| Beltre looking to get bat going | Tuesday 8/26, 11:59 PM CT |
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The Mariners found runs were hard to come by, but they put up just enough to get the 3-2 win over the Twins. Third baseman Adrian Beltre was the top dog, going 3-for-4 with his 26th double of the season, adding one run scored to the stat line.
Our View: It's been a rough month for Beltre, hitting just .209 through August coming into this game with two homers and 11 RBIs. He's starting to heat up a bit, but the lack of run production and power is concerning. |
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| Easley turns it around | Tuesday 8/26, 11:59 PM CT |
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Damion Easley snapped out of a funk Tuesday, picking up four hits, including a homer, in the Mets' loss to the Phillies.
Our View: Damion has been scuffling of late, so hopefully this will push him in the right direction. |
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| Coste has four hits, including game winner | Tuesday 8/26, 11:54 PM CT |
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Chris Coste didn't start Tuesday, but he did plenty of damage. The catcher came on as a pinch hitter and ended up going 4-for-4 at the plate with the game-winning single.
Our View: Coste is a far superior offensive option than Carlos Ruiz, but he'll continue to share time with him. |
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| Rowland-Smith gets the win | Tuesday 8/26, 11:51 PM CT |
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The Twins couldn't get the bats working in their favor and found Seattle LHP Ryan Rowland-Smith too difficult to solve, falling 3-2 to the Mariners. Rowland-Smith pitched seven innings, allowing two runs (both earned) on five hits with two walks and five strikeouts.
Our View: Rowland-Smith moves to 3-2 on the season with a 3.73 ERA. In 24 2/3 innings pitched this month, he has allowed a combined total of 12 earned runs. |
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| J-Roll has eight hits in last two games | Tuesday 8/26, 11:48 PM CT |
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Jimmy Rollins had a big night Tuesday, going 5-for-7 with a homer, three RBI and three steals in the Phillies' extra innings win over the Mets.
Our View: That's eight hits in the last two games for J-Roll. Hopefully he's snapped out of his slump. |
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| Hunter drives offense for Angels | Tuesday 8/26, 11:37 PM CT |
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Torii Hunter was the primary weapon of offense for the Angels tonight, getting the 5-1 win over Oakland. Hunter went 3-for-4 with his 30th double of the season to total one RBI and one run scored on the night.
Our View: Hunter has struggled this month, hitting just .231 with one homer and eight RBIs. He touts just four multi-hit games in August and has struggled to put runs across the plate. |
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| Lackey throws complete game winner | Tuesday 8/26, 11:32 PM CT |
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John Lackey pitched a complete game and the Angels offense finally got on track in the Angels' 5-1 win over the A's on Tuesday in front of 37,431 at Angel Stadium, according to MLB.com. The right-hander allowed seven hits while striking out five and walking none. He allowed just two runners to reach second base and allowed just one run on Jack Cust's solo homer in the ninth inning.
Our View: This is Lackey's second win in five starts this month, giving up a combined total of 12 earned runs over 36 total innings. |
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| Cordero expected back Wednesday | Tuesday 8/26, 11:06 PM CT |
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Francisco Cordero was unavailable for Tuesday's game, as he was with his newborn son, according to the AP. He is expected to rejoin the team Wednesday.
Our View: Perhaps Cordero could have gotten a save chance tonight had he been there, but Bronson Arroyo went ahead and completed the game. |
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| Dukes activated from DL | Tuesday 8/26, 11:03 PM CT |
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The Nationals activated Elijah Dukes from the DL Tuesday. He replaces the injured Austin Kearns on the roster.
Our View: Dukes should play pretty much every day in right while Kearns is out, which could be for the rest of the year. |
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| Zambrano and August don't get along | Tuesday 8/26, 10:54 PM CT |
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Carlos Zambrano didn't have it Tuesday, giving up six runs on eight hits and four walks over 4 1/3 innings.
Our View: There's something about August that doesn't agree with Carlos. He held a 7.06 ERA in the month last year and has a 7.43 ERA in August this season. |
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| Soto has huge night | Tuesday 8/26, 10:50 PM CT |
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Geovany Soto had a monster effort Tuesday in the Cubs' 14-9 win over Pittsburgh, tallying two base-clearing doubles and a solo homer.
Our View: Soto now has a .285-20-78 line on the year. He's got to be the front-runner for Rookie of the Year honors. |
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| Sheets tosses six shutout frames | Tuesday 8/26, 10:47 PM CT |
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Ben Sheets entered Tuesday's contest with just a 5-14 record in his career versus St. Louis, but he befuddled the Cards' bats tonight, tossing six shutout innings while allowing five hits and two walks while striking out four.
Our View: Sheets has been the victim of bad run support lately, but the Brewers gave him plenty of it tonight. |
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| Braun leads Brew Crew to win | Tuesday 8/26, 10:44 PM CT |
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Ryan Braun led an offensive onslaught for the Brewers Tuesday, getting three hits, including a two-run homer, in a 12-0 win over the Cardinals.
Our View: Braun's ribcage ailment appears to be a thing of the past. He's in the running for MVP consideration. |
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| A-Rod isn't clutch... again | Tuesday 8/26, 10:38 PM CT |
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Alex Rodriguez flopped all night when the New York Yankees needed a big hit, according to the Associated Press. The three-time MVP finished 0-for-5 and was booed loudly as New York fell six games behind Boston, which leads the AL wild-card race by a slim margin over Minnesota. Rodriguez also committed an error at third base.
