|
|
| The Rangers report outfielder Marlon Byrd , out for the first two games of the series against the Mets, could be back on the field for the doubleheader on tap tomorrow, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Without the designated hitter, the Rangers had to use Milton Bradley in right field for the first game of the series. Manager Ron Washington is reluctant to use him in both games of the doubleheader. Byrd got off to a terrible start and had to go on the disabled list with a knee injury. He was activated on May 17, and heading into Sunday's doubleheader, was hitting .345 with 13 runs scored in 20 games.
|
|
|
|
| Atlanta RHP Charlie Morton got the first win of his professional career this evening, helping the Braves put the Angels away, 9-4. Morton pitched six innings to allow three runs (all earned) on five hits with one walk and four strikeouts. |
Our View: Morton was just added to the roster this morning to fill in for injured Tom Glavine. If he keeps this up, he may stick.
|
|
|
|
| The Braves put 11 hits on the Angels and their top pitcher this evening, earning the 9-4 win over LA. Top man on the pile was outfielder Brandon Jones , going 3-for-5 with a double and a home run, both his first of the season and the homer serving as the first of his career, adding one RBI and two runs scored. |
Our View: That's three games of action for Jones, going 5-for-10.
|
|
|
|
| Angels RHP Ervin Santana found just his third loss of the season, falling 9-4 to Atlanta. Santana pitched 5 2/3 innings to allow six runs (all earned) through nine hits with two walks and six strikeouts. |
Our View: This is Santana's first loss in his last four starts, giving up the most earned runs he has in a single outing this evening.
|
|
|
|
| The Angels welcomed the Braves to do battle in interleague play today, but it was Atlanta taking the 9-4 win on the road. The Angels were led by shortstop Maicer Izturis , going just 1-for-5 with a double, but good for two RBIs on the night. |
Our View: Izturis was hitting .383 through June coming in and now carries 12 RBIs through that same span.
|
|
|
|
| Give LHP Rich Harden full credit, for he was as stellar as could be promised this evening as Oakland put the dominating 4-0 win over San Francisco. Harden pitched six innings of shutout baseball, allowing just one hit and two walks along the way. Harden totaled nine strikeouts, four ground outs, and four fly outs to get the win, his fourth of the season. |
Our View: Harden has yet to suffer a loss and is now turning as healthy and dominate as we all hoped he would be at this point of his career.
|
|
|
|
| Oakland emerged victorious in the Bay Series opener versus the Giants, winning 4-0 on a strong pitching performance, but catcher Kurt Suzuki deserves praise for his work at the plate, going 3-for-4 with one triple (his first in the majors) and one run scored. |
Our View: Suzuki is not a strong hitter, but he is improving his work as he goes. Tonight is a step in the right direction.
|
|
|
|
| San Francisco RHP Matt Cain watched a strong effort go to complete waste this evening as his Giants failed to score a single run of support, falling 4-0 to Oakland. Cain pitched seven innings, allowing three runs (all earned) on six hits with one walk and 11 strikeouts. |
Our View: Cain has allowed just one home run over his last four starts with seven walks and 26 strikeouts over that span.
|
|
|
|
| Pittsburgh outfielder Xavier Nady left tonight's loss versus Baltimore in the ninth innigns with what appears to be a left shoulder injury, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Nady was chasing a fly ball and ran into the wall in foul territory. He left the field under his own power and was replaced by Jason Michaels. The Pirates have announced nothing, but we expect Nady will be looked at by doctors and his status will be updated early tomorrow. We will bring that to you when it is put to the press.
|
|
|
|
| The game wasn't terribly offensive, but outfielder Willy Taveras kept it entertaining on the base paths as the Rockies took the 2-0 win over Chicago. Taveras went 2-for-4 with a double, but he also added a whopping five stolen bases on the night. |
Our View: Taveras now touts 29 stolen bags on the season, but his five in one game is not a record, coming one shy of the effort put forth in 1996 by Eric Young (stealing six versus the Dodgers).
