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| Teixeira not headed to Boston | Monday 7/14, 9:57 PM CT |
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Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein has denied trade rumors regarding Braves first baseman Mark Teixeira, the Boston Globe reports. ESPN had reported that the Red Sox and Braves were discussing a swap of Teixeira for Kevin Youkilis and Craig Hansen.
Our View: It'll still be interesting to monitor the Teixeira situation as the trade deadline nears. He is in the final year of his contract, and the Braves are looking up at three teams in the NL East. |
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| Morneau wins Home Run Derby | Monday 7/14, 9:53 PM CT |
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Justin Morneau won the All-Star Home Run Derby by out-slugging Josh Hamilton in the final round. The Twins first baseman hit five long balls in the last frame, and Hamilton countered with only three. Morneau smacked eight and nine homers in the first two rounds.
Our View: Hamilton will still be the man everyone is talking about, but Morneau now has something to place next to that 2006 AL MVP trophy. |
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| Hurley tosses 7.1 scoreless | Monday 7/14, 9:37 PM CT |
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It looks like Eric Hurley's left hamstring feels pretty good. He tossed 7.1 shutout innings for Double-A Frisco on Monday. Hurley allowed four hits, walked one, struck out two, and picked up a win.
Our View: Provided he feels good after the game, Hurley will be back in the Rangers rotation after the All-Star break. The 22-year-old right-hander is an iffy fantasy play this year, but we like his long-term future. |
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| Blalock goes 1-for-3 | Monday 7/14, 9:34 PM CT |
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Hank Blalock started at first base and went 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI for Double-A Frisco on Monday. He is rehabbing a torn left hamstring and is due to play three games for Frisco.
Our View: Blalock's "Games Without an Injury" counter now has been flipped to "1." The Rangers still plan on him being their starting first baseman, which is bad news for Chris Davis fans. We'll see if Hank can get through three minor league games first. |
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| Jenks makes rehab appearance | Monday 7/14, 9:31 PM CT |
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Bobby Jenks worked one inning for High-A Winston-Salem on Monday night. He allowed three hits and one run, walked none, and struck out none. Jenks is on the DL due to soreness in his left shoulder/back. He will throw again on Wednesday for Double-A Birmingham.
Our View: The White Sox still play on bringing Bobby back by Friday. We'd prefer to see a bunch of zeros, but we're not too worried by those numbers. |
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| Baldelli moving to Double-A | Monday 7/14, 8:53 PM CT |
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Rocco Baldelli is headed to Double-A Montgomery to continue his minor league rehab assignment, the Tampa Tribune confirms. The outfielder played the last two days for High-A Vero Beach. Prior to that, Baldelli missed some time due to a sore right groin.
Our View: Baldelli still carries an indefinite timetable, and fantasy owners shouldn't be counting on him. |
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| Hamilton socks 28 in first round | Monday 7/14, 8:50 PM CT |
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Josh Hamilton hit a record 28 long balls in the first round of Monday's Home Run Derby. The previous record holder was Bobby Abreu, who hit 24 in one round in 2005.
Our View: Wow. Just wow. It doesn't even matter if Josh ends up winning this event. |
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| Halladay tired of losing | Monday 7/14, 8:33 PM CT |
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Roy Halladay expressed some mild displeasure with the Blue Jays on Monday, saying he's tired of not competing for the postseason. "It's hard to keep doing the same things each year and it's hard to not see a progression," Halladay tells the Canadien Press. "We sit down every spring training and we talk about the same things and it's almost like a little bit of 'Groundhog Day.' That definitely gets frustrating, you want to talk about why we're succeeding, what we've done to help us get to the point of where we're at, and we just haven't done that." The ace adds that he's like to eventually play for a team that can win the World Series.
Our View: Halladay is under contract through 2010, but it almost sounds like he's gearing up to move on. He'll be 33 once his deal is up, and the Blue Jays appear to be stuck in neutral. Anyway, Roy is having a fantastic season despite the Blue Jays' issues. He'll remain a fantasy stud. |
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| Joyce wins weekly honor | Monday 7/14, 8:26 PM CT |
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Matt Joyce was named the AL Player of the Week on Monday, TSN.ca reports. The 23-year-old outfielder was 9-for-22 with four homers, four doubles, and six RBI over the period.
