hope for the best. Wagner did feel better after pitching on Sunday, which is good news. |
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| Garciaparra not starting on Monday | Monday 7/21, 6:16 PM CT |
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Nomar Garciaparra is not in Monday night's lineup against the Rockies, the Los Angeles Daily News reports. Angel Berroa will start at shortstop.
Our View: The Dodgers appear to just be giving Nomar a night off. It's too bad, since he's been hitting well. |
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| Kershaw to start Tuesday | Monday 7/21, 6:03 PM CT |
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Clayton Kershaw will be called up to start on Tuesday against the Rockies, the Los Angeles Daily News reports.
Our View: Expectations remain extremely high for this 20-year-old southpaw, but he produced mixed results in his previous eight starts. We're not terribly bullish about his start in Colorado. |
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| Morillo sent down | Monday 7/21, 6:00 PM CT |
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The Rockies sent reliever Juan Morillo back to Triple-A Colorado Springs, MLB.com reports. He made one scoreless appearance since being called up.
Our View: The 24-year-old right-hander needs to continue working on his control. He has a promising arm, and we'll probably see him again later this season. |
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| Koshansky back to Triple-A | Monday 7/21, 5:57 PM CT |
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The Rockies have sent Joe Koshansky back to Triple-A Colorado Springs, MLB.com reports.
Our View: We'll likely see the slugger back in the bigs this September, if not sooner. He didn't hit particularly well during this call-up, but 22 at-bats is hardly an ample sample size. |
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| Nunez back in the bullpen | Monday 7/21, 5:50 PM CT |
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The Royals have activated Leo Nunez from the 15-day DL, MLB.com reports. He had been out since May 27 due to a strained right lat.
Our View: Nunez will reprise his role as a setup man for Joakim Soria. That spot doesn't have much fantasy value in most leagues, but Leo is pretty good at his job. |
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| Tulowitzki activated | Monday 7/21, 5:48 PM CT |
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The Rockies have activated Troy Tulowitzki from the 15-day DL, MLB.com confirms. He was out due to a right hand laceration.
Our View: Manager Clint Hurdle made some recent comments about Tulo working out some kinks in his swing, and hopefully he can start to turn around this nightmare season. Clint Barmes could continue to work in at short if Tulowitzki struggles. |
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| Escobar not in the lineup | Monday 7/21, 5:44 PM CT |
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Yunel Escobar is not listed in the Braves lineup for Monday's game against the Marlins despite being cleared to return. He has not played since July 9 due to inflammation in his left rotator cuff.
Our View: We're digging for more information, as we expected Escobar to be back at shortstop. Brent Lillibridge is currently listed as the starter. |
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| Hairston aims for next week | Monday 7/21, 5:34 PM CT |
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Jerry Hairston Jr. believes he'll be cleared to run after an examination on Monday night. The infielder/outfielder is hoping to come off the DL next week. He is out due to a strained right hamstring. "It feels a whole lot better," Hairston tells the Cincinnati Enquirer. "Hopefully, I'll start running tomorrow. If that goes well, I'll go to Dayton and get some at-bats in a couple of days and then be ready to go in Houston. That's the plan."
Our View: The Reds visit the Astros next Monday-Wednesday. Hairston has been surprising good with the bat this year (.351), and the Reds will find him semi-regular time at shortstop and across the outfield when he's ready. |
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| Harang not throwing yet | Monday 7/21, 5:27 PM CT |
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Aaron Harang has not yet been cleared to throw, the Cincinnati Enquirer notes. The right-hander is due to be examined by Dr. Tim Kremchek on Monday night. Harang is on the DL due to a strained right forearm.
Our View: Harang obviously won't be ready to come off the DL when he is eligible on Wednesday, and our hope is that he is cleared to begin throwing on Monday night. Fantasy owners need to be patient. |
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| VandenHurk to come up on Tuesday | Monday 7/21, 5:20 PM CT |
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The Marlins are expected to call up Rick VandenHurk to start on Tuesday against the Braves, the Palm Beach Post reports. The right-hander made two starts for the Marlins early in the year, and he has gone 3-3 with a 4.23 ERA at Double-A Carolina.
Our View: The Dutchman has pitched pretty well this July, but he might only be up for one turn through the rotation. The Marlins have been patching together the starters and have Anibal Sanchez coming back soon, too. |
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| Ludwick sitting, Duncan starting | Monday 7/21, 5:04 PM CT |
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Ryan Ludwick is not in the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Brewers. Chris Duncan is starting in left field, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Our View: Ludwick also took a seat on Thursday, and it's a bit disconcerting to see the All-Star out of the lineup in two of the last five games. We hope Tony La Russa is just being proactive is giving Ludwick a break during a long stretch for the Cards. |
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| Weeks starting on Monday | Monday 7/21, 4:59 PM CT |
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Rickie Weeks is starting at second base in Monday's game against the Cardinals and right-hander Joel Pineiro, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel confirms.
