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| Carpenter shows well vs Dodgers | Tuesday 8/5, 11:56 PM CT |
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St. Louis starter Chris Carpenter made his second start since returning from injury and put forth a strong effort to keep his team in the mix early. Carpenter pitched five innings, allowing no runs on three hits with no walks and two strikeouts.
Our View: Carpenter has showing astounding accuracy for a player with so few starts. That's just nine total innings over two starts, but the ability to rise is on display. |
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| Ludwick gets Cardinals over the hump | Tuesday 8/5, 11:50 PM CT |
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It took 11 innings to get the job done, but the Cardinals managed to pull out the 6-4 win with a lift from the bat of outfielder Ryan Ludwick . Ludwick went just 1-for-6 on the night, but that one hit was good for two runs in the bottom of the 11th, hitting his 28th homer of the season. Ludwick leaves with two RBIs and one run scored.
Our View: Ludwick ended July on a positive note, posting seven hits over the final four games of the month. In August he's stayed hot, going 8-for-17 with five home runs. |
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| Scott goes 3-for-3 | Tuesday 8/5, 11:40 PM CT |
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Luke Scott went 3-for-3 with a solo homer against the Angels on Tuesday night. The outfielder is hitting .283 with five home runs in 19 games since the All-Star break.
Our View: Scott has performed roughly as expected this season. He is a very streaky hitter with good pop. Scott is tough to stomach in weekly head-to-head formats, but he's more palatable if you can let the ups and downs even out a bit. |
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| Waters blanks the Angels | Tuesday 8/5, 11:36 PM CT |
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Chris Waters had a memorable major league debut. The 27-year-old southpaw held the Angels to one hit over eight shutout innings on Tuesday night. Waters walked three and struck out three.
Our View: Waters also allowed only one hit (seven innings) in his last Triple-A Start. His minor league numbers suggest fantasy owners shouldn't count on him, but we're admittedly impressed. |
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| Great outing, but no win for De La Rosa | Tuesday 8/5, 11:13 PM CT |
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The Rockies earned the big 8-2 win over Washington this evening in large part due to the performance of LHP Jorge De La Rosa , going seven innings to allow two runs (both earned) on six hits with two walks and six strikeouts.
Our View: De La Rosa doesn't get the win but lowers his ERA to 6.55 on the season. He's been volatile over recent weeks and a start like this may help settle him in. Stay tuned. |
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| Penn tosses five scoreless | Tuesday 8/5, 11:11 PM CT |
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Hayden Penn worked five scoreless innings for Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday night. He allowed four hits, walked none, and struck out three. Penn had been a candidate to move to the majors, but a broken bat cut his leg on Saturday.
Our View: Penn, 23, has been pretty sharp over three of his last four outings, with the exception being when he took the bat to the leg. The right-hander could come up for his next turn. He is too risky for fantasy leagues right now, but AL-only owners will want to keep an eye on the situation. |
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| Relief lets Lannan down | Tuesday 8/5, 11:09 PM CT |
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Both pitchers put forth valiant efforts on the mound this evening, but it was the Rockies emerging with the 8-2 win over the Nationals, leaving Washington LHP John Lannan disappointed with the results. Lannan pitched seven innings, allowing two runs (both earned) on five hits with two walks and eight strikeouts.
Our View: Lannan walked with no decision, but the loss of the win is heartbreaking. He went 0-4 in June, turned by going 2-2 in July. A win would be as beneficial here as it would anywhere. |
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| Davis drives in four | Tuesday 8/5, 10:56 PM CT |
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Chris Davis only had one hit on Tuesday night, but he managed to drive in four runs against the Yankees. The rookie is hitting .289-11-26 in 35 games since being called up.
Our View: The kid can hit. It'll be interesting to see just how high his stock rises before next spring. Over three levels, Davis has batted .320 with 34 homers, 99 RBI, and 95 runs in 102 games. That's decent. |
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| Another win for Webb | Tuesday 8/5, 10:52 PM CT |
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The ace was at it again as Arizona turned to the dominating arm of RHP Brandon Webb to get the 3-1 win over Pittsburgh. Webb pitched the full game, allowing just one run on nine hits with no walks and four strikeouts.
Our View: The guy was 3-0 last month, he's touting an ERA of 2.93, and he's got his first win of August. It's business as usual for Brandon Webb. |
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| Duke hurls it but takes the loss | Tuesday 8/5, 10:49 PM CT |
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The pitchers hit the mound and engaged in a strong battle of wits and strength this evening, but the D'backs pulled the victory and left Pittsburgh LHP Zach Duke with frustration. Duke pitched seven innings, allowing two runs (both earned) on four hits with one walk and six strikeouts.
Our View: It's tough to take a loss on such a strong performance, but the offense wasn't there to bring it through. Coming off a horrific month of July, going 0-4 over six starts, it's a disappointing result to a performance that may have reversed his fortunes. |
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| Guardado gets the save | Tuesday 8/5, 10:47 PM CT |
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Eddie Guardado shut the door in the ninth inning for the Rangers on Tuesday night, and he earned his third save. The struggling C.J. Wilson worked the seventh inning and allowed four runs.
