| Drew hitting the ball with authority | Friday 8/8, 11:57 PM CT |
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Stephen Drew had two hits on Friday night, one of them being a solo home run, his 14th blast of the year.
Our View: Drew is batting .395 over his last 38 AB to boost his average to .279. Drew has established himself as a nightly threat at the plate, and seems primed to take the next step in '09 considering his across the board growth this season. |
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| Jones starts, homers | Friday 8/8, 11:54 PM CT |
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Chipper Jones surprisingly started on Friday night and the Braves are glad he did as he produced two hits, three runs and two RBI.
Our View: Jones was thought to be limited to pinch-hitting duties tonight, but he started his first game back off the DL and blasted his 19th home run while raising his average to .371. |
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| Prado has three hits, RBI | Friday 8/8, 11:52 PM CT |
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Martin Prado, making a rare start on Friday night, had three hits and three RBI for the Braves.
Our View: Prado is batting .310 in limited action this season (84 AB), and has seven hits in his last 11 AB (.636). |
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| Upton has two hits, steal | Friday 8/8, 11:50 PM CT |
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B.J. Upton stole his 35th base and had two hits, an RBI and a run scored for the Rays.
Our View: Upton also walked twice on the night to give him 78 walks on the year, good enough to push his OBP over .380 despite a batting average of just .266 including just seven hits in his last nine games. |
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| Balentin making most of chance | Friday 8/8, 11:48 PM CT |
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Wladimir Balentien hit his fifth home run of the season on Friday night as he scored a run and knocked in two.
Our View: Balentin should play most nights down the stretch now that the Mariners have purged themselves of Jose Vidro. Dating back to his last trip to the majors, Balentin is working on a 6-game hitting streak. |
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| Silva loses unlucky 13th | Friday 8/8, 11:47 PM CT |
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Carlos Silva lost his 13th game of the year for the Mariners after allowing 11 base runners and five runs (four earned), over six innings against the Rays.
Our View: Silva just cannot put anything together this season as his ERA sits at 5.93 after 24 starts. Think the Mariners wish they had their $48 million dollars left? They could have just picked up Livan Hernandez off waivers if they wanted a starter who couldn’t get anyone out. |
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| Shields reaches double-digits | Friday 8/8, 11:46 PM CT |
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James Shields permitted three runners to cross home plate on Friday night against the Mariners as he worked 6.2 innings in his 10th victory of the year.
Our View: Shields has walked all of seven batters over his last nine starts during which time he has struck out 47 batters for a fantastic 6.71 K/B ratio. It’s a simple game really. Throw strikes, avoid walking people and watch the results flow from it (he is 6-2 in his those starts). |
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| Giles goes deep | Friday 8/8, 11:44 PM CT |
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Brian Giles celebrated turning down the ability to go to the Red Sox by hitting this seventh home run of the season for the Padres.
Our View: Giles was born in southern California and simply didn't want to move to the east coast after he was claimed on waivers. The home run was his lone hit on the night and his second in three games after a stretch of 32 games without a home run. |
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| Atkins a consistent producer | Friday 8/8, 11:41 PM CT |
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Garrett Atkins had three hits and knocked in three RBI for the Rockies on Friday.
Our View: Atkins has 16 home runs and 74 RBI on the year and is well on his way to his third straight season of 20 home runs and 100 RBI from the hot corner for the Rockies. |
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| Funetes working on quite a streak | Friday 8/8, 11:39 PM CT |
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Brian Fuentes earned save number 21 on Friday with a clean ninth inning against the Padres.
Our View: Fuentes has converted eight straight save chances after a brief hiccup in late June, and has converted 15 of his last 16 opportunities. Fuentes has also been unscored upon in 13-straight appearances covering 13 innings. |
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| Peavy now 8-8 | Friday 8/8, 11:36 PM CT |
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Jake Peavy allowed three runs over six innings to the Rockies, but the Padres failed to give him enough support as Peavy lost his eighth game of the season.
Our View: Uncharacteristically, Peavy walked five batters and struck out only three batters as he has dropped three of his last five starts. No reason to panic though as Peavy remains what he has been the past few years and that is an undeniable ace. |
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| Gomez swipes two bases | Friday 8/8, 11:17 PM CT |
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Carlos Gomez stole his 22nd and 23rd bases on Friday night for the Twins while Denard Span had two hits and stole his seventh base.
Our View: Remember back when Gomez had 17 steals in his first 45 games? Since then he has stolen six bases in 62 games and clearly is in danger of losing playing time when Michael Cuddyer returns early next week. |
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| Aviles continues to rip | Friday 8/8, 11:14 PM CT |
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Mike Aviles had four more hits on Friday night to boost his average to .341 on the season.
Our View: Aviles is now 13-for-26 (.500) the past six games as the leadoff hitter for the Royals, and stretching back a bit further he has three or more hits in a game five times in 10 games. What a waiver-wire pickup. |
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| Davies has no control on Friday | Friday 8/8, 11:12 PM CT |
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Kyle Davies walked five batters and gave up three hits leading to three runs over just 2.1 innings in his third loss of the season.
Our View: Davies threw 69 pitches and recorded just seven outs. Davies isn't worth starting unless you are interested in helping your competition to defeat you as he doesn't strike out anyone (4.68 K/9), walks a few too many (4.00 BB/9) and gives up a ton of hits (10.75 H/9). |
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| Slowey doesn't walk a a soul | Friday 8/8, 11:08 PM CT |
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Kevin Slowey defeated the Royals on Friday night as he allowed one run and seven hits over 5.2 innings for the Twins. Slowey struck out two on the night and didn't walk a batter.
Our View: Slowey has made 29 career starts, and this was the 18th time he didn't walk a batter. As long as he continues to limit the walks, 1.3 per nine innings, his WHIP should continue to remain strong (1.11). Are we witnessing the birth of the next Greg Maddux? |
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| Pearce wins game in 12th | Friday 8/8, 11:02 PM CT |
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Steve Pearce had two hits on Friday night including the game winning double in the 12th inning for the Pirates.