Our View: The rookie was only hitting .222 heading into the week, and his bat obviously caught fire. Joyce is likely to spend the rest of this season shuffling back and forth between Detroit and Triple-A Toledo, but he's shown some good pop in his brief major league time. |
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| Duchscherer feeling better | Monday 7/14, 6:52 PM CT |
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Justin Duchscherer is feeling much better after dealing with a throat infection, and he is slated to pitch the sixth inning in Tuesday's All-Star game, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Our View: We're almost more worried about the arm than the throat. The Duke worked 7.2 innings on Sunday, and hopefully he won't have to throw too many pitches against the NL stars. |
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| No news on Saito | Monday 7/14, 6:49 PM CT |
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Takashi Saito received an MRI on Monday, but club officials won't discuss the results until Tuesday, MLB.com reports. The closer has experienced discomfort in his right elbow. The Dodgers are worried that he may need season-ending surgery.
Our View: Jonathan Broxton has been standing on the closer's doorstep for the better part of two seasons, and he would take over the ninth inning. Needless to say, Broxton's fantasy value would skyrocket. |
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| Ortiz aiming for July 25 return | Monday 7/14, 5:17 PM CT |
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Red Sox manager Terry Francona confirms that David Ortiz is tentatively scheduled to rejoin the club on July 25, MLB.com reports. The slugger will begin a rehab stint on Thursday. He has been out since May 31 due to an injured left wrist.
Our View: July 25 is a Friday, so fantasy owners with weekly lineup changes may need to wait one more turn before activating Big Papi. |
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| Zimmerman sharp | Monday 7/14, 4:46 PM CT |
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Jordan Zimmerman held Bowie to three hits and one run over seven innings on Monday. The 22-year-old right-hander also struck out nine. Zimmerman is 4-2 with a 3.45 ERA and 1.21 WHIP over 13 starts for Double-A Harrisburg. He opened the season at High-A Potomac.
Our View: Zimmerman had a blowup performance on June 29 but has otherwise been pitching very, very well for Harrisburg. He was a second-round pick in 2007, and we imagine that Jordan may get a bump up to Triple-A before the year is out. He is in the Nats future plans. |
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| Tillman tosses five shutout innings | Monday 7/14, 4:42 PM CT |
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Chris Tillman didn't pick up a win, but he tossed five shutout innings against Harrisburg on Monday. The 20-year-old right-hander is 7-3 with a 2.94 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 91 strikeouts over 88.2 innings at Double-A Bowie this season.
Our View: Tillman, who came over the in the Erik Bedard deal, is in the middle of an excellent campaign. He has had some control issues, but we imagine he could see a taste of Triple-A and possibly the majors before the end of the season. |
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| Zimmerman could return on Friday | Monday 7/14, 4:32 PM CT |
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Ryan Zimmerman could be back with the Nationals as soon as Friday, according to the Washington Times. The third baseman will play at High-A Potomac on Monday and Tuesday and then move to Triple-A Columbus. If all goes well, he'll be back in the majors by this weekend. Zimmerman hasn't played since May 25 due to a labral tear in his left shoulder.
Our View: Fantasy owners should hold off on activating Zimmerman until he proves that his shoulder is healthy. There's no guarantee that he'll feel good during this rehab. |
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| Cubs ask about Greene | Monday 7/14, 4:22 PM CT |
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The Cubs have recently inquired about the availability of Khalil Greene, the San Diego Union-Tribune notes. The report says that Greene will stick with the Padres because his trade value has fallen too low.
Our View: We're not sure why the Cubs would want Greene when they have Ryan Theriot, Mark DeRosa, Ronny Cedeno, and Mike Fontenot up the middle. Greene would add pop to that list, but that's about it. |
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| Bard closer to return | Monday 7/14, 3:29 PM CT |
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Josh Bard played for Single-A Lake Elsinore against Rancho Cucamonga on Sunday as he he continues to recover from a high ankle sprain, according to the North County Times. The plan is for Bard to start as Elsinore's DH on Monday before taking Tuesday off. Bard is also scheduled to catch five innings Wednesday.
