|
|
|
Jason Berken was bad again on Saturday, pitching just four innings as the Orioles got routed by the Angels 11-4.
Our View: Berken simply isn't a viable option in any format right now. |
|
|
|
|
Sean O'Sullivan kept the Angels in the game Saturday night, allowing four earned runs in 5.2 innings, as the Halos eventually broke out and pummeled the Orioles 11-4.
Our View: O'Sullivan hasn't been a miracle worker in the Angels rotation, but has been good enough to usually give the Angels a chance to win, and is a decent spot starting option. |
|
|
|
|
Adam Jones went 3-for-4 with two RBIs on Saturday night, good for his first multi-RBI game since June 13, but the Orioles still lost to the Angels, 11-4.
Our View: Jones has cooled off considerably since a monster start to the season, but should still be in your lineup everyday as a second or third outfielder in most formats. |
|
|
|
|
Vladimir Guerrero went 2-for-5 with a home run and four RBIs, his most since August 6 last season, on Saturday as the Angels crushed the Orioles 11-4 in Anaheim.
Our View: Vlad now has five RBIs in four games since returning from the disabled list. It's clear he's no longer the premier run producer he once was, but he should still drive in plenty of runs and be a solid option at outfield in every format. |
|
|
|
|
Clint Barmes clubbed his tenth home run of the season on Saturday, and drove in two runs, but the Rockies fell to the Diamondbacks 9-6 at home.
Our View: Barmes has cooled off a bit in recent days, but is still an acceptable option at second base or shortstop in deeper mixed or NL-only leagues. |
|
|
|
|
Yusmeiro Petit was lit up in his first start back from the disabled list on Saturday, allowing four earned runs in just three innings of work. The Diamondbacks still won, though, 9-6 in Denver.
Our View: Petit was not good in 2009 before going on the DL, and there is no reason at this time to add him to your team. |
|
|
|
|
Aaron Cook was tagged for two earned runs in an injury-shortened five inning outing on Saturday, and took a no-decision as the Rockies lost 9-6 to Arizona.
Our View: Cook apparently just got the wind knocked out of him, and should be fine for his next start. |
|
|
|
|
Mark Reynolds hit his 23rd home run of the season on Saturday night as the Diamondbacks pounded the Rockies 9-6.
Our View: Reynolds continues to put up big numbers in '09, and is making a strong case for his first All-Star game appearance. |
|
|
|
|
Stephen Drew went 3-for-5 with a home run and two RBIs on Saturday as the Diamondbacks outslugged the Rockies 9-6 in Denver.
Our View: Drew raised his average eight points to .251 on the night, and now has six home runs and 33 RBIs during his injury-shortened season. He should continue to improve his numbers, and is a solid option at shortstop. |
|
|
|
|
Jason Bartlett kept up his amazing season on Saturday, going 2-for-3 while hitting his eighth home run. It wasn't enough, however, as Tampa was beaten handily by Texas, 12-4.
Our View: Bartlett would seem to be a candidate to slow down at some point, as he is well ahead of his career averages in almost every offensive category, but he just keeps on hitting. Their is no reason to take him out of your starting lineup for the time being. |
|
|
|
|
Michael Young helped pace the Rangers to a 12-4 rout of the Rays on the Fourth of July, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored.
Our View: Young is having a typically solid season in 2009, batting .314 with ten home runs and 33 RBIs. He has an outside shot at being named to his sixth straight All-Star team on Sunday. |
|
|
|
|
Andruw Jones went 2-for-5 went a home run and four RBIs, his most since September 21, 2006, on Saturday, as the Rangers blew out the Rays 12-4.
Our View: Jones now has ten home runs in 2009 after only having three in all of 2008. He is still batting a mediocre .245, and has just 27 RBIs, but the turnaround is notable nonetheless. |
|
|
|
|
David Price got rocked on Saturday, surrendering six earned runs in in just 1.1 innings of work, as the Rangers routed the Rays 12-4 in Arlington.
Our View: Price is definitely experiencing some rookie woes in 2009, and is not a player to start every time out. He is capable of being great still, but you should hold off on starting him, and his astronomical 1.71 WHIP, until he proves he can be more consistent. |
|
|
|
|
Josh Hamilton will not rejoin the Rangers on Sunday as originally planned because his scheduled rehab start was rained out on Saturday, according to Marc Lancaster of the Tampa Tribune.
Our View: He will now return Monday when the Rangers play in Anaheim. You may want to wait a few days before penciling him into your starting lineup, as he has not been hitting well in his rehab starts thus far. |
|
|
|
|
The Denver Post's Dave Krieger is reporting that Rockies ace Aaron Cook left the game on Saturday after having "the wind knocked out of him" on a dive.
Our View: This is good news for the Rockies, as it was initially thought Cook had injured his back. He should be good to go for his next scheduled start. |
|
|
|
|
Ben Francisco went 3-for-3 with a home run and 2 RBIs as the Indians beat Oakland 5-2 on the Fourth of July.