Our View: Pierce is only hitting .212 in 33 AB this season, and he has failed to go deep in 101 career AB with only nine RBI. The team has high hopes for this young stud, but he is clearly not yet a finished product. |
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| Victorino continues torrid run | Friday 8/8, 11:00 PM CT |
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Shane Victorino had two hits on Friday night and he also stole his 27th base of the season for the Phillies.
Our View: Over his last 11 appearances, Victorino is batting .341 with four home runs, 12 RBI, 10 runs scored and three SB to erase any memory of a slow start to the campaign. |
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| Maholm hurls seven shutout innings | Friday 8/8, 10:57 PM CT |
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Paul Maholm matched Joe Blanton on Friday night by pitching seven shutout innings in a no decision against the Phillies.
Our View: Don;t look now, but Maholm appears to be a pitcher after all. Maholm had 10 K on the night, he had nine two starts ago, and has a posted a 2.83 ERA over his last 10 starts, even though he has picked up just three wins for the pathetic Pirates in that time. |
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| Blanton allows one hit | Friday 8/8, 10:53 PM CT |
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Joe Blanton permitted only one hit, a single, as he held the Pirates scoreless for seven marvelous innings on Friday night in a no decision in a game the Phillies finally lost in extra innings.
Our View: When you give up just one hit, aren't you supposed to get the win? Over his last two starts Blanton has allowed just five hits and one run spread out over 14 innings as he has certainly given the Phillies what they were looking for when they made the move to acquire him. |
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| Lee knocks in 100th run | Friday 8/8, 10:48 PM CT |
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Carlos Lee had another big night on Friday as he not only picked up his 28th home run of the season but he also recorded three other hits including his 27th double of the year.
Our View: Lee has knocked in at least 99 runs in 6-straight season and is just two home runs short of his 6th straight season of 30. The three RBI on this night also give Lee 1,001 in his illustrious career. |
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| Wolf gives Astros a chance | Friday 8/8, 10:45 PM CT |
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Randy Wolf wasn't at his best on Friday night but he still held the Reds to four runs in six innings as the Astros game back to win the game in extra innings.
Our View: Wolf has made three starts for the Astros and owns one win, a 4.11 ERA and a poor 1.83 WHIP. Wolf just isn't someone to count on, though when he has the big curve working, he can rack up the strikeouts. |
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| Crodero beat up by Astros | Friday 8/8, 10:41 PM CT |
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Francisco Cordero suffered a meltdown on Friday night as he allowed the Astros to beat him for four runs as he fell to 4-4 on the season.
Our View: This marked the third time in nine appearances that Cordero has been scored on, not a terrible number until you realize that he has allowed 11 runs in that time, a span covering just 7.1 innings (13.51 ERA). He Will hold on to the closers role, but this has been a brutal two weeks to watch. |
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| Bruce takes streak to 12 games | Friday 8/8, 10:32 PM CT |
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Jay Bruce had a single in the first inning on Friday night to extend his current hitting streak to 12 games for the Reds.
Our View: During the streak Bruce has produced four bombs and eight RBI. Bruce is certainly hitting better, he's back to .274 overall, but his OPS is still below .800 and he has only two stolen bases while being caught four times. |
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| Milledge finally finds lost game | Friday 8/8, 10:29 PM CT |
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Lastings Milledge had two hits on Friday night and he also managed to steal his 15th base of the year for the Nationals.
Our View: Milledge is suddenly on fire with four home runs, seven RBI, seven runs and two SB in his last seven games. If he is on waivers, now is the time to make a move. |
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| Cameron contiues to hit | Friday 8/8, 10:27 PM CT |
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Mike Cameron hit his 18th home run of the season on Friday as he also knocked in his 48th run for the Brewers.
Our View: With 78 games played, Cameron is on a 162 game that would produce roughly 35 home runs, 100 RBI and 20 SB. He has also been coming through in the clutch of late with eight RBI over his last nine games. |
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| Sabathia hurls complete game shutout | Friday 8/8, 10:24 PM CT |
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CC Sabathia continued his domination on Friday night as he held the Nationals scoreless in a complete game shutout to improve to 6-0 as a Brewer.
Our View: Crazy thought, but could Sabathia win the NL Cy Young award if he keeps this up? In seven starts with the Brewers CC has four complete games, six victories, and a 1.58 ERA. No one has been more dominant since he pulled on the Brewer uniform. |
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| Pedroia takes Dotel yard | Friday 8/8, 10:20 PM CT |
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Little Dustin Pedroia hit his 10th home run of the season on Friday night, a 3-run shot off of Octavio Dotel of the White Sox.
Our View: Pedroia has already bettered his total of eight home runs from last season, though this was his first big fly in 29 games. With the three RBI he now has 52 surpassing his RBI total of last season (50). |
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| Cabrera produces from leadoff spot | Friday 8/8, 10:17 PM CT |
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Orlando Cabrera scored a run, had two hits and knocked in two runs from the leadoff spot for the White Sox on Friday.
Our View: Cabrera has produced two hits in five of the past 10 games, though all of those hits have only boosted his average from .264 to .268. |
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| Buehrle holds Red Sox in check | Friday 8/8, 10:15 PM CT |
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Mark Buehrle threw seven shutout innings before allowing a run without getting an out in the eighth inning against the Red Sox on Friday as he improved to 9-10 on the year.
Our View: Buehrle walked two and struck out eight, only the second time in 24 starts that he has recorded that many. Buehrle had been torched for 22 hits and 12 runs his last two starts, but tonight's strong outing lowered his ERA back below four to 3.94. |
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| Lester loses fourth game of year | Friday 8/8, 10:09 PM CT |
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Jon Lester lost his first game in almost two and a half months as he allowed four runs to the White Sox over seven innings on Friday.