Our View: Rodriguez flied out with two on in the fifth. With the Yankees trailing 7-3 in the seventh, he came up with the bases loaded and grounded into an inning-ending double play against Justin Masterson. That left A-Rod 1-for-10 this season with the bases loaded—0-for-7 when there were less than two outs. A-Rod, who struck out twice, also bounced into a double play that ended the third. He has grounded into nine double plays in his last 19 games. |
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| Rodriguez terrific in no-decision | Tuesday 8/26, 10:36 PM CT |
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Wandy Rodriguez was fantastic Tuesday, allowing just one run on three hits and a walk while striking out 10 over seven innings. He got a no-decision in the loss to Cincinnati.
Our View: Wandy has struggled since July, so it's good to see him come through with a nice outing. |
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| Arroyo keeps hot August going | Tuesday 8/26, 10:29 PM CT |
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Bronson Arroyo threw a gem Tuesday, allowing just one run on five hits and two walks while striking out three in a complete game effort.
Our View: Arroyo holds a 2.62 ERA in five starts this month. |
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| Another complete game for Millwood | Tuesday 8/26, 10:22 PM CT |
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There wasn't much offense to be found in the Rangers 2-1 win over Kansas City, in large part due to the efforts of veteran Texas hurler Kevin Millwood. Millwood pitched the complete game, allowing one run (earned) on nine hits with no walks and two strikeouts.
Our View: Millwood came into August with one of the worst ERAs among major league starters, but over his three August starts he has allowed a total of just seven earned runs, including each of his last two outings that have been complete games. |
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| Jurrjens knocked around | Tuesday 8/26, 10:22 PM CT |
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Jair Jurrjens allowed six runs on six hits and two walks over just three innings Tuesday. Atlanta's late rally kept him from picking up his 10th loss.
Our View: This is Jurrjens' seven straight poor outing, and it's possible he could be wearing down. |
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| Gregg blows it | Tuesday 8/26, 10:19 PM CT |
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Kevin Gregg gave up four runs in the ninth inning Tuesday in a 10-9 loss to the Braves. It is Gregg's seventh blown save on the year. He also has seven losses, including three this month.
Our View: Gregg has been an asset for fantasy owners this year, but the seven blown saves is a high number. |
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| Royals continue to fail Greinke | Tuesday 8/26, 10:17 PM CT |
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The Royals let a total lack of offensive prowess and continued disappointment from the relief pitching ruin another strong performance from RHP Zack Greinke, pitching six innings to surrender one run (unearned) on four hits with one walk and five strikeouts.
Our View: You can review the game-by-game numbers and identify at least half a dozen starts that should have been wins for Greinke if not for lackluster relief pitching and/or unworthy offense. He is 0-2 over his last four starts, despting giving up a combined total of six earned runs over those starts. |
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| Jacobs snaps out of funk | Tuesday 8/26, 10:11 PM CT |
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Mike Jacobs had a double and a two-run homer in the Marlins' loss Tuesday.
Our View: Jacobs needed this, as he entered the game in a 1-for-26 tailspin. |
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| Ross homers, drives in four | Tuesday 8/26, 10:09 PM CT |
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Cody Ross had three hits, including his 19th homer, in the Marlins' 10-9 loss Tuesday. He drove in four runs on the night.
Our View: Ross has had a decent year, but his .262 average is low enough that his so-so power really helps in only NL-only leagues. |
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| Wells keeps it hot at the plate | Tuesday 8/26, 10:08 PM CT |
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Toronto found the win this evening, putting Tampa Bay to bed 6-2. Outfielder Vernon Wells led the way on offense, going 3-for-5 with his 14th home run of the season to card three RBIs and one run scored on the night.
Our View: Wells has battled with durability issues all season long, but he has been red hot of late, going 9-for-14 with four homers, nine RBIs, and seven runs scored over the last three days. |
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| Halladay puts the whip on Tampa Bay | Tuesday 8/26, 10:04 PM CT |
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Toronto ace Roy Halladay was on his mark once again this evening, pitching six innings to surrender two earned runs on six hits with no walks and seven strikeouts.
Our View: Halladay now sits at 4-1 on the month, touting six walks versus 34 strikeouts along that span. |
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| Durham leaves with sprained shoulder | Tuesday 8/26, 10:03 PM CT |
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Ray Durham left Tuesday's game with a sprained shoulder.
Our View: We'll give you more info on Durham when we get it. |
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| Rays fail to support Shields | Tuesday 8/26, 10:00 PM CT |
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The Rays continue to struggle without their stars, falling 6-2 versus the Toronto Blue Jays despite a nice outing from RHP James Shields. Shields pitched 6 2/3 innings, surrendering four runs (all earned) on nine hits with two walks and four strikeouts.
Our View: This serves as Shields' first lost of the month and one of just two losses over his last eight starts. During that span, he has surrendered just 11 walks, balanced by 39 strikeouts. |
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| Red Sox acquire Kotsay | Tuesday 8/26, 9:56 PM CT |
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The Red Sox have acquired Mark Kotsay from the Braves, according to Yahoo Sports. The deal is pending a physical. Atlanta will receive an unnamed minor league pitcher in return.
