| Branyan notches 11th homer | Friday 6/27, 11:55 PM CT |
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Russell Branyan went 2-for-3 with a solo home run in Friday's 7-6 loss to the Twins.
Our View: He raised his average to .300 over 80 at-bats, with 11 home runs and 18 RBI. Nine of his homers have come in June. |
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| Werth hits 11th homer | Friday 6/27, 11:47 PM CT |
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Jayson Werth went 2-for-5 with a solo homer in Friday's 8-7 loss to the Rangers.
Our View: He has 11 homers, but that was only his second in June. Four of his 30 RBI have come in the month as well, and he only holds value in NL-only leagues, especially since he usually just plays against left-handed pitchers. |
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| Feliz hits grand slam in loss | Friday 6/27, 11:20 PM CT |
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Pedro Feliz went 1-for-4 with a grand slam in Friday's close 8-7 loss to the Rangers.
Our View: That was only his ninth homer of the season, and his second in June. He only had seven RBI in the month heading into tonight's game as well. Now would be a great time to try and sell him high. |
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| Kinsler blasts 13th homer | Friday 6/27, 11:16 PM CT |
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Ian Kinsler went 3-for-4 with a solo homer in Friday's 8-7 win over Philadelphia. His other two hits went for doubles, and he also added a stolen base to his stat-line.
Our View: He has 13 homers, with three coming over his last seven games. He has seven RBI over that span as well, and the rising star should remain hot. |
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| Hamilton gets back on track | Friday 6/27, 11:11 PM CT |
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Josh Hamilton went 1-for-3 with two RBI in Friday's close 8-7 win over the Phillies.
Our View: He returned to the Rangers' lineup tonight after leaving last night's game with a bruised right hand. His production has slowed down as of late, but he got himself back on the right track tonight. He has 78 RBI over 78 games. |
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| Hart collects pair of home runs | Friday 6/27, 11:06 PM CT |
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Corey Hart went 2-for-4 with three RBI in Friday's 7-6 loss to the surging Twins. Both of his hits went for home runs.
Our View: Hart has 14 homers, with four coming over his last six games. He raised his average a few points higher to .292, to go along with 50 RBI. |
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| Kubel leads Twins in victory | Friday 6/27, 11:00 PM CT |
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Jason Kubel went 2-for-3 with a pair of RBI in Friday's close 7-6 win over the Brewers. He hit a single and a homer.
Our View: The Twins have now won 10-straight games. Kubel has emerged as a decent fantasy option, as he has 11 homers and 40 RBI over 69 games. |
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| Abercrombie records only RBI for HOU | Friday 6/27, 10:53 PM CT |
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Reggie Abercrombie went 1-for-1 and recorded the Astros' only RBI in a 6-1 loss to the Red Sox.
Our View: Abercrombie entered the game as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning. That was his first RBI of 2008. |
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| Drew hammers three-run homer | Friday 6/27, 10:50 PM CT |
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J.D. Drew went 1-for-3 and hammered a three-run homer in Friday's 6-1 win over the Astros.
Our View: That was his 15th homer of the season, and his third over his last seven games. He also snapped a three-game hitless streak tonight. |
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| Dice-K rolls to ninth win | Friday 6/27, 10:46 PM CT |
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Daisuke Matsuzaka hurled five scoreless innings, with only two hits allowed, in Friday's 6-1 win over the Astros, with three walks and four strikeouts.
Our View: Dice-K improves to 9-1 and lowered his ERA to 3.21. He was rocked for seven earned runs in his last start fresh off the DL, but he is now back in solid form, evidenced by tonight's performance. |
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| Delgado goes cold in second game | Friday 6/27, 10:41 PM CT |
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Carlos Delgado set a franchise record with nine RBI in the top half of Friday's double-header against the Yankeees, but he went cold in the second game, as he went 0-for-2.
Our View: It did not take him long to disappoint fantasy owners again following his stellar effort in the afternoon. |
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| Abreu goes 4-for-4 | Friday 6/27, 10:35 PM CT |
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Bobby Abreu went 4-for-4 with three RBI in Friday's 9-0 win over the Mets in the bottom half of a double-header. He hit one double and three singles.
Our View: Abreu impressively racked up nine RBI over his last three games, and has seven hits over his last two. Continue to start him while he's hot. |
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| Ponson enjoys strong outing with NY | Friday 6/27, 10:30 PM CT |
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Sidney Ponson made a strong impression in his first start with the Yankees in Friday's 9-0 win over the Mets (in the second game of a double-header), as he threw six scoreless innings, with five hits allowed, and four strikeouts.
Our View: Ponson could potentially push Dan Giese out of the Yankees' rotation, and is worth targeting in AL-only leagues if you need help at the position, namely for depth. |
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| Griffey has tough night at the plate | Friday 6/27, 10:24 PM CT |
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Ken Griffey Jr. had a tough night at the plate in Friday's 6-0 loss to the Indians, as he went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts.
Our View: That was only the second time he struck out three times in a game this season. He has homered in two of his previous four outings, and was due for a letdown. |
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| Sizemore crushes 18th homer | Friday 6/27, 10:21 PM CT |
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Grady Sizemore went 2-for-4 with three RBI in Friday's 6-0 win over the Reds. He hit a solo homer and a double.
Our View: He has 18 home runs, but that was his first since June 15. |
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| Sabathia hurls eight scoreless | Friday 6/27, 10:16 PM CT |
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C.C. Sabathia hurled eight scoreless innings, on only four hits allowed, in Friday's 6-0 victory over the Reds in Cleveland, with two walks and 11 strikeouts.
Our View: Sabathia has won three of his last four decisions, and reached double digits in strikeouts in three straight. He has only allowed one earned run over his last 15 innings additionally. |
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| Glaus blasts 11th homer in loss | Friday 6/27, 10:10 PM CT |
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Troy Glaus went 3-for-4 with two RBI in Friday's 7-2 loss to the Royals.