Our View: Lester is now 10-4 with a 3.23 ERA, so we can overlook this rather pedestrian outing. Lester has clearly established himself as one of the top lefties in the American League even as his strikeout rates continues along at a merely average level of six per nine innings. |
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| Uggla still searching for swing | Friday 8/8, 10:03 PM CT |
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Dan Uggla had another night without a hit as he went 0-for-4 to drop his average to .261.
Our View: Uggla is 0-for-12 over the past three games and has only two hits in his last 21 AB (.095). He has still been a fine power option with 26 home runs and 67 RBI, but his production has fallen off immensely over the past month. |
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| Heilman earns first save | Friday 8/8, 10:01 PM CT |
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Aaron Heilman picked up his first save of the season on Friday night by hurling two shutout innings against the Marlins.
Our View: Heilman should be the Mets closer with Billy Wagner on the sidelines, but he just can't seem to put together enough appearances like he had tonight. He should pick up a few more chances until Wagner returns. |
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| Nolasco loses to Mets | Friday 8/8, 9:57 PM CT |
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Ricky Nolasco lasted 6.2 innings on Friday night allowing three runs, including two home runs, to the Mets. The loss was the seventh of the year for Nolasco.
Our View: Nolasco simply had no shot on this night as he was facing a locked in Oliver Perez. Nolasco continues to post quality starts with 10 in his last 12 starts meaning there have been few who have done a better job of giving their team a chance to win on a nightly basis. |
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| Perez two hits Marlins | Friday 8/8, 9:54 PM CT |
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Oliver Perez allowed just two hits in seven shutout innings against the Marlins on Friday night. Perez improved to 8-7 in lowering his ERA to 3.90.
Our View: In case you hadn't realized it, Perez has been dealing of late allowing two or fewer earned runs in seven of his last eight games as his ERA has fallen from 5.29 to its current level. |
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| Barajas pounds out two hits | Friday 8/8, 9:51 PM CT |
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Rod Barajas had two hits, one was his 17th double, and he also scored two runs on Friday night.
Our View: Barajas has produced enough to be of value in AL-only leagues with a .264-9-37 line in 254 AB, even if his name doesn't shout out star. |
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| Indians outfielders have big night | Friday 8/8, 9:48 PM CT |
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Shin-Soo Choo had three hits and two RBI on Friday as fellow outfielder Ben Francisco had two hits and two RBI.
Our View: Choo hasn't gone deep in 14 games, but this marks his third straight effort with a hit and an RBI. Choo just doesn't produce enough to warrant a look in mixed leagues, even as a fill-in. |
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| Purcey has quality start | Friday 8/8, 9:46 PM CT |
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David Purcey pitched better on Friday night allowing three runs in six innings, but he still fell to 1-3 with the loss to the Indians.
Our View: Purcey might have saved his spot in the rotation with this outing as he also picked up eight strikeouts on the night while walking only two batters. |
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| Reyes looks sharp versus Blue Jays | Friday 8/8, 9:43 PM CT |
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Anthony Reyes made the most of his first appearance with the Indians as he limited the Jays to a lone run over 6.1 innings in his first victory of the season.
Our View: Reyes looked nothing like the pitcher we saw in St. Louis the past couple of years as he was efficient allowing one walk and needing just 88 pitches on the night. He obviously earned himself another start with this outing. |
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| Thames powers long ball | Friday 8/8, 9:40 PM CT |
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Marcus Thames hit his 21st home run of the season on Friday night, a 2-run blast off of Dallas Braden.
Our View: That's 21 home runs in 233 AB which puts Thames on a pace that would produce 30 home runs in less than 400 AB which would be quite a campaign for a guy who wasn't expected to start when the year began. |
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| Rogers falls to Athletics | Friday 8/8, 9:38 PM CT |
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Kenny Rogers fell to 8-9 on Friday though he didn't pitch horribly given up four runs, three earned, to the A's over seven innings.
Our View: Rogers has 63 K on the year, less than four per nine innings, while compiling 55 walks leading to a hideous 1.15 K/BB ratio. With a number like that if he doesn't have pinpoint control, nights like this are about as good as the Tigers can hope for. |
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| Braden holds Tigers in check | Friday 8/8, 9:36 PM CT |
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Dallas Braden, making just his fourth start of the year, held the Tigers to just two runs over seven innings on Friday night to earn his third victory of the season.
Our View: Braden only managed two strikeouts on the night, but he helped himself out by issuing only one free pass. He likely earned himself another start with this outing as the A's ended a 10-game losing streak. |
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| Ziegler records first save | Friday 8/8, 9:33 PM CT |
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Brad Ziegler picked up his first big league save on Friday night as he extended his scoreless streak to 37 innings to tie the club record of Mike Torrez set in 1976.
Our View: Ziegler worked two innings on this night, and with his excellence and the struggles of Huston Street, there certainly is a chance that Ziegler could see a few more save opportunities moving forward. |
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| Byrd strokes two hits | Friday 8/8, 9:31 PM CT |
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Marlon Byrd had two hits on Friday night and is batting .272 on the season for the Rangers.
Our View: With David Murphy on the DL, Byrd figures to pick up a whole lot of at bats over the next couple of weeks. Byrd, by the way, has 10 hits in his last five appearances. |
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| Millar takes two balls deep | Friday 8/8, 9:29 PM CT |
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Kevin Millar went deep twice on Friday night as he knocked in three runs for the Orioles.
Our View: Millar continues to provide value in AL-only leagues with the power (18 HR, 59 RBI), even if the average is sub par (.248). He'll likely continue to produce at these levels over the remainder of the year. |
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| Mendoza lost against Orioles | Friday 8/8, 9:26 PM CT |
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Luis Mendoza struggled on Friday night permitting six hits and five runs while recording just nine outs for the Rangers. He fell to 3-5 with the loss.