Our View: Manager Bud Black noted that it wouldn't surprise him if Bard returned to the Padres on July 24 (against the Pirates). |
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| Iguchi making progress | Monday 7/14, 3:24 PM CT |
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Tadahito Iguchi, who is recovering from a separated right shoulder, will hit off a tee on Wednesday, according to the North County Times.
Our View: Iguchi will join the Padres on their 11-game road trip after the All-Star break. He is coming around well and feeling good, but is still a few weeks away from playing. |
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| Damon has session delayed | Monday 7/14, 3:18 PM CT |
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Johnny Damon had his first hitting off a tee session pushed back at least a few days due to soreness in his ailing left shoulder, according to the AP. He said, "Had a little tough time sleeping last night. Today it felt a little sore. We’re just going to hold back the swinging at least two more days. Hopefully it won’t be too long of a time."
Our View: He would be eligible to be activated from the DL on July 20. We will keep you posted on his status. |
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| K-Rod to test free agency | Monday 7/14, 3:13 PM CT |
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Francisco Rodriguez said he would like to test the free agent market following this season, according to the LA Times. He said he would not rule out re-signing with the Angels but would no longer consider an extension before soliciting offers from other teams. He added, "I'm going to go out there and explore the market. They had six years. They didn't get anything done with me. If I wait six years, why not wait another two and a half months?"
Our View: Rodriguez and the Angels failed to agree on an extension last winter. He currently leads the majors with 38 saves. |
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| Bonds not likely to play in 2008? | Monday 7/14, 3:08 PM CT |
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Barry Bonds' agent (Jeff Borris) stated that there’s little chance his client will play this year, according to the AP. Bonds also noted that his prospects look bleak.
Our View: According to Borris, the news that the Mets, Red Sox, and Diamondbacks are interested in Bonds is not true. |
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| Sardinha clears waivers, outrighted | Monday 7/14, 2:24 PM CT |
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Dane Sardinha has cleared waivers, and the Tigers outrighted him to Triple-A Toledo, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Our View: The team is pleased he cleared waivers, as he will maintain depth at catcher. He is also believed to have a shot at making the opening day roster as the number two catcher for 2009. |
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| Pena to have surgery | Monday 7/14, 2:17 PM CT |
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Wily Mo Pena will undergo surgery on his ailing left shoulder, according to the AP. Pena has a small tear in his left rotator cuff and fraying of the labrum in his left shoulder.
Our View: He was examined Monday by Nationals team doctor Ben Shaffer and is expected to have the operation within seven to 10 days. He held little to no fantasy value as he maintained a .205 average over 195 at-bats, with only two homers.
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| Pelfrey named Player of Week | Monday 7/14, 2:06 PM CT |
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Mike Pelfrey has been named the NL Player of the Week, according to the NY Daily News. Pelfrey earned the honor by hurling 15 scoreless innings in wins over the Giants and Rockies.
Our View: Pelfrey has now won six straight decisions, and should remain active in your starting lineup while he is hot. |
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| Schmidt struggles in rehab outing | Monday 7/14, 1:59 PM CT |
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Jason Schmidt struggled in his rehab outing with Triple-A Las Vegas on Sunday, as he allowed four earned runs on five hits over a mere two innings, according to the LA Daily News.
Our View: He could hold decent value in larger NL-only leagues in the second half of the season, but his return to the rotation remains in question, especially following Sunday's poor showing. |
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| Braun ready for HR Derby | Monday 7/14, 1:36 PM CT |
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Ryan Braun is ready to compete in the HR Derby and isn't concerned with the event messing up his swing, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. He said, "For me, personally, that's not a concern. I don't feel like I have to change my swing drastically to hit in the Derby. So, I'm not concerned about that."
Our View: The NL participants will be Braun, Chase Utley, Dan Uggla, and Lance Berkman. The AL will feature Josh Hamilton, rookie phenom Evan Longoria, Grady Sizemore, and Justin Morneau. |
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| Weaver makes debut with Buffalo | Monday 7/14, 1:26 PM CT |
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Jeff Weaver made his debut with Triple-A Buffalo, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. He surrendered three runs on five hits with one walk over three innings in a 9-3 loss to Lousville.
