|
|
|
Matt Wieters went 1-for-3 with a single and an RBI in tonight's 5-2 loss at the Angels.
Our View: The Orioles only mustered five hits in the game. The prized rookie catcher has a hit in three straight games, and an RBI in each of the last two. |
|
|
|
|
Luke Scott went 1-for-4 with a solo homer off John Lackey in tonight's 5-2 loss at the Angels.
Our View: Scott hit a home run in back-to-back games, and leads the Orioles with 16. He should remain a solid source for power in fantasy leagues. |
|
|
|
|
John Lackey had his best outing of the season on Thursday, throwing eight strong innings, striking out seven and surrendering just two earned runs, as the Angels beat Baltimore 5-2.
Our View: Lackey is slowly getting back on track after a bad start to his 2009 season. He should now be safe to pencil into your starting lineup without fear of him getting bombed from here on out. |
|
|
|
|
Jeremy Guthrie was lit up for five earned runs on nine hits over seven innings in Thursday's 5-2 loss at the Angels. He had two walks and five strikeouts, and gave up two homers.
Our View: Guthrie is now 6-8 with a 5.20 ERA. He had his two-game winning streak snapped, and was dealt a loss in four of his last six starts. He should only be used in deeper fantasy leagues for his next battle from the mound. |
|
|
|
|
Bobby Abreu provided all the offense the Angels needed on Thursday night, hitting two bombs and driving in four as the Angels beat the Orioles 5-2
Our View: Abreu has had a conspicuous lack of power in 2009, but is still on pace for nearly 100 RBIs, as he has posted 48 through 71 games played. If you don't need him to hit a bunch of home runs, he is still a very solid option in the outfield, and is even on pace to steal over 30 bases for the first time since 2005. |
|
|
|
|
Mike Cameron went 3-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored in tonight's 9-5 loss at Chicago. He hit a single, double and a two-run homer off Ryan Dempster.
Our View: Cameron ended a 19-game drought without a homer, and has 13 for the season. Tonight's shot was his sixth away from Miller Park. |
|
|
|
|
Melvin Mora was out of the Orioles' lineup for the second straight game Thursday, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Our View: The Orioles have a lengthy trip coming up, and Mora asked skipper Dave Trembley for another day off. Mora did not state specifically why he is sitting out, but did note that he is healthy. The 37-year-old vet is not expected to see reduced playing time at third base in favor of Ty Wigginton. |
|
|
|
|
Kyle Lohse had his first rehab start on Thursday since going on the disabled list on June 4 with a right forearm strain, according to MLB.com. Pitching for Double-A Springfield, he went 4.2 innings, striking out three and walking four while surrendering two runs.
Our View: He's expected to start again next Tuesday. He is currently scheduled to return to the major leagues on July 12 when the Cardinals play a doubleheader at Wrigley Field. |
|
|
|
|
Mark DeRosa isn't expected to return to the Cardinals lineup until at least Tuesday, according to MLB.com.
Our View: DeRosa strained a tendon in his left wrist on Tuesday, but the injury is still not considered overly serious. He should be o.k. to pencil into your starting lineup once he returns next week. |
|
|
|
|
Matt Palmer has been removed from the Angels' rotation and will now work out of the bullpen, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Rookie Sean O'Sullivan will hold the No. 5 spot in the rotation going forward, and will make his next start Saturday against Baltimore. Palmer has a 5.00 ERA, but skipper Mike Scioscia noted that he will get another chance to work his way back into the rotation. Palmer should be held on fantasy rosters. |
|
|
|
|
Neal Cotts underwent Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery Thursday, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Cotts had only pitched 11 innings in 2009, and posted an abysmal 7.36 ERA in the process. He had been at Triple-A Iowa since May. It should be a long road recovery for the veteran lefty, and you shouldn't expect him to be making fantasy contributions again for a long time, if ever. |
|
|
|
|
Prince Fielder went 2-for-4 with a solo homer off Ryan Dempster in tonight's 9-5 loss at Chicago. His other knock was a double.