Our View: Francisco does not play enough, or produce enough when he does, to warrant serious fantasy consideration in any format. |
|
|
|
|
Grady Sizemore had his second straight two-hit game on Saturday, and drove in two runs as the Indians dispatched Oakland 5-2.
Our View: Sizemore is still batting an amazingly disappointing .230 on the season, however, and is not anywhere near playing his best baseball. He could be a good candidate to buy low. |
|
|
|
|
Orlando Cabrera had one of his better games of the season on Saturday, going 3-for-5 with an RBI and a steal, but it wasn't enough, as Cleveland defeated the A's 5-2 on the Fourth of July.
Our View: Cabrera has been a little more productive of late, but still remains one of the bigger disappointments of 2009. He is not a great option at shortstop in most formats. |
|
|
|
|
Carl Pavano won his seventh start of the season on Saturday, striking out three in 6.2 innings of the work as the Indians defeated the A's 5-2.
Our View: Pavano's improbable return from the dead continues. He is still only a fringe fantasy option, however, as both his 5.36 ERA and 1.41 WHIP are less than sterling. |
|
|
|
|
Vin Mazzaro lost for the third straight start on Saturday, surrendering four earned runs in six innings as the Indians won 5-2.
Our View: Mazzaro is a fringe roster option and decent spot starter, but little more at this point. He is not a longterm solution to any of your pitching problems. |
|
|
|
|
Chien-Ming Wang is headed to the disabled list with a right shoulder strain, according to The Journal News.
Our View: Wang strained the shoulder in the Yankees Saturday win over the Blue Jays. This just continues the miserable disaster his 2009 season has been. After his 5.1 inning, four run performance, his ERA stands at "just" 9.64. Sergio Mitre has been mentioned as a possible spot starter for Wang's next turn in the rotation, and Phil Hughes will not be reinserted into the Yanks rotation. |
|
|
|
|
Hanley Ramirez hit another home run on Saturday, his 14th of the season, and contributed two RBIs as the Marlins beat the Pirates 5-3 on the Fourth of July.
Our View: Ramirez continues to be the second best player in baseball for the time being behind Albert Pujols, and now has 60 RBIs on the season, putting him on pace to shatter his career high of 81 established in 2007. He is also batting a robust .346 on year. |
|
|
|
|
Emilio Bonifacio was 3-for-4 with a steal and two runs scored on Saturday, as the Marlins beat the Pirates 5-3 at home.
Our View: Bonifacio has leveled off dramatically after his amazing start, and isn't worth an own anymore unless you really need his steals. |
|
|
|
|
Zach Duke took his seventh loss of the season on Saturday, allowing four runs in six innings of work, as the Marlins beat Pittsburgh 5-3 on the Fourth of July.
Our View: Duke is still having a decent fantasy season, however. His 3.20 ERA and 1.21 WHIP are both very solid numbers, and he has managed to win eight games despite losing seven. He doesn't strike out too many batters, but you could do worse than having him on your team. |
|
|
|
|
Andrew Miller scattered seven hits over 6.2 innings of work on Saturday, while allowing three earned runs, which was enough to earn his third victory of the season, as the Marlins beat Pittsburgh 5-3.
Our View: Miller is still a ways away from being a top-tier fantasy pitcher, but has been serviceable enough in 2009. In very deep mixed or NL-only leagues, he could be worth owning, and he is a decent spot-starting option in all formats. |
|
|
|
|
Andy LaRoche went 2-for-4 with a home run on Saturday, but the Pirates lost 5-3 to the Marlins in Miami.
Our View: LaRoche is batting .278 in 2009, but has just four home runs. There should be better options at third base in most formats. |
|
|
|
|
Pablo Sandoval left Saturday's game in the sixth inning with a skinned knee, according to the San Jose Mercury News.
Our View: Sandoval is apparently doubtful for Sunday with the injury. Still, it is only a skinned knee, so the burly corner infielder shouldn't be out long. |
|
|
|
|
Heath Bell pitched 1.2 innings on Saturday to secure his 23rd save of the season, as the Padres beat the Dodgers 7-4.
Our View: It was the fifth time this season the Padres burly closer went at least 1.1 innings, and he now sports a 1.53 ERA through 35.1 innings pitched in 2009. Look for him at the All-Star game in St. Louis later this month. |
|
|
|
|
David Eckstein picked up his 32nd and 33rd RBIs of the season on Saturday, helping the Padres to a 7-4 victory over the Dodgers on the Fourth of July.
Our View: Eckstein may be Major League Baseball's real-life ultimate winner, but the scrappy middle infielder still shouldn't be on your fantasy team in 2009. |
|
|
|
|
Manny Ramirez hit his first post-suspension home run on Saturday, his seventh of the season, but it wasn't enough as the Padres beat the Dodgers 7-4 in San Diego.
