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| Nomar has sprained MCL | Monday 7/28, 11:38 PM CT |
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Nomar Garciaparra has a sprained MCL according to the Daily News. What we are being told is that he will have "very little" activity over the next few days, then will "progress to baseball activity as tolerated."
Our View: It doesn't appear he is headed to the DL just yet. Regardless, the shortsop, who had been hitting well, will not be playing for a while. |
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| Gaudin gets second win as a Cub | Monday 7/28, 11:07 PM CT |
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Chad Gaudin struck out the side in the eighth inning to earn the victory against the Brewers on Monday night.
Our View: Gaudin has a 1.86 ERA in eight appearances with the Cubs so far. He is a good bet to pile up holds down the stretch and could be available on waivers. |
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| Braun is red hot | Monday 7/28, 11:04 PM CT |
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Ryan Braun hit his fifth home run in six games on Monday against the Chicago Cubs. He now has 29 on the year. The solo shot was his only hit of the night.
Our View: Braun has crushed nine home runs this month and has been seeing the ball as well as anyone since the All-Star break. |
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| Torres loses to the Cubs | Monday 7/28, 11:01 PM CT |
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Salomon Torres notched his second loss of the month against the Cubs on Monday. Entering a tie game, he walked three and gave up two hits to go with two runs in the ninth innning at Wrigley.
Our View: Torres has been mostly reliable in a number of big wins for the Brewers but this one was a big loss. It's not likely that he is in danger of losing his job, though. This was really the first game that he showed any problems with his command. |
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| Sabathia hit around against the Cubs | Monday 7/28, 10:57 PM CT |
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CC Sabathia threw 124 pitches one start after throwing a complete game for the Brewers. This time he lasted just 6.2 innings and did not factor into the decision of a 6-4 Brewers loss against the Cubs. He gave up nine hits and walked two while the Cubs tallied four runs against him.
Our View: The Brewers have to be careful not to wear out their new co-ace before the playoffs. However, they will likely maximize his efforts in the big games. The problem is that the race is so tight right now, every start is a big one. |
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| Lee has three RBI against the Brewers | Monday 7/28, 10:46 PM CT |
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Derrek Lee was 3-for-5 with three RBI against the Brewers on Monday. He has five RBI in his past two games.
Our View: Lee now has 66 RBI and should continue to produce down the stretch for the Cubs. He is now hitting .299 on the year. |
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| Soriano takes CC deep | Monday 7/28, 10:43 PM CT |
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Alfonso Soriano came thru for the Cubs off of CC Sabathia on Monday in a 6-4 victory. He was 2-for-4 and hit his second home run in as many games. He scored three times and also stole a base.
Our View: Soriano might be on the verge of one of his customary hot streaks and it couldn't come at a better time as the Cubs are just one game ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers. The steal was just his eighth of the season. |
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| Ludwick batting cleanup | Monday 7/28, 10:36 PM CT |
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Ryan Ludwick was 3-for-5 with two RBI against the Braves on Monday. With Rick Ankiel out with a strained abdomen, Ludwick is hitting cleanup.
Our View: Ludwick has 15 strikeouts in 11 games since the break and one has to wonder if the league is figuring him out. |
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| Looper earns ninth win | Monday 7/28, 10:29 PM CT |
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Braden Looper gave the Cardinals seven strong innings on Monday night to earn his ninth win of the season. He allowed two runs on seven hits and no walks.
Our View: He had been 0-3 with a 5.55 ERA in his last five starts, so the solid outing was a relief to followers of Looper. |
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| Nolasco strikes out eight | Monday 7/28, 10:05 PM CT |
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Ricky Nolasco struck out eight in six innings against the Mets on Monday. He did not factor into the decision despite allowing just two runs.
Our View: His ERA is hovering at 3.94 and he has pitched better than many expected him to this weekend. He will be depended upon down the stretch in more big games like Monday's as the Marlins fight to get into the playoffs. |
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| Blum hits third homer in three games | Monday 7/28, 10:02 PM CT |
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A night after hitting two home runs, Geoff Blum hit another. He was 2-for-3 with three RBI on the night.