Our View: He has 11 homers and 49 RBI over 80 games. Eight of those home runs have come in June, and he should remain active in your lineups. |
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| Gordon racks up four RBI in win | Friday 6/27, 10:06 PM CT |
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Alex Gordon went 2-for-4 with four RBI in Friday's 7-2 win over the Cardinals in Kansas City. He hit a double and a solo homer.
Our View: Gordon has now homered in two of his last three games, and has registered an RBI in four of his last five. |
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| Meche improves to 6-8 | Friday 6/27, 10:02 PM CT |
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Gil Meche enjoyed a strong outing in Friday's 7-2 win over the Cardinals, as he only surrendered one earned run on six hits over seven innings, with one walk and two strikeouts. The lone run came on a Troy Glaus homer.
Our View: Meche improves to 6-8, and has won three straight decisions, and has only allowed one run in each of his last two. He should be penciled into your lineups in AL-only and larger mixed-leagues while he is hot. |
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| Markakis hits RBI double in loss | Friday 6/27, 9:55 PM CT |
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Nick Markakis went 1-for-3 with an RBI double in Friday's 4-2 loss to the Nationals.
Our View: Markakis collected six RBI over his last five games, with four doubles over the span. |
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| Milledge goes 2-for-4 with RBI | Friday 6/27, 9:51 PM CT |
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Lastings Milledge went 2-for-4 with an RBI in Friday's 4-2 win over the Orioles in Washington. Both of his hits were singles.
Our View: Milledge has registered two hits in each of his last two contests, with three RBI over the span. Milledge is worth targeting if you can get him for a good price. |
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| Wilson chips in three RBI in loss | Friday 6/27, 9:45 PM CT |
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Jack Wilson went 2-for-3 with three RBI in Friday's 10-5 loss to the upstart Rays. He hit one single and one double.
Our View: Wilson now has five multi-hit games over his last seven, but the Pirates are only 3-4 over the span. |
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| Longoria extends homer streak | Friday 6/27, 9:41 PM CT |
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Evan Longoria went 4-for-5 with a three-run homer in Friday's 10-5 victory over the Pirates. That was his 15th homer over 69 contests.
Our View: Longoria has now hit a home run in three straight games, and in four of his last five. Keep the rising star active in your lineups. |
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| Kazmir racks up another win | Friday 6/27, 9:36 PM CT |
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Scott Kazmir gave up four runs (three earned) on five hits over five innings in Friday's 10-5 victory over the Pirates, with two walks and four strikeouts.
Our View: Kazmir lost two of his last three decisions heading into tonight's game, and it is good to see him add another notch to his win column, even though he didn't have a great outing. He improves to 7-3 over 11 starts. |
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| McGowan drops to 6-6 | Friday 6/27, 9:32 PM CT |
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Dustin McGowan allowed four earned runs on eight hits over 7.1 innings in Friday's 4-0 shutout loss to Atlanta, with three walks and four strikeouts.
Our View: He drops to 6-6 for the season, but has had some luck as of late, as he is 4-2 over his last seven starts. He is worth keeping active near the bottom of your roto-rotations. |
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| Teixeira blasts 15th homer | Friday 6/27, 9:27 PM CT |
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Mark Teixeira went 2-for-3 with three RBI in Friday's 4-0 win over Toronto. He hit a double and a two-run homer.
Our View: That was his 15th homer of the season, with five coming over his last five games. He has nine RBI over that span as well. |
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| Jurrjens earns eighth win | Friday 6/27, 9:23 PM CT |
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Jair Jurrjens hurled eight scoreless innings, with only three hits allowed, in Friday's 4-0 win over the Blue Jays, with one walk and three strikeouts.
Our View: Jurrjens is now 8-3 and trimmed his ERA to 2.94. He has won three of his last four starts, and impressively hasn't allowed a earned run in the last three. |
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| Casilla leaves game | Friday 6/27, 9:19 PM CT |
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Alexi Casilla left Friday's game against the Brewers with a sprained left middle finger, according to the AP.
Our View: Casilla dove after Prince Fielder's groundout in the fifth inning and was taken out during the pitching change following Corey Hart's second home run of the game. The severity of the ailment is yet to be determined.
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| Hudson collects lone RBI in loss | Friday 6/27, 9:16 PM CT |
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Orlando Hudson went 1-for-3 and collected the Diamondbacks' lone RBI in Friday's 3-1 loss to the Marlins.
Our View: He raised his average one point higher to .298, but that was just his first RBI over his last 11 games. |
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| Cantu leads Marlins with two RBI | Friday 6/27, 9:13 PM CT |
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Jorge Cantu led the Marlins to a 7-1 win over the D-Backs on Friday, as he went 1-for-4 with two RBI. His hit went for a double.
Our View: That was his 20th double of the season, and his 44th RBI. He remains a serviceable third baseman in mixed-leagues. |
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| Nolasco nails down eighth win | Friday 6/27, 9:08 PM CT |
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Ricky Nolasco was dominant on the hill in Friday's 3-1 win over Arizona, as he only surrendered one run on six hits over eight innings, with one walk and nine strikeouts.
Our View: He improves to 8-4 with a 4.05 ERA. He is 5-1 over his last seven starts, and should remain in your mixed-league lineups while he is hot. |
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| Granderson goes 4-for-5 | Friday 6/27, 9:03 PM CT |
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Curtis Granderson went 4-for-5 with an RBI in Friday's 7-1 win over the Rockies. Two of his hits went for triples, and he also registered a stolen base.
Our View: Granderson has impressively gone 4-for-5 in back-to-back outings, and has extended his hitting streak to 15 games, with seven multi-hit efforts over the span. |
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| Bonine moves to 2-0 | Friday 6/27, 8:57 PM CT |
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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. |
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| Baker generates lone RBI for Rockies | Friday 6/27, 8:53 PM CT |
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Jeff Baker went 1-for-4 and generated the Rockies' only RBI in a 7-1 loss to the Tigers.
Our View: Baker has now registered nine RBI over his last nine games, with 12 hits over the span. |
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| Jimenez falls to 2-8 | Friday 6/27, 8:49 PM CT |
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Ubaldo Jimenez allowed four earned runs on nine hits over only four innings of work in Friday's 7-1 loss to the Tigers, with three walks and four strikeouts.