Our View: Manny didn't take long to re-assert his place in the Dodgers lineup, and Saturday's bomb was likely the first of many more as he looks to rehabilitate his image and lead the Dodgers to their first World Series win since 1988. |
|
|
|
|
Everth Cabrera led the Padres to victory on Saturday, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored as the Friars beat the Dodgers 7-4 on the Fourth of July.
Our View: Cabrera has hit relatively well for the Padres since coming off the 60-day disabled list on June 19, but still has a long ways to go before being considered a good option at shortstop in most formats. |
|
|
|
|
Josh Geer kept the Padres in the game with six gutty innings on Saturday, but took a no-decision as the Padres beat Los Angeles 7-4.
Our View: He isn't anything more than a spot-starter in most fantasy formats, however. |
|
|
|
|
Randy Wolf struck out eight in six effective innings of work on Saturday, but took a no-decision as the Dodgers lost 7-4 to the Padres in San Diego.
Our View: Wolf lowered his ERA to 3.49, and his WHIP to 1.15, in the process. Despite only having three wins in 2009, he is worthy of a roster spot in every format. |
|
|
|
|
Justin Morneau paced the Twins to victory on Saturday, going 4-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs as the Twinkies beat Detroit 4-3.
Our View: Morneau is putting up his usual huge numbers in 2009, and is a strong candidate to make his third straight All-Star team later this month. |
|
|
|
|
Magglio Ordonez homered for only the second time since April 27 on Saturday, and drove in all three Tigers runs in a 4-3 losing effort in Minnesota.
Our View: Magglio was benched again on Friday, and maybe this time it actually inspired him. He still has a long way to go toward being declared out of his horrific power slump, but Saturday was a good start. |
|
|
|
|
Francisco Liriano went seven innings for the second straight start on Saturday, but took a no-decision as the Twins beat the Tigers 4-3.
Our View: After looking horrible for most of 2009, Liriano appears to finally be rounding into form. If he's available in your league, he could be worth an add, and is also a good candidate to buy low from frustrated owners. |
|
|
|
|
Edwin Jackson struck out nine in 6.1 innings of work on Saturday, but did not factor into the decision as the Tigers lost 4-3 to the Twins on the Fourth of July.
Our View: Jackson has come back to Earth after his blistering start, but is still pitching effectively and in line for his first All-Star appearance later this month. |
|
|
|
|
Jimmy Rollins reached base three times and drove in two runs on Saturday, as the Phillies beat the Mets 4-1 in Philadelphia.
Our View: Rollins is still having a miserable 2009 season, and has shown signs of emerging from his slump before, only to struggle even more. Until he puts together seven or eight good games in a ten game stretch, he cannot be declared out of his slump and good to start every day. |
|
|
|
|
Shane Victorino went 3-for-5 with a run scored and an RBI as the Phillies beat the Mets 4-1 on the Fourth of July.
Our View: Victorino has had a fairly quiet 2009, but is still a solid outfielder in every format. |
|
|
|
|
Fernando Nieve was mostly ineffective on the Fourth of July, walking six and surrendering four runs in 5.2 innings of work, and the Mets lost 4-1 to the Phillies.
Our View: Nieve has had a few good starts since being inserted into the Mets rotation, but is best used as a fantasy spot starter. |
|
|
|
|
Alex Cora had his first three hit game since June 16 on Saturday, but he was the only Met hitting, as the Amazins lost 4-1 to the Phillies in Philadelphia.
Our View: Cora has played admirably in Jose Reyes' absence, but has no home runs, and is not an option at shortstop in any format. |
|
|
|
|
Jamie Moyer won his third straight start on Saturday, and lowered his ERA to below 6.00, as the Phillies beat the hapless Mets 4-1.
Our View: Moyer looked done earlier this season, but pitched relatively effectively for most of June and has now gotten off to a good start in July. He shouldn't be more than a spot starter for your team, but he is no longer fantasy poison. |
|
|
|
|
Carlos Lee helped contribute to an offensive day to forget for Houston on Saturday, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts, as the Astros got dominated by San Francisco and Tim Lincecum 9-0.
Our View: Lee is producing less in 2009 than in seasons past, but is still on pace for around 25 home runs and 100 RBIs. He is a good option in every format. |
|
|
|
|
Pablo Sandoval upped his average to .333 on Saturday, going 2-for-2 with an RBI as the Giants rolled Houston 9-0 at home.
Our View: Already having a big season, Sandoval has really heated up in recent weeks, and is an excellent option in every format, especially because of his eligibility at catcher. |
|
|
|
|
Aaron Rowand was 2-for-4 with two RBIs on the Fourth of July, as the Giants easily beat Houston 9-0.
Our View: Rowand doesn't provide a ton of power or an overwhelming amount of hits, but is still a decent outfield option in most deeper mixed or NL-only leagues. |
|
|
|
|
Tim Lincecum was masterful again on Saturday, striking out nine Astros in seven innings of work, as San Francisco rolled to an 9-0 victory on the Fourth of July.
