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| Daisuke Matsuzaka hurled a gem Tuesday, holding the A's to one run on two hits and no walks while striking out nine. This comes a week after Matsuzaka's start in Japan against Oakland, which was not as successful. Dick-K is looking to prove this year that last season's second-half fade was a fluke, and he's off to a pretty good start. |
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| Roy Oswalt said he has a big black mark on his right hip as a result of being hit with a Kevin Kouzmanoff line drive on Monday, but he doesn't expect it to keep him from making his next start on Saturday. "It's not broken, so I should be able to pitch with it," he said on MLB.com. The righty said he felt pain the first few innings after being hit, but that it had nothing to do with his un-Oswalt-like performance (5 1/3 innings, three runs, 11 hits). "It has a mark on it, but it should be fine," he said. "I've been hit before. And I don't like it when the batters complain when they get hit." Oswalt should be good to go Saturday, though he has a tough matchup in Chicago. |
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| Kip Wells was solid in a spot start Tuesday, allowing one run on four hits and three walks while striking out three against his former team, the Cardinals. The righty picked up a no-decision in the 2-1 win. He was making the start because the Rockies chose to not move their pitchers up following Monday's rainout. Wells will head back to the bullpen. |
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| Derek Lowe exited Tuesday's game in the seventh inning after being struck in the left foot by a grounder, according to the AP. The righty grimaced in pain but left the field under his own power. He was replaced by Joe Beimel, who promptly walked the first guy he faced to allow the first run of the game. We'll update you on Lowe's status when more is known. |
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| Mike Timlin played catch at a distance of 90 feet Monday, according to MLB.com. The veteran, who is on the DL with a lacerated finger, could return to the Red Sox on April 11. He'll go down to Triple-A Pawtucket to pitch in a few games before that. You can bet that Timlin will be pushing to come back on the 11th, since the Sox will be hosting the Yankees. |
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| Kazuo Matsui took batting practice Tuesday for the first time since undergoing anal fissure surgery, according to MLB.com. "I've been making good progress," he said. "It's not going to be that long. Hopefully, as soon as possible." Matsui will likely play in a few rehab games before being cleared to rejoin the Astros, which could come as soon as April 15 when the team travels to Philadelphia. This is good to hear, since last week we heard Matsui's recovery was going slower than expected. |
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| Kyle Lohse had a solid debut for the Cardinals Tuesday, tossing five scoreless innings while allowing three hits and three walks with three punchouts. He didn't get a win, though, as the Cards bullpen coughed up a one-run lead in a 2-1 defeat. Pitching coach Dave Duncan has worked wonders with many pitchers in the past, and Lohse is his next project. The righty could be a deep sleeper this year. |
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| Jon Garland had quite a debut for the Angels Tuesday, holding the Twins to just one run on six hits and one walk over eight innings. He did not strike out a batter. It's hard to sustain success with so few strikeouts, but Garland has done just that the last few years. He won't have any troubles getting Ws in Anaheim this year. |
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| Pedro Martinez will fly back to New York Wednesday for an MRI exam on his injured left hamstring, according to the AP. Pedro suffered the injury in the fourth inning of Tuesday's outing. Manager Willie Randlolph said the team would make a quick decision if it needed to fill Martinez's spot on the roster. It's purely speculation at this point, but we're betting Pedro needs a DL stint. Be prepared to find a fill-in. |
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| Robert Andino gave the Marlins an extra-inning win over the Mets Tuesday, blasting a walk-off homer in the bottom of the 10th. He had entered the game in the top of the inning to play third, though he is naturally a shortstop. Andino earned a roster spot as a result of Alejandro De Aza's injury. He put up some pretty good numbers last year in Triple-A, but the 23-year-old won't be a fantasy asset so long as Hanley Ramirez is around. |
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| Chien-Ming Wang picked up the win in the final home opener at Yankee Stadium Tuesday, limiting the Blue Jays to two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out two. He retired 13 on the ground versus five in the air. Wang isn't super fantasy option because of his lack of Ks, but he's sure to pile up wins again this season. |
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| Mark Lowe feels like he's finally all the way back after 2006 surgery on his elbow, according to MLB.com. He retired the only batter he faced in yesterday's win. "I knew I had to keep my composure and prevent the inning from blowing up on us," Lowe said. "My job was to come in and get that last out, which I did." Lowe has a great arm and could end up having some value in deeper AL-only leagues, but he won't be getting any save chances with J.J. Putz around. |
