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| Bradley back in lineup Monday | Monday 8/18, 11:57 PM CT |
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Milton Bradley was back in the lineup Monday after being a late scratch for the previous two games because of back and sinus problems, according to the AP. He had a double and scored a run in four at-bats.
Our View: Bradley will always be dinged up, which is a shame because he really has superb ability that will never be fully realized. |
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| Gomez benched again | Monday 8/18, 11:55 PM CT |
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Carlos Gomez was benched for the second game in a row Monday. The youngster has struck out 112 times and has a horrid .286 on-base percentage this year. "I want him to think about those things, and continue to work hard. He'll be fine. He's game on, no matter what we do," manager Ron Gardenhire said.
Our View: Gomez is usable in fantasy leagues that don't count OBP, but his lack of selectivity at the plate, if he doesn't improve, will hold him back from ever being a star. |
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| Everett will be available Tuesday | Monday 8/18, 11:50 PM CT |
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Adam Everett, who left Monday's game after being hit on the hand by a foul ball, had X-rays after the game, which were negative, according to the AP.
Our View: Everett is expected to be ready for Tuesday's game. |
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| Richard to start Thursday | Monday 8/18, 11:47 PM CT |
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Clayton Richard will start Thursday's game against the Mariners, manager Ozzie Guillen told the AP.
Our View: Richard has some impressive minor league digits this year, but his lack of success so far with the Sox makes him a questionable fantasy option, at best. |
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| No timetable for Crede's return | Monday 8/18, 11:44 PM CT |
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There is no timetable for the return of Joe Crede, who is on the DL with back inflammation, according to the AP. "You know what, to be honest, I come to the ballpark I don't ask about Joe Crede," manager Ozzie Guillen said. "I'm not going to say he's out of my mind, but he's out of my picture. That's the way I'm going about my job. I've got 25 problems, I don't need 26."
Our View: At this point we would be surprised if Crede is back at all this year. |
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| Rodney closes it out | Monday 8/18, 11:10 PM CT |
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Fernando Rodney picked up the save for the Tigers Monday, pitching 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief while striking out two batters.
Our View: Rodney has been terrific recently, picking up four saves while tossing nine scoreless innings with 13 strikeouts. |
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| Sheffield homers in Tigers' win | Monday 8/18, 11:05 PM CT |
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Gary Sheffield had three hits, including his 13th homer, in the Tigers' 8-7 win Monday.
Our View: That's three homers and eight RBI in seven games since Sheff was placed on waivers. |
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| Granderson tallies two triples | Monday 8/18, 10:59 PM CT |
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Curtis Granderson drove in a run with a triple in the seventh and three more with another triple in the eight Monday night. The four RBI give him 48 on the year.
Our View: Granderson's stolen bases have been down this year, but his owners have to be happy with the rest of his production. |
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| Washburn pelted for eight runs | Monday 8/18, 10:57 PM CT |
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Jarrod Washburn was blasted for eight runs on seven hits and two walks over 4 1/3 innings Monday in a blowout loss to the White Sox.
Our View: Think the M's wish they would've bartered Washburn when they could have? The lefty has a 7.36 ERA in four starts since the deadline. |
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| Ramirez has big night | Monday 8/18, 10:50 PM CT |
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Alexei Ramirez had a single and a three-run homer in Chicago's win over Seattle Monday. He drove in four on the night.
Our View: With Carlos Quentin and Jermaine Dye on the year, Ramirez's production sometimes gets overlooked, but he's been terrific, hitting .308 with 14 homers and nine steals. |
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| Blackburn goes eight in loss | Monday 8/18, 10:35 PM CT |
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Nick Blackburn was the loser Monday despite a nice effort. He allowed three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out two over eight innings.
Our View: Blackburn has been very steady for the Twinkies this year. His ERA and WHIP are now 3.71 and 1.28, repectively. |
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| Ziegler gets another save | Monday 8/18, 10:29 PM CT |
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Brad Ziegler allowed a run on two hits and a walk in two innings Monday but picked up another save. He now has a save in three of his last four appearances.
Our View: It's pretty clear that Ziegler is the team's closer now and not Huston Street, who hasn't had a save this month. |
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| Aybar continues hot hitting | Monday 8/18, 10:17 PM CT |
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Willy Aybar had three hits and scored two runs in the Rays' 6-4 win over the Angels Monday.
