| Cain gets the win vs Chicago | Tuesday 7/1, 11:55 PM CT |
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The Giants and Cubs fought through a battle of pitching this evening with the Giants finding a way to win, taking the 2-1 win. RHP Matt Cain was the force of reckoning, pitching eight innings of shutout baseball to allow just two hits with three walks and 10 strikeouts.
Our View: Cain now sits at 5-6 on the season with an ERA of 4.13. He has pitched well, surrendering just one homer through five June starts with 32 strikeouts versus just nine walks. Give him some offense and he is likely to shine. |
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| Soto records lone RBI for Cubs | Tuesday 7/1, 11:51 PM CT |
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Geovany Soto went 1-for-4 and recorded the Cubs' lone RBI in a tough 2-1 loss to the Giants on Tuesday night.
Our View: Soto has 48 RBI over 77 games, and snapped a three-game skid in that department. |
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| Hart swipes two in win | Tuesday 7/1, 11:48 PM CT |
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Give due credit to outfielder Corey Hart for doing his part to support the 8-6 win over Arizona this evening, going 3-for-5 on the night with his 22nd double and two stolen bases on the evening, ending with one RBI and two runs scored.
Our View: Hart hadn't stolen a base since June 3rd but is getting off on the right foot for July. He hit eight home runs with 24 RBIs last month, topped by few on the MLB circuit. If he can approach those numbers again this month, it will be an amazing feat. |
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| Hardy puts Brew Crew on track for the win | Tuesday 7/1, 11:43 PM CT |
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The Brewers put the ball in play this evening, using 10 combined hits to score eight runs and get the win by two over Arizona. The man of hour was shortstop J.J. Hardy , going 2-for-4 with one walk and two home runs, totaling three RBIs and three runs scored on the night.
Our View: Hardy also added his second stolen base of the season, coming off a strong month of June in which he hit .310 at the dish with four homers and 12 RBIs. He's getting hot. |
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| Jackson registers three RBI in loss | Tuesday 7/1, 11:39 PM CT |
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Conor Jackson went 3-for-4 with three RBI in Tuesday's 8-6 loss to the Brewers. He hit two singles and a two-run homer.
Our View: He raised his average to .315, and hit his first home run since June 10, snapping an 18-game drought. |
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| Johnson dealt seventh loss | Tuesday 7/1, 11:33 PM CT |
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Randy Johnson was lit up for seven earned runs on eight hits over a mere 3.2 innings in Tuesday's 8-6 defeat to Milwaukee, with three walks and six strikeouts. He surrendered three home runs before getting yanked from the game.
Our View: Johnson falls to 4-7 and his ERA climbs to 5.46. He has lost six straight starts, and has allowed seven earned runs in three of his last four. |
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| Cook throws complete-game winner | Tuesday 7/1, 11:23 PM CT |
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The Padres couldn't get any sign of offense going tonight against the Rockies, giving Colorado the 4-0 victory built on the arm of rising RHP Aaron Cook . Cook pitched a complete game, allowing no runs on five hits with no walks and four strikeouts.
Our View: Cook picks up his first win after consecutive losses to end June. This is his second complete game this season and he has failed to reach at least the end of the seventh inning just six times through 18 starts this season. |
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| Quintero headed for DL | Tuesday 7/1, 11:20 PM CT |
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Updating a previous report, Humberto Quintero is headed for the 15-day DL after suffering a concussion in Tuesday night's battle against the Dodgers, according to the AP. JR Towles is also believed to be coming back to the team to replace him.
Our View: Quintero was taken to a hospital where tests were negative, but the Astros said he would be kept there overnight. He was struck on the top of his catching helmet by Luis Maza's backswing in the second inning. |
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| Saito gets the save | Tuesday 7/1, 11:15 PM CT |
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Dodger reliever Takashi Saito earned his 13th save of the season this evening, closing the 11th inning to give his Dodgers the 7-6 win over Houston. Saito threw just 12 pitches over that final inning, striking out one with one fly out and one ground out to finish the job.
