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| Dickerson will only play against righties | Wednesday 8/13, 11:45 PM CT |
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Reds outfielder Chris Dickerson, a left-handed hitter, will only play against right-handed pitchers because he struggles against southpaws, according to Reds.com. "Dickerson has had some problems with lefties in the Minors," Reds manger Dusty Baker said.
Our View: Dickerson was just called up and he went 1-for-4 with a stolen base in Tuesday's game. He will be in a platoon with right-handed hitter Jolbert Cabrera, limiting his already flimsy fantasy value. |
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| Berry has hit in 30 straight | Wednesday 8/13, 11:15 PM CT |
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Phillies prospect Quintin Berry got a base hit in tonight's game for Advanced Single-A Clearwater to extend his hitting streak to 30 games, the longest in the minor leagues this season, according to Phillies.com.
Our View: Berry was ranked as one of the Phillies top 30 prospects by Baseball America, and the former fifth-round draft pick has been showing why. His best asset, and something that has certainly helped this streak, is his speed. He has stolen 44 bases so far this season. |
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| Drew gets two base knocks | Wednesday 8/13, 11:01 PM CT |
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Stephen Drew went 2-for-5 as Arizona's leadoff hitter, scoring a run and picking up an RBI while hitting his 30th double of the year in his squad's 6-5 loss to the Rockies.
Our View: Drew is definitely a guy you can put on fantasy teams, especially if he can just bump that average up a smidgen. However, the real payoff may come next year if Drew makes the leap into the elite class that many believe he is capable of. |
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| Francis shows improvement | Wednesday 8/13, 10:58 PM CT |
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Rockies pitcher Jeff Francis did not factor into the decision, but he did throw a solid game, which was a vast improvement from previous starts. Francis went six innings and allowed three runs in the Rockies win over Arizona.
Our View: Francis has been dreadful this season after such a solid year in 2007. He does not belong in fantasy leagues right now, but he does possess enough talent that he could be a factor later in the season should he straighten out. |
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| Rauch takes loss | Wednesday 8/13, 10:55 PM CT |
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Jon Rauch got the loss by allowing two runs on Brad Hawpe's two-run home run in the eighth inning, as the Diamondbacks lost to Colorado 6-5.
Our View: Rauch has a 5.14 ERA in August, though he also has three holds during the month. If you are in a league that uses that statistic, he is certainly a valuable performer. Otherwise, fantasy teams can do without him. |
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| Hawpe has big night | Wednesday 8/13, 10:52 PM CT |
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Brad Hawpe went 3-for-3 with his 19th home run of the season and three RBI to help lead the Rockies past Arizona by a score of 6-5.
Our View: Hawpe is 5-for-12 with two home runs and five RBI in his last three games, and he seems to be really locked in lately, which should please fantasy owners. |
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| Spilborghs nearing return date | Wednesday 8/13, 10:48 PM CT |
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Ryan Spilborghs took some swings in a batting cage as he continues to rehab his left oblique strain, but maintained that there was no timetable for his return, according to the Rocky Mountain News.
Our View: Spilborghs was having a very solid season with a .314 batting average, six home runs and seven RBI. He wasn't a mixed league option, but those in NL-only leagues may have given him a look. |
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| Barton ready to return | Wednesday 8/13, 10:26 PM CT |
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Cardinals outfielder Brian Barton is with the team and ready to return from his stint on the DL, according to StLCardinals.com.
Our View: Barton is hitting .246 in limited at-bats and is not a fantasy option. |
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| Berkman 1-for-3 | Wednesday 8/13, 10:05 PM CT |
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Lance Berkman went 1-for-3 with a run, RBI, walk and strikeout to help lead the Astros to a 6-2 win over the Giants.
Our View: Berkman is having a rough month, and is hitting just .222 in August. The good news is he has two home runs in his last four games, but has just one multi-hit game this month. |
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| Wolf wins | Wednesday 8/13, 10:02 PM CT |
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Randy Wolf saw his record go to 8-10, helping lead the Astros to a 6-2 win over San Francisco with a seven inning, six hit, two earned run performance.