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| Scot Shields tested his right forearm with 31 pitches inside the Metrodome Tuesday. Reggie Willits, who stood in the batter's box to simulate a hitter for Shields, said he thought the reliever looked terrific. "The ball was jumping out of his hand," Willits said on MLB.com. "I didn't expect him to look that good, honestly. His breaking ball had good life, and everything had good movement. He looked like he was full-tilt out there to me." Shields will pitch Thursday for Triple-A Salt Lake and could be activated on Sunday when eligible. It sounds like there's a good chance you will be able to re-insert Shields into your lineup next week. |
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| The Cardinals will not move Adam Wainwright up to pitch on short rest, despite the fact that he threw just three innings Monday before the game was rained out. He'll make his second start on Saturday against the Nationals, as planned. "We've got the other guys ready to go," said manager Tony La Russa on MLB.com. "It would disrupt everybody." Wainwright owners got cheated out of a start this week. Mother nature can be cruel sometimes. |
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| Juan Pierre started in left field and hit seventh for the Dodgers Tuesday. Andre Ethier played right field and Matt Kemp was on the bench. Manager Joe Torre said that Pierre was going to be a "regular bench player," but it's looking like he will still get his fair share of starts. |
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| Matt Kemp was on the bench Tuesday, with Andre Ethier starting in right field and Juan Pierre in left. Kemp started in right and Ethier was in left for the opener. Owners that were hoping to see what Kemp could do playing every day might not get what they want after all. |
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| Pedro Martinez left Tuesday's game in the bottom of the fourth inning with what appeared to be a left hamstring injury, according to Sports Network. He was faring poorly before exiting, allowing four runs on four hits and a walk in 3 1/3 innings. We'll update you on Pedro's status when more is known. |
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| Ian Kinsler was battling an illness Monday, and now Michael Young and Hank Blalock are sick, according to the Star-Telegram. Both Young and Blalock took two liters of IV fluids, and while neither will take batting practice today, they are expected to be in the lineup. Unless you have a viable alternative, go ahead and keep Blalock in your lineup. |
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| Ian Kinsler was battling an illness Monday, and now Michael Young and Hank Blalock are sick, according to the Star-Telegram. Both Young and Blalock took two liters of IV fluids, and while neither will take batting practice today, they are expected to be in the lineup. You need to play Young if he's in the lineup, regardless of how he feels. |
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| Hideki Matsui is batting eighth for the Yankees tonight after never hitting lower than sixth for them last season. He was slowed this spring while recovering from knee surgery, so perhaps he'll be moved up in the order in due time. Manager Joe Girardi has said that Robinson Cano will stay in the sixth spot, so Matsui could possibly end up in the five spot (where Jason Giambi is hitting tonight) or the seventh spot (where Jorge Posada is hitting). Matsui is manning the DH spot until his knee feels good enough so that he can play the outfield. |
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| Robinson Cano is hitting sixth for the Yankees tonight, and he will stay in that spot going forward, according to MLB.com. "Right now, I'm planning on using him as our sixth hitter as we move forward," manager Joe Girardi said. "It's not so much about what the other guys didn't do, it's more about what Robbie has done and who he is. I like him there, and he'll stay there for right now." Cano hit in the bottom third of the order most of last season, so this is certainly good news for his owners who are expecting Cano to take another step forward this season. |
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| If David DeJesus is forced to go on the DL for his ankle injury, Mitch Maier would likely be recalled to replace him, according to the Kansas City Star. Maier can play center, but Joey Gathright would get most of the playing time if DeJesus is sidelined for a while. |
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| According to the LA Daily News, Marcus Giles agreed in principle to a minor-league contract with the Dodgers today. He was to go to Triple-A Las Vegas to reacquaint himself with third base. However, as Giles was driving from his home in San Diego to Las Vegas, he apparently changed his mind, turned his car around and went home. It's not clear why he changed his mind, though one of the News' sources said Giles just doesn't have the desire to play anymore. He was released by the Rockies last week. Blake Dewitt will continue to start at third for the Dodgers until Nomar Garciaparra is ready. |