Our View: The reports leading up to this game had been a little conflicting, but it's fairly clear now that Guardado has the closer's job, at least in the short term. |
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| Sexson socks grand slam | Tuesday 8/5, 10:46 PM CT |
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Richie Sexson went 2-for-4 with a grand slam in Tuesday's loss to the Rangers.
Our View: Sexson's bomb proved to be too little, too late for the Yankees. It was Richie's first homer with his new club, which is nice. He has no fantasy value. |
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| Hamilton hits No. 27 | Tuesday 8/5, 10:44 PM CT |
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Josh Hamilton hit a two-run homer in the first inning on Tuesday night. He ended up 1-for-4, but he extended his ML-best RBI total to 108.
Our View: Hamilton continues to make a strong case as both the AL and the fantasy world's MVP. |
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| Young homers in win over Pitt | Tuesday 8/5, 10:43 PM CT |
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There were more hits than the score might indicate, but the Diamondbacks pulled out the 3-1 win with a little help from outfielder Chris Young . Young went 1-for-4 at the plate with his 15th home run of the season, good for two RBIs and one run scored on the night.
Our View: Young hasn't been too impressive at the plate this season, but he has gone 4-for-8 with one triple, one homer, and two RBIs over the last two games against Pittsburgh. |
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| Ellsbury swipes two bases | Tuesday 8/5, 10:32 PM CT |
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Jacoby Ellsbury went 2-for-4 with one run, one RBI, and two stolen bases in Tuesday's win over the Royals.
Our View: Hey, look who's running! Ellsbury hadn't stolen a base in the last 25 games and owned just one steal over the previous 37 contests. We can only hope this is a sign of better things ahead. |
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| Marte snaps slump | Tuesday 8/5, 10:30 PM CT |
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Andy Marte went 1-for-4 with a double on Tuesday night, and the hit ended an 0-for-20 slump.
Our View: Marte is out of options, and the Indians are likely to let him keep starting over the next month. What do they have to lose? Marte has yet to show us why he was such a highly regarded prospect. |
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| Beckett picks up 10th win | Tuesday 8/5, 10:27 PM CT |
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Josh Beckett ended his three-game losing streak on Tuesday night. He worked 6.2 innings against the Royals and allowed only four hits and two runs. Beckett walked two, struck out seven, and improved to 10-8.
Our View: It's nice to see Josh rebound after a July in which he posted a 5.74 ERA and allowed 41 hits over 31.1 innings. The Red Sox and fantasy teams both need him to be an ace down the stretch. |
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| Bannister beat up by Red Sox | Tuesday 8/5, 10:24 PM CT |
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Brian Bannister struggled again on Tuesday night. He allowed six hits and three runs over 4.0 innings against the Red Sox. Bannister owns a 6.23 ERA in four starts since the All-Star break.
Our View: Maybe they should have traded him to the Yankees. Bannister has worked fewer than six innings in six of the last seven starts and shouldn't be trusted in any fantasy leagues. |
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| Glavine making one more rehab start | Tuesday 8/5, 10:20 PM CT |
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Following the ongoing story of rehabilitation, Atlantat starter Tom Glavine will pitch for Double-A Mississippi on Saturday, when it hosts the Jacksonville Suns, according to MLB.com. Braves manager Bobby Cox wants the 42-year-old left-hander to throw somewhere in the neighborhood of 65 pitches.
Our View: Glavine was thought to be near return, and it sounds like this final minor-league start will be his last step before rejoining the Braves. We'll bring you news as it comes forth. |
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| Bay stars in win over Royals | Tuesday 8/5, 10:20 PM CT |
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Jason Bay seems to like life in Boston. The outfielder went 4-for-5 with two doubles, two runs, and two RBI in Tuesday's win over the Royals. Bay is 9-for-21 in five games with the Red Sox.
Our View: Bay is hitting sixth with the Red Sox, but the fact that he is surrounded by better talent than he enjoyed in Pittsburgh should have fantasy owners excited. |
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| Jackson improves to 8-7 | Tuesday 8/5, 10:17 PM CT |
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Edwin Jackson improved to 8-7 despite a mixed performance against the Indians on Tuesday. The right-hander allowed seven hits and three runs, walked four, and struck out four over 5.2 innings.
Our View: Jackson made his major league debut in 2003, and it's hard to believe he is still only 24. He is still figuring out how to pitch consistently, but he has been a solid AL-only option for much of the year. |
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| Peralta goes deep | Tuesday 8/5, 10:14 PM CT |
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Jhonny Peralta socked his 18th homer of the season on Tuesday night. He went 2-for-4 wit a pair of RBI in a loss to the Rays.
