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| Liriano: One earned run in last 35 IP | Tuesday 7/22, 11:24 PM CT |
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The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that Francisco Liriano gave up no runs and only two hits and two walks in seven innings while striking out 10 for Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday. He threw 99 pitches, 62 for strikes, in improving to 9-2 with a 3.13 ERA at Rochester.
Our View: It's hard to believe he is still in the minors and you have to believe the Twins will call him up soon. In his past five starts, he has a 0.26 ERA, with one earned run in 35 innings. In that time, he has struck out 42. |
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| Weaver leaves with back tightness | Tuesday 7/22, 11:16 PM CT |
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Angels RHP Jered Weaver has been forced off the mound this evening against the Indians after just three innings because of tightness in the middle of his back and is listed as day-to-day, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Weaver allowed two runs on three hits, walking two and hitting another, but struck out four batters. It was also the shortest start of the season for Weaver, who broke a streak of four straight starts in which he pitched at least five innings and allowed two earned runs or fewer. |
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| Buehrle puts Texas in their place | Tuesday 7/22, 10:36 PM CT |
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The White Sox brought all of the offense needed to get the win, but the 10-2 victory over the Rangers was earned from the arm of LHP Mark Buehrle , pitching 7 1/3 innings to allow one run on six hits with no walks and three strikeouts.
Our View: Buehrle pulls to .500 on the season (8-8) with a 3.56 ERA. He is 2-2 for the month of July but has gone 6-2 over his last 10 starts. |
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| Rookie Davis warming up | Tuesday 7/22, 10:32 PM CT |
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The Rangers posted 10 total hits on the night but managed to find just two runs through that effort, falling 10-2 against the White Sox. The Rangers were led by rookie first baseman Chris Davis , going 3-for-4 at the plate with his eighth homer of the season total one RBI and one run scored.
Our View: Davis is just getting comfortable in the show, but he has posted nine hits (including two homers) over his last eight games. |
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| Swisher homers in win | Tuesday 7/22, 10:28 PM CT |
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The White Sox sent the Rangers walking with a troubling 10-2 loss this evening, using the bat of outfielder Nick Swisher to get the job done. Swisher went 1-for-3 at the plate with one walk and his 14th homer of the season, totaling three RBIs and two runs scored on the night.
Our View: Swisher has turned it one over recent days, hitting two homers over his last three games with six RBIs and four runs scored. |
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| Braden gets win in first start | Tuesday 7/22, 10:15 PM CT |
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Oakland LHP Dallas Braden got his second win of the season this evening, helping his Athletics to a dominating 8-1 win over Tampa Bay. Braden pitched just five innings but allowed just one run on four hits with four walks and one strikeout.
Our View: Moving to 2-0 on the season, Braden has to be happy with the results of his first start of the 2008 season. He worked well in the minors in that role and has desires to become a reliable arm in that rotation, known for building on youth and bringing pitchers to the top of their game. |
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| Hannahan drives in four | Tuesday 7/22, 10:11 PM CT |
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Oakland and Tampa Bay hooked it up this evening to battle with the A's emerging with a dominating 8-1 win, led by the bat of third baseman Jack Hannahan . Hannahan went 2-for-4 with his fifth homer of the season, posting four RBIs with one run scored on the night.
Our View: The team has stood by Hannahan despite struggles at the dish, hitting a lowly .189 last month. Through July he is paying them back with improved returns, hitting .268. |
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| Sonnanstine suffers 2nd straight loss | Tuesday 7/22, 10:03 PM CT |
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The Rays suffered a slip against Oakland this evening, falling 8-1 with a troubled offensive effort (just seven total hits) to waste a worthy outing for RHP Andy Sonnanstine . Sonnanstine pitched seven innings, allowing three runs (all earned) on five hits with one walk and five strikeouts.
Our View: Sonnanstine moves to 10-5 on the season with an ERA of 4.54. It represents his second consecutive loss after going without a fall over his previous seven starts. |
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| Lind drives in three vs O's | Tuesday 7/22, 9:53 PM CT |
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The Blue Jays found just enough offense to earn the 10-8 win over Baltimore this evening, an effort led by outfielder Adam Lind . Lind went 4-for-5 at the dish, hitting his sixth double and fifth home run of the season to post three RBIs and two runs scored.
