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| Mets to go with Kunz as closer? | Monday 8/11, 11:28 PM CT |
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Switching course after another abysmal outing by the bullpen on Monday, Eddie Kunz will be the hurler that the Mets turn to if a save situation arises on Tuesday, according to MLB.com. "I have to go and get everything I can with the people we have here," manager Jerry Manuel said. "We've got to fix this. We can't continue to perform this way late in the game. I have to find a way, a pitcher who will step up and fill that role."
Our View: The report even stated that Manuel gave serious consideration to bringing John Maine back off the DL to close. Seriously. The Mets situation is just awful which highlights why it was so vexing that they didn't do anything to bolster the pen at the trade deadline. |
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| Jones could be DL bound | Monday 8/11, 11:24 PM CT |
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Andruw Jones could be headed to the DL to make room for the returning Nomar Garciaparra on Tuesday, according to the Los Angeles Daily News.
Our View: Jones has an irritated patellar tendon in his right knee and could use the time on the DL to head down to the minor leagues to try and find the swing that, previous to the last two years, had him headed toward the Hall of Fame. |
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| Swisher has two hits, still in slump | Monday 8/11, 11:21 PM CT |
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Nick Swisher was the lone White Sox batter to produce two hits on Monday night as he went 2-for-3 at the plate to raise his average to .234.
Our View: Swisher is just 12 for his last 57 (.211) and was in the eighth hole on this night. He has been a pretty big disappointment in Chicago after many assumed he would have a big year moving to a home park that so clearly favors the hitter. It just hasn't happened. |
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| Drew helps Red Sox to win | Monday 8/11, 11:18 PM CT |
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J.D. Drew had two hits and two RBI for the Red Sox on Monday night in their 5-1 victory over the White Sox.
Our View: Drew was the league's best hitter in June (.337-12-27-27 in 26 games), but over his last 21 games he hasn't even remotely resembled that hitter with a .217 average, two home runs and seven RBI at the plate. |
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| Beckett ferocious on the hill | Monday 8/11, 11:15 PM CT |
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Josh Beckett simply dominated the White Sox on this night needing just 104 pitches to make it through eight innings in his 11th victory of the year. Beckett allowed a single run, didn't walk a batter, and struck out eight.
Our View: When on as he was on this night, it really matters little who is hitting as the batters have basically no chance of doing anything substantial. After being bombed for seven runs on July 30th, Beckett has allowed just three runs over his last two starts (1.84 ERA). |
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| Danks losing first game in almost three months | Monday 8/11, 11:12 PM CT |
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John Danks had a no-hitter going into the seventh inning but he ended up being saddled with his fifth loss of the year, and first since May 24th, after allowing two runs over seven innings against the Red Sox.
Our View: Danks was simply out-pitched by Josh Beckett on this night but he still pitched a masterful game with nine K, two BB and just two hits allowed. After a run of four sub par outings, Danks has allowed just three runs over his last two starts and has still won six of his last seven decisions. |
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| Abreu only Yankee with two hits | Monday 8/11, 11:07 PM CT |
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Bobby Abreu had two of the Yankees four hits on Monday night as they were shut out by Glen Perkins and Joe Nathan.
Our View: Abreu is up to .289 thanks to a .344 run over his last 23 games that has also seen him produce 23 runs, 18 RBI and five home runs. Abreu continues to be one of the better five category performers in the fantasy game despite a declining skill set. |
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| Span continues to produce | Monday 8/11, 11:04 PM CT |
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Denard Span continued to provide offense from the top of the Twins batting order with a hit, two runs scored and his eighth stolen base of the year.
Our View: There was a chance that Span could lose some playing time to a healthy Michael Cuddyer, but since he suffered a broken foot during his rehab assignment, it now appears that Span will continue to play on a regular basis for the Twins. |
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| Ponson falls to former mates | Monday 8/11, 11:02 PM CT |
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Sidney Ponson fell to 7-3 on the season as the Twins scored four runs off the portly hurler in his 7.2 innings of work.
Our View: Since becoming a Yankee Ponson is 3-2 with a 4.72 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP. Just goes to show you how desperate the Yankees are that they continue to run out there a hurler who is producing at a level that is worse than average for a major league pitcher. Don't make the same mistake. |
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| Perkins new daddy, and victorious | Monday 8/11, 10:58 PM CT |
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Glen Perkins, making his first start since having a child, held the Yankees scoreless for eight innings in his ninth victory of the season.
Our View: Perkins completely baffled the Yankees on this night with a series of offspeed pitches that limited the Bronx Bombers to only four hits and three walks. Perkins has won seven of his last eight decisions and continues to give his mates a shot at victory in most outings with a decent 4.07 ERA. |
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| Barajas on run producing binge | Monday 8/11, 10:50 PM CT |
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Rod Barajas hit his 10th home run of the year on Monday night in a 2-for-3 performance that lead to three RBI.