Our View: It'll be interesting to see how manager Ned Yost eventually works Ray Durham into the mix. Durham is hitting .318 with a .843 OPS against righties, while Weeks is at .201 and .648 in those situations. |
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| Harris earns weekly honor | Monday 7/21, 3:35 PM CT |
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Willie Harris has been named the NL Player of the Week, according to the AP. Harris hit .583 (7-for-12) with one home run and seven RBI during the short week with the All-Star break.
Our View: Harris should remain active in fantasy lineups while he is hot. He has registered multiple hits in five of his last six games, with two homers and eight RBI over the span. |
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| Durham pleased to join Brewers | Monday 7/21, 3:15 PM CT |
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Ray Durham is pleased to join the Brewers, who he deemed a great team, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Durham said, "The Giants are going young and the Brewers are dying for a playoff spot. This is a great team. I hope I can help them get to the promised land."
Our View: He will play a couple times a week at second base over Rickie Weeks, and could also see action as a pinch-hitter. He is batting .293 and although he only has three home runs, his rate could go up while playing his home games at hitter-friendly Miller Park. He is worth a look in deeper NL-only leagues. |
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| Fielder has 100 career homers | Monday 7/21, 2:58 PM CT |
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Prince Fielder's home run on Saturday against the Giants was his 20th of the season and the 100th of his career.
Our View: It took him 450 games to reach the milestone, with half of his homers coming in 2007 when he broke out with 50. Fielder is also currently riding a five-game hitting streak, with three homers and three multi-hit efforts over the span. |
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| Burrell unhappy with benching | Monday 7/21, 2:34 PM CT |
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The Philadelphia Inquirer states that Pat Burrell is unhappy with being removed late in Sunday's game against the Marlins. He said, "I'm upset, absolutely. I'm upset, and I have been for a long time. It's not personal. I don't want to ever come out of close games." On Sunday, Burrell was replaced by Eric Bruntlett in the bottom of the eighth with the Phillies ahead, 2-1. Cole Hamels gave up a game-tying home run in the inning. Burrell had been 5- for-12 with two doubles and two home runs in the series. His would-be spot in the lineup came up in the top of the 11th, and Bruntlett hit a leadoff pop-up to second, dropping his season average to .231.
Our View: Manager Charlie Manuel routinely replaces Burrell with a speedier defender when the Phillies have leads late in games. Manuel is a good skipper and had good intentions, but you can't fault Burrell for being angry, as he has 25 homers and 59 RBI for the season, with a .280 average.
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| Garcia headed back to Triple-A | Monday 7/21, 2:28 PM CT |
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Jaime Garcia was demoted to Triple-A Memphis despite a quality start on Sunday. Mitchell Boggs was recalled.
Our View: The move was made to strengthen the Cardinals taxed bullpen. Garcia pitched well and could be back sooner rather than later. |
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| Boggs is recalled to join bullpen | Monday 7/21, 2:26 PM CT |
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Updating a previous note, Mitchell Boggs has been recalled from Triple-A Memphis in time to join the Cardinals bullpen for the Milwaukee series. Sunday's starter, Jaime Garcia, was demoted.
Our View: The bullpen was used extensively in the four-game sweep of the Padres and has been the biggest weakness for an otherwise solid Cardinals team. Boggs will see plenty of opportunities in the upcoming series, but doesn't figure to stick with the big-league club permanently. |
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| Pedro plays long toss | Monday 7/21, 2:22 PM CT |
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Pedro Martinez, who is recovering from a right hip strain, played long-toss Sunday and said he felt even better than Saturday when he threw lightly in the bullpen, according to the NY Post. The plan is for him to long-toss again tomorrow and throw off a mound if he feels up to it.
Our View: Barring a setback, he is expected to start this weekend against the Cardinals. |
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| Yost defends Weeks | Monday 7/21, 1:57 PM CT |
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Manager Ned Yost defended Rickie Weeks as his starting second baseman following the acquisition of Ray Durham from the Giants, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Yost said, "Rickie's doing fine. I'll play Ray a couple of days a week, maybe. We'll just see how it goes. I'm not setting anything in stone. We'll take it day by day. Veteran, quality depth is what it gives us."
Our View: Weeks has been struggling with a .216 average, but Yost insists that Durham was added namely for depth and a solid bat off the bench, rather than a replacement for Weeks. So while Weeks will likely play less every week with starts given to Durham, the vet isn't a threat to replace Weeks as the regular starter at second. |
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| Helton increases exercise | Monday 7/21, 1:10 PM CT |
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Todd Helton has increased his exercise workload for his ailing back and hip, according to the Rocky Mountain News.
