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NEWSBREAKERS MLB
Pierre to undergo MRISunday 6/29, 11:54 PM CT
The Los Angeles Times confirms that Juan Pierre remained in town on Sunday night and will undergo an MRI on his left knee. The team traveled to Houston, but Pierre won't join them until the results are known. "Obviously, for him to come out of a ballgame, it's more than just a bruise, you would think," manager Joe Torre explains.

Our View: We'll update Pierre's status as soon as more is known. Delwyn Young would likely start in left field if Pierre were to miss more time.
Inoa to sign with A'sSunday 6/29, 11:45 PM CT
The A's have won the Michael Inoa sweepstakes, according to Baseball America. The Dominican pitcher has agreed to sign with the A's for a $4.25 million signing bonus. The Reds, Rangers and Yankees were among the other teams pursuing the 16-year-old right-hander. It will be the richest deal ever for a non-Cuban international amateur.

Our View: There's no word on when the A's have tentatively scheduled to trade Inoa to the Yankees, Mets or Red Sox. We're thinking 2016. Scouts can't seem to praise this youngster enough. For now, it's a name to store in your memory bank, especially if you play in a keeper fantasy league.
D-Train stays off-trackSunday 6/29, 10:44 PM CT
Dontrelle Willis worked two innings for High-A Lakeland on Sunday. He allowed one hit and one run, walked three, and struck out none. It was Willis' first game action since June 9, MLive.com notes.

Our View: The Tigers gave Willis a little time to clear his head, but it doesn't look like it helped that much. We wonder when the franchise will ask Rick Ankiel for advice about turning Willis into an outfielder.
Ordonez talks about injurySunday 6/29, 10:39 PM CT
Outfielder Magglio Ordonez spoke more about the injury to his right oblique muscle. He went on the DL on Sunday. "It will just take treatment and rest," Ordonez informs the MLive.com. "It will be maybe two weeks. I'll be back when I am ready." He suffered the injury when chasing a foul ball on Saturday, and he left the game two innings later. Ordonez explains the similar injuries to teammates Gary Sheffield and Brandon Inge helped him to realize that he needed to be smart about the ailment. Clete Thomas is expected to see a lot of time while Ordonez is out.

Our View: Like the Tigers, fantasy owners can't replace Magglio. However, it's interesting to know that Thomas, not Matt Joyce, is expected to get most of the action.
Thome puts Williams, McCovey behind himSunday 6/29, 10:18 PM CT
Jim Thome went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer on Sunday night. He is up to 15 long balls and 40 RBI on the year, and his 522 career homers place him ahead of Ted Williams and Willie McCovey.

Our View: After two disastrous months, Thome is hitting .281 with five homers, 12 RBI, and 17 runs in June. Those aren't outstanding digits, but they represent a major step forward for this veteran.
Uggla could be out until ThursdaySunday 6/29, 10:14 PM CT
Second baseman Dan Uggla could be out until Thursday due to a sore left ankle, MLB.com reports. "We'll probable stay away from him for a couple of days; hopefully, he could play the road trip," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "He's just got to ice the [heck] out of it today. He's got to get that whole swelling down and get some treatment on that." The Marlins open the coming week with three home games against the Nationals and then play four games in Colorado.

Our View: Even if Uggla only gets three games in Colorado this week, he id probably worth using over your backup option. He does carry some obvious risk, though.
Quentin hits another one outSunday 6/29, 9:58 PM CT
Carlos Quentin hit a solo homer in Sunday night's win over the Cubs. It was his second straight game with a long ball, and he is tied with Josh Hamilton for the AL lead with 19 home runs.

Our View: Quentin's production has dropped off a little bit in June, but fantasy owners can hardly complain. When people drafted Quentin, they probably were only expecting 19 homers for the entire season.
Marshall pitches well, losesSunday 6/29, 9:55 PM CT
Sean Marshall kept the White Sox in check on Sunday, but he ended up taking a loss. The right-hander held the rival to five hits and three runs over seven innings. Marshall walked one and struck out five.

Our View: Two homers did Marshall in on Sunday night. Still, he may have earned himself another turn in the rotation.
Buehrle completes sweepSunday 6/29, 9:52 PM CT
Mark Buehrle led the White Sox on Sunday night as they completed their home sweep of the Cubs. The southpaw held the Cubs to six hits and one unearned run over seven innings. Buehrle walked two ans struck out five as he evened his record at 5-5.

Our View: Buehrle will finish June at 4-0 with a 1.71 ERA in the month. So much for those questions about his arm that popped up consistently in April and May, huh?
Kearns goes deepSunday 6/29, 9:13 PM CT
Austin Kearns went 2-for-4 with a homer, double, and three RBI for Triple-A Columbus on Sunday. He is on a rehab assignment following right elbow surgery and is expected to return in the coming week.

Our View: Kearns is four games into his rehab, and it looks like his bat is working better than it did before the operation. Our expectations remain low.
Van Every swats three homersSunday 6/29, 9:07 PM CT
Outfielder Jonathan Van Every went 3-for-3 with three home runs and five RBI in Sunday's Triple-A win over Rochester. He is hitting .323 with 12 homers, 24 RBI, and 25 runs over 26 games in June.

Our View: We're not sure what Van Every has been eating this month, but we want some of it. The 28-year-old received a cup of coffee in May, but the Red Sox don't have any room for him at this point.
Zambrano ready to returnSunday 6/29, 8:45 PM CT
Carlos Zambrano threw a pain-free bullpen session on Sunday and declared himself ready to return to the rotation. "I feel great today. I guess 'Z' is back," Zambrano tells the AP. "I'm ready to go out there and do my job." Zambrano, who is out due to a strained right shoulder, will throw another side session on Tuesday. He expects to be activated to start on July 4 against the Cardinals.

Our View: It sounds like fantasy owners can safely start Zambrano in the week ahead.
Myers unlikely to make Thursday startSunday 6/29, 8:41 PM CT
Brett Myers appears unlikely to make his next scheduled start on Thursday. Nothing is official, but the club is leaning towards pulling Myers from the rotation. "Right now, that's the way we're leaning, but we'll think about it," manager Charlie Manuel tells MLB.com. Reliever Chad Durbin would likely start in Myers' place.