Our View: The Rays haven't missed Evan Longoria as much as they thought they would with how well Aybar has performed. He's batting .367 with three homers and seven RBI over the last eight games. |
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| Wheeler gets another save | Monday 8/18, 10:12 PM CT |
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Dan Wheeler picked up the save Monday for the second straight day, working a perfect ninth while striking out one in a 6-4 win over the Angels.
Our View: It appears that Wheeler is the man for saves while Troy Percival is sidelined. |
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| Willits could begin rehab Wednesday or Thursday | Monday 8/18, 10:10 PM CT |
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Reggie Willits could start a rehab assignment Wednesday or Thursday at Single-A Rancho Cucamonga, according to the AP. Willits is working his way back from a concussion.
Our View: Willits will likely be back in September. |
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| Guthrie solid in loss | Monday 8/18, 10:03 PM CT |
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Jeremy Guthrie walked five batters Monday but still managed a solid outing, giving up two runs and five hits while striking out four over seven innings. He was outdueled by Jon Lester, though, and picked up his ninth loss.
Our View: There might not be a more underrated pitcher in baseball than Guthrie. He lowered his ERA to 3.15 tonight and has a 1.16 WHIP to go along with it. |
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| Lester reaches a dozen wins | Monday 8/18, 9:58 PM CT |
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Jon Lester picked up his 12th win Monday, allowing just one run on four hits and a walk while striking out five over seven innings.
Our View: Clay Buchholz received most of the ink before the season as far as young Red Sox rookies go, but Lester has been far and away the better hurler of the two this year. |
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| Huff stars for O's Monday | Monday 8/18, 9:51 PM CT |
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Aubrey Huff homered and doubled, driving in all three runs for the Orioles Monday.
Our View: Huff now has a .304-27-87 line on the year and would be a terrific addition for any contender looking for offensive punch. |
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| Bay leads Sox to win | Monday 8/18, 9:47 PM CT |
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Jason Bay homered twice and added a single in Boston's 6-3 win Monday. He drove in four and added a stolen base, as well.
Our View: Bay is now hitting .348 with three homers and 16 RBI in 16 games with the Sox. |
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| Upton caught not hustling again | Monday 8/18, 9:28 PM CT |
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B.J. Upton was thrown out at second base Monday on what should have been an easy double had Upton been hustling, according to the AP. Upton hit a ball in the fourth inning that hit the wall on a hop. Apparently thinking it would be a home run, Upton jogged out of the box and towards an uncovered second base. But first baseman Mark Teixeira followed the play up the line and tagged Upton just before he touched second.
Our View: This is the fourth time Upton was caught not hustling, though this time he wasn't taken out of the game. Still, this is becoming a bad trend for the talented center fielder. |
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| Everett leaves with bruised hand | Monday 8/18, 9:16 PM CT |
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Adam Everett left Monday's game in the seventh inning with a bruised right hand. Brendan Harris replaced him in the lineup.
Our View: We'll update you on Everett's status when more is known. |
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| Lugo takes some swings | Monday 8/18, 9:12 PM CT |
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Julio Lugo was able to take some swings in the batting cage Monday for the first time since severely straining his left quad on July 11, according to MLB.com. "It feels good," said Lugo. "It took me a little [to get to this point]. I was stiff and hurting. Right now, I'm not feeling any pain. It feels good to be back in the hitting motion."
Our View: Lugo thinks he could go on a rehab assignment in about a week, and a Sept. 1 return date is realistic. |
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| Duchscherer exits with hip injury | Monday 8/18, 8:29 PM CT |
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Justin Duchscherer left Monday's game in the third inning with a strained right hip, according to SportsTicker. He was relieved by Kirk Saarloos. Before exiting, it appeared that Duchscherer said to head trainer Steve Sayles, "I can't, I tried I can't," and a few seconds later he said, "No way, I can't pitch through this. I can’t throw."
Our View: This doesn't sound good, especially when you consider Justin had surgery on his right hip last year. We'll give you an update on Duch's injury when more is known. |
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| Rays hope to have Longoria on Sept. 1 | Monday 8/18, 7:42 PM CT |
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The Rays are hoping that Evan Longoria will return to the team when rosters expand on September 1, according to MLB.com. Longoria has been out since August 7 with the injury. "The stiffness that's there now wasn't there before," Longoria said. "Like I said, I think it just took the time to set in and now I've just got to wait for it to heal."
