| Bradley back in lineup Monday | Monday 8/18, 11:57 PM CT |
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Milton Bradley was back in the lineup Monday after being a late scratch for the previous two games because of back and sinus problems, according to the AP. He had a double and scored a run in four at-bats.
Our View: Bradley will always be dinged up, which is a shame because he really has superb ability that will never be fully realized. |
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| Gomez benched again | Monday 8/18, 11:55 PM CT |
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Carlos Gomez was benched for the second game in a row Monday. The youngster has struck out 112 times and has a horrid .286 on-base percentage this year. "I want him to think about those things, and continue to work hard. He'll be fine. He's game on, no matter what we do," manager Ron Gardenhire said.
Our View: Gomez is usable in fantasy leagues that don't count OBP, but his lack of selectivity at the plate, if he doesn't improve, will hold him back from ever being a star. |
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| Everett will be available Tuesday | Monday 8/18, 11:50 PM CT |
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Adam Everett, who left Monday's game after being hit on the hand by a foul ball, had X-rays after the game, which were negative, according to the AP.
Our View: Everett is expected to be ready for Tuesday's game. |
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| Richard to start Thursday | Monday 8/18, 11:47 PM CT |
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Clayton Richard will start Thursday's game against the Mariners, manager Ozzie Guillen told the AP.
Our View: Richard has some impressive minor league digits this year, but his lack of success so far with the Sox makes him a questionable fantasy option, at best. |
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| No timetable for Crede's return | Monday 8/18, 11:44 PM CT |
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There is no timetable for the return of Joe Crede, who is on the DL with back inflammation, according to the AP. "You know what, to be honest, I come to the ballpark I don't ask about Joe Crede," manager Ozzie Guillen said. "I'm not going to say he's out of my mind, but he's out of my picture. That's the way I'm going about my job. I've got 25 problems, I don't need 26."
Our View: At this point we would be surprised if Crede is back at all this year. |
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| Rodney closes it out | Monday 8/18, 11:10 PM CT |
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Fernando Rodney picked up the save for the Tigers Monday, pitching 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief while striking out two batters.
Our View: Rodney has been terrific recently, picking up four saves while tossing nine scoreless innings with 13 strikeouts. |
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| Sheffield homers in Tigers' win | Monday 8/18, 11:05 PM CT |
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Gary Sheffield had three hits, including his 13th homer, in the Tigers' 8-7 win Monday.
Our View: That's three homers and eight RBI in seven games since Sheff was placed on waivers. |
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| Granderson tallies two triples | Monday 8/18, 10:59 PM CT |
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Curtis Granderson drove in a run with a triple in the seventh and three more with another triple in the eight Monday night. The four RBI give him 48 on the year.
Our View: Granderson's stolen bases have been down this year, but his owners have to be happy with the rest of his production. |
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| Washburn pelted for eight runs | Monday 8/18, 10:57 PM CT |
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Jarrod Washburn was blasted for eight runs on seven hits and two walks over 4 1/3 innings Monday in a blowout loss to the White Sox.
Our View: Think the M's wish they would've bartered Washburn when they could have? The lefty has a 7.36 ERA in four starts since the deadline. |
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| Ramirez has big night | Monday 8/18, 10:50 PM CT |
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Alexei Ramirez had a single and a three-run homer in Chicago's win over Seattle Monday. He drove in four on the night.
Our View: With Carlos Quentin and Jermaine Dye on the year, Ramirez's production sometimes gets overlooked, but he's been terrific, hitting .308 with 14 homers and nine steals. |
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| Blackburn goes eight in loss | Monday 8/18, 10:35 PM CT |
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Nick Blackburn was the loser Monday despite a nice effort. He allowed three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out two over eight innings.
Our View: Blackburn has been very steady for the Twinkies this year. His ERA and WHIP are now 3.71 and 1.28, repectively. |
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| Ziegler gets another save | Monday 8/18, 10:29 PM CT |
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Brad Ziegler allowed a run on two hits and a walk in two innings Monday but picked up another save. He now has a save in three of his last four appearances.
Our View: It's pretty clear that Ziegler is the team's closer now and not Huston Street, who hasn't had a save this month. |
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| Hart picks up three hits, including homer | Monday 8/18, 10:24 PM CT |
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Corey Hart had three hits, including his 19th homer of the year, Monday in a win over Houston.
Our View: Hart is one homer shy of his second straight 20/20 season. |
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| Sabathia goes the distance again | Monday 8/18, 10:22 PM CT |
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CC Sabathia was dynamite for the Brewers again Monday, allowing three runs (two earned) on 11 hits and two walks while striking out nine in a 9-3 win over Houston. C.C. completed his fifth game for the Brew Crew, and he's now 8-0 with a 1.60 ERA since arriving in Milwaukee.
