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Jake Peavy, P, San Diego PadresWednesday 6/18, 11:59 PM CT
Jake Peavy allowed four runs (three earned) on six hits, walked two and struck out four in a losing effort against the Yankees on Wednesday night. The conditions were wet and the fielders were having problems with batted balls. The Padres made two errors in the game, one effected the pitch count and the pace of their ace.

Our View: Peavy is still on a pitch count and could only last four innings after throwing 93 pitches.
Dan Haren, P, Arizona DiamondbacksWednesday 6/18, 11:43 PM CT
Arizona RHP Dan Haren got plenty of offensive support this evening in the Diamondbacks' 11-1 win over Oakland, but the motivation to put his old employer to the gutter ruled the night and gave Haren the drive for a top performance. Haren pitched seven innings to allow just one run on four hits with one walk and eight strikeouts.

Our View: Haren moves to 7-4 with an ERA of 3.26, now sitting at 2-0 over four starts this month. In that span through June, he has allowed just six combined earned runs with five walks versus 24 strikeouts.
Jeff Bennett, P, Atlanta BravesWednesday 6/18, 11:38 PM CT
Jeff Bennett pitched a scoreless eighth inning for Atlanta and then handed the ball to new closer Mike Gonzalez in the ninth and registered his first victory of the season.

Our View: The do-anything Bennett improved was 0-4 with two saves coming into Wednesday night's game.
Chris Young, CF, Arizona DiamondbacksWednesday 6/18, 11:37 PM CT
The Diamondbacks pushed 15 hits for 11 runs tonight in beating up on the Oakland A's, a surge enhanced by the efforts of outfielder Chris Young . Young went 2-for-4 on the night with his 18th double and his 13th homer of the season, totaling three RBIs and two runs scored.

Our View: Young's struggles from May have gotten worse in June, hitting just .200 with no homers and four RBIs. His hot start had all but faded, but tonight may indicate another rise on the horizon.
Chipper Jones, 3B, Atlanta BravesWednesday 6/18, 11:32 PM CT
Chipper Jones homered and went 2-for-5 to keep his major league-best batting average at .400.

Our View: In a terrific first inning at-bat against Rangers' rookie Eric Hurley the Braves' slugger hit a 3-2 pitch over the center field fence with two outs for his 16th dinger of the year.
Stephen Drew, SS, Arizona DiamondbacksWednesday 6/18, 11:30 PM CT
The Diamondbacks brougth plenty of bats to the party, beating Oakland 11-1 this evening, though shortstop Stephen Drew found his bat rang a bit louder than others. Drew went 3-for-5 with his 14th double and his 10th home run of the season, gathering two RBIs and two runs scored on the night.

Our View: Drew has found difficult times at the plate this month, hitting just .241 through June with two homers and four RBIs before tonight. This may jump start his swing and get him back to the numbers we know he can produce.
Mike Gonzalez, P, Atlanta BravesWednesday 6/18, 11:26 PM CT
Mike Gonzalez, who was removed from the disabled list before the game, recorded his first save in over 13 months. Gonzalez underwent ligament replacement surgery in his left elbow last May.

Our View: With Smoltz on the shelf for the season and Raphael Soriano's status in limbo, Gonzo is now the closer for the Braves and is in line to offer his lucky owner as many as 20 saves in the last three-plus months of the season.
Joe Blanton, P, Philadelphia PhilliesWednesday 6/18, 11:24 PM CT
Oakland RHP Joe Blanton continues to suffer through the dredges of a horrific season, suffering his 10th loss this evening as the A's were trounced 11-1 by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Blanton lasted just three innings to give up eight runs (all earned) on seven hits with three walks and one strikeout.

Our View: This gives Blanton four consecutive losses with 20 combined earned runs surrendered through that span.
Jo-Jo Reyes, P, Atlanta BravesWednesday 6/18, 11:23 PM CT
Jo-Jo Reyes gave up two runs on five hits in seven innings, striking out three and walking four. The left-hander wasn't involved in the decision after leaving the game tied at 2.