Our View: Jimenez falls to 2-8 with a 4.71 ERA over 17 starts. He only has one win over six outings in June. |
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| Reyes has strained knee | Friday 6/27, 8:25 PM CT |
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Dennys Reyes' MRI revealed that he has a strained right knee, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Manager Ron Gardenhire was unsure whether Reyes would be available for the series opener against the Brewers tonight. Without Reyes, Craig Breslow would be the only lefty in the Twins' bullpen.
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| Figgins scratched | Friday 6/27, 8:17 PM CT |
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Chone Figgins was scratched from Friday's lineup because of a cut on his knee that is showing signs of infection, according to the OC Register.
Our View: Figgins was prescribed antibiotics on Thursday, but skipper Mike Scioscia said it did not look good when he came to the ball park for the start of the three-game set against the Dodgers.
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| Owings leaves game | Friday 6/27, 8:15 PM CT |
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Micah Owings left Friday night's game in the fifth inning with an undisclosed injury, according to the AP.
Our View: He has lost his previous two starts, and surrendered three runs prior to leaving tonight's outing. We will keep you posted when his injury status is revealed. |
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| Orioles interested in Lopez? | Friday 6/27, 8:11 PM CT |
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The Orioles are said to be interested in the Nats' Felipe Lopez, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Washington is believed to be looking for the best deal for Lopez, who has been on the bench for the previous three games. The team believes he hasn't played up to his capabilities and his future in Washington beyond this season is in doubt. |
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| Encarnaciion could return Sunday | Friday 6/27, 8:04 PM CT |
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Edwin Encarnacion, who is recovering from back spasms, could return to the Reds' lineup on Sunday, according to MLB.com. He missed his fourth-straight game on Friday due to the back ailment, but manager Dusty Baker said, "I'm guessing probably Sunday. He said he feels better, but he still feels it."
Our View: Jeff Keppinger will continue to roam third base until he returns. |
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| Hill advised to rest | Friday 6/27, 7:52 PM CT |
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Shawn Hill, who is on the DL with a strained right forearm, has been advised to rest by the team, according to the AP. Manager Manny Acta said, "The plan is to shut him down. He’s going to rest for a while, then go on a throwing program. But there’s no timetable." Hill commented, "Everything, structurally, is fine, so there’s no reason I can’t get back to where I was last year at the beginning of the year—and health-wise where I was a long time ago. It’s just a matter of waiting for it to catch up."
Our View: The team can afford to take their time with Hill, as he was only 1-5 over 12 starts with a 5.83 ERA and 1.75 WHIP. |
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| Bautista struck by line drive | Friday 6/27, 7:39 PM CT |
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Denny Bautista was struck on the right elbow by the Rays' Akinori Iwamura in the fourth inning of action tonight, according to the AP.
Our View: Bautista immediately dropped his arm in agony as Iwamura beat out an infield single. We will keep you posted on the severity of his injury.
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| Ohlendorf optioned | Friday 6/27, 7:31 PM CT |
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Ross Ohlendorf has been optioned to Triple-A Scranton, according to the AP. The team recalled reliever Kei Igawa as an adjoining move.
Our View: Ohlendorf held no fantasy value prior to his demotion, as he allowed 45 hits, 18 walks, and 23 runs over 38.2 innings this season. |
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| Igawa recalled | Friday 6/27, 7:24 PM CT |
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Kei Igawa has been recalled from Triple-A Scranton, according to the AP. The team optioned Ross Ohlendorf to Scranton as an adjoining move.
Our View: Igawa won't hold much fantasy value while fighting for playing time out of the Yankees' pen. He allowed six runs and 11 hits over three innings in his previous stint with the club this season. |
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| Garcia on Astros' radar | Friday 6/27, 7:13 PM CT |
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Free agent pitcher Freddy Garcia is now on the Astros' radar, according to MLB.com. Team GM Ed Wade said, "I talked to his agent, Peter Greenberg, earlier in the week, and he informed me that Freddy is expected to be ready to throw in front of scouts soon. I let him know that we want to be there."
Our View: Garcia notably came up through the Houston organization before the Astros traded him to Seattle on July 31, 1998, along with Carlos Guillen and John Halama, for ace pitcher Randy Johnson. Garcia has landed on the Astros' radar following Shawn Chacon's release from the club.
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| Fielder serving as DH | Friday 6/27, 7:08 PM CT |
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Prince Fielder is serving as the Brewers' DH tonight in their inter-league contest against the Twins in Minnesota, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
Our View: Fielder will try to slow down a Twins' team that has won nine-straight games, and is 12-3 against the NL. |
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| Dillon starting at 1B | Friday 6/27, 7:05 PM CT |
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Joe Dillon is penciled in to start at first base in tonight's inter-league battle in Minnesota, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Prince Fielder is serving as the DH.
Our View: Dillon is only 13-for-53 (.245) this season, with no homers, and is not worth starting as a fantasy prospect. |
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| Albers could be done for 2008 | Friday 6/27, 6:51 PM CT |
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Matt Albers' MRI revealed a torn labrum in his ailing right shoulder and he could be done for 2008, according to the AP.
Our View: Albers can choose to rehabilitate the shoulder, which would likely keep him on the shelf for at least two months, or he can opt for surgery and be out of action for eight or nine months, hence ending his 2008 campaign. He will weigh his options over the next couple of days.
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| Hampson optioned | Friday 6/27, 6:45 PM CT |
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Justin Hampson has been optioned to Triple-A Portland, according to the AP. The Padres picked up Brett Tomko off waivers from the Royals, and Hampson was demoted to make room on the roster.
Our View: Hampson surrendered 13 hits and seven earned runs over 8.2 innings with San Diego this season, and the reliever held no fantasy value prior to his demotion. |
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| Tomko rejoins the Padres | Friday 6/27, 6:42 PM CT |
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Brett Tomko has rejoined the Padres after being waived by the Royals six days ago, according to the AP. To make room on the roster, the Padres optioned Justin Hampson to Triple-A Portland.
