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| K-Rod picks up 51st save | Thursday 8/28, 11:57 PM CT |
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Francisco Rodriguez notched save number 51 on Thursday night as he lowered his ERA to 2.56 for the Angels.
Our View: K-Rod will have to continue to produce at the end of games for the Angels who are suddenly struck by injuries all over the diamond. Figure on him to consider doing what he has done all year. |
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| McCarthy making statement | Thursday 8/28, 11:55 PM CT |
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Brandon McCarthy, in his second appearance of the season, worked six innings as he held the Angles to just two runs (one earned) in a no-decision.
Our View: McCarthy still has plenty of time to establish himself as being a big part of the Rangers plans next season as he will use the rest of this season as a tryout to prove that he is over the injuries that have dogged him the past couple of seasons. He is a worthy pickup if you are searching for some help in the rotation. |
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| Span does little things in loss | Thursday 8/28, 11:53 PM CT |
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Denard Span had a hit, scored a run, and stole his 13th base of the season for the Twins on Thursday night.
Our View: Span continues to be a spark plug at the top of the order for the Twins even on nights when the team doesn't score many runs. Given his track record some regression seems likely, but he has been one heck of a pick up this season. |
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| Suzuki wins game with PH double | Thursday 8/28, 11:51 PM CT |
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Kurt Suzuki won the game for the Athletics on Thursday night as he had a pinch hit double to plate Ryan Sweeney in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the A's a 3-2 victory over the Twins.
Our View: Suzuki had seven home runs and 39 RBI in 213 AB last season, and though he has only seven home runs and 37 RBI in 442 AB this season, he can be considered to have improved his game at the dish thanks to a .284 average and a .350 OBP this season. |
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| Blackburn continues solid work | Thursday 8/28, 11:47 PM CT |
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Nick Blackburn allowed two runs to the A's over 5.2 innings in a no-decision on Thursday night.
Our View: Blackburn continues to do a masterful job of keeping the Twins in almost every game in which he is on the mound as he has allowed more than three earned runs only once in his last 11 appearances making him a useful play even though he rarely strikes anyone out (4.42 K/9). |
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| Eveland hurls seven solid innings | Thursday 8/28, 11:44 PM CT |
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Dana Eveland continued his strong work since rejoining the Athletics as he allowed two runs over seven innings against the Twins.
Our View: That's three earned runs over 14 innings (1.93 ERA) for Dana who has turned around his efforts on the hill after spending about three weeks in the minors. Even so, his ratios are merely average (4.21 ERA, 1.46 WHIP), so he remains best used in favorable matchups. |
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| Utley has three base hits | Thursday 8/28, 11:35 PM CT |
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Chase Utley had three hits which led to an RBI and a runs scored for the Phillies in their 6-4 loss to the Cubs.
Our View: Utley raised his August average to .278 in what has been his least productive month of his stellar season. Utley is one home run away from tying his career-high of 32, and he needs just 12 more runs scored for a third straight 100-run season. |
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| Dempster struggles to no-decision | Thursday 8/28, 11:33 PM CT |
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Ryan Dempster emerged with a no-decision as he struggled through six innings on Thursday night. Ryan allowed four walks and eight hits leading to four runs against the Phillies.
Our View: This outing raised the ERA of the Cubs ace to 2.95 as this was the first time he allowed four runners to score in a start in eight appearances. |
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| Hamels dominates Cubs | Thursday 8/28, 11:30 PM CT |
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Cole Hamels worked seven dominating innings on Thursday night as he held the Cubs to just one run. On the night, Hamels allowed just five hits, didn't walk a batter and struck out six.
Our View: Hamels continues to post solid outings without racking up the wins (he is 11-8). Over his last 16 starts, Hamels has posted a 2.69 ERA and 0.98 WHIP as he has clearly established himself as one of the top starters in the game. |
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| Ramirez hits grand slam | Thursday 8/28, 11:26 PM CT |
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Aramis Ramirez hit a game-winning grand slam in the bottom of the eighth inning on Thursday night for the Cubs.
Our View: Ramirez is hitting .283-24-99 on the year in yet another in a long line of excellent campaigns from the third base position. With just two more home runs, Ramirez will have his sixth straight season of 26 dongs and 92 RBI. |
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| Snyder called up to majors | Thursday 8/28, 11:23 PM CT |
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Travis Snyder has been called up to take the roster spot of Matt Stairs, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Snyder, the clubs first round selection in the 2006 draft, he has hit .275-23-91 in 487 AB spread out over three leagues. He figures to see a fair amount of looks in the lineup as he will basically be asked to take over the role that Stairs filled. |
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| Stairs designated for assignment | Thursday 8/28, 11:15 PM CT |
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Matt Stairs was designated for assignment on Thursday, according to MLB.com. Travis Snider will take Stairs place on the roster.