Our View: After a slow start, Peralta is quietly turning in a solid offensive season. He'd probably be generating more buzz if most of the rest of the Indians hitters hadn't fallen apart this year. |
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| Alvarez remains unsigned | Tuesday 8/5, 10:13 PM CT |
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With 10 days left in the 2008 First-Year Player's Draft signing period, the Pirates continue to aggressively try to sign No. 2 overall pick Pedro Alvarez before the Aug. 15 midnight deadline, according to MLB.com. While it is unclear exactly how far apart the two sides are, there is indication that little headway has been made recently between Alvarez's agent, Scott Boras, and the Pirates.
Our View: Pirates management continues to steadfastly reiterate that while it remains optimistic that an agreement will be met, it is not going to overpay on what it believes to be a reasonable signing bonus. With between nine and 12 Pirates players arbitration-eligible after this season, there is going to be financial need in more places than just with Alvarez, a third baseman from Vanderbilt. Thus the penny-pinching Pirates are worried about the way to allocate funds, and this negotiation may fall through. We'll keep you posted. |
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| Navarro homers, drives in three | Tuesday 8/5, 10:11 PM CT |
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Dioner Navarro went 2-for-3 with a homer, two runs, and three RBI in Tuesday's win over the Indians.
Our View: Coming into the night, Navarro had managed only one run and two RBI since July 5. Needless to say, it's nice to see him producing again. |
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| J-Johnson getting warm on the hill | Tuesday 8/5, 9:58 PM CT |
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Florida RHP Josh Johnson got a late start on the season, but he's starting to get his groove. Tonight he led his Marlins to an 8-2 win over the Phillies, pitching six innings of shutout baseball, allowing five hits, four walks, and three strikeouts.
Our View: That's two wins over his last two starts for Johnson, bringing his ERA to 3.34. His control continues to be a slight problem, but the results speak for themselves. |
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| Hanley swipes another base in win | Tuesday 8/5, 9:54 PM CT |
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Florida shortstop Hanley Ramirez was up to his old tricks again tonight, going 2-for-3 with two walks and his 26th stolen base of the season in the Marlins' 8-2 win over Philadelphia. Ramirez walked off the field with one RBI and two runs scored on the night.
Our View: Ramirez is the leader of the cause for the Marlins and games like this show why. He gets 'em moving towards success and the rest follow. |
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| Hermida drives in four | Tuesday 8/5, 9:50 PM CT |
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The Phillies did what they could withstand the onslaught of offense from the Marlins, but it was too much, taking the 8-2 loss in disappointing fashion. The Marlins did their damage with outfielder Jeremy Hermida , going 2-for-4 with one walk to total four RBIs.
Our View: Hermida comes off seven July homers with hopes of getting his team into the playoffs. Thus far things have been tough in August, hitting just .154 over three games coming into this game, but this may get him going in the right direction. |
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| Pelfrey gets the win over SD | Tuesday 8/5, 9:40 PM CT |
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The Mets needed a bit of offense to insure the efforts of RHP Mike Pelfrey did not go to waste, getting the 6-5 win over the Padres. Pelfrey pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing two runs (both earned) on nine hits with one walk and three strikeouts.
Our View: Pelfrey moves to 10-7 on the year with an ERA of 3.85. Over his last two months of work, including this win, he is 8-1 with just three homers and 20 walks allowed, balanced by 50 strikeouts. |
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| Tatis homers twice | Tuesday 8/5, 9:33 PM CT |
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The Mets needed all they could get out of the six total hits they posted on the night, turning those hits into six runs for the 6-5 win over the Padres. The man of the hour was outfielder Fernando Tatis , going 2-for-4 at the plate with two homers, his eighth and ninth on the year, to total four RBIs and two runs scored.
Our View: Tatis hit a whopping .397 last month over 73 July at-bats, also touting six homers and 18 RBIs over that stretch. He has at least one hit in each of his games thus far in August and appears to have the power flowing as well. |
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| Gerut gets Pads moving, but Mets get the win | Tuesday 8/5, 9:29 PM CT |
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The Padres had the offense but the Mets had the efficiency, pulling the 6-5 win over San Diego despite allowing three runs in the top of the ninth. For San Diego, the charge was led by leadoff man Jody Gerut , going 3-for-5 with his eighth homer of the season to total three RBIs and one run scored.
Our View: Gerut has been getting the job done as a leadoff man with a keen eye at the plate (just six strikeouts in 66 at-bats last month). Tonight he did it with power. |
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| Bush dominates Cincy for the win | Tuesday 8/5, 9:22 PM CT |
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Milwaukee RHP Dave Bush put forth one of his best efforts of the season this evening, leading his Brewers to an 8-1 victory. Bush pitched seven innings, allowing just one run on three hits with two walks and seven strikeouts.
Our View: Bush now stands at 6-9 on the season, but this outing could be the catalyst for improvement moving forward, both for Bush and the Brewers. Milwaukee has been struggling, but Bush appears to be improving for a team that could have one of the best rotations for the coming playoff season. |
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| Volquez takes another loss | Tuesday 8/5, 9:18 PM CT |
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Reds RHP Edinson Volquez suffered through one of his worst outings of the season tonight, taking the 8-1 loss against the Brewers. Volquez pitched just five innings, allowing five runs (all earned) on nine hits with one walk and two strikeouts.