Our View: We should have an official word on Monday or Tuesday, but fantasy owners should pull Myers from their lineups, provided he's even in them. Durbin could make only one start before giving way to Kris Benson.
Perez pushed back to next SundaySunday 6/29, 8:21 PM CT
Oliver Perez won't start again until next Sunday against the Phillies, MLB.com reports. The Mets have altered their rotation and pushed the southpaw back by two days. Perez could pitch in relief on Wednesday or Thursday of this week.

Our View: This news will affect fantasy teams with daily transactions, but it shouldn't alter anyone's outlook too greatly.
Benson takes Triple-A lossSunday 6/29, 8:18 PM CT
Kris Benson worked four innings and allowed four runs for Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Sunday. He allowed five hits, walked none, struck out one, and threw 73 pitches. Benson tells MLB.com that he felt fine. His fastball reached 93 mph. Benson is coming back from surgery to repair a torn right rotator cuff.

Our View: Benson seems to be at least one more start away from throwing his hat into the major league mix. We're not counting on him to help fantasy teams very much, although NL-only owners obviously need to take notice.
Davis homers againSunday 6/29, 8:11 PM CT
Chris Davis started his second major league game on Sunday, and just as he did in the first outing, the rookie socked a homer. The AP reports that Davis is the first Rangers player in history to hit a home run in each of his first two starts. Davis, 22, opened the year at Double-A and hit .333-23-73-68 over 77 games and two levels before getting his call.

Our View: We're not sure what the Rangers are planning with Hank Blalock, but they can't move this kid off of first base, right? Even Josh Hamilton thinks Davis is having a ridiculous year thus far.
Moyer drops third straightSunday 6/29, 8:06 PM CT
Jamie Moyer continues to be a victim of bad run support. The ageless lefty lost his third straight start on Sunday. He allowed three runs over 5.2 innings against the Rangers. Moyer served up seven hits, walked four, and struck out six. He has allowed three or fewer runs in five straight starts.

Our View: The crafty Moyer is pitching about as well as the Phillies can expect, but their lineup has produced a total of 10 runs over his last five outings. We guess karma is swinging back after the Phillies supplied Moyer with an average of nine runs per start in May.
Hurley picks up first big league winSunday 6/29, 8:02 PM CT
Eric Hurley picked up the first win of his major league career on Sunday night. The rookie held the Phillies to five hits and one run over 5.2 innings. Hurley walked two, struck out three, and mixed in a wild pitch. His ERA fell to 3.57.

Our View: Hurley is pitching better in the majors than he was at Triple-A, which suggest we can't count on him to maintain a sub-4.00 ERA. It was a nice effort, but we're not sold quite yet.
Zimmerman could swing next weekSunday 6/29, 7:00 PM CT
Ryan Zimmerman will likely begin to swing a bat next week, which is a good sign. He is out due to a small labral tear in his left shoulder, and he is trying to avoid surgery. The Nationals believe he will return this year, the Washington Post reports.

Our View: Zimmerman isn't close to returning, but this news suggests he could still help fantasy clubs later this year.
Felix remains sidelinedSunday 6/29, 6:56 PM CT
Felix Hernandez remains out due to a sore left ankle. The staff thought he might test the ankle by throwing on Sunday, but that didn't happen, the Seattle Times reports. The Mariners will likely use someone out of their bullpen to start on Tuesday. "(Ryan) Rowland-Smith would be a candidate," manager Jim Riggleman says. "(Roy) Corcoran, (Sean) Green, (Mark) Lowe. It may not really even matter which one starts. It's just going to be a combination of the guys."

Our View: Hernandez injured the ankle on June 23, and it doesn't sound like the M's are quite ready to simply put him on the DL. At this point, fantasy owners can't count on Felix to start this week, though.
Gagne activatedSunday 6/29, 6:50 PM CT
The Brewers activated reliever Eric Gagne from the 15-day DL after Sunday's loss to the Twins, the AP reports. Manager Ned Yost did not say what role Gagne would have. He was out due to right rotator cuff tendinitis.

Our View: Salomon Torres has pitched well enough to keep the closer's role, but Yost showed tremendous loyalty to Gagne earlier this year. Fantasy owners should stick with Torres until we're clear about the roles.
Beltre continues to rakeSunday 6/29, 6:45 PM CT
Adrian Beltre went 2-for-5 with a homer, two runs, and three RBI in Sunday's win over the Padres. He has multiple hits in six of his last nine games, raising his average from .225 to .251 during that span.

Our View: It looks like someone is angling to increase his trade value. Beltre could be on the market as we approach July 31, and teams are more likely to call the M's if he's actually hitting well. Fantasy owners should be cautiously optimistic.
Jones will regain job in centerSunday 6/29, 6:38 PM CT
Andruw Jones isn't expected back until after the All-Star break, but he knows where he'll be playing when he's ready. Manager Joe Torre informs MLB.com that Jones will regain his starting job in center field. Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier will form some sort of platoon in right field. Jones is out due to right knee surgery.

Our View: The Dodgers will likely look to trade Juan Pierre this July, as Kemp and Ethier both have a long-term future with the club. This outfield could frustrate fantasy owners when Andruw is ready.
Nippert tosses Triple-A no-hitterSunday 6/29, 6:35 PM CT
Dustin Nippert tossed a seven-inning no-hitter for Triple-A Oklahoma on Sunday. The tall right-hander struck out five batters and walked two.

Our View: Congrats to Dustin. Hey, a no-hitter is a no-hitter, even if it comes in the minors. Nippert, 27, has been unable to make it in the majors thus far, but he could get a shot with the Rangers as the season rolls on.
Bedard wins in returnSunday 6/29, 6:31 PM CT
Erik Bedard didn't bring his "A" game on Sunday, but he was good enough to improve to 5-4. The southpaw, who missed his last start due to back spasms, held the Padres to three hits and one run over 5.2 innings. Bedard walked three and struck out three.