Our View: In his last eight games Barajas has two home runs, nine runs and nine RBI as he continues to reward the faith of those that have stuck with him in this campaign. |
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| Cabrera on major role | Monday 8/11, 10:46 PM CT |
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Miguel Cabrera hit his 24th home run of the year on Monday night, his only hit in four trips to the plate.
Our View: Over his last 24 games Cabrera is hitting .347-8-33 to boost his RBI total to 90. And you thought he wasn't going to to hit 30 home runs with 100 RBI. |
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| Marcum wins second straight | Monday 8/11, 10:44 PM CT |
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Shaun Marcum improved to 7-5 with his second straight win thanks to holding the Tigers to just two runs over six innings on Monday night.
Our View: Marcum has won his last two starts allowing just three runs in 13 innings (2.08 ERA). Both runs scored on solo home runs, and Marcum has allowed 19 home runs in 20 starts. |
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| Verlander in miserably slump | Monday 8/11, 10:42 PM CT |
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Justin Verlander lasted only 4.1 innings on Monday night as he gave up six runs on seven hits in the Tigers 7-2 loss to the Blue Jays.
Our View: Verlander has allowed 24 earned runs over his last four starts, the worst four game stretch in his career, as his ERA has climbed from 3.95 to 4.77, quite a fall for a pitcher who won 35 games in his firs two full seasons, the most since Dwight Gooden won 41 in 1984-85. |
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| Francisco leads big offensive output | Monday 8/11, 10:37 PM CT |
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Ben Francisco was the Indians best hitter on Monday night with two hits, three runs and three RBI. Other Indians with two RBI included Ryan Grako, Andy Gonzalez, Sal Fasano and Asdrubal Cabrera.
Our View: When a team scores 13 runs you expect some good numbers. Entering this night, Francisco had only three home runs and seven RBI in his last 21 games, so he could certainly use a big outing like this to boost his fantasy prospects. |
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| Markakis knocks in four runs | Monday 8/11, 10:34 PM CT |
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Nick Markakis had three hits which led to four RBI on Monday night for the Orioles.
Our View: This outing pushed Markakis up to .301 on the year, and he became the Oriole to surpass 70 RBI on the year with 71 (Aubrey Huff has 76 and Melvin Mora 79), though he will fall well short of his 112 RBI mark of last season. |
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| Sarfate throws pitches everywhere | Monday 8/11, 10:31 PM CT |
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Dennis Sarfate pitched even worse than his counterpart (Fausto Carmona) on Monday night. Sarfate allowed seven runs, six earned, in just four innings as he allowed five hits and five walks.
Our View: Sarfate has only started three games in 48 appearances this season, so we'd like to cut him some slack. The guys has great stuff with 62 K in 61 innings, but he has also walked 50 batters, an obviously unhealthy number. |
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| Carmona pounded again | Monday 8/11, 10:27 PM CT |
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Fausto Carmona was torched, yet again, for seven runs in 6.1 innings on Monday night. Carmona allowed six hits and four walks on the night though he emerged with a no decision.
Our View: Face it, Carmona just isn't right and simply cannot be counted on with an amazing 51 BB and just 35 K. With a ratio like that, it's pretty amazing that his ERA is only 4.91, though it's only due to an impossible to sustain HR/F ratio of 4.8%. |
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| Rowand racks up four strikeouts | Monday 8/11, 10:23 PM CT |
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Aaron Rowand had a golden sombrero on Monday night as he came to the plate four times and went back to the dugout with four strikeouts.
Our View: Rowand continues to strike out a lot while not walking very often, with the result being a a poor 0.36 BB/K ratio. He clearly wont match his production from last season (.309-27-89), but he has still been solid this year (.285-10-61) without being someone to bank on. |
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| Wigginton supplies all the offense | Monday 8/11, 10:12 PM CT |
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Ty Wigginton had two hits, including his 12th home run, as he knocked in all three of the Astros runs in a 3-1 victory over the Giants.
Our View: Wigginton hasn't had the year many had hoped for due to injury, but he is still hitting .282 with an OPS of over .850, so it's not like he has struggled either. With the injury to Carlos Lee, Wigginton has seen some action in left field and will likely be in the lineup every day. |
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| Backet outpitches Sanchez | Monday 8/11, 10:06 PM CT |
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Brandon Backe outdueled Jonathan Sanchez on Monday night hurling seven innings of one run baseball over seven innings in his 11th victory of the year.