Our View: It was a short night for Mendoza as his ERA ballooned to 7.50 on the night. You have to wonder how long the team will continue to run him out there considering that he has allowed 20 runs over his last four starts (9.31 ERA). |
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| Guthrie shuts down Rangers' bats | Friday 8/8, 9:23 PM CT |
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Jeremy Guthrie allowed just one run in over seven innings on Friday night as he and the Orioles defeated the Rangers 9-1.
Our View: Guthrie continues to be one of the most unheralded hurlers in the league despite a 9-8 record. With the victory Guthrie lowered his ERA to 3.26 and his WHIP to 1.17, standout numbers for a guy who gets little love. |
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| Maine throws without pain | Friday 8/8, 9:19 PM CT |
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John Maine threw on Friday, using all his pitches, and reported no pain in his shoulder, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Unless Maine wakes up sore on Saturday, the plan is for him to return to the hill on Wednesday. The Mets, and Maine's fantasy owners, hope that his return goes off without a hitch for a guy who has only one win in his last six appearances. |
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| Livan to start on Sunday | Friday 8/8, 9:14 PM CT |
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Livan Hernandez will make his first start as a member of the Rockies organization on Sunday, according to MLB.com. Jorge De La Rosa will move to the bullpen to provide Livan a spot in the rotation.
Our View: Want to know the truth? De La Rosa and Hernandez are simply atrocious. There, we said it. If you are depending on either hurler, you are likely at the bottom of the standings in your league. |
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| DeJesus back in starting lineup | Friday 8/8, 9:10 PM CT |
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David DeJesus returned to the starting lineup on Friday after being sidelined for five games because of a sore back, according to MLB.com.
Our View: DeJesus didn't return to his familiar leadoff role, instead he will bat third with Mike Aviles remaining atop the lineup after going 9-for-21 (.429) the past five games. |
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| Gullien out with back spasms | Friday 8/8, 9:00 PM CT |
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Carlos Guillen was forced from the Tigers game on Friday night due to back spasms, according to the Miami Herald. He was replaced in the lineup by Ryan Raburn.
Our View: At this point we don't know the severity of the injury, but it's probably a safe bet that he will be on the bench on Saturday and possibly Sunday as well. |
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| Sweeney out of lineup | Friday 8/8, 8:57 PM CT |
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Ryan Sweeney was out of action on Friday due to a sore hand after being hit by a pitch on Thursday, according to MLB.com. "It's fortunate, for how hard he got hit and where he got hit, that he's OK," manager Bob Geren said. "It's good news in a time where we need some."
Our View: Sweeney wasn't able to take BP on Friday, but the team is positive that this setback will not require any DL time for the young outfielder. Rajai Davis played on Friday and would likely pick up a couple more starts if Sweeney is sidelined through the weekend. |
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| Cust out of lineup - thumb | Friday 8/8, 8:54 PM CT |
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Jack Cust was out of the Athletics starting lineup on Saturday due to swelling in his injured right thumb that precluded him from swinging properly, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Cust had hoped to still play on Friday, but there is a chance the team could hold him out of action the next a couple of days to make sure the infection in his thumb doesn't worsen. |
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| Rolen to rest on Saturday | Friday 8/8, 8:51 PM CT |
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Scott Rolen will not be in the lineup on Saturday as the team will give his sore left shoulder a rest, according to MLB.com. "I'll try to give a day game off after a night game," manager Cito Gaston said.
Our View: Rolen is clearly a shadow of his former self at the plate where he has a mere seven home runs and a .250 batting average, terrible production for a player who used to regularly hit .280 with 25 home runs. Don't expect that type of production to return this season. |
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| Volquez to have start pushed back | Friday 8/8, 8:48 PM CT |
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With the return of Aaron Harang on Sunday, Edinson Volquez will have his start pushed back to Tuesday, though he says talk of his being tired is overblown, according to MLB.com. "I feel good," he said. "I threw a good bullpen [session] today, and I feel like I can pitch."
Our View: Volquez has fallen on some hard times of late with an ERA approaching six in his last eight starts, but he is still on pace for 18 victories and 197 K, and those are startling numbers for a youngster with no major league success prior to the start of this season. |
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| Youkilis back in lineup | Friday 8/8, 8:45 PM CT |
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Kevin Youkilis returned to the Red Sox lineup on Friday after sustaining a bruise to his hand on Wednesday when he was hit by a pitch, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Youkilis will continue to bat cleanup now that Manny Ramirez is no longer in town as he attempts to record the first 100-RBI season of his career (he currently has 76). |
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| Astros interested in Garcia | Friday 8/8, 8:37 PM CT |
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The Houston Astros are interested in possibly signing Freddy Garcia but they aren't quite ready to offer him a contract, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Garcia came up as part of the Astros organization before he was traded in the Randy Johnson deal 10 years ago. He has spent about a year rehabbing his shoulder, and though he believes he could add something this season, he likely won't be able to make a difference until next season. |
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| Izturis to start on Saturday | Friday 8/8, 8:05 PM CT |
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Maicer Izturis, out with a sprained thumb, should be available to play on Friday night and will be in the starting lineup on Saturday, according to the Orange County Register.
Our View: Izturis is in position to take on a substantial role down the stretch if he can remain healthy, something he has struggled with of late. |
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| Napoli back, will start Saturday | Friday 8/8, 8:02 PM CT |
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Mike Napoli was activated from the DL on Friday night and he will be in the starting lineup on Saturday, according to the Orange County Register.
Our View: Naploi has been out since July 7th with right shoulder inflammation, should return to being the power hitting, low average bat that he has been since joining the Angels. Look for he and Jeff Mathis to return to splitting the catching duties for the club. |
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| Wilson on bench - shoulder | Friday 8/8, 7:59 PM CT |
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Jack Wilson has tightness in his throwing shoulder and as a result he was scratched from a start on Friday, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Luis Rivas replaced him in the lineup.