Our View: Lincecum has looked every bit as dominant this season as he did in his 2008 Cy Young award winning campaign, as is the early favorite to win it again this year. He is also surely on the short list of potential All-Star game starters for the National League. |
|
|
|
|
Russ Ortiz had a disastrous outing on Saturday, surrendering eight earned runs in just 5.2 innings of work while walking five, as the Astros got dominated by Tim Lincecum and San Francisco 9-0.
Our View: Ortiz was coming off two great starts in a row, but was absolutely rocked on Saturday. He is still a decent spot starting option, but not someone you should have on your roster full-time. |
|
|
|
|
Adam Lind continued his torrid 2009 hitting on the Fourth of July, socking his team leading 17th home run, but it wasn't enough as the Blue Jays lost 6-5 to the Yankees in 12 innings.
Our View: Lind looks like 2008's version of Ryan Ludwick - an outfielder who starts hot out-of-nowhere and keeps it up for the whole season. He should be owned in every format, and isn't even necessarily a great sell-high option since he has shown no signs of cooling off. |
|
|
|
|
Jorge Posada homered in the fourth inning on Saturday, and also singled in the game winning run in the 12th inning, as the Yanks outlasted the Blue Jays 6-5 in New York.
Our View: Posada continues to hit amazingly well for a 37-year-old catcher, and remains a premier option at backstop in every format. |
|
|
|
|
Robinson Cano had one of the worst games of his career on Saturday, going 0-for-6 while stranding ten runners, but the Yankees still beat the Blue Jays 6-5 in 12 innings.
Our View: Cano has been a streaky hitter for most of his career, and these kind of low lows should be expected with his high highs. Plug him into your starting lineup and hope for the best. |
|
|
|
|
Roy Halladay was largely ineffective in his second start since coming off the disabled list on June 29, allowing five earned runs and three home runs in seven innings as the Blue Jays eventually lost to the Yankees 6-5 in 12 innings.
Our View: Doc has looked rusty in his first two post-DL starts, but should soon round into his Cy Young form again and be a contender for the award, as usual, this season. Look for him at the All-Star game later this month. |
|
|
|
|
Brett Tomko earned his first win since April 6, 2008 on Saturday, as the Yankees beat the Blue Jays 6-5 in 12 innings.
Our View: Tomko has an unseemly 5.21 ERA and is not a good option in leagues with holds or middle relievers. |
|
|
|
|
Alberto Callaspo paced the Royals to a 6-4 victory over the White Sox on the Fourth of July, going 2-for-3 with three RBIs and a run scored.
Our View: Callaspo is now hitting over .300 and has quietly drive in 31 runs for the season. There are certainly better options at second base in most formats, but Callaspo could serve as a decent fill-in. |
|
|
|
|
Gordon Beckham went 2-for-4 on Saturday, including his third major league home run, but it wasn't enough as Chicago lost 6-4 to the Royals in Kansas City.
Our View: Beckham has seen his average jump from .239 on June 29 to .275, and could be worth a flier if you are in dire need of a new or fill-in third baseman. |
|
|
|
|
Jermaine Dye hit his 19th home run of the season on Saturday, but the White Sox lost 6-4 to the Royals in Kansas City.
Our View: Dye now has 50 RBIs on the season, and remains a top-flight option in the outfield in every format. |
|
|
|
|
Gavin Floyd failed to pitch at least six innings for the first time since May 17 on Saturday, and took the loss as the Royals beat Chicago 6-4 on the Fourth of July.
Our View: Floyd has really turned things around since a rocky start, and is worth an own in every format. |
|
|
|
|
Luke Hochevar wasn't overly effective on the Fourth of July, allowing nine hits, including two home runs, but still got his second straight win as the Royals beat the White Sox 6-4.
Our View: Hochevar has turned himself into a fringe fantasy option of late, winning four of his six starts since June 6. He doesn't strike out too many batters, and tends to walk a lot, but is simply finding ways how to win. |
|
|
|
|
Chris Woodward went 2-for-3 on Saturday, and drove in the winning run in the ninth inning as the Mariners beat Boston 3-2 at Fenway Park.
Our View: Woodward is filling in ably for the injured Adrian Beltre so far, but is not a fantasy option in any format. |
|
|
|
|
Russell Branyan drove in two more runs on Saturday, giving him 45 for the season, as the Mariners beat the Red Sox 3-2 at Fenway Park.
Our View: The American League's surprise of the season just keeps hitting, and should garner serious consideration for the AL All-Star team. |
|
|
|
|
Jason Varitek hit his 12th home run of the season on Saturday, driving in both Sox runs, but Boston fell to Seattle 3-2.
Our View: 'Tek is batting just .240 in 2009, but is only one home run off his 2008 total of 13, and has done so in 71 fewer games. He is a decent option at catcher because of his power. |
|
|
|
|
Garrett Olson walked four in six innings on Saturday, but also struck out five and surrendered only two runs, as the Mariners scored in the ninth to beat Boston 3-2.
