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| Lowry continues throwing program | Saturday 8/23, 11:56 PM CT |
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Noah Lowry continued his throwing program with a long toss session Saturday, according to the AP. Lowry has been out since March following lower forearm surgery.
Our View: Lowry is hoping to pitch for the Giants this season, but we would bet against it. |
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| Myrow optioned to Triple-A | Saturday 8/23, 11:54 PM CT |
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The Padres optioned Brian Myrow to Triple-A Portland Saturday to clear a roster spot for Dirk Hayhurst.
Our View: Myrow hit only .143 in 21 at-bats with the Pads. |
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| Pelfrey likely to be pushed back | Saturday 8/23, 11:38 PM CT |
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Mike Pelfrey is likely to be pushed back in the rotation to avoid starting against Florida, according to the AP. He holds a 10.66 ERA in three starts this year.
Our View: With the way Pelfrey has pitched lately, we're surprised the Mets would push him back even with his struggles against the Fish. |
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| Petit shines in D'Backs win | Saturday 8/23, 11:05 PM CT |
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Yusmeiro Petit allowed just one run on two hits while striking out six over six innings in Saturday's win over Florida.
Our View: Petit isn't one of the Cy Young candidates on Arizona's roster, but he's been awfully good. Snatch him up off the free agent wire if he's still out there. |
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| Young hits 18th homer | Saturday 8/23, 11:01 PM CT |
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Chris Young had two hits, including his 18th homer of the year, in the D'Backs' 7-1 win Saturday.
Our View: Young has regressed this year when many felt he would take a step forward, but at least 18 homers and 10 steals isn't too shabby. |
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| Bruce homers, drives in three | Saturday 8/23, 10:54 PM CT |
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Jay Bruce had a solo homer and two-RBI single in Saturday's loss to the Rockies. It was Bruce's 14th bomb of the year.
Our View: August has been Bruce's most productive month, as he has hit seven homers and drive in 15, though he is just hitting .241 over the span. |
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| Maine gets knocked around | Saturday 8/23, 9:46 PM CT |
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John Maine was knocked around Saturday, allowing eight runs on 10 hits and two walks over 5 2/3 innings in a loss to Houston.
Our View: Maine's velocity has been down since returning from the DL. He got away with it in his first two starts, but obviously he didn't tonight. |
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| Backe bounces back | Saturday 8/23, 9:43 PM CT |
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Brandon Backe picked up his eighth win Saturday, allowing three runs on five hits and a walk while striking out four over seven innings.
Our View: Backe needed this outing, as he's been pounded during August. |
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| Berkman homers, drives in four | Saturday 8/23, 9:41 PM CT |
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Lance Berkman had three hits and four RBI in the Astros' win over the Mets Saturday. He hit his 26th homer of the year, a three-run shot.
Our View: Berkman should be in the thick of the MVP talk despite that Houston isn't in playoff contention. He's been the best player in fantasy baseball this year. |
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| Gorzelanny roughed up by Brew Crew | Saturday 8/23, 9:38 PM CT |
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Tom Gorzelanny's return to the Pittsburgh rotation did not go well. The lefty allowed six runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out three over 4 2/3 innings in a loss to Milwaukee.
Our View: This is the same Gorzelanny we saw earlier this year. His fall this year has been surprising, to say the least. |
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| Braun homers, doubles in win | Saturday 8/23, 9:34 PM CT |
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Ryan Braun had a solo homer and a two-run double in Saturday's win over Pittsburgh.
Our View: It appears that Ryan is over his back ailment. |
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| McLouth's return date unclear | Saturday 8/23, 7:57 PM CT |
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Nate McLouth sat out again Saturday. He hasn't played since Monday due to a stomach virus, according to MLB.com. He had a mononucleosis test that came back negative and is awaiting results on blood work. "He's feeling better; last night, he kind of turned the corner," said manager John Russell. "The consensus, without getting the test results back, is he's on the back side of this."
Our View: It sounds like owners should get Nate back for the upcoming week, but he's unlikely to play Sunday. |
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| Pujols has big day | Saturday 8/23, 7:31 PM CT |
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Albert Pujols had two doubles and a homer in the Cardinals' loss to Atlanta Saturday. He drove in three runs on the day.
Our View: Pujols is now batting .356, just four points off Chipper Jones' league-leading pace. He also has 27 homers and 85 RBI. |
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| Prado wraps three hits | Saturday 8/23, 7:29 PM CT |
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Martin Prado had a nice day for the Braves Saturday, picking up three hits while driving in two runs and scoring two.
Our View: Prado has been hitting well of late. He started at first today and is likely eligible at multiple positions in your league. |
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| Is Ayala the Mets' new closer? | Saturday 8/23, 7:25 PM CT |
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According to the New York Journal News, when asked if Luis Ayala was now his closer, manager Jerry Manuel replied, "If that opportunity comes up again tonight I wouldn't hesitate to go with him again."