Our View: This is Tomko’s third stint with the Padres. Tomko allowed 80 hits, 13 walks, and 47 earned runs over 60.2 innings of work with the Royals this season, and his fantasy value will not improve in San Diego. |
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| Isringhausen could land on DL | Friday 6/27, 6:37 PM CT |
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Jason Isringhausen underwent an MRI on his ailing right knee on Friday and could be headed back to the DL, according to CardinalsBlog.
Our View: Isringhausen himself commented he was told he has a strained ligament, a strained tendon and a strain of the knee capsule. We will keep you posted on his status.
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| Matsui placed on DL | Friday 6/27, 6:29 PM CT |
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Updating a previous report, Hideki Matsui has been placed on the 15-day DL due to a sore knee, according to the AP. The team activated hurler Sidney Ponson as a corresponding move.
Our View: Matsui aggravated his knee when he played the outfield in two games during the Yankees’ inter-league set against the Astros from June 13-15. |
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| Soto collects 13th homer in loss | Friday 6/27, 6:25 PM CT |
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Geovany Soto went 3-for-4 with one RBI on a solo home run in Friday's 10-3 loss to the cross-town rival White Sox.
Our View: He collected his 13 homer and 47th RBI of the season, and raised his average to .285. |
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| Dempster dealt third loss | Friday 6/27, 6:22 PM CT |
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Ryan Dempster was rocked for eight earned runs on seven hits over a mere 2.1 innings of work in Friday's tough 10-3 loss to the White Sox, with three walks and one strikeout. Half of the runs surrendered came on a Nick Swisher grand slam.
Our View: The Sox got revenge on Dempster, as he beat them back on June 22 with only one run allowed over eight innings. He is still a rock solid 9-3 and that was his first loss since May 20. He should bounce back fine. |
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| Quentin goes 4-for-5 | Friday 6/27, 6:17 PM CT |
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Carlos Quentin went 4-for-5 with a pair of RBI in Friday's 10-3 bashing of the Cubs at US Cellular Field. He had one double and three singles.
Our View: That was his fourth multi-hit game over his last nine, but he only has one homer and four RBI over the span. |
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| Swisher leads Sox with grand slam | Friday 6/27, 6:10 PM CT |
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Nick Swisher went 2-for-4 with a grand slam in Friday's 10-3 win over the Cubs. His other hit went for a double, giving him six total bases in the game.
Our View: That was his first homer since June 9, when he hit a pair against the Twins. |
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| Contreras nails down seventh win | Friday 6/27, 6:06 PM CT |
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Jose Contreras allowed three earned runs on seven hits over six innings in Friday's 10-3 victory over the Cubs at US Cellular Field, with two walks and three strikeouts. The Sox got their revenge against their cross-town rivals, as the Cubs previously swept them in their set at Wrigley Field.
Our View: Contreras improves to 7-6 for the season, and he snapped a three-game losing streak. |
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| Hamilton returns to lineup | Friday 6/27, 5:49 PM CT |
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Josh Hamilton has returned to the Rangers' lineup on Friday, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Our View: He was removed from Thursday's game against the Astos in the first inning after being struck on the hand by a Wandy Rodriguez pitch. He has been banged up as of late and his production has slowed down, but fantasy owners shouldn't be concerned right now. |
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| Castillo scores five times | Friday 6/27, 5:39 PM CT |
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Luis Castillo scored five runs in the Mets 15-6 thrashing of the Yankees. He was 2-for-3 at the plate while walking three times. Carlos Delgado drove in Castillo three times as part of his nine RBI day.
Our View: Castillo won't give you much in the way of batting average or RBI, he doesn't hit for power and his stolen bases are down. If you have him on your fantasy team for some reason it was a banner day, but probably not something you should expect to continue. |
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| Parisi optioned | Friday 6/27, 5:23 PM CT |
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Pitcher Mike Parisi has been optioned to Triple-A Memphis, according to the AP. The team activated Mark Mulder from the DL, and Parisi was viewed as expendable to make room on the roster.
Our View: Parisi held little to no fantasy value this season prior to his demotion, as he allowed 37 hits, 15 walks, and 21 earned runs over 23 innings of work, with only 13 strikeouts. |
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| A-Rod continues torrid June | Friday 6/27, 5:22 PM CT |
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Alex Rodriguez went 3-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored in the Yankees loss to the Mets. He is now hitting nearly .400 for the month of June.
Our View: There have only been three games this month A-Rod has not gotten hits in, and he has hit half of his 14 home runs during June. Only sit him down if you are trying to lose your fantasy baseball league. |
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| Mulder activated from DL | Friday 6/27, 5:20 PM CT |
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Mark Mulder has been activated from the DL, according to the AP. He had been on the DL since March 21 following left shoulder surgery.
Our View: He will initially work out of the Cardinals' bullpen, and his fantasy value will be limited. He is not worth targeting in NL-only leagues. |
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| Wright smacks four hits | Friday 6/27, 5:17 PM CT |
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David Wright went 4-for-5 with three RBI in the Mets 15-6 victory over the Yankees. He is 6-for-8 in his last two games.
Our View: Wright is certainly capable of stretches of dominance. He hasn't had a great June, but if his last two games are any indication, he could end the month well and start to take off in July. |
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| Giese roughed up | Friday 6/27, 5:14 PM CT |
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One start after giving up no earned runs to Cincinnati over six innings, Dan Giese was hit hard and took the loss in the Yankees 15-6 loss to the Mets. Giese went four innings, allowed six runs while walking four.
Our View: Not a great start for Giese, who had pitched well for the team before this outing. It speaks to the Yankees problems that they have to recall a 31-year-old journeyman from Triple-A to make starts for them. Giese probably doesn't warrant any fantasy consideration for the time being. |
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| Delgado records 9 RBI | Friday 6/27, 5:09 PM CT |
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Carlos Delgado went 3-for-5 with two home runs and had a Mets team record nine RBI, according to the Associated Press. FYI, Dave Kingman drove in eight runs for the Mets in an 11-0 victory at the Dodgers on June 4, 1976.