Our View: Wolf had been a solid fantasy contributor in the past, but he isn't consistent enough for owners to be able to depend on him at this point. |
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| Zito loses again | Wednesday 8/13, 9:59 PM CT |
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Barry Zito lost game number 15 on the season as he went 5.2 innings, allowing six earned runs on four hits and five walks in the team's loss to Houston.
Our View: Zito's nightmare of a season continues, and he now has 83 strikeouts compared to 80 walks on the year. |
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| Langerhans leaves game | Wednesday 8/13, 9:53 PM CT |
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Ryan Langerhans left tonight's game against the Mets early because of lower back stiffness, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Langerhans has little fantasy value, as he is hitting just .261 on the year with one home run and six RBI. |
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| Victorino out of lineup | Wednesday 8/13, 9:49 PM CT |
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Shane Victorino was out of tonight's lineup against the Dodgers because of a stiff back, according to Phillies.com.
Our View: Victorino is valuable both to his team and fantasy owners, and the good news is the injury isn't considered serious. He could be out for a few days, though. |
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| Glaus has four hits | Wednesday 8/13, 9:35 PM CT |
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Troy Glaus had a great night, going 4-for-4 with one run scored, one RBI and a walk to help lead the Cardinals in their victory over the Marlins.
Our View: Tonight saw Glaus' August batting average jump 64 points from .231 to .295. Keep him in the lineup, as he will always be a streaky hitter, but one that can provide power. |
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| Nolasco solid | Wednesday 8/13, 9:31 PM CT |
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Ricky Nolasco was solid in his effort against St. Louis tonight. He went six innings, and though he gave up 10 hits, he surrendered just two earned runs and struck out five.
Our View: Nolasco is certainly worthy of a roster spot on fantasy squads. He has good strikeout totals, a solid WHIP, 11 wins and an ERA that remains under 4.00. |
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| Perez picks up five-out save | Wednesday 8/13, 9:29 PM CT |
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Chris Perez may not have been officially announced as the Cardinals closer, but make no mistake about it, that's exactly what he is. Perez went 1.2 innings to get his third save of the season in the Cardinals 6-4 win over Florida.
Our View: Perez can now claim the spot as closer, likely for the rest of the season. If Tony LaRussa didn't trust him, he would not have put him out there to get five outs in an important game. |
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| Johnson strikes out twice | Wednesday 8/13, 9:26 PM CT |
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Second baseman Kelly Johnson did his part to contribute to the Braves 8-0 loss by going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts against the Cubs.
Our View: Johnson is having a decent August, but his high volume of strikeouts should be concerning to fantasy owners. He has struck out in 38% of his at-bats this month. |
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| Ramirez gets two RBI | Wednesday 8/13, 9:23 PM CT |
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Cubs slugger Aramis Ramirez went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI in Chicago's 8-0 win over Atlanta.
Our View: Ramirez is having a great year and is tearing it up in August with a batting average of .343, which should instill confidence in fantasy owners who saw him hit just .228 in July. |
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| Campillo loses | Wednesday 8/13, 9:20 PM CT |
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Jorge Campillo lost his fifth game of the season by allowing Chicago five runs on seven hits in seven innings in the Cubs 8-0 win over Atlanta.
Our View: This is two rocky starts in a row, and Campillo's ERA is now above 3.00. Continue using him in fantasy play unless he really starts to fall apart. |
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| Harden gets win | Wednesday 8/13, 9:18 PM CT |
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Rich Harden picked up his second win with Chicago by throwing five shutout innings and allowing just two hits in the Cubs 8-0 blowout of Atlanta. Harden walked five and struck out two.
Our View: Harden has been fantastic for the Cubs since they acquired him, and despite his control issues tonight, he remains a valuable fantasy contributor. |
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| Maine allows one hit | Wednesday 8/13, 9:15 PM CT |
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In his first start since coming off the disabled list, Mets pitcher John Maine went five innings, allowing just one hit while walking four and striking out six and earning his tenth win of the year in New York's 12-0 victory over Washington.
Our View: Okay, so he did this against the Nationals, one of the worst offensive teams in baseball, but it was still an impressive performance. If you hadn't activated him in your fantasy team yet, don't hesitate to do so. |
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| Bergmann rocked | Wednesday 8/13, 9:12 PM CT |
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Jason Bergmann was crushed by the New York Mets, pitching just three innings and allowing 10 runs (six earned) on eight hits and six walks in the Mets 12-0 demolition of Washington.