Our View: The Sox were looking for some outfield help with J.D. Drew on the DL. Kotsay won't start on a regular basis. |
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| Bay, Bailey set the tone for Boston win | Tuesday 8/26, 9:53 PM CT |
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The Red Sox posted a total of 14 hits on the night to earn the 7-3 victory over the New York Yankees, an effort supported by outfielder Jason Bay. Bay was one of four hitters with multiple hits, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs and one run scored, matching the same numbers produced by first baseman Jeff Bailey.
Our View: Bay has hit .333 since joining Boston, touting four homers and 20 RBIs and 21 runs scored along the way. |
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| Damon smacks two homers vs Boston | Tuesday 8/26, 9:45 PM CT |
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The Yankees got the hits but failed to convert scoring opportunities, falling 7-3 to the Red Sox. Outfielder Johnny Damon did his part, hitting 2-for-4 with one walk and two homers on the night, finishing with two RBIs and two runs scored.
Our View: Those are just Damon's 10th and 11th homers on the season, but they are his second and third in the last two days. He has gone 9-for-26 over the past six games, totaling six RBIs and eight runs scored over that span. |
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| Francisco homers twice | Tuesday 8/26, 9:36 PM CT |
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The Indians put the 10-4 win on the field against the Tigers this evening, thanks in large part to outfielder Ben Francisco. Francisco went 3-for-5 with two homers on the night, totaling four RBIs and two runs scored.
Our View: Francisco has improved his average from .256 last month to .309 in August, but he has struggled to pick up the power hitting. Tonight's performance brings him to four homers on the month, matching his July total, doing the same in the RBI category with 11. |
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| Lee gets fifth August win | Tuesday 8/26, 9:30 PM CT |
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The Indians and Tigers put more than a few hits on the board this evening, but Cleveland found better efficiency and earned the win, 10-4. The effort, as is oftent the case, was led by ace Cliff Lee, going 7 2/3 innings to allow just two runs (both earned) on six hits with one walk and four strikeouts.
Our View: Lee moves to 19-2 on the season with a 2.43 ERA. That puts Lee at 5-0 for the month of August, going at least seven innings in each with a combined total of eight earned runs with seven walks and 20 strikeouts. |
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| Cabrera supplies offense for White Sox win | Tuesday 8/26, 9:24 PM CT |
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Leadoff man Orlando Cabrera put his best into the White Sox's win this evening, putting the Orioles to rest by a score of 8-3. Cabrera went 4-for-5 with two doubles and a triple, totaling two RBIs and three runs scored.
Our View: Cabrera is enjoying a strong month of resurgance, hitting .320 through August after hitting just .242 in July. |
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| Young could start Sunday | Tuesday 8/26, 9:20 PM CT |
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Chris Young threw 65 pitches in a simulated game Tuesday, and depending on how he feels Wednesday, he could come off the DL to start Sunday, according to MLB.com. "I thought the fastball looked good as far as command," manager Bud Black said. "He had no ill-effects as far as the forearm. He's getting really close. We have got to make sure he feels good tomorrow."
Our View: Young has made only 13 starts this year because of a various injuries, the latest being a strained forearm. |
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| Floyd puts Baltimore in check | Tuesday 8/26, 9:19 PM CT |
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Chicago RHP Gavin Floyd had his way with the Baltimore Orioles this evening, pushing his White Sox to a dominating 8-3 win. Floyd pitched eight innings, allowing two runs (both earned) on four hits with one walk and four strikeouts.
Our View: Floyd moves to 14-6 on the seasn with a 3.70 ERA. Since June 1st, Floyd has gone 9-3, going 3-0 on five starts this month (though the 16 earned runs allowed are a bit worrisome). |
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| Markakis enjoying strong August effort | Tuesday 8/26, 9:14 PM CT |
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The Orioles found offense hard to come by this evening, falling 8-3 to the Chicago White Sox despite the efforts of outfielder Nick Markakis. Markakis went 2-for-3 at the plate with one walk and his 40th double of the season, totaling one RBI and two runs scored.
Our View: Markakis keeps the productive month of August going, hitting .330 with 21 RBIs and 21 runs scored coming into tonight. |
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| Hanrahan picks up fifth save | Tuesday 8/26, 9:11 PM CT |
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Joel Hanrahan allowed a hit and a walk but hung on to pick up his fifth save Tuesday.
Our View: Hanrahan is 5-for-6 in save opportunities since taking over the closer gig. He still walks too many but is able to get away with it most of the time with his ability to get the punchout. |
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| Balester good enough to win | Tuesday 8/26, 9:08 PM CT |
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Collin Balester wasn't particularly good Tuesday, allowing one run on five hits and two walks without a strikeout over five innings. However, he was good enough to pick up a win in the 2-1 victory over the Dodgers.
Our View: Balester has yet to go more than six innings in his 10 starts, but he's had a solid start to his career. |
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| Lowe completes game but loses | Tuesday 8/26, 9:06 PM CT |
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Derek Lowe pitched a complete game Tuesday, but it wasn't good enough to pick up a win. The righty allowed two runs on six hits and a walk while striking out six over eight innings in a 2-1 loss to Washington.
