| LaRoche leaves seven on base | Monday 8/4, 11:55 PM CT |
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Andy LaRoche had a brutal night at the plate, going 0-for-5 with a strikeout and leaving seven men on base in Pittsburgh's loss to Arizona.
Our View: LaRoche is now hitting under .200, and is 2-for-16 since being acquired from the Bucs. He has promise in fantasy play, but he'll need to start hitting sometime soon. |
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| Reynolds has big night | Monday 8/4, 11:53 PM CT |
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Diamondbacks third baseman Mark Reynolds had a big night in his team's victory over Pittsburgh, going 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBI.
Our View: Reynolds is a very streaky hitter, and he struggled in July and the beginning of August, so maybe this is the beginning of a hot streak. |
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| Herrera horrible | Monday 8/4, 11:51 PM CT |
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Yoslan Herrera was awful in the team's 13-7 loss to the Diamondbacks, going just 1.1 innings, giving up three earned runs on four hits and three walks.
Our View: Herrera has a WHIP well over 2.00 and should not be on anyone's fantasy team, ever. |
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| Haren wins again | Monday 8/4, 11:49 PM CT |
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Dan Haren won his 12th game of the year, putting up six innings and surrendering four earned runs while striking out eight against the Pirates.
Our View: Haren had a sub-2.00 ERA in July, and he has won his last four starts, so he is clearly pitching very well. |
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| Jones could hit DL | Monday 8/4, 11:36 PM CT |
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Adam Jones may be put on the disabled list soon with his injured left foot, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Our View: Jones hit a foul ball off his foot a couple of days ago, and he has been hobbled ever since. Jones has had a nice rookie season, hitting .279 with 50 RBI. He belongs in AL-only leagues, but doesn't do quite enough (yet) to be a good fit in mixed leagues. |
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| Bonifacio gets three hits | Monday 8/4, 11:29 PM CT |
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Emilio Bonifacio went 3-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored in Washington's 9-4 win over the Colorado Rockies.
Our View: Bonifacio has hit .444 in August since taking over for the released Felipe Lopez. He is someone to keep an eye on in fantasy leagues. |
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| Hawpe gets two hits | Monday 8/4, 11:26 PM CT |
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Brad Hawpe went 2-for-4 with two RBI in the Rockies loss to Washington.
Our View: Hawpe had a poor start, but hit .323 in July, and is off to a 5-for-15 start in August. |
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| Redding wins again | Monday 8/4, 11:23 PM CT |
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Tim Redding won his eighth game of the season as Washington beat Colorado 9-4. Redding tossed five innings, allowing four earned runs and striking out six.
Our View: Redding is the closest thing the Nationals have to a quality fantasy pitcher. He isn't a great option, but is useful in NL-only leagues. |
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| Cook takes loss | Monday 8/4, 11:20 PM CT |
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Aaron Cook lost his seventh game of the season by allowing the Washington Nationals to score seven runs, four of them earned, on 11 hits in 5.2 innings.
Our View: Cook is still a top option in all fantasy leagues, and his 14 wins remain second in the NL. |
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| Pedroia has 25 game road hitting streak | Monday 8/4, 11:18 PM CT |
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Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia has a hit in 25 consecutive road games, reports the Boston Globe. That is the most by a Red Sox player since Tris Speaker in 1913.
Our View: Speaker is pretty nice company to keep. Pedroia does a little bit of everything for fantasy owners, and even has a surprising nine home runs, which is one more than he had all of last season. |
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| Byrd hits walk-off grand slam | Monday 8/4, 10:53 PM CT |
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Marlon Byrd went 2-for-4 and hit a walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the ninth as the Rangers beat the Yankees 9-5.
Our View: Byrd now has three home runs in his last nine games, but he still has little fantasy value. |
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| Marte gives up slam | Monday 8/4, 10:51 PM CT |
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Damaso Marte got the loss for the Yankees as he gave up a grand slam to Marlon Byrd of Texas in the bottom of the ninth.
Our View: Marte has value in leagues that use holds, or in AL-only leagues for owners needing a boost in strikeouts. |
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| Padilla gives up four | Monday 8/4, 10:49 PM CT |
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Rangers pitcher Vicente Padilla gave up four earned runs in six innings while striking out five in Texas' win over the Yankees.
Our View: Padilla was not great in July, and this is not a very good start for August. He's still a decent fantasy option, but watch our for his rising ERA. |
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| Giambi hits bomb | Monday 8/4, 10:44 PM CT |
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Jason Giambi went 3-for-4 and hit his 21st home run of the season in New York's 9-5 loss to Texas.