Our View: Bedard was a bit wild (51 strikes, 94 pitches), but fantasy owners will take it. He has had an inconsistent year (partially due to injuries), and we hope he can feed off this effort and start to pile up better digits.
Peavy falls to 5-5Sunday 6/29, 6:28 PM CT
Jake Peavy slipped to 5-5 after a tough outing against the Mariners on Sunday. The ace served up 10 hits over six innings, but he held the opposition to three runs. Peavy walked one and struck out six.

Our View: Peavy is going through a relatively tough stretch. We stress the "relatively" part because even the bad times for this stud would be good for most hurlers. We're not concerned.
Ichiro goes 5-for-5Sunday 6/29, 6:24 PM CT
Hey, that's the guy we remember! Ichiro Suzuki went 5-for-5 with all singles and a pair of runs in Sunday's win over the Padres and Jake Peavy.

Our View: Ichiro didn't even have a four-hit game to his name this season, which only seems remarkable because it's him. Like the Mariners as a whole, Ichiro is having a very disappointing year, but we continue to hold out hope that this stud can crank it up in the second half.
Tough luck loss for LoweSunday 6/29, 6:22 PM CT
Derek Lowe fell to 5-8 on Sunday, but it was hardly his fault. He held the Angels to five hits and one run over seven innings, but the Dodgers offense failed to cross the plate. Lowe walked two and struck out seven.

Our View: After an awful May, Lowe bounced back with a 2.81 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in June. He only went 3-3 in the month, but the wins will come if he continues pitching this well.
Rodriguez notches 32nd saveSunday 6/29, 6:19 PM CT
Francisco Rodriguez needed to get out only one batter to record his 32nd save of the season on Sunday. The closer made things interesting by throwing a wild pitch and walking a batter, but he eventually shut the door.

Our View: It's funny how K-Rod isn't striking out as many batters and has been wild at times, but he is racking up saves at a record pace. Anyway, fantasy owners can continue to enjoy the ride.
Pierre injures kneeSunday 6/29, 6:16 PM CT
Juan Pierre injured his left leg during Sunday's loss to the Angels. He suffered the ailment when sliding into second base, and he left after grabbing his knee. Pierre will likely undergo an MRI on Monday, MLB.com reports.

Our View: If Pierre is out for a while, the Dodgers could use Delwyn Young or Mark Sweeney in the outfield. We'll update his status when more is known.
Lackey keeps the Dodgers reelingSunday 6/29, 6:13 PM CT
John Lackey couldn't quite finish off his masterpiece on Sunday, but he came close. The ace tossed 8.2 scoreless innings against the Dodgers and improved to 6-1 with a 1.44 ERA. Lackey allowed three hits, walked two, struck out nine, and threw 120 pitches.

Our View: Hey, at least the Dodgers got a hit this time, right? Lackey is pitching as well as any hurler in the majors, and fantasy owners who showed patience with the ace continued to be rewarded.
Aurilia drives in fiveSunday 6/29, 6:10 PM CT
Rich Aurilia went 3-for-5 with a homer and five RBI in Sunday's win over the A's. The 36-year-old corner infielder came into the contest with a mere seven RBI in the month of June.

Our View: Rich has hit well this month, but let's not get carried away. He isn't worth using in fantasy leagues, unless you are dealing with injuries in an NL-only format.
Blanton struggles against GiantsSunday 6/29, 6:07 PM CT
Five days after a solid bounce back effort, Joe Blanton returned to his poor ways on Sunday. Blanton served up eight hits and seven runs over four innings against the Giants. The effort included four doubles and a triple. Blanton is now 4-11 on the year.

Our View: Joe is way too solid of a hurler to be 4-11 and own a 4.97 ERA. He's pitching like a guy who is just waiting to be traded. Fantasy owners should bench Joe if they haven't already.
Sanchez wins againSunday 6/29, 6:03 PM CT
Jonathan Sanchez followed Tim Lincecum's lead and silenced the A's on Sunday. The 25-year-old southpaw held Oakland to four hits and one run over seven innings. Sanchez walked one, struck out seven, and improved to 8-4 with a 3.79 ERA. He is 6-1 since May 28 and owns 103 whiffs over 102.0 innings.

Our View: In just over one month, Sanchez has gone from waiver wire material in most mixed leagues to a rotation fixture. He has really come into his own this year, and it looks like the Giants have quite a lefty to mix in with Lincecum and Matt Cain.
Young takes Sheets deepSunday 6/29, 5:59 PM CT
Delmon Young had only one hit on Sunday, but it was a two-run homer, just his second long ball of the year. It came off Brewers ace Ben Sheets.

Our View: Young is hitting .325 with both homers and seven doubles in June. Overall, we are still disappointed, but Delmon is starting to come out of his shell.
Sheets takes rare lossSunday 6/29, 5:57 PM CT
Ben Sheets has been hot, but he ran into the Twins buzzsaw on Sunday. The ace allowed nine hits and five runs over seven innings. Sheets, who dropped to 9-2, also walked two and struck out seven. He hadn't lost since May 15.

Our View: Fantasy owners have no reason to worry. Big Ben just had a minor hiccup against a streaking club.
Slowey aces out SheetsSunday 6/29, 5:55 PM CT
The Twins continue to take out the best pitchers in the NL, and on Sunday, they can thank Kevin Slowey. The 24-year-old right-hander tossed a complete game shutout against the Brewers. He allowed three hits, walked nine, and struck out eight. "He was just painting," manager Ron Gardenhire informs the AP. Slowey currently owns a 16-inning scoreless streak.

Our View: Yes, this is the same guy who out-pitched Jake Peavy earlier in the week. Slowey was the Twins minor league pitcher of the year in 2007, and he is clearly getting more comfortable at the major league level. Of course, he'll go back to facing AL teams next week.
Pujols goes yardSunday 6/29, 5:50 PM CT
Albert Pujols went 2-for-4 with two runs, two RBI, and, most notably, a home run on Sunday. It was his first long ball since coming off the DL.