Our View: Reyes continues to impress. His performance was even more impressive due to the lineup and the venue he pitched against and in. The southpaw held the highest scoring offense in the majors and did it in hitter-friendly Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. His BB rate is still unattractive but the young lefty is learning on the job and faced the best tonight.
Kosuke Fukudome, RF, Chicago CubsWednesday 6/18, 11:15 PM CT
Kosuke Fukudome drove in Chicago's first run with an RBI double, then scored on Theriot's single for a 2-1 lead. The Japanese import ended the day 1-for-4 from the leadoff spot.

Our View: Fukudome's average has now dipped below the .300 mark. The right fielder heads into Thursday's action with a batting average of .296.
Reed Johnson, CF, Chicago CubsWednesday 6/18, 11:09 PM CT
Reed Johnson sat out Wednesday night's game against the Tampa Bay Rays with back stiffness after a first-base collision on Tuesday night with first baseman Willy Aybar.

Our View: Piniella said Johnson was available in an emergency and could have pinch-hit if needed so it doesn't sound like the injury is too serious.
Jeff Francis, P, Colorado RockiesWednesday 6/18, 11:03 PM CT
Colorado LHP Jeff Francis earned the win in support of his Rockies' 4-2 victory over the Cleveland Indians this evening. Francis pitched six innings to allow two runs (one earned) on five hits with no walks and two strikeouts.

Our View: Francis now sits at 3-6 with an ERA of 5.22 on the season.
Carlos Zambrano, P, Chicago CubsWednesday 6/18, 11:02 PM CT
Carlos Zambrano dropped just his second game in his last nine decisions. He allowed five runs on seven hits, walked four and struck out only two over 6.2 innings. The Z-pack departed after throwing 100 pitches. The Cubs later said he was lifted because of right shoulder discomfort.

Our View: Zambrano is scheduled to return to Chicago on Thursday, where he will see a doctor and have an MRI examination.
Jeff Baker, 2B, Colorado RockiesWednesday 6/18, 11:00 PM CT
Colorado got their offense moving in the right direction this evening, beating Cleveland 4-2. Outfielder-turned-second baseman Jeff Baker was the weapon of choice, going 2-for-4 with his 13th double and third home run of the season to total one RBI and three runs scored on the night.

Our View: Baker has come one of late, hitting .385 through June, going 6-for-17 with two homers and eight runs scored over his last four games.
Casey Blake, 3B, Los Angeles DodgersWednesday 6/18, 10:55 PM CT
The Rockies found revenge for last night's loss, beating Cleveland 4-2 in tonight's interleague action. The Indians found just six hits on the night, led by third baseman Casey Blake , going 2-for-4 with one run scored.

Our View: Blake is hitting .321 this month and 11 runs scored and 12 RBIs.
Ben Sheets, P, Milwaukee BrewersWednesday 6/18, 10:36 PM CT
The Brewers got a bit of an erratic performance from RHP Ben Sheets tonight, but the result was a 5-4 win over the Blue Jays. Sheets went six innings to allow just two runs (both earned) on four hits with four walks and five strikeouts.

Our View: Sheets hasn't lost a game since May 15th, allowing no more than three earned runs in each of his last six starts. Over that stretch, Sheets has surrendered just nine combined walks.
Mike Cameron, CF, Milwaukee BrewersWednesday 6/18, 10:26 PM CT
The Brewers scattered 11 hits over eight innings to total just enough runs to win, defeating the Toronto Blue Jays 5-4. Outfielder Mike Cameron was the man in charge, going 1-for-4 with his 11th homer of the season to total two RBIs and two runs scored, also adding his fifth stolen base of the season.

Our View: Cameron now carries four homers with seven RBIs for the month of June, but is hitting just .212 with 14 strikeouts versus just seven walks.
Paul Lo Duca, C, Florida MarlinsWednesday 6/18, 10:25 PM CT
Paul Lo Duca, who came off the disabled list Monday, started at first base. The veteran catcher went 0-for-4 with a strike out.