Our View: It was thought that Wilson would be moved at the deadline, but a deal wasn't worked out so he continues to toil in Pittsburgh. |
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| Garko out of lineup on Friday | Friday 8/8, 7:57 PM CT |
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Ryan Garko wasn't in the starting lineup on Friday night after not running out a groundout in the Tribes game on Wednesday night, according to MLB.com. "I'm just not playing him today," manager Eric Wedge said. "I'm not sure when I'm going to put him out there. We'll play it day by day."
Our View: Garko has been a disappointment all season with only eight home runs and a terrible .659 OPS. Maybe he should have done us all a favor and stopped hustling a bit earlier so we could have stopped running him out there in our lineup to produce middling numbers. |
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| V-mart nearing rehab assignment | Friday 8/8, 7:32 PM CT |
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Victor Martinez, coming back from elbow surgery, worked out in full yet again on Friday by taking BP and throwing, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Martinez should head out next week at some point on a rehab assignment though he will DH at first before returning to catching. He could still be about two weeks away, though a return sooner is possible if he doesn't suffer any setbacks. |
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| Hafner taking soft-toss | Friday 8/8, 7:28 PM CT |
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Travis Hafner (shoulder) has started taking soft-toss swings and hopes to progress to taking BP by the end of next week, according to MLB.com. "He was free and easy, not a lot of effort to it," hitting coach Derek Shelton said. "He was very good. I was encouraged."
Our View: Hafner's injured shoulder still has only 75 percent of the strength of his healthy one, but it continues to progress, albeit slowly. The team believes he should have enough strength to hit at this point, and that he should be able to get to about 85 percent strength by the end of the year. A return in August seems possible, but September seems more likely. |
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| Cuddyer likely to be activated on Monday | Friday 8/8, 7:18 PM CT |
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Michael Cuddyer appears on schedule to return from his strained left finger on Monday, according to Sports Illustrated.
Our View: Cuddyer has missed 32 games with the injury, and he is 3-for-10 so far in his rehab assignment. With Denard Span hitting so well, could Carlos Gomez be headed to the bench when Cuddyer returns? |
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| Casilla to avoid surgery | Friday 8/8, 7:15 PM CT |
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Alexi Casilla received good news on Friday as he learned that would he not need surgery on his injured right thumb, according to Sports Illustrated.
Our View: Casilla will wear a splint for about another week before resuming baseball activities. If everything goes well, he could be back in about two weeks, especially if he doesn't need a minor league rehab assignment as has been suggested. |
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| Bradley still out of lineup | Friday 8/8, 7:11 PM CT |
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Milton Bradley was out of the Rangers starting lineup once again on Friday due to his injured left quad, but the team is hopeful that he will to the lineup on Sunday, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Bradley hasn't started since July 29th while the Rangers await for the injury to pass. So much for this being a minor tweak as was first reported. In the case of Bradley, any injury takes on more significance than at first glance given his history. |
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| Kinsler out of lineup on Friday | Friday 8/8, 7:08 PM CT |
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Ian Kinsler, hitting just .202 since the All-Star break, was given the night off on Friday, according to MLB.com. "I just thought it was time," manager Ron Washington said. "He's been going at it right from the break, and I just felt he needed a mental break. He looks like he's moving a little slow."
Our View: Kinsler's average has fallen from .337 to .313, but in truth a correction was likely to happen given his previously high BABIP (the mark still sits at .337). Still, it's tough to complain when a guy is leading the league in runs (94) and hits (151). |
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| Gallagher set to return next Thursday | Friday 8/8, 7:02 PM CT |
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Sean Gallagher, dealing with a sore right shoulder, rejoined his teammates on Friday and plans on making his next start on Thursday, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Gallagher played catch from 120 feet on Friday and reported no ill effects. He will throw a light bullpen session on Sunday and a heavy one on Tuesday. If all goes well, Sean will be back out there to face the Rays. |
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| Crede has epidural for back injury | Friday 8/8, 6:59 PM CT |
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Joe Crede had an epidural injection for his aching back earlier this week to help alleviate the pain, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Our View: Obviously Crede has suffered a setback in his recovery, and the plan doesn't include him being back on the minor league field until early next week in the best case scenario. At this point, even when he returns to the Sox, Crede will be a major question mark, one not worth counting on in most cases. |
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| Street claimed off waivers | Friday 8/8, 6:48 PM CT |
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Huston Street has been claimed by multiple teams, but no deal has been worked out nor will one be, according to ESPN.com.
Our View: Oakland did engage in discussions with the team that was awarded Street, but nothing was able to be worked out. Therefore, look for Street to remain with the A's and to remain their closer for the time being despite his recent struggles. |
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| Wilson might avoid surgery | Friday 8/8, 6:43 PM CT |
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C.J. Wilson has a bone spur in his elbow but if he can pitch through the discomfort he should be able to put off surgery until the off-season, according to the Dallas Morning News. "I don't think it's a black-or-white situation and that's why we are going to have more discussion," assistant GM Thad Levine said. "Both doctors felt with an injection and rehab, he could pitch again this season.
Our View: Given Wilson's struggles of late, if there is any concern over his long term outlook we would figure that Wilson might be shut down. Still, this medical report seems to say that he could return in a couple of weeks, though his effectiveness may still be hampered. |
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| Zumaya won't go in back-to-back's | Friday 8/8, 6:38 PM CT |
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Joel Zumaya will not throw in back-to-back games, according to MLB.com. "I'm going to watch him, watch him real close," Leyland said. "I'll be careful with him."