Our View: It was surprising to see the Brewers let Sabathia throw 130 pitches in a lopsided game, but at least he'll get an extra day of rest before his next start. |
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| Aybar continues hot hitting | Monday 8/18, 10:17 PM CT |
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Willy Aybar had three hits and scored two runs in the Rays' 6-4 win over the Angels Monday.
Our View: The Rays haven't missed Evan Longoria as much as they thought they would with how well Aybar has performed. He's batting .367 with three homers and seven RBI over the last eight games. |
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| Wheeler gets another save | Monday 8/18, 10:12 PM CT |
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Dan Wheeler picked up the save Monday for the second straight day, working a perfect ninth while striking out one in a 6-4 win over the Angels.
Our View: It appears that Wheeler is the man for saves while Troy Percival is sidelined. |
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| Willits could begin rehab Wednesday or Thursday | Monday 8/18, 10:10 PM CT |
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Reggie Willits could start a rehab assignment Wednesday or Thursday at Single-A Rancho Cucamonga, according to the AP. Willits is working his way back from a concussion.
Our View: Willits will likely be back in September. |
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| Guthrie solid in loss | Monday 8/18, 10:03 PM CT |
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Jeremy Guthrie walked five batters Monday but still managed a solid outing, giving up two runs and five hits while striking out four over seven innings. He was outdueled by Jon Lester, though, and picked up his ninth loss.
Our View: There might not be a more underrated pitcher in baseball than Guthrie. He lowered his ERA to 3.15 tonight and has a 1.16 WHIP to go along with it. |
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| Lester reaches a dozen wins | Monday 8/18, 9:58 PM CT |
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Jon Lester picked up his 12th win Monday, allowing just one run on four hits and a walk while striking out five over seven innings.
Our View: Clay Buchholz received most of the ink before the season as far as young Red Sox rookies go, but Lester has been far and away the better hurler of the two this year. |
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| Huff stars for O's Monday | Monday 8/18, 9:51 PM CT |
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Aubrey Huff homered and doubled, driving in all three runs for the Orioles Monday.
Our View: Huff now has a .304-27-87 line on the year and would be a terrific addition for any contender looking for offensive punch. |
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| Bay leads Sox to win | Monday 8/18, 9:47 PM CT |
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Jason Bay homered twice and added a single in Boston's 6-3 win Monday. He drove in four and added a stolen base, as well.
Our View: Bay is now hitting .348 with three homers and 16 RBI in 16 games with the Sox. |
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| Church goes through rehab game | Monday 8/18, 9:43 PM CT |
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Ryan Church, coming back from concussion symptoms, played five innings in a rehab game for Triple-A New Orleans Monday. "Everything was fine," Church told the NY Daily News. "It felt good to get in the field again."
Our View: Church will surely have to get in at least a handful more of rehab games before the Mets will consider activating him. |
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| Braun leaves after re-injuring back | Monday 8/18, 9:34 PM CT |
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Ryan Braun left Monday's game after apparently re-injuring his back following a swing, according to the AP. Braun had missed seven starts last week with what the team called tightness in his lower back before returning to the lineup on Sunday.
Our View: This is no good for the Brewers or fantasy owners. We'll update you on Braun's status when more is known. |
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| Upton caught not hustling again | Monday 8/18, 9:28 PM CT |
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B.J. Upton was thrown out at second base Monday on what should have been an easy double had Upton been hustling, according to the AP. Upton hit a ball in the fourth inning that hit the wall on a hop. Apparently thinking it would be a home run, Upton jogged out of the box and towards an uncovered second base. But first baseman Mark Teixeira followed the play up the line and tagged Upton just before he touched second.
Our View: This is the fourth time Upton was caught not hustling, though this time he wasn't taken out of the game. Still, this is becoming a bad trend for the talented center fielder. |
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| Everett leaves with bruised hand | Monday 8/18, 9:16 PM CT |
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Adam Everett left Monday's game in the seventh inning with a bruised right hand. Brendan Harris replaced him in the lineup.
Our View: We'll update you on Everett's status when more is known. |
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| Lugo takes some swings | Monday 8/18, 9:12 PM CT |
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Julio Lugo was able to take some swings in the batting cage Monday for the first time since severely straining his left quad on July 11, according to MLB.com. "It feels good," said Lugo. "It took me a little [to get to this point]. I was stiff and hurting. Right now, I'm not feeling any pain. It feels good to be back in the hitting motion."