Our View: Olson has a respectable 4.54 ERA through 54. innings in 2009, but doesn't strike out many batters, and walks too many, and isn't much of an option beyond emergency spot starter in most formats. |
|
|
|
|
Brad Penny was solid on the Fourth of July, striking out six in six innings while surrendering only two runs, but took a no-decision as the Red Sox lost 3-2 to the Mariners.
Our View: Penny has lowered his ERA to 4.67 from 6.69 on May 14, on is worth a roster spot in deeper mixed or AL-only leagues. |
|
|
|
|
Colby Rasmus hit a towering first inning home run on the Fourth of July, his second in four games, but it wasn't enough, as the Reds beat the Cardinals 5-2.
Our View: Rasmus is emerging as legitimate power threat in the Cardinals outfield, and is decent option for your third or fourth outfielder in most formats. |
|
|
|
|
Joey Votto stayed hot on the Fourth of July, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a home run as the Reds beat St. Louis 5-2.
Our View: Votto hasn't missed a beat since being activated from the disabled list on June 23, and is quickly emerging as a top flight fantasy first baseman. If you can't start him at first, he needs to at least be your utilityman. |
|
|
|
|
Willy Taveras was 3-for-5 with a steal on the Fourth of July, as the Reds beat the Cardinals 5-2.
Our View: Taveras is among the National League league leaders in steals, with 16, but is still hitting just .244 and not worth a roster spot unless you are absolutely desperate for steals. |
|
|
|
|
Brad Thompson lost for the third straight start on Saturday, surrendering five runs (four earned) in five innings as Cincinnati beat St. Louis 5-2.
Our View: After pitching well in his four starts back in the rotation, Thompson has been hit hard the last three times out and likely won't be in the St. Louis rotation much longer. He is not a good spot starting option. |
|
|
|
|
Micah Owings notched his sixth win of the season on Saturday as the Reds beat the Cardinals 5-2. Owings went 6.2 innings and allowed two runs on six hits while walking two and striking out six. He also went 1-for-3 at the plate with a solo home run.
Our View: Owings has been good over his last two starts, and he is starting to pick up some steam when it comes to fantasy value. NL-only leaguers might want to give him a look if you are in need of some pitching. |
|
|
|
|
Tommy Hanson did not factor into the decision on Saturday as the Braves fell to the Nationals by a score of 5-3. Hanson went seven innings and allowed one run on three hits while walking one and striking out five.
Our View: Hanson should have gotten another win today, but his bullpen blew it late in the game. He had kept the Nats' bats silent until the Adam Dunn homer in the seventh, and that was the only run he gave up. This kid is real and should continue this all season. |
|
|
|
|
John Lannan moved to 6-5 on the year Saturday as he picked up the win in the Nationals' 5-3 defeat of the Braves. Lannan went eight innings and allowed three runs on nine hits while walking one and striking out one.
Our View: Lannan continues to pitch well, but his lines are never overwelmingly impressive. He can be useful in all leagues, but his value isn't great considering the low strikeout rate and the fact that he plays for the Nats. |
|
|
|
|
Milton Bradley reached base three times on Saturday in the Cubs' 11-2 loss to the Brewers. Bradley went 1-for-2 with a home run, two walks, a two RBI.
Our View: Bradley provided all the Cubs' offense this afternoon, but it wasn't nearly enough to give them a chance. If Bradley can get hot, he can be huge in all fantasy leagues, but right now he is a risky play at best. |
|
|
|
|
Rich Harden got hammered by the Brewers on Saturday as the Cubs fell 11-2. Harden went only two innings and allowed seven runs on eight hits while walking one and striking out one. He is now 5-5 on the year.
Our View: This is about as bad a performance as you will ever see from Harden. He didn't have the good stuff today, and fantasy owners are paying the price. Keep trotting him out there unless these starts become a habit. |
|
|
|
|
Casey McGehee had a monster day at the dish on Saturday in the Brewers' 11-2 win over the Cubs. McGehee went 4-for-5 with a triple, a home run, three runs scored, and five RBI. He was a double short of the cycle.
Our View: McGehee has been a pleasant surprise for the Crew as of late, and he really put it on the Cubs today. He couldn't quite manage the double for the cycle, but still an outstanding effort. |
|
|
|
|
Braden Looper notched his seventh win of the season on Saturday as the Brewers demolished the Cubs 11-2. Looper went six innings and allowed two runs on six hits while walking three and striking out three.
Our View: Looper pitched well today, but it always helps when your team gives you 11 runs of support. 7-4 is about what you would expect from a guy like Looper, as he isn't flashy but he eats innings and gets the job done. |
|
|
|
|
The Miami Herald is reporting that Nationals' outfielder Adam Dunn hit his 300th career home run on Saturday against the Braves. Dunn took rookie Tommy Hanson deep in the bottom of the seventh. Dunn was 2-for-3 in the game with two RBI.