Our View: Volquez moves to 13-5 on the season with a 2.93 ERA. That's two losses over his last three starts, and while the shorter outings have been an issue all season long, the lack of progress in working later in games is concerning. |
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| Braun warming up at the dish | Tuesday 8/5, 9:13 PM CT |
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The Brewers enjoyed the dominating 8-1 win over the Reds this evening while outfielder Ryan Braun enjoyed a strong day of personal performance. Braun went 3-for-5 in the batter's box, including his 30th double and 10th stolen base of the season. He left the field with two runs scored on the night.
Our View: After hitting .366 through July Braun was struggling to get going in August, hitting just .188. Over his last two games, he is 5-for-9 with four runs scored. |
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| Hart doubles, triples in win over Reds | Tuesday 8/5, 9:09 PM CT |
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The Brewers used the drama of the day before to motivate the entire team to an impressive 8-1 victory over the Reds, led by the bat of outfielder Corey Hart . Hart went 2-for-3 at the dish with his 33rd double and fourth triple of the season to total three RBIs and one run scored on the night.
Our View: Hart has struggled this season at the plate but carries fix hits over his last four games. Tonight may represent his best game thus far this season. |
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| Gonzalez goes 4-for-4 | Tuesday 8/5, 9:01 PM CT |
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Carlos Gonzalez went 4-for-4 with a double and two runs in Tuesday's loss to the Blue Jays. The rookie is hitting .274 over 56 games.
Our View: The 22-year-old Gonzalez hasn't shown much pop (three homers) in his first season, but he is a doubles machine and a promising prospect. A's fans and fantasy owners should enjoy watching him grow. |
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| Mench knocks in winning run | Tuesday 8/5, 8:58 PM CT |
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Kevin Mench delivered a game-winning single in the bottom of the ninth inning on Tuesday night. It was his only hit of the game.
Our View: The veteran outfielder gets to play the part of hero for one night. Mench doesn't play very often and doesn't have fantasy value. |
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| Street shows potholes | Tuesday 8/5, 8:54 PM CT |
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Closer Huston Street blew his sixth save of the season on Tuesday night. He allowed three hits and two runs in ninth inning against the Blue Jays. Street has allowed seven runs and walked seven batters over his last eight appearances.
Our View: There have already been hints that Street could lose all or part of his closer's role, and he is not helping his own cause. Fantasy owners can't help but be worried. |
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| Rockies unwilling to confirm Hernandez waiver claim | Tuesday 8/5, 8:53 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier story, Colorado general manager Dan O'Dowd would not confirm a report that the team had claimed starter Livan Hernandez on trade waivers Tuesday, according to the Associated Press. “I can’t comment on that,” O’Dowd said. “I will say we are looking for another starting pitcher.” A Denver Post report on its Website cited a major league source confirming the Rockies put in a claim for the Hernandez. The right-hander was put on waivers by the Minnesota Twins.
Our View: Why the Rockies feel the need to be coy is intriguing, though the waiver claim now opens the door for trade negotiations, and we can understand a desire to remain quiet while those take place. We'll keep you posted. |
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| Crede backs off rehab | Tuesday 8/5, 8:47 PM CT |
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Joe Crede has ended his rehab assignment and is at least five days away from returning to baseball activities. The third baseman is out due to back issues. "We sent him back for an MRI, CAT scan and he’s all clean and good as far as that’s concerned," general manager Ken Williams tells the AP. "Just a little bit of pressing on the nerve right now. We’ve got to alleviate that before we can get him back out into rehab. On one hand there’s a delay in the process, but the prognosis is good and we’ll go from there."
Our View: Crede has been dealing with back issues for a few years, and fantasy owners shouldn't be too optimistic about this situation. Josh Fields and Juan Uribe will continue to see action at third base. |
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| Herrera sent down, Sanchez and Davis called up | Tuesday 8/5, 8:46 PM CT |
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In response to struggles on the mound, the Pirates have been forced to shuffle their pitching rotation once again. As a result, Yoslan Herrera has been sent back to Double-A Altoona, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Meanwhile, the Pirates have also recalled Romulo Sanchez from Triple-A Indianapolis to take Herrera's roster spot. The team has also decided to move Jason Davis into the 5th spot in the rotation, taking him out of the bullpen to bolster the cause. Davis will make that start at Philadelphia on Sunday, and when he does, he will be the 12th pitcher to make a start for the Pirates this season. |
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| Francis to return on Wednesday | Tuesday 8/5, 8:33 PM CT |
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As hoped, the Rockies will welcome Jeff Francis back to the mound on Wednesday, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Battling inflammation in his left shoulder, Francis was forced to the DL on July 3rd. The Rockies believe they have the tools in place to push for the playoffs, but getting Francis back could be a huge boost. He's struggled a bit this season, but he is still one of the top arms on this staff. |
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| Mets hoping Giants waive Aurilia | Tuesday 8/5, 8:28 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier report, the league reports any players the Giants placed on waivers last Friday can officially be claimed by other teams Tuesday. That may include Rich Aurilia , a player likely to be immediately targeted by the Mets, according to MLB.com.