Our View: Lugo thinks he could go on a rehab assignment in about a week, and a Sept. 1 return date is realistic. |
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| Duchscherer exits with hip injury | Monday 8/18, 8:29 PM CT |
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Justin Duchscherer left Monday's game in the third inning with a strained right hip, according to SportsTicker. He was relieved by Kirk Saarloos. Before exiting, it appeared that Duchscherer said to head trainer Steve Sayles, "I can't, I tried I can't," and a few seconds later he said, "No way, I can't pitch through this. I can’t throw."
Our View: This doesn't sound good, especially when you consider Justin had surgery on his right hip last year. We'll give you an update on Duch's injury when more is known. |
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| Dodgers acquire Maddux | Monday 8/18, 7:45 PM CT |
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The Dodgers have acquired Greg Maddux from the Padres, according to the LA Times. It is not known what the Dodgers are giving up in the deal.
Our View: It had looked like this long-rumored deal wouldn't get done, but it looks like the Pads and Dodgers worked it out. Maddux gets to stay on the West Coast like he wanted and will get to pitch for a contender. |
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| Rays hope to have Longoria on Sept. 1 | Monday 8/18, 7:42 PM CT |
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The Rays are hoping that Evan Longoria will return to the team when rosters expand on September 1, according to MLB.com. Longoria has been out since August 7 with the injury. "The stiffness that's there now wasn't there before," Longoria said. "Like I said, I think it just took the time to set in and now I've just got to wait for it to heal."
Our View: We'll continue to track Longoria's rehab progress. |
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| Schilling leaning heavily toward retirement | Monday 8/18, 7:34 PM CT |
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Curt Schilling said in a recent blog entry that he's leaning "very heavily" toward retirement, according to the AP. The 41-year-old, who underwent season-ending shoulder surgery on June 23, added that his shoulder "is getting better fast" and "I've still got a rather lengthy amount of time before I decide anything."
Our View: Schilling is expected to wait until spring training before deciding anything. Given how self righteous he is, we're betting he doesn't want to go out on a sour note and will return, but who knows. |
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| Sarfate headed back to the pen | Monday 8/18, 7:27 PM CT |
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The Orioles have removed Dennis Sarfate from the rotation, according to the AP. He went 0-2 with a 10.34 ERA in four starts after making 49 relief appearances.
Our View: Moving Sarfate to the rotation never really made sense anyway. He has the potential to be a nice setup man, but he doesn't feature the repertoire to be a starter. |
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| Olson removed from rotation | Monday 8/18, 7:25 PM CT |
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Garrett Olson has been removed from the Orioles rotation and will pitch out of the bullpen, according to the AP. "I think I had to do something to be fair to the team and to be fair to Olson," manager Dave Trembley said. "Olson needs to get some success and be put in a situation that's not as stressful and pressure-packed as it would appear it's been for him his last three starts."
Our View: Trembley also removed Dennie Sarfate from the rotation. The manager has yet to name a replacement for either pitcher. |
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| Campillo knocked around again | Monday 8/18, 6:43 PM CT |
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Jorge Campillo allowed five runs on seven hits and a while with two strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings Monday in a loss to the Giants.
Our View: Campillo has finally come back to earth, as this is the third straight game in which he's allowed five runs. Hopefully you solid high on him when you had the chance. |
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| Zito shuts out Braves over seven | Monday 8/18, 6:40 PM CT |
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Barry Zito tossed seven shutout innings Monday in a 5-0 win over the Braves. He allowed five hits and two walks while striking out three.
Our View: Zito has gone 7-8 after starting the year 0-7. He's still not usable in mixed leagues, but he's worth an NL-only roster spot. |
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| LaPorta day-to-day after beaning | Monday 8/18, 6:05 PM CT |
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Matt LaPorta was taken to a hospital for precautionary tests after getting beaned in the head by a pitch Monday. All of the tests came back negative, according to MLB.com.
Our View: LaPorta is listed as day-to-day, but we would be shocked if he played anymore during the Olympics. |
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| Kinsler's season could be over | Monday 8/18, 5:56 PM CT |
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An MRI Monday revealed that Ian Kinsler has a sports hernia, and it's possible his season could be over, according to the Star-Telegram. Kinsler has been placed on the DL, and his roster spot will be filled by Joaquin Arias.
Our View: Obviously this is a huge blow to the Rangers and fantasy owners alike. Ramon Vazquez figures to see the bulk of the playing time at second. |
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| Pavano could start for Yanks Saturday | Monday 8/18, 5:51 PM CT |
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Carl Pavano could be back with the Yankees this weekend, when the team needs a fifth starter Saturday against the Orioles, according to the AP. Coming back from Tommy John surgery, Pavano allowed one run in six inning in his latest rehab start. "He's had no setbacks in his rehab at all," GM Brian Cashman said. "He's close to being ready for us, which is great."