Our View: The Jays are trying to work out a deal to send the vet to a contending team to give him a shot to make the post-season. Still a useful depth play, Stairs is hitting .250 with 11 home runs in 320 AB though his value could diminish in a reduced role with a new club. |
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| Manny hits third, homers | Thursday 8/28, 9:33 PM CT |
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Hitting third for the first time since joining the Dodgers, Manny Ramirez went 1-for-4 with a two run home run.
Our View: Joe Torre swapped Ramirez and Jeff Kent in the order (Kent went 0-for-3). Whether or not the move sticks is unclear, but no matter where he hits in the order there is no need to fret - Manny will hit. |
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| Kershaw struggles to second straight loss | Thursday 8/28, 9:31 PM CT |
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Clayton Kershaw used 54 pitches to pick up just seven outs on Thursday as he allowed five runs to the Nationals in his fifth loss of the year.
Our View: After 5-straight excellent starts, Kershaw has been bombed for 11 runs over his last 6.1 innings. Given his young age (21) and recent performance, the Dodgers might consider dialing back on Kershaw's workload as they want to be exceedingly careful with their arm of the future. |
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| Dukes does it all in win | Thursday 8/28, 9:28 PM CT |
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Elijah Dukes took two Dodgers pitchers deep on Thursday night as he went 2-for-3 with three runs scored and four RBI as he stole his 11th base of the season for the Nationals.
Our View: Though he spent almost a month on the DL, the two bombs tonight give him five long balls in his last 10 games. He could easily be on waivers in your league, so take a look an consider adding him down the stretch if he is available as he has a nice combination of power and speed going right now (he has three steals in the last 10 games). |
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| Guzman hits for cycle | Thursday 8/28, 9:25 PM CT |
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Cristian Guzman had a night to remember on Thursday as he had a single, double, triple and home run against the Dodgers on his way to hitting for the cycle.
Our View: Guzman is only the second National to hit for the cycle (Brad Wilkerson on April 6th, 2005), as he continues to provide more bang for the buck that most players who were left on waivers in most leagues at the start of the year. The effort tonight pushed his average up to .303. |
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| Lind continues to hit | Thursday 8/28, 9:22 PM CT |
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Adam Lind had two hits on Thursday night leading to a run scored and an RBI for the Jays.
Our View: Since the start of July, a span of 49 games, Lind is hitting .326-7-33-34, tremendous production from a guy who looked lost at the major league level last season (.238 with a .678 OPS). He isn't flashy, but he is going to be targeted in drafts next season thanks to his late season work. |
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| Aybar filling in nicely | Thursday 8/28, 9:19 PM CT |
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Willy Aybar had three hits including his eighth home run of the year in the Rays 3-2 victory over the Jays.
Our View: Aybar is hitting .282 with four home runs and 11 RBI in August, and while that may not match what the club was getting from Evan Longoria, Aybar has still done a fine job filling in for the superstar rookie. |
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| Litsch solid in loss | Thursday 8/28, 9:17 PM CT |
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Jesse Litsch held the Rays to three runs over 6.2 innings but he was still saddled with his eighth loss of the year.
Our View: Litsch was solid on the night but per his M.O. he only had two strikeouts and allowed 10 hits. Litsch might be valuable to the Jays, but he is nothing more than a roster filler in fantasy leagues. |
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| Jackson holds down Jays | Thursday 8/28, 9:15 PM CT |
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Edwin Jackson looked tremendous on Thursday going seven strong innings to pick up his 11th "W" of the year. Jackson allowed only one run on the night and threw 70 of 106 balls for strikes.
Our View: Jackson remains a borderline value in mixed leagues due to low strikeout totals (5.34 K/9) and an average WHIP (1.42). He certainly has the talent to rip off a run of success, and he has gone four starts allowing two or fewer runs. |
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| Gonzo has 5-game streak | Thursday 8/28, 9:11 PM CT |
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Luis Gonzalez had two hits and an RBI on Thursday night from the second hole in the order for the Marlins.
Our View: With Josh Willingham and Jeremy Hermida struggle to find any consistency, Gonzalez has found himself in the lineup in five straight games during which time he has produced at least one hit each time. He has no upside but isn't a total waste in NL-only leagues. |
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| Morton wins home game | Thursday 8/28, 9:06 PM CT |
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Charlie Morton won his first home game of the season on Thursday night as he held the Marlins to four hits, two walks and two runs in six innings of work.