Our View: He is still yet to start any baseball related activity, but remains hopeful to return to action at some point near the end of July. |
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| Francis to pitch at Double-A Monday | Monday 7/21, 1:07 PM CT |
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Jeff Francis, who is recovering from left elbow inflammation, is scheduled to pitch three innings or 45 pitches tonight for Double-A Tulsa at Arkansas, according to the Rocky Mountain News. He will then make a second rehab start Saturday for the Drillers, working six innings or about 75 pitches.
Our View: Francis will be re-evaluated Sunday to determine whether he makes another rehabilitation start or rejoins the Rockies. |
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| Bennett to begin rehab | Monday 7/21, 11:38 AM CT |
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Jeff Bennett, who is recovering from a subluxated right shoulder, is set to begin a rehab assignment with Single-A Myrtle Beach, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Our View: Bennett could return at some point in early August, but is not worth waiting for as a fantasy hurler, as he held a poor 4.28 ERA and 1.51 WHIP over 61 innings prior to landing on the DL. |
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| Escobar cleared | Monday 7/21, 11:33 AM CT |
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Yunel Escobar has been cleared to play following his battle with an inflamed left rotator cuff, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Our View: He has avoided the DL, and is also slated to return to the Braves' lineup Monday against the Marlins. Adjust your lineups accordingly. |
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| Gordon throwing | Monday 7/21, 11:27 AM CT |
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Tom Gordon, who is recovering from right elbow inflammation, is long-tossing, but it is still too early to tell when he might begin throwing off the mound, according to the Philadelphia Daily News.
Our View: Gordon would have been eligible to play Tuesday, but will need to remain on the DL longer than 15 days. The Phillies remain uncertain when he may be able to rejoin the team. |
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| Young needs to shape up | Monday 7/21, 11:10 AM CT |
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GM Jim Bowden noted that Dmitri Young needs to gets into first-class physical shape before returning from the DL, according to the Washington Post.
Our View: He also needs to regain control of his diabetes, meaning stabilizing his blood-sugar level. Bowden wants Young to return to the shape he was in last season when he earned the comeback player of the year award. Paul Lo Duca could continue to do his part as a converted first baseman while Young is out. |
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| Marmol to handle closer's role | Monday 7/21, 11:01 AM CT |
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Carlos Marmol is expected to handle the closer's role, as it appears that Kerry Wood is headed to the DL due to his nagging finger blister, according to the AP.
Our View: Wood's DL move could be retroactive to July 12, meaning Marmol would serve as the closer for about a week before Wood returns. He is worth starting in your fantasy lineups for that said week. |
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| Wood likely headed for DL | Monday 7/21, 10:56 AM CT |
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Kerry Wood is likely headed to the DL due to a blister on his right index finger, according to the AP. He would be going to the DL for the 12th time in his career.
Our View: He hasn't pitched since June 11, and the Cubs would be able to put Wood on the DL retroactive to July 12, meaning he could miss only a week. Carlos Marmol is expected to handle the closer's role while Wood is out.
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| Jenkins has bruised shoulder | Monday 7/21, 10:51 AM CT |
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Geoff Jenkins has been diagnosed with a bruised shoulder, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. In case you missed it, Jenkins was injured when struck in the right shoulder by the barrel of his bat when it broke midswing.
Our View: Jenkins is not expected to miss any time due to the ailment. |
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| Wagner MRI cancelled | Monday 7/21, 10:47 AM CT |
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Billy Wagner is no longer scheduled for an MRI Monday on his sore shoulder, according to Newsday.
Our View: Wagner had difficulty getting loose Sunday, but felt better after the game. Hopefully Wagner, who has nailed down 24 saves so far, won't have this problem pop up again this season. |
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| Tulowitzki expected to be activated | Monday 7/21, 9:24 AM CT |
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Troy Tulowitzki has recovered from his right hand laceration and is expected to be activated from the DL Monday, according to the Denver Post.
Our View: The Rockies noted that he is still a work in progress and needs to work out a few kinks in his swing. Jeff Baker and Clint Barmes are hitting well right now, and manager Clint Hurdle is in no hurry to annoint Tulowitzki as the everyday shortstop again. Hurdle did not indicate that Tulowitzki will be rested more, but is going to keep everyone in play. His fantasy value could be compromised for the time being, and should be left on your bench until he makes an impact. |
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| Dunn is hot | Monday 7/21, 9:06 AM CT |
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Adam Dunn is hot as he blasted a homer in 10 of his last 18 games, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. He has 28 for the season.