Our View: Weaver isn't likely going to make an impact with the Indians this season, and doesn't garner fantasy interest. |
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| Youkilis expected to be fine | Monday 7/14, 1:05 PM CT |
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Kevin Youkilis was forced out of Sunday's game against the Orioles in the fifth inning due to a left triceps contusion, but X-rays were negative and he is expected to be fine, according to the Boston Herald.
Our View: The ailment isn't expected to affect his availability for the All-Star Game either. |
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| Lugo to begin rehab | Monday 7/14, 12:58 PM CT |
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Julio Lugo, who could miss 4-6 weeks due to his strained left quad, is expected to begin rehabbing after the break, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: Alex Cora and Jed Lowrie will share the workload at shortstop in a platoon until Lugo returns. |
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| Papelbon recorded 100th save | Monday 7/14, 12:54 PM CT |
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Jonathan Papelbon recorded the 100th save of his career on Sunday, in a close 2-1 win over the Orioles, according to the Boston Globe. He remarked, "One hundred down, I guess three or four hundred left to go."
Our View: Papelbon became just the third member of the Red Sox to reach 100 saves, joining Dick Radatz and Bob Stanley. He is also the second fastest ever to reach the milestone, doing it in 176 games (Seattle's Kazuhiro Sasaki accomplished it in 160 games).
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| Tulowitzki to have stitches removed | Monday 7/14, 12:46 PM CT |
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Troy Tulowitzki will have the stitches removed from his right hand Monday, according to the Rocky Mountain News.
Our View: That could put him on schedule to return at some point in late July. He is worth keeping stashed on your roster for the stretch run. |
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| Wells likely to return to rotation | Monday 7/14, 12:41 PM CT |
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The plan is to have Kip Wells make a final rehab start for Double-A Tulsa on Wednesday, then join the Rockies' rotation, likely a week from now against the Dodgers, according to the Rocky Mountain News. Skipper Clint Hurdle said, "We need to revisit him and we are prepared to revisit him in the starting rotation."
Our View: Wells allowed 16 hits, 14 walks, and five earned runs over 19.2 innings this season, and is only worth a look in deeper NL-only leagues, namely for depth. |
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| Francis making progress | Monday 7/14, 12:35 PM CT |
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Jeff Francis, who is on the DL due to left shoulder inflammation, was reportedly in good shape following his 45-pitch bullpen session on Saturday, according to the Rocky Mountain News.
Our View: Francis will throw another pen session on Thursday, after which point a decision will be made on whether to have him throw live batting practice or go on a minor league rehab assignment.
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| Helton update | Monday 7/14, 12:31 PM CT |
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Todd Helton, who is recovering from lower back inflammation, will be working out with the Rockies when they return from the All-Star break, according to the Rocky Mountain News.
Our View: Trainer Keith Dugger said Helton is rid of the symptoms related to the ailment. He hopes to be back at some point near the end of the month, and is worth stashing for the stretch run of the second half. |
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| Harang update | Monday 7/14, 12:15 PM CT |
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Aaron Harang's strained right forearm was examined by Dr. Tim Kremchek Sunday in Cincinnati, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Our View: Kremchek was pleased with Harang's progress, but he will not determine when Harang can start throwing until he examines him again on Thursday. He would be eligible to come off the DL July 23. |
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| Reds hopeful to get Burton back | Monday 7/14, 12:11 PM CT |
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Jared Burton is nursing an injured lateral muscle, and the Reds are hoping the three-day All-Star break will be enough to calm it down, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Manager Dusty Baker said, "We'll have him throw Thursday. If he's not better, we'll disable him and get help from Louisville."
Our View: Burton has been the Reds best reliever, as he is 4-1 with a 2.23 ERA and 1.28 WHIP over 48.1 innings, with 50 strikeouts. He has a 0.85 ERA over his last 27 appearances as well.