Our View: We'll continue to track Longoria's rehab progress. |
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| Schilling leaning heavily toward retirement | Monday 8/18, 7:34 PM CT |
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Curt Schilling said in a recent blog entry that he's leaning "very heavily" toward retirement, according to the AP. The 41-year-old, who underwent season-ending shoulder surgery on June 23, added that his shoulder "is getting better fast" and "I've still got a rather lengthy amount of time before I decide anything."
Our View: Schilling is expected to wait until spring training before deciding anything. Given how self righteous he is, we're betting he doesn't want to go out on a sour note and will return, but who knows. |
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| Sarfate headed back to the pen | Monday 8/18, 7:27 PM CT |
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The Orioles have removed Dennis Sarfate from the rotation, according to the AP. He went 0-2 with a 10.34 ERA in four starts after making 49 relief appearances.
Our View: Moving Sarfate to the rotation never really made sense anyway. He has the potential to be a nice setup man, but he doesn't feature the repertoire to be a starter. |
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| Olson removed from rotation | Monday 8/18, 7:25 PM CT |
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Garrett Olson has been removed from the Orioles rotation and will pitch out of the bullpen, according to the AP. "I think I had to do something to be fair to the team and to be fair to Olson," manager Dave Trembley said. "Olson needs to get some success and be put in a situation that's not as stressful and pressure-packed as it would appear it's been for him his last three starts."
Our View: Trembley also removed Dennie Sarfate from the rotation. The manager has yet to name a replacement for either pitcher. |
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| LaPorta day-to-day after beaning | Monday 8/18, 6:05 PM CT |
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Matt LaPorta was taken to a hospital for precautionary tests after getting beaned in the head by a pitch Monday. All of the tests came back negative, according to MLB.com.
Our View: LaPorta is listed as day-to-day, but we would be shocked if he played anymore during the Olympics. |
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| Kinsler's season could be over | Monday 8/18, 5:56 PM CT |
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An MRI Monday revealed that Ian Kinsler has a sports hernia, and it's possible his season could be over, according to the Star-Telegram. Kinsler has been placed on the DL, and his roster spot will be filled by Joaquin Arias.
Our View: Obviously this is a huge blow to the Rangers and fantasy owners alike. Ramon Vazquez figures to see the bulk of the playing time at second. |
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| Pavano could start for Yanks Saturday | Monday 8/18, 5:51 PM CT |
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Carl Pavano could be back with the Yankees this weekend, when the team needs a fifth starter Saturday against the Orioles, according to the AP. Coming back from Tommy John surgery, Pavano allowed one run in six inning in his latest rehab start. "He's had no setbacks in his rehab at all," GM Brian Cashman said. "He's close to being ready for us, which is great."
Our View: Phil Hughes is the Yanks' other option for Saturday. Neither pitcher would deserve immediate fantasy consideration. |
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| Wells draws interest from Royals | Monday 8/18, 5:29 PM CT |
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The Royals are interested in Kip Wells, who was recently designated for assignment by the Rockies, according to the Denver Post.
Our View: Wells has been horrible in two starts this year but has been much better in relief. Still, it's puzzling why a team like the Royals would have interest. |
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| Phillies eying Ross | Monday 8/18, 5:24 PM CT |
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The Phillies are interested in the recently released David Ross, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.
Our View: Rosenthal speculates that the Phils could add Ross as a replacement for Carlos Ruiz right away, or they could send Ross to Triple-A and then bring him up when rosters expand. |
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| Drew held out with back stiffness | Monday 8/18, 5:13 PM CT |
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J.D. Drew is not in Monday's lineup because of back stiffness, according to the Providence Journal. He had to leave Sunday's game with the injury. "Hopefully we got him out soon enough where it doesn't completely lock up on him and we lose him for four or five days," said manager Terry Francona.
Our View: At this point this doesn't seem like a big deal, but you never know with Drew. He has had back issues a few times this year. |
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| Lowell returns home to rehab | Monday 8/18, 5:02 PM CT |
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Mike Lowell has returned home to Miami to continue his rehab, according to the Providence Journal. He will be at home for four days and conduct two-a-day workouts with his personal trainer. "He wanted to go and we have no problem," said manager Terry Francona. "We know what he's going to do." Lowell is coming back from a strained oblique.
Our View: It will be a while before Lowell is ready to return to the lineup. We'll keep you posted on his progress. |
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| Lugo progressing well | Monday 8/18, 4:58 PM CT |
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Julio Lugo is progressing well from his quad injury, according to the Providence Journal. He was sprinting in the outfield at Camden Yards before Monday's game and was also scheduled to take batting practice for the first time since injuring his leg on July 12. "He's done a pretty good job," said manager Terry Francona. "He had a pretty good tear. He did it up pretty good and he's worked hard."