Our View: Delgado isn't exactly tearing it up, as evidenced by the fact that those nine runs batted in make up about 20% of his total for the year. It's possible this is the start of a turnaround, but that's unlikely. |
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| Barthmaier recalled, and will start | Friday 6/27, 5:05 PM CT |
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Jimmy Barthmaier has been recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis, and will make a spot start tonight against the Rays in place of Phil Dumatrait, according to Scout.com.
Our View: Barthmaier was 2-1 with a 2.84 ERA in five starts at Triple-A. He could prove to be effective, but does not merit fantasy consideration for a brief stint in the rotation. |
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| Konerko will make rehab appearance before coming off DL | Friday 6/27, 4:47 PM CT |
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Paul Konerko, out with a strained oblique, will make some minor league rehab appearances before he is activated from the DL, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Konerko has had a poor season, but if you stashed him away on your roster just in case, keep an eye out for when he begins those rehab appearances, because he likely won't be down for too long before coming back to the bigs. |
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| Salazar optioned to Norfolk | Friday 6/27, 4:43 PM CT |
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Oscar Salazar has been optioned to Triple-A Norfolk, according to the AP. He was demoted to free up a roster spot for Brandon Fahey.
Our View: Salazar fared well over 17 brief at-bats with Baltimore this season, as he hit two homers with four RBI, but will have to wait for another chance to prove his worth. |
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| Fahey recalled | Friday 6/27, 4:39 PM CT |
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Brandon Fahey has been recalled from Triple-A Norfolk, according to the AP. To make room on the roster, the club optioned infielder Oscar Salazar to Norfolk.
Our View: Fahey only hit .200 over 25 at-bats in his previous stint with the Orioles this season, and shouldn't push Alex Cintron from the starting gig at shortstop. |
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| Anderson successful against Park | Friday 6/27, 4:38 PM CT |
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Garret Anderson crushes Dodgers pitcher Chan Ho Park, who he'll face tonight. Anderson has hit .350 off of him in his career, with a .550 slugging percentage.
Our View: It's obviously a good night to get Anderson into the lineup, even though Anderson has struggled to the tune of a .178 batting average in June. |
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| Pena activated | Friday 6/27, 4:26 PM CT |
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Updating a previous report, Carlos Pena has been activated from the 15-day DL, according to the St. Petersburg Times. To make room on the roster, utility-man Ben Zobrist has been optioned to Triple-A
Our View: Pena had been on the shelf since June 4 with a fractured left index finger, but had progressed well through his rehab stint this past week. He was only hitting .227 over 57 games, but blasted 11 homers with 35 RBI. |
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| Calero released | Friday 6/27, 4:03 PM CT |
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Kiko Calero has been released by the Athletics, according to the AP. He was designated for assignment by the club back on June 19.
Our View: Calero only pitched 4.2 innings with the A's this season, and isn't likely to hold much fantasy value if he catches on with another club. |
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| Callaspo spends seven hours in prison for DUI | Friday 6/27, 3:42 PM CT |
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Alberto Callaspo was arrested for DUI last night and spent seven hours in prison, reports the Kansas City Star. He was stopped at about 3 A.M. and released around noon.
Our View: No word on if the Royals plan on disciplining Callaspo, who is hitting .290 with four RBI and eight runs scored in 100 at-bats. If he is on your fantasy roster for some reason, keep an eye out for any potential punishment coming his way. |
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| Church close to return | Friday 6/27, 3:39 PM CT |
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Ryan Church could return for Sunday’s finale of the Subway Series, Jerry Manuel said before Game 1 of the teams' twin-bill on Friday, this according to the New York Post.
Church, on the disabled list since June 6 because of post-concussion syndrome, is scheduled to play in the field tonight for the Single-A Brooklyn Cyclones.
Our View: The report noted that Manuel said there is “an outside chance” Church could come off the DL in time for Sunday’s game so it appears Sunday is the earliest the right fielder will return. |
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| Ellsbury gets day off | Friday 6/27, 3:36 PM CT |
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Jacoby Ellsbury is not in the starting lineup, as Red Sox manager Terry Francona has decided to start Coco Crisp before he begins his suspension, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: Ellsbury is riding a seven game hitting streak, but it's not like he's hitting the cover off the ball. He has not had a multi-hit game once during the streak and is hitting just .219 in those seven games. Overall, he has just seven hits in his last thirty seven at-bats, so a day off won't hurt him. |
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| Durbin having career year | Friday 6/27, 3:35 PM CT |
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Chad Durbin continues to be one of Philadelphia's best offseason pickups, according to The Sports Network. The right-hander hasn't allowed an earned run over his last 13.2 innings, covering 11 appearances, and he's allowed runs in just five of his 30 trips to the mound this year.
Our View: Durbin doesn't have any value in traditional formats, his fantasy-worth rests in leagues that roster middle relievers and those that reward holds. |
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| Zobrist send down | Friday 6/27, 3:27 PM CT |
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Ben Zobrist had a successful three game stint with the Tampa Bay Rays, but he was sent to Triple-A in order to make room on the roster for the return of Carlos Pena, reports the St. Petersburg Times.
Our View: Zobrist was 3-for-9 with two home runs in his abbreviated stay with the Rays. Even with Pena having a down year, he brings far more offensive potential than Zobrist, who will likely get another shot in the majors at some point down the road. |
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| Phillies win as a team; slump as a team | Friday 6/27, 3:27 PM CT |
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The Philadelphia Phillies have to be wondering if they can win on a consistent basis. But maybe the bigger question is: can they hit outside of Citizen Bank Park?
The Phillies have lost seven of their last eight games, all against American League opponents, and are hitting just .181 (46-for-254) in that span with two homers and 15 runs scored, good for a 1.9 runs per game average. Second baseman Chase Utley , who leads the NL in total All-Star votes, endured an 0-for-24 skid before he doubled in the third inning of Sunday's loss to the Angels. He also turned in a 4-for-5 effort on Wednesday that gave hope to his slump being over, but Utley then went 0-for-4 on Thursday in a 5-0 loss to Rich Harden.