Our View: Zumaya has been dealing with some tightness in his right triceps of late, which made the recent pronouncement that he would function as the team's closer perplexing. As it stands, Zumaya and Fernando Rodney will likely split closers duties with Kyle Farnsworth a long shot. |
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| Harang back on hill on Sunday | Friday 8/8, 6:30 PM CT |
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Aaron Harang will return to the Reds starting rotation on Sunday as he will make his first start since going on the DL with forearm issues on July 13th, according to MLB.com.
Our View: By inserting Harang on Sunday, Edinson Volquez will be pushed back to Tuesday. It is not yet known who will be sent down to make room for Harang who will face the Astros this weekend. |
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| Hudson has surgery | Friday 8/8, 6:26 PM CT |
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Tim Hudson underwent Tommy John surgery and hopes to return to the hill by August of next season, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Hudson will make $13 million next season with a $12 million option for the 2010 season. At 33 years old and even with his history of success, he ranks second among active pitchers with a .655 winning percentage (200 decisions), it would be surprising if the Braves were to pick up that option. |
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| Happ sent to minors | Friday 8/8, 6:23 PM CT |
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J.A. Happ was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Friday to make room on the squad for newly acquired Scott Eyre, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Happ made only one appearance since being recalled on July 29th, and over 13 innings this season he just hasn't offered much at all. He is a fantasy non-factor. |
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| Franklin loses game in 11th | Friday 8/8, 5:50 PM CT |
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The Cardinals bullpen suffered another beat down on Friday as Ryan Franklin picked up his fifth loss after allowing a run to the Cubs in the 11th inning without recording an out.
Our View: Franklin worked a scoreless 10th, but couldn't get it done in the 11th. His last eight appearances have resulted in three loses and three blown saves. He is a mess right now. |
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| Gordon may need surgery | Friday 8/8, 5:47 PM CT |
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Tom Gordon may need to have Tommy John surgery on his elbow which could effectively end his career, according to MLB.com. "Right now we aren't optimistic that he will [pitch this season]," head athletic trainer Scott Sheridan said.
Our View: Gordon will go for a second opinion with Dr. Lewis Yocum on Monday, but it appears that the relievers career might be over after a poor performance on the hill this season (5.16 ERA, 1.62 WHIP). |
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| Adam LaRoche could return next week | Friday 8/8, 5:24 PM CT |
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Adam LaRoche, eligible to return from the DL on Tuesday from a ribcage strain, hopes to take some swings in the batting cage on Friday, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Our View: Adam may not travel with the team on Monday in order to play in a one game minor league rehab assignment. Baring a setback, he should be back at first early next week for a club that desperately needs his power bat. |
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| Andy LaRoche out on Friday | Friday 8/8, 5:18 PM CT |
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Andy LaRoche (thumb) will not be in the lineup Friday as hoped, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Our View: The finger remains swollen though there is some growing mobility. LaRoche will hopefully be able to return to action either Sunday or Monday. |
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| Dumatrait done for year | Friday 8/8, 5:16 PM CT |
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Phil Dumatrait had surgery to repair damage to his rotator cuff and will miss the rest of the season, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Our View: Dumatrait showed little to excite this season and shouldn't really be on anyone's radar next season even if he is healthy. |
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| Lilly solid in no decision | Friday 8/8, 5:04 PM CT |
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Ted Lilly pitched 7.1 strong innings against the Cardinals on Friday permitting two runs on the afternoon.
Our View: Lilly only struck out four on the day, but that still pushes his total up to 133 which just so happens to be the ninth best total in the National League. |
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| Looper back on track | Friday 8/8, 5:02 PM CT |
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Braden Looper held the Cubs to just two runs on Friday as he went seven strong innings allowing just one walk and six hits.
Our View: This makes 4-straight starts of two or fewer earned runs allowed for Looper, after a rough stretch of 10 runs in nine innings over two starts in mid July. Looper continues to function quite well as a back of the rotation option. |
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| Glaus hideous against Cubs | Friday 8/8, 4:59 PM CT |
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Troy Glaus went 0-for-5 on Friday and is now 0-for-29 against the Cubs this season.
Our View: Some stats are just plain shocking aren't they? Glaus is also 5-for-27 in August to drop his average to .267 overall. Always streaky, the vacillation is nothing new. |
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| Edmonds takes two deep | Friday 8/8, 4:56 PM CT |
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Jim Edmonds went deep twice on Friday for the Cubs in their 11 inning victory over the Cardinals, 3-2.
Our View: Edmonds is up to 15 home runs and 44 RBI after being left for dead by the Padres with 14 of those home runs and 38 of his RBI coming with the Cubs in just 56 games. Believe it or not, Edmonds is once again relevant in all mixed leagues. |
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| Joba to start throwing next week | Friday 8/8, 4:13 PM CT |
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Joba Chamberlain (shoulder) plans to begin throwing next week and hopes to return to the Yankees rotation by the end of the month, according to the Star Tribune. "I'll probably throw the beginning of next week," Chamberlain said. "Everything feels fine now."
Our View: Joba was very confident in his pronouncement that he would be pitching before September 1st. We'll take him at his word for now, but you know the Yankees will be extremely careful with the young flame-thrower. |
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| Ankiel to start on Saturday | Friday 8/8, 4:09 PM CT |
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Rick Ankiel,out of the starting lineup for almost two weeks since straining his abdomen, will likely return to the starting lineup on Saturday after going through a full workout on Friday, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Ankiel has made six pinch-hit appearances since being injured and appears to avoided a trip to the DL in so doing. With 22 home runs, Ankiel still has plenty of time to record 30 home runs on the season, a great total for a guy who used to be a pitcher don't you think? |
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| Counsell to start at 3B | Friday 8/8, 3:36 PM CT |
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Craig Counsell will start at third base Friday against Nationals' righty Collin Balester, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Russell Branyan will ride the pine.