Our View: Fielder has a hit in six straight games, with three homers over the span. He has 21 homers for the season, with tonight's coming at the friendly confines of Wrigley Field. |
|
|
|
|
Seth McClung was lit up for seven earned runs on seven hits over a mere 3.1 innings in Thursday's 9-5 loss at Chicago. He issued two walks with one strikeout, and was tagged for three homers.
Our View: He is winless over two turns in the Brewers' rotation, and should only be considered for deeper fantasy leagues if he gets another start following tonight's nightmarish performance at Wrigley Field. |
|
|
|
|
Derrek Lee had a monster game on Thursday, driving in seven runs and socking two home runs as the Cubs beat the Brewers 9-5 in an important divisional game.
Our View: Lee has been doing his best to carry the Cubs recently, and has really turned it around after an awful start. The seven RBIs were a career high for the perennial All-Star. |
|
|
|
|
Sam Fuld went 2-for-4 with two runs scored starting in place of Alfonso Soriano, as the Cubs beat the Brewers 9-5.
Our View: Fuld is obviously not an option in any format, but Cubs fans are likely savoring the rare sight he provided Thursday: production from a North Side left fielder. |
|
|
|
|
Hideki Matsui went 2-for-3 with three RBI in tonight's 8-4 loss to Seattle at Yankee Stadium. He hit a double and a two-run homer off Jason Vargas.
Our View: This was an encouraging performance for Matsui after hitting a dismal .204 in June. He ended a 12-game drought without a home run. |
|
|
|
|
Ryan Dempster struck out nine in 6.2 innings of work on Thursday en route to his fifth win as the Cubs beat Milwaukee 9-5.
Our View: Dempster has come back down to Earth after his excellent 2008 season, but is still a solid middle-of-the-pack fantasy pitcher, and someone who should still be owned in every format. |
|
|
|
|
Franklin Gutierrez went 3-for-5 with a home run and RBI on Thursday as the Mariners beat the Yankees 8-4 in Yankee Stadium.
Our View: Gutierrez has put up good numbers for the Mariners in '09, batting .285 with eight home runs and 29 RBIs. His numbers aren't really enough to warrant a roster spot in most formats, but you could do worse for a fill-in. |
|
|
|
|
Robinson Cano went 3-for-3 with two runs scored in tonight's 8-4 loss to the Mariners at Yankee Stadium. He hit a double and two singles.
Our View: Cano has multiple hits in three of his last six games. He raised his season average to .307, tying him with Derek Jeter for the team lead. |
|
|
|
|
Russell Branyan hit his 20th home run of the season on Thursday as the Mariners beat the Yankees 8-4 in New York.
Our View: The home run tied his career high, set all the way back in 2001 when he was a member of the Cleveland Indians. The perennially underachieving Branyan continues to be the surprise of the season in the American League, and a solid option at first base or utility in most formats. |
|
|
|
|
Ichiro Suzuki had a big night on Thursday as the Mariners beat the Yankees 8-4, going 2-for-4 with two runs, two RBIs and a stolen base.
Our View: Ichiro is doing exactly what you would expect of him in 2009, leading the American League in hitting and doing everything he can to keep the Mariners in contention. Even at age 35, he remains a premier fantasy outfielder. |
|
|
|
|
CC Sabathia was tagged for six earned runs on 10 hits over 5.2 innings in Thursday's 8-4 loss to the Mariners at Yankee Stadium. He had three walks and racked up eight strikeouts.
Our View: Sabathia only allowed one earned run in each of his previous two starts, and the Yankees' ace hurler should bounce back fine following tonight's disappointing outing at home. |
|
|
|
|
Mark Teahen went 2-for-3 with a pair of singles in tonight's 4-1 loss to division rival Chicago at Kauffman Stadium.
Our View: Teahen has seven hits over his last five games, and raised his season average to .289. He continues to hit well after batting .297 in June. |
|
|
|
|
Matt Diaz did it all on Thursday night, going 3-for-4 with an RBI, two runs and a steal as the Braves beat Philadelphia 5-2.
Our View: Diaz is now batting .299 on the season, but is still not a regular enough of a contributor to warrant a roster spot in most formats. |
|
|
|
|
David DeJesus went 1-for-4 with a double, and recorded the Royals' lone RBI in tonight's 4-1 loss to the White Sox at Kauffman Stadium.