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| Orlando Hernandez expects to make his first rehab start Thursday for the St. Lucie Mets, according to the NY Daily News. He's dealing with a bunion on his right big toe. El Duque is able to be activated from the disabled list on April 13, which means Mike Pelfrey will make at least two starts with the big club. The veteran should be ready to start for the Mets at that point, but we should have a better idea next week. |
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| With the Mets facing a right-hander Tuesday, Ryan Church has moved from seventh to sixth in the lineup, switching spots with Angel Pagan. The rest of the lineup remained the same from the previous day and will likely stay that way for the most part until Moises Alou returns. |
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| Cody Ross and Alfredo Amezega will platoon in center field for the time being, with Ross starting against lefties and Amezega against righties. However, it's possible Ross could eventually win the everyday job. "I'm not opposed to Cody being the every day guy as soon as his legs are built up," manager Fredi Gonzalez said on MLB.com. Ross dealt with a knee injury in spring training. He's talented enough to be a viable mixed league option if he plays every day. |
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| Matt Stairs isn't in Tuesday's lineup despite the fact that the Yankees are starting the right-handed Chien-Ming Wang. Stairs will platoon in left field with Shannon Stewart this year, but he's currently dealing with a sore hip. He's not expected to go on the DL, but it's not clear when he'll be able to start. |
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| Andy Pettitte threw 75 pitches in a minor-league game Sunday and remains on track to make his season debut against the Rays on Saturday, according to Newsday. If Pettitte should suffer some sort of setback, Darrell Rasner probably would start in his place. The lefty was originally slated to start the team's second game of the season but a sore back pushed him back. It sounds like he'll be good to go this weekend, though. |
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| Conor Jackson hit cleanup for the D'Backs in Monday's opener, and he'll remain in the No. 4 spot for now, according to the East Valley Tribune. “Right now Conor is driving runs in, so I am comfortable hitting him ‘4,’ ” manager Bob Melvin said. “Originally I thought when spring training started it might be more him third and (Eric) Byrnes fourth, but Conor had a great spring with runners on base.” It sounds like Jackson will move to the three spot if he goes anywhere, so his fantasy value won't be affected dramatically either way. He's a breakout candidate this year. |
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| Manager Joe Maddon said that when veteran Cliff Floyd needs a day off, he'll likely play Eric Hinske at DH and Nathan Haynes in right field, according to the Tampa Tribune. Haynes was claimed off waivers from the Angels last week. He offers a bit of stolen base potential and could be worth a fantasy roster spot should Floyd go down with an injury, which is certainly possible. |
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| The Rays seems set to platoon Jonny Gomes and Eric Hinske in right field, according to the Tampa Tribune. Hinske started the opener against righty Jeremy Guthrie and would presumably start most of the time against right-handers, with Gomes getting the starts against lefties. Gomes should get some time against right-handers, as well. This is obviously bad news for those that were hoping to see what Gomes could do with a full season's worth of at-bats. |
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| J.D. Drew will be available to pinch-hit Tuesday but will not be in the lineup, according to MLB.com. However, the outfielder will be in the lineup on Wednesday. "We'll have him available [Tuesday]," said manager Terry Francona. "Then he'll have another day off [Thursday]. I think he feels OK. There's a little, I think, apprehension, but I think he's doing pretty well. We'll see how he does today." Drew has been dealing with a lower back strain. Hopefully you aren't forced to use Drew in your fantasy lineup, but if you are, it sounds like you'll be getting him back soon. |
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| Jason Kubel will start at DH tonight for the Twins after sitting in favor of Craig Monroe in the opener, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Kubel ripped a double last night while pinch-hitting for Monroe, who was 0-for-3 at the plate. |
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| Randy Johnson is scheduled to start tonight for Triple-A Tucson. He threw 75 pitches in his last outing and could approach 90 pitches tonight, according to the Arizona Republic. Johnson, who's coming back from back surgery, and the D'Backs will determine the next step in the left-hander's rehab after tonight's outing. It's possible he could be activated from the DL, but it's more likely that he'll make at least one more rehab start to increase his innings total. We'll keep you updated on how the Big Unit fares tonight and what the plan for him will be going forward. |
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| The Rays have signed Dan Wheeler to a new three-year deal on Tuesday worth $10.5 million, according to the AP. Wheeler will earn $2.8 million in 2008, $3.2 million in 2009 and $3.5 million in 2010. The 2011 option is for $4 million with a $1 million buyout.