Our View: Lugo still probably won't be back before September, and with the way Jed Lowrie has played, they won't rush him back. |
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| Bankston designated for assignment | Monday 8/18, 4:30 PM CT |
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The A's designated Wes Bankston for assignment Monday. He bated .203 with one homer in 59 at-bats with the club.
Our View: At this point you have to believe Bankston is nothing more than a 4-A player. |
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| Saarloos back up with A's | Monday 8/18, 4:28 PM CT |
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The A's purchased the contract of Kirk Saarloos from Triple-A Sacramento Monday.
Our View: Kirk will give the A's worn out bullpen another arm. He's pitched well lately at Triple-A but is not worth a roster spot. |
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| Percival will not require surgery | Monday 8/18, 3:57 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier report, Troy Percival will not require surgery to repair cartilage damage on his right knee, according to the St. Petersburg Times.
Our View: It has been determined that enough progress had been made the previous few days to avoid surgery. He is still expected to miss 2-4 weeks of action.
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| Mora named AL co-Player of Week | Monday 8/18, 3:50 PM CT |
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Melvin Mora has been named the AL co-Player of the Week (sharing the honor with Javier Vazquez of the White Sox), according to the AP. Mora hit .563 (18-for-32) with four doubles, a triple, three home runs and 13 RBI during the award-winning week.
Our View: The 36-year-old infielder is now hitting .286 over 115 games, with 20 homers and 91 RBI. |
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| Percival could undergo surgery | Monday 8/18, 2:41 PM CT |
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Troy Percival could undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, but he was hoping it wouldn't be necessary, according to the Tampa Tribune. He said, "It's very possible surgery will be necessary. But I felt good today, played catch, had pain, but nothing that's debilitating."
Our View: Percival made about 40 throws Sunday and didn't feel well enough to pitch, but thinks he will be able to in another day if he continues to progress as he has since receiving a cortisone shot Friday. We will keep you posted on his status.
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| Storm could affect series | Monday 8/18, 2:38 PM CT |
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With Tropical Storm Fay expected to move up the Gulf Coast during the next two days and possibly reach hurricane strength, the Rays were in contact Sunday with Angels and MLB officials about backup plans for the series that begins tonight at Tropicana Field, according to the Tampa Tribune. Rays' president Matt Silverman said tonight's matchup will definitely be played, but the status of the final two games is in question.
Our View: The Rays should know tonight whether Tuesday's game will be played. There is a possibility the Angels might fly to Atlanta or Miami following Monday's game to get clear of the storm if Tuesday's game is postponed, then return to play Wednesday if necessary. A doubleheader Wednesday is unlikely and any games that had to be postponed likely would be made up September 1, which is a mutual off day for the Rays and Angels. There has not been any discussion about moving the series to a different venue.
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| Callaspo ready for rehab | Monday 8/18, 2:17 PM CT |
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Alberto Callaspo is slated to begin to rehab assignment after working himself into playing shape at Triple-A Omaha, according to the KC Star. Callaspo was placed on the DL June 28 for undisclosed medical reasons one day after being cited for a DUI.
Our View: He hit .290 over 100 at-bats with the Royals this season, and would be worth a look in deeper AL-only leagues when he gets activated. |
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| Gobble rehab update | Monday 8/18, 2:12 PM CT |
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Jimmy Gobble, who is recovering from a strained lower back, allowed five runs in just 1.2 innings of work Saturday in a rehab start for Triple-A Omaha at Oklahoma, according to the KC Star. He issued four walks, and only threw 28 strikes out of 58 pitches.
Our View: Gobble struggled with 31 earned runs and 22 walks allowed over 24.2 innings with the Royals this season, and is not worth waiting for as a middle reliever. |
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| LaPorta hospitalized | Monday 8/18, 2:05 PM CT |
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Matt LaPorta has been hospitalized after being struck on the helmet by a pitch Monday during the United States' win over China in the Olympics, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Indians' GM Mark Shapiro said, "He never lost consciousness. He's been held for observation. He will have spent at least a day in the hospital."
Our View: Shapiro would not speculate whether or not LaPorta will resume playing the Olympics. LaPorta was the prized prospect acquired in the deal that sent CC Sabathia to Milwaukee. |
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| Farnsworth battling back stiffness | Monday 8/18, 1:35 PM CT |
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Kyle Farnsworth was unavailable to pitch Sunday due to back stiffness, according to the Detroit Free Press. Manager Jim Leyland commented, "Our bullpen's in total disarray. It has been all year."