Our View: Expect the Nats to find Lo Duca as many at-bats as they can. With three solid cathers on the roster the team will audition Lo Duca as the July trade deadline approaches.
Jason Bergmann, P, Washington NationalsWednesday 6/18, 10:20 PM CT
Jason Bergmann allowed only one earned run on five hits, walked three and struck out two in his fifth loss of the season. It was a strong effort and could be containered as a bounce back after scuffling in his last two starts.

Our View: Bergman had allowed nine runs on 18 hits over 7.2 innings in his previous two outings.
Braden Looper, P, St. Louis CardinalsWednesday 6/18, 10:04 PM CT
The Cardinals came up short in the 3-2 loss to the Royals this evening, but RHP Braden Looper did what he could to reverse their fortunes. Looper pitched seven innings to allow just one run on five hits with no walks and no strikeouts.

Our View: Looper walked with no decision and now carries a record of 8-5 with a 4.10 ERA, having allowed just six earned runs through four starts this month.
Tom Gorzelanny, P, Pittsburgh PiratesWednesday 6/18, 10:00 PM CT
Tom Gorzelanny allowed four runs on five hits in six innings of work but fell to 0-3 in Chicago this season. Two of those losses obviously against the Cubs. The Bucs southpaw walked four and struck out four.

Our View: Gorzelanny's ERA now sits at 6.59 and his WHIP climbed to 1.80. Ugly numbers from a left-handed National League starter.
Brian Moehler, P, Houston AstrosWednesday 6/18, 9:35 PM CT
Brian Moehler was good on Wednesday night in Baltimore. After allowing seven runs on seven hits in his last outing against the Brewers, the right-handed journeyman working 6.1 innings allowing one run on five hits, walking two and striking out four in a no-decision.

Our View: Moehler was not expected to be in the starting rotation when the Astros broke spring training, and the veteran is much better serving in long relief. The longer Moehler is in the game the more dramatically his batting average against climbs.
Carlos Zambrano, P, Chicago CubsWednesday 6/18, 9:18 PM CT
Chicago RHP Carlos Zambrano has left tonight's game against Tampa Bay with shoulder discomfort, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Our View: The severity of his injury was not immediately known. Zambrano, who entered the game with an 8-2 record and 2.98 ERA, struggled with his command, and his velocity was noticeably down throughout his start. We will update as news becomes available.
Lance Berkman, 1B, Houston AstrosWednesday 6/18, 9:17 PM CT
Lance Berkman went 2-for-3 with one RBI and one run scored in Wednesday's 2-1 loss to the Orioles. Berkman was the entire offense for the Astros hitting a seventh inning solo shot off Jeremy Guthrie.

Our View: Berkman continues to hit for power. His solo shot on Wednesday was his 20th of the season and his 58th RBI.
Derek Lowe, P, Los Angeles DodgersWednesday 6/18, 9:09 PM CT
Los Angeles RHP Derek Lowe enjoyed good relief pitching and good offensive support in posting the 6-1 win over the Reds. Lowe pitched 5 1/3 innings to allow one run on three hits with two walks and six strikeouts.

Our View: That brings Lowe to 3-1 for the month of June, touting just five walks versus 18 strikeouts.
James Loney, 1B, Los Angeles DodgersWednesday 6/18, 9:06 PM CT
The Dodgers posted a nice offensive showing this evening, winning 6-1 over the Cincinnati Reds. The effort was led by first baseman James Loney , going 2-for-3 with a walk and his sixth home run of the season, totaling two RBIs and one runs scored on the night.

Our View: Loney is playing a major role for the Dodgers and is getting it done at the plate, hitting .380 this month (though his three RBIs over that spand leaves little to be desired).
Bronson Arroyo, P, Cincinnati RedsWednesday 6/18, 9:02 PM CT
Cincinnati RHP Bronson Arroyo tried to get on the right path, but tonight the Dodgers had his number, handing the Reds a 6-1 loss. Arroyop pitched 6 1/3 innings to allow six runs (all earned) on seven hits with one walk and six strikeouts.