Our View: Saito posted four saves through June and has not allowed a home run since April 14th. He posted 20 strikeouts versus just three walks last month and looks to be getting July starte off on the right foot as well. |
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| Lee goes 4-for-5 in loss | Tuesday 7/1, 11:13 PM CT |
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Carlos Lee went 4-for-5 with two RBI in Tuesday's 7-6 loss to the Dodgers.
Our View: Lee has generated nine hits, one homer, and five RBI over his last four games. |
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| Martin keeps Dodgers on point | Tuesday 7/1, 11:10 PM CT |
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The Dodgers and Astros engaged in extra innings this evening to decide the winner of their matchup, and it was LA that emerged victorous, 7-6, thanks to the work of catcher Russell Martin. Martin went 3-for-5 at the plate with one walk, his 15th double and his ninth homer of the season to total three RBIs and three runs scord on the night.
Our View: Martin posted a lackluster .267 average through June and was especially cold coming out, going 3-for-15 over the final five games of the month. He's hitting the month of July with an early surge of offense. Let's see if he can keep it going. |
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| Wigginton crushes three-run homer | Tuesday 7/1, 11:10 PM CT |
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Ty Wigginton went 1-for-5 with a three-run homer in Tuesdays 7-6 loss to the Dodgers. The game took 11 innings to decide.
Our View: That was his second homer over his last four games, but only his sixth homer over 171 at-bats. |
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| Wagner gets save #19 | Tuesday 7/1, 11:03 PM CT |
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Veteran reliever Billy Wagner pulled his 19th save of the season this evening, closing the 7-4 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. Wagner closed the 9th inning with 13 pitches (eight for strikes), striking out two and getting the additional out via fly ball.
Our View: Wagner has been a rock of late, touting seven saves through 10 total inningsn June. He hasn't surrendered a run since June 12th. |
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| Wright gets Mets on top of Cards | Tuesday 7/1, 10:59 PM CT |
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The Mets found the offense needed to post the 7-4 win over the St. Louis Cardinals this evening, an effort led by the illustious third baseman David Wright . Wright went 3-for-4 with a walk, his 20th double and his 16th home run of the season to total one RBI and two runs scored.
Our View: Wright is now hitting .288 on the season, and while his power numbers fell in June (just four homers compared to seven in May), his run production is up (24 RBIs in June versus 17 in May). |
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| Banks drops to 2-3 | Tuesday 7/1, 10:57 PM CT |
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Josh Banks surrendered four earned runs on six hits over five innings in Tuesday's 4-0 loss to Colorado, with three walks and four strikeouts.
Our View: Banks falls to 2-3, with his losses coming in three straight starts. He has allowed four runs in each of his last two, and is best left on your bench until he proves to be an effective starter again. |
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| E. Gonzalez has tough night at plate | Tuesday 7/1, 10:52 PM CT |
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Edgar Gonzalez had a tough night at the plate in Tuesday's 4-0 loss to the Rockies, as he went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.
Our View: His three-game hitting streak was snapped, in which he racked up eight hits, with two homers, and four RBI. He should bounce back fine, and should remain active if he is part of your mix at second base. |
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| Ankiel records 16th homer | Tuesday 7/1, 10:45 PM CT |
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Rick Ankiel went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer in Tuesday's 7-4 loss to the Mets.
Our View: That was his 16th homer of the season, and his second over his last four games. He extended his hitting streak to eight games as well. Keep him active in your outfield while he's hot. |
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| Wellemeyer rocked for six runs | Tuesday 7/1, 10:41 PM CT |
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Todd Wellemeyer was rocked for six earned runs on 12 hits over five innings in Tuesday's 7-4 loss to the Mets, with two walks and two strikeouts.
Our View: He drops to 7-3, and has lost two of his last three starts. He allowed eight runs in his previous loss. |
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| Duke gets no decision | Tuesday 7/1, 10:35 PM CT |
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Pittsburgh LHP Zach Duke lasted just five innings in Pittsburgh's 11-inning win over the Cincinnati Reds, and while he failed to get a role in the decision, he certainly did what he could to keep his team in the mix. Duke pitched five innings to surrender one run over six hits with two walks and three strikeouts.