Our View: Bergmann hasn't pitched too bad this season, but this was a dreadful performance. His two wins make him ineligible for consideration in fantasy leagues of any format. |
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| Guzman goes oh-fer | Wednesday 8/13, 9:10 PM CT |
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Cristian Guzman went 0-for-4 with a strikeout in the Nats 12-0 loss to the New York Mets. He left four runners on base and also made an error.
Our View: Guzman was one of Washington's only fantasy options, but he is struggling lately with a .172 average in August. |
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| Tatis goes deep | Wednesday 8/13, 9:07 PM CT |
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Fernando Tatis hit a home run in a 2-for-5 effort, helping lead the Mets to an easy 12-0 victory over Washington.
Our View: Tatis' surprising season continues, and he remains a solid option in fantasy leagues. |
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| Lincecum to start Sunday | Wednesday 8/13, 8:40 PM CT |
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Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum says he will make his next scheduled start on Sunday against the Braves, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Good news for the Giants and great news for fantasy owners of Lincecum, who has been fabulous this season in every aspect. |
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| Phillips does not get a hit | Wednesday 8/13, 8:35 PM CT |
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Brandon Phillips went 0-for-4 to contribute to his team's 5-2 loss to Pittsburgh.
Our View: Phillips' batting average dropped below .200 for the month of August, and he is struggling with his plate discipline with an OBP under .270. |
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| LaRoche continues to struggle | Wednesday 8/13, 8:33 PM CT |
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Andy LaRoche is still struggling after his move to Pittsburgh from L.A., and his 0-for-3 performance in Pittsburgh's 5-2 win over the Reds moved his average down to .176.
Our View: LaRoche was a hot fantasy option after being shipped to the Pirates, but needless to say, that fervor has died down, and he is hitting only .115 in August. |
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| Fogg ineffective | Wednesday 8/13, 8:30 PM CT |
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Josh Fogg threw another ineffective game, going 4.2 innings, surrendering four earned runs on six hits in his team's 5-2 loss to Pittsburgh.
Our View: Fogg has been bad this season, and believe it or not, his ERA actually dropped after this performance, from 7.98 to 7.96. |
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| Maholm wins | Wednesday 8/13, 8:28 PM CT |
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Pirates hurler Paul Maholm won his eighth game of the season by throwing eight innings, giving up two earned runs and striking out five in the team's 5-2 win over Cincinnati.
Our View: Four out of Maholm's last five starts have been dazzling. He has a 2.25 ERA during that time, and if you take out the one start where he gave up five earned runs, his ERA is 1.20. He is certainly an option for mixed fantasy leagues. |
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| Matsui is out | Wednesday 8/13, 8:21 PM CT |
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Kazuo Matsui is still out due to a sore back, and it is unknown if he will be ready to play this weekend during the Astros series versus Arizona, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Matsui is a decent fantasy option due to his stolen base potential, so if you have him in your lineup, be sure to monitor his situation. He has had a sore back from time to time throughout his career, so it's not likely a serious injury. |
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| Jones out of lineup | Wednesday 8/13, 8:18 PM CT |
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Chipper Jones was held out of the Braves lineup for tonight's affair against Chicago due to a stomach virus, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Jones should be okay and ready to help fantasy owners in no time. |
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| Pirates not close with Alvarez | Wednesday 8/13, 8:03 PM CT |
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The Pittsburgh Pirates may not get a deal done with the second overall pick in the draft, Vanderbilt infielder Pedro Alvarez, as the two sides are quite a distance apart in negotiations, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Alvarez is a Scott Boras client, and he clearly will want a huge sum. "We're not going to give all that money to a player who has yet to take a swing in professional baseball," Pirates president Frank Coonelly said. The deadline to get a deal done is August 15, and if it does not happen, they would get the third overall pick next season. |
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| Thompson will make start | Wednesday 8/13, 7:18 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier story, Brad Thompson will make the start on Friday in place of Chris Carpenter, who is out with a shoulder strain, according to StLCardinals.com.