Our View: Giambi shaved his mustache, and promptly got three hits. After saying he was going to re-grow it, maybe this game will change his mind. |
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| Guzman progressing | Monday 8/4, 10:40 PM CT |
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Cristian Guzman is slowly progressing from his injured thumb, and he will take batting practice on Tuesday, reports Nationals.com.
Our View: No word on when Guzman will be back, but he is one of the few candidates on the Nats that can be considered a legit fantasy player due to the fact he is hitting better than .300, and has scored 57 runs. |
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| Zimmerman takes BP | Monday 8/4, 10:37 PM CT |
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Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman took batting practice twice on Monday and could be back in a matter of days, according to Nationals.com.
Our View: Zimmerman has been out since Thursday, when he was hit on the hand with a pitch. He is a viable fantasy candidate, though with little offense around him, his production will be somewhat limited. |
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| Joba has stiff throwing shoulder | Monday 8/4, 10:31 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier report, Yankees.com says that New York pitcher Joba Chamberlain is suffering from a stiff right shoulder.
Our View: It is not known whether or not Chamberlain will have to go on the DL or not. When word comes, we will pass it along to you. |
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| Upton has MRI | Monday 8/4, 10:28 PM CT |
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Diamondbacks outfielder Justin Upton had an MRI done on his oblique to determine how far along the injury was, and to see when he could start to swing wiht more authority, according to DBacks.com.
Our View: Upton should begin a rehab assignment shortly, before returning to the big leagues. His fantasy stock has plummeted since his hot start. He remains mostly an option in deep NL-only leagues. |
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| Drew goes 0-for-4 | Monday 8/4, 10:25 PM CT |
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J.D. Drew hit leadoff for the Red Sox, but he wound up going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in the team's loss to Kansas City.
Our View: Drew has really cooled down lately, and hit just .221 in July. He remains a solid fantasy option, even at a lesser pace than he had been on. |
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| Guillen takes yet another walk | Monday 8/4, 10:21 PM CT |
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Jose Guillen went 2-for-3 with two doubles in the Royals 4-3 victory over Boston. In bigger news, Guillen took a walk for the third game in a row. This is half the total he accumulated in May, June and July.
Our View: Guillen has shown better plate discipline of late, and he has a very modest four game hitting streak to show for it. |
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| Buchholz loses seventh game | Monday 8/4, 10:16 PM CT |
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Clay Buchholz lost his seventh game of the year to the Kansas City Royals, going six innings and allowing four earned runs.
Our View: Buchholz has undoubtedly been a disappointment to fantasy owners who expected so much after his sizzling debut last year. |
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| Meche K's nine | Monday 8/4, 10:13 PM CT |
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Kansas City hurler Gil Meche threw a solid six innings, giving up just two earned runs in the Royals 4-2 victory over Boston. Although Meche walked five batters, he also struck out nine.
Our View: Meche won his tenth game of the season, and has put together a nice run of games. In his last four contests, Meche has thrown 26.1 innings and allowed just five earned runs. |
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| Ramirez still won't cut hair | Monday 8/4, 9:48 PM CT |
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Dodgers manager Joe Torre has a policy that does not permit long hair, but new arrival Manny Ramirez has not made plans to get it cut yet, according to the Boston Globe. The paper got this information after speaking with Manny's personal barber - L'Montro.
Our View: Despite the rule being wholly archaic, the Dodgers should have known that Ramirez plays by his own rules, and the dreadlocks could be around for awhile. |
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| Longoria goes hitless | Monday 8/4, 9:30 PM CT |
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Evan Longoria went 0-for-4 in Tampa's loss to Cleveland and pitcher Cliff Lee. Despite his failure to get a base knock tonight, Longoria has hits in 14 of his last 17 games.
Our View: Longoria is having a fabulous rookie season, and besides power, he even offers a little bit of speed, with seven stolen bases on the year. |
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| Marte still struggling | Monday 8/4, 9:27 PM CT |
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Andy Marte went 0-for-4 with a strikeout in Cleveland's victory over Tampa Bay, and is now 3-for-32 since July 27.
Our View: Marte keeps getting regular playing time, but he has yet to do anything with it. Once a top-flight prospect, he needs to show that he can play at this level if he wants to stick around. |
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| Garza ineffective | Monday 8/4, 9:23 PM CT |
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Matt Garza threw an ineffective game for Tampa Bay, pitching five innings and giving up four earned runs on seven hits and two walks.