Our View: This is one of those rare occasions when the entire starting lineup scuffles at the same time. Utley isn't producing but he is followed closely by Ryan Howard (4- for-32, .125), Pat Burrell (4-for-29, .138), Jimmy Rollins (6-for-31, .194) and Geoff Jenkins (0-for-17). Who wants to be the opposing pitcher when this group decides enough is enough? |
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| Sabathia to Tampa Bay? | Friday 6/27, 3:10 PM CT |
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The Tampa Bay Rays may wind up being the front runners for Indians hurler C.C. Sabathia, according to Fox Sports columnist Ken Rosenthal. Their farm system is loaded and they wold be content to get the draft picks he would bring them should Sabathia eventually depart as a free agent.
Our View: The thought of the Rays being a serious pursuer of Sabathia seemed ludicrous not long ago. But the Rays have positioned themselves as serious contenders for an AL playoff spot, and Sabathia would give their rotation an outstanding foursome, putting him with Scott Kazmir, James Shields and Matt Garza. |
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| Mulder to bullpen? | Friday 6/27, 2:08 PM CT |
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Mark Mulder should be someone the Cardinals consider for the bullpen, according to St. Louis Post-Dispatch writer Derrick Goold. The Cardinals currently only have Ron Villone as a lefty out of the 'pen.
Our View: Mulder has been trying to get healthy for two seasons, but every time there is a faint glimmer of hope, a setback occurs. It is unlikely he will ever become what he once was, so trying him out of the bullpen as a lefty reliever would give him some kind of value. |
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| LaPorta makes Futures squad | Friday 6/27, 2:02 PM CT |
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Matt LaPorta has been named to the U.S. team at the annual Futures Game that takes place on All-Star weekend.
Our View: LaPorta has an OPS of 1.009 for the Huntsville Stars, Milwaukee's Double-A farm club. He has 19 home runs on the year, and is averaging one every 14.2 at-bats. He is an outstanding prospect and someone to keep an eye on if he continues to hit. |
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| Crisp penalty handed down | Friday 6/27, 1:55 PM CT |
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The Red Sox found out on Friday that Coco Crisp's suspension was reduced from seven games to five for his part in June 5 brawl with the Rays, this according to the St. Petersburg Times. Crisp will start serving the penalty phase on Saturday in Houston.
Our View: Crisp will also, conveniently, miss the three-game series between the Red Sox and the Rays at the Trop that starts Monday. |
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| Pillow injury costs Inge | Friday 6/27, 1:54 PM CT |
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Brandon Inge recently went on the DL with a pulled oblique muscle. Seems he injured the muscle in a pillow accident, according to the Detroit News. "I have a 3-year-old son who sleeps in the bed with my wife and me," Inge said. "I was trying to push the pillow down behind his head (two nights ago), and when I did ... I repopped (the strained muscle).
Our View: If Inge can stay away from pillows, blankets and other hazardous items, he should be able to return in a few weeks. |
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| Iwamura's appeal denied | Friday 6/27, 1:49 PM CT |
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Akinori Iwamura's appeal of his three-game suspension was denied by MLB, this according to the St. Petersburg Times. The Rays second baseman will begin the penalty phase starting Saturday.
Our View: An official announcement is expected later today on the leagues official decision.
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| Ramirez penciled in for start | Friday 6/27, 12:58 PM CT |
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The White Sox, who have Alexei Ramirez penciled in as the starting second baseman for Friday afternoon's game against the Cubs, could make a change. Ramirez's wife is expecting to deliver the couple's baby at any time.
Our View: If Ramirez doesn't make the game Juan Uribe will start. |
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| Fuku returns to starting lineup | Friday 6/27, 12:54 PM CT |
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Kosuke Fukudome is back in the starting lineup for the White Sox after missing two games to a calf injury.
Our View: Fukudome is hitting leadoff for the Cubs as they visit U.S. Cellular Field. |
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| Wise starting in center for Sox | Friday 6/27, 12:52 PM CT |
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Dewayne Wise, who was promoted from Triple-A Charlotte in mid-June is starting in center field for the White Sox today when the Cubs invade U.S. Cellular Field. Wise is hitting ninth in the batting order.
Our View: Wise has played in 11 games since arriving in Chicago but has only 22 at-bats. However, he has been productive hitting .364 with a home run, three RBI, five runs scored and two stolen bases. |
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| Bowden trade bait? | Friday 6/27, 12:46 PM CT |
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Fox Sports reports that a scout's take on Red Sox pitching prospect Michael Bowden (7-3 with a 2.33 ERA) as a 21-year-old at Class AA: "He comes right over the top — and considering that, has pretty good command. He throws on a good downhill plane. He's aggressive on both sides of the plate, real competitive, with a developing curveball and changeup."
Our View: The report notes that Bowden could be the centerpiece of any Red Sox offer for Indians' left-hander C.C. Sabathia. |
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| Greinke the target of contenders | Friday 6/27, 12:38 PM CT |
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Royals' ace Zack Greinke is the target of the Phillies and the Brewer according to Fox Sports. The note reports, and accurately, that the Royals are not interested in moving Grienke whom they control through 2010.
Our View: General Manager Dayton Moore values pitching above all and Greinke isn't going anywhere unless somebody overwhelms the Royals front office. |
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| Sabathia to headline July trades | Friday 6/27, 12:29 PM CT |
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According to SI.com, C.C. Sabathia appears ready to become the star of this summers trading season. No less than a dozen teams are believed interested in the Indians' Cy Young winning left-hander. By one accounting, every contending team but the Cardinals already has checked in with Cleveland. "He's going to be going somewhere,'' one competing GM predicted about Sabathia.
Our View: Unless the Indians can put a winning streak together and find their way into the driver seat in the AL Central, it sounds like everyone and anyone in the know is assuming Sabathia should be the most coveted pitcher on the trade market in July.