Our View: Duke could have used the win, suffering two no-decisions and one loss over his last three starts coming into tonight. He hasn't allowed a home run since June 9th and has just five walks surrendered in his starts since. |
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| Phillips tallies four RBI in loss | Tuesday 7/1, 10:34 PM CT |
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Brandon Phillips went 3-for-5 with four RBI in Tuesday's 6-5 loss to Pittsburgh. He hit two singles and a two-run homer.
Our View: Phillips raised his average to .284, and had eight hits over his last three games. Tonight's homer was his first since June 14, snapping a 14-game drought. |
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| LaRoche supports the Pittsburgh win | Tuesday 7/1, 10:30 PM CT |
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It took 11 innings but the Pirates found the offense needed to earn the 6-5 win over Cincinnati, giving first baseman Adam LaRoche the star of the evening. LaRoche went 2-for-3 with two walks and his 15th double of the season to total one RBI and one run scored on the night.
Our View: LaRoche hit just .253 through June with two homer and 10 RBIs, a far cray from the five homers and 19 RBIs he totaled in May. The Pirates are hoping this gets him moving back towards more positive results. |
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| No decision for Volquez | Tuesday 7/1, 10:27 PM CT |
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Edinson Volquez surrendered three earned runs on seven hits over 5.1 innings in Tuesday's 6-5 loss to the Pirates, with three walks and three strikeouts. He ended his outing with a no decision, and the game took 11 innings to decide.
Our View: Volquez has allowed eight earned runs over his last two starts. Now is a good time to try and steal him away for a reduced price before he gets back on track and generates strong numbers again. |
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| Blake has strong outing in loss | Tuesday 7/1, 10:20 PM CT |
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Casey Blake went 3-for-4 with an RBI in Tuesday's tough 3-2 loss to the White Sox. The Indians have now dropped four straight games.
Our View: Blake extended his hitting streak to eight games, with three multi-hit efforts. He raised his average a few more points to .287, and has emerged as a quality fantasy starter in mixed-leagues. |
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| Dukes homers in win over Fins | Tuesday 7/1, 10:05 PM CT |
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The Nats didn't struggle with offense this evening, posting nine runs on 15 total hits to beat the Marlins, 9-6. Outfielder Elijah Dukes was a force for the cause, going 3-for-5 with his fifth homer as well as his ninth stolen base of the season, totaling one RBI and three runs scored on the night.
Our View: Dukes surged last month, hitting .292 with four homers and 15 RBIs. He's looking to keep it hot in July and is off on the right foot. |
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| Belliard shows Washington the way | Tuesday 7/1, 10:00 PM CT |
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There was plenty of offense on hand, but in the end it was Washington emerging victorious over the Marlins, 9-6. The Nats were led by third baseman Ronnie Belliard , going 2-for-4 with one walk, his ninth double and his seventh homer of the season, totaling four RBIs and two runs scored.
Our View: Belliard hit just .236 for the month of June but posted four homers and 11 RBIs along the way. Tonight he got off hot once again and appears to be surging towards top results. |
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| Ramirez blasts 20th homer | Tuesday 7/1, 9:58 PM CT |
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Hanley Ramirez went 2-for-4 with five RBI in Tuesday's 9-6 loss to Washington. He hit a single and a three-run homer, his 20th of the season.
Our View: Ramirez has extended his homer streak to three games, and raised his average a few more points to .298. |
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| Hendrickson drops to 7-7 | Tuesday 7/1, 9:54 PM CT |
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Mark Hendrickson was lit up for six earned runs on 10 hits over six innings in Tuesday's 9-6 loss to the Nationals, with no walks and three strikeouts.
Our View: Hendrickson is now 7-7 with a 6.12 ERA. He has allowed 11 earned runs over his last two starts, and is 0-5 over his last seven. |
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| Kendrick gets win #8 | Tuesday 7/1, 9:39 PM CT |
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Philadelphia RHP Kyle Kendrick earned his eighth win of the season, leading his Phillies to a strong 8-3 win over Atlanta. Kendrick pitched six innings to allow three runs (all earned) on seven hits with two walks and two strikeouts.
Our View: This gives Kendrick consecutive wins and a strong start to the month of July, coming off a 3-1 record through June and a 5-1 record over May and June. |
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| Jones goes 1-for-3 in return | Tuesday 7/1, 9:35 PM CT |
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Chipper Jones went 1-for-3 with two walks and one strikeout in Tuesday's 8-3 loss to the Phillies.