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| The Rays have declined Rocco Baldelli's $6 million option for 2009, according to the AP. Baldelli's status for the 2008 season is notably in question due to his mitochondrial disorder. |
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| Bartolo Colon is scheduled to pitch the season opener for Triple-A Pawtuckett on Thursday, according to the AP. Curt Schilling is expected to miss half of the season due to his shoulder injury, meaning Colon could work his way up to the bottom of the Red Sox rotation. |
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| The Indians remain mum about the status of Victor Martinez, except that he is day-to-day with a mild strain, but did mention a few interesting things, according to the AP. Eric Wedge complimented Kelly Shoppach by saying, Shoppys a heck of a player. Hes got a tough job, but prepares himself well. Thats why he was able to come in and contribute like he did. He made a good play at the plate and got a big hit. Weve got confidence in Shoppy. The team also mentioned that if Martinez ultimately ends up on the DL, they would bring up either minors leaguers Yamid Haad or Wyatt Toregas to step in as the top backup to Shoppach.
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| The Rays have exercised Crawford's option of $8.25 million for 2009, according to the AP. Crawford, who is earning $5.25 million this year, is one of only 10 major leaguers who have hit .300 or better each of the past three years.
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| Luis Hernandez failed to make an impact on opening day on Monday, as he went 0-for-2 with a strikeout against Tampa Bay. He started at SS and has very big shoes to fill following the departure of Miguel Tejada to Houston. |
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| Matt Albers was hitless over 2 2/3 innings against Tampa Bay on Monday, with one strikeout. He has his season off to a great start as he fights for playing time out of the Orioles' pen. |
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| Josh Beckett had another solid day in his bid to return to the starting rotation on Tuesday, according to Boston.com. Beckett showed no signs of the back ailment that held him from starting the season opener in Japan, as he allowed just two hits in five innings while striking out six. The only run off Beckett came on a solo homer from Yahmed Yema, a Single-A outfielder. Beckett threw 64 pitches on the day, 47 went for strikes. Beckett seems close to returning and can be activated from the DL on Thursday.
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| Jair Jurrjens will start his first game of 2008 on Wednesday against Pittsubrgh, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Brian McCann should catch that game and said, "He knows what he's doing on the mound. He's way more mature than 22 years old. He has a four-seam and a two-seam fastball, and he puts the ball where he wants to. He's going to be a front-line starter." That is certainly encouraging news from McCann.
