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| Nick Johnson doubled and drove in a run for the Nationals in a 4-3 loss to the Florida on Thursday night. The Nats losing streak reached seven games after being swept by the first place Marlins. Johnson came into the three game finale hitting .267 with a home run and four RBI. |
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| Jeremy Hermida has hit safely in both of his games since coming off the disabled list. In the Marlins 4-3 win over the Nationals on Thursday night, the Florida outfielder was 1-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI. Hermida, considered a strong candidate to break out this year, is offering strong indicators in his first two games that this in fact is the case. |
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| Hanley Ramirez lost two points to his batting average (.412) with a 2-for-5 night against the Nationals. The All Star shortstop scored two runs and when at the plate only had one running in scoring position the entire night. HanRam added a stolen base, his second of the season. |
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| Kory Casto (Triple-A Columbus) is expected to be out six weeks with a broken right wrist bone. The Nationals minor league OF was injured in Wednesday night's game. Casto spent some time with the parent club last year hitting .130 in 54 at bats. |
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| Odalis Perez scattered six hits over 5.2 innings, allowed two runs, no walks and struck out six in a 4-3 loss to the Marlins. This is about as good as it gets with the veteran right-hander, yet it wasn't enough as the Nats dropped their seventh straight game after opening the season, 3-0. |
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| Jorge Cantu recorded three hits and two RBI as Florida beat Washington 4-3 on Thursday night to stretch the Nationals' losing streak to seven games. Cantu raised his average to .292 with his three hit game. |
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| Mark Hendrickson pitched seven strong innings helping Florida beat Washington 4-3 on Thursday night. Hendrickson gave up one run and three hits, striking out two, while matching his longest outing since going eight innings June 25, 2006, for Tampa Bay. He didn't have any walks, after totaling six in his first two starts this season. Hendrickson singled leading off the seventh inning - matching his hit total for all of 2007, when he was 1-for-27 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. |
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| Matt Morris pitched seven innings in Thursday's loss to the Cubs, but gave up 11 hits and seven runs, four earned and five big runs in one innings. Morris was forced to go deep in the pitch count (113) because of the 36 innings that were played in this series, depleting both bullpens. |
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| Jon Lieber earned the decision by pitching 4.1 scoreless relief innings after starter Rich Hill needed 72 pitches to get through three. Lieber pitched 7 1/3 scoreless relief innings in the series.
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| Geovany Soto hit two-run homer in Chicago's five-run sixth inning, and the Cubs finished off a three-game sweep of Pittsburgh, winning 7-3 on Thursday night.
Soto had three extra-base hits, including two doubles. It was Soto's second career four-hit game. |
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| Mike Fontenot hit a two-run homer in Chicago's five-run sixth inning, and the Cubs finished off a three-game sweep of Pittsburgh, winning 7-3 on Thursday night. Fontenot is an important piece to the Cubs title defense, but his fantasy value is restricted to NL-only formats. |
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| Alfonso Soriano was productive in Thursday night's win over the Pirates. The Cubs left fielder singled and doubled and scored two runs. Soriano came into the game hitting .132 with one home run and three RBI, far from what's expected of the All Star. |
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| Rich Hill lasted only three innings in Thursday night's win over the Pirates. The southpaw allowed three hits, three runs, walked four and struck out three. Hill threw 72 pitches before manager Lou Piniella had seen enough and brought in veteran Jon Lieber for some long relief. Hill was pulled after only 72 pitches because he didn't trust his stuff and the coaching staff could see it. |
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| Though right-hander Brad Lincoln continues to progress in his return back from reconstructive right elbow surgery, the Pirates will be cautious with the former first-round pick, this according to MLB.com.
Lincoln, threw 40 pitches in a simulated game on Thursday, and according to farm director Kyle Stark, Lincoln is showing signs of being healthy.