Our View: That was a favorable return for him, and he looks to be a safe play for the remainder of the fantasy week. |
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| Burrell homers in win | Tuesday 7/1, 9:33 PM CT |
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Philadelphia outfielder Pat Burrell continues to enjoy work at the plate, tonight helping his team earn the dominating 8-3 win over Atlanta. Burrell went 2-for-3 with one walk and his 20th homer of the season to total two RBIs and one run scored on the night.
Our View: Burrell hit just .256 last month but totaled six homers and 14 RBIs on the month, matching 25 strikeouts with 20 walks. He's enjoying one of his best seasons to date and has gotten right back on track for the month of July. |
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| Victorino drives in four | Tuesday 7/1, 9:29 PM CT |
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The Phillies enjoyed a plethora of offense this evening, putting 14 total hits on the board to pull the 8-3 win over the Atlanta Braves. The bulk of that offense came from outfielder Shane Victorino , going 2-for-5 at the plate with his third homer of the season, posting four RBIs and one runs scored on the night.
Our View: Victorino hit just .235 through June without a single home run and just four RBIs. This is the start of a new month and could be the beginning of a reversal of fortunes for the young outfielder. |
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| Hammock recalled | Tuesday 7/1, 8:56 PM CT |
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Catcher Robby Hammock has been recalled from Triple-A Tucson, according to the AP. The team placed catcher Chris Synder on the 15-day DL as an adjoining move.
Our View: Hammock only went 4-for-22 (.182) in his previous stint with the Diamondbacks this season, but he should see some action as Miguel Montero's backup, namely against left-handed pitchers. |
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| Stansberry optioned | Tuesday 7/1, 8:29 PM CT |
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Craig Stansberry has been optioned to Triple-A Portland, according to the AP. The team recalled pitcher Clay Hensley as an adjoining move.
Our View: Stansberry went 6-for-16 (.375) during his brief stint with the Padres. He will have to wait for another chance to prove his worth to the team. |
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| Quintero struck with bat | Tuesday 7/1, 8:25 PM CT |
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Houston catcher Humberto Quintero has left tonight's game versus the Dodgers after being struck in the head with a bat, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: Quintero left in the top of the second after a Luis Maza backswing caught the backstop square on top of his catching helmet. The 28-year-old Quintero lay motionless at first and Astros trainers had to help him off the field after several minutes of deliberation. |
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| B. Jones optioned to Triple-A | Tuesday 7/1, 8:22 PM CT |
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Brandon Jones has been optioned to Triple-A Richmond, according to the Miami Herald. The team activated Mark Kotsay from the DL as a corresponding move.
Our View: Jones fared well during his stint with the Braves, as he hit .278 with one homer, five doubles, one triple, and four RBI over 54 at-bats, but he will have to wait for another chance to play with the big league club. |
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| Manuel pushing Pedro to improve | Tuesday 7/1, 8:19 PM CT |
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Mets manager Pedro Martinez is keeping veteran RHP Pedro Martinez on regular rest while giving the young Mike Pelfrey an extra day of rest, according to SLAM Sports.
Our View: Martinez and Pelfrey both pitched in a doubleheader on Friday against the Yankees, and Manuel said he hoped consistent action would help Martinez. He's 2-2 with a 7.12 ERA in six starts and Pelfrey, who'll pitch Thursday in the final game of a four-game series against the Cardinals, is 5-6 with a 4.47 ERA. Manuel also noted tipping pitches has been one of the reasons for the three-time Cy Young Award winner's woes since returning from a strained left hamstring sustained in his first start of the year but indicates pitching coach Dan Warthen discussed the matter with Martinez and that the pitcher is focused on improving. |
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| Rays making push for Fuentes | Tuesday 7/1, 8:08 PM CT |
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The Colorado Rockies are reporting the Tampa Bay Rays are making a serious push to trade for reliever Brian Fuentes , according to the Rocky Mountain News.