Our View: A free agent after this season, Aurilia is owed an affordable $1.5 million for the remainder of the year and currently is batting .281 with eight home runs. A source said the Mets, losers of four straight entering Tuesday night, were interested in acquiring the veteran infielder to use as a right-handed batter off the bench. That means his fanasy value could increase considering the lack of playing time offered in San Fran, but that rise is not likely to push Aurilia into the must-have category for fantasy owners. We'll keep you posted. |
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| Kennedy likely to start this weekend | Tuesday 8/5, 8:24 PM CT |
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Ian Kennedy is expected to take Joba Chamberlain's next turn in the rotation and start either Friday or Saturday against the Angels, the Newark Star-Ledger reports. The 23-year-old right-hander owns a 1.33 ERA over his last four Triple-A starts.
Our View: Kennedy struggled badly when he opened the season in the rotation, and this could only be a one-start turn. Fantasy owners shouldn't be too interested. |
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| Proctor struggling to return | Tuesday 8/5, 8:22 PM CT |
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Los Angeles reliever Scott Proctor suffered a setback with his injured elbow over the weekend, according to MLB.com. Following a Saturday night appearance for Class-A Inland Empire Proctor was sore on Sunday and worse Monday, thus the Dodgers have halted all baseball activities for the hurler.
Our View: Any time an elbow is involved, the fear is Tommy John reconstructive ligament replacement surgery. The club said he will be re-evaluated in a week. Proctor was disabled on June 22nd. |
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| Penny to return on Friday | Tuesday 8/5, 8:19 PM CT |
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Dodgers starter Brad Penny said he expects to be ready to make a Friday night return from the disabled list in San Francisco, according to MLB.com. Penny came out of his Saturday night rehab assignment with Triple-A Las Vegas in Oklahoma City feeling fine after six weeks on the disabled list with shoulder tendinitis.
Our View: Penny reports everything is good to go and we expect he will be back on the mound later this week. The Dodgers could use his arm if he can keep throwing strikes, though fantasy owners would be wise to approach with caution. |
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| Lowell back in the lineup | Tuesday 8/5, 8:19 PM CT |
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Mike Lowell is back in the lineup on Tuesday night, one day after receiving a cortisone shot in his right hip. "They said the anti-inflammatory part would feel good within the first 24 hours and then, whatever the medicine is, might take three or four days," Lowell informs MLB.com. "Getting out of bed, my abs didn't hurt, so I've got to believe that's a good sign. I haven't jogged or anything, but moving around feels a little better. I'm hoping that's a step in the right direction."
Our View: It sounds like Lowell will need to deal with some pain for the remainder of the season. The injury popped up in late June/early July, and he hit only .215 with one homer last month. That's not a very good sign for his continuing fantasy value. |
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| Feliz continues to battle bad back | Tuesday 8/5, 8:08 PM CT |
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Injured Phillies third baseman Pedro Feliz is scheduled to make his second visit to a back specialist on Thursday, assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said, according to MLB.com. The Phillies placed Feliz on the 15-day disabled list July 29, and announced last Thursday that he was suffering from a bulging disk in his back. On Thursday, Feliz will report to Dr. Todd Albert of the Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital for a follow-up visit.
Our View: Manuel said Tuesday that Feliz reported feeling better, but had not swung a bat recently. Amaro sounded optimistic that Feliz would resume baseball-related activities later in the week. He is eligible to be activated from the disabled list Saturday, but we believe it may take longer. Back problems are tricky and tend to linger, thus it is fair to expect a longer absence than is currently slated to come to fruition. Stay tuned. |
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| Morrow to start on Wednesday | Tuesday 8/5, 8:05 PM CT |
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Brandon Morrow will start for Triple-A Tacoma on Wednesday, and he will be on a 35-pitch limit, the Seattle Times reports. The right-hander will work on a five-day rotation and increase his workload each time out.
Our View: The Mariners have no reason not to take their time on this project. Morrow could probably be back in the majors after as little as three starts, but why rush his prized arm? |
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| Hurley received cortisone shot | Tuesday 8/5, 8:02 PM CT |
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Eric Hurley received a cortisone shot on Monday, and it's likely to be "awhile" before he rejoins the rotation, MLB.com reports. He is out due to right shoulder inflammation.
Our View: Hurley wasn't helping fantasy teams, but he is missing valuable experience time. The 22-year-old right-hander has the stuff to be a future part of this rotation. |
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| Colon struggles in rehab outing | Tuesday 8/5, 7:57 PM CT |
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Bartolo Colon only lasted 0.2 innings and 32 pitches in his Triple-A rehab start on Tuesday night. He allowed four hits and three runs, including a two-run homer. Colon had been set to work two full innings as he recovers from a lower back strain.