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| Alberto Gonzalez, who was called up by the Yankees is starting at shortstop as New York tries to avoid being swept by Kansas City. Gonzalez was called up to add infield depth while Derek Jeter is out. |
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| Cubs manager Lou Piniella is not only confusing the media, he is confusing his team. Jason Marquis has been scratched from his scheduled start Friday because of an illness after being named tonight's pitcher in place of the Rich Hill, according to the Chicago Tribune. Carlos Zambrano will pitch Friday and Ted Lilly Saturday, both on regular rest. Marquis will then throw Sunday's game in Philadelphia. |
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| Rich Harden is headed to the 15-day disabled list, this according to Inside Bay Area. Harden is nursing a strained back muscle that is slow to improve.
Joey Devine will be called up from Triple-A Sacramento to take Harden's spot on the roster.
This is Harden's sixth stint on the DL since the start of the 2005 season. |
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| Eric Bruntlett is batting second behind leadoff hitter Shane Victorino tonight at Shea Stadium. Bruntlett is replacing the injured Jimmy Rollins. |
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| Brian Bixler will get the start at shortstop tonight ahead of Luis Rivas and Chris Gomez. Bixler was called up from Triple-A Indianapolis on Sunday when the team placed injured Jack Wilson on the 15-day disabled list. |
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| After Lou Piniella debated whether to move Kosuke Fukudome to the second slot in the batting order on Thursday morning, the Japanese import is penciled in as the fifth hitter for tonight's game against the Pirates. The Cubs right fielder has started red-hot and it appears that Sweet Lou, who is known to tinker with his lineup card more than most skippers, will leave well enough alone. |
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| After making only one appearance in the first 12 games of the season, which was a spot start Wednesday in place of the injured Mike Hampton, the Braves have sent Chuck James back to Triple-A on Thursday, this according to MLB.com The Braves called up right-hander Jorge Campillo to round out the pitching staff. |
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| Tim Hudson and the Braves won't have to endure a cold Thursday night at Coors Field.
The Atlanta Braves pitcher was scheduled to start Thursday's finale of a four-game series against the Colorado Rockies, but the game was postponed until June 16 because of snow.
The Braves will keep their rotation in order despite the postponement. Hudson is 0-2 with a 13.00 ERA in two career Coors Field starts. In two starts at Turner Field against the Rockies, he has allowed just three runs in 22 innings.
Instead of pitching against the Rockies, Hudson will take the mound at Nationals Park on Friday, where he pitched a stellar opener against Washington. |
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| Thursday night's game between the Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox was postponed by rain.
The game was been rescheduled for June 9 at 1:05 p.m. CDT. While rainouts are not usually considered beneficial for pitching rotations, the Twins might have caught a break with this cancellation.
Due to Kevin Slowey's strained right biceps muscle and Francisco Liriano's struggles in two Minor League starts, the Twins saw the rain as an answer to their pitching dilemma. Livan Hernandez will now start Friday against the Royals, and the rest of the rotation will be pushed back a day. It allowed the team to skip Slowey's scheduled start on Sunday and not to have to make a decision on an additional starter until Tuesday. |
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| Mike Carp went 3-for-4 and hit his third home run of the season on Wednesday at Triple-A. Carp had a down year in 2007 at Double-A after hitting only .251-11-48 in 359 at-bats, but the 21-year-old could still be Carlos Delgado’s successor. His strong start at Triple-A is opening some eyes. |
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| Craig Hansen threw two scoreless innings in relief at Triple-A on Wednesday night. He has not allowed a run in eight innings this season, so a call-up may not be far behind. |
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| Will the real Cubs pitcher for Thursday's game in Pittsburgh please stand up. Rich Hill will stay on schedule and start tonight’s game after all, this according to the Chicago Tribune.