Our View: Pujols failed to score or manage an extra-base hit in his first three games back, so it's nice to see him break out. Fantasy owners should obviously activate Albert for the week ahead.
Grudzielanek collects four hitsSunday 6/29, 5:47 PM CT
Mark Grudzielanek went 4-for-5 with two doubles, three runs, and an RBI on Sunday. He pushed his average up to .308.

Our View: Grudzy has been around .300 for pretty much the whole season, but he doesn't bring much else to the table. He is basically just an emergency fill-in for fantasy owners who have middle infield injuries.
LaRue homers, drives in fourSunday 6/29, 5:45 PM CT
Jason LaRue was an unlikely hero in Sunday's 9-6 win over the Royals. The catcher went 2-for-4 with a triple, homer, and four RBI.

Our View: LaRue is having a solid little run while filling in for Yadier Molina. We don't expect this veteran backstop to keep it up, but NL-only fantasy owners who plugged him in should be very pleased.
Pedrioa shows off power, speedSunday 6/29, 5:43 PM CT
Dustin Pedroia went 2-for-5 with a solo homer and a stolen base on Sunday. He is up to eight long balls and nine steals.

Our View: We wouldn't have guessed it going into the season, but Pedroia is making a strong run at the 15-15 club to along with his solid average and run numbers. He's delivering more than many fantasy owners paid for.
Valverde closes the doorSunday 6/29, 5:41 PM CT
Jose Valverde earned his 21st save of the season on Sunday, and we're happy to report that he didn't give up a run. The closer did walk a batter, but he also worked a hitless ninth inning. Valverde had allowed at least one run in four of the last five appearances.

Our View: We've been worried about Valverde, who basically admitted recently to feeling overworked. Fantasy owners should continue to use him, as the Astros don't really have a better option.
Manny hits one outSunday 6/29, 5:35 PM CT
Manny Ramirez went 2-for-4 with a solo homer on Sunday. It was his first long ball since June 10.

Our View: Manny has been on a cold streak, due in part to a lingering hamstring injury. He has hit well the past two days, though, and we're not worried about his fantasy value.
Moehler pitches wellSunday 6/29, 5:33 PM CT
Brian Moehler went pitch-for-pitch with Josh Beckett on Sunday afternoon. The veteran held the Red Sox to one run over 5.2 innings. Moehler allowed seven hits, walked three, and struck out five. He earned a no-decision, but the Astros eventually won 3-2.

Our View: Okay, so Moehler didn't last as long as Beckett, but it was a nice outing nonetheless. Moehler has allowed only one run in each of his last three starts and is worth trusting in NL-only formats. We're not ready to use him in mixed leagues.
Upton swipes a bag, finallySunday 6/29, 5:31 PM CT
B.J. Upton went 2-for-5 on Sunday, but the more important news was that he stole a base for the first time since June 14.

Our View: Upton seems way too fast to have such long gaps without a steal, but this is the second time this season we've seen him go more than two weeks between pilfers. Maybe he's just not as confident on the bases as he needs to be.
Gorzelanny strikes out eightSunday 6/29, 4:48 PM CT
Tom Gorzelanny struck out a season-high eight batters on Sunday against the Rays. He gave up eight hits and two runs (both on solo homers) over six innings. Gorzelanny took a no-decision.

Our View: Gorzelanny will wrap up June with a 4.66 ERA, which looks wonderful in comparison to his work in April and May. It's been a very disappointing campaign for the southpaw, and fantasy owners still can't trust him at this point.
Sonnanstine moves to 9-3Sunday 6/29, 4:45 PM CT
Andy Sonnanstine pushed his record to 9-3 with a solid win over the Pirates on Sunday. The 25-year-old right-hander held the Bucs to five hits and two runs (one earned) over seven innings. He walked one and struck out four. It was the first time in seven starts than Sonnanstine had worked more than five innings.

Our View: Sonnastine had a decent June after a rough May. He has settled in as a nice back-end hurler for the Rays, but fantasy owners should continue to be wary of him despite the record.
Iguchi sheds the slingSunday 6/29, 4:41 PM CT
Tadahito Iguchi has shed his right arm sling and has begun jogging. The second baseman suffered a separated right shoulder on June 5. "He's started to do some very easy mobilization with his shoulder," manager Bud Black tells MLB.com. "He can't run [pump his arms]. But he can kind of do what he's doing. He is still a ways away." Initial reports called for Iguchi to miss six-to-eight weeks.

Our View: Edgar Gonzalez continues to get most of the start at second base. Sadly, youngster Matt Antonelli wasn't ready to step up and fill the void. The Padres don't have a huge incentive to rush Iguchi back, other than maybe to trade him by July 31.
Scott goes deepSunday 6/29, 4:37 PM CT
Luke Scott swatted his second homer in as many days on Sunday. He his a solo shot and added a single over five at-bats against the Nationals. Scott is hitting .333-8-13-19 over 24 games in June.

Our View: We've seen Scott go through hot, power-filled streaks in the past, and he's worth plugging in while he's hot. Just be sure to keep an eye on him and watch out for a cold streak.
Bergmann sharp in no-decisionSunday 6/29, 4:34 PM CT
The good version of Jason Bergmann took the hill on Sunday and held the Orioles to six hits and one run over seven innings. Bergmann walked one, struck out three, and took a no-decision. It was his third straight outing with only one earned run allowed.

Our View: Bergmann seems to be either outstanding or awful every time he takes the mound. There's no in between. He has a bright future if he can figure out how to work more consistently. Fantasy owners should be wary until we see a more extended run of success.
Sherrill blows game against NatsSunday 6/29, 4:31 PM CT
George Sherrill blew his fourth save on Sunday. The Orioles took the lead in the top of the 12th against the Nationals, but the closer served up a walk and a two-run homer after getting two outs in the bottom of the inning. Sherrill's ERA grew to 3.53.

Our View: Fantasy owners can hardly complain. Sherrill was a low-cost reliever heading into the season, and he already owns 26 saves. His job is safe.
Bard not near returnSunday 6/29, 4:28 PM CT
The Padres don't expect Josh Bard to return until after the All-Star break, MLB.com reports. He is on the DL due to a high ankle sprain. "It is painful to squat. I've also been told that these high ankle sprains tend to linger. Even though he'll be able to play at some point, he's going to feel some discomfort," manager Bud Black explains.