Our View: Backe looked great on this night, though your average Triple-A hurler might have the same amount of success against the Giants. After an 11 run outing last time, Backe made a statement on this night that he deserves to remain in the rotation. |
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| Sanchez falls despite solid effort | Monday 8/11, 10:03 PM CT |
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Jonathan Sanchez had a no-hitter through five innings before things fell apart on Monday night. Still, he only allowed two runs over seven innings as he walked just one batter while striking out two as his record fell to 8-9.
Our View: The Giants have scored one run or less in 12 of Sanchez's 24 starts this season, simply abysmal production from an anemic offense. Sanchez didn't have his dominating stuff tonight, but still, when you allow two runs you should get the win more nights than not. |
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| Ankiel returns with two hits | Monday 8/11, 9:59 PM CT |
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Rick Ankiel wasted little time in making his mark in his return to the starting lineup as he went 2-for-3 with a runs scored and an RBI for the Cardinals.
Our View: The only thing that Ankiel did wrong on this night was that he committed two errors as he was playing the unfamiliar position of left field. Get him back in your lineup as the stroke appears ready for prime time. |
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| Ross goes deep for Fish | Monday 8/11, 9:56 PM CT |
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Cody Ross went deep for the 17th time on Monday night, a solo shot that produced his 55th RBI of the year for the Marlins.
Our View: Ross has slowed of late hitting an anemic .180 without a home run in 19 games, but his blast tonight leaves him three short of his first 20-HR season and gives him 29 HR and 94 RBI over his last 494 AB dating back to the start of last season. |
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| Perez earns second save | Monday 8/11, 9:52 PM CT |
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Chris Perez may not be the Cardinals official closer, but on this night he pitched a clean ninth inning to pick up his second save of the season.
Our View: Perez has walked far too many batters to be a reliable end game option (4.94 BB/9), but he does have the power stuff teams look for out of a closer with 27 K in 27.1 IP. |
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| Sanchez solid in loss | Monday 8/11, 9:50 PM CT |
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Anibal Sanchez had a quality start on Monday allowing three runs in seven innings to the Cardinals but he still lost and fell to 1-2.
Our View: Sanchez struck out eight and only walked two and has allowed eight runs in his three starts (4.08). Anibal also has 14 K and seven walks, so he has done a solid job of throwing strikes leading to an average WHIP (1.36). |
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| Pineiro defeats Marlins | Monday 8/11, 9:47 PM CT |
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Joel Pineiro hurled seven solid innings on Monday night against the Marlins to even his record at 5-5. Pineiro allowed two runs, one earned, while striking out four and walking two.
Our View: Kyle McClellan came into the fire in the eighth inning and saved both Pineiro and the Cardinals bacon on this night. Pineiro lowered his ERA to 4.82 with this effort but he is still nothing more than a spot starter at best. |
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| Lidge ready to return to hill | Monday 8/11, 9:43 PM CT |
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Brad Lidge, who has been unavailable to pitch for two days because of some tenderness in his shoulder, tossed the ball in the outfield on Monday and proclaimed himself ready to go, according to MLB.com. "It's up to them. If they don't call down, they don't call down, but I'm ready."
Our View: The Phillies are very unhappy with how Lidge was used at the All-Star game, he was forced to warm up six times, and they maintain that his current shoulder issue are a direct result of that night though Lidge stopped just short of saying that. Regardless, he will look to return to the dominating form that he flashed in the first half. |
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| Velez in utility role | Monday 8/11, 9:38 PM CT |
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Eugenio Velez may not be playing every day, but that doesn't mean the Giants have soured on his prospects moving forward, according to MLB.com. "Ideally, we'd like to give him more consistent playing time," manager Bruce Bochy said. "But he's really been valuable in the role he's been in."
Our View: Velez has been serving as a backup outfielder and second baseman, while serving as a pinch hitter and pinch runner. He has 10 steals, though his base running could use some work, and holds little value at the moment in any format. |
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| Crawford still awaiting decision on finger | Monday 8/11, 9:33 PM CT |
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Carl Crawford is seeking another medical opinion on his injured finger before deciding what course of action to follow, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Well that doesn't sound very promising. If the first doctor said thinks were good, would Crawford go for a second opinion? The bottom line is that he has a tendon in his right middle finger that has come out of the groove it should be in resulting in impaired movement (he can't straighten the finger after bending it). At best this doesn't seem like a 15 day type injury - we're just hoping it's not a season ending one at this point. |
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| Buchholz to start on Friday | Monday 8/11, 9:28 PM CT |
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Clay Buchholz will remain in the Red Sox starting rotation even after being hammered in his last start to fall to 2-8 with a 6.32 ERA, according to MLB.com. "We've been so committed to this guy," manager Terry Francona said. "We're spending our energy, [pitching coach] John Farrell and I spent a bunch of time with him today, trying to help"
Our View: That's confidence for you. Buchholz posses some top flight stuff but he has struggled with both control and how to best utilize his physical talents. As good as the Red Sox are they simply can't continue to run a guy out there if he continues to stink up the joint, so Friday's start against the Blue Jays might be a make or break outing for the youngster. |
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| Mora blazing hot for Orioles | Monday 8/11, 9:24 PM CT |
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Melvin Mora continues to remain white hot at the plate hitting .384 with six home runs and 30 RBI over his last 21 games, according to the Baltimore Sun. You can check my numbers with all the third baseman in baseball right now and you can see for yourself," Mora said. "I don't care what people say. People talking about that can kiss my butt."