Our View: Dunn has been a feared power hitter his entire career, and he still has a long way to go to add to those 300. Dunn is always a power option, and should be owned in all leagues because of it. |
|
|
|
|
Updating a previous report, Blue Jays' beat writer Jordan Bastian is reporting on his Twitter page that Yankees' starter Chien-Ming Wang left the game with a right shoulder strain. He is set to undergo an MRI later today.
Our View: So the injury is a shoulder strain, but we will know more after the MRI results come back. It's not looking great for Wang at this point, but stay tuned for more updates. |
|
|
|
|
The Newark Star-Ledger is reporting that Yankees' starter Chien-Ming Wang left Saturday's start in the top of the sixth with an unspecified injury. On the previous pitch, Blue Jays' DH Adam Lind hit a go-ahead two-run homer.
Our View: Jorge Posada noticed something was wrong with Wang, and after a meeting with the trainer he was pulled. We will keep you updated on the nature and severity of the injury as the news is released. |
|
|
|
|
Thanks to a slight tweak in the rotation, White Sox' ace Mark Buehrle will make two more starts before the All-Star break, according to MLB.com. Buehrle was originally scheduled to start Wednesday, but instead he has been moved up to Tuesday which will allow him to return on Sunday.
Our View: Buehrle has been his typical self this season, solid and durable. While this move puts a damper on his chances to go to the All-Star game, it will be much better for the team if he can get an extra start before the break. Adjust your lineups accordingly. |
|
|
|
|
According to the Dallas Morning News, the Texas Rangers have promoted top prospect Justin Smoak to Triple-A. Smoak was the team's first round pick in the 2008 draft.
Our View: It looks like the Rangers may be fast-tracking Smoak to the majors, but it would be a major surprise if we saw him in a major league uniform before September. He will have a real shot to make the team next season, and if he does he could have some definite fantasy value. |
|
|
|
|
According to Metsblog.com, the team has removed pitcher Tim Redding from the rotation to make room for Oliver Perez. Redding will be used as a long reliever going forward.
Our View: Redding forced the Mets to make this move with his awful play over the past few starts, and he has no one to blame but himself. Any fantasy value he had is gone now, and will remain so unless he gets another shot in the rotation. |
|
|
|
|
The San Francisco Giants have optioned infielder Matt Downs to Triple-A Fresno in order to make room for Rich Aurilia's activation from the bereavement list, according to TSN. Downs hit only .194 with the Giants since his call up.
Our View: Downs isn't quite ready for the major league level yet, and some more time in Triple-A will do him some good. He got a chance, but he just couldn't capitalize. Obviously, he has no fanasy value in any league. |
|
|
|
|
TSN is reporting that the Giants have activated infielder Rich Aurilia from the bereavement list. He was out while attending the funeral of his father.
Our View: Aurilia has not been good this season, and he warrants no fantasy consideration going forward. His best years are behind him, and there are plenty of other more appealing options out there. |
|
|
|
|
The Twins have recalled pitcher Anthony Swarzak from Triple-A Rochester to replace the injured Kevin Slowey, according to TSN. Swarzak is expected to take Slowey's spot in the rotation for the time being.
Our View: Swarzak had his best start of the year in his last outing before being sent down, so we will have to see if he can carry that over. He is not flashy, but he is a solid ERA guy and should be considered in AL-only leagues. |
|
|
|
|
TSN is reporting that the Twins have placed starter Kevin Slowey on the 15-day DL with a strained right wrist. In a corresponding move, the team promoted pitcher Anthony Swarzak from Triple-A.
Our View: Slowey is a ten game winner for the Twins, so this hurts a bit. He hasn't been spectacular this season, but he has been good enough to give his team a chance, which is why he has ten wins. Owners should stash him on the DL and wait for his return, as he is still a solid fantasy option. |
|
|
|
|
Sean Rodriguez has been sent back to Triple-A Salt Lake by the Angels, according to TSN. The team recalled Howie Kendrick in the corresponding move.
Our View: Rodriguez was only 2-for-17 with the Angels since being called up, so no fantasy impact here. He is better off playing every day in Triple-A, and the team is better with Kendrick as an option. |
|
|
|
|
According to TSN.ca, the Angels have recalled infielder Howie Kendrick from Triple-A Salt Lake. In a corresponding move, the team optioned infielder Sean Rodriguez.
Our View: Kendrick has been hitting the ball well in Triple-A, with a .346 average and 11 RBI in 20 games. The team feels like he is ready to come back, and hopefully he has gotten himself back on track. It might be worth it to take a flier on him if you need a middle infielder, as he still has the potential to be very good. |
|
|
|
|
According to the Baltimore Sun, Orioles' shortstop Cesar Izturis took live batting practice before Friday's game and is expected to go out on a rehab assignment in the next few days. Izturis is still recovering from an appendectomy.