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| Christian gets start in left field | Friday 6/27, 12:00 PM CT |
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Justin Christian, who was called up from Triple-A Scranton this week, is starting in left field in Game 1 of the twin-bill at Shea Stadium.
Our View: Christian has three hits in eight at-bats since being called up. |
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| Cano heating up | Friday 6/27, 11:28 AM CT |
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Robinson Cano is hitting seventh in the batting order at Shea Stadium in Game 1 of a day-night double-header.
Our View: The Yankees second baseman is heating up. He is 14-for-33 in his last 10 games with eight RBI. He has raised his batting average from .217 to .241 during that span. |
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| Cabrera hitting leadoff | Friday 6/27, 11:25 AM CT |
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Melky Cabrera is starting in center field and hitting leadoff for the Yankees today. The first game of a day-night double-header has Johnny Damon on the bench.
Our View: Cabrera, who will be facing the red-hot Mike Pelfrey, has experienced an up and down season so far. He's hitting .254 with 32 RBI, 27 runs scored and he's stolen six bases in seven tries. |
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| Matsui to be disabled | Friday 6/27, 11:22 AM CT |
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Hideki Matsui will be placed on the disabled list after Game 1 of today's double-header at Shea Stadium, this according to LoHud.com. The Yankees plan to activate Sidney Ponson to start the second of the two-game tilt and moving Matsui to the DL will make room on the 25-man roster.
Our View: There has been no news yet on Matsui's visit to the team doctor concerning his bum knee. The move will likely be retroative to June 15, the last day the Yankees' left fielder played. |
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| Nixon starting in right field | Friday 6/27, 11:17 AM CT |
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Trot Nixon is starting in right field in Game 1 of the double-dip between the Mets and Yankees at Shea Stadium. Nixon is hitting sixth in the batting order against Yankee starter Dan Giese.
Our View: Nixon is hitting .148 in 27 at-bats for the Mets. |
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| Castillo starting Game 1 | Friday 6/27, 11:12 AM CT |
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Despite the fact that Luis Castillo figures to be limited in the coming weeks while he nurses chronically sore knees, the second baseman is in the lineup for today's first game of two against the Yanks at Shea Stadium.
Our View: Castillo is starting at second base and hitting second in the batting order. Don't expect him to be in the starting lineup for the second game. |
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| McPherson homers in sixth straight | Friday 6/27, 10:57 AM CT |
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According to the Marlins' team website, Dallas McPherson has been hitting the cover off the ball in Triple-A Albuquerque. The Isotopes' third baseman went yard for the sixth straight game. McPherson has hit safely in 14 of his last 15 games. "Things are going well for me right now," he said. "I feel good at the plate and things are slowing down. I've been getting ahead in the count, getting good pitches and making the best of my swings."
Our View: Over that span McPherson is hitting .404 (21-for-52) with eight homers and 14 RBI. He raised his average to .309. When or if the third baseman will get a chance with the Fish again hasn't been determined. |
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| Loretta to start for Matsui | Friday 6/27, 10:49 AM CT |
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With Kaz Matsui on the disabled list Mark Loretta will have a chance to start against his former team when Boston visits Minute Maid Park for a three-game weekend interleague set. Loretta will be the Astros' primary second baseman with Matsui on the shelf.
Our View: Loretta hasn't played against his former team since leaving the Red Sox after the 2006 season. Loretta signed with the Astros as a free agent before last season. |
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| Wolf to face M's for second time | Friday 6/27, 10:28 AM CT |
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Two teams struggling to win games meet up in a three-game interleague set this weekend when the Padres host the Mariners. Seattle, now managed by former Padres manager Jim Riggleman will send Jarrod Washburn to the rubber to square off against lefty Randy Wolf. Tonight's game will be the second time this season that Wolf has faced the M's. Wolf was the losing pitcher May 17 at Seattle, giving up three runs on seven hits in 6.1 innings in a 4-2 Padres loss.
Our View: Wolf's ERA has fallen in seven of his past eight starts. He is 3-2 over the span with a 2.55 ERA. The Padres have scored fewer than three runs in seven games that Wolf started and scored more than three in only five of his 16 starts. |
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| Cabrera hitting .400 on the farm | Friday 6/27, 10:23 AM CT |
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Asdrubal Cabrera has been hitting over .400 at Triple-A Buffalo since being demoted in early June, this according to the Akron Beacon Journal. The report notes there is no timetable for bringing the infielder back to Cleveland.
Asked if there was a time frame for his return, Wedge said, ''No we don't have one. We just want him to play. This is more about his daily routine than just baseball,'' Wedge said. ''He's headed in the right direction; he just needs to keep it going.''
Our View: Part of the issue with Cabrera when he was on the roster was his conditioning and the team is working with him on a more regimented routine.
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| Carmona back on track | Friday 6/27, 10:18 AM CT |
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The Akron Beacon Journal reports that the pain in Fausto Carmona's hip is no longer bothering the right-hander and he will take up where he left off in his throwing program.
''Fausto will play catch tomorrow,'' manager Eric Wedge said. ''He will have to go through some of [what he already had completed] that again, but he won't start from ground zero.''
Our View: Before the hip set him back in his rehab work, Carmona was ready to begin his minor league rehab starts. There still hasn't been any talk about when the Indians' starter will be back in the rotation. |
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| Gordon scuffling against NL teams | Friday 6/27, 9:48 AM CT |
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While several KC players are hitting their stride, sophomore third baseman Alex Gordon is slumping. Gordon is hitting just .217 in the last 28 games and has just three hits in his last 22 at-bats.
Our View: Jose Guillen (.350) David DeJesus (.364) and Mike Aviles (.333) are carrying the team offensively.
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| Aviles named starter | Friday 6/27, 9:44 AM CT |
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It's official according to All Sports Radio 810 in Kansas City, the Royals coaching staff announced on Thursday that Mike Aviles will be the starting shortstop for the rest of the season, barring something unforeseen.