Our View: Colon was making his first outing since June 16, so we'll cut him a little slack. Sadly, the after-game snack table will probably be bare by the time the rest of the Pawtucket players get there. |
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| Padilla returns home, will make start | Tuesday 8/5, 7:52 PM CT |
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Vicente Padilla has returned to Nicaragua to attend a family matter, but he will return in time for his Saturday start against the Orioles, MLB.com reports.
Our View: The flight time shouldn't bother Padilla too much, but we wonder if divided attention is the reason his ERA has ballooned over the past six starts. |
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| Gonzalez to debut on Wednesday | Tuesday 8/5, 7:45 PM CT |
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Pitcher Gio Gonzalez will make his major league debut for the A's on Wednesday, the AP reports. The southpaw will start against the Blue Jays. The A's will give Justin Duchscherer an extra day of rest. Gonzalez, 22, is 8-7 with a 4.24 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and 128 strikeouts over 123.0 innings at Triple-A Sacramento.
Our View: Gonzalez has been a big-time strikeout artist during his minor league career, and we're excited to get a look at the youngster. Control issues and a lack of run support should confine Gonzalez only to AL-only leagues, if even that. He has a bright future, though. |
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| Bartlett remains out | Tuesday 8/5, 7:13 PM CT |
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Jason Bartlett is out on Tuesday and likely won't be available until Thursday, MLB.com reports. He has a bruised right index finger. "There's some sensitivity in the fingertip," Bartlett explains. "We're going to go out there and throw and see how it goes."
Our View: Bartlett hadn't been hitting very well since coming off the DL on July 24, and hopefully he is not in any fantasy lineups this week. |
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| Rockies claim Hernandez off waivers | Tuesday 8/5, 7:12 PM CT |
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RHP Livan Hernandez , designated for assignment by the Twins, was claimed off waivers by the Rockies on Tuesday, according to FoxSports.com.
Our View: The Twins and Rockies now have 48 hours to work out a trade. If no agreement is reached, the Twins likely will let Hernandez go to the Rockies without receiving a player in return. It is unclear whether the Twins can pull back Hernandez after removing him from their 40-man roster. The Twins' priority is to escape the remaining obligation on Hernandez's contract — the balance of his $5 million salary, plus as much as $2 million in incentives. The defending NL champion Rockies need a pitching boost as they attempt to rally from an eight-game deficit in the NL West. They have been scrambling to fill the back of their rotation all season, and their 4.81 team ERA is third worst in the majors. |
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| Guardado the interim closer? | Tuesday 8/5, 7:10 PM CT |
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Eddie Guardado has assumed the role of "interim closer" while C.J. Wilson works out mechanical issues, MLB.com reports. "Whenever the phone rings, I'm ready to go," Guardado says. "I can't control what the manager and front office does. When the phone rings, I'm ready."
Our View: This news contradicts previous reports that the Rangers were sticking with Wilson. Guardado probably isn't available in AL-only leagues at this point, but he is worth exploring in larger mixed leagues. This report did not indicate if there was a timetable for Wilson returning to his role. |
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| Crawford sits again | Tuesday 8/5, 7:04 PM CT |
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Carl Crawford is out of the lineup again on Tuesday due to a sore left hamstring. Manager Joe Maddon informs MLB.com there is a "solid chance" that Crawford won't return until Thursday.
Our View: Fantasy owners who set their lineups on Monday are obviously upset about the news, but we'd rather the Rays be cautious and not risk more serious injury. |
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| Helton has degenerative back problem | Tuesday 8/5, 6:58 PM CT |
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Following yesterday's MRI exam, doctors now believe Colorado first baseman Todd Helton is suffering from a degenerative back condition, harbored by recurring disc problems that may cause pain for years to come, according to the MLB.com. "He's got a degenerative back," Rockies trainer Keith Dugger said. "It's the same problems he's been having, so we're going to take things slowly."
Our View: The injury has kept Helton on the disabled list for more than a month. Helton began feeling healthy enough to hit off a tee and participate in soft toss last week, but his back pain flared up soon after. Helton has not participated in baseball-related activity since, and as such it is clear fantasy owners need to take action. We'll keep you posted on his progress to return. |
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| DeJesus remains out | Tuesday 8/5, 6:54 PM CT |
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David DeJesus is out of the starting lineup again for Tuesday's game against the Red Sox. It will be the fourth straight missed start due to a sore lower back. He remains day-to-day. Mitch Maier will take his place in center.
Our View: Maier has swung the bat well over the last three days, and the Royals are 3-0 without DeJesus. Still, the lineup is better when their leadoff hitter is healthy. |
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| Zumaya named the closer | Tuesday 8/5, 6:49 PM CT |
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The Tigers have another new closer. Joel Zumaya is now the man who will work the ninth inning, the Detroit News reports. "If we have a lead in the ninth inning, that's who will pitch," manager Jim Leyland says. The skipper adds that Zumaya is over a recent issue with his right shoulder, and Leyland cautioned that he may also consider Fernando Rodney and Kyle Farnsworth in the ninth inning on occasion.