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| Gerald Laird has won the starting gig at catcher, but failed to hold his own on opening day as he went 0-for-3 against Seattle. Do you think the team is second guessing their decision to send Jarrod Saltalamacchia down to the minors yet? |
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| Ben Broussard started at 1B against Seattle on opening day Monday, but failed to impress as he went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in a 5-2 loss. Broussard enjoyed a solid spring training, but the momentum clearly did not carry into the regular season. |
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| Ian Kinsler should have rested and stayed out of the lineup with his fever on Monday, as he went 1-for-5 with three strikeouts. You have to wonder if Ramon Vazquez would have fared better in their 5-2 loss to Seattle. |
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| Brandon Phillips went 1-for-4 with an RBI against Arizona on opening day, but he struck out three times in a 4-2 loss. Phillips is an elite 2B and he should bounce back fine. |
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| Corey Patterson struggled at the plate against Arizona on Monday, as he went 0-for-4, while leaving three men on base in a 4-2 loss. He started in CF and batted lead-off, and will have to prove he can get on base efficiently if he expects to keep his spot in the order. |
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| Bobby Kielty is likely to stay with the Red Sox, according to the Boston Globe. He is currently at Triple-A Pawtucket, and he should stay with the team and wait for a call-up rather than change teams. Manager Francona commented,"Bobbys a good fit here. We hope he stays. He does the right things in the clubhouse and on the field. |
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| David Ortiz talked about his surgically repaired knee on Monday, according to the Boston Globe. He stated, "I just keep working on my knee, man, you know. The surgery is kind of weird. It feels good one day and some other day it feels like [expletive]. I just have to fight through it. That's why I'm putting so much of this lotion on it." |
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| J.D. Drew won't likely play on Tuesday due to his back ailment but could return Wednesday, this according to the Providence Journal. Coco Crisp should continue to man center field while Ellsbury handles right field, until Drew returns. |
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| Mark Grudzielanek underwent an X-Ray on his injured left hand, and it came back negative, according to MLB.com. He was struck on the hand by a Justin Verlander pitch in the fourth inning during action on Monday and Manager Hillman noted, "There was a little bit of swelling there." He also said, "It's great to have that kind of a guy on your team, a veteran that refuses to come out. He didn't even want to come out of the game when I took him out."
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| Akinori Iwamura enjoyed a strong spring training but couldn't carry his momentum into the new season as he went 0-for-5 against Baltimore on opening day, while leaving five men on base. Hopefully he can get back on track soon. |
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| Victor Martinez underwent an MRI on Tuesday (for his hamstring ailment sustained Monday), and while the team didn't offer any news on the results, they did state that they aren't currently contemplating a roster move involving V-Mart, this according to MLB.com. More news on his status will be posted when we hear more. |
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| The team reported that they don't think Ben Zobrist will be ready to play when he is first eligible to come off the disabled list on Saturday, according to the Tampa Tribune. The team wants him to get some at-bats, either in extended spring training or with one of their minor-league affiliates, before activating him. |
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| Ryan Doumit was awarded the start at catcher over Ronny Paulino on opening day, and he took advantage as he went 3-for-7, while scoring a run. He will battle Paulino for playing time throughout the season, and he showed the team that he can hold his own as a starter. |
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| David DeJesus will undergo an MRI on his injured ankle, according to MLB.com. His ankle is sore and Manager Hillman commented, "He'll have it evaluated and we'll see where we stand. I don't think it's anything to be overly concerned about. Nothing showed on the X-rays." Joey Gathright will cover his spot in the lineup until he is ready to return.
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| Melvin Mora went 0-for-4 with a strikeout against Tampa Bay on Monday. He is under the microscope following a disappointing 2007 campaign, and this is not the fresh start he is looking for. |
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| Matt Garza is set to make his first start with the Rays on Wednesday against Baltimore, according to MLB.com. He was notably the prized prospect acquired in the Delmon Young deal with the Twins, and he ended spring training with a solid 2.45 ERA over six starts. Manager Maddon commented, "He pitched primarily against some of the better teams during Spring Training and I saw some bad swings against him. His stuff is better than I had read about. When you see it in person, I didn't know the actual fastball was that good or the changeup was that good, either. I heard about the breaking ball. I think he understands what was given to him. I think he appreciates the opportunity."