Our View: He's a had a couple of excellent games but he is not considered an everyday player. He is hitting .232 on the season. |
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| Dunn hits grand slam | Monday 7/28, 10:00 PM CT |
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Adam Dunn hit a grand slam against Roy Oswalt on Monday. He was 2-for-4 with four RBI and no strikeouts.
Our View: It was Dunn's 30th of the year and, despite a .238 average, could be considered the best source for home runs in the majors. He has 105 strikeouts on the season. |
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| Oswalt wins in return | Monday 7/28, 9:58 PM CT |
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Roy Oswalt came off the disabled list and beat Cincinnati again, striking out five in the Houston Astros’ 5-4 win over the Reds on Monday night. The ace threw 74 pitches in five innings in his first start since aggravating a left hip injury on July 11. He went on the DL on July 19 and was activated just before Monday’s game.
Our View: All four runs he surrendered came off of an Adam Dunn grand slam. The outing can be considered a relative success but we expect more from Oswalt in future starts. |
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| Tatis records first triple of '08 | Monday 7/28, 9:45 PM CT |
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Fernando Tatis was the best Met in a 7-3 loss in Florida on Monday. He was 2-for-4 with a triple and two RBI. It was his second triple since 2002.
Our View: Can he be this good? We have to believe Fernando is simply on a hot streak. Still, he has been phenomenal in his starts and looks to occupy the starting lineup until Ryan Church returns. |
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| Ramirez is being shopped | Monday 7/28, 9:32 PM CT |
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The Boston Globe reports that the Red Sox reached out to the Dodgers in a potential Manny Ramirez deal, but the Dodgers were only interested if the Sox would take back Andruw Jones. Other reports mentioned the Sox were turned down immediately by the Mets.
Our View: It's unlikely Ramirez is going anywhere. He hit his 20th home run of the season tonight and is simply too valuable to part with prior to the stretch run. |
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| Snell gets a win | Monday 7/28, 9:25 PM CT |
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Ian Snell allowed four runs and eight hits to go along with a walk and eight strikeouts against the red hot Rockies on Monday. He won for just the second time in his last 18 starts. He is 4-8 this season.
Our View: Snell is better than he has appeared in 2008. His numbers are terrible but don't be shocked to see them improve from here out. |
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| Fuentes appears in eighth inning of loss | Monday 7/28, 9:23 PM CT |
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Brian Fuentes made an eighth inning appearance on Monday night despite the Rockies trailing 8-4. He walked one and struck out two.
Our View: Were the Rockies showcasing the lefty reliever? The Rockies were thought to be pulling out of trade talks but this is a somewhat peculiar move. They may also have simply been getting him some work. They had already used four pitchers in the game and he had not thrown in four nights. |
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| Doumit stars for Pittsburgh | Monday 7/28, 9:19 PM CT |
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Ryan Doumit was 3-for-4 with a steal, two RBI and two runs on Monday against the Rockies. He is hitting .333 on the year.
Our View: With Xavier Nady gone, Doumit is hitting third for Pittsburgh. He has hit well in the role and is one of the better bets at catcher for the remainder of the season. |
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| McLouth goes yard for 22nd time | Monday 7/28, 9:17 PM CT |
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Nate McLouth hit his 22nd home run of the season on Monday against the Rockies. He also walked twice, scored twice and had two RBI.
Our View: McLouth continues to be one of the bigger fantasy surprises of the season and has rebounded nicely from a poor June. You may want to consider him a sell-high candidate in non-keeper leagues as its possible he could wear out down the stretch. He has never had more than 329 at-bats in a season before 2008. He currently has 412. |
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| Pujols gets three more RBI | Monday 7/28, 9:13 PM CT |
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Albert Pujols had three more RBI on Monday, giving him seven in his last three games. He was 1-for-2 with two walks in the Cardinals 12-3 win over the Atlanta Braves.
Our View: This just in: Pujols is pretty good. He broke a long homer drought on Saturday night and appears to have his beastly stroke back. Look for a big August from Albert as the Cardinals fight to stay in contention. |
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| Mather does well in place of Ankiel | Monday 7/28, 9:09 PM CT |
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Starting in place of Rick Ankiel tonight, Joe Mather was 3-for-5 with a home run and two RBI against the Braves.