Our View: In 20 games, Aviles is hitting .333 with three home runs, nine doubles, a triple and 14 RBI. Defensively, Aviles is not Tony Pena Jr., but he's twice the hitter which seems to be a trade off that skipper Trey Hillman is willing to make.
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| Taubenheim could start Saturday | Friday 6/27, 9:35 AM CT |
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The Pittsburgh Post Gazette reports that with Ian Snell on 15-day disabled list and John Van Benschoten suffering from shoulder stiffness, Ty Taubenheim is expected to start for the Pirates on Saturday against the Rays' Edwin Jackson.
Our View: Jimmy Barthmaier was promoted from Triple-A Indianapolis to make his major league debut tonight, Ty Taubenheim will make that same trip tomorrow. Taubenheim, a 25-year-old right-hander, is a six-year professional who made 13 appearances for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2006-07. In 16 starts for Indianapolis, he is 4-9 with a 4.60 ERA, with his past four starts being his best. |
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| Golson named to Futures Game | Friday 6/27, 9:29 AM CT |
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The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that five Phillies prospects have been named to the All-Star Futures Game.
Outfielder Gregory Golson, catcher Lou Marson, and infielder Jason Donald are on the U.S. team. Righthander Carlos Carrasco and lefthander Antonio Bastardo were named to the World team.
Our View: The Futures game will be held at Yankee Stadium on July 13. |
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| Gordon's shoulder improved | Friday 6/27, 9:25 AM CT |
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Tom Gordon pitched for the first time since June 15 after missing a week to soreness in his right shoulder, this according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
"He's OK," manager Charlie Manuel said. "That's the first time he's been out there in about eight days. The work did him good. Flash is going to be OK. He's fine."
Our View: Gordon allowed two runs (one earned) in one inning of work. The veteran's fantasy value rests in leagues that reward holds. |
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| Benson promoted to Triple-A | Friday 6/27, 9:18 AM CT |
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Kris Benson will start Sunday for Triple-A Lehigh Valley, this according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. The right-hander is scheduled to throw five innings or 80 pitches in the start. "It's important for him to be challenged and to get a better assessment on how he will handle pitching against better competition," Phillies assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said.
Amaro said it was too early to know when Benson could be ready to contribute at the big-league level.
"I think he's feeling a little more comfortable, a little stronger," Amaro said. "A lot of it depends on how much more he improves."
Benson, whose fastball has been consistently about 89 m.p.h., went 0-2 with an 8.10 ERA at Single-A Clearwater.
Our View: In his last start, he allowed seven hits, a run and a walk in 42/3 innings. He struck out three.
Benson, 33, missed the 2007 season after undergoing shoulder surgery and is attempting to earn a spot in the Phillies rotation. |
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| Bum knee hindering Matsui | Friday 6/27, 9:08 AM CT |
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The New York Post is suggesting that Yankees' skipper Joe Girardi might shelf outfielder Hideki Matsui due to his bum knee. "You don't want it to come to that, but if it's in the best interest of the club, we will talk about it."
Matsui said the knee is improving daily and feels that he could DH today in the first game against the Mets New York Mets at the Stadium. And he said he isn't that far away from returning to the outfield. He hasn't played there since June 15.
Our View: Matsui,who is hobbled by a bothersome left knee, will be reexamined by a doctor today. Placing Matsui on the disabled list would also open a spot for the teams' spot starter for today's double-header against the Mets. That spot starter, Sidney Ponson. |
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| Penny suffers setback | Friday 6/27, 9:00 AM CT |
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Brad Penny won't pitch in a simulated game Saturday as originally planned, according to the Los Angeles Times. Penny felt discomfort after throwing a side session Wednesday.
Our View: According to Dodgers' pitching coach Rick Honeycutt, Penny will throw Saturday but not to live hitters. No word on a return date for the big right-hander. |
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| Stults earns sixth-man award | Friday 6/27, 8:58 AM CT |
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Eric Stults, who pitched a complete-game shutout Wednesday night, will fill the final slot in what skipper Joe Torre is calling a six-man rotation, this according to the Los Angeles Times. The report notes that the Dodgers will use the rotation up to the All-Star break so that the left-hander could continue to start. "It's pretty tough not to follow up on what we saw," Torre said.
Our View: Stults, who was called up from triple-A Las Vegas to replace injured Brad Penny, is 2-0 with an 0.60 ERA in two starts. |
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| Kuroda set to return to the rotation | Friday 6/27, 8:51 AM CT |
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The Los Angeles Times reports that Hiroki Kuroda will be activated from the disabled list to make a start Tuesday or Wednesday. The paper noted that his activation was contingent on a successful short simulated game on Saturday.
Our View: Kuroda was supposed to pitch the simulated game Friday, but a stiff neck, not his right shouler, altered his schedule. |
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| Ethier sits on Thursday night | Friday 6/27, 8:48 AM CT |
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With left-hander John Danks starting for the White Sox, Andre Ethier was out of the lineup on Thursday night, this according to the Los Angeles Times. The Dodgers' outfielder is hitting .164 against left-handers so skipper Joe Torre elected to sit Ethier on Thursday.
Our View: The report noted that while Torre didn't have much faith in Ethier, Chicago starting pitcher Danks was delighted.
"Fortunately, Andre Ethier wasn't in there," said Danks, who pitched six scoreless innings. "He owned me all the way down to the minor leagues. I was definitely excited to see that." |
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| Furcal getting close | Friday 6/27, 8:44 AM CT |
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The Los Angeles Times reports that Rafael Furcal is taking part in rigorous workouts that include running zigzags and taking ground balls from third base coach Larry Bowa. "I felt much better than before," said Furcal, who last played May 5. "I can't wait to be on the field. I'll look like a little kid out there."
Our View: Furcal is hopeful that he can start a minor league rehab assignment in Las Vegas next week.
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| Bartlett to meet team in Pittsburgh | Friday 6/27, 8:09 AM CT |
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Tampa Bay skipper Joe Maddon told the Tampa Tribune that shortstop Jason Bartlett will be back with the team tonight in Pittsburgh.
Our View: Bartlett missed the last two games t | |