Our View: Tampa Bay’s interest in Fuentes picked up Tuesday in light of the expectation that closer Troy Percival will return to the disabled list after aggravating the left hamstring that forced him on the disabled list. The Rays are looking for a lefty to work late innings, and to provide late-inning protection for Percival in their bid to claim a postseason bid for the first time ever. |
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| Quintero leaves games | Tuesday 7/1, 8:07 PM CT |
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Humberto Quintero left Tuesday's game against the Dodgers after being hit on the top of his head during an at-bat in the second inning, according to the AP. Quintero laid still behind home plate for some time as the Astros' trainer attended to him. He eventually was able to leave the field mostly under his own power with some help from the training staff.
Our View: He was replaced by Brad Ausmus. We will keep you posted on Quintero's status. |
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| Holm sent down | Tuesday 7/1, 8:04 PM CT |
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Catcher Steve Holm has been sent down to Triple-A Fresno, according to the AP. The team recalled catcher Eliezer Alfonzo as an adjoining move.
Our View: Holm did not fare well as Bengie Molina's backup, as he held a .214 average over 70 at-bats. He held no fantasy value prior to his demotion. |
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| Alfonzo recalled | Tuesday 7/1, 7:58 PM CT |
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The Giants have recalled catcher Eliezer Alfonzo from Triple-A Fresno, according to the AP. The Giants optioned catcher Steve Holm to Triple-A, as an adjoining move.
Our View: The move comes nine days after he completed a 50-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance. He will see little action behind starter Bengie Molina, and does not merit fantasy consideration.
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| Snyder to DL | Tuesday 7/1, 7:54 PM CT |
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Arizona has placed catcher Chris Snyder on the 15-day disabled list, according to the East Valley Tribune.
Our View: Snyder, who had an MRI earlier Tuesday, suffered a left testicular fracture Monday when he was hit by a foul ball. To fill his roster spot, the Diamondbacks have recalled Robby Hammock from Triple-A Tucson. |
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| Jones returns to starting lineup | Tuesday 7/1, 7:51 PM CT |
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Chipper Jones has returned to the Braves' starting lineup tonight, according to the AP.
Our View: Jones made a miraculous recovery from his strained quad ailment within the last 48 hours, as he was in jeopardy of landing on the DL. Fantasy owners have the green light to return him to their lineups. |
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| Oswalt progressing towards health | Tuesday 7/1, 7:46 PM CT |
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Houston is reporting the hip of RHP Roy Oswalt is doing well and, in fact, is progressing much quicker than anticipated, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Oswalt suffered a hip abductor strain in the last pitch of the sixth inning Monday against the Dodgers, and he was worried about the seriousness of the injury. But Oswalt told reporters Tuesday afternoon that he woke up in a little less pain after icing the hip Monday night. He also received treatment in the clubhouse Tuesday. Oswalt will be reexamined in two days to see how he is healing, and said he expects his next start to be pushed back by a day or two, at most. |
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| Rockies demote Speier | Tuesday 7/1, 7:40 PM CT |
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The Colorado Rockies optioned pitcher Ryan Speier to Triple-A Colorado Springs on Tuesday, according to the Miami Herald.
Our View: To replace him on the roster, the Rockies purchased the contract of lefty Cedrick Bowers. |
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| Robertson called up | Tuesday 7/1, 7:37 PM CT |
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Right-handed reliever Connor Robertson has been called up from Triple-A Tucson, according to the AP. The team placed Eric Byrnes on the 15-day DL, as a corresponding move.
Our View: Robertson allowed four earned runs, two walks, and six hits over two innings of work with the Athletics in 2007. He is not going to make a fantasy impact while fighting for innings out of the D-Backs' bullpen. |
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| Furcal may have suffered setback | Tuesday 7/1, 7:37 PM CT |
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Beat writer Tony Jackson is reporting the Dodger shortstop Rafael Furcal awoke with more pain and discomfort in his back today, according to the LA Daily News.
Our View: The Dodgers have brought their prized infielder back to LA for further medical testing and Jackson is hoping to hear additinal news tomorrow. Make sure you check in with RotoTimes and Fanball to get those updates as they become available. |
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| Byrnes placed on DL | Tuesday 7/1, 7:32 PM CT |
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As expected, Eric Byrnes has been placed on the 15-day DL due to a strained left hamstring, according to the AP. The team recalled right-handed pitcher Connor Robertson from Triple-A Tucson to fill his spot on the roster.