Our View: DeJesus is riding a five-game hitting streak, with three RBI over the span. He is only hitting .245 for the season, but is worth employing in fantasy lineups while hot. |
|
|
|
|
Gordon Beckham drove in a run starting in place of Alexei Ramirez on Thursday night, but still went 0-for-4 as the White Sox beat Kansas City 4-1.
Our View: Beckham has been solid if unspectacular during his first callup, and is not yet worthy of a roster spot in formats outside of keeper leagues. |
|
|
|
|
Mark Buehrle had his longest outing of the season on Thursday, tossing 8.1 effective innings as the White Sox beat the Royals 4-1.
Our View: Put simply, Mark Buehrle is just doing what he always does this season - winning games and eating up innings. Through 16 starts he's hurled 107.2 innings, and won eight games for the South Siders, all the while posting a 3.09 ERA. Look for him in a potential birth at this month's All-Star game in St. Louis. |
|
|
|
|
Bruce Chen gave up two earned runs on five hits over six innings in Thursday's 4-1 loss to the White Sox at Kauffman Stadium. He issued one walk and fired five strikeouts.
Our View: Chen pitched well, but was forced to take a loss due to poor offensive support from his teammates. Chen is 0-2 over two starts, and is only worth consideration for AL-only leagues for his next battle. |
|
|
|
|
Garret Anderson hit a pinch hit two run home run in the eighth inning on Wednesday, cushioning the Braves 3-2 lead as they eventually beat Philadelphia 5-2.
Our View: Anderson and his 37-year-old legs have been a pleasant surprise for Atlanta and manager Bobby Cox in 2009. His five home runs and 29 RBIs is more production than most were expecting out of the 16-year veteran. However, he is still not a viable fantasy option in most formats. |
|
|
|
|
Jimmy Rollins went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles in tonight's 5-2 loss at Atlanta.
Our View: Rollins finally had a solid outing, as he was hitless over his previous seven games (27 at-bats). He has been among the most disappointing fantasy players of 2009, as he holds an anemic .209 batting average. |
|
|
|
|
Javier Vazquez was solid if unspectacular on Thursday, striking out five in 5.1 innings and taking a no-decision as Atlanta won 5-2 at home.
Our View: Vazquez has been having his best season in years in 2009, going back and worth with Tim Lincecum for the National League lead in strikeouts and posting five wins for his newest team. He may drop off as the season progresses, but is still a top-tier option at starting pitcher in every format. |
|
|
|
|
J.A. Happ only allowed two earned runs on seven hits over seven innings in Thursday's 5-2 loss at Atlanta. He had two walks and five strikeouts.
Our View: Happ pitched well tonight, and it is a shame he was forced to take a no-decision due to poor run support from his teammates. He has allowed two or less earned runs in each of his last three starts, but only collected one win over the span. |
|
|
|
|
Ryan Franklin was perfect in picking up his 19th save on Thursday night, and now has a sparkling .87 ERA and .77 WHIP in 32 innings this season.
Our View: Franklin has made a strong case to be named to his first All-Star team in 2009, and has helped solidify the back-end of a Cardinals bullpen that got routinely battered in 2008. |
|
|
|
|
Aaron Rowand went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer off Todd Wellemeyer in tonight's 5-2 loss at St. Louis. He also struck out twice.
Our View: Rowand snapped a nine-game drought without a homer, and has nine for the season. Five of his home runs were hit away from pitcher-friendly AT&T Park. |
|
|
|
|
Skip Schumaker went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored on Thursday as the Cardinals beat the Giants 5-2.
Our View: Skip has quietly put together a solid 2009 season, batting .293 with 80 hits and 44 runs scored. He is an acceptable option at second base in deeper mixed or NL-only leagues if you are thin there. |
|
|
|
|
Barry Zito was rocked for five earned runs on five hits over a mere 4.1 innings of work in Thursday's 5-2 loss at St. Louis. He issued three walks and fired seven strikeouts.