Our View: Garza threw a complete game shutout his last time out, and this was likely just a hiccup. Garza threw 102 pitches tonight, and has thrown at least that many pitches in nine of his last ten starts. |
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| Lee wins again | Monday 8/4, 9:19 PM CT |
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Cleveland hurler Cliff Lee won his 15th game of the season, downing the Rays 5-2. Lee threw seven innings, allowing just two earned runs.
Our View: Lee's Cy Young season continues. Lee gave up eight hits and walked just two with a bounce back effort after he gave up six earned runs in his last start. |
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| Joba leaves game with injury | Monday 8/4, 9:13 PM CT |
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Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain had to leave the game against the Texas Rangers in the middle of the fifth inning with an apparent injury to his right shoulder, according to the AP.
Our View: There is no word on exactly what the malady is, but we will keep you updated when word comes. |
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| Fielder attacks Parra | Monday 8/4, 9:08 PM CT |
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Prince Fielder went after Brewers hurler Manny Parra in the dugout during the team's loss to the Cincinnati Reds. Fielder pushed Parra, who promptly sat down, and Fielder pushed Parra again before teammates came in to intervene.
Our View: It wasn't much of a scuffle. Fielder obviously didn't really want to fight, as his two weak shoves would attest to. He started barking again when teammates pulled him off. His immaturity got him kicked ejected from a game against Chicago, and it continues as the Brewers seem to be unraveling once again. |
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| Bruce extends hitting streak | Monday 8/4, 9:02 PM CT |
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Jay Bruce went 1-for-2 with a home run, scored two runs, drove in two, walked and struck out in Cincinnati's 6-3 win over the Brewers.
Our View: Bruce now has a hit in eight consecutive games. Not surprisingly, he had not struck out during that time until tonight. His first week in the bigs caused expectations that were far too high, but he is still a useful fantasy asset. |
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| Parra gives up six runs | Monday 8/4, 8:58 PM CT |
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Manny Parra threw six innings and gave up six earned runs on four hits and four walks in Milwaukee's 6-3 loss to the Reds.
Our View: Parra's ERA rose to 4.18, the first time it has been over 4.00 since late June. Parra has not been successful in either of his last two outings, giving up 11 earned runs in 11.1 innings pitched. Tonight was the fifth time in 22 starts he has given up at least five earned runs. |
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| Arroyo wins tenth game | Monday 8/4, 8:55 PM CT |
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Reds hurler Bronson Arroyo won his tenth game of the season after throwing six innings and surrendering just one run on four hits. He also struck out six in the Reds victory over Milwaukee.
Our View: Arroyo is inconsistent, and despite his decent strikeout rate, he really has no place in fantasy leagues. |
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| Braun hits 30th | Monday 8/4, 8:51 PM CT |
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Ryan Braun hit his 30th home run of the season, but the Brewers fell to the Reds by the score of 6-3. Braun was 2-for-4 in the game, and also hit his 29th double.
Our View: This comes off the news that Braun was July's Player of the Month for the National League. He has put smiles on the faces of fantasy owners since his debut last season. |
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| de los Santos designated for assignment | Monday 8/4, 8:39 PM CT |
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Valerio de los Santos was designated for assignment by the Colorado Rockies today, according to MLB.com. In his stead, Steven Register was recalled from Triple-A.
Our View: de los Santos was awful in his two starts, with a WHIP over 2.00, as he walked 11 batters in just eight innings. |
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| Giambi shaves 'stache | Monday 8/4, 8:26 PM CT |
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Jason Giambi shaved his mustache after being lifted for a defensive replacement in the game on Sunday, according to the AP. He says he will grow it back as long as the team keeps winning.
Our View: Before today's game, Giambi was hitting .205 since July 1, so the lucky mustache was anything but lucky. Maybe shaving it will begin a new streak of luck. |
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| Crosby hits home run | Monday 8/4, 8:09 PM CT |
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Bobby Crosby went 2-for-3, and hit a home run to score the A's only run in the team's 6-1 loss to Toronto.
Our View: Crosby was hitting under .194 since July 1, so this little breakout should help fantasy owners who were lacking confidence in him. |
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| Stairs gets two hits | Monday 8/4, 8:05 PM CT |
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After a miserable July in which he hit .183, Matt Stairs is 5-for-12 in August after a 2-for-4 performance against Oakland.
Our View: Stairs has hit .393 since July 25, and has also hit two home runs during that time. He has some value to fantasy owners, but mostly in AL-only leagues. |
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| Meyer's success continues | Monday 8/4, 8:00 PM CT |
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Dan Meyer has returned to the Oakland A's as a reliever, and he has yet to give up an earned run after throwing four shutout innings against Toronto. Meyer allowed four hits but did not walk anyone while striking out three.