Our View: Byrnes has been plagued by his leg ailments for most of the season, and has disappointed fantasy owners with a .209 average over 52 games played. |
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| Maine says arm is fine | Tuesday 7/1, 7:30 PM CT |
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Mets RHP John Maine is reporting his throwing arm is doing just fine after telling the team his arm felt "dead" and "tired" on Monday, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Maine proceeded with his normal running workout on Tuesday, a day after complaining of a tired arm, and told manager Jerry Manuel that he was primed for his normal bullpen session Wednesday. Maine said his schedule had been a bit rushed following his previous start, with Friday's Subway Series doubleheader skewing everyone's schedules. And perhaps that was the reason why Maine lasted only four innings Monday, pitching without his usual zip. |
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| Fielder out | Tuesday 7/1, 7:23 PM CT |
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Reports from Milwaukee indicate first baseman Prince Fielder is not in the starting lineup this evening.
Our View: We have no official sources giving us reason why Fielder is not on the field, but he's not in the lineup. We will update as news comes forth. |
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| Uggla targets Thursday for return | Tuesday 7/1, 7:04 PM CT |
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Florida second baseman Dan Uggla is targeting Thursday as a potential point of return from injury, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Beginning Thursday the Marlins open a four-game series with the Rockies at Coors Field. Uggla hopes to be playing in at least one of those games as he feels his sprained left ankle is up to the challenge. Uggla was to have an MRI today to insure there are no further problems, but we have yet to receive official word on those results. Instead, the MLB is reporting that he wants to get back in action later this week. |
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| Van Benschoten to start on Wed | Tuesday 7/1, 7:00 PM CT |
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The Pirates will send recently promoted RHP John Van Benschoten to the mound for his first start of the season on Wednesday against Cincinnati, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Van Benschoten had been the obvious fill-in choice, manager John Russell wanted to insure that Van Benschoten would be available out of the bullpen if needed in a long-relief situation either Sunday or Monday. However, a six-inning start by Tom Gorzelanny on Sunday and seven innings from Paul Maholm on Monday erased that need. Van Benschoten will be the third different spot starter for the Pirates in a six-game period. Triple-A righties Jimmy Barthmaier and Ty Taubenheim each made starts during the team's recent three-game set against the Rays. |
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| Hensley gets the call from San Diego | Tuesday 7/1, 6:38 PM CT |
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The San Diego Padres recalled righthander Clay Hensley from Class AAA Portland prior to their game against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday, according to the Sports Ticker.
Our View: Hensley began the season on the 15-day disabled list with a right shoulder strain before being activated and optioned to Portland on June 6. The 28-year-old has made 14 appearances - eight starts - for the Beavers, going 1-1 with a 3.25 ERA. To make room on the roster, the Padres infielder Craig Stansberry to Portland. |
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| Orr optioned back to Columbus | Tuesday 7/1, 4:50 PM CT |
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Infielder Pete Orr has been optioned to Triple-A Columbus, according to the AP.
Our View: Orr went 2-for-11 (.182) with the Nationals during his brief stint, and held no fantasy value. |
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| Balester to start tonight | Tuesday 7/1, 4:47 PM CT |
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Collin Balester has been called up from Triple-A Columbus, and will start for the Nationals tonight against the Marlins, according to the AP. The club optioned infielder Pete Orr to Columbus as an adjoining move.
Our View: Balester is regarded as one of the top pitching prospects in the Nationals' organization, and is worth a look in NL-only leagues if you need some help. He will be making his Major League debut tonight. |
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| Jones not expected to go on DL | Tuesday 7/1, 3:49 PM CT |
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Turns out Chipper Jones will not have to go on the disabled list, according to MLB.com. After reports that he was about set to be disabled today, Jones told manager Bobby Cox he was feeling better, and may be in the starting lineup tonight.
Our View: This is an amazing turnaround from the reports that surfaced just hours ago. And it's great news for fantasy owners, who should feel free to put him in their lineup. |
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| Myers heads to Triple-A | Tuesday 7/1, 3:23 PM CT |
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Brett Myers has been optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, in hopes he gets back on track, according to MLB.com. "I can't say enough about Brett's willingness to accept this assignment," Phillies general manager Pat Gillick said.