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| Castillo won't be rushed back | Monday 7/14, 11:37 AM CT |
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Luis Castillo is in the first season of a four-year, $25 million deal with the Mets, but the team is not concerned about getting him back, according to the NY Daily News. When asked if Castillo will be returning from the DL when eligible Friday following the All-Star break, a Mets' official said, "What for?" Manager Jerry Manuel added that the club is performing very well at second base right now.
Our View: Castillo has been a disappointment this season, and it appears that he will have to battle Damion Easley and Argenis Reyes for playing time when he comes back, which will further lower his fantasy value. |
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| Snyder close to return | Monday 7/14, 11:28 AM CT |
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Chris Snyder is slated to participate in a rehab game with Triple-A Tuscon on July 18, according to the East Valley Tribune.
Our View: He could rejoin the D-Backs from the DL either Saturday or Sunday. |
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| Upton may need more time | Monday 7/14, 11:25 AM CT |
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Justin Upton, who is nursing a strained oblique, said he is unsure if he will be ready to return to action when the team resumes play on Friday, according to the East Valley Tribune. He said, "At this point, we're still working on it. We'll see what four days can do and evaluate then."
Our View: Manager Bob Melvin previously noted that he was optimistic Upton would be ready to return following the break. He shouldn't be out very long if he isn't ready for Friday. |
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| Buehrle gets nod out of break | Monday 7/14, 11:22 AM CT |
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The White Sox team website reports that left-hander Mark Buehrle will pitch first after the All Star break versus Kansas City followed by Gavin Floyd and left-hander John Danks.
Our View: Right-handers Javier Vazquez and Jose Contreras will fill the rotation and pitch the first two games of Chicago's home series against the Texas Rangers. |
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| Lee to start All-Star Game | Monday 7/14, 11:19 AM CT |
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Cliff Lee has been given the honor of starting the All-Star Game for the American League, according to the AP.
Our View: This is impressive considering he was demoted to the minors last season. Lee is currently 12-2 with a 2.31 ERA and 1.03 WHIP. |
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| Reyes set to return | Monday 7/14, 11:15 AM CT |
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Al Reyes is expected to be activated from the DL on Friday, according to the St. Petersburg Times. Manager Joe Maddon said there was a good chance he will be ready, following his bout with right shoulder tendinitis.
Our View: Reyes will be a welcome addition back to the Rays' pen, but won't hold much fantasy value in standard leagues as a setup man. |
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| Liz out? Olson opens 2nd half | Monday 7/14, 11:11 AM CT |
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After the Orioles return from the All-Star break Thursday, it looks like Radhames Liz will be moved to the bullpen, this according to Fox Sports. The rotation beginning Thursday will be Garrett Olson, Jeremy Guthrie, Daniel Cabrera and Brian Burres. Liz, who started strong after being called up from Triple-A, has been ineffective in his recent outing. The coaching staff is expected to use him in middle relief in place of the injured Matt Albers.
Our View: If the Orioles move Liz to long relief, the next in line for a slot in the rotation is Hayden Penn. The right-hander is 4-4 with a 4.97 ERA in 16 starts for Triple-A Norfolk. Lance Cormier is also an option to fill the fifth spot. |
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| Brignac optioned | Monday 7/14, 11:09 AM CT |
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Reid Brignac has been optioned back to Triple-A Durham, according to the St. Petersburg Times. Al Reyes is expected to be activated from the DL following the All-Star break.
Our View: Brignac did not register a hit over 10 at-bats with the Rays, and reached base once on a walk. He held no fantasy value. |
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| Putz throws sim. game | Monday 7/14, 11:03 AM CT |
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J.J. Putz, who is recovering from a hyperextended right elbow, threw a 30-pitch simulated game on Sunday, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. He is expected to make an injury rehab appearance Tuesday in Peoria, and then head to the Northwest for another rehab appearance with Triple-A Tacoma.
Our View: At that point the Mariners will decide what to do next. They could activate Putz, or give him one more rehab appearance before bringing him off the DL next week.
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| Bedard 50-50 for next start | Monday 7/14, 10:59 AM CT |
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Erik Bedard, who is on the DL due to left shoulder stiffness, is "50-50" to make his next scheduled start on July 22, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
Our View: The Mariners are making some effort to trade Bedard, but his lack of time on the mound is complicating their plan. The Mariners don't know when Bedard will return to the rotation, and R.A. Dickey will be ready to go if he cannot make his next start on the 22nd.