Our View: Counsell is hitless over his last two games, but registered two hits in each of his outings on August 3rd (at Atlanta) and 4th (at Cincinnati). |
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| Lo Duca inks minor league deal | Friday 8/8, 3:13 PM CT |
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Paul Lo Duca has inked a minor league deal with the Marlins, according to the Miami Herald. He is expected to report to Triple A Albuquerque. He said, "I'm happy to be back with the Marlins again. I want to be part of the postseason push. I haven't caught in three weeks so I'm going to go to Albuquerque where they are going to give me a little time catching. I just want a chance to contribute, hopefully to help the Marlins get to the playoffs."
Our View: The 36-year-old only hit .230 over 46 games with the Nationals this season, but could benefit from a change of scenery, and while playing for a pennant contender. |
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| Slaten nearing return | Friday 8/8, 1:41 PM CT |
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Doug Slaten, who is recovering from a strained right knee, is scheduled to make one more rehab appearance at Triple-A Tucson on Saturday after giving up one run on three hits (including a homer) in 2/3 of an inning in relief Wednesday, according to the East Valley Tribune. He said, "I know why I didn’t get good results, the first time out it was control. The second time, I made a few bad pitches."
Our View: He has been on the DL since July 18. He could return to the Diamondbacks' bullpen at some point next week, barring a setback. |
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| Upton takes BP | Friday 8/8, 1:12 PM CT |
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Justin Upton, who is recovering from a left oblique strain, reported no pain during a batting practice session Thursday, according to the East Valley Tribune. He hit several balls into the seats at Chase Field, and marked the first time he has hit outside since sustaining his injury July 9. Manager Bob Melvin said, "After the first few swings, it looked like his normal swing. He was driving some balls out of the park."
Our View: Arizona hopes to send Upton on a rehab assignment in the next couple of days, at the latest by the time the team leaves on their trip to Colorado and Houston on Monday. He should get a number of at-bats, and won't be activated until he feels good about his swing.
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| Chipper may be limited | Friday 8/8, 1:06 PM CT |
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Manager Bobby Cox suggested that Chipper Jones might be limited to pinch-hitting duty when he initially returns from the DL Friday, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Cox said, "We'll see what happens. He might not be able to play right away. He might have to pinch-hit him for a few games." He was recovering from a left hamstring strain.
Our View: Jones insists that he is healthy and ready to return to the starting lineup, but Cox will ultimately make the decision regarding his playing status. Fantasy owners should have the weekend to see what his role is upon his return. |
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| Stokes to make spot start | Friday 8/8, 12:57 PM CT |
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Brian Stokes is slated to make a spot start in the Mets' rotation Saturday against the Marlins, according to the NY Daily News.
Our View: He is filling in for the injured John Maine, who is expected to return to the rotation Wednesday. At that point, Stokes will work out of the bullpen. Stokes was 10-8 with a 4.41 ERA at Triple-A New Orleans this season, and is not worth acquiring for Saturday's lone start. |
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| Cherry recalled | Friday 8/8, 12:52 PM CT |
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Rocky Cherry has been recalled from Triple-A Norfolk, according to the Baltimore Sun. He will fill the roster spot for Chad Bradford, who was dealt to the Rays.
Our View: Cherry has a good arm and should help the Orioles' bullpen, but will only hold fantasy value in deeper leagues that use middle men. |
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| Giles to block trade to Boston | Friday 8/8, 12:49 PM CT |
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Brian Giles will exercise his no-trade clause to block a waiver deal to the Red Sox, according to ESPN.
Our View: Giles was claimed on waivers by the Red Sox, and Boston and San Diego had 48 hours to make a deal. But the Red Sox are one of eight clubs listed in the limited no-trade provision in his contract, and Giles has the right to veto any deal.
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| Capps on pace to return | Friday 8/8, 12:10 PM CT |
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Matt Capps, who is recovering from bursitis in his right shoulder, has completed his workouts in the Gulf Coast League, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. He will make his next rehab appearance Tuesday for either Triple-A Indianapolis or Double-A Altoona.
Our View: He remains on pace to return to the Pirates' bullpen by September 1, if not sooner. |
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| Osoria clears waivers | Friday 8/8, 12:06 PM CT |
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Franquelis Osoria has cleared waivers and has been assigned to Triple-A Indianapolis, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Our View: Osoria remains with Pittsburgh and could get recalled in September, but won't hold much fantasy value, with a 6.08 ERA and 1.63 WHIP over 60.2 innings of relief, with only 31 strikeouts. |
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| Duffy clears waivers | Friday 8/8, 12:03 PM CT |
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Chris Duffy has cleared waivers and was sent to Triple-A Indianapolis, according to the Pitsburgh Tribune-Review.
Our View: Duffy remains in the Pirates' organization, but should be ignored as a fantasy prospect for the rest of 2008. |
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| Balfour lights-out | Friday 8/8, 11:57 AM CT |
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Troy Percival owners would be wise to reserve Grant Balfour . The veteran Percival is beginning to struggle with his command and his ground ball to fly ball rate is a concern. Balfour has been lights-out since joining the bullpen.
Our View: Where does Balfour's 13.64 K rate combined with his 3.90 BB ratio rank him among the leagues relievers? With the best closers in the game. |
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| Linebrink still not close | Friday 8/8, 11:51 AM CT |
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Scott Linebrink isn't close to throwing a bullpen session, this according to the Chicago Tribune. The report noted that the White Sox set up man isn't expected to be available until late August at the earliest.
Our View: Linebrink even refused to offer up a possible return when asked. His fantasy value rested in leagues that awarded holds, and as a possible replacement if an untimely injury were to strike Jenks. |
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| Crede remains out | Friday 8/8, 11:28 AM CT |
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Joe Crede is still yet to play a rehab game with Triple-A Charlotte since being scratched from last Saturday's game due to back stiffness, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Manager Ozzie Guillen said, "It's weird. He disappears. Last year, we don't know anything for five months. Last time I see trainer Herm Schneider, he said he hadn't heard anything from anyone yet."