|
|
|
|
| Kansas City RHP Luke Hochevar put a decent effort forth in support of his team's big offensive surge as the Royals pulled the 12-3 win over Arizona. Hochevar pitched seven innings to allowing three runs (two earned) on 10 hits with no walks and six strikeouts. |
Our View: Hochevar now sits at 4-5 on the season and is as inconsistent as any starter you might find on a roster today. He has the arm to do work, evidenced by his performance tonight. He needs to make it happen again in five days.
|
|
|
|
| Mike Aviles has been named as the new starting shortstop for the Royals, but tonight he played both short and second and got the offense going in a major way, posting tall numbers in the Royals dominating 12-3 win over Arizona. Aviles went 4-for-5 with two doubles and his second home run of the season, totaling two RBIs and four runs scored in the effort. |
Our View: Aviles is going to be getting a ton of playing time in the weeks ahead and is now giving indication that he is up to the challenge.
|
|
|
|
| The Diamondbacks needed much more than 10 hits to compete with the Kansas City Royals, falling 12-3. Three of those hits came from second baseman Orlando Hudson , going 3-for-4 with one double and one RBI on the night. |
Our View: Hudson is hitting just .250 through June, though he has nine hits over his last five games.
|
|
|
|
| Arizona RHP Randy Johnson suffered through one of his worst starts ever this evening, falling 12-3 to the Royals in interleague action. Johnson lasted jut 4 1/3 innings to surrender eight runs (seven earned) on 10 hits with no walks and three strikeouts. |
Our View: That's three consecutive losses for the Unit, giving up a total of 13 earned runs during that span.
|
|
|
|
| San Diego RHP Cha Seung Baek was worthy of the job against Cleveland this evening, helping the Padres get the 9-4 win over Cleveland in extra innings. Baek pitched seven innings, allowing three runs (all earned) on just two hits with three walks and three strikeouts. |
Our View: That's two solid outings in a row for Baek, showing he could work as a starter for the Padres moving forward.
|
|
|
|
| Cleveland LHP Cliff Lee put another worthy performance in the hands of his relievers, but they let it go in the 10th inning for the 9-4 loss to San Diego. Lee pitched 6 1/3 innings to allow two runs (both earned) on eight hits with no walks and six strikeouts. |
Our View: Lee came in riding four consecutive wins and pitched well enough for another, but the relievers couldn't seal the deal. Lee touts just nine walks versus 30 strikouts during that span.
|
|
|
|
| The win was within reach, but the Padres still enjoyed the contributions of third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff , taking the 8-3 win in extra innings from Cleveland. Kouzmanoff went 2-for-5 overall, but the grand slam in the top of the 10th was the money winner, ending with four RBIs on the night. |
Our View: Kouz hit the granny after the winning run was walked in, but the comfort of insurance surely did the pitchers well.
|
|
|
|
| Minnesota LHP Glen Perkins had a strong outing on the mound tonight in support of the 9-4 win over Milwaukee, pitching six innings to allow three runs (all earned) on eight hits with one walk and six strikeouts. |
Our View: Perkins has struggled a bit with home runs allowed but tonight was one of his best outings thus far.
|
|
|
|
| They waited until the top of the 12th to make their charge, but the Minnesota Twins found five runs in that late hour to win 9-4 over Milwaukee. Third baseman Brian Buscher led the effort, going 3-for-5 with three singles, totaling three RBIs and two runs scored on the night. |
Our View: Buscher is just getting going as a contributor on the game's biggest stage, but tonight shows he may have a place in the lineup.
|
|
|
|
| Milwaukee RHP Jeff Suppan was strong with the arm this evening but the relief pitching let it all go, falling 9-4 to the Minnesota Twins. Suppan pitched seven innings with two earned runs allowed on seven hits, surrendering just one walk and five strikeouts. |
Our View: Suppan walked with no decision, voiding an effort to get an official win streak going (sporting two wins over his last three starts with a no-decision sandwiched in between).