Our View: With a 3.81 ERA and 1.21 WHIP, Lowe has been a lot better than his 10-11 record dictates. |
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| Bautista may be out of the rotation | Tuesday 8/26, 9:02 PM CT |
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Seattle right-hander Miguel Batista made his first start since August 4th and gave up just one run on five hits in six innings while striking out three, but Batista's re-entry into the rotation appears to be short-lived, according to MLB.com. If the rotation went in order, his next start would have been on Sunday against Cleveland -- the day manager Jim Riggleman has designated starter Carlos Silva's return to the rotation after spending two weeks on the disabled list with right triceps tendinitis. "Just the way the timing of it works out, it looks like he won't start because we've got an off-day Thursday, and [Jarrod] Washburn will pitch on an extra day's rest as it is," Riggleman said on Tuesday. "Felix [Hernandez] will pitch [Saturday], and Silva will pitch Sunday ... so we kind of run out of days there with that off-day."
Our View: Riggelman suggested there could be a quick return to starting work for Bautista should another arm fall to injury or the need arise to go to him again. Riggleman also addressed one other rotation topic on Tuesday, when he answered a question about scheduling starts for Brandon Morrow, who has been in Triple-A Tacoma transitioning from a reliever into a starter. He is thinking the series versus New York in early September could be the target time for such a move, but nothing is set in stone. |
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| Masset not being considered for start | Tuesday 8/26, 8:33 PM CT |
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Nick Masset is not being considered for a spot start Saturday in place of the injured Johnny Cueto, according to MLB.com. "I'm probably going to need Masset between now and then, the way my bullpen got stretched out on Sunday," manager Dusty Baker said.
Our View: Masset holds a 1.88 ERA in eight relief appearances since arriving in Cincinnati following the Ken Griffey Jr. trade. |
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| Maloney and Pettyjohn being considered for spot start | Tuesday 8/26, 8:31 PM CT |
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Matthew Maloney and Adam Pettyjohn are being considered for spot starts on Saturday in place of the injured Johnny Cueto, according to MLB.com. However, neither player is on the 40-man roster, and GM Walt Jocketty doesn't want to take a pitcher out of Triple-A Louisville's rotation and disrupt the affiliate's playoff run.
Our View: The other option for Cincy is to pitch both Bronson Arroyo and Josh Fogg on short rest. Nick Masset is not being considered. |
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| Pineiro to return to rotation | Tuesday 8/26, 8:25 PM CT |
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Joel Pineiro will return to the Cardinals rotation next Monday after making one relief appearance, according to MLB.com. He was bumped to the bullpen because Adam Wainwright returned and the team had numerous days off.
Our View: Pineiro could be headed back to the bullpen eventually if Chris Carpenter comes back, but his status is up in the air. |
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| Jones progressing slowly | Tuesday 8/26, 8:08 PM CT |
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Tigers reliever Todd Jones has resumed throwing again, but his progress is slow enough that he might not be ready in time when rosters expand next Monday, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Jones, on the 15-day disabled list since August 16th with a sore right shoulder, began throwing off flat ground last Friday. When the Tigers made the move, manager Jim Leyland said the team would activate him once rosters expand from 25 to 40 players, providing him a chance to help out in the final month without forcing the team to make another roster move. Jones had tried to pitch through the shoulder discomfort for six weeks before first going on the DL at the end of July, saying he couldn't pitch through the injury and be effective. When he came off the DL, he lasted just one outing before going back. He admitted later that he thought he could help by pitching through the discomfort and decided to try it in order to help a struggling bullpen. |
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| Castro leaves with injury | Tuesday 8/26, 8:03 PM CT |
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Ramon Castro left Tuesday's game in the fifth inning with a strained right quad, according to MLB.com. He was replaced by Brian Schneider.
Our View: We'll update you on Castro's situation when more is known. |
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| Glavine nearly pain-free | Tuesday 8/26, 7:51 PM CT |
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Tom Glavine said he is just a bit sore after having season-ending elbow surgery last week, according to the AP. The veteran is still unsure whether he'll return next season. "We've got a good five weeks here for me to rehab and get a good sense of how I'm recovering and what it looks like," Glavine said. "Then I think we will all have a better idea."
Our View: There wasn't as much damage in Glavine's elbow as initially though, as the doctor performing the surgery only had to clean out scar tissue and sew together a small gap that had formed in his tendon. |
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| Guillen concerned back issues are significant | Tuesday 8/26, 7:46 PM CT |
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Carlos Guillen remains listed as day-to-day with lower back spasms that knocked him out of Monday's game. The way Guillen sounded about his injury on Tuesday afternoon, however, he could be out a while, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Asked how he was feeling, Guillen was not upbeat. His description of Monday's back spasms sounded similar to the back problems two weeks ago which turned out to be a pinched nerve and kept him out of action for three days. However, Guillen said, his back had felt pretty good over the weekend before flaring up on Monday. The discomfort, Guillen said, started in his back and went up and down his right leg. It included soreness in both of his hamstrings, and he felt a little numbness. The latter part could be a concern. Manager Jim Leyland said on Tuesday afternoon he had no clearer picture of how long Guillen will be out. However, he stuck by his thought process from Monday night that Guillen will at least miss a couple games to let his back settle down. |
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| Swisher out with leg contusion | Tuesday 8/26, 7:42 PM CT |
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Nick Swisher left Tuesday's game against Baltimore at Camden Yards after fouling a pitch off of his left leg during a 4th-inning at-bat, according to MLB.com. Swisher was diagnosed with a lower left leg contusion and is listed as day-to-day.