Our View: Manuel has refused to name a closer while Billy Wagner is out, but this is pretty close. Ayala picked up the save Friday and has pitched three scoreless innings since arriving in New York. |
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| Pinella to meet with Fukudome | Saturday 8/23, 6:38 PM CT |
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Manager Lou Pinella will meet with the slumping Kosuke Fukudome before Sunday's game, according to MLB.com. "I'm going to have a talk with him [Sunday] and see how we can help the young man," Piniella said. "He's struggling." Pinella added: "We'll talk about hitting, hitting mechanics, not about anything else. He's in-between. He's slightly behind the fastball and ahead of the breaking ball. Whether it's him or anybody else, you have to hit one of the two with consistency."
Our View: Pinella has threatened to bench Fukudome but has yet to follow through. Perhaps that will change soon. |
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| Hamels gets 11th win | Saturday 8/23, 6:11 PM CT |
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Cole Hamels allowed just two runs on five hits while striking out five over seven innings Saturday to pick up his 11th win of the year.
Our View: Aside from a mediocre May, Hamels has been nails for the Phils this year. |
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| Burrell homers, drives in five | Saturday 8/23, 6:09 PM CT |
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Pat Burrell had a monster day Saturday, picking up three hits, including his 30th homer of the season, while driving in five runs in a win over the Dodgers.
Our View: Burrell's RBI double came on a lazy fly ball to center that Matt Kemp lost in the sun, but that certainly doesn't diminish his terrific game. |
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| Wilson picks up 34th save | Saturday 8/23, 5:42 PM CT |
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Brian Wilson picked up his 34th save of the season Saturday, pitching a spotless ninth while striking out two.
Our View: Wilson's high ERA and WHIP haven't stopped him from being quite effective in the saves department. He has blown just three chances this year. |
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| Zito impresses again | Saturday 8/23, 5:39 PM CT |
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Barry Zito put together a strong effort Saturday, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks while striking out five over eight innings. He picked up his eighth win.
Our View: This is Zito's second straight terrific start. August has easily been his best month. |
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| Castillo asks out of lineup | Saturday 8/23, 5:02 PM CT |
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It was thought that Luis Castillo was coming off the DL today, but he apparently asked out of the starting lineup because he didn't want to affect the Mets' team chemistry, according to Newsday.
Our View: Castillo will travel with the team to Philadelphia, but it's not clear when he will be activated, though it will happen before the rosters expand. Argenis Reyes started at second today. |
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| Doumit available to pinch hit | Saturday 8/23, 4:54 PM CT |
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Ryan Doumit is out of the lineup again today because of flu-like symptoms, but he is feeling much better and is available to pinch hit, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Our View: Raul Chavez got the start behind the plate. |
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| Beam optioned to Triple-A | Saturday 8/23, 4:48 PM CT |
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The Pirates optioned T.J. Beam to Triple-A Indianapolis Saturday. The move was made to clear a roster spot for Tom Gorzelanny, who is returning to the rotation.
Our View: Bean pitched well, holding a 4.01 ERA and 1.28 WHIP, but apparently he didn't do well enough to convince the Bucs he was worth a roster spot. |
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| Mets won't activate Castillo yet | Saturday 8/23, 4:13 PM CT |
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The Mets have decided to hold off on activating Luis Castillo from the DL, according to the NY Daily News. He was originally supposed to return from his strained left hip flexor today, but they'll instead wait a few days.
Our View: The report indicates that Castillo "volunteered" to wait a few days. We're not sure why, but the team has said previously that they were in no hurry for Luis to return. |
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| Zimmerman goes 3-for-4 | Saturday 8/23, 3:39 PM CT |
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Ryan Zimmerman went 3-for-4 in Saturday's 9-2 loss to the Cubs at Wrigley Field. All three of his knocks were singles.
Our View: That was his second straight multi-hit effort, and he is batting .333 (7-for-21) over his last five games, but only has one RBI over the span. |
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| Ramirez generates six RBI | Saturday 8/23, 3:35 PM CT |
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Aramis Ramirez went 3-for-5 and generated six RBI in Saturday's 9-2 win over the Nationals on the north side of Chicago. He had a single and two three-run homers.
Our View: Ramirez has hit homers in five of his last six games, with seven over the span. |
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| Dempster dazzles in 15th win | Saturday 8/23, 3:31 PM CT |
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Ryan Dempster pitched another gem as he only allowed one earned run on eight hits over 7.1 innings in Saturday's 9-2 win over the Nationals at Wrigley Field, with one walk and four strikeouts.