|
|
|
|
| They needed 12 innings to settle their differences, but the Twins found the 9-4 win with a late surge to put the Brewers in the loss column. The Brewers spread the wealth with 11 total hits but only two batters posting more than one, including first baseman Prince Fielder , going 2-for-5 with a triple. |
Our View: Fielder is now hitting .286, hitting .333 through June.
|
|
|
|
| The Orioles posted 15 total hits as a team this evening, turning eight into runs for the win, 8-7, over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Orioles found their best efforts coming from leadoff man Brian Roberts , going 3-for-5 with two doubles, one stolen base (his 19th of the season), and two RBIs with one run scored. |
Our View: Roberts certainly set the pace for the O's in the offensive explosion. He was hitting .357 for June coming in and now touts 11 RBIs for the same span.
|
|
|
|
| Pittsburgh didn't have to travel far to get their interleague fix, but they can't be happy with the results, falling 8-7 to the Baltimore Orioles. Designated hitter Adam LaRoche did what he could to jump start the drive, but the effort fell short. LaRoche went 2-for-4 with his seventh homer of the season to total two RBIs and two runs scored on the night. |
Our View: LaRoche is hitting just .176 through June, hitting his first homer since May 27th this evening.
|
|
|
|
| The Yankees traveled to Houston and insured their bats were on-hand as well, winning 8-4 in the series opener. The venerable third baseman Alex Rodriguez led the way, going 2-for-3 with his 11th home run of the season and two walks, touting one RBI and three runs scored on the night. |
Our View: A-Rod was hitting .400 for the month of June coming in. This was his fourth home run, his 13th RBI, and his 12th run scored of the month, and we are just half way there.
|
|
|
|
| Yankees RHP Mike Mussina was as reliable as ever this evening, putting a strong performance on the mound in the team's 8-4 win over the Houston Astros. Mussina pitched six innings, surrendering three runs (all earned) on six hits with no walks and four strikeouts. |
Our View: Mussina now touts four wins over his last five starts, taking a no-decision in between. Take it back April 23rd and the record takes full form: 9-1.
|
|
|
|
| Houston welcomed the Yankees in for their interleague matchup of the weekend and found the offense was too much to take, falling 8-4 in a game with plenty of hitting. For Houston, it was outfielder Carlos Lee doing work, going 3-for-4 with his 14th home run of the season, tabbing three RBIs on the night. |
Our View: After hitting .275 through May, Lee has improved to .317 heading into tonight for June. However, he has some work to do to match the six homers and 30 RBIs he posted last month, now sporting three homers and just nine RBIs through half of June.
|
|
|
|
| Chicago LHP John Danks was hurling a gem tonight for the White Sox, but slips in relief pitching and a total lack of offensive support led to returns undesired, falling 2-0 to the Rockies. Danks went six innings of shutout baseball, allowing just five hits, one walk, and throwing six strikeouts. |
Our View: Danks now carries an ERA of 2.90 but suffers his third consecutive no-decision, allowing just six combined earned runs over that span.
|
|
|
|
| The Rockies held the White Sox in check with pitching today as they faced off in interleague play, resulting in a 2-0 win for the defending NL Champs. The charge was led by LHP Jorge De La Rosa , going five innings of shutout baseball with just one hit and one walk allowed, striking out eight. |
Our View: De La Rosa walked off with no decision as the Rocks struggled to perform on offense, but that's nothing new for De La Rosa, now touting four consecutive no-decision starts. To be fair, this ranks as his second-longest outing of the season.
|
|
|
|
| Tonight's game between the Texas Rangers and New York Mets has been postponed due to rain, according to the NY Daily News. |
Our View: They will hook it up for a double-header tomorrow at 1:10pm. The Mets will bring John Maine to the mound to face Kevin Millwood in Game 1, followed by Pedro Martinez versus Kason Gabbard in Game 2.