Our View: Prior to this game Morton was 0-6 with a 8.18 ERA in Atlanta, and though he looked good tonight, his prospects moving forward aren't anything to get too excited about. |
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| McCann continues great season | Thursday 8/28, 9:04 PM CT |
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Brian McCann had only one hit on Thursday, but it was a three run home run in the Braves 4-2 victory over the Marlins.
Our View: McCann has been a stud this year, especially with the injuries to guys like Victor Martinez and Jorge Posada, on his way to 22 home runs and 75 RBI, not to mention a .292 batting average, from the catchers position. |
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| Will Jays trade with Angels? | Thursday 8/28, 8:55 PM CT |
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David Eckstein, Marc Scutaro and John McDonald are apparently on the Angels radar as the club is looking to bolster a suddenly beat infield, according to MLB.com.
Our View: The Angels have Howie Kendrick on the DL (hamstring), Maicer Izturis out for the season (torn ligament in thumb) and Erik Aybar battling a tight left hamstring. Juan Castro (BAL) and Jamey Carroll (CLE) are also rumored to be on the wish list of the Angels who need to add a player by August 31st if they want him to be available to play in the post season. |
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| Elbert to be promoted on Friday | Thursday 8/28, 8:50 PM CT |
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Scott Elbert will likely be called up to the Dodgers on Friday, according to the Los Angeles Daily News. Elbert, a left handed pitcher who was working at Double-A. is 4-1 with a 2.40 ERA this season working almost exclusively out of the pen.
Our View: Elbert missed most of last season with a shoulder injury that forced his move into the bullpen, and he has taken quite well to to the role this season though he figures to have little if any fantasy value with the Dodgers. |
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| Sweeney back from DL stint | Thursday 8/28, 8:21 PM CT |
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Ryan Sweeney was activated from the DL on Thursday, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Sweeney has been out due to a sprained right thumb, and to make room for him on the roster the A's chose to demote struggling outfielder Carlos Gonzalez to Triple-A Sacramento. |
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| Navarro hopes to return on Saturday | Thursday 8/28, 7:43 PM CT |
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Dioner Navarro was again out of the starting lineup on Thursday due to the lingering cramps in his hamstrings, though he hopes to be able to return to action on Saturday, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Navarro could be used in a pinch if needed, but the team is comfortable in giving him a couple more days off to make sure that this issue doesn't become a substantial concern. |
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| Marcum goes seven in minor league start | Thursday 8/28, 7:33 PM CT |
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Shaun Marcum allowed three runs over seven innings in his first minor league start for the Jays Triple-A club at Syracuse, according to MLB.com. On the night, Marcum allowed five hits and two walks while striking out nine.
Our View: Marcum is scheduled to make one more start before being recalled to join the Blue Jays rotation. While he hasn't looked the same since returning from his elbow injury, he certainly looked solid tonight in throwing 71 of 104 pitches for strikes. |
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| Rolen out of lineup on Thursday | Thursday 8/28, 7:29 PM CT |
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Scott Rolen was out of the Jays lineup on Thursday night as his shoulder continues to bother him, according to MLB.com. Rolen hopes to be in the starting lineup on Friday when the Jays take on the Yankees.
Our View: Rolen's days of effectiveness at the plate appear to be finished, at least for this season. He struggles to do the most rudimentary things at the plate on most days, a fact that the Jays can't be too happy about considering that Rolen is due $26 million over the next two seasons. |
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| Willingham sent to the bench | Thursday 8/28, 7:22 PM CT |
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Josh Willingham was benched on Thursday night as Jeremy Hermida was reinserted into the starting lineup, according to the Palm Beach Post. As a result, Luis Gonzalez started his fifth straight game in the outfield.
Our View: Willingham is hitting just .241 with only a single home run in his last 33 games as his back injury has limited his performance at the plate substantially. |
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| Hermida back in starting lineup | Thursday 8/28, 7:18 PM CT |
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Jeremy Hermida returned to the Marlins lineup on Thursday night for the first time in five games, according to the Palm Beach Post.