Our View: Thompson has decent numbers having been used as both a reliever and starter this season. Still, they are not good enough to warrant a spot on fantasy teams. |
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| Slaten off DL | Wednesday 8/13, 7:14 PM CT |
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Left-handed reliever Doug Slaten was activated from the 15-day disabled list, and Billy Buckner was sent down to make room on the roster, according to The Sports Network.
Our View: Slaten is a situational lefty who has no value as it pertains to fantasy baseball. |
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| Atkins out of lineup | Wednesday 8/13, 6:52 PM CT |
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Garrett Atkins will miss his second game in as many nights tonight due to a case of strep throat, according to the Denver Post. It is probable that he will miss Thursday's game as well.
Our View: Atkins should be back and ready to go by the weekend, but for the time being, make your lineup adjustments as necessary. |
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| Pads claim Falkenborg | Wednesday 8/13, 6:50 PM CT |
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The San Diego Padres have claimed Brian Falkenborg off waivers from the Dodgers, according to Scout.com
Our View: Falkenborg has a 6.17 ERA in 11.2 innings and has no fantasy value. |
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| Soriano upset with being thrown at by Braves | Wednesday 8/13, 5:46 PM CT |
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After engaging in a beanball war for the past couple seasons with the Cubs, the Atlanta Braves threw another pitch that got close to Alfonso Soriano in today's game, and he is not particularly pleased about it, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. `Yeah, they like to do that. It’s part of the game. We can’t do anything about it. But we’ve got some pitchers who can throw at hitters, too," Soriano said.
Our View: The incident happened in today's game, which the Cubs won 10-2 and which also happened to be the first part of a double header. We'll see if there is any extra-curricular business tonight, and it sounds like if it were up to Soriano, there would be. |
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| Jackson bludgeons Francis | Wednesday 8/13, 5:22 PM CT |
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If you have Conor Jackson on your fantasy squad, double and triple check that he is active tnight. The reason being is that usually when he faces off against Colorado hurler Jeff Francis, he abuses him. Jackson is hitting .375 (12-for-32) with four home runs off the lefty. He also has two doubles and ten RBI off of him, with a slugging percentage of .813.
Our View: You gotta love that if you are a fantasy owner. Jackson has had a very solid year this season and looks to continue that tonight against one of his favorite pitchers to hit off of. |
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| Ishikawa, two others promoted | Wednesday 8/13, 5:15 PM CT |
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There is no time like the present for a struggling team to take a gander at the future of the club, and that's exactly what the San Francisco Giants are doing, according to the San Jose Mercury News. The Giants recalled first baseman Travis Ishikawa, third baseman Ryan Rohlinger and catcher Pablo Sandoval today.
Our View: Ishikawa was having a solid year by hitting nearly .300 with 16 home runs in the minors. Rohlinger was hitting .290 with 13 bombs, but the best numbers belong to Sandoval. He was hitting a combined .350 with 20 home runs and 96 RBI for the year in two different minor league stops. Sandoval, especially, will be someone that fantasy owners should keep an eye on to see what kind of playing time he gets, and how he is producing. |
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| Giants shake up roster | Wednesday 8/13, 5:10 PM CT |
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The San Francisco Giants underwent a major roster change, sending first baseman John Bowker and catcher Steve Holm to Triple-A while designating third baseman Jose Castillo for assignment, according to the San Jose Mercury News.
Our View: Bowker and Castillo each had on-base percentages under .300, while Holm was moved so the team could take a look at promising catcher Pablo Sandoval. |
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| Wright has bad match-up | Wednesday 8/13, 4:47 PM CT |
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Mets third baseman David Wright does not have a quality match-up tonight when he and his squad face off against the Nationals and hurler Jason Bergmann. Wright is only 1-for-14 in his career off Bergmann, and has been struck out six times.
Our View: Wright has a seven-game hitting streak going, so one of these trends will come to a halt. Fantasy owners should keep him in their lineup, but don't be surprised if he has a difficult time of it this evening. |
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| Wagner begins rehab assignment | Wednesday 8/13, 4:29 PM CT |
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Mets closer Billy Wagner is starting his rehab assignment with 20 pitches tomorrow for New York's Double-A affiliate in Binghamton, according to MetsBlog.com.