Our View: Lind is shining, hitting .340 through July with three homers and 17 RBIs thus far. This is his first multi-hit game since July 11th, but he has failed to earn at least one hit just twice this month. |
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| Mora continues to stay hot | Tuesday 7/22, 9:47 PM CT |
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The Orioles may have suffered a disappointing 10-8 loss to Toronto, but third baseman Melvin Mora was on the mark and accountable. Mora went 4-for-5 at the plate with his 17th double and 15th homer of the season, posting five RBIs and one run scored on the night.
Our View: After hitting just .190 through June with three homers and 10 RBIs, Mora has hit .316 with four homers and 18 RBIs through July, a marked improvement for fans and fantasy owners alike. |
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| Marcum gets no decision in return | Tuesday 7/22, 9:42 PM CT |
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Toronto RHP Shaun Marcum made his return from injury this evening and struggled to regain form, though his Blue Jays pulled the 10-8 win. Marcum pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing seven runs (six earned) on eight hits with three walks and three strikeouts.
Our View: More than anything, the three homers surrendered worries the fantasy mind. It has not been a problem this season, and he is expected to struggle a bit having just returned from a significant amount of time off. He earned no decision, but the eyes will be on him the next time he hits the mound. |
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| Slowey suffers loss vs Yanks | Tuesday 7/22, 9:34 PM CT |
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The Twins couldn't get anything going in a positive direction against the Yanks this evening, falling 8-2 with a grand total of just five hits and a disappointing pitching performance from RHP Kevin Slowey . Slowey pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing four runs (all earned) over five hits with two walks and three strikeouts.
Our View: Slowey suffers his first loss since June 8th, earning four wins over his last six outings before this debacle (not bad for a guy with an infected fingernail). |
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| Abreu homers in win over Twins | Tuesday 7/22, 9:26 PM CT |
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The Yanks brought the wood to the late innings of tonight's battke against the Twins, winning 8-2 with seven combined runs in the sixth and seventh innings. One man contributing major efforts the cause would be outfielder Bobby Abreu , going 2-for-4 on the night with his 24th double and 11th homer (hit in the sixth) of the season to total three RBIs and two runs scored.
Our View: Abreu has struggled at the dish, touting a lowly .252 average through June only to worsen to .234 in July. This was his first home runs since June 25th and one of just three multi-RBI games this month. |
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| Jacobs hits his 20th home run | Tuesday 7/22, 9:16 PM CT |
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Mike Jacobs hit his 20th home run of the season off of Charlie Morton on Tuesday night. He was 2-for-3 with three RBI on the night.
Our View: Jacobs continues to be a good source of power but has 74 strikeouts to just 17 walks. |
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| Hunter on bereavement list | Tuesday 7/22, 8:53 PM CT |
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The Angels have placed outfielder Torii Hunter on the bereavement list to spend time with his ailing grandmother in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Hunter is expected to return to the club by Friday. |
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| Leyland keeping an eye on shortstop | Tuesday 7/22, 7:54 PM CT |
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Detroit manager Jim Leyland has acknowledged concerns about the health of shortstop Edgar Renteria , though he remains open to adjust to the events yet to come, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Renteria suffered a mild hamstring strain on July 9 and sat out for a few games before the All-Star break. In the first two games after the break, he went 3-for-7, but has gone 0-for-8 over the last two games. Leyland said he wouldn't hesitate to use shortstop Ramon Santiago if he didn't think Renteria was healthy enough. |
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| Crede scratched | Tuesday 7/22, 7:41 PM CT |
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Chicago third baseman Joe Crede has been scratched from tonight's lineup against the Rangers, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Crede is hampered by lower back stiffness and thus has been given the night off. He has been replaced by versatile infielder Juan Uribe. |
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| A-Rod looking beyond baseball | Tuesday 7/22, 7:31 PM CT |
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Yankee third baseman Alex Rodriguez has joined the William Morse Agency, one of the more powerful talent agencies in the world, hoping to "extend his brand beyond the baseball diamond," according to the Associated Press.
Our View: A-Rod joined up with the powerhouse talent agency in Beverly Hills, Calif., and becomes part of a client list that includes some of the biggest names in sports, entertainment and business. The deal, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, was completed this month and set up by Rodriguez's manager, Guy Oseary, a music business mogul who has worked closely with William Morris. Among the star athletes handled by William Morris are Dwyane Wade, Serena Williams and Kevin Garnett. The agency represents such movie stars as Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. |
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| Walker hoping to be activated Thursday | Tuesday 7/22, 6:57 PM CT |
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Orioles LHP Jamie Walker has returned to the team after throwing a 25-pitch simulated game today, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Walker, who has been on the 15-day disabled list since June 30 with left elbow inflammation, threw to catcher Guillermo Quiroz and shortstop Brandon Fahey -- the first hitters he has faced since pitching to one batter in the Orioles' loss to the Cubs on June 25. Walker, who said he felt no pain during the session, will be reevaluated on Wednesday, and hopes to be activated on Thursday. |
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| Ellis experiences shoulder pain | Tuesday 7/22, 6:56 PM CT |
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Mark Ellis was a late scratch in Tuesday night's lineup. He is experiencing pain in his right shoulder, according to MLB.com.