Our View: Bard is one of three Padres backstops that has struggled at the plate this year, and we're not completely sure what the organization will try moving forward. We'd think Josh would return as part of a committee, which means he'd have very little fantasy value.
Carpenter could move to bullpenSunday 6/29, 4:25 PM CT
The Cardinals are thinking about moving Chris Carpenter to the bullpen, at least in the short term. "I think we have to consider that," general manager John Mozeliak informs MLB.com. Carpenter had a setback earlier this month, and although he did not need more elbow surgery, his return date has been delayed. He is currently throwing in Florida and may face hitters in about one week.

Our View: We imagine a move to the bullpen would only be for 2008 and to ensure that Carpenter gets back to the majors this year. Fantasy owners shouldn't expect much, if anything, out of him this season.
Rios goes 2-for-4Sunday 6/29, 4:19 PM CT
Alex Rios went 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and one RBI on Sunday against the Braves. With one day left in the month, Rios is hitting .333 in June, but he has driven in only seven runs.

Our View: The last time Rios was (mostly) healthy for a month and drove in so few runs was September of 2005. We love the average, but fantasy owners need this guy to be productive across the board.
No support for ReyesSunday 6/29, 4:15 PM CT
Jo-Jo Reyes held the Blue Jays to six hits and one run over seven innings on Sunday, but the Braves lost 1-0. The 23-year-old southpaw walked two, struck out five, and slipped to 3-6.

Our View: The Braves have to be pleased with this youngster's progression. Reyes owns a 3.22 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 35 strikeouts over his last seven starts. He has only managed one win during that span, but it's hardly his fault. Fantasy owners who have him in a keeper league should be excited.
Burnett strikes out 11, winsSunday 6/29, 4:11 PM CT
A.J. Burnett tossed seven scoreless innings and struck out a season-high 11 batters on Sunday. He held the Braves to four hits, and he walked four batters. Burnett improved to 8-7 with a 4.74 ERA.

Our View: Burnett has been good-to-outstanding in eight of his last 10 outings, but his other two showings were eight-run massacres. His inconsistency has been maddening, but maybe A.J. can build off his two straight excellent showings.
Gambler deals a winSunday 6/29, 4:08 PM CT
Kenny Rogers improved to 6-5 with a so-so outing against the Rockies on Sunday. The southpaw allowed eight hits and three runs over six innings. His ERA stands at 4.59, but Rogers owns a 2.68 mark over six starts in June.

Our View: We can't expect Rogers to keep dealing at a sub-3.00 level, but he's worth plugging in if the matchup looks good.
Buchholz puts up another zeroSunday 6/29, 4:05 PM CT
Taylor Buchholz pitched a scoreless inning on Sunday afternoon against the Tigers. He hasn't allowed a run in his last 10 appearances and now holds a 1.36 ERA over 35 appearances.

Our View: Taylor has really taken a liking to life in the bullpen. Brian Fuentes is a potential trade candidate for the July 31 deadline, and Buchholz could end up saving games over the final couple months.
Thames goes 3-for-4 Sunday 6/29, 3:58 PM CT
Marcus Thames went 3-for-4 with an RBI in Sunday's 4-3 win over the Rockies.

Our View: He started the game in left field. That was his fifth multi-hit game in June, and he is hitting .313 in the month (21-for-67). He is still available in some leagues, and is worth targeting if you need help in your outfield.
Tulowitzki crushes two-run homer Sunday 6/29, 3:52 PM CT
Troy Tulowitzki went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer in Sunday's 4-3 loss to the Indians.

Our View: That must have felt good, to him as well as fantasy owners, as it was his first homer since April 23.
Sizemore collects 19th homer in loss Sunday 6/29, 3:48 PM CT
Grady Sizemore went 2-for-5 with a solo home run in Sunday's 9-5 loss to the Reds. He also chipped in a stolen base.

Our View: He has 19 homers and 19 stolen bases over 79 games. He looks to be headed for his first career 30-30 season.
Laffey rocked for five runs Sunday 6/29, 3:44 PM CT
Aaron Laffey was rocked for five earned runs on eight hits over five innings in Sunday's 9-5 loss to the Reds, with one walk and two strikeouts.

Our View: He is now 0-2 over his last three starts, with nine earned runs surrendered and only four strikeouts over the span. Keep him on your bench until he proves to be effective again.
Encarnacion enjoys solid return Sunday 6/29, 3:39 PM CT
Edwin Encarnacion enjoyed a solid return to the diamond on Sunday as he went 2-for-3 with three RBI in a 9-5 win over Cleveland. He hit a single and a two-run homer, his 13th of the season.

Our View: He missed five games due to back spasms, but is safe to return to your lineups, evidenced by today's performance.
Arroyo nails down win for Reds Sunday 6/29, 3:36 PM CT
Bronson Arroyo only allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits over six innings in Sunday's 9-5 win over the inter-league rival Indians, with two walks and six strikeouts.

Our View: He improves to 5-7 and trimmed his ERA to 6.19. He bounced back well from his last start, as he was rocked for 10 earned runs over one inning against the Jays.
Betemit registers lone RBI for Yanks Sunday 6/29, 3:31 PM CT
Wilson Betemit went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and registered the lone RBI in Sunday's 3-1 loss to the Mets.

Our View: He started the game at second base. That was his fourth homer and 12th RBI over 36 outings.
Rasner drops to 4-6 Sunday 6/29, 3:28 PM CT
Darrell Rasner allowed two earned runs on eight hits over five innings in Sunday's 3-1 loss to the Mets, with three walks and three strikeouts.

Our View: He falls to 4-6 over 10 starts, with a 4.42 ERA. He has now lost six of his last seven games.
Delgado hits another homer vs. NYSunday 6/29, 3:24 PM CT
Carlos Delgado went 1-for-4 with a solo homer in Sunday's 3-1 win over the Yankees.