Our View: Izturis will probably need a decent amount of time in the minors before he returns, so it looks like it will still be a few weeks before he rejoins the team. He will hold no fantasy value upon his return, so no need to give him a look. |
|
|
|
|
The New York Daily News is reporting that Mets' pitcher Oliver Perez has rejoined the team in anticipation of his activation next week. Perez has been confirmed as the starter for Wednesday's game against the Dodgers.
Our View: Perez was shaky in his last rehab start, and his first start back with the team is scheduled to be against Manny and the Dodgers. It would be wise to give him at least one start before activating him on your team, as the first matchup does not bode well. |
|
|
|
|
According to MLB.com, Cubs' manager Lou Pinella has decided to move Alfonso Soriano down from his leadoff spot in the order. Soriano is hitting sixth on Saturday, while Kosuke Fukudome takes over the leadoff duties.
Our View: Soriano has been mired is a season-long slump, and his average is at .226. The Cubs finally decided they can't have a leadoff hitter who doesn't get on base, so the move was made. Maybe this will light a fire under Soriano, and he should have more RBI opportunities hitting in the six-hole. |
|
|
|
|
David Ortiz is not in the Red Sox lineup for their Saturday afternoon game against the Mariners. He is being replaced by Rocco Baldelli as the DH.
Our View: With the team facing a lefty today, manager Terry Francona decided to give Papi a day off. He is expected to return to the lineup tomorrow, but check back just to make sure. |
|
|
|
|
Cardinals' beat writer Matthew Leach is reporting on his Twitter page that shortstop Brendan Ryan was a late scratch from Saturday's game with "gastrointestinal stress." He was replaced by Tyler Greene in the lineup.
Our View: Not sure exactly what gastrointestinal stress is, but it sounds like Brendan might have had a tummy ache. This shouldn't be too serious, so anyone in NL-only leagues who is using Ryan should have him back soon. |
|
|
|
|
According to MLB.com, Padres' pitcher Cha Seung Baek threw 40 pitches in a simulated game on Friday. Baek is said to be recovering well from a strained right forearm.
Our View: Assuming he is feeling fine on Saturday, Baek is expected to begin a rehab assignment some time next week. When he comes back he could hold some value in NL-only leagues, but his mixed league value is still fairly low. |
|
|
|
|
MLB.com is reporting that the Dodgers have moved pitcher Hong-Chih Kuo from the 15-day DL to the 60-day DL. Kuo is still recovering from a strained left elbow.
Our View: The Dodgers haven't been impressed with Kuo's recovey thus far, and now it looks like he will be out for much longer than expected. Any fantasy value he had is gone now, so if he is on anyone's roster you should get a replacement immediately. |
|
|
|
|
MLB.com is reporting that the Diamondbacks have activated starter Yusmeiro Petit to start Saturday's game. Petit has been out of the rotation since he went on the DL in May.
Our View: Petit is not even a candidate for a spot fantasy start today, as he has been bad this season. It would not be wise to have him on your team, as he has done nothing to show he is worthy of fantasy consideration. |
|
|
|
|
Jorge Posada is back in the Yankees' lineup for their game Saturday against the Blue Jays. Posada has missed the last two games with swelling on his injured thumb.
Our View: The thumb is feeling better, and Posada is good to go today. Fantasy owners should feel free to get him back in the lineup, but keep checking back on his status going forward. |
|
|
|
|
According to MLB.com, Cardinals' closer Ryan Franklin is unavailable for Saturday's game against the Reds. Franklin has pitched in three consecutive games, and he may get the rest of the weekend off.
Our View: Franklin is hoping to hear his name called for the NL All-Star team, but it doesn't look like he will get a chance to pitch again before the team is announced. Fantasy owners shouldn't expect to see him this weekend unless the Cards are desperate for a save. |
|
|
|
|
MLB.com is reporting that the Cubs plan to use newly acquired Jeff Baker in a multitude of roles going forward. The Cubs traded for Baker on July 2.
Our View: Lou Pinella told the media he wants to use Baker in a Mark DeRosa-type role since he can play so many positions. If he can get in the lineup on a daily basis, he could have some fantasy value, but we will have to see how exactly the team uses him. |
|
|
|
|
MLB.com is reporting that the Yankees plan to give third baseman Alex Rodriguez a day off at some point during their weekend series against the Blue Jays. A-Rod homered in the first game of the series on Friday.
Our View: We will keep you updated on A-Rod's status for each game this weekend, but don't be shocked when he is out of the lineup. It would make the most sense to sit him Sunday since today is kind of a big deal, so watch the lineups closely. |
|
|
|
|
MLB.com is reporting that Blue Jays' closer Scott Downs could be activated this weekend after throwing a successful bullpen session on Friday. Downs has been out with a strained big toe in his left foot.
Our View: Manager Cito Gaston told the media that the team would evaluate Downs again today, but it looks like he is very close to being ready. We will keep you update on his status for the rest of the weekend, but for now get ready to activate him soon. |
|
|
|
|
MLB.com is reporting that the Indians are expected to designate pitcher Matt Herges for assignment to make room for the newly acquired Wilson Abreu. Herges is 2-1 with a 3.55 ERA this season.