Our View: Zito falls to 4-8 and his ERA climbs to 4.82. He has one win over his last four starts, and allowed four or more earned runs twice over the span. He will remain an unstable fantasy outing for his next trip to the mound. |
|
|
|
|
Ryan Ludwick drove in a run for the second straight game on Thursday, as the Cardinals beat San Francisco 5-2 to earn a split of the teams' four game series.
Our View: Ludwick has finally been showing some signs of life recently, hitting the ball hard and occasionally picking up some RBIs, and may soon be worthy of your starting lineup again. Keep an eye on him, but you could do worse for the time being. |
|
|
|
|
Todd Wellemeyer may have saved his rotation spot Thursday night, pitching 7.1 effective innings against the San Francisco Giants, as the Cardinals won 5-2 in St. Louis.
Our View: Unfortunately for Wellemeyer, one good start is just one good start. He still has a string of bad outings to atone for, and isn't a great option for spot starting. |
|
|
|
|
Raul Ibanez will not be returning to the Phillies lineup this weekend, according to MLB.com.
Our View: The Phils are taking it slow with their 37-year-old star. He will likely be back around the All-Star game, and there is little need to worry about him being out longer. |
|
|
|
|
First-round pick Mike Trout has agreed to a deal with the Angels, according to the Sports Network. Contract details were not disclosed.
Our View: Trout hit .531 with 18 homers, 49 runs scored and 45 RBI as a high school senior in Millville, New Jersey. He is a switch-hitter with power, and possesses a strong arm as an outfielder. |
|
|
|
|
Reed Johnson is set to start his minor league rehab assignment Friday with Single-A Peoria, according to MLBblogs.com. He has been recovering from lower-back spasms.
Our View: Johnson could return to the Cubs Monday, barring a setback. He is a career .283 hitter with some pop in his bat, but his fantasy value is limited as a reserve outfielder. |
|
|
|
|
Chad Orvella has signed a minor league deal with the Royals, according to USA Today.
Our View: The 38-year-old vet was released by the Rays back in June due to a poor 6.12 ERA over 32.1 innings with Triple-A Durham. Kansas City sent him to Double-A Northwest Arkansas, and Orvella should continue to be ignored in fantasy leagues. |
|
|
|
|
Scott Hairston was productive in Thursday's 7-2 loss to the Astros at Petco Park, as he went 2-for-4 with an RBI. He hit a single and a double, and also swiped a base.
Our View: Hairston raised his batting average a few points to .314, and is riding a five-game hitting streak. He continues to lead the Padres with eight stolen bases as well. |
|
|
|
|
Michael Bourn collected two hits, two runs and his 26th steal of the season on Thursday, as Houston trounced San Diego and a gang of bees 7-2 in Southern California.
Our View: Bourn is quietly having a huge 2009, and is a solid option in the outfield, primarily because of his frequent thefts and higher than usual average this season. |
|
|
|
|
Kevin Correia was roughed up for six earned runs on eight hits over five innings in Thursday's 7-2 loss to the Astros at Petco Park. He issued three walks with three strikeouts.
Our View: Correia falls to 5-6 for the season, and had his two-game winning streak snapped. He was pitching well prior to today's disastrous outing, as he allowed two or less earned runs in four of his previous five starts. He is worth employing in NL-only leagues for his next turn in the Padres' rotation. |
|
|
|
|
Geoff Blum had a huge game on Thursday, driving in four runs on two hits, including a home run. Houston beat the Padres 7-2 in San Diego amidst a swarm of bees.
Our View: Blum has occasional bursts of offense like he did on Thursday, but is not a solid option in any format. |
|
|
|
|
Wandy Rodriguez rebounded from an awful start last time out, pitching seven innings of one run ball as the Astros beat San Diego, and a swarm of bees, 7-2 on Thursday.
Our View: After a huge start to 2009, Rodriguez has been inconsistent of late, throwing good one game then getting torched the next. He believes he had been tipping his pitches, however, and said he corrected the flaw before today's game. He is still worth a roster spot in almost every format and should be a solid fantasy pitcher going forward. |
|
|
|
|
Alexei Ramirez is not in Chicago's lineup for tonight's game at Kansas City while nursing an injured right middle finger, according to the Chicago Tribune. He hurt his finger in Wednesday's battle with the Indians.