Our View: You tell them Melvin. You want the truth (can you handle it)? Mora has more home runs (17) than Garrett Atkins (16) and more RBI than Alex Rodriguez (78 to 70). For a player that was drafted extremely late in most leagues, Mora has been quite a find. |
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| Linebrink continues slow rehab | Monday 8/11, 9:20 PM CT |
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Scott Linebrink continues a slow progression with his injured shoulder and the team is hopeful that he will be ready to go by September 1st, according to MLB.com. "It's not 100 percent by any means. We're battling through some stuff and there's some discomfort, but that's part of it. I just have to accept that and work through it."
Our View: Linebrink's problems are all muscular, which at this point is good news. This injury has put a halt to a great first season in Chicago as Linebrink has posted a 2.31 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP. |
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| Nomar back on Tuesday | Monday 8/11, 9:15 PM CT |
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Nomar Garciaparra, out since July 28th, is expected to return from his injured left knee on Tuesday, according to MLB.com. "He seems comfortable," Dodgers manager Joe Torre said. "As I said, he probably didn't need this long, but where we were at the time, he basically agreed to go on because our situation at the time."
Our View: Nomar is hitting .279 overall with five home runs in just 86 AB on the year, and should re-enter the starting lineup at shortstop. If he really is healthy he can still hit, but he has already missed over 80 games this season due to injury. |
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| Sheffield unhappy with role | Monday 8/11, 8:17 PM CT |
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Gary Sheffield wants to be used in the outfield and not just at DH, according to MLB.com. "I don't want to DH. I don't feel like a baseball player when I DH. I don't know how to be the leader that I am from the bench."
Our View: Well Sheff, how about you do better than hitting .222 with only 10 home runs in 275 AB? With numbers like that, he should just be happy that he is in the lineup no matter what spot he occupies. |
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| Joba to throw on Friday | Monday 8/11, 8:15 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier report, it now seems that Joba Chamberlain will indeed begin his throwing program on Friday and not Wednesday, according to MLB.com. "I made the suggestion that he just wait until Friday when we get home, so he's in front of us," manager Joe Girardi said.
Our View: This decision only pushes things back two days and seems to make the most sense as the club doesn't want to do anything to jeopardize their golden armed hurler. |
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| Hart torrid at plate | Monday 8/11, 7:53 PM CT |
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Corey Hart had a nice afternoon on Friday in the Brewers 7-1 victory over the Nationals as he clubbed his 18th home run while also stealing his 22nd stolen base.
Our View: Hart is 11 for his last 25 (.440) with nine RBI in his last seven games and has quickly put a brief slump behind him. It's a long shot at this point, but a strong kick down the stretch could allow him to reach the 30/30 plateau for the first time. |
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| Mock racks up nine K in loss | Monday 8/11, 7:49 PM CT |
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Garrett Mock fell to 0-3 in his third start of the season as he lasted just 4.2 innings against the Brewers during which time he allowed five hits (two home runs) and three walks leading to four runs.
Our View: Mock, a rookie, left the Nationals with 35 games out of 199 this season started by rookies. While he obviously didn't pitch well today, he had a big time nine strikeouts and now has 23 K in 19.1 IP. |
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| Milledge hits in 12th game | Monday 8/11, 7:46 PM CT |
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Lastings Milledge extended his hitting streak to 12-games on Monday as he went 1-for-3 along with his 16th stolen base of the season.
Our View: Milledge is up to .257 (he started the streak at .238), and now has more stolen bases than similar talents such as Delmon Young (12) and Mike Cameron (10). |
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| Bush strong against Nationals | Monday 8/11, 7:42 PM CT |
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Dave Bush allowed only five hits and one run over 6.1 innings in his seventh victory of the season on Monday.