Manager Lou Piniella said Wednesday night that he would switch his rotation around, using Jason Marquis tonight and Hill on Friday against the Phillies. Piniella pointed out that the Pirates hit lefties pretty good -- a .308 average vs. .231 against right-handers -- but Marquis had the flu on Wednesday and wasn’t ready to go today. The average for the Pirates is a bit deceiving. In the last nine Pirate games, they are 2-7 against left-handers, so maybe the skipper saw that stat too. |
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| Prince Fielder had a tough day at the plate against Cincinnati on Thursday, as he went 0-for-4 in a 4-1 loss. He only has eight hits over 33 at-bats so far, and is yet to hit his first homer. Hopefully he will come around soon. |
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| Jeff Francis was scheduled to pitch today against Atlanta, but he will have his next start moved to Friday, according to the Sports Network. The game was postponed due to snow. He will face Arizona tomorrow instead. |
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| Tim Hudson's next start will be moved to Friday, according to the AP. He was scheduled to pitch today against Colorado, but the game was postponed due to snow. He will face Washington tomorrow instead. |
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| Ty Wigginton will not need to go on the DL, according to MLB.com. Wigginton avoided a trip to the DL after testing his fractured left thumb during a workout at Minute Maid Park on Thursday. The team determined that he will remain active and will be available to pinch-hit and pinch-run when they open a three-game set with the Marlins on Friday. He will likely need more time before he will be able to contribute defensively, but GM Ed Wade is confident Wigginton is healthy enough to contribute offensively off the bench. Wigginton commented after today's test, "I felt good. I felt it on a few swings, but it bounced back. Hitting was definitely a real positive. Catching the ball hurt a little bit, but I'm still making progress." This is great news for the Astros' slugger.
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| Jacque Jones will ride the pine in favor of Marcus Thames in left field, according to the Boston Globe. Jones isn't hitting well, and has a poor track record against Tim Wakefield, today's opposing pitcher for Boston. |
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| J.J. Hardy went 1-for-3 and recorded the Brewers' lone RBI in a 4-1 loss to Cincinnati on Thursday. That was only his second RBI over eight games, and he is yet to blast his first home run. |
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| Francisco Cordero nailed down his second save in a 4-1 win over the Brewers on Thursday, as he hurled a hitless ninth inning, with one strikeout. He remains a solid and under-rated fantasy closer. |
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| Paul Bako enjoyed another solid start at catcher on Thursday, as he went 2-for-3 with two RBI in a 4-1 win over the Brewers. He raised his batting average to .364 and has done as admirable job filling in until David Ross returns from injury. |
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| Edwin Encarnacion benefited from sitting out Wednesday to take extensive batting practice, as he bounced back today against the Brewers by going 2-for-3 with two RBI and a home run. Hopefully he can stay on track. |
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| Carlos Villanueva was dealt his first loss of the season on Thursday, as he surrendered four runs on seven hits over six innings against Cincinnati, with three walks and four strikeouts. Villanueva is believed to be a candidate to be sent down when Yovani Gallardo returns to the rotation, and this was not a good day for him in his bid to keep his job. |
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| Aaron Harang earned his first win of the season against Milwaukee on Thursday, as he only allowed one run on five hits over eight innings, with no walks and three strikeouts. That was a strong outing for the Reds' ace pitcher, and he lowered his ERA to 2.14. His strikeouts were down today, but fantasy owners have to pleased with his performance. |
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| Claudio Vargas has signed with the Mets, according to MetsBlog.com. He has been signed to a minor-league deal, and will report to extended spring training in Port St. Lucie, before joining Triple-A New Orleans. Due to injuries to the Mets' rotation, Vargas will ultimately have a shot to start.