Our View: Swisher contributed to an early 6-0 lead for the White Sox by launching a two-run home run in the first, his 22nd of the season. He hobbled back to the dugout after striking out in the fourth and was replaced by Brian Anderson in the bottom of the inning. |
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| Register recalled from Triple-A | Tuesday 8/26, 7:33 PM CT |
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The Rockies recalled Steven Register from Triple-A Colorado Springs Tuesday. He replaces Brian Fuentes on the roster.
Our View: Register will work in middle relief. |
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| Fuentes placed on bereavement list | Tuesday 8/26, 7:32 PM CT |
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The Rockies placed Brian Fuentes on the bereavement list Tuesday. He can spend 3-7 days on the list.
Our View: Manny Corpas is likely to handle the closing duties while Fuentes is gone. |
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| Burton ready for rehab | Tuesday 8/26, 7:29 PM CT |
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Jared Burton is ready to head out on a rehab assignment, according to MLB.com. The Reds reliever threw 30 pitches over two simulated innings at on Tuesday. "It went awesome," said Burton, who is coming back from a strained lat. "My pitches had the late life that I needed. The command was even better today. That's the thing I was happy about."
Our View: Burton will join Triple-A Louisville and pitch on Thursday and Saturday. If all goes well, he could be activated from the DL next Tuesday. |
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| Church back to being everyday guy | Tuesday 8/26, 7:25 PM CT |
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Manager Jerry Manuel had said that he was going to ease Ryan Church back into the lineup, but now he thinks Church is ready to play every day, according to MLB.com. "I think he's at the point now where he has to be one of those four or five guys who's in there every day," Manuel said.
Our View: Church will handle right, while Fernando Tatis and Daniel Murphy will share the duties on left field. |
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| Kotsay could be headed to Beantown | Tuesday 8/26, 7:17 PM CT |
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The Red Sox are on the verge of acquiring Mark Kotsay from the Braves, according to ESPN.com.
Our View: Kotsay would give the Sox some insurance in the outfield with J.D Drew on the DL. |
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| Joba continues to work back | Tuesday 8/26, 7:01 PM CT |
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Yankee reliever-turning-starter Joba Chamberlain threw a 35-pitch bullpen session on Monday in an empty Yankee Stadium under the supervision of pitching coach Dave Eiland, according to MLB.com. He is scheduled to ramp up to 45 pitches on Thursday, and said he has started throwing harder just to see how his arm responds. "It felt better than last time as far as strength-wise," Chamberlain said of Monday's session. "Playing catch, you let a couple go, [and] I let a couple go in the bullpen."
Our View: Chamberlain has been on the disabled list since leaving an August 4th start at Texas with what the Yankees announced was right rotator cuff tendinitis. He has worked on a program with head trainer Gene Monahan, and tossed his full complement of pitches. Yankees manager Joe Girardi said that the organization had options of where they could send Chamberlain. Both the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees and Double-A Trenton Thunder have qualified for postseason play, and could provide game situations for Chamberlain to work toward a big league return. |
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| Guerrero scratched again | Tuesday 8/26, 6:52 PM CT |
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For the second night in a row, the Angels have listed their starting lineup for the night and star outfielder Vladimir Guerrero will not be on the field, according to the Orange County Register.
Our View: The OC Register notes no reason for concern or worry of injury, thus we are forced to assume it is another night of rest. If we hear otherwise, we'll let you know. |
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| Accardo done for the season | Tuesday 8/26, 6:47 PM CT |
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The Blue Jays have decided to shut down reliever Jeremy Accardo, opting to have the injured pitcher get an early start to his offseason in an effort to make a healthy return for next year, according to MLB.com. "He's not going to come back with us this year," Toronto manager Cito Gaston said on Tuesday at Tropicana Field.
Our View: The 26-year-old Accardo was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right forearm on May 10 and has been recalled from his Minor League rehab assignment. Gaston noted that Accardo is scheduled to have his forearm examined by renowned arm specialist Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Alabama |
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| Stavinoha recalled from Triple-A | Tuesday 8/26, 6:06 PM CT |
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The Cardinals recalled Nick Stavinoha from Triple-A Memphis Tuesday. He replaces the injured Brian Barton on the roster.
Our View: Stavinoha will be used mostly as a pinch hitter but could get and occasional spot start against lefties. |
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| Barton placed on DL | Tuesday 8/26, 6:03 PM CT |
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The Cardinals placed Brian Barton on the DL Tuesday with a strained right oblique. He was injured on Sunday.
Our View: Barton was 3-for-3 in his first start back but now is headed back to the DL. He'll be back up in September. |
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| Smith sent to Triple-A | Tuesday 8/26, 5:59 PM CT |
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The Red Sox optioned Chris Smith to Triple-A Pawtucket Tuesday. The move was made to clear a roster spot for Tim Wakefield.