Our View: Bush continues to lower his ERA, it's down to 4.35, a run and half below his 5.85 mark just 10 starts ago. He has benefited from an excellent 6.71 K/BB mark as he continues to pour strikes in despite allowing all those home runs (20). |
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| Big Papi out due to wrist soreness | Monday 8/11, 7:36 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier story, David Ortiz was not in the lineup on Monday night due to "slight soreness" in his wrist, according to the Boston Herald.
Our View: We are still trying to get our hands on a more definitive report, but for how it appears that he has suffered some type of setback though it may be somewhat minor. |
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| Castro scratched on Monday | Monday 8/11, 7:34 PM CT |
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Juan Castro, originally scheduled to be in the lineup, was scratched on Monday because of a strained left groin, according to MLB.com. "Castro said he was ready to play," manager Dave Trembley said. "He feels a whole lot better than he did yesterday...Our training staff thought it would be best to give him another day, so that's what we'll do."
Our View: Castro appears really close to returning to the lineup, possibly as early as Tuesday, and though he has had trouble hitting (.177), his defense has been solid. |
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| Mientkiewicz Pirates hitting star | Monday 8/11, 7:26 PM CT |
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Doug Mientkiewicz had three hits on Monday while knocking in two runs for the Pirates.
Our View: Mientkiewicz is currently batting .293 which would be his best mark since hitting .300 in 2003. Doug continues to do just enough to warrant attention in NL-only leagues despite the fact that he has only two home runs on the year. |
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| Pedro back in form | Monday 8/11, 7:23 PM CT |
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Pedro Martinez looked solid on Monday holding the Pirates to just one run over six innings. Pedro left the game with the lead only to watch the bullpen blow yet another game.
Our View: Pedro struck out only three while walking four, but he allowed just three hits while needing 99 pitches on the afternoon. This wasn't vintage Pedro, but it sure was close enough to give his owners hope that he will be a useful arm down the stretch. |
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| Duke sluggish on hill | Monday 8/11, 7:19 PM CT |
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Zach Duke allowed eight hits over six innings to the Mets on Monday, and though he allowed five runs, only three were earned in the no decision.
Our View: Duke owns a 5.10 ERA and a 1.56 WHIP over 24 starts and simply has been unable to offer much value to his fantasy owners. |
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| Heilman just plain awful | Monday 8/11, 7:15 PM CT |
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Aaron Heilman blew his third save of the season and also picked up his seventh loss of the year allowing three runs while recording just one out against the Pirates.
Our View: Awful. Not only was Heilman terribly, Scott Schoeneweis also played his part when he came in to relieve Heilman and actually allowed the winning run (though it was charged to Heilman). The Mets bullpen is lost, and they need Billy Wagner back, badly. |
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| Jones hopes to return on Friday | Monday 8/11, 7:12 PM CT |
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Todd Jones (inflammation in his shoulder) believes he will be able to return to the Tigers on Friday, according to MLB.com. "I'm coming off [the DL] Friday, no matter what -- if I feel good, or I'm not going to get any better, depending on how you look at it," Jones said.
Our View: What role Jones will be given remains unclear. Fernando Rodney, Joel Zumaya and Kyle Farnsworth have been taking turns in the closers role since Jones went down to injury. Whether or not any of them has done enough to keep Jones from returning to the 9th inning remains to be seen. |
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| Kensing back with Marlins | Monday 8/11, 6:58 PM CT |
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Logan Kensing was recalled to join the Marlins bullpen after the team was forced to disable Doug Waechter, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Kensing hasn't appeared in the bigs since July 8th and he didn't exactly fair well in the minors with a 6.39 ERA in 13 games. Look for Mark Hendrickson to take over as the long reliever and for Kensing to be used when the situation warrants (basically when no one else is available). |
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| Ankiel returns to starting lineup | Monday 8/11, 6:55 PM CT |
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Rick Ankiel returned to the Cardinals starting lineup on Monday night after not starting for 14 games because an abdominal strain, according to MLB.com. He was starting in left field with the hopes of that being a little less stressful than playing center.
Our View: Ankiel has appeared multiple times as a pinch hitter as the team kept him active for the stick (he was 2-for-6 with two walks). Ankiel has been a power bat this season with 22 home runs and a .540 SLG, and should return to being the same type of hitter if he truly is healthy. |
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| Capps continues recovery | Monday 8/11, 6:25 PM CT |
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Matt Capps (shoulder bursitis) will throw one inning on Tuesday for Double-A Altoona, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Capps made two appearances for the Gulf Coast Pirates allowing an unearned run in two innings, and appears on track to join the Pirates at some point in the next 7-10, barring a setback. |
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| Waechter placed on DL | Monday 8/11, 6:22 PM CT |
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Doug Waechter was placed on the DL on Monday because of right rotator cuff inflammation, according to the Associated Press. Logan Kensing has been recalled to take his roster spot.