Our View: As a reliever, Meyer's fantasy value is small, but if he starts and these type of performances continue, that may change. |
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| Halladay wins again | Monday 8/4, 7:57 PM CT |
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Roy Halladay won game number 13 as Toronto defeated Oakland 6-1. He pitched eight innings, allowed just four hits, gave up one earned run and struck out eight.
Our View: In Halladay's last 29 innings pitched, he has allowed just five earned runs, and he continues to provide fantasy owners with solid production. |
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| Bartlett day-to-day | Monday 8/4, 7:50 PM CT |
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Rays shortstop Jason Bartlett is day-to-day with an injury to his right index finger after he was hit with a pitch, according to MLB.com. He is available to pinch-run, but that is all he will likely be able to do for a few days.
Our View: Bartlett has limited use in AL-only fantasy leagues, and none in mixed leagues. His on-base percentage is under .300, though he has stolen 18 bases on the year. |
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| Bradley can pinch hit | Monday 8/4, 7:46 PM CT |
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Rangers designated hitter Milton Bradley is available to pinch hit in tonight's game against the Yankees, according to MLB.com. He had been suffering from a strained left quad.
Our View: Bradley is having a stellar season, so fantasy players can only hope he gets back as soon as possible. |
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| Millwood begins throwing | Monday 8/4, 7:44 PM CT |
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MLB.com reports that Rangers pitcher Kevin Millwood threw 30 pitches on flat ground today, and if he feels good Wednesday, he will throw again that day. A rehab assignment would follow if that throwing session goes well.
Our View: Millwood has little fantasy value, even in AL-only leagues. He has an ERA of 5.40, and a surprisingly high WHIP of 1.74, mainly because he gives up a whopping 12.3 hits per nine innings pitched. |
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| Bourn misses another game | Monday 8/4, 7:39 PM CT |
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Astros outfielder Michael Bourn was held out of tonight's game against the Cubs because of continued problems with his sprained right ankle, according to Astros.com.
Our View: Bourn is a one-trick pony in fantasy leagues, and only owners who desperately need steals should use him. His .290 on-base percentage and 15 RBI are problems in fantasy baseball. |
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| Helton has MRI on back | Monday 8/4, 7:32 PM CT |
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Rockies first baseman Todd Helton underwent an MRI after having a setback while attempting to rehab his lower back, reports the Denver Post.
Our View: The results of the MRI will determine if Helton has a serious injury, possibly to a disc in his back. It's possible he may not return this season. His use in fantasy leagues has been waning each season, and this is yet another step in that direction. |
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| O'Day sent down | Monday 8/4, 7:24 PM CT |
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Darren O'Day was sent to Triple-A Salt Lake by the Angels, according to the Orange County Register.
Our View: O'Day was a serviceable reliever with no value in fantasy leagues. |
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| Freel wants to play this season | Monday 8/4, 7:20 PM CT |
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Ryan Freel had surgery on his hamstring, but still thinks he could make it back this season, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Freel can be useful in fantasy baseball, especially in NL-only leagues, because of his stolen base potential. |
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| Duncan surgery successful | Monday 8/4, 6:56 PM CT |
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St. Louis outfielder Chris Duncan underwent successful surgery on his neck to replace a cervical disc, reports The Sports Network.
Our View: Best-case scenario is Duncan getting back in three to four months. He's obviously out for the year, and will try to make it back for spring training next season. |
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| Reyes could join Indians soon | Monday 8/4, 6:52 PM CT |
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Anthony Reyes will likely join the Indians starting rotation at some point this season, and it could be fairly soon, according to Indians.com. He threw well in his last outing, throwing eight innings and giving up one run. "His fastball was consistently at 92-94 [mph]. The thing he's done in both outings is maintain his fastball velocity throughout," Indians pitching coach Carl Willis said.
Our View: Reyes has a great deal of talent, and he was never quite as bad as his record last season in St. Louis would indicate, as he got little run support. Reyes has won a World Series game, and it is entirely possible he could turn his career around in Cleveland. Think about picking him up, at least in AL-only leagues, when he gets recalled. |
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| Mets looking at Aurilia | Monday 8/4, 6:37 PM CT |
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The New York Mets are taking a look at Rich Aurilia to fill a hole in their outfield, according to MetsBlog.com.
Our View: Aurilia has enough bat for NL-only leagues, and though his playing time has reduced in San Francisco, should he go to New York, his fantasy value would likely increase. |
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| Richard sent down | Monday 8/4, 6:21 PM CT |
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Clayton Richard was sent to the minor leagues today, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Richard had no fantasy value, not with a 2.23 WHIP and 10.38 ERA. |
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| Wood to be back this week | Monday 8/4, 6:18 PM CT |
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His blister has nearly healed, so Kerry Wood will come off the DL in a matter of days, according to the AP. Wood will initially be used in middle relief upon his return.