Our View: Arroyo now sits at 4-6 on the season with an ERA of 5.55, standing at 0-2 in four starts through June.
Edwin Encarnacion, 3B, Cincinnati RedsWednesday 6/18, 8:58 PM CT
The Reds suffered the frustrating 6-1 loss to the Dodgers this evening, the only non-interleague battle of the night, with third baseman Edwin Encarnacion serving as the force of offense. Encarnacion went 1-for-4 with this 12th homer of the season, totaling one RBI and one runs scored on the night.

Our View: Encarnacion was hitting .292 for the month of June coming into tonight, though his three RBIs fails to make fantasy owners too happy.
Rafael Soriano, P, Atlanta BravesWednesday 6/18, 8:43 PM CT
MLB.com reports that Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox said Tuesday that he thought Rafael Soriano will be activated from the disabled list on Saturday, he might have been doing some wishful thinking. As has been the case with Soriano for most of the past month, thoughts about his potential return to the Braves bullpen can change on a daily basis.

Our View: The report noted two things: 1) Soriano did venture into the outfield to play catch during batting practice at Rangers Ballpark on Wednesday afternoon 2) Cox isn't sure exactly when this test might occur and was visably frustrated when asked about Soriano for seemingly the thousandth time this season.
Jason Isringhausen, P, St. Louis CardinalsWednesday 6/18, 8:20 PM CT
The Cardinals report reliever Jason Isringhausen returned to active duty on Tuesday night, but the team still intends to ease him back into the fold and will give him more work in the bullpen to insure he is as healthy as can, according to MLB.com.

Our View: The right-hander pitched around an error in the ninth inning on Tuesday, and he hit a batter. But he did not allow any runs, hits or walks in his first game back. He pitched in a close game, with St. Louis trailing by one run. However, manager Tony LaRussa tells reporters he is going to be choosing his spots carefully when giving Isringhausen the call, at least for now.
Jose Reyes, SS, New York MetsWednesday 6/18, 7:59 PM CT
Jose Reyes said after Tuesday's game that he expected to play tonight against the Angels, and true to his expectations, the Mets starting shortstop is in the starting lineup and hitting in his usual leadoff spot.

Our View: Reyes was upset after being taken out of the Tuesday's game in the first inning after tweaking a hamstring, and while he is starting, don't expect to see the speedster stealing second and third without feeling some hambone pain.
Miguel Montero, C, Arizona DiamondbacksWednesday 6/18, 7:55 PM CT
Miguel Montero is in the starting lineup on Wednesday night against the A's Joe Blanton. Montero, Randy Johnson's personal catcher, has been picking up some additional at-bats versus right-handed pitching.

Our View: The backup catcher is a modest upgrade offensively over Chris Snyder against right-handed pitchers.
Todd Wellemeyer, P, St. Louis CardinalsWednesday 6/18, 7:50 PM CT
St. Louis RHP Todd Wellemeyer is going to miss his scheduled start on Thursday due to inflammation in his right elbow, but the team believes it will be the only start he misses, according to MLB.com.

Our View: Wellemeyer said there was not a significant improvement in his elbow from his last start and now. Erring on the side of caution, he decided it would not be best for him to pitch through the injury. However, Wellemeyer does not think he will miss his next start, though he was not about to submit any certainties for the immediate future.
Garrett Mock, P, Washington NationalsWednesday 6/18, 7:44 PM CT
Garrett Mock, who is currently in Triple-A Columbus, will pitch against the Rangers on Saturday night at Nationals Park. The team has not announced a corresponding move.

Our View: Mock filled in as the emergency starter on Sunday allowing four runs on seven hits, walking one and striking out none in 4.1 innings of work in a loss to the Giants, 6-3, at Nationals Park. If he thought the Giants were tough, wait until he peeks at the Rangers first eight hitters.
Hiroki Kuroda, P, Los Angeles DodgersWednesday 6/18, 7:42 PM CT
The Dodgers believe they will have the much-anticipated update on the status of RHP Hiroki Kuroda late today, according to MLB.com.