Our View: Hermida had been benched for ineffective play including a .212 average and .593 OPS in August as he has failed, yet again, to live up to the hype that his talent suggest resides in his body. |
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| Soriano has elbow surgery | Thursday 8/28, 7:15 PM CT |
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Rafael Soriano had surgery on his oft injured elbow on Thursday and hopes to be back at 100% in time for spring training next season, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
Our View: No update has been given yet on how the procedure went though it was expected that the surgery to move the UCL nerve should solve the problems that dogged Soriano all year. |
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| Kendrick back on DL | Thursday 8/28, 6:56 PM CT |
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It turns out that the injury to Howie Kendrick's hamstring is more serious than originally thought as he was placed on the DL on Thursday, Orange County Register. Brandon Wood was recalled from Triple-A to take the open roster spot.
Our View: Kendrick missed over 40 games earlier in the year with a similar injury. The guy can rake, he owns a career .306 batting average, but he has only 29 walks in his career (246 games) and just cannot stay healthy for any length of time which continues to keep his value down. |
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| Jones career could be over | Thursday 8/28, 6:15 PM CT |
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Not only will Todd Jones likely not appear again this season, his career could be over due to his shoulder injury, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Our View: Jones, set to become a free agent, left the team on Wednesday after holding a team meeting that he asked his teammates to keep private. He will continue to rehab his shoulder in hopes of beating the odds to return this season, though it seems a long shot at this point. |
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| Wade activated from DL | Thursday 8/28, 6:10 PM CT |
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Cory Wade, out with shoulder inflammation, has been activated from the DL on Thursday, according to the Associated Press. Tanyon Sturtze was designated for assignment to make room for Wade.
Our View: Wade has appeared in 40 games this season posting a 2.56 ERA and 1.06 WHIP for the club as one of their most consistent hurlers this season. |
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| Sturtze designated for assignment | Thursday 8/28, 6:06 PM CT |
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Tanyon Sturtze has been designated for assignment in a move to open up a roster spot for Cory Wade, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Sturtze tossed only 2.1 innings with the Dodgers prior to this move. Of course, whether or not he is on the club has no bearing on his fantasy value as it remains nil. |
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| Club being cautious with Beckett | Thursday 8/28, 5:50 PM CT |
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Here's the latest on the Josh Beckett injury situation according to the Boston Globe. Manager Terry Francona and GM Theo Epstein both said that Beckett hasn't suffered any type of setback with his elbow and the decision to send him to see Dr. Andrews is merely a precaution as the team wants to make sure Beckett is 100% before running him out there again.
Our View: Uh huh. With so much misinformation going on in terms of injury reports, we just don't know what to believe here. What we do know is that Daisuke Matsuzaka will take Beckett's spot in the rotation on Friday to face the White Sox. |
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| Beckett to visit Dr. Andrews | Thursday 8/28, 4:35 PM CT |
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Josh Beckett will not make his scheduled start on Friday and he will be forced to visit with Dr. James Andrews to determine what is going on with his injured elbow, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Whenever any pitcher goes to see Dr. Andrews for some elbow pain it usually doesn't turn into good news. At this point, counting on a big finish to '08 just isn't a bet you should make with Beckett. |
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| Perez worth the wait | Thursday 8/28, 4:32 PM CT |
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Chris Perez has become the second rookie right hander to take over closing duties down the stretch, the other was Adam Wainwright, and he has done a marvelous job so far even if he hasn't officially been named the closer, according to MLB.com. "I'm in there in the ninth with the game on the line. That's pretty much what a closer does. It doesn't matter to me if [manager Tony La Russa] comes out and says it or not."
Our View: Perez has more than a K per inning (34 in 33), though he could stand to reduce his 4.64 BB/9 mark. Still, he has done a solid job converting 6-of-8 chances so far and appears the favorite to continue to pick up saves in the Cards pen. |
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| Ojeda starting, not flourishing | Thursday 8/28, 4:28 PM CT |
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Augie Ojeda continues to do a solid job filling in for the injured Orlando Hudson for the D'backs at second base even if his production hasn't been as good as hoped, according to the Arizona Republic.
Our View: Last season Ojeda filled in for Hudson batting .341 in the final 14 games of the year before a big performance in the playoffs. This season the well has dried up as he is just 11-for-57 since the All-Star break (.193). He doesn't deserve to be rostered in anything but the deepest of NL-only leagues. |
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| Hill done for the Year | Thursday 8/28, 4:20 PM CT |
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Shawn Hill will not pitch again this season as the team determined that his injured elbow just isn't responding as hoped to treatment, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Hill is on his way to see Dr. James Andrews on Friday to make sure surgery isn't needed. The 27 year old hurler finishes the year with only 12 starts to his credit leading to a 1-5 record with a 5.83 ERA. |
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| Lester strikes out Eight | Thursday 8/28, 3:58 PM CT |
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Jon Lester came into today's match-up against the Yankees with a record of 2-0 and an ERA of 1.13 and today wasn't much different. In Lester's 6.2 innings he only gave up one run while striking out eight.