Our View: Lou Piniella wants Wood to gradually get back into the role of closer, so Carlos Marmol will continue getting save chances until that happens. |
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| Wilson will remain the closer | Monday 8/4, 6:11 PM CT |
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C.J. Wilson will remain the Texas Rangers closer, despite his recent struggles and the fact he may not be completely healthy, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Our View: Wilson has been erratic as the Rangers closer, and sports a 5.28 ERA and 1.59 WHIP. The situation could change at anytime should Wilson continue to falter. |
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| Rolen out of lineup | Monday 8/4, 5:41 PM CT |
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Toronto third baseman Scott Rolen will not play tonight as he rests his ailing left shoulder, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Rolen has not been good this season, hitting just .254 with seven home runs and 36 RBI, and he hit a horrid .163 in July. His glory days in fantasy baseball are over, and should you have him in an AL-only league, remember that Rolen will be rested a lot unless his shoulder health improves. |
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| Martinez could see time at first | Monday 8/4, 5:30 PM CT |
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Victor Martinez will begin his rehab assignment later this week, and it's possible he could see some time at first base, according to Indians.com.
Our View: Kelly Shoppach has hit .325 since July 1, and keeping him at catcher when Martinez comes back is probably the smart thing to do. It would be nice for Martinez to start hitting for some power when he returns, as he has been an enormous disappointment in fantasy leagues. Not only has he been hurt, but he has not hit a single home run this season in nearly 200 at-bats. |
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| Lee grounding into double plays at high rate | Monday 8/4, 5:15 PM CT |
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Chicago Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee has grounded into 22 double plays this season, the most in baseball, reports Cubs.com. The MLB record is 34, accomplished by Jim Rice.
Our View: Lee could very well set the record for GIDP, but as long as he keeps hitting home runs and driving them in, fantasy owners won't care. The Cubs play Houston this evening, and Lee is hitting .432 against the Astros this year. |
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| Saunders owns Markakis | Monday 8/4, 4:58 PM CT |
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Nick Markakis has been a boon to fantasy teams this season, but his match-up tonight means that could be discontinued, for one game at least. The Orioles take on the Angels and pitcher Joe Saunders, and Markakis goes into the game hitting an unseemly .083 against him. Unfortunately, that is also his on-base percentage and slugging percentage against Saunders.
Our View: Markakis has given fantasy owners a little bit of everything, with 15 home runs and 10 stolen bases, but sitting him tonight may not be the worst idea in the world. |
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| Edmonds has good match-up | Monday 8/4, 4:42 PM CT |
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Cubs outfielder Jim Edmonds has an outstanding match-up tonight against Houston pitcher Brian Moehler. Edmonds his hitting .351 (13-for-37) for his career against the righty, with four doubles and six home runs.
Our View: Surely Cubs manager Lou Piniella knows this and Edmonds will be playing. If you have him on your fantasy squad, be sure to get him in your lineup. |
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| Chavez out for season | Monday 8/4, 4:36 PM CT |
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Eric Chavez will have surgery on his right shoulder to repair his labrum and will miss the rest of the season, according to the AP.
Our View: Chavez only played 90 games a year ago and just 23 this season. He has played in under 140 games four out of the past five seasons, and he hasn't hit better than .247 since 2005. His best days are seemingly behind him. |
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| Ortiz crushes Meche | Monday 8/4, 4:19 PM CT |
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It might be a good idea to go ahead and double check to make sure that David Ortiz is in your fantasy lineup. The Red Sox take on Kansas City tonight, and against the Royals starting pitcher, Gil Meche, Ortiz is 9-for-20 (.450) with a 1.100 slugging percentage and four home runs.
Our View: Ortiz has just one hit in his last 10 at-bats, but history says that will change this evening. |
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| Cubs want more night games | Monday 8/4, 4:10 PM CT |
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The Chicago Cubs want to be able to play night games on Friday and Saturday night in order to get their players better rested, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Currently, they cannot play on those nights because community leaders are worried about congestion and crime.
Our View: The Cubs can only play 30 night games per season, and they want to open it up some so players coming off of road trips can sleep more than a few hours per night. Who knows, maybe it will help their fantasy numbers as well. |
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| Lester named AL Pitcher of Month | Monday 8/4, 3:38 PM CT |
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Jon Lester has been named the AL Pitcher of the Month for July, according to the AP. Lester went 3-0 with a 2.05 ERA over four starts in the month.