Our View: Fantasy owners should not count on Crede, and Juan Uribe and Josh Fields will continue to handle the workload at third base. |
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| Pettitte to make next start | Friday 8/8, 11:17 AM CT |
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Andy Pettitte will make his next scheduled start despite numerous reports that the 36-year-old veteran is dealing with a tired arm, according to the AP. He is slated to start Sunday against the Angels. Pettitte said, "No one has ever discussed missing a start with me. I am pitching. I have not discussed missing a start with anybody."
Our View: It is favorable news that he isn't expected to miss a start, but he has struggled in each of his last two outings, and is a risky fantasy starter against the strong Angels' lineup. |
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| Rowland-Smith slated to start Sat. | Friday 8/8, 10:58 AM CT |
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The Tacoma News Tribune reports that Ryan Rowland-Smith has been slated to start Saturday against the Rays.
Our View: He is replacing Miguel Batista, and will remain in the rotation if he proves to be effective. He fared well as a spot starter with the Mariners this season, and is worth a look in AL-only leagues. |
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| Bedard improving | Friday 8/8, 10:53 AM CT |
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Mariners' skipper Jim Riggleman commented that he has seen a "big change" in Erik Bedard over the last 10 days in his recovery from left shoulder stiffness, according to the Tacoma News Tribune. Bedard played catch again Thursday, while making 50 throws and feeling comfortable. Riggleman said he is throwing a "firm" ball. He will throw again Saturday and Sunday.
Our View: Barring a setback, he could be throwing off a mound soon, and has a shot to return to Seattle by the end of August. |
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| Feliz to begin rehab assignment | Friday 8/8, 10:47 AM CT |
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The Philadelphia Daily News indicates that Pedro Feliz will likely miss the Phillies' seven-game road trip to San Diego and Los Angeles next week while he begins a rehab assignment. Feliz visited back specialist Todd Albert Thursday and has resumed throwing for the first time since suffering a back injury.
Our View: Feliz will provide depth in NL-only leagues when he ultimately returns, as he has 12 homers and 46 RBI over 99 games. |
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| Seanez throws successful session | Friday 8/8, 10:42 AM CT |
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Rudy Seanez threw a successful bullpen session Wednesday as he reported no pain in his right shoulder, according to the Philadelphia Daily News.
Our View: Seanez will make a couple of rehab appearances, but should be ready to rejoin the Phillies when he is eligible to come off the DL on August 16. He only allowed 13 earned runs over 32.2 innings, but walks too many batters, as he holds a 1.62 WHIP.
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| Longoria gets X-rays | Friday 8/8, 10:37 AM CT |
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Evan Longoria underwent X-rays on his injured right wrist, which came back negative, according to the St. Petersburg Times. The rookie phenom was struck on the back of his right wrist by a J.J. Putz pitch during the ninth inning against Seattle Thursday.
Our View: He was sore and had his wrist wrapped, but is expected to be fine. The team did not indicate when he will be ready to return to action. |
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| McCarthy will return this season? | Friday 8/8, 10:05 AM CT |
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Brandon McCarthy, who is recovering from severe inflammation in his right forearm, believes he will return to the Rangers this season, possibily by September 1, according to the Star-Telegram. He was excited about the results of his pitching session Thursday, and noted that it was the best he has felt in more than two years. He said, "In my mind, my arm strength is there, and after this session, I felt like a major league pitcher. The last few years when I went out, there was more of a sense of dread. I’m naturally a cocky guy and the hitters had an advantage. Now, I think I’m back to where I need to be."
Our View: He could rank as a player to stash for deeper AL-only leagues, but there is still the possibility that the team will not bring him back this season with little to play for. |
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| Perez not ready to be named closer | Friday 8/8, 9:56 AM CT |
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Manager Tony LaRussa stated that Chris Perez is not ready to be named the Cardinals' closer, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. LaRussa doesn't want to push the young reliever too soon, and said, "The worst thing we can do is heap expectations on Perez and anoint him the closer. Mostly because he's not ready for it."
Our View: Perez will be groomed so he can compete for the closer's job next season, but he should still be in line to nail down some saves for the remainder of this season. |
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| Willis making progress | Friday 8/8, 9:28 AM CT |
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Dontrelle Willis is 0-2 with a 4.35 ERA after five games with the Class A Lakeland Tigers, but is believed to be making progress, according to MLive.com. Detroit pitching coach Chuck Hernandez said, "He is making progress. I talked for a half hour to Lakeland pitching coach Joe Coleman, who says he is throwing strikes and that his command is better. He's repeating his delivery much better."
Our View: This is encouraging news regarding his control, but there remains to target date as to when he may return to the Tigers. |
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| Sheffield feeling good again | Friday 8/8, 9:24 AM CT |
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Gary Sheffield is feeling good again and stated that he is no longer limited in any way by his shoulder, according to MLive.com. He has not felt this good since the first half of 2007, when he had 21 homers at the All-Star break for Detroit, and he added, "I'm back to being a threat. I've been feeling like that for awhile, but I need to be active. You lose your rhythm otherwise."
Our View: Sheffield has eight hits, one homer, and four RBI over his last six games, and looks to be a solid fantasy performer down the stretch. |
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| Aardsma activated from DL | Friday 8/8, 8:59 AM CT |
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David Aardsma has been activated from the DL, according to the Boston Globe. He has recovered from a strained right groin.
Our View: Aardsma has three wins to his credit this season, and allowed 12 earned runs over 39.1 innings, with 41 strikeouts, and should resume his role as a solid fantasy middle reliever for deeper AL-only leagues. |
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| Smith optioned | Friday 8/8, 8:55 AM CT |
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| Chris Smith has been optioned to Tr | |