Our View: Myers has been a disaster this season, and though he should not be on fantasy staffs anyway, this is confirmation of that. He is currently 3-9 with a 5.84 ERA. His velocity has waned, and he has given up 24 home runs in 101.2 innings. |
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| Wilson okay with batting ninth | Tuesday 7/1, 2:42 PM CT |
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Jack Wilson did not have a problem with batting ninth, behind the pitcher, in last night's game, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He went 1-for-3 with a single.
Our View: Wilson has only played in 33 games this season, after missing a portion due to injury. He won't offer much outside of batting average and the occasional steal or RBI, but in deep NL-only leagues, he could be a useful option as an injury fill-in. |
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| Tejada getting back on track | Tuesday 7/1, 1:48 PM CT |
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Miguel Tejada was hitting .150 in the middle of June, but took a six-game hitting streak into July and wound up with a .227 average on the month.
Our View: Tejada should be fine, although his average has dropped from .345 on April 30 to .317 on May 31 to his current .291. He still remains a prominent fantasy player at the shortstop position. |
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| Giles a .400 hitter against Cook | Tuesday 7/1, 1:28 PM CT |
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Brian Giles and his Padres teammates face off against the Rockies and starter Aaron Cook, which bodes well for Giles. He is hitting .417 against the righty in 36 at-bats.
Our View: Giles isn't going to have great power numbers, but he gets on base and is not to blame for the Padres lethargic offense. He has reached base in nine of his last 17 plate appearances, but has scored just one run in that time. He's a good fantasy option if you can do without the power numbers. |
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| Armas to start for Mets | Tuesday 7/1, 10:47 AM CT |
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Tony Armas will make his first start of the year on Tuesday night against the Cardinals, according to The Sports Network.
Our View: Armas will likely end up in the bullpen as the long man replacing Claudio Vargas, but if he turns some heads today after his strong work in the minors (2.54 ERA, 1.02 WHIP), perhaps he could end up with a more substantial role. |
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| Izzy using new knee brace | Tuesday 7/1, 10:29 AM CT |
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Jason Isringhausen figures to avoid the DL with his injured right knee, and he is now working on finding the proper brace to wear on the hill, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View: Izzy worked with a brace that he deemed too bulky, so on Monday he used a lighter version to protect the sprain. He still hopes to reclaim his closers role at some point. |
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| Wainwright ready to begin throwing? | Tuesday 7/1, 10:24 AM CT |
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Adam Wainwright hopes to receive good news from doctors in regards to the ruptured "pulley" in his finger so that he can resume throwing with a target date of returning to action right after the All-Star break, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View: Wainwright had the splint removed from the finger last Friday and he has begun strengthening exercises waiting for the approval of doctors to return to the mound. |
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| Marshall to throw out of pen this weekend | Tuesday 7/1, 10:10 AM CT |
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Sean Marshall pitched well on Sunday but he will be used out of the bullpen this weekend as the team will have to decide whether he or Sean Gallagher will remain in the rotation once Carlos Zambrano returns from the DL on Friday, according to the Chicago Sun Times.
Our View: Our best guess is that Marshall will probably be returned to Triple-A leaving Gallagher as the fifth starter for the moment in Chicago. |
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| Soriano hopes to take BP this weekend | Tuesday 7/1, 10:07 AM CT |
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Alfonso Soriano will have the last round of x-rays on his broken hand on Friday, and if the results are positive he could take batting practice this weekend, according to the Chicago Sun Times. ''I'm bored...I just eat and run and sleep.''
Our View: Soriano's Friday exam will be 23 days after the injury occurred putting him on pace to beat the outside timeline of six weeks that was placed on the injury when it occurred. |
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| Fuentes on trade block | Tuesday 7/1, 9:59 AM CT |
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Brian Fuentes trade rumors continue to heat up as the team and the closer have failed to come to terms on a long-term contract extension, according to the Denver Post.