Our View: Farnsworth hopes to be available Monday for the series opener against the Rangers. |
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| Kinsler day-to-day | Monday 8/18, 1:08 PM CT |
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Ian Kinsler is considered day-to-day with his sore groin, according to the Star-Telegram.
Our View: Kinsler has been riding an eight-game hitting streak, with four homers over the span, and it took a groin ailment to slow him down. We will keep you posted regarding his playing status through the week. |
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| Lewis is future closer? | Monday 8/18, 12:48 PM CT |
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Jensen Lewis nailed down his third save on Sunday, and could be the Indians' closer for the future, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. In his past eight appearances, Lewis has given up no runs in 9.2 innings and has earned all three of his saves. By default, manager Eric Wedge handed Lewis the ball recently to see whether he could close games. Wedge said, "He has definitely stepped up for us in his last four or five outings. I think he wants this; he has the personality. The question is whether he can handle it long term. But this is a great test for him. Even before we put him in the closer role, he was pitching effectively for us." When asked about the opportunity to close games, Lewis said, "This is awesome. When you're given the chance, you want to get the side out and shake everybody's hand. Then everybody goes home happy."
Our View: Lewis is worth targeting in AL-only leagues right now if you need help. |
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| Bedard continues throwing on side | Monday 8/18, 12:23 PM CT |
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Erik Bedard, who is recovering from left shoulder stiffness, threw on the side Sunday for the third straight day, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
Our View: The lefty could throw on a mound this week during a three-game set in Chicago, but it's more likely he won't get on a mound until the Mariners return home Thursday to begin a four-game series with the Athletics. He has a shot to return to Seattle by the end of August, but the team doesn't have an exact timetable. |
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| Matsui could be limited to DH role | Monday 8/18, 11:22 AM CT |
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Manager Joe Girardi indicated that Hideki Matsui could be limited to a DH role when he is activated from the DL, according to the NY Daily News. His ailing knee has held up favorably in three rehab games, and he could be back in pinstripes as soon as Tuesday.
Our View: Playing DH would help prevent his knee from swelling up again without the stress of running in the outfield. He could made a solid fantasy impact down the stretch, as he holds a .323 average over 69 games, with seven homers and 34 RBI. |
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| Crede won't be rushed back | Monday 8/18, 11:16 AM CT |
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Joe Crede, who is on the DL with back inflammation, won't be rushed back to Chicago with Juan Uribe performing well at third base, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Manager Ozzie Guillen said, "I forgot about Joe Crede. Wow, it has been so long. Is Crede still around? No, when we get back to Chicago today we will have a better idea and see where he is. Right now, I don't expect to have him anytime soon. We have to be prepared for that. I think Uribe has been doing a good job playing third base. We just are focused on what we have here." Uribe has registered 12 hits in his last 35 at-bats (.343) while working at third base.
Our View: Guillen won't bring Crede back unless he proves he can make a solid impact again, meaning he would have to swing the bat very well at Triple-A Charlotte. |
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| Jones likely out until September | Monday 8/18, 9:34 AM CT |
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Todd Jones, who is on the DL with a sore right shoulder, is likely to be shut down until roster expansion in September, according to MLive.com. Jones said, "It's just something in the back of my shoulder. They say it's inflammation, but I don't know. It clicks. It's loose and it bites when it gets extended. And when I'm pitching with my good mechanics, I don't feel it as much. I can throw but I can't pitch. I have to be able to locate. I've talked the whole time I've been here about making pitches. And if I can't make pitches, I've got no shot, because I don't have the stuff anymore."
Our View: Jones will begin rehabbing at the facility of orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Alabama. Jones should not be held on fantasy rosters in hopes of him resuming his role as a closer. |
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| No timetable for Wakefield | Monday 8/18, 8:11 AM CT |
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The Red Sox did not set a timetable as to when Tim Wakefield may return to action, according to the Boston Globe. He is dealing with right shoulder tightness and manager Terry Francona said, "What we do want to do is if we put a guy on the DL is have him have a chance to come back and pitch with health. Not pitch once and go backwards."
Our View: He should be back for the final month of the regular season and should remain held on rosters. He was enjoying a solid season with a 3.67 ERA and 1.18 WHIP over 23 starts. |
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