Our View: Dempster improves to 15-5 and trimmed his ERA to 2.85. He has won three straight decisions, and has allowed two or less earned runs in seven straight starts. |
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| Tracy promoted | Saturday 8/23, 3:26 PM CT |
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Andy Tracy has been promoted from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, according to the AP. Geoff Jenkins has been placed on the 15-day DL as the corresponding move.
Our View: The 35-year-old infielder isn't going to be fantasy worthy during his stint with the team. |
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| Jenkins placed on DL | Saturday 8/23, 3:23 PM CT |
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Geoff Jenkins has been placed on the 15-day DL due to a right hip flexor strain, according to the AP. The Phillies purchased the contract of infielder Andy Tracy from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to fill Jenkins' spot on the roster.
Our View: Jenkins held little fantasy value with nine homers and a .246 average over 284 at-bats. |
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| LeBlanc not likely for September? | Saturday 8/23, 2:44 PM CT |
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Padres' GM Kevin Towers stated that Triple-A hurler Wade LeBlanc is not likely to get called up when rosters expand in September, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. The team doesn't have to put him on the 40-man roster in November to protect him from the Rule V draft. Back in March, Towers and farm overseer Grady Fuson said LeBlanc probably would get a promotion this season.
Our View: LeBlanc is pitching well this month with Triple-A Portland, notching a 1.80 ERA over 20 innings with 21 strikeouts and only one walk, but he has pitched a lot of innings throughout the minor league season, and that marks another key reason why he isn't likely to be promoted to San Diego. |
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| Young is eager to pitch | Saturday 8/23, 2:35 PM CT |
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Chris Young does not want to stay on the DL to protect his right arm and is eager to pitch, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. He said, "My arm's had enough rest this year. I need to pitch. It's not fun to sit around. I don't get paid to sit around. I want to be out there competing and getting better." He has recovered from a strained right forearm as well as a broken nose.
Our View: He will get his wish, as Manager Bud Black noted that Young will pitch for the Padres in September. Young believes it is important to finish the year strong to have something positive to build upon for next season. Fantasy owners should keep Young stashed on rosters. |
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| Perez injured | Saturday 8/23, 2:19 PM CT |
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Odalis Perez cut the back of his left thumb in Saturday's game against the Cubs, according to the Washington Post.
Our View: It is uncertain if he left the game early due to the injury or due to a lack of control on the mound. He left after allowing four earned runs, 10 hits, and four walks over 4.1 innings of work. We will keep you posted when more details are disclosed. |
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| Sanchez optioned | Saturday 8/23, 12:33 PM CT |
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Romulo Sanchez has been optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis, according to the AP. Closer Matt Capps has been activated from the 15-day DL as the corresponding move.
Our View: Sanchez issued eight hits, four walks, and three earned runs over 7.2 innings of relief during his stint with the Pirates. He held no fantasy value prior to his demotion. |
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| Capps activated | Saturday 8/23, 12:30 PM CT |
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As expected, Matt Capps has been activated from the 15-day DL Saturday following his recovery from bursitis in his right shoulder, according to the AP. The Pirates optioned pitcher Romulo Sanchez to Triple-A Indianapolis to make room on the roster.
Our View: Capps should resume his role as the Pirates' closer, and is worth returning to lineups for the new fantasy week, assuming he doesn't struggle. |
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| DeSalvo optioned | Saturday 8/23, 12:25 PM CT |
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Matt DeSalvo has been optioned to Triple-A Richmond, according to the AP. Manny Acosta has been activated from the 15-day DL as the corresponding move.
Our View: DeSalvo was only given two innings of work with Atlanta this season, and struggled with seven earned runs and 11 hits surrendered. |
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| Acosta activated | Saturday 8/23, 12:23 PM CT |
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Manny Acosta has been activated from the 15-day DL following his bout with a strained right hamstring, according to the AP. The Braves optioned Matt DeSalvo to Triple-A Richmond to make room on the roster.
Our View: He will be a welcome addition back to Atlanta, but only holds fantasy value in deeper NL-only leagues that use middle men. |
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| Hernandez may be done? | Saturday 8/23, 11:03 AM CT |
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Orlando Hernandez's career may be over, according to the NY Daily News. He is opting for surgery on his right big toe, which has a bunion. He previously had resisted that procedure because the recovery time could cost him more than a full season.
Our View: The 38-year-old will likely miss the entire 2009 campaign, and his prospects don't look good to return at 40. |
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| Stokes to make spot-start | Saturday 8/23, 10:57 AM CT |
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Brian Stokes is slated to be used as a spot-starter August 31 against Florida, according to the NY Daily News.