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| Cesar Izturis looks to fare well tonight against the Giants, according to MLB.com. Izturis is 4-for-7 lifetime against Kevin Correia, tonight's opposing hurler for San Francisco. This is good for Izturis as he needs to break out of a 4-for-23 slump. |
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| Jose Reyes has not stolen a base in 21 straight games, dating back to last season, according to MLB.com. He is only hitting .200 over 30 at bats at well, with only one double and no triples, and he stated, "It's not where I want to be, but I feel better." Hopefully he can get on track and regain his spark soon. |
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| Ryan Zimmerman has fared well over his short career against the Marlins as he generated 26 RBI against them, according to MLB.com. He will have a good chance to add to that total today as he faces Florida hurler Mark Hendrickson, who is 1-1 with a 6.40 ERA. |
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| Randy Wells has been released today before Toronto plays Oakland, according to MLB.com. The team made the move to make room for left-hander Jesse Carlson, who they called up from Triple-A Syracuse. Wells threw one hitless inning this season and stated, "I kind of saw it coming, being the low man on the totem pole. It's all right. I got a taste." He will be designated for assigment, and could return to the team at some point this season. |
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| Jack Wilson was reportedly walking around less gingerly on Wednesday, and he seems to be on his way to being ready to come back to the field next week, according to MLB.com. He will be evaluated over the weekend, and then will likely head west to Indianapolis, where he can get in some at-bats with their Triple-A team. Wilson is eligible to come off the DL on April 19. |
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| Alfonso Soriano has a good track record against Matt Morris, today's opposing pitcher for Pittsburgh, according to MLB.com. Soriano is 5-for-9 lifetime, with one homer against Morris. This is good for Soriano as he needs to break out of a slump with a current batting average of .132 over 38 at-bats. |
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| Dave Bush could lose his rotation spot when Yovani Gallardo returns, according to the AP. Bush is currently 0-2 with an 8.44 ERA over 10.2 innings, and seems the likely one to lose his spot, and Manager Yost commented, "It’s going to be a tough decision any way you look at it. It’s up to us to decide what’s best not only for Dave Bush, but what’s best for the team too, or Manny Parra or whoever else we decide needs to vacate the final place for Gallardo, but again, we’re not there yet.”
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| Jimmy Rollins underwent an X-ray which came back negative, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. Rollins said the X-rays he got on his sprained left ankle last night were a precautionary measure. He commented after last night's 5-2 loss that they came back negative.
Rollins removed himself from the lineup before the game after testing the ankle on the field at Shea Stadium. He stated that he hopes to play tonight, and that he didn't think the ankle injury would linger, and added, "It's just sore, it isn't anything more than that right now." This is good news for the MVP shortstop.
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| Jason Bergmann could be moved to the Nats' bullpen when Shawn Hill returns from the DL, according to the Washington Times. He is off to a poor start with a an 0-1 record and a 10.45 ERA over 10.1 innings, and his starting job could be in jeopardy if he doesn't turn it around soon. Other candidates to lose their jobs in the rotation when Hill comes back are lefties Matt Chico and John Lannan. |
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| Peter Moylan should assume the closer's role in Atlanta, until Rafael Soriano comes back from his stint on the 15-day DL. Manny Acosta should lend support as well. His fantasy stock is on the rise, but should only be short-term. |
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| Rafael Soriano has been placed on the 15-day DL due to his right elbow tendinitis, according to the Sports Network. Peter Moylan should be the favorite to handle the closer role in Atlanta until he returns. |
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| As expected, Dave Roberts is likely to undergo surgery on his injured left knee, according to the Mercury News. Roberts said he will likely need surgery to repair extensive damage to his left knee, and it is going to take months, rather than weeks, to recover. Roberts added, "The training staff has done all it can to keep me on the field. But I'm back at Square One. The procedure will be more extensive than the typical scope. I'm a positive person. Hopefully things turn for us, the last few months of the season matter and I can be a part of it. It's pretty imminent I'll get something done." Fred Lewis should get the bulk of the playing time in left field while Roberts is out, but Rajai Davis, Dan Ortmeier and Clay Timpner should see time as well.
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| Aaron Rowand continues to play in pain, according to the Mercury News. The Giants determined two X-rays on Rowand's sore rib cage as "inconclusive," and Manager Bochy noted that MRI results did not show anything new. He has fought the injury to post a respectable .280 average over 25 at-bats, but struck out eight times.
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| Alberto Gonzalez has been called up by the Yankees, according to the NY Daily News. He was brought up due to the injury of Derek Jeter, and Manager Girardi noted, " We didn't bring him up here to necessarily sit. We'll go day by day and see what we see." Wilson Betemit is currently filling the shortstop role while Jeter is out. |
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| Ryan Madson has been suffering from shoulder soreness over the last five days, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. The relief pitcher commented that the soreness wasn't in the same area as the shoulder strain that caused him to miss the last two months of last season, and he added, "It feels 100 percent today." He threw on the side yesterday under the supervision of pitching coach Rich Dubee, and noted that the shoulder has improved each day since his last appearance. Madson is an important part of the Phillies' bullpen, and hopefully he can return to action soon.