Our View: Waechter has been a solid contributor this year with a 3.51 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 2.32 K/BB mark, so his loss will certainly be felt in Florida, that is unless youngster Kensing comes through. |
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| Braun out Monday, also Tuesday | Monday 8/11, 6:11 PM CT |
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Ryan Braun said it would be "highly doubtful" that he would be able to return to the Brewers lineup on Tuesday because of his intercostal strain, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "I'll just continue getting treatment and hopefully it'll get better," said Braun. "It's definitely better today than it was yesterday
Our View: The team doesn't believe Braun will need to go on the DL with the ribcage issue, but this is the type of injury that could certainly linger without proper time to heal so don't look for him to be rushed back into the lineup. |
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| Gonzalez could be headed to DL | Monday 8/11, 6:07 PM CT |
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Alberto Gonzalez could be DL bound because of a left glute contusion, according to MLB.com.
Our View: That's right, he has a pain in his, well, butt. With Aaron Boone likely to come of the DL later this week, it was appear that he could slide right into to the roster spot that would be opened up. |
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| Crawford's season could be over | Monday 8/11, 5:24 PM CT |
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Carl Crawford may have a subluxation of the tendon in his right middle finger, according to the Tampa Tribune. If this report is accurate, Crawford's season would likely be over.
Our View: The team is scheduled to address the situation later today after they hear the results of an examination that was conducted on Monday, and we will obviously keep you posted as soon as we hear anything. |
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| Ruggiano recalled on Monday | Monday 8/11, 5:19 PM CT |
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Justin Ruggiano has been recalled to take the roster spot that became available when Even Longoria was placed on the DL with a fractured wrist, according to the Tampa Tribune.
Our View: Ruggiano could see regular playing time in the outfield with the injury to Carl Crawford. Ruggiano was hitting .315-11-51 in 66 games at Triple-A Durham while also stealing 20 bases, so he could certainly be worth starting in AL-only leagues. |
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| Longoria placed on DL | Monday 8/11, 5:16 PM CT |
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Rookie of the Year candidate Evan Longoria was placed on the DL on Monday when further testing revealed that he did indeed have a fractured wrist, according to the Tampa Tribune.
Our View: Longoria had hoped to avoid a DL stint, and the team agreed after initial testing showed there was no break. However, further testing showed the fracture in what is a crushing blow to the Rays and to his owners. Willy Aybar will likely fill in at the hot corner. |
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| Zink to start on Tuesday | Monday 8/11, 5:11 PM CT |
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Charlie Zink will start for the Red Sox on Tuesday in place of the injured Tim Wakefield, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: Zink is, strangely enough, also a knuckleballer. Zink is 13-4 with a 2.89 ERA and a strong .228 BAA in the international league who will look to stymie the Rangers. |
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| Lee has successful surgery | Monday 8/11, 5:06 PM CT |
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Carlos Lee underwent successful surgery on his left pinkie and was in good spirits after the 70 minute procedure was completed, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Our View: Lee had six fractures, not three as originally believed, but he needed only one pin to stabilize the finger and should heal just fine without any additional procedures, though he is still highly unlikely to play again this season. |
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| David Ortiz out of lineup | Monday 8/11, 5:03 PM CT |
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David Ortiz will not be in the Red Sox lineup on Monday night, though we do not yet know the reason, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: It is possible that he is just getting a rest, but there is also the possibility that there could be something going on with his wrist. Stay tuned for an update. |
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| Carpenter to visit with doctors | Monday 8/11, 4:54 PM CT |
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The Cardinals feel good story might not have a happy ending as Chris Carpenter is headed back to St. Louis to meet with team doctors on Tuesday about the pain in his arm, according to the St. Louis Post Dispatch.
Our View: Early tests seem to indicate that all is well with his rotator cuff and his surgically repaired elbow, but it seems like the spin that was being put out there that everything was fine isn't accurate. He could still make his next start, but it seems rather unlikely at this point. |
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| Twins sign Kielty | Monday 8/11, 4:49 PM CT |
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Bobby Kielty's winding major league career will take him back to Minnesota as he signed a minor league contract with the club and was assigned to Triple-A Rochester, according to the Star Tribune.
Our View: Kielty, who played for the Twins in 2001-03, was hitting .228/.348/.391 at Triple-A Pawtucket before his release from the Red Sox organization. At this point he could end up with some at-bats given the injury to Michael Cuddyer, but he isn't anything more than a potential pickup in deep AL-only leagues. |
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| Davis AL Rookie of the Month | Monday 8/11, 4:42 PM CT |
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Chris Davis was named the AL Rookie of the Month after hitting .303-8-16 in July, according to the Miami Herald. The eighth home runs lead all rookies on the month and helped to lead to a .983 OPS.