Our View: Lester hasn't lost a start since May 25, and is 10-3 with a 3.14 ERA and 1.31 WHIP for the season. Other nominees for the July honor were Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay, and closer Francisco Rodriguez. |
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| Cabrera earns monthly honor | Monday 8/4, 3:32 PM CT |
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Miguel Cabrera has been named the AL Player of the Month for July, according to the AP. He earned the honor by batting .330 (35-for-106) with eight home runs and a major league-best 31 RBI.
Our View: Cabrera raised his season average to .298, and has 20 homers and 82 RBI over 109 games. He got off to a slow start with his new club, but looks to remain strong down the stretch. |
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| Crawford out of lineup | Monday 8/4, 3:28 PM CT |
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Carl Crawford is out of Monday's lineup due to a sore left hamstring, according to the St. Petersburg Times.
Our View: Crawford isn't sure if one day of rest will be enough either. Eric Hinske will roam left field in his place tonight. |
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| Sabathia earns pitcher of Month honor | Monday 8/4, 3:17 PM CT |
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CC Sabathia has been named the NL Pitcher of the Month for July, according to the Milwaukee-Journal Sentinel. Sabathia earned the monthly honor by going 4-0 with a 1.82 ERA over five starts.
Our View: For the season, Sabathia is 11-8 with a 3.28 ERA and 1.16 WHIP, and is still yet to lose a start as a member of the Brewers. |
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| Braun named Player of Month | Monday 8/4, 3:11 PM CT |
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Ryan Braun has been named the NL Player of the Month, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Braun claimed the honor by batting .366 with nine home runs and 23 RBI in July.
Our View: Braun notably earned the Player of the Month honor in July last year as well. |
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| Nady shares honor with Aviles | Monday 8/4, 2:54 PM CT |
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Yankees' outfielder Xavier Nady and Royals' shortstop Mike Aviles were named American League co-Players of the Week, according to the AP. Nady batted .526 (10-for-19) with three home runs and 10 RBI, and capped the week with a career-best six RBI in Sunday’s 14-9 win over the Angels. Aviles batted .577 (15-for-26) with two homers and five RBI last week, and registered a 1.000 slugging percentage and .583 on-base percentage.
Our View: This is Nady's second weekly honor this season, his last time coming in the NL with Pittsburgh. |
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| Ludwick named NL Player of Week | Monday 8/4, 2:48 PM CT |
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Ryan Ludwick has been named the NL Player of the Week, according to the AP. He earned the honor by hitting .538 (14-for-26) with four home runs and eight RBI during the week.
Our View: Ludwick is hitting .306 over 104 games, with a career-high 27 homers and 78 RBI. Other nominees for the weekly award were Phillies' closer Brad Lidge, Brewers' first baseman Prince Fielder, and Rockies' outfielder Matt Holliday. |
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| Volstad needs work | Monday 8/4, 2:38 PM CT |
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The Marlins intend to work on rookie hurler Chris Volstad's delivery, according to the Miami Herald. He looked vulnerable during his start Friday, as the Rockies stole three bases against him, and the Marlins want to speed up his delivery. Manager Fredi Gonzalez said, "He's got to speed it up a little bit. He is about a 1.3 seconds to the plate, and that's fine, but sometimes he gets up to 1.6 or 1.7. It's all learning. It's all experience. He's a very, very smart kid. I think he will learn to be quicker to the plate with no problem."
Our View: The Marlins will be careful with their adjustments, however. They don't want to hurry him up too much, with the risk of putting pressure on his arm. |
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| Linebrink increases distance | Monday 8/4, 2:00 PM CT |
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Scott Linebrink, who is recovering from right shoulder inflammation, has increased the distance in his throwing program from 90 feet to 120, according to the Chicago Tribune. He said, "I had some zip on the ball. It's just a matter of getting through the mental side of it. Your body wants to protect things that are hurt, so I have to get through that to the point where I can get out there and let it go without thinking about it."
Our View: The team is hopeful their top setup man can be ready to return in mid-August. |
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| Lowell expected to sit | Monday 8/4, 1:27 PM CT |
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Mike Lowell is expected to sit out Monday's game to rest his strained right hip, according to the Boston Globe. He struggled to get to second after his fourth-inning blast to the left-center-field gap against Oakland Sunday, and he is expected to receive a shot, cortisone or some other pain reliever to aid his ailment.
Our View: Adjust your lineups accordingly. He has hits if four straight games, but hasn't homered since the Fourth of July. |
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| Francis to be activated Wednesday | Monday 8/4, 11:45 AM CT |
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Jeff Francis is expected to be activated from the DL Wednesday following his battle with left shoulder inflammation, according to the Denver Post.