Our View: Smith will likely be back up when rosters expand. |
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| Rolen activated from DL | Tuesday 8/26, 5:53 PM CT |
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The Blue Jays activated Scott Rolen from the DL Tuesday. He has been out with soreness in his left shoulder.
Our View: Rolen could help out AL-only squads a bit, but that's assuming his shoulder doesn't act up again. |
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| Wakefield activated, will start tonight | Tuesday 8/26, 4:51 PM CT |
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The Red Sox activated Tim Wakefield from the DL Tuesday. The knuckleballer, who had been out with tightness in his shoulder, will start tonight against the Yankees.
Our View: Wake has traditionally struggled against the Yanks, and that hasn't changed this year, as he holds a 6.94 ERA in two starts. |
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| Instant replay to begin Thursday | Tuesday 8/26, 4:47 PM CT |
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Major League Baseball will begin implementing instant replay on Thursday, according to the AP. For now, video will be used only on "boundary calls," such as determining whether balls went over the fence, whether potential home runs were fair or foul and whether there was fan interference on potential home runs. If the crew chief at a game decides replay needs to be checked, umpires will leave the field, technicians at MLBAM will show umpires the video and the crew chief will make the call, overturning the original decision only if there is "clear and convincing evidence." In addition, leaving the dugout to argue a call following a replay will result in an automatic ejection.
Our View: We'll see how this goes. There is bound to be some controversy, but for now this seems like the right thing to do. |
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| Lowell to begin hitting off tee | Tuesday 8/26, 4:42 PM CT |
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Mike Lowell seems to be progressing in his recovery from an oblique injury. He'll begin hitting off a tee tomorrow, according to the Boston Herald.
Our View: Lowell is still at least a week away, but it sounds like his owners should have him for pretty much all of September. |
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| Beckett on track to start Friday | Tuesday 8/26, 4:37 PM CT |
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Josh Beckett threw in the bullpen today with no difficulty, according to the Boston Herald. He remains on track to start Friday against the White Sox. Beckett hasn't pitched since Aug. 17 because of inflammation in his right elbow and numbness in his right arm. "He's ready to go and it's exciting," said manager Terry Francona. "Because he's excited, so are we."
Our View: Beckett owners can all breathe a collective sigh of relief. |
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| Taveras placed on waivers | Tuesday 8/26, 4:33 PM CT |
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The Rockies have placed Willy Taveras on waivers, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal. The Rockies will have 48 hours to work out a trade with the claiming team or teams.
Our View: Taveras is hitting the ball much better of late and leads the majors in steals by 20. He had been likely to be dealt in the offseason, but perhaps the Rox will be able to move him to a contender now. |
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| Fuentes placed on waivers | Tuesday 8/26, 4:29 PM CT |
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Maybe Brian Fuentes will get traded after all. The Rockies have placed Fuentes on waivers, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal. If he is claimed (and he almost surely will be), the Rox will have 48 hours to work out a trade with the claiming team or teams.
Our View: The Dodgers will have the first shot of any contending team at the reliever, though a team with a worse record could certainly claim him first. |
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| Thurston recalled | Tuesday 8/26, 3:28 PM CT |
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Joe Thurston has been recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket, according to the Providence Journal. J.D. was placed on the 15-day DL as the adjoining move.
Our View: Jason Lane was a possibility to be recalled, but the club opted for Thurston instead. He should get some action in the outfield while Drew is out, but went 0-for-8 in his previous stint with the club and is only worth a look as a flier in deeper AL-only leagues. |
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| Drew headed to DL | Tuesday 8/26, 3:22 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier report, J.D. Drew has been placed on the 15-day DL by the Red Sox, according to the Providence Journal. Joe Thurston has been recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket to fill his spot on the roster.
Our View: The team was hopeful his ailing back would improve by today, but it appears they did not get their wish. He missed the last six games due to a herniated disk in his back. |
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| Kearns placed on DL | Tuesday 8/26, 3:16 PM CT |
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Austin Kearns has been placed on the 15-day DL with a stress fracture in his left foot, according to the AP. The team is yet to announce a corresponding roster move.
Our View: Kearns is expected to miss two to four weeks with the injury, which he initially sustained on August 3. |
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| Pinto placed on DL | Tuesday 8/26, 3:12 PM CT |
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Renyel Pinto has been placed on the 15-day DL due to strained left hamstring, according to the AP. Doug Waechter was activated from the DL as the adjoining move.
Our View: Pinto held little to no fantasy value as a middle reliever, as he allowed 32 earned runs, 52 hits (nine homers), and 39 walks over 64 innings. |
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| Waechter activated from DL | Tuesday 8/26, 3:08 PM CT |
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Doug Waechter has been activated from the DL following his bout with right rotator cuff inflammation, according to the AP. The Marlins placed lefthander Renyel Pinto on the 15-day DL as the corresponding move.
Our View: Waechter has fared well with the Marlins this season (1.21 WHIP over 56.1 innings) and is worth consideration in deeper NL-only leagues that use middle men. |
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| Bale struggling | Tuesday 8/26, 2:10 PM CT |
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John Bale gave up three runs and two hits in one inning of work in Sunday's rehab outing with Triple-A Omaha, according to the KC Star. In eight rehab outings at Omaha, Bale is 0-2 with a 10.38 ERA in 8.2 innings.