Our View: He blasted three homers over a four-game span against the Yankees, and has 14 for the season. He is still available in some leagues, and is worth a look if you need help in your infield.
Perez claims sixth win Sunday 6/29, 3:20 PM CT
Oliver Perez hurled a gem in Sunday's 3-1 win over the Yankees, as he only allowed one earned run on three hits over seven innings, with no walks and eight strikeouts. The only run came on a Wilson Betemit homer.

Our View: Perez improved his record to 6-5, and bounced back following two poor outings as he allowed nine total earned runs, and only five strikeouts.
Drew hits two-run homer in loss Sunday 6/29, 3:15 PM CT
Stephen Drew went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer in Sunday's 4-3 loss to Florida.

Our View: That was his 11th homer of the season, and his first since June 18. He hasn't registered an RBI since that date either.
Haren pitches well in no decision Sunday 6/29, 3:11 PM CT
Dan Haren pitched well in Sunday's 4-3 loss to the Marlins, as he only surrendered one run (not earned) on five hits over seven innings, with two walks and seven strikeouts. He ended the day with a no decision.

Our View: His no decision snapped a two-game winning streak, but fantasy owners should still be very pleased by today's performance. He has only allowed three total earned runs over his last four starts.
Cantu goes 2-for-5 with RBI Sunday 6/29, 3:07 PM CT
Jorge Cantu went 2-for-5 with an RBI in Sunday's 4-3 win over the D-Backs.

Our View: He has registered an RBI in three straight games, and has 47 for the season. He also has 14 homers and a .278 average, and remains a favorable third baseman for mixed-leagues.
Ramirez blasts 18th homer Sunday 6/29, 3:04 PM CT
Hanley Ramirez went 2-for-4 with a solo homer in Sunday's 4-3 win over Arizona.

Our View: He raised his average to .294 and collected his 18th homer and 69th run of the season. He also extended his hitting streak to six games.
Span recalled Sunday 6/29, 2:56 PM CT
Denard Span has been recalled from Triple-A Rochester, according to the AP. The team placed outfielder Michael Cuddyer on the 15-day DL as a corresponding move.

Our View: Span batted .342 with three home runs and 14 RBI over 39 games with Rochester. He hit .258 with no homers and two RBI over 31 at-bats with the Twins in his previous stint this season, and all eight of his hits were singles. He did have three steals, but is not worth targeting.
Cuddyer placed on DL Sunday 6/29, 2:50 PM CT
Updating a previous report, Michael Cuddyer has been placed on the 15-day DL due to a strained tendon in his left index finger, according to the AP. Cuddyer stated that the finger has been bothering him for a couple of weeks, but it was worse when he awoke on Saturday morning. The team recalled Denard Span from Triple-A Rochester to fill the open spot on the roster.

Our View: The move is retroactive to Saturday, June 28. Span should see some action, but Craig Monroe and Mike Lamb will also get more at-bats.
Park returns to bullpen Sunday 6/29, 2:42 PM CT
Chan Ho Park had two solid starts in a row, but skipper Joe Torre has decided to move him back to the bullpen, according to the LA Daily News. He only allowed one earned run over those two starts (11 innings).

Our View: He is no longer worth starting in traditional NL-only leagues.
DeJesus leaves game Sunday 6/29, 2:39 PM CT
David DeJesus was forced out of action in the second inning against the Cardinals on Sunday due to an bruised ribs, according to the AP.

Our View: Esteban German replaced him in left field. DeJesus is considered day-to-day.
Pierre to remain in Dodgers' outfield Sunday 6/29, 2:34 PM CT
Juan Pierre is going to remain in the Dodgers' outfield, even after Andruw Jones returns to action, according to the LA Daily News. Manager Joe Torre said, "Pierre has been that consistent guy for us every day, and he refuses to acknowledge any bumps or bruises, even though you know he has them. Juan is going to be our left fielder, and Andruw will be our center fielder."

Our View: So when Jones returns, Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp will be battling for playing time in right field. Pierre deserves to play every day as he is hitting .277 with 24 RBI, 30 runs scored, and 34 stolen bases over 72 games. Five of his stolen bases have come over his last four games.
Longoria closing in on records Sunday 6/29, 2:16 PM CT
Evan Longoria is closing in on a few rookie records, according to MLB.com. He leads the Rays and all major league rookies with 15 home runs, and is only two homers away from tying the AL record for home runs by a rookie before the All-Star break. Tim Salmon set the record with 17 back in 1993. He also needs just three RBI to become only the third rookie in the past 50 years to reach 15 homers, 20 doubles and 50 RBI by the All-Star break. He said, "I always have a certain amount of confidence, but when you start hitting the ball and they start falling in for you, there's that added level of confidence when you go up to the plate."

Our View: He is currently riding a six-game hitting streak and has blasted a home run in four of his last six outings.
Casilla back in action Sunday 6/29, 2:06 PM CT
Alexi Casilla has been nursing a sprained left middle finger, but returned to the Twins' lineup at second base on Sunday, according to MLB.com.

Our View: He is batting second in the order, and registered a hit over his first two at-bats so far, and seems to be fine.
Barthmaier sent back to Triple-A Sunday 6/29, 1:55 PM CT
Jimmy Barthmaier has been optioned back to Triple-A Indianapolis, according to the AP.

Our View: He made a spot start against the Rays in place of the injured Phil Dumatrait over the weekend and failed to take advantage of the opportunity, as he was rocked for seven earned runs on seven hits over a mere 2.1 innings of action.
Taubenheim optioned Sunday 6/29, 1:50 PM CT
Ty Taubenheim has been optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis, according to the AP.

Our View: He earned a no decision in his spot start against the Rays, with only two earned runs allowed on seven hits over six innings. He fared well, but will have to wait for another chance to prove his worth with the Pirates.
Kotsay expected to return Tuesday Sunday 6/29, 1:46 PM CT
Mark Kotsay will end his Minor League rehab assignment with Double-A Mississippi on Sunday and is expected back in the Braves' lineup on Tuesday when they battle the Phillies, according to MLB.com. Kotsay is recovering from lower back soreness.