|
|
|
|
| Atlanta third baseman Chipper Jones was back in action today sporting a black eye, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: The Braves are going to be happy to have the face of offensive success for the league back in the batting order as they battle with the offensive-minded Angels. LA's pitching is rounding into form but having Chipper back and at 'em could be the difference. We'll update his results later this evening.
|
|
|
|
| The Phillies are banking on the rise they believe is coming, sooner or later, from shortstop Jimmy Rollins , according to MLB.com. |
Our View: The team is discussing Rollins openly in the press after going 6-for-32 on this road trip and 0-for-8 in their series with the St. Louis Cardinals, also noting he was the only member of the lineup not to record a hit on Friday when the Phils sprayed 21 hits around Busch Stadium. Getting Rollins rolling while Pat Burrell is hot would be entertaining and productive, something this offense desperately needs.
|
|
|
|
| Tampa Bay RHP Matt Garza picked up his fifth win of the season, leading the Rays to a 4-1 triumph over the Florida Marlins. Garza pitched seven strong innings giving up just one run on three hits with one walk and three strikeouts. |
Our View: This is Garza's first win in his last three starts, a rough jump off the line for the month of June after going 4-1 in May.
|
|
|
|
| Florida LHP Mark Hendrickson found a bit of struggle in tonight's start against Tampa Bay, but that bit of struggle was enough for the loss, falling 4-1 to the Rays. Hendrickson pitched five innings to surrender three runs (all earned) on four hits with three walks and six strikeouts. |
Our View: The loss brings Hendrickson to 7-5 on the season and serves as his third in his last four outings (taking a no-decision in between).
|
|
|
|
| Florida managed just three hits this evening against their interleague and in-state foe, the Tampa Bay Rays, and suffered the loss, 4-1, as a result. Only outfielder Jeremy Hermida managed to tab extra bases, going 1-for-4 with a double and one run scored. |
Our View: Hermida is struggling to get action at the plate, batting just .240 for the month of June coming in. He hasn't homered since May 25th and has just six RBIs since that same game.
|
|
|
|
| Tabbed as the Citrus Series, the Tampa Bay Rays put the hurt on the Florida Marlins today, winning 4-1 in interleague action. The Rays got the win on just five hits, all from different batters. Designated hitter Jonny Gomes led the way going 1-for-4 with his fifth home run of the season. |
Our View: Gomes is coming off a five-game suspension for the big Red Sox brawl and is doing a good job of redeming his character, at least on the field.
|
|
|
|
| The Rangers have designated pitcher Robinson Tejeda for assignments, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Texas needed room to add Kason Gabbard to the roster and the belief that RHP Joaquin Benoit will be ready to hurl on Tuesday led to this transaction today.
|
|
|
|
| The Braves have placed closer Rafael Soriano on the disabled list, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: With Charlie Morton coming aboard, the team needed a spot to put him on the roster. Soriano returned from a six-week stint on the DL on May 28th but has not pitched since June 5th. Since the Braves began this current road trip on Tuesday, the 28-year-old right-handed reliever has told them on a daily basis that his right elbow wasn't healthy enough for him to pitch.
|
|
|
|
| San Diego outfielder Scott Hairston has suffered a hyperextended left elbow during batting practice before today's game against Cleveland, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Hairston, who would have started in left field and hit leadoff, was expected to be reevaluated during the game. Hairston is hitting .231 with nine home runs and 17 RBIs this season. If Hairston needs to go on the disabled list, the Padres could have top prospect Chase Headley in uniform for Sunday's game at Progressive Field.
|
|
|
|
| The White Sox are reporting designated hitter Jim Thome is likely to return on Sunday, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: He was out of the lineup once again on Saturday due to back pain and stiffness, but the team had him on the ready for pinch-hitting duty if needed. The Sox believe he will be back in the lineup tomorrow barring setback.