Our View: Kuroda was sent home prior to Tuesday's series opener with the Reds after informing manager Joe Torre that he was experiencing soreness in his right shoulder. He underwent an MRI exam on Wednesday morning in Los Angeles. He is scheduled to pitch again on Saturday against Cleveland, but the results of the MRI will have an obvious effect on those plans. We will update as news becomes available.
Jesus Flores, C, Washington NationalsWednesday 6/18, 7:25 PM CT
With Paul LoDuca back from the disabled list some believed that he would be back in the lineup auditioning for prospective trade partners. But it appears that Jesus Flores will continue to be the starting catcher for the Nationals. Flores is in the starting lineup tonight hitting sixth in the batting order.

Our View: Flores' statline of .311-4-25 with 14 doubles in 106 at-bats is about as good as one should expect from a rookie catcher.
Luis Rivas, SS, Pittsburgh PiratesWednesday 6/18, 7:12 PM CT
Luis Rivas is hitting leadoff tonight when the Pirates try and bounce back from a beat down at the hands of the Chicago White Sox. The White Sox returned to their hitting ways as soon as they arrived back in Comerica Park.

Our View: Rivas is starting at second base and Freddy Sanchez has the day off.
Mike Gonzalez, P, Atlanta BravesWednesday 6/18, 6:57 PM CT
As anticipated, the Atlanta Braves have activated LHP Mike Gonzalez from the disabled list, according to CBSSports.com.

Our View: It has been 13 months since Gonzalez underwent Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery. The reliever joined his Atlanta teammates on Tuesday and has been activated for tonight's game against the Rangers at Rangers Ballpark at Arlington.
Chase Headley, LF, San Diego PadresWednesday 6/18, 6:56 PM CT
After going 2-for-4 with a pair of strikeouts in his debut, Chase Headley was in the starting lineup for the second straight day. The Padres versatile rookie is starting at third base and hitting sixth in the batting order.

Our View: Headley at third base works well with Kevin Kouzmanoff nursing a bad back.
J.J. Hardy, SS, Milwaukee BrewersWednesday 6/18, 6:45 PM CT
Having missed time with an aching left should, Milwaukee shortstop J.J. Hardy is back in action tonight and playing for the Milwaukee Brewers, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Our View: Hardy took part in pregame warm-ups yesterdya and felt good, but the wanted to play cautious. Tonight, he is on the prowl.
Ryan Doumit, C, Pittsburgh PiratesWednesday 6/18, 6:38 PM CT
The Pirates will be without catcher Ryan Doumit this evening, suffering from a concussion, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Our View: Doumit took three foul balls off his mask Tuesday night. He was replaced in the bottom of the seventh by Raul Chavez. The team wants to rest him in full, thus he won't be available for pinch-hitting duties either, and could be held out again tomorrow. We will update as news becomes available.
Kosuke Fukudome, RF, Chicago CubsWednesday 6/18, 6:33 PM CT
In a surprising chain of events, Chicago manager Lou Piniella has moved outfielder Kosuke Fukudome to the leadoff spot in the batting order, according to MLB.com.

Our View: With Alfonso Soriano out with the broken hand, the team needs to replace a productive bat to keep the mood right leading off the batting efforts. Fukudome has shown such potential this season, though they are obviously losing a bit of speed in the move.
Homer Bailey, P, Cincinnati RedsWednesday 6/18, 6:30 PM CT
Updating an earlier report, the Cincinnati Reds have sent RHP Homer Bailey back to the minors, optioning the struggling hurler to Triple-A Louisville, according to the Associated Press.

Our View: The 22-year-old Bailey knew he was likely to be optioned after he gave up five runs in only 2 1/3 innings of a 9-0 loss to Boston on Sunday. In three starts this season, Bailey went 0-3 with an 8.76 ERA. To fill his roster spot, the Reds have activated outfielder Norris Hopper who has been sidelined since April 23rd with an irritated nerve in his right elbow.
Norris Hopper, CF, Cincinnati RedsWednesday 6/18, 5:54 PM CT
The Reds activated Norris Hopper from the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday.