Our View: When Kotsay returns, Gregor Blanco could move to left field and continue his role as the Braves' leadoff hitter. Brandon Jones could be sent to Triple-A to make room for Kotsay when he is activated.
Cuddyer headed to DL? Sunday 6/29, 1:41 PM CT
Michael Cuddyer is likely headed to the DL due to a strained tendon in his left hand, according to MLB.com. Cuddyer had not yet seen the team doctors before Sunday's game against the Brewers, but skipper Ron Gardenhire is convinced he is going to be placed on the shelf.

Our View: A decision will likely be announced following today's game. If he lands on the DL, Craig Monroe and Mike Lamb are said to see more at-bats.
Jones misses eighth straight game Sunday 6/29, 1:34 PM CT
Chipper Jones has missed his eighth straight game on Sunday due to a strained quad, according to MLB.com. He doesn't know if he will be able to return on Tuesday and said, "As of right now, I'm not prepared to say that. I certainly hope I'm ready. I'm still in a lot of pain."

Our View: Jones still isn't able to run with more than 50 percent effort, but manager Bobby Cox remains hopeful to have him back on Tuesday, when the Braves begin a series against the Phillies.
Samchez recalled Sunday 6/29, 1:17 PM CT
Pitcher Romulo Sanchez has been recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis, according to the AP.

Our View: He was brought in to help a shorthanded Pirates' bullpen, and will hold no fantasy value in standard leagues while working as a middle reliever.
Burres update Sunday 6/29, 12:45 PM CT
Brian Burres did some throwing and running earlier today, and is expected to make his scheduled start on Monday, according to the Baltimore Sun. He is battling a stomach virus, but looked much better today.

Our View: Manager Dave Trembley does not have a "Plan B" in case Burres cannot go on Monday (against the Royals), and said it would depend on who works today if he goes to the bullpen.
Bruce given a rest Sunday 6/29, 12:24 PM CT
Jay Bruce was not in Sunday's starting lineup as Manager Dusty Baker wanted to give him a game off, according to MLB.com.

Our View: Indians' hurler Aaron Laffey is tough on lefties, and Bruce is only 8-for-51 (.157) over his last 13 games. Bruce will spend the day watching video and working on hitting.
Encarnacion returns Sunday 6/29, 12:18 PM CT
Edwin Encarnacion has recovered from his back spasms and returned to the Reds' lineup at third base on Sunday, according to MLB.com.

Our View: He missed five games due to the ailment. Jeff Keppinger moved from third to shortstop, and Jerry Hairston moved to center field, as Jay Bruce was given the day off.
Joyce recalled Sunday 6/29, 12:03 PM CT
Matt Joyce has been recalled from Triple-A Toledo, according to the AP. The team placed star outfielder Magglio Ordonez on the 15-day DL as an adjoining move.

Our View: Joyce displayed good power potential as he hit five home runs over 18 games, but he struggled more often than not, and held a .208 average in his previous stint with the Tigers this season. He does not merit fantasy consideration.
Ordonez placed on DL Sunday 6/29, 12:00 PM CT
Magglio Ordonez has been placed on the 15-day DL due to a pulled right oblique muscle, according to the AP. Matt Joyce has been recalled from Triple-A Toledo to fill the open spot on the roster.

Our View: The Tigers have won 16 of their last 20 games, but will likely slow down following the loss of Ordonez, who was hitting .307 with 12 homers and 50 RBI over 80 games. Detroit has finally reached the .500 mark at 40-40 as well.
Bernadina recalled Sunday 6/29, 11:53 AM CT
Outfielder Roger Bernadina has been recalled from Double-A Harrisburg, according to the Sports Network. He will fill the roster spot for Lastings Milledge, who has been placed on the DL with a groin ailment.

Our View: Bernadina was hitting .325 with five home runs, seven triples, 26 stolen bases and 38 RBI for Harrisburg prior to his promotion to the Nationals. He will be making his major league debut, and could be given a shot to roam center field while Milledge is away.
Milledge placed on DL Sunday 6/29, 11:47 AM CT
Lastings Milledge has landed on the 15-day DL due to a strained right groin, according to the Sports Network. To fill his spot on the roster, the Nationals recalled outfielder Roger Bernadina from Double-A Harrisburg.

Our View: A timetable for his return is yet to be set. This is a tough loss for the Nationals, as Milledge has been hot with five hits, four RBI, and a homer over his last three games.
Church activated Sunday 6/29, 11:39 AM CT
Ryan Church has been activated from the 15-day DL Sunday and is back in the Mets' lineup against the Yankees, according to the AP. The team placed Trot Nixon on the 15-day DL due to a groin ailment, to make room for Church on the roster.

Our View: Church was enjoying a solid season prior to landing on the DL with a concussion, as he held a .300 average with 10 homers, 35 RBI, and 35 runs scored over 50 games. He should be safe to return to your fantasy lineups.
Uggla out for Sunday Sunday 6/29, 11:34 AM CT
Dan Uggla is out for Sunday's game due to his sprained left ankle, according to the AP.

Our View: He believes he will be back in action within a few days. Robert Andino replaces him in the lineup.
Putz throws pain-free session Sunday 6/29, 10:21 AM CT
J.J. Putz, who is trying to bounce back from a hyperextended right elbow, threw a pain-free side-session on Saturday at PETCO Park, according to MLB.com. He said, "It was good, real good. It was a very, very elementary, a nice-and-easy game of catch, sort of like when you start a throwing program before Spring Training. This was January in San Diego. I had no pain."

Our View: Putz was eligible to come off the 15-day DL on Friday but will remain on the shelf through the All-Star break, and perhaps deep into July. The team will continue to take a wait-and-see approach, and Putz hopes to have a more clear schedule for his return heading into the four-day break.
Mendoza to rejoin rotation Sunday 6/29, 10:13 AM CT
Manager Ron Washington has decided that Luis Mendoza will rejoin the Rangers' starting rotation, according to the Dallas Morning News.