Our View: Mather seems to have the tools to contribute but he has yet to find a regular role with Tony La Russa's club. Should Ankiel miss significant time, Mather will get the opportunity to produce. |
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| Penny to start rehab on Wednesday | Monday 7/28, 9:05 PM CT |
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The schedule for the return to the starting rotation of disabled Dodgers pitcher Brad Penny has been pushed back a few days, according to MLB.com. Penny, out since June 15 with shoulder tendinitis and bursitis, threw a bullpen session Monday and will make a 45-pitch Minor League rehabilitation start at Class A Inland Empire on Wednesday. According to manager Joe Torre, Penny tentatively will make another rehab start Aug. 4 for Triple-A Las Vegas in New Orleans.
Our View: Penny will be out nearly two months before he gets back to the Dodgers. Hopefully the rest has rejuvenated him as he had been having a very disappointing season thru his first 15 starts. The Dodgers look to play in plenty of big games down the stretch as they contend for the NL West title. |
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| Stairs goes deep again | Monday 7/28, 8:59 PM CT |
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Matt Stairs had a two-run home run shot on Monday against the Rays. He is 6-for-11 in his last three games with two homers and a triple.
Our View: With Vernon Wells expected to miss another month, Stairs offers some value to owners desperate for power. |
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| Maine leaves the game with a stiff shoulder | Monday 7/28, 8:41 PM CT |
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Updating a previous note, John Maine left Monday’s game against the Florida Marlins in the fifth inning with a stiff shoulder according to the AP.
Our View: It's unclear what the extent of the injury is but we'll keep an eye on the reports. Maine is 9-7 with a 4.20 ERA this season. |
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| Hudson to see Dr. Andrews | Monday 7/28, 8:37 PM CT |
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The Sports Ticker reports that Braves' general manager Frank Wren announced on Monday night that an MRI performed on staff ace Tim Hudson's right elbow revealed possible ligament damage. The 33-year old will be evaluated further by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Alabama later this week.
Our View: Of course this means that the pitcher could be headed for Tommy John surgery. Hudson was having another solid season going 11-7 with a 3.17 ERA. |
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| De Aza will not play in 2008 | Monday 7/28, 8:20 PM CT |
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Outfielder Alejandro De Aza had surgery on his left ankle on Monday and will miss the remainder of the season according to MLB.com.
Our View: De Aza had not seen any major league action this season. In his rookie season last year, the six-foot lefty hit .229 with eight RBIs in 45 games. |
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| Maine leaves the game injured | Monday 7/28, 8:02 PM CT |
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The AP reports that John Maine left Monday’s game against the Florida Marlins in the fifth inning with an undisclosed injury. Mets manager Jerry Manuel made a mound visit while Maine faced leadoff batter John Baker. After the visit, Maine gave up a home run to Baker and retired counterpart Ricky Nolasco before being removed from the game with the Mets leading, 2-1.
Our View: Not much is known about the extent of the injury but we will continue to monitor the news as it becomes available. |
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| Morton rocked by Cards | Monday 7/28, 7:51 PM CT |
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Charlie Morton, who was recalled from Triple-A Richmond earlier in the day, lasted just 3.2 innings against the Cardinals on Monday night. He allowed eight runs on seven hits and four walks.
Our View: Unfortunately, the Braves do not have many other options as most of their staff has landed on the DL. Morton will likely stay in the bigs from here out, but does not carry any fantasy value. |
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| Arroyo off the market | Monday 7/28, 7:40 PM CT |
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ESPN.com reports that Bronson Arroyo has been taken off the market. The Red Sox, Yankees and Rockies were among the teams rumored to be pursuing him.
Our View: Arroyo has not pitched well this season but has a 9-7 record and a good strikeout rate, both of which maintain his minimal fantasy value. He has given up 21 home runs and carries a 5.60 ERA. |
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| Stavinoha recalled | Monday 7/28, 7:36 PM CT |
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Nick Stavinoha has been recalled from Triple-A Memphis to join the Cardinals on Monday according to The Sports Network. He will take the roster spot of Mitchell Boggs.
Our View: Don't expect him to stick around very long as the Cardinals will be bringing back Chris Carpenter on Wednesday. Stavinoha will likely have his roster spot taken away then. |
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| Boggs optioned to Triple-A Memphis | Monday 7/28, 7:33 PM CT |
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The Sports Network reports that the Cardinals have optioned Mitchell Boggs back to the minors after making two appearances over the weekend against the Mets. He is 3-2 with a 7.41 ERA this season.