Our View: Lester has been a viable starter for the Red Sox this year and definitely warrants being on your Fantasy Roster. |
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| Bruce records first triple | Thursday 8/28, 3:57 PM CT |
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Jay Bruce went 1-for-4 with an RBI in Thursday's 3-2 loss to Houston. His hit went for a triple, the first of his major league career.
Our View: That was only his third extra base hit (the other two were homers) over his last 13 games. |
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| Kotsay makes debut | Thursday 8/28, 3:52 PM CT |
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It has been a long couple of days for Mark Kotsay but he finally was able to get back on the field for his new team. Kotsay stroked a double in the second inning in his first at-bat as a Red Sox, but ended the day 1-4.
Our View: Kotsay hit his 18th double of the year today and will see some at-bats now that JD Drew is on the DL. |
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| Harang dealt 14th loss | Thursday 8/28, 3:50 PM CT |
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Aaron Harang issued three earned runs on seven hits over seven innings in Thursday's close 3-2 loss to the Astros at Minute Maid Park, with no walks and nine strikeouts. All of the damage came on three solo homers, pushing his season total to 29.
Our View: He was dealt his 14th loss of the season, and is 1-4 over his last five starts. He will remain a risky fantasy hurler in September. |
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| Mussina comes through | Thursday 8/28, 3:49 PM CT |
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Even though Mike Mussina did not get the win in the Yankees 3-2 victory, he did exactly what the Yankees needed him to do. He gave them seven strong innings surrendering two runs on only five hits and struck-out six.
Our View: Mussina continued his streak of lowering his ERA each and every outing lowering it to 3.41. |
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| Giambi saves Yanks | Thursday 8/28, 3:45 PM CT |
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Thanks to Jason Giambi the New York Yankees avoided a three game sweep at the hands of the Boston Red Sox. Giambi didn't start the game but was 2-2 with a two-run home run and game-winning RBI single in the ninth to propel the Yankees to a 3-2 win.
Our View: Giambi connected on his 27th home run of the season. Even though his average is at .251 his power numbers are there with his home runs and his 81 RBI. |
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| Backe nails down ninth win | Thursday 8/28, 3:45 PM CT |
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Brandon Backe only surrendered two earned runs on six hits over 6.2 innings of work in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Reds in Houston, with one walk and six strikeouts.
Our View: He improves to 9-12, and is 3-2 over his last five starts. He has allowed 11 earned runs in both of his losses over that span, and should remain inconsistent in the final month of the regular season. |
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| Wigginton blasts two homers | Thursday 8/28, 3:41 PM CT |
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Ty Wigginton went 2-for-4 with a pair of solo homers in Thursday's close 3-2 win over the Reds.
Our View: Wigginton now has 19 homers for the season, with three coming over his last two games. Perhaps he is headed for a favorable power surge over the final month of the season. |
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| Percival Throws | Thursday 8/28, 3:32 PM CT |
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Troy Percival is another step closer to returning to the Rays. Percival, who has been on the DL with cartilage damage in his right knee, threw live batting practice off the mound today and according to the Tampa Tribune is eligible to come off the DL on Saturday.
Our View: If the Rays feel like Percival has made big enough strides in his rehab he could be activated on Saturday, if not they could just wait until the rosters expand on September 1. |
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| Teagarden or Ramirez? | Thursday 8/28, 2:59 PM CT |
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The Rangers are expected to recall either Taylor Teagarden or Max Ramirez when rosters expand in September, according to the Star-Telegram.
Our View: It remains to be seen which of their two top catching prospects they decide to promote. Neither will hold much fantasy value though, as manager Ron Washington stated that they won't significantly cut into the playing time of Gerald Laird. |
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| Nippert to make spot start | Thursday 8/28, 2:54 PM CT |
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Dustin Nippert is slated to make a spot start Friday in place of the injured Vincente Padilla, according to the Star-Telegram. Padilla is unable to make his start due to pain in a joint near his neck.
Our View: Nippert will be making his second spot start of the season, this time against the Angels. The team is hopeful Padilla can return for his next start against Seattle, and Nippert is not worth acquiring as a fantasy hurler, especially with a 5.56 ERA and dreadful 2.02 WHIP over 43.2 innings. |
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| Padillia will miss start | Thursday 8/28, 2:48 PM CT |
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Vicente Padilla will miss Friday's scheduled start due to pain in a joint near his neck, according to the Star-Telegram.