Our View: It was expected that he would miss the game due to swelling. Consider him day-to-day. Jayson Nix will cover shortstop in his place tonight. |
|
|
|
|
The Phillies have discussed signing free agent pitcher Paul Byrd, according to the Philadelphia Daily News.
Our View: They don't appear too serious, as they believe the veteran right-hander doesn't offer much of an upgrade over the back-end of the rotation starters they already have. There's a good chance Byrd has pitched his last major league game. |
|
|
|
|
The Florida Marlins have signed recently released pitcher Luis Ayala, according to Juan C. Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Our View: He is expected to pitch a few games in Triple-A New Orleans before joining the big club. The vet righty has a 4.18 ERA in 32.1 innings this season. He's not a great option in leagues with holds or middle relievers. |
|
|
|
|
The Astros/Padres game Thursday afternoon at Petco Park has been delayed after a swarm of bees stormed the field.
Our View: A truly bizarre sight. The Astros were winning 6-1 at the time of the invasion. A beekeeper is en route, and the game is expected to resume soon. |
|
|
|
|
Alfonso Soriano is not in the Cubs starting lineup for the second straight game on Thursday, according to the Chicago Tribune. Sam Fuld is starting in left field and leading off in his place.
Our View: Soriano has been woeful is 2009, hitting just .230 and striking out more than once a game. He has homered just twice since June 1, and driven in only nine runs in that time. He is not a great option for your starting lineup right now if you have someone on your bench to start in his place. |
|
|
|
|
Bobby Livingston has been released by the Orioles, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Our View: He was working with Double-A Bowie, and exercised a clause in his contract to get released. The clause stated that Livingston could be released if not in the majors by July 1. |
|
|
|
|
Jorge Posada is out of the Yankees' lineup for tonight's game against the Mariners while nursing a bruised and sore left thumb, according to the Star-Ledger.
Our View: Skipper Joe Girardi is not concerned with the ailment, and noted that Posada could be used as a pinch-hitter or catch if needed. Francisco Cervelli will start in his place. |
|
|
|
|
The ageless Fernando Tatis had a huge day in the Mets' extra inning win on Thursday, going 3-for-4 with four runs scored, two RBIs and a home run.
Our View: It was his first home run since May 13. Tatis' comeback is a great story, but he isn't worth of a roster spot in any format. |
|
|
|
|
Adam LaRoche was productive in Thursday's 9-8 loss to the Mets at PNC Park, as he went 2-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored. He hit a single and a two-run homer off closer Francisco Rodriguez.
Our View: LaRoche ended a seven-game skid without a homer, and leads the Pirates with 12 for the season. He snapped a four-game drought without an RBI as well. |
|
|
|
|
Ryan Church went 3-for-6 on Thursday, and drove in the winning run for the second straight game with his tenth inning single as the Mets beat Pittsburgh 9-8.
Our View: He did strand four runners, but also added another RBI and scored two runs of his own. He still doesn't provide enough production to warrant being owned in most fantasy formats, though. |
|
|
|
|
Tim Redding was awful again on Thursday, pitching just 2.1 innings and surrendering five earned runs, but, amazingly, the Mets offense bailed him out as the Amazins won 9-8 in ten innings in Pittsburgh.
Our View: Redding shouldn't be in the Mets rotation much longer, as both John Maine and Oliver Perez are due back from the disabled list soon. He is not a viable fantasy option in any format for any reason. |
|
|
|
|
Paul Maholm was lit up for six earned runs on 11 hits over a mere 4.1 innings of work in Thursday's 9-8 loss to the Mets at PNC Park. He had one walk and one strikeout. The game went 10 innings.
Our View: Maholm should be happy he takes a no-decision rather than a loss in his nightmarish outing. He has given up four or more earned runs in three of his last four starts, and will be an unstable fantasy option for his next trip to the hill. |
|
|
|
|
Francisco Rodriguez blew his third save of the season on Thursday, but recovered to nail down the win in ten innings, as the Mets outlasted Pittsburgh 9-8.