|
|
|
|
| The Kansas City Royals have inserted Mike Aviles as their starting shortstop this evening, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Aviles started at short for the ninth straight time in Saturday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Not only that, he was elevated into the No. 2 spot in the batting order. Tony Pena, the shortstop displaced by Aviles, had a .155 average and is working to patch his hitting deficiencies.
|
|
|
|
| Angels RHP Kelvim Escobar reports no feelings of pain or discomfort in his rehabbed shoulder today, one day after completing a bullpen session, and the team anticipates they will put the hurler in front of live batters soon, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Escobar, who was diagnosed with a shoulder tear in late March, threw 45 pitches Friday, which is the most he's thrown all season. He said his shoulder was feeling strong the day after his session in which he threw only fastballs and changeups. Escobar said he's "close" to a rehab assignment, and he doesn't mind if he comes back as either a reliever or a starter. If Escobar comes back as a reliever, there's a chance he could be back by the All-Star Game, which is July 15. If he prepares to be a starter, however, the process could take until late July or even longer. That's why Escobar wants to know what his role will be before he makes his rehab appearances. Manager Mike Scioscia felt a little different than Escobar, as the skipper said there's no reason why they shouldn't see how Escobar responds as a starter, which was his role last season when he won a career-high 18 games and had a 3.40 ERA in 32 starts.
|
|
|
|
| Seattle reports Brandon Morrow will be ready to "take a good portion" of the closing opportunities while J.J. Putz recovers from elbow injury, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Morrow would have been the go-to guy if the Mariners had scored three runs and taken the lead over the visiting Nationals. But Seattle scored only one run, ended up losing the game by a run, and the new closer, or part-time closer, sat back down and never threw a pitch in the game. Manager John McLaren states there will be other candidates who get a shot when the opportunities arise, but right now Morrow is the guy likely to get that call.
|
|
|
|
| Baltimore third baseman Melvin Mora has left tonight's game against Pittsburgh after fouling a pitch off his left knee, according to the Sports Network. |
Our View: Mora was up at the dish in the first inning against Zach Duke. He has been replaced by Oscar Salazar who completed the at-bat. We will update his condition as news becomes available.
|
|
|
|
| Colorado reports infielder Clint Barmes is nearing a rehab stint in the minors, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Barmes has been out since May 24th with a bum right knee but his progress in the trainer's room as the team targeting Tuesday as a likely starting point for work with Triple-A Colorado Springs. Barmes said he's been told that he's likely to play five innings, seven innings, then two games of nine innings for the Sky Sox before being considered for reinstatement to the active roster.
|
|
|
|
| Colorado has moved RHP Matt Herges out of the team's role as setup reliever, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Herges, who lost a 4-2 lead in the seventh inning of the Rockies' 5-4 loss to the White Sox on Friday night, is 0-3 with three blown saves and a 7.20 ERA in his past 10 appearances. Manager Clint Hurdle said he's looking to work right-hander Luis Vizcaino, who has made three appearances since returning from a right shoulder strain, toward the end of the game. The Rockies signed him to a two-year, $.7.5 million contract as a setup man. Hurdle also said right-handers Jason Grilli and Ryan Speier, and left-hander Jorge De La Rosa, could get some of the work that Herges had been receiving.
|
|
|
|
| Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano is out of the starting lineup this evening as New York faces Houston in interleague play. |
Our View: Cano has been struggling at the plate and the team is hoping a rest can get him settled and focused. Recent-promoted Alberto Gonzalez will get the start at second in his stead.
|
|
|
|
| Cleveland starter Fausto Carmona completed a successful bullpen session today and manager Eric Wedge hints he could be back sooner rather than later, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: The Indians have been without the top starters since the 24-year-old Carmona went on the disabled list May 24 with a strained left hip. He is scheduled to thrwo a simulated game on Monday. If that goes well, Carmona will be sent to the minors for rehab starts.