Our View: Wagner will throw a couple times and then will be activated on Monday and put back in as the team's closer. |
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| Kotchman has tough day at plate | Wednesday 8/13, 3:58 PM CT |
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Casey Kotchman had a tough day at the plate in Wednesday's 10-2 loss to the Cubs, as he went 0-for-4 with a strikeout, while leaving two men on base.
Our View: His struggles with Atlanta continue, as he has now gone hitless in two straight games, and only has one hit over his last three outings. |
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| Morton dealt loss at home | Wednesday 8/13, 3:53 PM CT |
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Charlie Morton surrendered four earned runs on four hits over a mere 2.1 innings of work in Wednesday's disheartening 10-2 loss to the Cubs at home, with four walks and three strikeouts.
Our View: He has now lost four of his last five starts, and should only be considered in deeper NL-only leagues. |
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| Soto leads Cubs to victory | Wednesday 8/13, 3:50 PM CT |
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Geovany Soto led the Cubs in Wednesday's 10-2 win over Atlanta, as he went 3-for-5 with four RBI. He hit a single, a double, and a two-run homer.
Our View: He raised his average a few points to .285 and now has 18 homers and 67 RBI over 110 games. He has registered multiple hits in three of his last four outings, and snapped a 13-game drought without a homer. |
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| Marquis claims eighth win | Wednesday 8/13, 3:45 PM CT |
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Jason Marquis issued two earned runs on six hits over 5.1 innings in Wednesday's 10-2 win over the Braves in Atlanta, with two walks and one strikeout.
Our View: Marquis improves his record to 8-7 and trimmed his ERA to 4.67. He has won two straight starts, but is still best suited for deeper NL-only leagues, as he is too inconsistent to count on. |
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| Podsednik given clearance | Wednesday 8/13, 2:49 PM CT |
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Scott Podsednik was given clearance to begin swinging a bat on Tuesday and hopes to be on a minor league rehab assignment by this weekend, according to the Rocky Mountain News. He has been out since July 28 with a fractured little finger on his left hand.
Our View: Barring a setback, he would be on pace to be ready to rejoin the Rockies' active roster next week in Los Angeles. He would serve as a backup in the Rockies' outfield, but would be worth a look in deeper NL-only leagues if you gravely need help in the speed department, as he notched 10 stolen bases this season. |
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| Samardzija could start Sunday? | Wednesday 8/13, 2:10 PM CT |
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Jeff Samardzija may make his first start with the Cubs on Sunday, according to MLB.com. Because of Wednesday's doubleheader, the Cubs have to tweak the rotation for the upcoming series in Florida and may call upon Jeff Samardzija for Sunday. He said, "It'd be great. What day did Lou Piniella say? Sunday? It'll be hot."
Our View: Samardzija has fared well as a reliever with the Cubs this season, and would be worth starting in NL-only leagues as a sleeper if he gets the call for Sunday. |
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| Lincecum has bruised knee | Wednesday 8/13, 1:34 PM CT |
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Tim Lincecum sustained a bruised right knee during Tuesday's game against the Astros, according to the AP.
Our View: X-rays showed no fracture and Lincecum was walking without difficulty in the locker room following the game. The Giants are not sure if their ace will be able to make his next scheduled start, but they know the injury could have been worse.
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| Muniz sent down | Wednesday 8/13, 1:31 PM CT |
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Carlos Muniz has been sent down to Triple-A New Orleans, according to the NY Post. He was sent down to make room for John Maine to come off the DL.
Our View: Muniz held little fantasy value as a reliever, with a 5.40 ERA and 1.33 WHIP over 23.1 innings, with only 16 strikeouts. |
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| Proctor unlikely to return before Sept. | Wednesday 8/13, 1:27 PM CT |
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Manager Joe Torre believes Scott Proctor is unlikely to return before September, according to the LA Times. Proctor is battling right elbow tendinitis.