Our View: K-Rod has hit a relative rough patch after his amazing start to the season, but is still one of the premier closers in all of baseball. Despite his recent blown saves, there is absolutely no reason to keep him out of your lineup. |
|
|
|
|
According to the Seattle Times, Ryan Langerhans will get his first start as a Mariner in Thursday's contest against the Yankees.
Our View: Langerhans is starting in left field, but has the arduous task of going against Yankee ace, CC Sabathia. He figures to get the majority of the starts in left with a righty on the mound, but the reason he's going against the lefty (Sabathia) tonight is, the team wanted to get him into big league action as soon as possible. Langerhans may be worth a look in deep AL-only leagues, but nothing more. |
|
|
|
|
Mark Reynolds' 22nd homer of the season gave the Diamondbacks a 2-1 lead, but a blown save attempt by Chad Qualls cost the slugger his game-winning RBI. It was Reynolds' only hit in four trips and Arizona lost a heart-breaker in the tenth to the Reds 3-2.
Our View: Reynolds is actually putting together a fine fantasy campaign in 2009. His 22 homers are accompanied by a .270 average and 57 RBI. The power has always been there, but Reynolds is making real strides this season with his overall plate production. Last year he hit just .239 with 204 Ks. |
|
|
|
|
Doug Davis allowed just one run on seven hits and four walks over seven innings, but was denied the victory due to a blown save by Chad Qualls. The D-Backs eventually fell to the Reds in ten innings.
Our View: Davis pitched well, but the four walks are disheartening and he allowed 11 men to reach base in his seven innings of work. He pitched his way out of jams, but a high WHIP spells nothing but trouble for a pitcher. Still, with a 3.15 ERA he deserves better than his 3-8 record. |
|
|
|
|
Aaron Harang pitched very well on Thursday, but did not factor in the decision as the Reds topped Arizona 3-2 in ten innings. He allowed just two runs on four hits and three walks over seven innings and fanned eight.
Our View: Harang is halfway through what seems to be a legitimate bounce-back season. His ERA now sits at 3.86 and he has put together nine quality starts this season. |
|
|
|
|
Joey Votto was 4-for-6 and drove in the winning run in the bottom of the tenth inning on Thursday to give the Reds a 3-2 win over the Diamondbacks.
Our View: Votto now has his average up to .366 on the season, and he has hit very well since coming off the disabled list with a combination of an inner ear infection and an anxiety disorder. He has 15 hits in nine games since his return. |
|
|
|
|
According to MLBlogs.com, Jason Schmidt earned the second win of his Triple-A rehab assignment on Wednesday. The former ace allowed four runs on seven hits in six innings.
Our View: Schmidt's line doesn't seem that great, but he did strike out five, did not walk a batter and threw 60 of his 85 pitches for strikes. The Dodgers are looking for pitching help down the stretch and Schmidt just may be the answer. |
|
|
|
|
According to the Akron Beacon Journal, the Rays have acquired pitcher John Meloan from the Cleveland Indians for Winston Abreu.
Our View: Meloan allowed 69 base runners in just 44 innings and compiled a 5.52 ERA for the Rays Triple-A affiliate this season. He has no fantasy value. |
|
|
|
|
The Indians have acquired Winston Abreu from the Tampa Bay Rays for minor league pitcher John Meloan, according to the Akron Beacon Journal.
Our View: Abreu was DFAed by the Rays on June 27th, but pitched extremely well in Triple-A, striking out 49 in 32 innings and recording a 1.41 ERA. He will likely help a struggling Indians' pen. He will be added to the Tribe's Major League roster. |
|
|
|
|
According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the Twins have recalled left-hander Brian Duensing from Triple-A Rochester.
Our View: Despite making the team out of spring training, Duensing was sent down after allowing two runs in his only appearance of the season. He was 4-6 with a 4.66 ERA in Triple-A and will head to the bullpen when he joins the Twins. He has no fantasy value. |
|
|
|
|
According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, left-hander Sean Henn has been sent down to Triple-A Rochester.
Our View: Henn was demoted to make room for Brian Duensing, who was just recalled. Henn had a 7.15 ERA in 14 games for the Twins this season, and was the logical choice to get the boot due to his poor performance. |
|
|
|
|
According to SB Nation, Ryan Freel has been designated for assignment by the Chicago Cubs.