Our View: Davis has clearly brushed aside all thoughts of a demotion if/when Hank Blalock ever returns from the disabled list. Look for Davis to continue to hit for power though it would be a surprise to see his average remain near .300. |
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| Stewart NL Rookie of the Month | Monday 8/11, 4:38 PM CT |
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Ian Stewart was named the NL Rookie of the Month for July after leading NL Rookies with a .432 average and 15 RBI, according to the Miami Herald. Stewart also hit a home run and five doubles leading to a .614 SLG and a .519 OBP.
Our View: Stewart will continue to play on most days with Todd Helton sidelined opening up a spot in the daily lineup, especially when he is hitting like this. |
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| Olsen on track to start | Monday 8/11, 4:31 PM CT |
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Scott Olsen threw a bullpen session on Monday and reported little pain in his injured ankle and as a result will make his next start on Thursday, according to the Florida Sun Sentinel. "Felt fine," he said. "I'll be out there for sure."
Our View: Olsen continues to post average ratios (4.04 ERA, 1.31 WHIP) and a middling K/9 mark (4.90), so even though it's good news that he will make his next start, it's not like you should be doing cartwheels over the fact that he will be on the hill to face the Cardinals. |
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| Stomach virus halts Bradley | Monday 8/11, 3:58 PM CT |
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Milton Bradley returned to the starting lineup Sunday after his bout with a strained left quad, but he was unable to finish the game due to a stomach virus, according to the Star-Telegram.
Our View: Manager Ron Washington indicated that Bradley will return at some some point during a three-game series at Boston, which starts Tuesday. |
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| Corey awaiting decision | Monday 8/11, 3:51 PM CT |
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The Padres did not place Bryan Corey on the DL Sunday after he sustained a mild hamstring strain while pitching Saturday night, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Corey worked out on an exercise bike, although he was unavailable to pitch. He will be re-evaluated in San Diego and the Padres will make a decision before Tuesday.
Our View: Over his past eight appearances, Corey has allowed 13 earned runs on 14 hits and three walks over a mere 5.2 innings, and fantasy owners will not miss him if he ultimately lands on the DL. |
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| Matsui running bases | Monday 8/11, 3:24 PM CT |
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Hideki Matsui, who is recovering from a swollen left knee, ran the bases for the first time Monday since being sidelined in late June by the injury, according to the Journal News.
Our View: He could start playing in minor league rehab games soon, and feels he is making favorable progress every day. Matsui should remain stashed on fantasy rosters, and could provide a boost for the stretch run, as he was hitting .323 with 34 RBI over 69 games this season.
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| Newman recalled | Monday 8/11, 3:10 PM CT |
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Josh Newman has been recalled from Triple-A Omaha, according to the KC Star. He replaces Horacio Ramirez on the roster, who was traded to the White Sox Saturday.
Our View: Newman allowed nine earned runs, 15 hits, and six walks over 8.2 innings in the majors this season, and does not merit fantasy consideration as a middle reliever. |
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| Joba to begin throwing Wednesday | Monday 8/11, 3:04 PM CT |
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Joba Chamberlain, who is recovering from rotator cuff tendinitis, will begin a throwing program Wednesday (moved up from Friday), according to the AP. He said, "Play catch and just go from there."
Our View: Barring a setback, he could re-join the Yankees by the end of August, but the Yankees will remain cautious with his recovery. |
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| Byrd named AL Player of Week | Monday 8/11, 2:33 PM CT |
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Marlon Byrd has been named the AL Player of the Week, according to the AP. He batted .571 (16-for-28) with two home runs and eight RBI, and had multiple hits in six of seven games.
Our View: It is the first career weekly honor for the 30-year-old Byrd. He should remain active in the Rangers' lineup with David Murphy on the DL. |
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| Lee named NL Player of Week | Monday 8/11, 2:24 PM CT |
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Carlos Lee has been named the NL Player of the Week, according to the AP. Lee led the NL with a .550 average (11-for-20), and a 1.100 slugging percentage, as well as a.640 on-base percentage. He tied for the league lead with 11 RBI.
Our View: Lee still leads the NL with 100 RBI, and it is unfortunate that he is likely to miss the remainder of the season with a fractured left pinkie. |
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| Stewart released | Monday 8/11, 2:01 PM CT |
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Shannon Stewart has been released by the Jays, according to the AP. The 34-year-old Stewart sprained his right ankle when he stumbled over first base while running out a grounder June 7 against Baltimore. He was placed on the 15-day DL the following day and has not played since.