Our View: Proctor is not worthy holding onto in anything but deeper fantasy leagues that use middle men. |
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| Wood close to relaiming closer's role | Wednesday 8/13, 1:21 PM CT |
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Skipper Lou Piniella stated that Kerry Wood will make one more appearance in a non-save situation before returning to the closer's role with the Cubs, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Piniella said, "We're going to give him one more tightener. Kerry basically feels that he's ready, and he probably is. But we want to give him one more appearance."
Our View: He is not dealing with any back issues, and his finger is believed to be fine. Barring a setback, Wood should be ready to place back into fantasy lineups next week as the Cubs' closer. |
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| Rays not interested in Bonds | Wednesday 8/13, 12:45 PM CT |
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Despite losing Carl Crawford, outfielder Barry Bonds still isn't on the Rays' radar, according to the St. Petersburg Times. The team is also without Evan Longoria right now, but the team is confident they can keep winning, and Eric Hinske said, "Shoot, we don't feel like we're going to start losing a lot because they're gone. We're going to miss them, for sure, but we'll be fine."
Our View: The team will compensate by giving Willy Aybar most of the playing time at third base, with Ben Zobrist and Eric Hinske chipping in. They will also platoon in left and right field, with Justin Ruggiano, Rocco Baldelli, Hinske, and Gabe Gross. |
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| Feliz still a week away | Wednesday 8/13, 12:20 PM CT |
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Pedro Feliz, who is on the DL while recovering from back inflammation, is still at least a week away from rejoining the Phiilies, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. Feliz will take batting practice in Florida today, then move on to fielding ground balls later in the week. The Phillies hope he will make his first rehab appearance early next week
Our View: Feliz will provide depth in NL-only leagues when he returns, as he has 12 homers and 46 RBI over 99 games. |
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| Nix recalled | Wednesday 8/13, 12:07 PM CT |
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Laynce Nix has been recalled from Triple-A Nashville, according to the AP. Russell Branyan was placed on the 15-day DL as the corresponding move.
Our View: Nix shouldn't see much action unless Ryan Braun lands on the DL with his ribcage injury. In that case, Nix would platoon with Gabe Kapler in left field. |
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| Branyan placed on DL | Wednesday 8/13, 12:03 PM CT |
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Russell Branyan has been placed on the 15-day DL due to a right oblique strain, according to the AP. Layne Nix was recalled from Triple-A Nashville to replace Branyan on the roster.
Our View: Branyan, who served as a utility man this season, batted .252 with 12 homers over 20 RBI over 48 games. |
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| Seanez on pace to return | Wednesday 8/13, 11:28 AM CT |
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Rudy Seanez, who is on the DL while recovering from right shoulder inflammation, threw a scoreless inning in his first minor league rehab appearance Monday at Triple-A, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. He showed no ill effects after throwing 11 pitches in the inning.
Our View: He is slated to pitch again tonight and is expected to rejoin the Phillies Saturday in San Diego. He only allowed 13 earned runs over 32.2 innings, but walks too many batters, as he holds a 1.62 WHIP. |
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| Mock moving to bullpen | Wednesday 8/13, 10:27 AM CT |
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Manager Manny Acta noted that Garrett Mock will be demoted to the bullpen following his poor outing in the rotation Monday, according to the Washington Post. GM Jim Bowden said, "Garrett has shown flashes of brilliance. Whether he ends up a third starter, a fourth starter or in the bullpen, he has quality major league stuff and he'll keep getting better."
Our View: He racked up nine strikeouts Monday against Milwaukee, but issued four earned runs over 4.2 innings, with three walks. Mock should be pleased to pitch in the bullpen rather than get sent down to the minors. |
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| Hairston's status unchanged | Wednesday 8/13, 9:30 AM CT |
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Jerry Hairston Jr. is better, but still not good enough to start, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Manager Dusty Baker said, "I just don't think he's quite to point where he thinks he is, ready to play center field every day. He's better. He's closer. Whenever you've been injured, you've got to get past the psychological part."
Our View: The Reds are being very cautious because they're dealing with a hamstring problem with a player whose game revolves around speed.
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| LaRoche expected back today | Wednesday 8/13, 8:54 AM CT |
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Adam LaRoche is expected to return to the Pirates today after playing a second rehab game Tuesday night, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Manager John Russell said LaRoche has had no issue with the pulled rib muscle that has kept him out since July 27.