Our View: Dustin Nipper will make his second start of the season Friday in place of Padilla. He couldn't throw a pen session Wednesday, but the team is not planning on placing him on the DL, and are hopeful he can return for his start next week against Seattle. |
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| Navarro aching | Thursday 8/28, 2:05 PM CT |
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Dioner Navarro underwent a MRI on Wednesday after he had been suffering from some cramping hamstrings. According to The Tampa Tribune the results of the MRI showed nothing wrong and just a little rest should be the cure for the All-Star backstop.
Our View: Navarro got Wednesday off and looks like right now he will be out of the lineup tonight also. |
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| Joba's next step | Thursday 8/28, 1:37 PM CT |
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The road back from injury for Joba Chamberlain took another step Thursday morning. Chamberlain threw a 45-pitch bullpen session and his arm-strength continues to improve after each and every step. According to Yankees.com Chamberlain will throw 35-pitches to hitters on Saturday and if that goes well he could see game action next week.
Our View: It is still not known what Chamberlain's role will be when he comes back, whether it would be as a starter or out of the bullpen. |
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| Ozuna designated for assignment | Thursday 8/28, 1:19 PM CT |
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Pablo Ozuna has been designated for assignment by the Dodgers, according to the LA Daily News. Blake DeWitt was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas as the corresponding move.
Our View: Ozuna hit a mere .200 over 15 plate appearances with the Dodgers, and was viewed as expendable. |
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| Garko coming alive | Thursday 8/28, 12:40 PM CT |
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It seems that Indians manager Eric Wedge's benching of Ryan Garko sure sent the message. According to Indians.com in the month of August, after Wedge benched Garko, he has responded with an average of .307 and 20 RBI.
Our View: Garko has hit 10 home runs on the year and driven in 70 runs. |
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| Carpenter sent back to Reading | Thursday 8/28, 12:36 PM CT |
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Andrew Carpenter was sent back to Triple-A Reading after pitching one scoreless inning with the Phillies, according to the AP. Reliever Fabio Castro has been recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley as the corresponding move.
Our View: Carpenter may return before the end of the season, but is not worth waiting for as a fantasy reliever. |
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| Castro recalled | Thursday 8/28, 12:33 PM CT |
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Fabio Castro has been recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, according to the AP. Right-hander Andrew Carpenter was returned to Double-A Reading as the adjoining move.
Our View: Castro pitched in four games for the Rangers back in 2006 before he was traded to the Phillies in late June. He will work out of the bullpen, and will hold little fantasy value in leagues that use middle men.
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| Stewart's streak snapped | Thursday 8/28, 12:28 PM CT |
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Ian Stewart's 10-game hitting streak was snapped Wednesday against the Giants, according to the Rocky Mountain News.
Our View: He had five multi-hit efforts over the streak, with five doubles, two homers, and 13 RBI. He should remain a strong source of production heading into the final month of the season. |
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| Herges on rehab assignment | Thursday 8/28, 12:22 PM CT |
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Matt Herges, who is recovering from lower back stiffness, flew to Las Vegas on Wednesday night to join Triple-A Colorado Springs for a rehab assignment, according to the Rocky Mountain News.
Our View: Herges is expected to be activated Tuesday, which is the first day he is eligible to come off the DL. He holds no fantasy value with a 5.09 ERA and poor 1.56 WHIP over 58.1 innings of relief. |
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| Zambrano feels fine | Thursday 8/28, 12:14 PM CT |
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Carlos Zambrano said he feels fine and is ready to rebound from a disappointing August, according to the Chicago Tribune. Zambrano assured to the team that his shoulder is fine and GM Jim Hendry said, "He has no discomfort, he feels good and he's very confident he'll rebound, and he probably will. He just, for whatever reason, has hit the wall a little bit, and obviously his velocity was a little down Tuesday night."
Our View: He only won one game in August, with one loss and three no decisions. He allowed five or more earned runs three times over the span. He should remain active in fantasy lineups, and hopefully he can finish the season strong, as he said he will. |
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| Helton not giving up | Thursday 8/28, 12:05 PM CT |
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Todd Helton is not giving up and remains committed to returning to Colorado this season, according to the Denver Post. Helton never considered shutting it down for the season, and said Wednesday the team's surge back into postseason contention has only strengthened his determination. Helton said, "That helps. The guys are doing their part. But also, I would never want it assumed that I wasn't doing everything I can to get back, because that's not who I am. I want to play."