Our View: Phil Hughes is the Yanks' other option for Saturday. Neither pitcher would deserve immediate fantasy consideration. |
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| Reyes refuses assignment, becomes free agent | Monday 8/18, 5:32 PM CT |
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Al Reyes has declined an assignment to Triple-A Durham and is now a free agent, according to the St. Petersburg Times.
Our View: Reyes was disappointing this year, but he should be able to catch on with a team looking for right-handed relief help down the stretch. |
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| Wells draws interest from Royals | Monday 8/18, 5:29 PM CT |
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The Royals are interested in Kip Wells, who was recently designated for assignment by the Rockies, according to the Denver Post.
Our View: Wells has been horrible in two starts this year but has been much better in relief. Still, it's puzzling why a team like the Royals would have interest. |
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| Phillies eying Ross | Monday 8/18, 5:24 PM CT |
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The Phillies are interested in the recently released David Ross, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.
Our View: Rosenthal speculates that the Phils could add Ross as a replacement for Carlos Ruiz right away, or they could send Ross to Triple-A and then bring him up when rosters expand. |
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| Flores has strained knee | Monday 8/18, 5:20 PM CT |
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Jesus Flores is day-to-day with a sprained right knee, according to the AP. The catcher suffered the injury in a collision Saturday, but the ailment was originally diagnosed as a calf strain. An MRI Monday revealed the injury was in his knee.
Our View: Wil Nieves will handle the duties behind the plate while Flores is out. |
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| Drew held out with back stiffness | Monday 8/18, 5:13 PM CT |
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J.D. Drew is not in Monday's lineup because of back stiffness, according to the Providence Journal. He had to leave Sunday's game with the injury. "Hopefully we got him out soon enough where it doesn't completely lock up on him and we lose him for four or five days," said manager Terry Francona.
Our View: At this point this doesn't seem like a big deal, but you never know with Drew. He has had back issues a few times this year. |
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| Lowell returns home to rehab | Monday 8/18, 5:02 PM CT |
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Mike Lowell has returned home to Miami to continue his rehab, according to the Providence Journal. He will be at home for four days and conduct two-a-day workouts with his personal trainer. "He wanted to go and we have no problem," said manager Terry Francona. "We know what he's going to do." Lowell is coming back from a strained oblique.
Our View: It will be a while before Lowell is ready to return to the lineup. We'll keep you posted on his progress. |
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| Lugo progressing well | Monday 8/18, 4:58 PM CT |
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Julio Lugo is progressing well from his quad injury, according to the Providence Journal. He was sprinting in the outfield at Camden Yards before Monday's game and was also scheduled to take batting practice for the first time since injuring his leg on July 12. "He's done a pretty good job," said manager Terry Francona. "He had a pretty good tear. He did it up pretty good and he's worked hard."
Our View: Lugo still probably won't be back before September, and with the way Jed Lowrie has played, they won't rush him back. |
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| Weeks not in Monday's lineup | Monday 8/18, 4:49 PM CT |
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Rickie Weeks has said that he'll play through the thumb injury that he suffered Sunday, but he is not in Monday's starting lineup, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Our View: Ray Durham is playing second despite the fact that the Astros are sending the left-handed Randy Wolf to the mound. We would expect Weeks and Durham to share playing time until Rickie's thumb is better. |
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| Blanco has bone spurs in ankle | Monday 8/18, 4:44 PM CT |
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Gregor Blanco has been playing with a bone spur in his right ankle, according to MLB.com. "I've had it the last two months, but it's getting worse," Blanco said.
Our View: Gregor is hitting under .200 with just one steal this month, and the ankle could likely explain some of his troubles. |
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| Bankston designated for assignment | Monday 8/18, 4:30 PM CT |
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The A's designated Wes Bankston for assignment Monday. He bated .203 with one homer in 59 at-bats with the club.
Our View: At this point you have to believe Bankston is nothing more than a 4-A player. |
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| Saarloos back up with A's | Monday 8/18, 4:28 PM CT |
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The A's purchased the contract of Kirk Saarloos from Triple-A Sacramento Monday.
Our View: Kirk will give the A's worn out bullpen another arm. He's pitched well lately at Triple-A but is not worth a roster spot. |
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| Moss day-to-day | Monday 8/18, 4:24 PM CT |
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Brandon Moss said tests to his sprained left ankle showed no further damage, according to the AP. Moss was forced out of Sunday's game after twisting his left ankle coming out of the batter's box.