Our View: He will take the place of lefty Kason Gabbard, who landed on the DL due to elbow inflammation. Washington also expects Mendoza to remain in the rotation for good. He is scheduled to start on Wednesday against the Yankees. Mendoza's blisters have healed on his hand, and has regained control on his sinker and breaking ball. Mendoza is worth targeting in AL-only and larger mixed-leagues if you need some help at the position, namely for depth.
Gagne closing in on returnSunday 6/29, 10:06 AM CT
Eric Gagne threw a 30-pitch bullpen session on Saturday and could be activated from the DL soon, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Gagne will be looked at today to see how he feels, and if there isn't an issue, he will likely be back in the Brewers' bullpen as a late-inning, set-up reliever. Manager Ned Yost said, "It was a pretty good workout so we'll see how he rebounds from that. I'm looking for command and life on his pitches. He had life on his pitches. Command on his fastball was decent. He's looking like he's real, real close. We'll see if he passes his tests and comes back feeling good. Then we'll go from there."

Our View: Gagne is feeling good and as close to 100% as he is going to get. He won't likely hold much fantasy value as a setup man in standard leagues.
Sweeney expected back Monday Sunday 6/29, 9:56 AM CT
Ryan Sweeney, who is nursing a sprained left ankle, is expected to be available for Monday, according to the Contra Costa Times.

Our View: The fantasy value of Rajai Davis will drop when Sweeney returns to action. Sweeney is a favorable option in AL-only and larger mixed leagues, as he held a .290 average over 58 games, with two homers, 25 RBI, 27 runs scored, and six stolen bases.
Tribe confident Hafner will return Sunday 6/29, 9:46 AM CT
The Indians, led by head athletic trainer Lonnie Soloff, are confident that slugger Travis Hafner will return to action at some point this season, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Soloff said, "There's no doubt in my mind. Travis' rotator cuff and shoulder girdle strength has improved anywhere between 5 and 15 percent over the last seven days. It's highly encouraging for us."

Our View: This is favorable news, but the team still cannot set a timetable for his return. His ailing right shoulder will be tested again on Friday.
Valdez works off flat ground Sunday 6/29, 9:34 AM CT
Merkin Valdez, who is trying to bounce back from a strained right elbow, threw off flat ground for the third time on Saturday, according to the SF Chronicle.

Our View: Manager Bruce Bochy feels he is coming along, but remains a while away from returning. The team is going to take it slow with him, and could be back in late July.
Young throws sim. game Sunday 6/29, 9:29 AM CT
Chris Young threw a successful simulated game on Saturday, according to MLB.com. Young threw 45 pitches to teammates Craig Stansberry, Luke Carlin and Paul McAnulty through three simulated innings. Following the session, Young said, "It was just something to build on. My off-speed stuff was OK. It wasn't as sharp as I'd like but all things considered, I think it went well."

Our View: Manager Bud Black felt he displayed good control on his pitches and had zip on his fastball, but a timetable for his return is yet to be determined until he has his fractured nose operated on. Young will have surgery on Monday to repair his septum to improve his breathing, and will need a four-to five-day recovery period after the surgery is complete.
Kuroda nearing return Sunday 6/29, 9:22 AM CT
Hiroki Kuroda, who is recovering from tendinitis in his right shoulder, faced 16 batters over three simulated innings Saturday and is on pace to be activated from the DL on Wednesday to make a start in Houston, according to the LA Times. He threw 49 pitches during the session and said, "Of course, I didn't feel the way I do when I'm pitching well. I wanted to throw as much as I could to regain that feeling."

Our View: Kuroda will be part of a six-man rotation until the All-Star break, namely because skipper Joe Torre figures that Kuroda's shoulder could use an extra day of rest between starts.
Penny throws successful session Sunday 6/29, 9:16 AM CT
Brad Penny, who is recovering from tendinitis in his right shoulder, threw a successful 70-pitch bullpen session on Saturday, according to the LA Times. He said, "I threw the ball as hard as I could. It feels like I've got a new arm."

Our View: He didn't feel any discomfort in his shoulder and is confident he will return to the Dodgers before the All-Star break. His next step will be to pitch in a shortened simulated game some time during the four-game series against the Astros.
Burres' stomach ailment returns Sunday 6/29, 9:11 AM CT
Brian Burres' stomach ailment has returned on Saturday, according to the Baltimore Sun. He underwent a CT scan, which came back negative, but he's questionable for Monday's start against the Royals at Camden Yards.

Our View: Manager Dave Trembley is undecided who would cover Burres' spot in the rotation, but he did rule out Hayden Penn.
Morgan optioned Sunday 6/29, 8:57 AM CT
Nyjer Morgan has been optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Our View: Morgan held no fantasy value prior to his demotion, as he maintained an anemic .143 average over 42 at-bats, with no homers and two RBI. He has also been caught on two of three steal attempts.
Van Benschoten recalled Sunday 6/29, 8:54 AM CT
John Van Benschoten has been recalled from Triple-A Indiapolis, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. The team optioned outfielder Nyjer Morgan to Triple-A as a corresponding move.

Our View: Van Benschoten is a candidate to make a spot start on Wednesday against the Reds, in place of the injured Phil Dumatrait. He has been unstable with the Pirates this season, as he allowed 13 hits, six walks, and eight earned runs over 8.2 innings. He is not worth acquiring if he is officially penciled in to start Wednesday.
Osoria placed on DL Sunday 6/29, 8:47 AM CT
Reliever Franquelis Osoria has been placed on the 15-day DL due to bursitis in his right ankle, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. The team recalled TJ Beam from Triple-A to fill Osoria's spot on the roster.

Our View: The ailment bothers him when he pushes off during his delivery, and his ankle has been sore the past five days or so. He allowed 35 earned runs and 75 hits over 52.1 innings this season, and the team can afford to lose his services while he recovers.
Beam recalled Sunday 6/29, 8:43 AM CT
T.J. Beam has been recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. The team placed reliever Franquelis Osoria on the 15-day DL as an adjoining move.

Our View: The Pirates' bullpen is shorthanded right now, and Beam was brough in for depth. His service with the club will likely be brief and he does not merit fantasy attention, especially since he allowed five runs over 4.1 innings with the Pirates this season, with only two strikeouts.