Our View: The Cardinals recalled Nick Stavinoha to take his place. With Carpenter coming back Wednesday, Boggs may be in the minors until September. |
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| Boston interested in Tejada | Monday 7/28, 7:15 PM CT |
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ESPN.com reports that the Boston Red Sox have talked to the Astros about acquiring shortstop Miguel Tejada. "I feel good in Houston, but I wouldn't be afraid to accept the challenge of playing in Boston," Tejada said during a telephone interview.
Our View: Tejada's value would go up considerably in Boston. He is known to play better in big games and the Red Sox have plenty of those ahead. He is hitting .281 with 10 home runs, 63 runs scored and 48 RBI this season. |
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| Francis needs another rehab start | Monday 7/28, 7:04 PM CT |
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No. 1 starter Jeff Francis will need another rehab start at Double-A Tulsa, Rockies manager Clint Hurdle announced Monday afternoon according to MLB.com. Francis struck out eight in 4 2/3 innings during his past start Saturday night, Francis, 3-7 with a 5.67 ERA in 17 starts this season, reported some stiffness after Saturday's start. He is battling back from left shoulder inflammation that forced him to the disabled list July 2.
Our View: We expect Francis to be a better pitcher when he returns. The Rockies have been very hot since the All-Star break and Francis will give them another boost. So far in 2008 he has a 5.67 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP. Last season he was 9-4 after the break. |
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| Turnbow done for 2008 | Monday 7/28, 6:58 PM CT |
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Brewers' former closer Derrick Turnbow has been diagnosed with a slight undersurface tear of the rotator cuff in his pitching shoulder according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Our View: Turnbow will be examined Wednesday by team physician William Raasch to determine whether he will undergo surgery or merely physical therapy as a course of action. Either way, he is done for the 2008 season. |
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| Ankiel misses another game | Monday 7/28, 6:39 PM CT |
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Rick Ankiel is out of the lineup for the second straight game since feeling an abdominal strain late in Saturday's game.
Our View: No word yet how serious the injury is, but we have seen ab strains keep players out as much as three weeks. Ankiel has been amongst the best hitters for the Cardinals this season. |
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| Eyre being shopped | Monday 7/28, 6:24 PM CT |
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ESPN.com reports that the Cubs are shopping LHP Scott Eyre to AL teams. They currently have three lefties in their bullpen.
Our View: Eyre has been very average this offseason, but its likely he could draw some interest as he could fill a needed role for a contender. |
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| Hernandez is demoted | Monday 7/28, 5:48 PM CT |
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Runelvys Hernandez has been sent down to Triple-A following four poor starts with the Astros. He had a 8.38 ERA and a 2.22 WHIP while going 0-3.
Our View: He was sent down to make room for pitcher Roy Oswalt. If Oswalt were to go down yet again, he may get another chance to get hammered with the big league club. |
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| Sanchez will return Thursday | Monday 7/28, 5:41 PM CT |
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ESPN.com reports that Anibal Sanchez will start for the first time in 15 months on Thursday against the Rockies. Sanchez won 10 games and threw a no-hitter as a rookie in 2006, then missed most of last season because of a shoulder injury that required surgery in June 2007.
Our View: Sanchez has plenty of confidence as he has said that the Marlins will now make the playoffs. He went 10-3 in 2006 with an ERA of 2.83 and a no-hitter against Arizona in his 13th major league start. He made only six starts last year before being sidelined. Sanchez consistently topped 90 mph with his fastball in rehabilitation starts, including his most recent outing for Double-A Carolina last Thursday, when he threw 101 pitches in seven innings. He may be worth a gamble if you are desperate for pitching. |
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| Izzy to close once again | Monday 7/28, 5:37 PM CT |
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Jason Isringhausen will return to the closer's role according to MLB.com. He is 1-5 with a 5.84 ERA this season.