Our View: Moss is considered day-to-day. |
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| Percival will not require surgery | Monday 8/18, 3:57 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier report, Troy Percival will not require surgery to repair cartilage damage on his right knee, according to the St. Petersburg Times.
Our View: It has been determined that enough progress had been made the previous few days to avoid surgery. He is still expected to miss 2-4 weeks of action.
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| Mora named AL co-Player of Week | Monday 8/18, 3:50 PM CT |
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Melvin Mora has been named the AL co-Player of the Week (sharing the honor with Javier Vazquez of the White Sox), according to the AP. Mora hit .563 (18-for-32) with four doubles, a triple, three home runs and 13 RBI during the award-winning week.
Our View: The 36-year-old infielder is now hitting .286 over 115 games, with 20 homers and 91 RBI. |
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| Wigginton named NL co-Player of Week | Monday 8/18, 3:46 PM CT |
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Ty Wigginton has been named the NL co-Player of the Week (with hurler Johan Santana of the Mets), according to the AP. Wigginton led the NL with a .571 (16-for-28) batting average, 11 RBI, 16 hits, 32 total bases, and tied for the league-lead with four home runs and nine runs scored. He registered multiple hits in six of seven games.
Our View: Wigginton raised his season average to .308 with 15 homers and 42 RBI. |
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| Morgan to be recalled | Monday 8/18, 3:13 PM CT |
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Nyjer Morgan is being recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Doug Mientkiewicz has been placed on the bereavement list as the adjoining move.
Our View: Morgan could develop into a solid pro in the future for the Pirates, but he is not yet ready to make an impact, as he held a .143 average over 42 at-bats with the team this season. He was also caught twice on three steal attempts. He should only be considered for deeper NL-only leagues. |
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| Mientkiewicz on bereavement list | Monday 8/18, 3:08 PM CT |
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Doug Mientkiewicz has been placed on the bereavement list by the Pirates after his wife underwent heart surgery at Allegheny General Hospital today, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Nyjer Morgan will be recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis to fill his spot on the roster.
Our View: We wish him well while he is away to attend to his wife. |
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| Beltran collects RBI in loss | Monday 8/18, 3:02 PM CT |
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Carlos Beltran went 1-for-2 with an RBI in Monday's 5-2 loss to the Pirates. His hit went for a double, his 32nd of the season. He also drew a walk.
Our View: Beltran collected his 83rd RBI of the season, with seven coming over his last seven games. |
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| Maine pitches well in no-decision | Monday 8/18, 2:57 PM CT |
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John Maine hurled five scoreless innings, with only two hits allowed, in Monday's disappointing 5-2 loss to the Pirates, with four walks and three strikeouts. He exited the game with the Mets leading 2-0, and a late Pirates' rally left him with a no-decision.
Our View: He pitched well, other than the four free passes, and poor run support prevented him from claiming his 11th win of the season. Maine is 2-0 over his last four starts, and has only allowed one earned run over his last three outings (14.1 innings). |
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| LaRoche leads Pirates in win | Monday 8/18, 2:52 PM CT |
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Adam LaRoche led the Pirates in Monday's 5-2 win over the Mets at home, as he went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer. His other hit was a single.
Our View: LaRoche is past his ribcage injury and looks to be a solid contributor down the stretch. |
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| Maholm dealt no-decision | Monday 8/18, 2:47 PM CT |
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Paul Maholm only surrendered two earned runs on five hits over seven innings in Monday's 5-2 win over the Mets, with three walks and four strikeouts. He exited the game in a 2-2 tie, giving him a no-decision.
Our View: Maholm is 1-0 over his last three starts, allowing two or less earned runs in all three outings. He is worth employing in NL-only leagues while he is pitching well. |
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| Percival could undergo surgery | Monday 8/18, 2:41 PM CT |
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Troy Percival could undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, but he was hoping it wouldn't be necessary, according to the Tampa Tribune. He said, "It's very possible surgery will be necessary. But I felt good today, played catch, had pain, but nothing that's debilitating."
Our View: Percival made about 40 throws Sunday and didn't feel well enough to pitch, but thinks he will be able to in another day if he continues to progress as he has since receiving a cortisone shot Friday. We will keep you posted on his status.
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| Storm could affect series | Monday 8/18, 2:38 PM CT |
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With Tropical Storm Fay expected to move up the Gulf Coast during the next two days and possibly reach hurricane strength, the Rays were in contact Sunday with Angels and MLB officials about backup plans for the series that begins tonight at Tropicana Field, according to the Tampa Tribune. Rays' president Matt Silverman said tonight's matchup will definitely be played, but the status of the final two games is in question.