Our View: Freel became expendable when the Cubs acquired Jeff Baker from the Rockies earlier today. Freel came over from Baltimore earlier this season and put up a miserable .369 OPS in 14 games with the Cubs. Even when he was healthy he couldn't hit. |
|
|
|
|
According to the Seattle Times, Jason Vargas' next start will be pushed back an extra day. He will face Baltimore on Wednesday.
Our View: The Mariners are just shuffling things around so that King Felix can get an extra day's rest and the M's can throw him and Erik Bedard out against the Rangers, who are currently three games ahead of Seattle. Vargas' health is not in question. However, he is not a reliable fantasy starter. |
|
|
|
|
According to the Philadelphia Daily News, Brett Myers was cleared by a doctor to begin a throwing program.
Our View: Myers, out since June with hip surgery, may have a chance of returning at some point towards the end of the season if he doesn't suffer any setbacks in his rehab. Don't count on it though. |
|
|
|
|
In a non-fantasy related note, Red Sox outfielder Jason Bay will become a U.S. citizen Thursday afternoon, reports ESPN.com.
Our View: The ceremony will be held in Boston's historic Faneuil Hall. The 30-year-old Bay is from British Columbia, Canada and is the first Red Sox player to be naturalized since David Ortiz became a citizen last summer. |
|
|
|
|
According to Newsday, David Wright is once again in the starting lineup for the Mets on Thursday.
Our View: Manager Jerry Manuel keeps insisting that he's going to give Wright a day off, but he is the only imposing presence in the Mets' lineup right now and they desperately need wins. Not to mention Wright is a gamer and he fights to get in there every day. Unfortunately he is fatigued and his swing is lengthening, causing him to slump a bit. He'll get a day off soon, it just won't be today. Make sure he's in your lineup. |
|
|
|
|
According to the Chicago Tribune, injured outfielder Carlos Quentin is "getting closer" and could be headed for a Minor League rehab assignment in the near future.
Our View: Quentin, out since May 26 with Plantar fasciitis, has been improving and could return shortly after the All Star break. He will likely have a lengthy rehab stint, where he will be put through a program to see if his feet can with stand the rigors of running, hitting and playing the outfield. All signs so far have been optimistic. Keep him stashed on your rosters for now. |
|
|
|
|
According to the Mercury News, relegated pitcher Jonathan Sanchez will remain in the bullpen until further notice.
Our View: Sanchez was very good in his last relief appearance, striking out all three hitters he faced, but the emergence of Ryan Sadowski will keep him in the pen. Sadowski tossed six shutout innings in his first start and Giants' management felt he deserved another chance. Meaning Sanchez's fantasy value continues to suffer. |
|
|
|
|
According to the Mercury News, Ryan Sadowski's impressive first outing has landed him a spot in the Giants' starting rotation.
Our View: Sadowski shut out the Brewers for six innings in his first start of the season and Manager Bruce Bochy felt the performance was too good not to give him another shot. This means that struggling starter Jonathan Sanchez will remain in the bullpen. |
|
|
|
|
The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that Nick Punto (lower back) expects to be in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Tigers.
Our View: Punto left Wednesday's game with tightness in his lower back after being run into on a controversial slide by the Royals' Jose Guillen. Punto shouldn't miss any additional time though. |
|
|
|
|
The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that the Twins have released reliever Luis Ayala.
Our View: The Pirates were interested in Ayala's services for relief help, but neither side could work out a deal and Ayala was let go. He was DFAed on June 22nd, but is now a free agent and can sign with any club. |
|
|
|
|
According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, first baseman Justin Morneau is expected to be in the lineup for Friday's game.
Our View: Morneau left Wednesday's contest with tightness in his groin, but the former MVP is confident that he won't miss any additional time. Thursday's off day should give him time to rest it before Friday's showdown with the Tigers. |
|
|
|
|
The Journal News reports that Jose Molina will begin a rehab assignment on Friday.