Our View: Izzy buckled badly in the role the last time we saw him there. In nine July appearances, he has a 6.23 ERA and we caution you to put him in your lineups. Still, they have a favorable series matchup with the Braves coming up and he could notch a few saves this week. The move is more of a reaction to Ryan Franklin's failings than Izzy's successes. |
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| Oswalt starting on Monday | Monday 7/28, 5:25 PM CT |
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Updating a previous note, Roy Oswalt, who has been sidelined by an injured left hip since July 11, has officially been activated from the DL according to the AP. He will start on Monday against the Cincinnati Reds. He threw between 40 and 50 pitches during a pain-free bullpen session three days ago, prompting Astros manager Cecil Cooper to pencil in the righthander for Monday’s series opener with the Reds. "I’m confident that (the pain) is gone,” Cooper told the Astros’ web site. “But if he does say that he feels something, you’ve got to be extremely cautious with that. You don’t want him to have any kind of reoccurrence. You’ve got to watch real close."
Our View: "I’m ready to get back out there," Oswalt said after Friday’s bullpen session. "I haven’t pitched in a while. Hopefully, I can get out there Monday and get in a groove early, be able to keep us in the ballgame."
He is just 7-8 with a 4.56 ERA in 19 starts this season. But the 30-year-old has been outstanding vs. the Reds throughout his career, going 19-1 with a 2.46 ERA against Cincinnati. |
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| Pedro to start on Friday | Monday 7/28, 4:47 PM CT |
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The Journal Times reports that Pedro Martinez has rejoined the Mets team after spending some time on the bereavement list. He will throw a bullpen session Tuesday afternoon and barring complications, start Friday night at Houston.
Our View: Martinez has been mostly ineffective this season. He has a 6.25 ERA and a 1.63 WHIP in nine starts. It will be interesting to see if he regains some focus down the stretch after the passing of his father. |
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| Reyes sent to Triple-A | Monday 7/28, 4:19 PM CT |
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Jo-Jo Reyes was sent down to Triple-A Richmond on Monday, according to the AP. He has surrendered 17 runs in his last 13.1 innings.
Our View: Reyes won't stick around Triple-A long. The Braves simply had a need for fresh arms and Reyes went 2.2 innings on Sunday. However, he has lost his last five starts so he likely has some things to work on. |
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| Morton rejoins Braves' rotation | Monday 7/28, 4:15 PM CT |
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Just two days after being sent down, the Braves have recalled Charlie Morton to take Tim Hudson's place in their rotation according to the AP. Morton will start on Monday against the Cardinals.
Our View: In seven starts this season, Morton is 2-3 with a 6.00 ERA. He remains one of the Braves better pitching prospects, but he has not shown that he is ready to face major league bats. |
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| Sammons called up to the Braves | Monday 7/28, 4:12 PM CT |
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The AP reports that Clint Sammons has been called up from Triple-A Richmond to backup Corky Miller at catcher while Brian McCann recovers from a sore neck and concussion.
Our View: Sammons swings a good stick but won't likely see enough opportunities to warrant any fantasy consideration. Once McCann returns the Braves will likely send Sammons back to Richmond. |
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| Hudson placed on the disabled list | Monday 7/28, 4:08 PM CT |
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The AP reports that Tim Hudson, who was previously scheduled to start on Tuesday, has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with right elbow tightness.
Our View: He had previously stated that his elbow was feeling better and was able to make his start on Tuesday. However, after poor play of late, the Braves may be conceding the season and feel the need to rest their dinged up players. |
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| Chipper placed on the DL | Monday 7/28, 4:06 PM CT |
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Chipper Jones has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained hamstring according to the AP. He should be able to return to the lineup when he's eligible.
Our View: Omar Infante started in his place last night and hit a home run. He should continue to get starts there although Martin Prado could see some starts as well. Neither is a very strong fantsy play. |
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| Speier optioned | Monday 7/28, 3:09 PM CT |
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Ryan Speier has been optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs, according to the Rocky Mountain News. The team recalled 35-year-old hurler Valerio De los Santos for a spot start tonight against Pittsburgh.
Our View: Speier held no fantasy value prior to his demotion, as he allowed 42 hits, 10 walks, and 19 earned runs over 36.2 innings in relief, with 23 strikeouts. |
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| De los Santos called up | Monday 7/28, 3:05 PM CT |
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Valerio de los Santos has been called up from Triple-A Colorado Springs to make a spot start Monday against the Pirates, according to the Rocky Mountain News. The Rockies optioned right-hander Ryan Speier to Colorado Springs to make room on the roster.