Our View: No word how serious the pain is at this point. An update should be coming soon. |
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| Bedard undergoing MRI | Tuesday 7/22, 6:54 PM CT |
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The Mariners report LHP Erik Bedard is awaiting results from an MRI exam performed today, according to the Seattle Times.
Our View: The report comes via the Times blogs, thus we are hoping to have results in the coming hours. Earlier this week we reported Bedard is not likely to make a start until at least August due to a sore left shoulder, and it now appears the Mariners are concerned there is more reason for concern. We'll keep you posted. |
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| Girardi to split Molina & Moeller at catcher | Tuesday 7/22, 6:38 PM CT |
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Yankees manager Joe Girardi has told reporters that he intends to split the work load at catcher from here on out, looking to give both Jose Molina and Chad Moeller time behind the plate, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Molina (.227 batting average, 11 RBIs) has made 52 starts this year, and he leads the Majors with a 48.1 caught stealing percentage. Moeller has started 18 games and caught starting pitcher Darrell Rasner against Minnesota on Tuesday. The decision to start either one will be "day by day," Girardi said, and Molina will probably catch Mike Mussina on Wednesday, like he typically does. |
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| Gomez moved to ninth | Tuesday 7/22, 5:31 PM CT |
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The Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune reports that Carlos Gomez will bat ninth in the lineup following a meeting with manager Ron Gardenhire.
Our View: Gomez was 0 for 5 on Monday, extending his slump to a horrific 5 for 58 (.086). Gomez was batting .274 on July 2 but is now at .247. |
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| Span will lead off | Tuesday 7/22, 5:29 PM CT |
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The Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune reports that Denard Span has been moved to the leadoff spot. Carlos Gomez will bat ninth.
Our View: Span has hit .370 since being called up on June 30 and he has a .424 OBP on the year. He has five steals in 29 games. Span is worth keeping an eye on for the red hot Twins. |
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| Marcum returns from DL | Tuesday 7/22, 5:00 PM CT |
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Shaun Marcum will rejoin the Blue Jays starting rotation tonight against Baltimore. Marcum is returning from a right elbow strain that had landed him on the DL.
Our View: Marcum (5-4, 2.65 ERA) hopes to continue his outstanding season. Hopefully his elbow wont cause any future problems. |
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| Peralta recalled | Tuesday 7/22, 4:43 PM CT |
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Joel Peralta has been recalled by the Royals, according to the Kansas City Star.
Our View: Peralta replaces struggling reliever Jimmy Gobble, who was just placed on the DL. |
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| Gobble hits the DL | Tuesday 7/22, 4:35 PM CT |
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The Royals placed reliever Jimmy Gobble on the disabled list before Tuesday’s game against Detroit because of a strained lower back, reports the Kansas City Star.
Our View: The Royals replaced Gobble by recalling reliever Joel Peralta from Class AAA Omaha. |
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| Washburn getting look by Yankees | Tuesday 7/22, 3:44 PM CT |
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The Yankees may be interested in Seattle starting pitcher Jarrod Washburn, reports Buster Olney of ESPN.com.
Our View: Although this wouldn't be a blockbuster deal, Washburn has been throwing better the past two months. He has posted a 2.93 ERA in June and a 3.16 ERA in July. |
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| Gomez slows down | Tuesday 7/22, 3:12 PM CT |
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Twins center fielder Carlos Gomez has 21 stolen bases on the season. But here's the catch, he has only three since June 12.
Our View: With a .247 average Gomez is slumping on and off the bases. Look for him to turn it around soon and be off to the races once again. |
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| Matsuzaka pitches against Ichiro | Tuesday 7/22, 2:59 PM CT |
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Daisuke Matsuzaka (10-1, 2.65 ERA) will start Tuesday, July 22, against the Seattle Mariners, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Matsuzaka has been brilliant lately. He has only allowed one earned run in his last four starts combined. He is a must play in all fantasy leagues. |
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| Weaver faces the Indians | Tuesday 7/22, 2:52 PM CT |
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Jered Weaver (8-8, 4.03 ERA) will start Tuesday, July 22, against the Indians, reports MLB.com.