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| Corey Hart is off to a solid start as he went 1-for-4 with two RBI in a 4-3 win over the Cubs on Monday. The under-rated outfielder racked up 24 homers and 81 RBI in 2007, with a .295 average. |
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| Ryan Theriot is off to a slow start as he went 0-for-5 with two strikeouts in Monday's opening day loss to Milwaukee, 4-3. He is batting lead-off, but will move down in the order if he continues to fail to reach base efficiently. |
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| Alex Rodriguez is being cornered by Jose Canseco and his steroid allegations, according to the AP. Canseco stated that if A-Rod threatens to sue or goes on television to attack his credibility, he will respond with "MAX," which is a Canadian steroid supplier that he claims A-Rod had relations with in the late 1990's. Canseco added, "I've got the ace in the hole. And he knows it. So there's no way that he's going to fight me. He's trying to make it go away."
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| Steve Holm will get a chance to compete for the backup role at catcher with the Giants, according to the Contra Costa Times. GM Brian Sabean stated, "We had chances to get something else done, but this is good for the organization. This is a guy who's beaten the odds and earned his way. That's a plus for everybody to see."
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| Omar Vizquel continues to make progress on his recovery from knee surgery, according to the Contra Costa Times. Vizquel played a five-inning simulated game today in Arizona and is scheduled for five more innings today, the team stated. If all goes favorably, Vizquel would begin a rehab assignment on Thursday. It seems that the team's best option is to send Vizquel to Single-A San Jose, which plays at Bakersfield. He will continue to be replaced by Brian Bocock until he is ready to return. |
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| Kazuo Fukumori displayed poor control on the mound in Monday night's loss to Seattle, as he allowed three runs on two hits over a mere 1/3 of an inning, with two walks (and two wild pitches). He will need to settle down if he wants a big role out of the bullpen this season. |
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| Jon Garland is set to make his Angels' debut on Tuesday, according to The Sports Network. He was a key contributor during Chicago's magical run in 2005, and he is going to be counted on heavily by his new club, namely due to injuries to ace John Lackey and Kelvim Escobar. He will go up against Boof Bonser and the Twins. |
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| Joel Pineiro could be able to return in about three weeks, or mid april, according to the St. Louis Dispatch. Pineiro could start a rehab assignment within a week, and remains in Florida with the Cardinals' extended spring training teams. He's scheduled to throw Thursday and, depending how he responds to it, could make his next start for an affiliate. He would have 30 days on his rehab assignment, and the team said that he could be back in the majors in about three weeks.
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| Brian McCann went 2-for-6 on Monday night, and generated three RBI in 12-11 loss to Pittsburgh. He also collected his first home run, which was a solo shot off of starter Ian Snell. McCann is among the best young catchers in the league, evidenced by his opening peformance of 2008. |
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| Rising star Jeff Francoeur only went 1-for-5 on opening day against Pittsburgh, but he collected his first home run, a solo shot off of F. Osoria, who went on to collect the win in a 12-11 game that went 12 innings. Francoeur has enough power to challenge 40 homers, and he is off to a good start in that department. |
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| Freddy Sanchez missed most of spring training with a shoulder injury, but he was able to start on opening day against Atlanta, and he wasn't slowed by the ailment, as he went 3-for-5, while drawing one walk. If he stays healthy, he should maintain a solid batting average and generate plenty of RBI's in an improved Pirates' offense. |
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| Nate McLouth started in CF on opening day against Atlanta, and he didn't disappoint as he went 3-for-5 with four RBI, while scoring two runs and collecting his first home run. His fantasy stock will continue to rise. |
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| Tom Glavine was dealt a no decision on Monday night against the Pirates, in his return start with the Braves, as he allowed two runs on seven hits over five innings, with two walks and three strikeouts. It wasn't a bad outing for him, but cannot be pleased as the Braves ultimately lost 12-11 in extra innings. |
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| Ian Snell struggled in a no decision on Monday night as he allowed four runs on seven hits (solo home run by Brian McCann) over six innings of work against Atlanta, with two walks and three strikeouts. He is the Pirates' ace and the team must be displeased with his outing, even though they won the game in extra innings 12-11. |
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| Jose Valentin has chronic neck pain, but won't immediately have surgery. He'll be reexamined in 7-10 days, according to | |