Our View: The 35-year-old De Los Santos was 3-5 with a 4.92 ERA in 17 games with Colorado Springs this season, and is not worth acquiring for tonight's spot start. |
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| Jackson earns weekly honor | Monday 7/28, 2:32 PM CT |
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Conor Jackson has been named the NL Player of the Week, according to the AP. Jackson earned the honor by hitting .542 (13-for-24) with three homers and seven RBI.
Our View: Jackson raised his season average to .324 with 12 homers and 55 RBI over 93 games. He has notched five straight multi-hit games, and should remain active in all fantasy lineups while he is hot. |
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| Utley denies injury report | Monday 7/28, 12:47 PM CT |
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Chase Utley denied a report from GM Pat Gillick that he is dealing with a right hip injury, according to MLB.com. Utley refused to acknowledge the injury to reporters, and stated, "I have no idea what you're talking about. That's a good question, because I don't know anything about that. I understand why you'd ask the question, because I'd ask the same question."
Our View: If not a hip ailment, then something else may be bothering Utley, as he is only hitting .234 with four homers since June 3. |
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| Tankersley to be recalled | Monday 7/28, 12:41 PM CT |
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Taylor Tankersley is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque prior to Monday's game against the Mets, according to the Sun-Sentinel. He will be the corresponding move for Rick VandenHurk, who was optioned to Triple-A.
Our View: Tankersley will work out of the bullpen until Anibel Sanchez is called up to start Thursday. He allowed 16 earned runs and 21 hits over 16.2 innings with Florida this season, and does not merit fantasy attention. |
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| Eaton optioned to minors | Monday 7/28, 12:00 PM CT |
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The Phillies have demoted Adam Eaton to the minors, the Sports Network confirms. Eaton accepted the option, and the report did not say where he will be headed.
Our View: Something had to give following the Joe Blanton trade and the return of Brett Myers. The Phillies continue to look at other trades to bolster their bullpen. It'll be mildly interesting to see if Eaton continues as a starter or reliever. Either way, we don't expect any fantasy value. |
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| Boston considering options for Manny | Monday 7/28, 11:30 AM CT |
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The Red Sox are reportedly talking to the Diamondbacks, Mets, Phillies, and Dodgers, about Manny Ramirez, according to the Providence Journal. Ramirez is open to leaving Boston and said, "If the Red Sox think they can find a trade that is going to make the team better, and both sides are going to be happy, I’m going to agree."
Our View: Philadelphia is seen as a logical trading partner because of the presence of manager Charlie Manuel, who served as Ramirez’s hitting coach, and for a time, manager in Cleveland. The source suggests the possibility of Pat Burrell (who will also be free agent after this season) going to Boston in exchange for Ramirez. But the Dodgers do have the most young talent to offer, and could propose the best offer to Boston. The other two mentioned clubs are less likely to land Ramirez. |
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| Young not feeling well | Monday 7/28, 10:40 AM CT |
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Dmitri Young is struggling to manage his diabetes and is not feeling well enough to travel, according to the Washington Post. He is still physically unable to begin a team recommended fitness program. GM Jim Bowden said, "We're praying for him. We'll do everything we can to get him healthy."
Our View: It doesn't look like Young will be playing with the Nationals anytime soon. |
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| Glavine scheduled for sim. game | Monday 7/28, 10:35 AM CT |
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Tom Glavine, who is recovering from a sore left elbow, threw a bullpen session Sunday, and reported no issues, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Our View: He will take two days off, then throw a simulated game Wednesday at Turner Field. He is hoping to return to the Braves in mid-August. |
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| Hairston nearing return | Monday 7/28, 10:18 AM CT |
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Manager Dusty Baker is hopeful Jerry Hairston Jr. will be back with the team for its upcoming series against the Nationals (begins August 1), according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. He is recovering from a strained right hamstring.
Our View: He could join Triple-A Louisville on a rehab assignment later this week, and would be first eligible to come off the DL July 29. |
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| Harang update | Monday 7/28, 10:14 AM CT |
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Pitching coach Dick Pole told manager Dusty Baker that Aaron Harang "looked great" in his most recent evaluation, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Harang is recovering from a strained right forearm.