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| Swindle optioned | Monday 7/14, 10:53 AM CT |
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R.J. Swindle has been optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. The team recalled Joe Bisenius as the adjoining move.
Our View: Swindle allowed five hits and two earned runs over 1.2 brief innings of work with the club, and held no fantasy value prior to his demotion. |
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| Bisenius recalled | Monday 7/14, 10:49 AM CT |
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Joe Bisenius has been recalled from Lehigh Valley, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. The Phillies optioned R.J. Swindle as the corresponding move.
Our View: The 25-year-old righty split his time between Lehigh Valley and double-A Reading, where he went a combined 2-4 with a 4.78 ERA in 27 games covering 37.2 innings. He isn't expected to be with the Phillies long, and holds no fantasy value.
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| Kuroda takes the ball after break | Monday 7/14, 10:37 AM CT |
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The Dodgers Hiroki Kuroda will pitch the first game after the All Star break and Derek Lowe will not pitch in the three game series in Colorado, according to the team website.
Kuroda will open the three-game series in Arizona on Friday, followed by Chad Billingsley. Derek Lowe will pitch on Sunday allowing him to miss the series in Colorado. Kuroda and Billingsley will be pitching on five days' rest and Lowe on 10 days' rest.
Lowe is 1-4 with a 7.43 ERA at Coors Field. He is 0-3 with a 10.95 ERA in his last three starts.
Our View: Chan Ho Park and Eric Stults round out the starting five until Brad Penny is cleared to return to the rotation. |
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| Myers expected to get called up | Monday 7/14, 10:06 AM CT |
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Brett Myers is expected to get called up from Double-A Reading to start in the Phillies' rotation on July 23 against the Mets, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Pitching coach Rick Dubee said, "He's gaining on it. His fastball command is getting better. I think Brett needed to get out of the environment."
Our View: He is not worth waiting for in anything but larger NL-only leagues, as he held a 3-9 mark over 17 starts, with a poor 5.84 ERA and 1.56 WHIP. |
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| Ramirez expected for All-Star Game | Monday 7/14, 10:01 AM CT |
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Hanley Ramirez missed Sunday's game due to a sore right shoulder but is expected to be able to start the All-Star Game Tuesday, according to the Miami Herald.
Our View: The team stated that the injury is not a big deal and isn't expected to hinder him for the rest of the season. |
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| Bale scheduled for rehab | Monday 7/14, 9:55 AM CT |
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John Bale, who is recovering from left shoulder tightness, is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment on Tuesday, according to the KC Star. He will work at Double-A Northwest Arkansas.
Our View: Bale has missed the last 81 games because of left shoulder fatigue and a broken left hand. He is not worth waiting for as a fantasy prospect, as he allowed 13 earned runs over 15.1 innings this season prior to getting hurt, with a 0-3 record.
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| Grabow shut down | Monday 7/14, 9:48 AM CT |
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John Grabow was shut down by the club Wednesday to attend to arm fatigue, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View: The team stated the reliever should be ready to pitch on Friday or Saturday. There was no specific injury disclosed, but 10 of his last 15 runs surrendered have come on a home run, and the team wanted him to rest as a precaution. |
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| Reyes sets record | Monday 7/14, 9:44 AM CT |
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Jose Reyes is the first player in Major League history to record 10 home runs, 20 doubles, 10 triples, and 30 stolen bases before the All-Star break.
Our View: Reyes got off to an anemic start this season, but is now back on track and playing up to high expectations as a first-round fantasy pick. He also raised his average to .302 and is riding a nine-game hitting streak, with five multi-hit efforts over the span. |
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| Giles set to return following break | Monday 7/14, 9:39 AM CT |
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Brian Giles has been nursing a hamstring ailment, but the team believes he will be healthy and set to return immediately following the All-Star break, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Giles said, "There has been noticeable improvement. Getting off it for a couple of days was the right decision."