Our View: The Rays should know tonight whether Tuesday's game will be played. There is a possibility the Angels might fly to Atlanta or Miami following Monday's game to get clear of the storm if Tuesday's game is postponed, then return to play Wednesday if necessary. A doubleheader Wednesday is unlikely and any games that had to be postponed likely would be made up September 1, which is a mutual off day for the Rays and Angels. There has not been any discussion about moving the series to a different venue.
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| Callaspo ready for rehab | Monday 8/18, 2:17 PM CT |
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Alberto Callaspo is slated to begin to rehab assignment after working himself into playing shape at Triple-A Omaha, according to the KC Star. Callaspo was placed on the DL June 28 for undisclosed medical reasons one day after being cited for a DUI.
Our View: He hit .290 over 100 at-bats with the Royals this season, and would be worth a look in deeper AL-only leagues when he gets activated. |
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| Gobble rehab update | Monday 8/18, 2:12 PM CT |
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Jimmy Gobble, who is recovering from a strained lower back, allowed five runs in just 1.2 innings of work Saturday in a rehab start for Triple-A Omaha at Oklahoma, according to the KC Star. He issued four walks, and only threw 28 strikes out of 58 pitches.
Our View: Gobble struggled with 31 earned runs and 22 walks allowed over 24.2 innings with the Royals this season, and is not worth waiting for as a middle reliever. |
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| LaPorta hospitalized | Monday 8/18, 2:05 PM CT |
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Matt LaPorta has been hospitalized after being struck on the helmet by a pitch Monday during the United States' win over China in the Olympics, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Indians' GM Mark Shapiro said, "He never lost consciousness. He's been held for observation. He will have spent at least a day in the hospital."
Our View: Shapiro would not speculate whether or not LaPorta will resume playing the Olympics. LaPorta was the prized prospect acquired in the deal that sent CC Sabathia to Milwaukee. |
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| Farnsworth battling back stiffness | Monday 8/18, 1:35 PM CT |
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Kyle Farnsworth was unavailable to pitch Sunday due to back stiffness, according to the Detroit Free Press. Manager Jim Leyland commented, "Our bullpen's in total disarray. It has been all year."
Our View: Farnsworth hopes to be available Monday for the series opener against the Rangers. |
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| Kinsler day-to-day | Monday 8/18, 1:08 PM CT |
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Ian Kinsler is considered day-to-day with his sore groin, according to the Star-Telegram.
Our View: Kinsler has been riding an eight-game hitting streak, with four homers over the span, and it took a groin ailment to slow him down. We will keep you posted regarding his playing status through the week. |
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| Capps set to return Friday | Monday 8/18, 1:03 PM CT |
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Matt Capps is expected to be activated from the DL Friday following his bout with a bursitis in his right shoudler, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Our View: Capps will throw at Double-A Altoona Wednesday, serve in the bullpen Thursday, and then return to the Pirates Friday, assuming there isn't a setback. He has been solid this season, and should resume his role as the Pirates' closer upon his return. |
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| Lewis is future closer? | Monday 8/18, 12:48 PM CT |
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Jensen Lewis nailed down his third save on Sunday, and could be the Indians' closer for the future, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. In his past eight appearances, Lewis has given up no runs in 9.2 innings and has earned all three of his saves. By default, manager Eric Wedge handed Lewis the ball recently to see whether he could close games. Wedge said, "He has definitely stepped up for us in his last four or five outings. I think he wants this; he has the personality. The question is whether he can handle it long term. But this is a great test for him. Even before we put him in the closer role, he was pitching effectively for us." When asked about the opportunity to close games, Lewis said, "This is awesome. When you're given the chance, you want to get the side out and shake everybody's hand. Then everybody goes home happy."
Our View: Lewis is worth targeting in AL-only leagues right now if you need help. |
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| Bedard continues throwing on side | Monday 8/18, 12:23 PM CT |
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Erik Bedard, who is recovering from left shoulder stiffness, threw on the side Sunday for the third straight day, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
Our View: The lefty could throw on a mound this week during a three-game set in Chicago, but it's more likely he won't get on a mound until the Mariners return home Thursday to begin a four-game series with the Athletics. He has a shot to return to Seattle by the end of August, but the team doesn't have an exact timetable. |
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| Castillo remains on DL | Monday 8/18, 12:16 PM CT |
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Luis Castillo remains on the DL (strained left hip flexor) and the Mets are in no hurry of activating him, according to the NY Daily News.