Our View: Dunn is only hitting .230, but should remain a top source of power down the stretch for fantasy owners. |
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| Cruz throws pen session | Monday 7/21, 9:01 AM CT |
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Juan Cruz, who is recovering from a strained left oblique, threw a bulpen session on Sunday, according to the Arizona Republic. He felt fine with no issues reported following the outing.
Our View: The plan is for Cruz to throw at least one more pen session, and the team is likely to send him on a rehab assignment. |
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| Upton progressing slowly | Monday 7/21, 8:56 AM CT |
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The Arizona Republic indicates that Justin Upton is progressing slowly from his left oblique strain. He took some light swings on Sunday and manager Bob Melvin said, "It will be good for him to get some at-bats where he isn't grinding as hard as he was before he went on the DL."
Our View: Upton will go on a minor league rehab assignment when he is ready, but the team does not know when that may be. |
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| Towles likely get sent down | Monday 7/21, 7:59 AM CT |
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Catcher Humberto Quintero is nearing the end of his minor league rehab assignment, and the Houston Chronicle states that J.R. Towles is the likely candidate to get sent down when Quintero rejoins the Astros.
Our View: Towles was given another chance with the Astros, but could not take advantage as he currently holds a dismal .143 average over 140 at-bats. |
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| Cassel likely to be recalled | Monday 7/21, 7:55 AM CT |
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The Houston Chronicle indicates that Jack Cassel is a likely candidate to get recalled from Triple-A to start Tuesday against the Pirates.
Our View: If recalled, Cassel would only be worth a look in larger NL-only leagues, as he surrendered 10 earned runs with only six strikeouts over 14.1 innings with Houston this season. |
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| Capps resumes throwing | Monday 7/21, 7:48 AM CT |
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Matt Capps, who has been on the DL since July 2 with right shoulder bursitis, had his first throwing session Sunday, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The outing consisted of 25 tosses from 90 feet, and 50 from 60 feet.
Our View: He experienced no issues following the session, but the team will continue to be cautious with him. There remains no set target date for a return to pitching off a mound, but the general timetable of eight weeks to return to the Pirates has not been changed.
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| Teams still calling about Wilson | Monday 7/21, 7:43 AM CT |
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Teams continue to call the Pirates regarding Jack Wilson, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. There is no indication that Wilson will be dealt, and the team would prefer to keep him as he would be very difficult to replace internally. But there is a openness to trading Wilson for an appropriate value in prospects, as there is with everyone on the roster.
Our View: The Dodgers are said to be the top team interested in Wilson, and an AL source states that the Tigers may be targeting him as well, as they also covet a shortstop. |
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| Boggs could get recalled | Monday 7/21, 7:35 AM CT |
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The St. Louis Post-Dispatch suggests that Mitchell Boggs could get recalled by the Cardinals, as the team feels they don't have enough fresh arms for the Milwaukee series that begins Monday.
Our View: Boggs held a solid 3-1 record, but with a poor 6.59 ERA and 1.71 WHIP, and was rocked for 11 runs in his last outing prior to getting sent down. If recalled, he would only merit fantasy attention in larger NL-only leagues. |
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| Carpenter not pleased with command | Monday 7/21, 7:28 AM CT |
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Chris Carpenter only allowed one hit over four shutout innings in his first rehab start Sunday, and reported no physical issues following the outing, but he was not pleased with his command, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Carpenter said, "I'm going to go by my stuff. And obviously command of my fastball today is not where it needs to be." The Cardinals had put Carpenter on a limit of 60-70 pitches. After using only 10 to retire the first three hitters he faced, Carpenter needed 16 pitches in both the second and third innings and 19 more to get out of the the fourth. He walked four, while missing with 30 of his 61 pitches.
Our View: This was a big step for him as he tries to bounce back from right elbow surgery, but he needs to regain his control and consistency before he can be counted on by the Cardinals, as well as fantasy owners. His next step probably will be a Friday start at Triple-A Memphis, depending on a conversation today with manager Tony La Russa, pitching coach Dave Duncan and general manager John Mozeliak.
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| Lewis ailing | Monday 7/21, 7:05 AM CT |
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Fred Lewis sat out Sunday's game due to pain from a bunion, according to the SF Chronicle.
Our View: The team has discussed surgery, but will be a last resort because recovery can take eight months. The injury could bring Dave Roberts back to the club sooner, possibly this week. |
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| Yabu placed on DL | Monday 7/21, 7:00 AM CT |
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Keiichi Yabu has been placed on the 15-day DL due to a sprained middle finger on his right hand, according to the SF Chronicle. Geno Espineli was recalled from Triple-A as the corresponding move.
Our View: Yabu held no fantasy value as a reliever, as he maintained a 3.64 ERA and 1.38 WHIP over 47 innings, with only 33 strikeouts. |
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