Our View: Molina has been out since May 8th with a torn left quad and will likely need several rehab games before he's ready to return to backup catching duties for the Yankees. Expect him back some time in the next two weeks. |
|
|
|
|
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that Vicente Padilla has had his next start pushed back to Tuesday due to a sore shoulder.
Our View: The Rangers don't feel the injury is serious, so Padilla will miss the Tampa Bay series but should be good to go next week. Manager Ron Washington offered some solace for fantasy owners, "He said it's no big deal. If he wants to get pushed back, we're going to listen." |
|
|
|
|
According to Yahoo! Sports, the Cubs have acquired infielder Jeff Baker from the Colorado Rockies.
Our View: It is currently unclear who the Rockies will receive in return, or what the Cubs plan to do with Baker at this point. Baker has been on the 60-day DL since May 24th and he began a minor league rehab assignment on June 19th. |
|
|
|
|
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, injured right-hander Clay Condrey played long toss from 120 feet on Wednesday, but has yet to throw off a mound since landing on the DL.
Our View: Condrey's DL stint for a strained oblique is retroactive to June 18th and he is eligible to return July 4th, but it doesn't look like there is any chance of that happening. The Phils will have to wait a bit longer for the return of their promising reliever. |
|
|
|
|
According to Scout.com, Claudio Vargas will complete his Minor League rehab assignment on Friday and is expected to be added to the Dodgers' 25-man active roster.
Our View: Vargas has recovered from elbow tendinitis and looks to take pitcher Eric Stults' spot on the active roster. If he is not activated Vargas could declare free agency, so the Dodgers want to give him a shot before that happens. He will work long relief out of the bullpen. |
|
|
|
|
According to Scout.com, the Dodgers have optioned third-string catcher A.J. Ellis to Triple-A.
Our View: After the series against Colorado ended, Ellis was shipped out. He will catch regularly in Triple-A and will likely receive a call-up in September when the rosters expand. He holds no fantasy value. |
|
|
|
|
According to Scout.com, the Dodgers have designated Mitch Jones for assignment.
Our View: The move was made to clear a roster spot for, you guessed it, Manny Ramirez. There will be a 10-day window during which Jones can be traded, released or claimed by an opposing club. If he makes it through the ten days, he can be re-signed. |
|
|
|
|
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that reliever Scott Eyre will likely be activated from the DL on Sunday.
Our View: Eyre is rehabbing a strained calf and will pitch out of the bullpen for Double-A Reading on Friday before rejoining the Phillies on Sunday. Barring setbacks of course. Eyre has no fantasy value outside of deep leagues that feature holds. |
|
|
|
|
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Raul Ibanez's rehab start has been pushed back to either Thursday of Friday night.
Our View: Ibanez has been out the last couple weeks with a strained left groin, and the team wants to play it safe with their new prized slugger. He is eligible to come off the DL today, but that now seems like an impossibility. Don't expect to see him this weekend either. He could make it into the series against the Reds next week, but nothing is set in stone. Continue to stash him on your roster until he's ready to roll. |
|
|
|
|
Carlos Lee got a hit for the eighth time in nine games on Wednesday and drove in a run as Houston clipped San Diego 7-1.
Our View: Lee isn't driving in as many runs as he has in the past, but is still an above average option in the outfield in most every format. |
|
Crushing hits. Explosive separation. Hail Mary bombs to streaking receivers. For that and fantasy analysis for all things football turn to Owners Edge NFL every week on your way to the championship.
Power-plays. Goals. Fights. Great glove saves. If you are looking to augment your NHL experience with some of the most innovative fantasy hockey analysis on the Internet, then turn to Owners Edge NHL.
Outlet passes. Jumpers from downtown. Alley-oops leading to thunderous jams that bring the crowd to their feet are all part of the NBA experience leading to our analysis of the hardwood at Owners Edge NBA.
The hush at the tee box is followed by the sweat sound of metal on ball as someone in the gallery yells out 'you da man!' At Owners Edge PGA we bring refinement, analysis and passion to the sport of golf.
The smell of burning rubber. The thrill of unmitigated speed coming out of the turn. The visceral exhilaration of a pile up. At Owners Edge NASCAR we make the pit stop so you don't have to on race day.