Our View: He is slated to start Wednesday against the Nationals. Francis was 3-7 with a 5.67 ERA and 1.55 WHIP prior to going down, and fantasy owners should wait until he proves to be effective before considering him as a starter again. |
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| Putz nearing return as closer? | Monday 8/4, 11:41 AM CT |
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The Seattle Post-Intelligencer suggests that J.J. Putz is nearing his return to the closer's role. Putz is feeling like his old self again and said, "Sunday I threw the ball with real pop. The last time I did that was March 31. For me it's been two steps forward and one step back."
Our View: When Putz returns to the closer's role, Brandon Morrow is expected to be sent down to Triple-A Tacoma to work on becoming a starter. |
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| Cuddyer update | Monday 8/4, 11:35 AM CT |
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Michael Cuddyer, who is recovering from a strained tendon in his left index finger, will begin a rehab assignment Tuesday with Triple-A Rochester, according to the Pioneer Press.
Our View: Manager Ron Gardenhire noted that Cuddyer will need 20-25 at bats at least before rejoining the Twins. He may be ready when the Yankees start a home series against the Yankees August 11. |
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| Penn injures leg | Monday 8/4, 11:32 AM CT |
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The Baltimore Sun is reporting that Hayden Penn has had yet another freaky injury that will likely cost him any chance to return to the starting rotation. Two seasons ago, Penn needed an emergency appendectomy before his first start of the 2006 season. Then last year he he missed three months after having bone chips removed from his right elbow. Penn was cut in the leg by a piece of a broken bat during his start on Saturday, this after he was rumored to return to the O's rotation on Tuesday for injured Radhames Liz.
Our View: Brad Bergesen now becomes the most likely candidate to start Tuesday against the Angels. |
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| Carpenter not on pitch count | Monday 8/4, 11:24 AM CT |
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Chris Carpenter will start Tuesday against the Dodgers, his second since coming off the disabled list. Card skipper Tony La Russa told the team website that Carpenter is not on a pitch count. "I think he's still beginning his timing. You watch him until you figure it's a struggle. Then you stop pushing."
Our View: Carpenter has been successful against the Dodgers during his career. He has 3.00 ERA, but LA has a different look since his last start against them, July 14, 2006. |
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| Wells still two weeks away | Monday 8/4, 11:18 AM CT |
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Toronto manager Cito Gaston doesn't expect Vernon Wells to return to active duty during the Blue Jays' seven-game homestand, this according to the team website. Gaston said that Wells could return to the lineup in Toronto's series at Detroit, from Aug. 11-14.
Our View: Wells suffered a Grade 2 strain of his left hamstring and has been on the DL since early July. |
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| Zimmerman expected to avoid DL | Monday 8/4, 10:47 AM CT |
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Ryan Zimmerman has been out of action since Thursday due to a bruised right hand, but GM Jim Bowden indicated that he is not expected to land on the DL, according to the Washington Post.
Our View: Zimmerman is just waiting for the swelling to go down in his injured hand, and the club lists him as day-to-day. |
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| McCann set to return | Monday 8/4, 10:25 AM CT |
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Brian McCann is set to return to the Braves' lineup Monday after missing a week with a mild concussion, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Our View: His headaches related to the concussion have subsided, and he should be safe to return to roto-lineups for the new fantasy week. |
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| Glavine set for rehab start | Monday 8/4, 10:22 AM CT |
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Tom Glavine is slated to begin a minor league rehab assignment Monday at Single-A Myrtle Beach, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Our View: He hopes his partially torn flexor tendon his left elbow has strengthened enough to allow him to return to Atlanta without surgery. If his outing Monday goes favorably without a setback, he will pitch for Double-A Mississippi Saturday. |
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| Bartlett injury update | Monday 8/4, 10:03 AM CT |
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Jason Bartlett, who sustained a bruised right index finger Sunday, noted that he does not expect to be able to throw for two days, according to the St. Petersburg Times. X-rays revealed no break, and he should avoid the DL.
Our View: If the club does not decide to recall Ben Zobrist from the minors, they could go Evan Longoria at shortstop, and employ Willy Aybar at third base, while Bartlett is out of action. |
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| Hairston may go back on DL | Monday 8/4, 9:01 AM CT |
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Jerry Hairston Jr. was out of the Reds' lineup Sunday and was restricted from baseball activity, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Our View: His sore right hamstring will be re-evaluated on Monday, and there is a chance he can land back on the DL. |
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| Harang set for rehab start | Monday 8/4, 8:56 AM CT |
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Aaron Harang is set to make his rehab start Monday with Triple-A Louisville as he continues to recover from a strained right forearm, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Harang is hoping that he needs only one rehab start, but manager Dusty Baker thinks it could be two. Baker said, "It depends. We want him to be able to go seven innings, 100 pitches."