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| Andrew Miller is reportedly being ordered to throw harder, according to the Palm Beach Post. His velocity hasn't reached 90 mph in either of his first two starts, but the team stated that his health is fine. Manager Gonzalez noted, "The problem is that Miller is compensating his velocity by trying to be careful to throw more strikes. Against the Yankees, it was 92, 95, 97, and we haven't seen that since. Not even close. I don't want him to take away from his velocity to try to throw strikes. You want to see the zip, you want to see the life that hitters were missing." Miller is 0-1 with a 12.91 ERA, but has nine strikeouts over 7.2 innings.
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| Edwin Encarnacion was given Wednesday off to take extensive practice in the batting cage, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. He was replaced by Ryan Freel, as he is only hitting .083 over 24 at-bats, and Manager Baker commented, "I am giving him a mental day off and let him hit, hit, hit. He's been hitting in the cage. He hit on the field. Just give him a day off and give Ryan Freel a start." Hopefully he can benefit, and get on track soon.
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| Mike Lamb left Wednesday's game against Chicago in the ninth inning after fouling a ball off his right foot, according to the Star Tribune. He had X-rays taken, which revealed a bruise. He is listed as day-to-day. Lamb is only hitting .214 so far, so he won't be much of a loss to your team right now.
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| Duaner Sanchez threw two scoreless innings on Tuesday night for Single-A St. Lucie, according to the NY Post. He gave up two hits, and fired three strikeouts. GM Omar Minaya noted that Sanchez will pitch for Triple-A New Orleans this weekend, and the Mets would like to see him go back-to-back tomorrow and Saturday to test where he is in his recovery from his shoulder injury.
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| Yovani Gallardo was pulled from his scheduled rehab start on Wednesday night due to poor weather conditions, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. But that does not mean that his next start will be for the Brewers. With a forecast of poor weather projected for this weekend in New York, the Brewers want Gallardo on hand, should a starter's outing get washed out. Manager Yost commented, "When we go to New York, there could be weather issues. If we lose a starter, if guys get backed up, this gives us the option to have a guy that will be available." If the Brewers can get through the weekend without weather-related issues, Yost noted that it's not beyond belief that Gallardo would be sent back to Triple-A Nashville for a third start, and added, "He absolutely could. He's coming up but we'll make the determination in New York." If the Brewers decide to activate Gallardo, a pitcher will likely have to be removed from the roster. As of now, he is scheduled on the same day as Dave Bush, who took his second turn in the rotation Wednesday night against Cincinnati.
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| Lance Berkman already has three stolen bases over his first nine games of the season, according to the Houston Chronicle. This is worth noting as Berkman has only stolen 14 bases over his last three seasons combined. |
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| Kazuo Matsui worked out with the Astros on Wednesday at Minute Maid Park, after going 1-for-3 with a double in the first game of his rehab assignment on Tuesday at Double-A Corpus Christi, according to the Houston Chronicle. He played seven innings and commented that he felt good, and added, "It's been a while. I hadn't played in a game in a month and I got a little bit tired. Before I played, I knew that." Matsui will rejoin the Hooks on Thursday for a three-game series, and could potentially be activated as early as Sunday's series finale against the Marlins. Mark Loretta will continue to man second base until he returns. |
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| Humberto Quintero has cleared waivers on Wednesday and has accepted his assignment to Triple-A Round Rock, according to the Houston Chronicle. Quintero hit .341 during spring training, but the Astros didn't have the roster space to carry three catchers to start the season. Manager Cooper commented, "It's hard to find catching. This guy has the ability to be a major league catcher and catch at this level. It's hard to find guys like that. I'm glad that he's with us and hopefully, if things don't work out this year, he'll be with us next year and get an opportunity." Quintero could develop into a quality catcher, but will only hold fantasy value if JR Towles or Brad Ausmus get hurt.