Our View: Giles has 21 doubles for the season, but only one over his last eight contests. His pace should go back up while refreshed after the break. |
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| Hampton set for one more rehab start | Monday 7/14, 9:30 AM CT |
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Mike Hampton, who is recovering from a strained left pectoral, is set for one more rehab start, according to MLB.com. Hampton experienced no issues and provided a positive impression while allowing two earned runs and six hits in five innings for Double-A Mississippi on Thursday night. Braves' skipper Bobby Cox said the battle-scarred 35-year-old hurler will pitch again on Wednesday and then likely join the Atlanta starting rotation.
Our View: His return to the Braves' rotation could come July 21, but he shouldn't be considered a target unless you are gravely desperate for a pitcher. |
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| Herrera will get another chance | Monday 7/14, 9:23 AM CT |
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Yoslan Herrera will get another chance to pitch in the Pirates' banged up rotation, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. GM Neal Huntington said the rotation following the All-Star break will likely be: Paul Maholm, Ian Snell, Herrera, Zach Duke and "probably" John Van Benschoten getting recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis.
Our View: The team thinks Herrera has good "stuff" but he was rocked for six runs and 11 hits over 4.1 innings in his debut Saturday. He is only an option in larger NL-only leagues. |
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| Sanchez sent down | Monday 7/14, 9:17 AM CT |
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Romulo Sanchez has been optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The team said there will be no corresponding move until after the break.
Our View: He held no fantasy value as he only worked three innings as a middle reliever during his stint with the club, with no strikeouts. |
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| Redding gets nod after break | Monday 7/14, 9:14 AM CT |
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The Nationals plan to reshuffle their pitching staff after the All Star break, manager Manny Acta told the team website on Saturday.
The Nationals skipper said that Tim Redding , John Lannan, Odalis Perez, Jason Bergmann and Collin Balester would be the starting five out of the break.
Our View: Acta added that Bergmann, who last pitched on Thursday and faces the prospect of a 12-day layoff between starts, would be available out of the bullpen for the Nationals during their first two games against the Braves. |
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| Theriot riding streak | Monday 7/14, 9:11 AM CT |
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Ryan Theriot is riding a career-high 10-game hitting streak, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. He has also reached base in 41 of his last 44 contests, and Manager Lou Piniella said, "He's a scrappy kid with a lot of heart, power, speed. He wants to do well, and he's got some nice tools."
Our View: Theriot holds a .320 average, and is tied for the NL lead with 37 multi-hit games. He chipped in 15 stolen bases as well, and has proven to be among the biggest draft day steals over the first half of the season. |
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| Soriano set to return July 25-26 | Monday 7/14, 9:05 AM CT |
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Alfonso Soriano is expected to return to the Cubs' lineup either July 25 or 26 during a weekend series against the Marlins, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. He is expected to take batting practice Friday in Houston, and will go on at least a short rehab assignment when he is ready to play.
Our View: The Cubs will need him big time in the second half of the season as they attempt to finally reach the World Series. |
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| Wood expects to heal through break | Monday 7/14, 8:37 AM CT |
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Kerry Wood noted that the All-Star break should give him enough time for his finger blister to heal, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. He plans to do some throwing to keep his shoulder loose but won't grip a ball with the affected finger.
Our View: Wood has locked down 24 saves this season, with 55 strikeouts over 44.2 innings of work. Hopefully he can stay healthy in the second half as the Cubs continue their run at the postseason. |
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| Casilla still has sore finger | Monday 7/14, 8:30 AM CT |
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Alexi Casilla still has a sore finger on his left hand, according to the Star Tribune.
Our View: The ailment hasn't hindered him though, as he is riding a five-game hitting streak, with three doubles over the span. The All-Star break should help him heal up fine. |
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| Perkins to start Friday | Monday 7/14, 8:26 AM CT |
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Glen Perkins is slated to start Friday against the Rangers, as he is working on six days' rest, according to the Star Tribune.
Our View: He will be followed by righthanders Livan Hernandez, Scott Baker, Nick Blackburn and Kevin Slowey, who is nursing a finger infection. Slowey was moved to the back of the rotation as a precaution.
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| Beltre remains on Twins' radar | Monday 7/14, 8:22 AM CT |
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The Twins have contacted the Mariners to inquire about third baseman Adrian Beltre, according to the Star Tribune. The Twins are looking to boost their offensive production against left-handed hurlers. It is unclear how far the discussions got.