Our View: His 20-day minor league rehab clock is close to running out, but the team is not concerned with bringing him back while Damion Easley and Argenis Reyes are performing well at second base. |
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| Barrett to undergo vision exercises | Monday 8/18, 12:12 PM CT |
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Michael Barrett, who is on the DL while recovering from a broken nose, will undergo vision exercises and therapy, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Our View: There remains no timetable for his return to San Diego, and he is not worth waiting for with a .202 batting average over 30 games this season. |
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| Hundley scratched Sunday | Monday 8/18, 12:07 PM CT |
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Nick Hundley was scratched from the Padres' lineup Sunday due to a sprained left ankle, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. There was some swelling and soreness in the ailing ankle.
Our View: Huntley is only hitting .198 over 86 at-bats with San Diego this season, and he only has two home runs, as his power has been hindered by playing his home games at PETCO Park. |
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| Feliz to begin rehab | Monday 8/18, 11:32 AM CT |
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Pedro Feliz, who is recovering from lower back inflammation, is slated to begin a rehab assignment Monday with Double-A Reading, according to the AP.
Our View: Feliz is expected to play two games in Reading. It is unknown when he will rejoin the Phillies. |
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| Weeks plans to fight through injury | Monday 8/18, 11:29 AM CT |
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Rickie Weeks sprained his left thumb Sunday, but stated that he plans to fight through the injury, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. He said, "It's just sore right now. It's just bruised. It has some pain to it."
Our View: Weeks has been hitting well as of late with hits in five of his last six games, but the injury could affect his swing and production, even though he feels he can play through it. Ray Durham would step in at second base if needed. |
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| Matsui could be limited to DH role | Monday 8/18, 11:22 AM CT |
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Manager Joe Girardi indicated that Hideki Matsui could be limited to a DH role when he is activated from the DL, according to the NY Daily News. His ailing knee has held up favorably in three rehab games, and he could be back in pinstripes as soon as Tuesday.
Our View: Playing DH would help prevent his knee from swelling up again without the stress of running in the outfield. He could made a solid fantasy impact down the stretch, as he holds a .323 average over 69 games, with seven homers and 34 RBI. |
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| Crede won't be rushed back | Monday 8/18, 11:16 AM CT |
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Joe Crede, who is on the DL with back inflammation, won't be rushed back to Chicago with Juan Uribe performing well at third base, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Manager Ozzie Guillen said, "I forgot about Joe Crede. Wow, it has been so long. Is Crede still around? No, when we get back to Chicago today we will have a better idea and see where he is. Right now, I don't expect to have him anytime soon. We have to be prepared for that. I think Uribe has been doing a good job playing third base. We just are focused on what we have here." Uribe has registered 12 hits in his last 35 at-bats (.343) while working at third base.
Our View: Guillen won't bring Crede back unless he proves he can make a solid impact again, meaning he would have to swing the bat very well at Triple-A Charlotte. |
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| Reyes to be recalled | Monday 8/18, 11:09 AM CT |
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Jo-Jo Reyes is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Richmond to start Tuesday in place of Tom Glavine, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Our View: Reyes was dealt a loss in five of his last six outings with the Braves, and is only worth consideration in deeper NL-only leagues for roster depth. |
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| Kunz sent down | Monday 8/18, 10:32 AM CT |
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Eddie Kunz has been optioned to Triple-A New Orleans to make room for reliever Luis Ayala on the roster, according to the AP.
Our View: Kunz failed to make an impact with the Mets during his stint, as he allowed four earned runs and five hits over 2.2 innings of relief. |
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| Taveras extends hit and theft streak | Monday 8/18, 10:31 AM CT |
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Willy Taveras extended his five game hitting streak on Sunday with a 3-4 performance. More important for most of his owners, he also stole a base for the fifth straight game.
Our View: Taveras has become the Juan Pierre of past seasons, and with a crowed outfield in LA, Taveras is more reliable. The Roks speedster has now stolen double digit bases each month this season, save May when he registered nine. |
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| Flores out Sunday | Monday 8/18, 10:19 AM CT |
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Jesus Flores was out of the lineup Sunday. The rookie catcher is obviously still feeling the effects of a hard slide at the plate during Saturday night's game. Flores was diagnosed with a strained right calf, but the MRI came back negative. The Nats have Monday off so there is no definitive news on his return.
Our View: Flores could be back in the lineup Tuesday, but comes with some risk this week. The Nationals are not always forthright with their injuries and possible returns. |
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| Maholm to face red-hot Mets | Monday 8/18, 10:11 AM CT |
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Paul Maholm's two run victory over the Reds on Wednesday came on the heels of a career-high 10 strikeout performance against the Phillies. The Pirates lefty is 3-0 with a 2.37 ERA in his last three starts against the Mets, the Pirates opponent in the early Monday MLB affair.