Our View: The source states that Harang is likely to replace Homer Bailey in the rotation when he is ready to return. |
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| Upton update | Monday 8/4, 8:39 AM CT |
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Skipper Bob Melvin noted that Justin Upton will have to take batting practice for several days before starting his minor league rehab assignment, according to the Arizona Republic. Melvin said, "We've been pretty cautious based on how he's felt day to day. There haven't been any setbacks, but there have been certain days where he's been pretty sore based on whatever treatment he's getting. We still don't know. We could use him. Looking at it like we did going into the All-Star break we thought he might have a chance to come back right after that. It's been lengthier than we anticipated."
Our View: Upton has been out since July 9 with a strained left oblique. He could return by mid-August.
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| Broxton was available | Monday 8/4, 8:31 AM CT |
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The LA Times indicated that Jonathan Broxton was available to pitch Sunday and warmed up during the eighth inning. He was unavailable Saturday due to a fatigued arm.
Our View: Broxton should be safe to pencil into fantasy lineups for the week. |
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| Proctor making progress | Monday 8/4, 8:25 AM CT |
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Scott Proctor is making progress in his recovery from right elbow tendinitis, according to the LA Times. He threw 24 pitches in a rehab appearance Saturday for Class-A Inland Empire and reported being sore the next day, but said, "It's a good soreness, though." He gave up three runs in 2/3 of an inning, but his fastball was favorably hitting the 94-96 mph range.
Our View: The next step in Proctor's recovery will be for him to pitch on back-to-back days, and plans to do that Tuesday and Wednesday. When he returns, he will hold value only in deeper leagues that use middle relievers.
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| Willits expected to be fine | Monday 8/4, 8:18 AM CT |
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Reggie Willits is expected to be fine after being clipped by Gary Matthews Jr. during action Sunday, according to the LA Times. He initially felt dizzy and had a headache.
Our View: This is good news for Willits, but he does not play enough to consider as a fantasy performer. |
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| Liriano's next start Saturday | Monday 8/4, 8:07 AM CT |
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Francisco Liriano will make his next start on Saturday against the Royals, according to the Star Tribune. Glen Perkins will start Monday, so the Twins can split up their two lefties in the rotation.
Our View: If the Twins stick with this plan, Liriano will miss the Yankees and face the Mariners on the next homestand, which could benefit fantasy owners as the Mariners remain the worst club in the AL. Liriano looked good while shutting down Cleveland Sunday, and should be penciled into fantasy lineups.
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| Bourn misses another game | Monday 8/4, 7:57 AM CT |
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Michael Bourn was out of the Astros' starting lineup for a seventh straight game Sunday due to his sprained right ankle, according to the Houston Chronicle. He did some rehab work and said, "The swelling is going down, and it’s starting to get better, but hopefully I’ll be ready soon and I can go."
Our View: There is no certainty he will be able to return this week, starting with Monday's series opener against the Cubs. Fantasy owners should not plan on using him, especially since his speed and base-stealing ability will be compromised due to his ankle. |
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| Laroche progressing | Monday 8/4, 7:40 AM CT |
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Adam LaRoche did his first running since injuring his rib cage muscle eight days ago and could begin swinging a bat Wednesday, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View: There is no set timetable for his return, but he is likely to be out until late August. He was hitting well prior to getting hurt, with a .390 average in July with six home runs and 18 RBI. |
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| Crosby light-headed | Monday 8/4, 7:10 AM CT |
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Bobby Crosby came out of Sunday's game in the eighth inning because he felt dizzy during his at-bat in the seventh and when he ran the bases, according to the SF Chronicle. He said he felt like he needed water while on second base but he didn't have the energy to run to the dugout to get some when the inning concluded.
Our View: Crosby was examined and he said he was feeling better after the game. He was believed to be dehydrated, and the doctor did not find any problems. |
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| Yabu hopes to be activated | Monday 8/4, 7:06 AM CT |
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Keiichi Yabu, who is recovering from a sprained right middle finger, said he hopes to be activated from the DL today, according to the SF Chronicle. He will be examined before Monday's game.
Our View: Yabu holds no fantasy value in standard leagues, as he maintains a 3.64 ERA and 1.38 WHIP over 47 innings, with 33 strikeouts. |
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