Our View: Beltre is also strong defensively and would fill a need at third base in that area as well. He hit 16 homers this season with the cellar dwelling Mariners and his rate would likely go up while playing his home games in Minnesota and with more to fight for, as the Twins currently only sit 1.5 games behind the White Sox in the AL Central. |
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| Wellemeyer is getting his feel back | Monday 7/14, 8:07 AM CT |
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Todd Wellemeyer noted that he is starting to get his feel back following a bout with elbow irritation, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He compared his mechanics to a golfer's swing and said, "Right now I’m trying to hit it 350 yards and I’m forcing it. I need that nice easy swing, get everything going easy first and then I turn it up a notch."
Our View: Wellemeyer is 7-4, but has not registered a win over his last five starts, and hasn't topped three strikeouts in any outing over that span. It sounds like he could get back on track in the second half however, and is worth holding onto. |
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| Ankiel is fine | Monday 7/14, 7:58 AM CT |
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Rick Ankiel's left ankle is fine, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He injured the ankle on Saturday night, but by Sunday he felt to ready to play.
Our View: Manager Tony La Russa opted to leave him out of the lineup Sunday, to protect his ankle from what was expected to be rainy field conditions and also to get Chris Duncan and Skip Schumaker in the lineup. Ankiel will be safe to return to your lineups after the All-Star break. He has 20 homers and 50 RBI so far over 83 games. |
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| Quintero to get examined | Monday 7/14, 7:52 AM CT |
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Humberto Quintero, who would be eligible to come off the 15-day DL on Friday, will be examined that day to see if he has overcome the effects of the concussion he suffered back on May 1 when he was hit in the head by the Dodgers' Luis Maza's backswing, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Our View: If Quintero is cleared, he will go on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Round Rock, where he'll try on a new mask similar to the hockey goalie-style helmet Brad Ausmus has worn. Due to the head injury, the Astros want Quintero to see if he's ready in a rehab assignment before activating him.
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| A's optimistic Crosby will be activated | Monday 7/14, 7:36 AM CT |
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The A's are optimistic that Bobby Crosby will be ready to be activated from the DL following the All-Star break, according to the SF Chronicle. He is recovering from a strained left hamstring.
Our View: Crosby has been a serviceable option in AL-only leagues, as he is hitting .260 over 84 games, with four homers, 38 RBI, 41 runs scored, and five stolen bases. |
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| A's hopeful Sweeney will be ready | Monday 7/14, 7:31 AM CT |
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The A's are hopeful that Ryan Sweeney will be ready to return to action immediately following the All-Star break, according to the SF Chronicle. He has been nursing a dislocated left pinkie finger.
Our View: Sweeney will be a welcome addition back to Oakland, as well as AL-only teams, as he holds a .301 average over 68 games, with seven stolen bases and 31 runs scored. |
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| Winn should be fine | Monday 7/14, 7:15 AM CT |
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Randy Winn got a second day off due to his bruised knee, but the club expects him to be fine to return to the lineup on Friday after the All-Star break, according to the SF Chronicle.
Our View: Winn only belted five homers, but is hitting .285 with 48 runs scored and 18 stolen bases, and should remain a favorable outfielder in mixed-leagues when he comes back. |
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| Bowker set rookie record | Monday 7/14, 7:10 AM CT |
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John Bowker leads the Giants with nine home runs and he is the first rookie to lead the team in that department at the All-Star break since Dave Kingman, who had 21 back in 1972, according to the SF Chronicle.
Our View: Bowker should remain solid in NL-only leagues over the second half of the season. |
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| Cain to pitch Friday | Monday 7/14, 7:05 AM CT |
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Matt Cain will pitch on Friday in the first game following the All-Star break, according to the SF Chronicle.
Our View: Cain will be followed by Jonathan Sanchez, Tim Lincecum, Barry Zito, and Kevin Correia. Manager Bruce Bochy wants Lincecum to get some extra rest whether he pitches in the All-Star Game or not, and he said matchups played a role when he slated Zito fourth. |
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