Our View: Weaver has given up two earned runs or fewer in his last four starts. Look for him to continue his dominance against Cleveland's lackluster offense. |
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| Sonnanstine to start | Tuesday 7/22, 2:40 PM CT |
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Andy Sonnanstine (10-4, 4.58 ERA) will start Tuesday, July 22, against the Athletics, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Sonnanstine hopes to tally his 11th win and rebound from his last performance, losing against the Indians on July 10th (5.1 innings, 6 ER, 0 strike outs). |
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| Dye could return Tuesday | Tuesday 7/22, 1:32 PM CT |
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Jermaine Dye, who has been dealing with a bruised right knee, could be ready to return to Chicago's lineup Tuesday, according to the Chicago Tribune. Dye initially feared the injury was serious, but X-rays proved to be negative.
Our View: Dye has racked up 10 hits, one homer, and five RBI over his last five games, and hopefully he can pick up where he left off before getting hurt, possibly starting tonight. |
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| Punta was available | Tuesday 7/22, 11:43 AM CT |
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Nick Punto, who is recovering from his finger ailment, was available to come off the Twins' bench if needed Monday, according to the Star Tribune.
Our View: He went through the full pregame workout without any issues. He has been a decent option for deeper AL-only leagues, as he holds a .324 average with 18 RBI and 13 runs scored over 36 games of action. |
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| Carmona to throw side session | Tuesday 7/22, 10:55 AM CT |
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Fausto Carmona is scheduled to throw a side session Tuesday in his last step before being activated from the DL, according to the AP.
Our View: Barring a setback in his recovery from a hip strain, the team plans to activate him this weekend for a start against the Twins. Carmona will provide a boost to the Indians, as well as fantasy squads, when he returns. |
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| Sherrill could be dealt | Tuesday 7/22, 10:51 AM CT |
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George Sherrill is on several team's radar, including the Cardinals and Brewers, and the Orioles may trade him if they find a deal that suits their needs, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Our View: The Orioles are believed to be looking for two or three prospects in exchange for Sherrill, which would ideally consist of a shortstop. |
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| Orioles unlikely to deal Roberts? | Tuesday 7/22, 10:45 AM CT |
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The Baltimore Sun suggests that the Orioles are not likely to deal Brian Roberts prior to the upcoming July 31 trade deadline.
Our View: Roberts was on the Cubs' radar during spring training, but the Orioles are still hanging on in the pennant race, and Roberts has been carrying the team with a .291 average, with 37 doubles, eight triples, 27 stolen bases, and 65 runs scored. |
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| Morrow wants to start | Tuesday 7/22, 10:33 AM CT |
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Brandon Morrow, who is still currently working as the Mariners' closer, once again stated that he would like to pitch in the starting rotation, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Morrow said, "I just like the idea of going six or seven innings. Just more time on the mound to work. I want to pitch as many innings as possible. I'd like to get in a rhythm and see how far I can go every time out."
Our View: While there are no current plans to make the move now, many in the Mariners' organization believe Morrow would be best utilized as a starter. He had pitched very well this season, as he holds a 1.71 ERA and 0.85 WHIP over 31.2 innings. When J.J. Putz is ready to effectively handle the closer's role by himself again, Morrow would be pushed to setup duty if the team does not promote him to the rotation. |
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| Peralta optioned | Tuesday 7/22, 10:05 AM CT |
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Joel Peralta was optioned to Triple-A Omaha, according to the Kansas City Star. The team activated setup man Leo Nunez from the DL, and announced that Peralta was the corresponding move to free up a roster spot.
Our View: Peralta held little fantasy value as he allowed 32 hits and 19 earned runs over 31 innings of relief. |
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| Guillen returns | Tuesday 7/22, 10:01 AM CT |
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Jose Guillen returned to the Royals' starting lineup Monday, for the first time since the All-Star break due to back spasms, according to the Kansas City Star.
Our View: He went 0-for-4 Monday, but fantasy owners should still be pleased he is back. |
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| Bannister's spot is safe for now | Tuesday 7/22, 9:52 AM CT |
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Manager Trey Hillman stated that Brian Bannister's spot in the starting rotation is safe for now despite his 7-8 record and 5.49 ERA, according to the Kansas City Star. Hillman said, "We’ll continue to evaluate it. He knows he needs to be better. It’s been discussed. There’s a plan to help him get there. We’ll see how he does in his next outing."