Our View: Bale continues to struggle (while recovering from left shoulder tightness) and does not look like he will be be recalled when rosters expand in September. |
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| Larish to be tried at third base | Tuesday 8/26, 1:44 PM CT |
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Jeff Larish is going to be tried out at third base in the Arizona Fall League, according to the Detroit News. Miguel Cabrera has a seven-year contract to play first base with the Tigers, and the club wants to audition Larish at third base to give the powerful left-handed hitter a shot to make an impact with the club next season. Manager Jim Leyland said, "I like Larish. I like him a lot."
Our View: Carlos Guillen is 32 and Brandon Inge looks to be set at catcher for 2009, meaning Larish will be considered an option at third when spring training begins next season. |
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| Hafner not returning soon? | Tuesday 8/26, 12:48 PM CT |
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Travis Hafner might not be ready to come off his rehab assignment later this week, according to the Akron Beacon-Journal. Manager Eric Wedge said, "Hafner still feels some soreness. He's going to have a couple of off days. This is just part of the process. At some point, we have to find the right mixture of work and playing. He won't do anything today and probably not tomorrow." He has been on the DL since May 26 with weakness in the right rotator cuff.
Our View: Team officials would prefer to see how Hafner reacts to major-league pitching this season rather than shut him down until spring training. Not only would that aid his timing and confidence, but it also would give GM Mark Shapiro and Wedge some indication of whether or not they can depend on him next year.
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| Wade expected to be activated | Tuesday 8/26, 11:57 AM CT |
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Cory Wade, who is recovering from right shoulder inflammation, is expected to be activated from the DL Wednesday, according to the LA Times.
Our View: Wade pitched one scoreless inning for Single-A Great Lakes on Monday. He has fared well with the Dodgers this season, but only holds value in fantasy leagues that use middle men. |
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| Bedard's status remains unclear | Tuesday 8/26, 11:53 AM CT |
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It remains unclear if Erik Bedard (left shoulder stiffness) will return to the Mariners this season, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
Our View: The Mariners don't have a set time for Bedard to get back on a bullpen mound to prepare for a return to the rotation, and the team remains unsure if he will pitch again this season. |
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| Niese to be recalled | Tuesday 8/26, 11:16 AM CT |
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The Mets are reportedly going to recall 21-year-old pitcher Jonathon Niese from Triple-A New Orleans, according to the AP.
Our View: He will take John Maine's spot in the rotation. He could make his major league debut against Milwaukee on September 2, when the Mets next need a fifth starter. He has fared well in the minors this season, and is worth a look as a flier in larger NL-only leagues.
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| Sherrill optimistic on recovery | Tuesday 8/26, 11:10 AM CT |
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George Sherrill may play catch today for the first time since going on the DL with left shoulder inflammation, according to the Baltimore Sun. He says he can raise his arm above his shoulder again and is optimistic about a quick recovery.
Our View: Sherrill should be back in September, but the club may take it easy with him while they audition their younger prospects. |
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| Cueto injury update | Tuesday 8/26, 10:27 AM CT |
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Johnny Cueto's strained right elbow is not believed to be serious but he is still expected to miss one or two starts, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Our View: The team will also proceed with caution with their promising young hurler, but they are not considering shutting him down early. Homer Bailey was the most likely candidate to fill Cueto's spot in the rotation, but he is nursing an injury of his own at Triple-A. Nick Masset is said to be a possibility, who was acquired from Chicago in the Griffey deal. |
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| Pervical plays long toss | Tuesday 8/26, 10:19 AM CT |
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Troy Percival, who is on the DL with cartilage damage in his right knee, played long toss Monday, according to the St. Petersburg Times. Executive VP Andrew Friedman thought it went well.
Our View: The 39-year-old reliever said last week that he was hoping to be ready to return when he's eligible to come off the DL on Saturday. |
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| Longoria progressing favorably | Tuesday 8/26, 10:15 AM CT |
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Rays' executive VP Andrew Friedman believes Evan Longoria is progressing favorably from his fractured right wrist, according to the St. Petersburg Times. Friedman added, "He's going to work his way back into baseball activities."
Our View: The team should have a better idea within a week as to when he can return. |
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| No MRI for Aardsma | Tuesday 8/26, 9:47 AM CT |
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David Aardsma was scheduled for an MRI Monday, but instead was examined by Dr. Pete Asnis, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: Aardsma had X-rays on his strained right groin, and they were negative. He has been cleared to resume his rehab with coordinator Scott Waugh in Boston. The middle reliever could be back at some point in mid-September. |
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| Team hopeful regarding Drew | Tuesday 8/26, 9:43 AM CT |
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The Red Sox are hopeful J.D. Drew's back improves by today, otherwise he could be bound for the DL, according to the Boston Globe. Drew has been out of service since injuring his back on August 17.
Our View: The team also starts a series against the rival Yankees Tuesday, increasing their need to get Drew back. If he does land on the DL, Jason Lane could possibly be promoted from Pawtucket to fill his spot in the outfield. |
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| Lambert recalled | Tuesday 8/26, 8:59 AM CT |
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Chris Lambert has been recalled from Triple-A Toledo for Tuesday's start against Cleveland, according to the Detroit Free Press. Francis Beltran has been designated for assignment to make room on the roster.