Our View: He is trying to return from an irritated disc in his back, and has already suffered two setbacks in his recovery. He should remain stashed in NL-only leagues but there remains the possibility that he won't be back this season. |
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| Robertson sent back down | Thursday 8/28, 12:00 PM CT |
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One pitch to Dustin Perdoia cost David Robertson his spot in the majors for now. Robertson gave up a grand slam to Pedroia in last night's game versus the Red Sox and according to Yankees.com he was sent back to Triple-A after the game.
Our View: With Robertson being sent down the Yankees purchased the contract of Alfredo Aceves. |
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| Kotsay makes debut | Thursday 8/28, 11:39 AM CT |
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Mark Kotsay will get his first start for the Boston Red Sox today. According to the Providence Journal Kotsay will be in the lineup and play right field.
Our View: Kotsay will see some at-bats with JD Drew in the DL. He might be a good option for a bench outfielder. |
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| Garcia to start for Triple-A | Thursday 8/28, 11:34 AM CT |
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If Freddy Garcia is going to pitch in the major leagues this year with the Tigers, tonight could go a long way. Garcia will start for the Toledo Mud Hens, the Tigers' Triple-A club. The Detroit Free Press reports that manager Jimmy Leyland will travel to watch Garcia in person.
Our View: Garcia is trying to come back from a shoulder injury that has sidelined him for over a year. The Tigers are still having internal discussions on whether to bring back Garcia up to the big leagues. |
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| Cordero returns | Thursday 8/28, 11:26 AM CT |
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Francisco Cordero has returned to the Reds Wednesday after missing Tuesday's game to be with his newborn son, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Our View: The Reds' closer can now be penciled back into lineups. |
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| Sherrill coming back | Thursday 8/28, 11:26 AM CT |
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Orioles closer George Sherrill will come off the DL on Monday and return to his role at the back-end of the Orioles pen. According to the Baltimore Sun Sherrill will have one more light workout then a practice throwing off the mound.
Our View: Sherrill has 31 saves this year in 37 opportunities. |
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| Ohman not going anywhere | Thursday 8/28, 11:03 AM CT |
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Will Ohman will not be following Mark Kotsay out of Atlanta before August 31, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Our View: Ohman was claimed on waivers this month, and the Braves pulled him back after no trade could be worked out, meaning he is staying with the Braves for the remainder of the season. The Braves will either re-sign him or get the draft pick (or picks) as compensation when he departs as a free agent.
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| Mussina vs Sox | Thursday 8/28, 11:01 AM CT |
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It has been an up and down year for Mike Mussina who started the season with a record of 1-3 and an ERA as high as 5.75. But after the rough start Mussina reeled off nine wins in his next 11 starts and lowering his ERA to as low as 3.27. If there has been one thorn in the side of Mussina it has been the Red Sox, he is 1-3 on the year against the Yanks biggest rival with an ERA of 5.75.
Our View: In the month of August Mussina is 3-0 with an ERA of 3.00. Today Mussina is trying to stop the Red Sox train from rolling in and out of Yankee Stadium with a three-game sweep. Mussina has been a very solid fantasy starter all year and should continue down the stretch. |
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| Schafer won't be called up? | Thursday 8/28, 10:57 AM CT |
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The Atlanta Journal-Constitution indicates that Jordan Schafer will not likely be called up by the Braves in September.
Our View: Schafer is a candidate for the starting job in center field next season, and GM Frank Wren noted that he didn't tarnish his rep with the club after being suspended for 50 games due to using an illegal growth hormone (HGH). Along with Schafer, other top prospects are not expected to be recalled in September, such as pitchers Tommy Hanson and Kris Medlen. To add any of them (including Schafer) to the 40-man roster now would require the Braves take someone off and possibly lose them in the Rule 5 Draft. Schafer will play winter ball in Mexico, then rejoin the club in spring training to compete for the aforementioned center field job. |
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| Lester owns Yanks | Thursday 8/28, 10:25 AM CT |
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Today the Red Sox will try and sweep a three game series with the Yankees and most likely sweep them right out the playoff picture. Jon Lester will go for the Sox today and he has absolutely owned the Yankees this year. Lester is 2-0 against the Yanks with an ERA of 1.13.
Our View: Lester is looking to rebound from a couple of rough outings but the Yankees might be exactly what the doctor ordered. |
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| ARod needs to come through | Thursday 8/28, 10:21 AM CT |
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Alex Rodriguez has had a lot of success at Yankee Stadium this year, averaging .360 with 39 RBI in 37 games. The three-time MVP will need more of that success today as the Yankees try and avoid a three-game sweep to the hated Red Sox.