Our View: Harang could be back in the Reds' rotation at some point in early August, and should remain stashed away on fantasy rosters. |
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| VandenHurk optioned | Monday 7/28, 9:24 AM CT |
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Rick VandenHurk has been optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque, according to the AP. The team is yet to announce an adjoining move.
Our View: He was rocked for five earned runs over 3.2 innings in Sunday's loss to the Cubs, and the team decided it was time to give VandenHurk the hook. |
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| Cruz close to returning | Monday 7/28, 8:56 AM CT |
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Juan Cruz, who is recovering from a strained left oblique, could be activated from the DL as soon as Thursday, according to the Arizona Republic.
Our View: The D-Backs' bullpen is deep following the addition of Jon Rauch, but Cruz should still hold some fantasy value, namely in the strikeouts department, as he has 46 over 30.2 innings. |
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| Dumatrait still not throwing | Monday 7/28, 7:58 AM CT |
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Phil Dumatrait, who is suffering from a sore left shoulder, still is not throwing in Bradenton, Florida, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View: There remains no timetable for him to resume throwing, and he is not worth waiting for as a fantasy prospect, especially since he held a 5.26 ERA and 1.58 WHIP over 78.2 innings with the Pirates this season. |
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| Karstens selected to start | Monday 7/28, 7:55 AM CT |
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Jeff Karstens has been selected to start in the Pirates' rotation in place of the demoted John Van Benschoten, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He will take the hill either Friday or Saturday.
Our View: Karstens is worth a look in deeper NL-only leagues if you need help. |
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| Van Benschoten moved to pen | Monday 7/28, 7:48 AM CT |
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John Van Benschoten failed as a starter in the Pirates' rotation this season, so he has been moved to the bullpen at Triple-A Indianapolis, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. GM Neal Huntington said, "We want to give him a chance to show what he can do in short bursts."
Our View: It makes sense for Van Benschoten to move, as he offered no value as a starter this season, and the Pirates could use him as an option in an often overworked bullpen. |
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| Bourn remains out | Monday 7/28, 7:41 AM CT |
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Michael Bourn is expected to remain out of the Astros' lineup until at least Tuesday due to his sprained right ankle, according to the Houston Chronicle. He said, "I could feel it around the whole ankle, so I don’t think it’s like a sprain. I just jammed it pretty good."
Our View: His speed will be missed, as well as his bat, as he is hitting .400 since July 9, which is the highest average among any member of the club during that stretch. |
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| Oswalt ready to return | Monday 7/28, 7:37 AM CT |
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Roy Oswalt is ready to return to the Astros' rotation Monday (against Cincinnati) following his bout with a left hip adductor strain, according to the Houston Chronicle. Manager Cecil Cooper said, "I’m confident that the injury is gone, but if he does say he feels something, you have to be extremely cautious. You don’t want to have a reoccurrence. They’ll watch him real closely in the bullpen when he’s warming up."
Our View: Oswalt will be a risky fantasy option in his first game back, but should be penciled into your lineups. He has an excellent track record against Cincinnati, as he is 19-1 with a 2.46 ERA over 24 career games (22 starts). |
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| Barden to report to Team USA | Monday 7/28, 7:19 AM CT |
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Olympian Brian Barden is set to report to Team USA today, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View: Departing from Triple-A Memphis leaves an opening in their infield, and the team is believed to promote Tyler Greene, who was the 30th overall pick of the 2005 draft. |
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| Carpenter's workout goes well | Monday 7/28, 7:15 AM CT |
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Chris Carpenter went through a workout on Sunday without any issues, and is cemented into the rotation for Wednesday against the Braves, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View: He will be making his first start since opening day of 2007, but the former Cy Young winner should be penciled into fantasy lineups. |
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| Wolf roughed up in Astros' debut | Monday 7/28, 12:04 AM CT |
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Randy Wolf did not win over many Astros' fans in his debut with the club on Sunday against the Brewers. He lasted just 4.1 innings and gave up seven hits while walking three. The Brewers scored four times on him.
Our View: Wolf was not a very good pitcher on a team where pitchers tend to excel (San Diego) and does not figure to improve much with the Astros. We don't recommend him for the rest of 2008. |
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