Our View: Bannister has allowed 24 earned runs over his last four starts. Hillman still has faith in him, but fantasy owners should not at this point of the season. |
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| Colon set for side session | Tuesday 7/22, 8:15 AM CT |
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Bartolo Colon, who is trying to recover from back stiffness, is scheduled to throw a side sesssion on Thursday, according to the Boston Globe. He played catch on Monday without any issues.
Our View: He will be out until late July or possibly into August as the club remains cautious with him. The Red Sox are not counting on him for this season, and neither should fantasy owners. |
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| Bowden has poor debut | Tuesday 7/22, 8:10 AM CT |
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Michael Bowden made his Triple-A debut with Pawtuckett on Monday, and it did not go well as he was tagged for three earned runs on seven hits over four innings, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: Boston's prized pitching prospect needed 84 pitches to complete four innings, 57 of which hit their target for strikes. |
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| Ellsbury not being dropped | Tuesday 7/22, 8:05 AM CT |
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Manager Terry Francona stated that he has no immediate plans to drop Jacoby Ellsbury from the leadoff spot in Boston's lineup, despite his .234 on-base percentage over the previous 26 games, according to the Boston Globe. Francona said, "He's going through the normal growing pains players go through. When we played them, everyone was raving about Arizona's young players, and you look now and they're hitting .250, .260. In Boston you're not supposed to do that. The more he gets on base, the better we are. I have enough faith in him to let him work this thing out."
Our View: Although he is stuck in a slump, this is still good news for fantasy owners. He holds his most fantasy value with 35 stolen bases. |
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| Marte on Boston's radar | Tuesday 7/22, 7:38 AM CT |
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A team source reported that Boston's interest in Damaso Marte has heightened, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View: The Red Sox are said to be one one many teams interested in the Pirates' reliever. Marte has racked up 46 strikeouts over 45.2 innings, but holds a 3.55 ERA and 1.16 WHIP. His fantasy value would likely decrease with a new team as he would probably be moved out of his current role of closer to fit into a setup role. |
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| Devine close to return | Tuesday 7/22, 7:11 AM CT |
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Joey Devine, who is recovering from right elbow inflammation, will throw a simulated game Wednesday or Friday, according to the SF Chronicle.
Our View: Barring a setback, he is then expected to head on a rehab assignment and he could be activated from the DL by the end of next week. |
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| Lester improves to 8-3 | Tuesday 7/22, 12:14 AM CT |
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Jon Lester tossed 7.1 scoreless innings against the Mariners on Monday night and improved to 8-3. The southpaw allowed eight hits, walked none, and struck out six.
Our View: It helps that the Mariners are impatient and inopportune hitters. Lester has had a couple rough outings recently, but, in general, he continues to be very impressive and worth using in all fantasy formats. |
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| Carmona slotted for Saturday return | Tuesday 7/22, 12:11 AM CT |
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The Indians are planning to activate Fausto Carmona on Saturday for a start against the Twins, the AP reports. Carmona has been out since May 24 due to a left hip strain.
Our View: Carmona was 3-1 with a 1.45 ERA against the Twins last year, so that seems like a good matchup. Of course, the Indians were a much better team at the time. Fantasy owners can prepare to activate Fausto for their teams, too. |
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| Escobar slated for July 29 surgery | Tuesday 7/22, 12:08 AM CT |
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Kelvim Escobar's surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder will happen on July 29, the AP reports.
Our View: We'll have a better timetable after the operation, but Escobar could easily be looking at a full year of rehab. |
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| Peralta extends hit streak, homers | Tuesday 7/22, 12:06 AM CT |
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Jhonny Peralta extended his hitting streak to 11 games by socking a solo homer on Monday night. He went 1-for-4 with two runs against the Angels. Peralta is 16-for-45 (.356) with five homers and 15 RBI during the streak.
Our View: Peralta is doing his best to make up for not helping fantasy teams much in April, May and June. Feel free to ride the hot streak while it lasts. |
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| Santana takes a loss | Tuesday 7/22, 12:02 AM CT |
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Ervin Santana fell to 11-4 with a loss against the Indians on Monday night. The right-hander allowed seven hits and four runs (three earned) over seven innings. He walked none, struck out eight, and allowed two homers.
Our View: Santana didn't have his best stuff, but he pitched well enough to win. The offense didn't have his back on Monday, but Ervin remains a must-start in all fantasy leagues. |
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