|
|
|
|
| As anticipated, the Braves have purchased the contract of pitcher Charlie Morton from Triple-A Richmond and will give the righty the start on Sunday against the Angels, according to the Miami Herald. |
Our View: Morton will take the spot vacated by Tom Glavine. Morton was 5-2 with a 2.01 earned run average in 13 games (12 starts) for the Braves' top minor league club before his recall. To make room for Morton, the club placed reliever Rafael Soriano on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to June 6, with inflammation in his right elbow.
|
|
|
|
| Updating an unfolding story, Toronto is breathing a small sigh of relief as outfielder Vernon Wells appears to be ok after suffering a wrist injury in today's battle with the Cubs, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Wells was pulled in the eighth inning today as manager John Gibbons reports the outfielder was complaining of discomfort in the same wrist that put him out for a month earlier this season. The team reports he is fine and they hope to have him back in the lineup tomorrow.
|
|
|
|
| Boston was without Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz today, but the rest of the lineup pulled through in getting 6-4 win over Cincinnati today. First baseman Kevin Youkilis put his best foot forward, going 3-for-5 with a double and his 11th home run of the season, good for two RBIs and one run scored on the night. |
Our View: Youk is now hitting .307 on the year, boosting the numbers by hitting .333 through June. He also touts homers in each of his last two games with four combined RBIs.
|
|
|
|
| Boston knuckleballer Tim Wakefield proved deceptive once more in helping his Red Sox to a 6-4 win over Cincinnati. Wakefield pitched seven innings to allow just two runs (both earned) on four hits with two walks and six strikeouts. |
Our View: His two home runs allowed are a bit worrisome, having given up no homers in his previous two June starts despite seven homers allowed in May. However, he has lasted seven innings or more in each of his last four starts with eight total walks and 23 strikeouts along the way.
|
|
|
|
| Cincinnati RHP Edinson Volquez hit the mound today and pitched another gem for his Reds, and once again the team failed to support his cause with proper relief pitching, falling 6-4 to Boston. Volquez lasted seven innings, surrendering three runs (two earned (on seven hits) with one walk and nine strikeouts. |
Our View: Edinson now carries an ERA of 1.64 with just three home runs surrendered through 15 starts.
|
|
|
|
| It took extra innings, but the Red Sox put the Cincinnati Reds in the loss column today, 6-4. Outfielder Adam Dunn bashed his 18th home run of the season, going 1-for-3 with one walk, totaling one RBI and one run scored on the day. |
Our View: Dunn has been struggling to keep his bat on the ball this month, hitting just .135 through June coming into today. However, his 14 walks versus 18 strikeouts along the way show he has worked on his discipline at the dish.
|
|
|
|
| The Tigers pulled out their whooping sticks today and put 12 runs on the Dodgers, taking the 12-7 win in interleague play. Detroit enjoyed strong plate performances from several team members, including outfielder Curtis Granderson, Edgar Renteria, Magglio Ordonez, and Jeff Larish (all going 2-for-4). However, the top dog was first baseman Miguel Cabrera , going 2-for-4 with a walk and his 10th home run of the season, good for two RBIs and two runs scored on the day. |
Our View: This is Cabrera's second home run in three days, now touting hits in seven of his last eight games.
|
|
|
|
| Dodger RHP Brad Penny continues to struggle, today suffering another loss as the Tigers took LA to task, 12-7. Penny lasted just 3 2/3 innings today, giving up seven runs (all earned) on seven hits with two walks and no strikeouts, including two homers surrendered. |
Our View: That gives Penny five consecutive losses and seven in his last eight outings (the eighth resulting in no decision). In that time he has surrendered 19 walks versus 27 strikeouts.
|
|
|
|
| The Dodgers took it on the chin in interleague action today, falling 12-7 to the Detroit Tigers. Outfielder Andre Ethier did his part to reverse fortunes, going 2-for-4 with a double and his sixth home run of the season, totaling four RBIs and two runs scored on the day. |
Our View: Ethier looked rather promising coming out of May, hitting .292 with five doubles on the month. In June he is struggling, hitting just .161 with just seven hits through eleven games.