Our View: Lambert will be making his major league debut, and takes Nate Robertson's spot in the rotation. He went 12-8 with a 3.50 ERA at Toledo this season, and is worth a look in deeper AL-only leagues. |
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| Beltran designated for assignment | Tuesday 8/26, 8:55 AM CT |
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Francis Beltran has been designated for assignment by the Tigers, according to the Detroit Free Press. The team recalled Chris Lambert for tonight's start as the corresponding move.
Our View: Beltran failed to impress the Tigers as he allowed seven earned runs, six walks, and 13 hits over 13 innings this season. |
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| Willis exits early | Tuesday 8/26, 8:52 AM CT |
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Dontrelle Willis left Monday's start at Triple-A Toledo after one inning because of tightness in his left forearm, and the team is yet to update his status, according to the Detroit Free Press. He threw 15 pitches (12 strikes) and allowed one earned run and two hits.
Our View: Willis suffered yet another setback, and is not worth keeping on fantasy rosters with continued uncertainty that he will return this season. |
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| Willits set to be activated | Tuesday 8/26, 8:48 AM CT |
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Reggie Willits is set to be activated from the DL for tonight's game against Oakland, according to the LA Times. He has been recovering from a mild concussion.
Our View: Willits should continue to be ignored as a fantasy outfielder upon his return. He holds a disappointing .185 average over 65 at-bats, with no homers. |
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| Anderson's injury not serious? | Tuesday 8/26, 8:45 AM CT |
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Garret Anderson's knee injury does not appear to be serious, according to the LA Times.
Our View: He could return to the starting lineup Tuesday or Wednesday. |
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| Rogers placed on waivers | Tuesday 8/26, 8:41 AM CT |
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The Detroit Free Press indicates that Kenny Rogers has been placed on waivers by the Tigers and could be traded soon.
Our View: A deal must come before Sunday, as that is the deadline to set postseason rosters. The 43-year-old hurler wouldn't likely be more fantasy worthy with another club. |
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| Morris shut down | Tuesday 8/26, 8:10 AM CT |
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Single-A pitching prospect Bryan Morris has been shut down at Hickory because of pain in the biceps just below the right shoulder, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View: The pain was a recurrence from something Morris experienced earlier in the year, but it is not considered serious. An exam performed over the weekend revealed no damage to the labrum or cuff areas, which are the primary concerns in a pitching shoulder. Morris was the Dodgers' first-round pick in 2006, and was acquired by the Pirates as part of the Manny Ramirez deal.
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| Matsui eligible Thursday | Tuesday 8/26, 7:57 AM CT |
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Kazuo Matsui (irritated disc) would be eligible to be activated from the DL on Thursday, according to the Houston Chronicle. But Manager Cecil Cooper isn't sure if he will activate him until rosters expand Monday. Cooper said, "Thursday’s his day, but I kind of doubt it. Probably Monday, if I had to pick a day."
Our View: Fantasy owners in NL-only leagues should pencil him back into the lineup for next week. He is hitting .285 with 49 runs scored and 19 stolen bases over 85 games. |
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| Berkman fights through ailment | Tuesday 8/26, 7:51 AM CT |
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Lance Berkman still had pain in his injured left hamstring, but returned to the starting lineup Monday, according to the Houston Chronicle. He said, "I still feel it. But having a day off always helps. I’m just probably going to have to go easy on it for a few more days. Not that I’ve been stealing a lot of bases recently, but it’s one of those things that you just have to monitor."
Our View: Berkman went 1-for-3 (single) Monday. He should remain active in lineups, and should start to feel better next week. |
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| Ellis set for batting practice | Tuesday 8/26, 7:09 AM CT |
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Mark Ellis will take batting practice and play catch Tuesday but is unlikely to play until Wednesday or Thursday, according to the SF Chronicle. He is dealing with a sore right shoulder.
Our View: Ellis is only hitting .234 but has provided decent speed (14 steals) and power (12 homers) numbers for deeper AL-only leagues. Fantasy owners should get him back at some point this week. |
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| Buck progressing | Tuesday 8/26, 7:04 AM CT |
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Travis Buck played in an Arizona rookie-league game and went 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI Monday, according to the SF Chronicle. He has been out for a month due to a concussion and inner ear problems.
Our View: He is expected to return to Triple-A Sacramento near the end of the week. He isn't worth waiting for as a fantasy outfielder, as he only batted .160 over 26 games this season. |
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| Gerut hits walk-off home run | Tuesday 8/26, 12:02 AM CT |
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Jody Gerut hit a two-run, walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth off of Arizona reliever Jon Rauch to lead the Padres to a 4-2 win over the Diamondbacks. It was his only hit in five at-bats.
Our View: Gerut has had a quietly solid season, and the home run was his 14th of the season. Fantasy owners could do worse if they need an outfielder. |
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| Dunn strikes out twice | Tuesday 8/26, 12:00 AM CT |
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Adam Dunn went 0-3 with two strikeouts in the Diamondbacks 4-2 loss to the Padres on Monday night.
Our View: So far in his Diamondbacks career, Dunn is hitting .238, with 10 hits in 42 at-bats, and he has struck out 15 times with two home runs. |
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