Our View: Herges isn't having a terrible season, so this seems like an interesting move. The Indians' bullpen has been awful, but Herges is hardly the one causing it. He has no fantasy value, but don't be shocked if he gets picked up by another team. |
|
|
|
|
According to MLB.com, A's infielder Mark Ellis missed the start of Friday's game in Cleveland due to the birth of his child. He was in attendance in CLeveland on Friday night, but he was not in time to start.
Our View: Ellis tried to make it back last night, but he just couldn't get there in time. He is expected back in the lineup on Saturday, so anyone using him in fantasy should feel free to get him in. |
|
|
|
|
MLB.com is reporting that Giants' catcher Bengie Molina got the day off on Friday. He was replaced by Eli Whiteside behind the plate. It was just a routine day off, and was not due to injury.
Our View: Many people thought originally that Whiteside was given the start since rookie Ryan Sadowski was on the mound, but the Giants are saying that had nothing to do with the decision. While Sadowski may be more comfortable with Whiteside, the Giants can't afford to sit Bengie every time Sadowski pitches. |
|
|
|
|
According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Cardinals' starter Kyle Lohse is expected to need only one more rehab start before he is able to return to the rotation. Lohse is scheduled to pitch on Tuesday in Triple-A Memphis.
Our View: Everything appears to be on track for a return to the rotation next week in Chicago. Lohse is progressing nicely, so expect him to be ready to pitch in the team's doubleheader on July 12 at Wrigley. |
|
|
|
|
Placido Polanco went 3-for-8 with two runs scored and three RBI in the Tigers' 11-9, 16-inning win over the Twins on Friday.
Our View: Polanco, normally a hit machine, hasn't hit over .267 in any month this season. He should be limited to very deep leagues, as his .259 average and five home runs won't translate well anywhere else. |
|
|
|
|
Justin Morneau was 3-for-7 with a double, a walk and an RBI in the Twins' 11-9 marathon, 16-inning loss to the Tigers on Friday.
Our View: Morneau has been placed in the shadows since the emergence of Joe Mauer this season, but he's quietly having a remarkable fantasy campaign. It's tough to argue with a .311 average, 19 homers and 65 RBI> |
|
|
|
|
Manny Ramirez was 0-for-3 with a walk in his return to the lineup on Friday night.
Our View: Just Manny being Manny being ineffective at the plate. He's a one man circus, but he a helluva hitter. Keep him in your lineup as he's bound to get hot in the near future. |
|
|
|
|
Adrian Gonzalez was 1-for-4 with a double and two RBI in the Padres 6-3 loss to the Dodgers on Friday.
Our View: A-Gon has been mired in a monster slump lately. He hasn't homered since June 23rd and hasn't had a multi-hit game since June 18th. He's seen his average fall all the way to .265, and one of the game's brightest stars the first two months of the season has considerably dwindled. |
|
|
|
|
Rafael Furcal went 4-for-5 with a run scored and a stolen base in the Dodgers' 6-3 win over the Padres on Friday.
Our View: Furcal has yet to hit above .250 in any month this season. He's been a fantasy disaster and the things that owners want most from him (steals) have been tremendously lacking. Firday's swipe was just his fifth. |
|
|
|
|
Pablo Sandoval went 2-for-5 with a homer, three RBI and two runs scored in the Giants' 13-0 win over the Astros.
Our View: Sandoval broke an 0-for-9 skid with Friday's performance, and the husky young hitter has been one of the year's biggest fantasy surprises. He was a terror for NL pitchers in June with a .394 average, eight homers and 20 RBI. |
|
|
|
|
Ryan Sadowski just keeps getting it done. The young hurler tossed seven scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and a walk in the Giants' convincing 13-0 win over Houston.
Our View: Sadowski has bumped Jonathan Sanchez from the rotation and now it looks as if he's not going to give him an opportunity to reclaim his old job. Sadowski is NL-only worthy now and if he keeps this up he'll get plenty of mixed league attention as well. |
|
|
|
|
Aubrey Huff was 2-for-4 with a three run homer in the Orioles' 6-4 win over the Angels on Friday.
Our View: Huff broke out of a 2-for-17 skid with a big night on Friday. He now has 11 homers and 55 RBI on the season and would be a fine fantasy performer if he wasn't stuck at a loaded position (first base). |
|
|
|
|
In his return to action on Friday night, Ervin Santana was promptly rocked by the Orioles. He allowed six runs (four earned) on eight hits and three walks over just five inning. He was took the loss as the Angels fell 6-4.
Our View: Santana hasn't been a semblance of the pitcher he was last season, and this had to dampen the spirits of the Angels faithful. They got a boost with his return, but the results of his performance were disheartening. He's probably safer on your bench until he puts it together again. |
|
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.