Our View: He will make the start to give Mike Pelfrey nearly a full turn of rest, who has already exceeded his career-high in innings with 154 this season. |
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| Helton playing catch | Saturday 8/23, 10:52 AM CT |
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Todd Helton, who has been out since July 3 with lower-back problems, was in uniform but was limited to playing catch Friday, according to the Rocky Mountain News. Helton is encouraged by recent developments, but trainer Keith Dugger said the Rockies will be very cautious in Helton's rehab program. Twice already, Helton had been cleared to start swinging a bat, but both times, his back problem flared up. Dugger said Helton is "not even close" to swinging a bat and that, "if he can tolerate this for four or five days, we will consider the next move."
Our View: There remains no timetable, but he has a chance to return at some point in September. He should remain stashed away on rosters in NL-only leagues. |
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| Spilborghs | Saturday 8/23, 10:48 AM CT |
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Ryan Spilborghs, who is recovering from a left oblique strain, will spend a week on his rehab assignment with Triple-A Colorado Springs (started Thursday), according to the Rocky Mountain News.
Our View: He is hopeful to return to Colorado in September. He could see extended action in the outfield as an audition for next season, and could be worth stashing in NL-only leagues. He hit .314 over 185 at-bats this season, with six homers, 33 RBI, and seven stolen bases. |
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| Kotchman remains on bereavement | Saturday 8/23, 9:23 AM CT |
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Casey Kotchman missed his third game Friday while on the bereavement list to attend to his ailing mother, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. His mother is hospitalized with an undisclosed medical condition in St. Petersburg, Florida, and manager Bobby Cox was notified she was in stable condition, but in a lot of pain. Cox added, "He’s really shaken up," and told Kotchman to stay in Florida as long as he needs to.
Our View: Players can spend a minimum of three days and maximum of seven days on bereavement leave without going on the DL.
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| Harang back on track | Saturday 8/23, 9:17 AM CT |
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Aaron Harang is back on track as he hurled six scoreless innings in Friday's win over Colorado, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Harang said, "I felt a lot better. We worked on some stuff this week mechanically. We figured out some stuff with my hands." His fastball was consistently in the 93-94 mph range Friday, and manager Dusty Baker added, "He was letting it go. He had good life on his fastball."
Our View: Harang should be given another chance in fantasy lineups in his next outing, but is by no means a safe fantasy prospect again. |
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| Furcal won't return full-time | Saturday 8/23, 8:36 AM CT |
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Rafael Furcal's rehab from back surgery has exceeded the estimated recovery period, and the Dodgers have lost hope of getting the shortstop back on a full-time basis this season, according to the LA Times.
Our View: The Dodgers actually might not get Furcal back at all this season, but the best-case scenario (according to skipper Joe Torre) is for Furcal to regain enough strength to share playing time with Nomar Garciaparra.
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| Capps will be activated today | Saturday 8/23, 8:17 AM CT |
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Matt Capps, who has recovered from bursitis in his right shoulder, will be activated today, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Manager John Russell said, "He's passed all the rehab tests, so he's ready to go."
Our View: He should resume his role as the Pirates' closer, and is worth returning to lineups for the new fantasy week. |
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| Castillo called up | Saturday 8/23, 8:07 AM CT |
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Jose Castillo has been recalled by the Astros, according to the Houston Chronicle. He was recently claimed off waivers from the Giants. Castillo is pleased to be a member of the Astros, and said, "I’ve always liked this team. I’ve always had a dream to play on this team. Thankfully, the opportunity to play with the team is here. We’re going to try to do things right and try 100 percent to stay here." Manager Cecil Cooper added, "We all like him at second, but I think he can play third. And we’ll find out if he can play shortstop. It will probably be at home. It will probably be midweek at home, but we’ll find out."
Our View: He is slated to start Sunday at second base, and may start at shortstop Thursday is place of Miguel Tejada as well. Castillo only hit .244 with the Giants this season, but 38 of his 96 hits went for extra bases (28 doubles, four triples, and six homers). His power numbers could increase at home while leaving San Francisco for Houston, and looks to be involved as a utility infielder down the stretch, meaning he is worth a look in larger NL-only leagues. |
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| Pena credits adjustment for success | Saturday 8/23, 7:47 AM CT |
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Tony Pena believes a small mechanical adjustment is to credit for his return to dominance out of the back of the Diamondbacks' bullpen, according to the Arizona Republic. He has issued no hits and just one walk in his past 4.2 innings, while striking out seven. He made a change to his left leg as he nears the end of his delivery, and said, "What I did was, on my landing leg, I'm not landing as stiff. When I land, it's not hard, it's soft." When he landed hard, it prevented him from finishing his slider, causing it to flatten. Now he's getting more movement on the slider, which accompanies his mid-90's fastball.
Our View: Pena looks to fare well down the stretch, and should hold favorable value in leagues that put a premium on setup men. |
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