Our View: Stewart was a disappointment over 52 games this season, as he held a .240 batting average with only ome homer and 14 RBI. |
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| Dunn claimed by D-Backs | Monday 8/11, 1:51 PM CT |
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DBacks.com reports that Adam Dunn has been acquired from the Reds. Dunn is expected to start in right field. The Diamondbacks are giving up three prospects in the deal, minor league pitcher Dallas Buck and two other players to be named later. There are also cash considerations in the deal.
Our View: Dunn's home run rate could be compromised by playing his home games in Arizona, while leaving the Great American Ballpark, but Arizona does have upcoming trips to Colorado and Houston, and back to Colorado and St. Louis down the stretch in September. |
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| Perkins to make start tonight | Monday 8/11, 1:43 PM CT |
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Glen Perkins will make tonight’s scheduled start against the Yankees after tending to the birth of his second child, according to the Star Tribune.
Our View: Perkins left the Twins on Sunday in Kansas City to be with his wife, Alisha, who had gone into labor in the Twin Cities. Nick Blackburn was prepared to start in Perkins’ place tonight, but indication from the Metrodome today is that all went well with the birth.
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| No timetable for Price | Monday 8/11, 1:37 PM CT |
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Top pitching prospect David Price has been promoted to Triple-A Durham but there is no timetable as to when he may make his debut with the Rays, according to the St. Petersburg Times. Manager Joe Maddon said, "We just wanted to see him get involved there a little bit. We have several different scenarios that we've kind of created mentally and see how it all plays out."
Our View: Maddon noted that he could be called up before September 1, but added that it is possible he would work out of the bullpen. |
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| Longoria may return Tuesday | Monday 8/11, 1:33 PM CT |
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The Rays are cautiously optimistic that Evan Longoria, who is nursing a sore right wrist, will return to the lineup Tuesday, according to the St. Petersburg Times.
Our View: Longoria said he felt much better but will test the wrist before the game Tuesday and might need one more day.
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| Jackson comments on success | Monday 8/11, 1:30 PM CT |
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Edwin Jackson has won four straight starts and commented on his successful 2008 campaign, according to the St. Petersburg Times. Jackson said, "I can look back on last year and this year and it's a complete difference. But at the same time last year helped me get to where I am now. Once you feel like you've been as low as you can get, there's nothing else to lose, so shoot for the moon."
Our View: Jackson has also allowed two or less earned runs in four of his last six starts, and should remain active in fantasy lineups while he is in command. |
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| Laffey has spot waiting for him | Monday 8/11, 1:13 PM CT |
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Manager Eric Wedge noted that Aaron Laffey has a spot in the Indians' rotation waiting for him, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Wedge said, "We're going to give him time to make sure he gets where he needs to be."
Our View: He helped in his bid to return, as he fired eight scoreless innings for Triple-A Buffalo Saturday. |
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| Wilson to undergo surgery | Monday 8/11, 1:02 PM CT |
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C.J. Wilson is going to have season-ending surgery on his ailing left elbow this week, according to MLB.com. Wilson made the decision after further tests revealed he was dealing with both bone spurs and bone chips in the elbow. There are no muscular issues that would keep Wilson out for an extended period of time, meaning he should be ready for Spring Training. Wilson said, "I'm really looking forward to next year, that's the biggest thing. This year I have been handicapped the whole time. I probably should have had this done at the end of last year. I drove the wheels off that car and now it's time to get a new one."
Our View: Wilson racked up 24 saves this season, but held a 13.00 ERA over his last 11 outings before landing on the DL. Eddie Guardado is currently working as the closer in Texas. |
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| Slaten expected to be activated | Monday 8/11, 11:58 AM CT |
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Doug Slaten is expected to be activated from the DL Tuesday following his bout with a strained right knee, according to the East Valley Tribune.
Our View: The D-Backs' will be pleased to get the lefty back in their bullpen. He is not a favorable fantasy reliever however, as he holds a 4.55 ERA and 1.34 WHIP over 27.2 innings, with only 15 strikeouts. |
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| Wilson remains out | Monday 8/11, 11:51 AM CT |
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Jack Wilson remains out of the Pirates' lineup Monday due to tightness in his right shoulder, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. He said, "Yesterday, it felt pretty good. I thought I'd be able to go today. But it hurts. It didn't progress the way I'd hoped it would."
Our View: He isn't able to throw properly, and could land on the DL if he doesn't recover soon. Luis Rivas replaces him at shortstop today. |
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| Sanchez out of lineup | Monday 8/11, 11:47 AM CT |
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Freddy Sanchez is out of Monday's lineup due to his shoulder ailment, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Our View: Sanchez had an ice pack strapped to his right shoulder this morning. He has been hitting well as of late, with three multi-hit efforts over his last seven games. |
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