Our View: There was a time not so long ago when fantasy owners would have been shouting with glee about this news. However, Zumaya has allowed runs in three straight outings (and in five of six showings) and hasn't looked like his old self since coming back from surgery. Every closer is worth looking at in fantasy leagues, but we would guess that Zumaya's hold is tenuous. |
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| Inglett dealing with knee soreness | Tuesday 8/5, 6:44 PM CT |
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Joe Inglett continues to deal with a sore left knee and is out of the lineup again on Tuesday. "Joe's still a little sore, but feeling better," manager Cito Gaston tells MLB.com. "We don't know anything as far as how long [he'll be sidelined], but I understand -- from the trainers -- that he's feeling a lot better today."
Our View: If you need any indication about how the season has gone for the Blue Jays, this story fits the bill. The club actually misses this utility man quite a bit. |
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| Geary suffers groin pull | Tuesday 8/5, 6:42 PM CT |
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Houston reliever Geoff Geary has suffered a minor groin pull but remains on the active roster despite the injury, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Geary didn't know if the club would place him on the DL on Tuesday morning, but after he played catch and ran briefly, the right-hander remained on the active roster. He reports the pain is manageable but remains a concern. We'll keep you posted if the Astros change their minds and send Geary to the DL. |
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| Chamberlain to visit Dr. Andrews | Tuesday 8/5, 6:42 PM CT |
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Joba Chamberlain will be examined by Dr. James Andrews on Wednesday, the AP reports. The pitcher is dealing with a sore right shoulder, and he underwent an MRI on Tuesday. "He'll take his test results with him (to Alabama)," manager Joe Girardi says. "Until I hear from Dr. Andrews, that's all I've got... I envision him not making his next start. Beyond that, I can't say."
Our View: Yankees fans and fantasy owners are going to be on the edges of their seats for the next day or two. A trip to visit with Dr. Andrews doesn't necessarily mean something is seriously wrong, but it would suggest the Yankees are a bit unclear and worried about the results. |
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| Wainwright ready for rehab starts | Tuesday 8/5, 6:39 PM CT |
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St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright threw 35 pitches in a simulated game Tuesday and will begin what he hopes is a short rehab stint later this week, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Wainwright, the Opening Day starter, has been out nearly two months with a tendon injury in his right middle finger. He'll pitch again Saturday for a minor league affiliate and could rejoin the rotation next week, although he conceded he was a bit rusty and his delivery was out of sync. |
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| Nats may bring Clippard back for relief | Tuesday 8/5, 6:37 PM CT |
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Washington RHP Tyler Clippard started for Triple-A Columbus on Saturday, going four innings to give up two runs against Louisville, striking out six batters and walking none through 50 pitches. Today the Nats report Columbus has been ordered to limit Clippard's work as they may bring him back to the majors, according to MLB.com.
Our View: RHP Garrett Mock had been working as an extra source of relief out of the bullpen, but his recent move back the minors has opened a spot that Clippard might fill. It's not known who the Nationals will send down if they bring up Clippard. |
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| Treanor working through minor-league rehab | Tuesday 8/5, 6:32 PM CT |
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Florida catcher Matt Treanor continues to progress through his rehab stint in the minors, according to MLB.com. On Tuesday night, the 32-year-old catcher worked back-to-back games with Class-A Jupiter. On Monday night, he caught nine innings, another encouraging sign that a return to the Marlins is getting closer.
Our View: Treanor went on the DL with a left hip strain on July 8. Tuesday was his fifth rehab game. On Sunday, he was used exclusively as the designated hitter. Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez noted that when Treanor returned, at least initially, he wouldn't step in five days a week. So the breakdown with left-handed hitter John Baker may come down to a platoon situation since Treanor is a right-handed hitter. |
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| Mets schedule Perez for Friday, leaving Saturday open | Tuesday 8/5, 6:18 PM CT |
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The Mets report Oliver Perez has been penciled into the start on Friday against Florida, working on four-days rest, due to the injury suffered by John Maine, according to the New York Post.
Our View: This leaves the Mets without a solidified arm for Saturday, leading to speculation that LHP Jon Niese could be the man for the job. We'll keep you posted. |
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| Balentien back in the bigs | Tuesday 8/5, 5:54 PM CT |
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The Mariners recalled outfielder Wladimir Balentien on Tuesday. He hit .196 over 107 at-bats with the Mariners earlier in the season, and he has batted .304-10-31-30 over his last 32 games at Triple-A.
Our View: Balentien, 24, is a future fixture in the Mariners outfield, but he may need to split time with Jeff Reed in the coming months. He could also see some action at DH, where Jeff Clement continues to struggle. Balentien is worth a look in AL-only formats. |
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| Vidro designated for assignment | Tuesday 8/5, 5:48 PM CT |
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The Mariners designated Jose Vidro for assignment on Tuesday, MLB.com confirms. The DH is hitting only .234 on the season.
Our View: Vidro is just one of the many Mariners who have had a disastrous season. As happened to Richie Sexson, we'd expect a contending team to hand him a bench spot. |
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| Garcia to throw on Tuesday | Tuesday 8/5, 5:33 PM CT |
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Free agent pitcher Freddy Garcia will toss two simulated innings for scouts on Tuesday, the New York Daily News reports. He is nearly one full year removed from surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Roughly a dozen teams are expected to check out the performance.