Our View: Fuentes is scheduled to become a free agent after this season, and with all the money the team in vested in Manny Corpas, it remains to be seen if the Rockies would be interested in meeting the demands of Fuentes. The Cardinals, Phillies, Athletics, Red Sox, Mets and Yankees are all said to be interested. Chances are that if he goes to any of those teams he will serve as a setup man, so you might consider moving him before his value plummets. |
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| Alou unable to play on Monday | Tuesday 7/1, 9:30 AM CT |
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Moises Alou wasn't able to begin his rehab assignment on Monday night but it wasn't due to a setback with his strained left calf as the weather forced the games to be called, according to Mets Blog.
Our View: Amazing that he wasn't injured opening up his umbrella or turning on his windshield wipers. Alou still hopes to return to the Mets this weekend in Philadelphia, but the brittle one is always a risk. |
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| Tatis to replace Delgado | Tuesday 7/1, 9:27 AM CT |
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Despite his recent success at the plate, the Mets will continue to replace Carlos Delgado late in games for defensive purposes, according to Mets Blog. “Nothing against Carlos’s hands or anything, but I think Fernando [Tatis] gives us a little more range on that side," manager Jerry Manuel said. "I explained it to him hoping that he would understand, which he did. But, knowing that he wouldn’t like it because of who he is and what he’s been to the game, I’m all right with that.”
Our View: Tatis has only played nine games at first base in his career, so you can tell just how bad things have gotten on defense for Delgado. The bat will keep him in the starting lineup, but Delgado could lose just enough at-bats to cause his merely average production to fall even further. |
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| Vizquel to lose at-bats | Tuesday 7/1, 9:18 AM CT |
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Omar Vizquel hasn't officially been removed from the starting lineup, but with a .156 average in 122 AB the Giants figure to give more work to youngster Emanuel Burriss like they did on Monday night, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. "There'll be times Manny gets starts (against right-handers)," manager Bruce Bochy said. "We'll see how Omar is doing. Manny got a couple of at-bats from the left side and got a couple of hits. But we still have a great shortstop out there in Omar. He's out here hitting early and working on it. We're confident he's going to be fine."
Our View: Vizquel appears to have lost it at the plate, and due to the injury to his leg he has been limited to just two SB when active. At this point he is nothing more than a middle infield option in NL only leagues, and even that is questionable at the moment. |
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| Pagan may have shoulder surgery | Tuesday 7/1, 9:08 AM CT |
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Angel Pagan continues to rehab his shoulder in hopes of returning to the Mets lineup, but it appears that he might have to opt for season ending surgery, according to Mets Blog.
Our View: Apparently Pagan can throw just fine, but he still is unable to swing the lumber without discomfort. Pagan was a nice early story, but those memories have quickly faded. |
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| McPherson named PCL Player of the Week | Tuesday 7/1, 8:28 AM CT |
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Dallas McPherson was named the PCL minor league Player of the Week after hitting .474-4-9-6-2, according to MILB.com. McPherson now has 28 home runs on the year thanks to hitting one in a PCL record 7-straight games (June 18-27).
Our View: McPherson leads his team in strikeouts (97) though he also leads the club in walks (50). The good news is that he is healthy again and at some point all this hitting will result in a call up to the Marlins. |
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| Hampton struggles in minor league outing | Tuesday 7/1, 8:23 AM CT |
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Mike Hampton gave up four runs, three earned, for Single-A Rome on Monday night in his third rehab outing, according to MILB.com. Hampton struck out five and didn't allow a walk in the 59-pitch outing but he allowed eight hits
Our View: The best news is that he didn't injure himself signing an autograph of pouring a glass of water from the cooler. Hampton hopes to return around the All-Star break, but we'll believe it when we see it. |
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| Byrnes headed back to DL | Tuesday 7/1, 8:02 AM CT |
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Eric Byrnes will be headed back to the DL with a strained left hamstring, according to the Associated Press. “It looked like he had the base stolen, and a step or two before he started to go into his dive, it went on him,” manager Bob Melvin said. “It’s definitely DL. How long? We’re not 100 percent sure.”
Our View: Byrnes spent about a month on the DL with what was termed as a right hamstring injury, though to be truthful, he has been bothered by issues in both legs for most of the year. Byrnes has been a massive disappointment this season, though that's often what happens when players try to follow up career seasons. |
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