Our View: LaRoche is worth consideration in mixed leagues, as he registered multiple hits in three of his last five games prior to landing on the DL, with three homers over the span. |
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| Wilson could be back tonight | Wednesday 8/13, 8:49 AM CT |
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Jack Wilson missed a fifth game due to tendinitis in his right shoulder, but did extensive throwing in the infield Tuesday during practice, and could be ready to return to action tonight against Cincinnati, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View: It appears that he will avoid a stint on the DL. He should still ride the pine in fantasy leagues, as he only mustered two hits over his last six games (18 at-bats). |
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| Sanchez has inflamed rotator cuff | Wednesday 8/13, 8:44 AM CT |
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Freddy Sanchez has an inflamed rotator cuff in his right shoulder, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He is optimistic he will not require a second surgery in as many off-seasons to address it. He missed his third straight start Tuesday because of soreness in his ailing shoulder, but stated that this injury, as well as the pain that derailed his spring training, is not related to the minor surgery he had last September on the same shoulder. That was a simple cleanup of the joint near the cuff. He added, "This is just going to take some rest and rehab when we get to the off-season. I'll have a chance to really get it strong and be ready."
Our View: He did extensive throwing during infield practice Tuesday, and could be able to play tonight against the Reds. |
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| D'Antona optioned | Wednesday 8/13, 8:10 AM CT |
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Jamie D'Antona has been optioned to Triple-A Tucson to make room for slugger Adam Dunn on the roster, according to the Arizona Republic.
Our View: D'Antona failed to make an impact over his brief stint with Arizona, and was viewed as expendable to free up a roster spot for Dunn. |
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| Hudson has second surgery | Wednesday 8/13, 8:07 AM CT |
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Orlando Hudson underwent a second surgery on his dislocated left wrist, according to the Arizona Republic.
Our View: The second procedure was a success, and he is facing a three-month recovery, but that timetable could change once Hudson actually begins his rehab process. |
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| Thompson a candidate | Wednesday 8/13, 7:57 AM CT |
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Brad Thompson is a candidate for a spot start Friday if the ailing Chris Carpenter is unable to pitch, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The team would pick a starter internally and not recall a player from the minors.
Our View: Fellow reliever Jamie Garcia is also a candidate to start Friday, and skipper Tony LaRussa noted that how they're used in this four-game series against Florida will determine which pitcher is slated to make the start.
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| Wainwright update | Wednesday 8/13, 7:52 AM CT |
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Adam Wainwright will start Saturday for Double-A Springfield, and his pitch count will increase to 65 or 70 pitches, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The Cardinals pushed his start back one day and raised his pitch count to get him ready in case he's needed as a starting pitcher. Facing uncertainty with the ailing Chris Carpenter, the Cardinals want Wainwright to be available for either role, starter or, potentially closer. GM John Mozeliak said, "We want to keep everything on the table as an option. We decided we didn't want to get Wainwright in a position where he's throwing 25 pitches, 25 pitches and then, oh wait, we need him as a starter."
Our View: Either way, Wainwright is worth holding onto in larger mixed leagues and NL-only leagues. |
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| Manny continues to hit | Wednesday 8/13, 12:06 AM CT |
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Manny Ramirez continues to hit for Los Angeles, and he went 1-for-2 with a walk and an RBI in his team's victory over Philadelphia.
Our View: Ramirez now has a .476 average since being traded to the Dodgers. He also has four home runs and 14 RBI. Sooner or later, the NL will figure out it is simply safer to walk him every single at-bat. |
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| Utley homers | Wednesday 8/13, 12:03 AM CT |
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Chase Utley hit his second home run in three games and went 1-for-4 against the Dodgers.
Our View: Utley has clearly cooled off since his early season heroics, but he is still a great fantasy option, especially considering his position. |
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| Kershaw K's eight | Wednesday 8/13, 12:01 AM CT |
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Clayton Kershaw struck out eight hitters in six innings while surrendering three runs in his team's victory over Philadelphia.
Our View: Kershaw has found himself recently, and has struck out 24 batters in his last 25 innings. If he is available in whatever format your league is, go get him. |
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