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| J.R. Towles is expected to catch pitcher Roy Oswalt on Friday, according to the Houston Chronicle. Manager Cooper commented that Towles will catch, and Towles added, "I want to do what's best for the team." Brad Ausmus caught Oswalt during his first two starts. |
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| Chad Tracy has caught the same viral infection that is traveling through the D-Backs' clubhouse, according to the East Valley Tribune. The illness is going to set his rehab (from right knee surgery) back while he recovers. |
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| Randy Johnson is ready to go for his first start on Monday in San Francisco, according to the East Valley Tribune. His fantasy stock won't go up until he proves he can still be an effective starter. |
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| Augie Ojeda is quietly performing very well for the D-Backs so far, according to the East Valley Tribune. He has four hits over six brief at-bats this season. He started at shortstop on Wednesday, and collected three of his six hits. He got the start in place of Stephen Drew, who is nursing a quad ailment. |
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| Reed Johnson is likely to play over the weekend, as the Phillies will be using lefties Cole Hamels and Jamie Moyer, according to the Chicago Sun Times. The former member of the Blue Jays has fared very well in his platoon role in center field with the Cubs, as he holds a .375 average over 16 at-bats. |
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| Ryan Theriot is expected to return to the Cubs' lineup against Pittsburgh today, according to the Chicago Sun Times. He sat out the last two games as Manager Piniella wanted to get him an extra day to rest his left hand, which he hurt on a check swing during action over the weekend. Theriot commented that his hand is fine, and he is expected to start.
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| Rich Hill won't pitch today, and is going to swap spots with Jason Marquis in the rotation as the Cubs battle the Pirates today, according to the Chicago Sun Times. Marquis had two strong starts early in the season against Pittsburgh in 2007, and Manager Piniella wants to go with him in the rubber match of the series. Hill will start when the Cubs play Philly next. |
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| Jason Marquis will start over Rich Hill today, according to the Chicago Sun Times. Manager Piniella is going to swap them in the rotation the next two days, assuming Marquis is well enough to pitch following a stint with the flu. Marquis notably had two strong starts against Pittsburgh early last season, and Piniella wants to use him in the rubber match of the series today.
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| Luis Castillo said that his injured knee felt much better yesterday, and added that he would not be going on the DL, according to the Star Ledger. Manager Willie Randolph left him out of the lineup because he wanted to give him an extra day of rest. Castillo notably had surgery on the same knee after last season to clean it out, and his tightness on Tuesday raised some questions that the knee could be acting up again, but he said it was nothing compared to that. Castillo noted, "It's better. It was stiff, maybe from the cold weather. It's okay. It doesn't feel like last year." This is good news for the Mets' second baseman.
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| Aramis Ramirez hit his second home run of the season in Wednesday's 15-inning win over Pittsburgh. The former Pirate third baseman had three hits and scored two runs to go along with this two run long ball.
For the second consecutive game, the Cubs used seven pitchers. The Pirates also used seven after employing eight on Monday. With Rich Hill and Matt Morris locking horns in the Thursday night series finale, look for both pitchers to be more efficient with their pitch count. The arms in both bullpens could use a day off on Thursday. |
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| Braden Looper earned his second win of the season on his second start for the Cardinals, putting the Houston Astros to task in a 6-4 victory. Looper held the Astros to three runs on five hits with four strike outs and no walks over 5 2/3 innings. Looper now carries an ERA of 3.09 and has just two walks on the season. |
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| Lance Berkman served as one of few Astros of note this evening as Houston fell victim to the St. Louis Cardinals, 4-6. Berkman went 2-for-4 at the plate with one double, one RBI, and one run scored. |
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| Zach Duke scattered seven hits, allowed one walk and hit a batter in seven innings, but limited the Cubs to only one run. The Cubs could never collect the clutch hit when they needed it. The Pirates left-handed starter struck out six and walked but one in his no-decision. |
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