Our View: At the best, Garcia would be signed quickly and make it to the majors in September. Fantasy owners shouldn't count on him to make a quick rise and be able to help their squads in a significant way. |
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| Pavano moving up to Double-A | Tuesday 8/5, 5:27 PM CT |
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Carl Pavano will move up to Double-A Trenton for a rehab start on Thursday, the AP reports. He has made two starts for Low-A Charleston.
Our View: We're not holding our breath. Pavano is coming back from right elbow surgery, and he has plenty of time to work his way into another injury before the Yankees call him back to the majors. |
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| Ortiz will play on Tuesday | Tuesday 8/5, 5:21 PM CT |
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David Ortiz will be in the lineup when the Red Sox face the Royals on Tuesday night. The slugger felt a "click" in his left wrist on Monday. "It's all right," Ortiz informs the Boston Globe. "I've got to deal with it the rest of the season. I'm gonna have good days and bad days... someday it feels right, sometimes it didn't."
Our View: Big Papi is only 1-for-15 in August. Fantasy owners may not get 100 percent out of the slugger down the stretch, but we expect his bat to be better than it has been since he came off the DL. |
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| Rolen back in the lineup | Tuesday 8/5, 5:13 PM CT |
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Scott Rolen is listed as the starter for Tuesday's game against the A's. He has missed the last two contests due to pain in his left shoulder.
Our View: Rolen has shown very little pop since late June, and we can't help but wonder how long his oft-injured shoulder has been bothering him. Fantasy owners should not expect much over the final two months. |
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| Sexson gets rare start | Tuesday 8/5, 5:10 PM CT |
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Richie Sexson will be in the lineup when the Yankees face the Rangers on Tuesday night, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram confirms. Jason Giambi is not in the lineup.
Our View: The Yankees will be facing rookie left-hander Matt Harrison, and Sexson still seems to be able to hit southpaws. |
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| Pudge sitting on Tuesday | Tuesday 8/5, 5:08 PM CT |
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Ivan Rodriguez will sit on Tuesday against the Rangers. Jose Molina is getting the start, the Fort Worth Star Telegram reports.
Our View: FYI for fantasy owners with daily transactions. Molina also started in place of Pudge on Saturday. |
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| Bradley out again | Tuesday 8/5, 5:06 PM CT |
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Milton Bradley is once again out of the lineup on Tuesday night, but he is available to pinch hit, the Fort Worth Star Telegram reports. He hasn't started since July 29 due to a strained left quad.
Our View: Bradley continues to be day-to-day, and the Rangers have refused to place him on the DL. Fantasy owners in daily transaction leagues should obviously bench him. |
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| Montanez promoted | Tuesday 8/5, 5:00 PM CT |
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The Orioles have called up Luis Montanez from Double-A Bowie, the Baltimore Sun reports. The 26-year-old outfielder was hitting .335-26-97-90 over 116 games.
Our View: Way back in 2002, Montanez was the third overall pick by the Cubs. We're not sure why he hasn't moved up to Triple-A this year, but he is beating up on Double-A pitching. With Adam Jones out, Montanez could get a chance to show his stuff. Nick Markakis, Luke Scott, and Jay Payton are the other three outfielders on the roster. |
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| Jones on DL; out for year? | Tuesday 8/5, 4:56 PM CT |
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The Orioles have placed outfielder Adam Jones on the 15-day DL due to a fractured left foot, the Baltimore Sun confirms. The move is retroactive to August 3.
Our View: Early reports suggest the young outfielder could miss the rest of the season, but we're waiting to hear a more official timeline presented. Jones had been hitting very well since the start of June, so this is a bummer. |
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| Haren signed through 2012 | Tuesday 8/5, 4:51 PM CT |
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The Diamondbacks have signed Dan Haren to a two-year contract extension that will keep him in the desert through 2012, MLB.com reports. Haren will make $31 million over the 2011 and 2012 seasons, and the club owns a $15.5 million option for 2013.
Our View: So, drinks are on Dan's tab tonight? The D'Backs have one of the best 1-2 punches in all of baseball, and the local fans should be in for a long run of Haren and Brandon Webb working together. |
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| Russell back in the bigs | Tuesday 8/5, 4:48 PM CT |
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The White Sox promoted reliever Adam Russell from Triple-A Charlotte on Tuesday, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Our View: The 25-year-old right-hander continues to rack up a lot of frequent flyer miles. He doesn't have any fantasy value. |
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| Morrow heads to Triple-A | Tuesday 8/5, 4:42 PM CT |
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The Mariners have sent pitcher Brandon Morrow back to Triple-A Tacoma, MLB.com confirms.
Our View: Morrow will be converted from relief to a starting role, and we'd expect him to be at Tacoma for at least three starts. The bigger news is that the Mariners apparently feel safe handing the closer's role fully back to J.J. Putz. |
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