|
|
|
|
| The Florida Marlins report outfielder Josh Willingham is unlikely to rejoin the team during their current nine-game road trip, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Willingham has progressed well in his minor-league rehab stint, recovering from a lower back strain as well as a herniated disc. Willingham has been slowed by back problems in the past, and he missed some of last September with a herniated disc. This time around, the Marlins are appearing to err on the side of caution.
|
|
|
|
| St. Louis RHP Kyle Lohse continues to serve the team well, earning his eighth win of the season today against the Phillies, 3-2. Lohse pitched eight innings, allowing two runs (both earned) on four hits with two walks and three strikeouts. |
Our View: That's five consecutive wins for Lohse with five walks and 13 strikeouts through that span.
|
|
|
|
| The Cardinals enjoyed a strong pitching performance, but the offense pulled through as well to take the 3-2 over Philadelphia. Second baseman Adam Kennedy was the difference on offense, going 2-for-4 at the plate, hitting his first homer of the season to give us two RBIs on the night. |
Our View: Kennedy was a horrific .161 at the dish last month but appears to be coming back into form, hitting .273 thus far through June.
|
|
|
|
| Philadelphia RHP Adam Eaton suffered his fourth loss of the season today as his Phillies were able to manage just four hits to score twice, coming just short in the 3-2 loss to St. Louis. Eaton lasted 6 2/3 innings to allow three runs (all earned) on nine hits with one walk and two strikeouts. |
Our View: Eaton had earned wins in each of his last two outings before today, but the trend for home runs allowed (six in his last six starts) is concerning.
|
|
|
|
| The Phillies sufferd the 3-2 loss versus St. Louis today as the entire team combined for four hits. Outfielder Pat Burrell was the force of reckoning, going 1-for-4 at the plate with his 18th home run of the season to total two RBIs on the evening. |
Our View: This give Burrell five homers with nine RBIs through June thus far.
|
|
|
|
| The Mets have released their starting lineup for the evening as they face the Texas Rangers, according to Newsday.com. The lineup reads as follows: J.Reyes (SS), L.Castillo (2B), D.Wright (3B), C.Beltran (CF), D.Easley (LF), C.Delgado (1B), R.Castro (C), E.Chavez (RF), and Pedro Martinez (RHP). |
Our View: Martinez struggled in his last outing, surrendering four runs (all earned) on 10 hits over five innings. He left with no decision as he continues to work back into form.
|
|
|
|
| Boston outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury has tied the Red Sox franchise record for stolen bases by a rookie, today registering his 31st stolen bag of the season (his second of the day), according to the Boston Globe. |
Our View: Ellsbury ties Amby McConnell, setting the mark in 1908.
|
|
|
|
| San Diego general manager Kevin Towers told reporters the team's top prospect Chase Headley will be joining in the team this week, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Headley has been converted to the outfield having been raised at third base and is hitting .305 with 13 home runs and 40 RBIs in 65 games with the Triple-A Portland. Headley flew from Fresno (where the minor-league team was playing) to Cleveland to take part in the battles with the Indians.
|
|
|
|
| Pittsburgh outfielder Chris Duffy will begin a rehab assignment on Sunday with the Double-A Altoona affiliate, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. |
Our View: Duffy, the Pirates' opening day center fielder the past two years, had left shoulder surgery Aug. 31, 2007, and also was sidelined last season by an ankle injury.
|
|
|
|
| For tonight's interleague matchup against Tampa Bay, the Marlins have listed shortstop Hanley Ramirez as their designated hitter, according to the Palm Beach Post. |
Our View: Alfredo Amezaga gets the start at short, though reports suggest Jorge Cantu will fill the DH spot on Sunday to give Wes Helms the start at third ba | |
