July 15, 2008 Eddie Bonine was injured in Monday's start with Double-A Erie, according to the Detroit Free Press. He left in the fourth inning when he was hit by a line drive on the left shin. He said, "It swelled up a bit and kind of tightened up. I don't think it's going to be anything that is going to linger."
Our View:The Tigers sent Bonine to Erie to keep him from going almost two weeks without a start. His most recent Tigers' start was Wednesday, and the team won't need him (or a replacement) until Monday. Bonine has given up a lot of hits and left early in his past two Tigers' starts. The club hasn't guaranteed he'll return to the rotation Monday, but is yet to announce any candidates to take his place.
July 11, 2008 The Detroit Free Press reports that the Tigers are not likely to make a trade for a pitcher before the deadline. The club will need a fifth starter for the rotation 10 days from now, and while it is uncertain who they will pencil into the slot, it looks like Eddie Bonine is the top candidate. GM Dave Dombrowski feels good about where the team is right now, and skipper Jim Leyland said, "I think Bonine will probably be the starter. Is it 100%? No. But is it likely? I would say yes."
Our View:The team may opt to upgrade the bullpen instead, with Pirates' left-handers John Grabow and Damaso Marte mentioned as possible targets. Rookie Bonine has been the fifth starter the past month, but he was optioned to Double-A Erie after lasting only 3.2 innings Wednesday night.
July 9, 2008 Eddie Bonine didn't have much working for him on Wednesday night. The Tigers right-hander didn't challenge hitters, couldn't find the strike zone, and when he did he was hit hard. The rookie allowed five runs on nine hits, walked one and struck out one.
Our View:The Tigers' bats saved him from his second loss of the season, and after the performance one has to wonder why he would get another, or many more, if the Tigers want to seriously challenge in the AL Central.
July 2, 2008 Eddie Bonine exited Wednesday's 7-0 loss to the Minnesota Twins after 2.2 innings of work. The outing was the shortest of his four major league starts. The right-hander gave up five runs (two earned) on seven hits, walked two and struck out one.
Our View:The loss is Bonine's first of the season, and his ERA climbed from 3.98 to 4.30 even with two of the runs being unearned.
June 27, 2008 Eddie Bonine pitched a gem as he only allowed one earned run on five hits over eight innings in Friday's 7-1 win over the Rockies, with no walks and two strikeouts.
Our View:Bonine improves to 2-0, but has allowed eight earned runs and 15 hits over 12.1 innings heading into tonight, and fantasy owners should not be lured in and overpay for him following his strong outing.