Our View: In his third full season, Maholm's maturation process is peaking. His 6.4 K rate and 2.4 BB rate are overwhelmingly good for a left-hander that makes a living with his sinking fastball (52% groundball percentage). His numbers have improved each month of the season. The southpaw has a 2.70 ERA, 7.7 K rate and a 2.0 BB rate since the first week of July.
The Mets have hit only 29 home runs this year against left-handed starters, 22nd in the league. Against a sinker-baller like Maholm this afternoon, runs will be hard to come by.
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| Maine faces second soft OPS | Monday 8/18, 10:09 AM CT |
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John Maine (10-7, 3.97 ERA) allowed just one hit and struck out six is five scoreless innings in his return start from the disabled list against the soft-hitting Nats, and looked dominant in the process. The Pirates and Nats have similar peripherals, at least after Pittsburgh traded Jason Bay and Xavier Nady. The Pirates sport a .652 OPS in August, which is 29th in the league.
Our View: Maine is 2-0 with a 3.75 ERA in his last two starts against the Pirates, in those 12 innings he has 15 strikeouts. |
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| Carpenter could return in August | Monday 8/18, 9:42 AM CT |
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Pitching coach Dave Duncan stated that Chris Carpenter could rejoin the Cardinals' rotation as soon as August 26, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He is recovering from a strained pitching shoulder.
Our View: Carpenter is scheduled to throw off flat ground on Tuesday. Duncan believes there is a way that Carpenter could start in the two-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers on August 26 or 27, but his return is not guaranteed. |
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| Jones likely out until September | Monday 8/18, 9:34 AM CT |
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Todd Jones, who is on the DL with a sore right shoulder, is likely to be shut down until roster expansion in September, according to MLive.com. Jones said, "It's just something in the back of my shoulder. They say it's inflammation, but I don't know. It clicks. It's loose and it bites when it gets extended. And when I'm pitching with my good mechanics, I don't feel it as much. I can throw but I can't pitch. I have to be able to locate. I've talked the whole time I've been here about making pitches. And if I can't make pitches, I've got no shot, because I don't have the stuff anymore."
Our View: Jones will begin rehabbing at the facility of orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Alabama. Jones should not be held on fantasy rosters in hopes of him resuming his role as a closer. |
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| No timetable for Wakefield | Monday 8/18, 8:11 AM CT |
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The Red Sox did not set a timetable as to when Tim Wakefield may return to action, according to the Boston Globe. He is dealing with right shoulder tightness and manager Terry Francona said, "What we do want to do is if we put a guy on the DL is have him have a chance to come back and pitch with health. Not pitch once and go backwards."
Our View: He should be back for the final month of the regular season and should remain held on rosters. He was enjoying a solid season with a 3.67 ERA and 1.18 WHIP over 23 starts. |
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| Rohlinger struggling | Monday 8/18, 7:52 AM CT |
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Ryan Rohlinger has been struggling since his call-up from Double-A Connecticut, according to the SF Chronicle. He is 2-for-18 (.111) over five games.
Our View: He should be avoided as a fantasy prospect, and the Giants truly lack depth at third base. |
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| Ausmus ends hitting drought | Monday 8/18, 7:44 AM CT |
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Brad Ausmus snapped an 0-for-11 hitting drought with a single against Arizona Sunday, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Our View: Ausmus should continue to be ignored as a fantasy back-stop. |
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| Votto to return Tuesday? | Monday 8/18, 7:26 AM CT |
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Joey Votto was out of the starting lineup again Sunday, but will probably return Tuesday, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. He spent time on the bereavement list and manager Dusty Baker said, "He hasn't swung the bat in a week. He worked out a couple times. I'll give him another day, he'll come in early tomorrow and hit, and we'll get him ready for Chicago. It ain't that easy to just come in and hit."
Our View: Votto should be safe to pencil into fantasy lineups for the week. |
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| LaRoche struggling in field | Monday 8/18, 7:12 AM CT |
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Andy LaRoche has been struggling in the field as of late with the Pirates, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He made two errors on ground balls Sunday, giving him four in 12 games with Pittsburgh. Infield instructor Tony Beasley supported him by saying, "Those were not routine plays. This is a good third baseman."
Our View: He is performing fine with his bat, however. He has a four-game hitting streak, with one homer and two RBI over the span. He shouldn't be in jeopardy of losing his spot at third base. |
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| Morgan to get called up | Monday 8/18, 7:08 AM CT |
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The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette states that Nyjer Morgan is a "virtual lock" to get called up in September. He has been the best player at Triple-A Indianapolis for a month.
Our View: Morgan could develop into a solid pro for the Pirates, but he is not yet ready to make an impact, as he held a .143 average over 42 at-bats with the team this season. He was also caught twice on three steal attempts. |
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