Our View: The Yankees will face lefty Jon Lester today and A-Rod has not had the best of times against him. He is a career .125 hitter against the southpaw. |
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| Byrnes still hopeful to return | Thursday 8/28, 10:20 AM CT |
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Eric Byrnes took batting practice Tuesday and remains hopeful of returning to Arizona this season, according to the Arizona Republic. He is rehabbing from a left-hamstring tear, and he isn't going to do anything that might set him back for the 2009 campaign.
Our View: If he does come back in September, he isn't going to push himself and would only serve as a pinch-hitter or runner, and defensive replacement in the outfield. |
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| Wagner improving | Thursday 8/28, 10:13 AM CT |
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Billy Wagner's ailing left elbow is improving, according to the NY Post. He is back playing catch at Shea Stadium. GM Omar Minaya said Wagner could be re-examined next week to see if he can start throwing off the mound again or if more rest is needed. Wagner has been on the DL since August 3 with elbow swelling and a strained left forearm.
Our View: For now, Jerry Manuel is sticking with former Nationals' righty Luis Ayala as the closer.
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| Hairston likely headed to DL | Thursday 8/28, 10:07 AM CT |
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Scott Hairston may have sustained a broken thumb while attempting a diving catch in the outfield Wednesday, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. He said, "I thought I jammed the thumb on the dive, but an X-ray seems to show a chipped bone in the thumb."
Our View: He will have an MRI Thursday morning, which will decide if he is headed for the DL. Hairston is not optimistic the exam will have good results. Jody Gerut could be set up for extended playing time in center field, but that will also depend on who the Padres add in September call-ups. |
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| Pavano placed on waivers | Thursday 8/28, 9:56 AM CT |
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Carl Pavano has been placed on waivers by the Yankees, according to the NY Post. Pavano was put on waivers within the last 24 hours and is available to be claimed and then traded if the Yankees find a match.
Our View: He is still scheduled to start Friday against the Blue Jays if he clears waivers with New York. The Post believes the Mets may have interest in Pavano after likely losing John Maine for the season. |
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| Colon's next rehab outing Sunday | Thursday 8/28, 9:39 AM CT |
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Bartolo Colon struggled Tuesday in his last rehab outing, but is scheduled for another one Sunday with Triple-A Pawtucket, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: He may only be able to last 75 pitches if recalled to the Red Sox, but manager Terry Francona noted that the bullpen wouldn't be compromised when rosters expand in September. He should remain held on rosters in larger AL-only leagues. |
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| Casey not bound for DL? | Thursday 8/28, 9:33 AM CT |
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Sean Casey aggravated his stiff neck while trying to hit Tuesday, and hasn't played since last Thursday, but the team plans to wait out his injury and are not considering placing him on the DL at this time, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: Consider him day-to-day. Casey is hitting .345, but won't likely play enough down the stretch in the final month to make him fantasy worthy. |
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| Barfield believed to be fully recovered | Thursday 8/28, 9:24 AM CT |
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Josh Barfield seems fully recovered from surgery on his left middle finger, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Our View: He isn't expected to return to Cleveland when rosters expand Monday, but could be back not long after. He could platoon with Asdrubal Cabrera at second base. |
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| Hafner misses another game | Thursday 8/28, 9:20 AM CT |
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Travis Hafner missed his third straight rehab game Wednesday and isn't expected to play again until Thursday after developing soreness in his right shoulder, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Head athletic trainer Lonnie Soloff said, "Haf's rehab pace has slowed. He played every other day for a week or so. It was his thought that he could use more time developing his endurance by working in the cage and progressing through batting practice as opposed to game situations."
Our View: The team still believes he will be ready to return at some point in September. There is no point cutting him now if fantasy owners held him this long, and hopefully he can make a positive contribution before the end of the season. |
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| Revere named MVP | Thursday 8/28, 8:37 AM CT |
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Ben Revere has been named the MVP of the Midwest League after batting .379 with Single-A Beloit, according to the Star Tribune.
Our View: He was the Twins' first-round pick in 2007. The team is pleased with his accolade, but is not likely ready to call him up to the big leagues, especially while in the middle of a tight pennant race in the AL Central. |
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| Gomez did not start Wednesday | Thursday 8/28, 8:33 AM CT |
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Carlos Gomez did not start Wednesday as he had been 1-for-6 in the first two games of the series against Seattle, according to the Star Tribune. Manager Ron Gardenhire said, "He's swinging a little crazy again. Just gotta calm him down."
Our View: Gomez will likely return to center field tonight when the Twins open a four-game set against the Athletics.
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