Our View: Hopper, a preseason sleeper to start in center field for the Reds, is now up to offer depth for the injured and the ill. Jay Bruce's promotion ended any hope that Hopper would see regular playing time this year.
David Riske, P, Milwaukee BrewersWednesday 6/18, 5:11 PM CT
The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that there's a good chance reliever David Riske will take part in only one rehabilitation session with Triple-A Nashville. Riske, on the disabled list while recovering from an elbow injury, struck out all three batters he faced Tuesday night. "We'll re-evaluate it (today)," Yost said. "There's some talk (about pitching just once). We'll see how he feels." After three strikeouts, Riske probably was feeling pretty good.

Our View: The original plan was for Riske to pitch again Thursday for the Sounds but manager Ned Yost said he might be brought back and activated after one outing.
Rafael Furcal, SS, Los Angeles DodgersWednesday 6/18, 4:53 PM CT
The LA Times reports that Rafael Furcal has been limited to playing catch. Dodgers Manager Joe Torre said he didn't expect his shortstop back until after the All-Star break.

Our View: Furcal, suffering from a bulging disk in his back, was tied for the team lead in runs scored with Russell Martin when the Dodgers opened their three-game series in Cincinnati even though he hadn't played in more than six weeks. Think the leadoff hitter wasn't valuable to the offense?
Brian Wilson, P, San Francisco GiantsWednesday 6/18, 4:47 PM CT
Brian Wilson entered Wednesday's game with 19 saves. The last Giant to reach 20 by the All-Star break was Matt Herges in 2004.

Our View: Wilson's fastball registered 102 mph on the AT&T Park radar gun in Monday's mop up appearance against the Tigers.
Evan Meek, P, Pittsburgh PiratesWednesday 6/18, 4:38 PM CT
Evan Meek, who opened the season with the Pirates as a Rule 5 draft pick, was promoted from Class AA Altoona to Class AAA Indianapolis, this according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Our View: In nine appearances with the Curve, Meek had a 2.81 ERA, 17 strikeouts and three walks.
Jorge Cantu, 3B, Florida MarlinsWednesday 6/18, 4:20 PM CT
Jorge Cantu, who became a fantasy sensation after a stellar 2005 season with Tampa Bay, is no longer considered a one-year wonder. Less than two seasons after his big '05 campaign the third baseman is hitting .285-14-41 in 69 games.

Our View: One can blame injuries on a 2006 season that saw him miss 55 games, but it doesn't explain his struggles in 2007, a year he spent several months riding minor league buses. Cantu won't be mistaken for a gold glover, in fact he is arguably the worst defensive third basemen in the league, but his bat is all most fantasy owners care about, and his bat is smoking.
Barry Zito, P, San Francisco GiantsWednesday 6/18, 4:12 PM CT
Barry Zito is still looking for his first win of the season at AT&T Park, where he was 0-6 with a 6.50 ERA in seven starts coming into today's game against the Tigers. Zito left after pitching just two innings against the Tigers, allowing five runs on five hits, walking four and striking out two.

Our View: The left-hander has only one win in his last 16 starts at San Francisco. At the time of this post the Giants were down 6-1 in the bottom of the fourth inning making it probable that Zito would lose his 11th game of the season, his seventh at home.
Kyle Kendrick, P, Philadelphia PhilliesWednesday 6/18, 3:28 PM CT
Kyle Kendrick had arguably his worst outing of the year on Wednesday. He served up six hits and six runs (two homers) over three innings against the Red Sox. Kendrick dropped to 6-3, and his ERA jumped from 4.54 to 5.06.

Our View: Kendrick had been pitching pretty well coming into this contest, but the mighty Red Sox jumped all over his stuff. We'll chalk it up to a middle-of-the-road hurler simply having a bad day.
Brandon Moss, RF, Pittsburgh PiratesWednesday 6/18, 1:08 PM CT
Brandon Moss entered Wednesday's game in the third inning as a pinch-hitter for Coco Crisp. The backup outfielder immediately delivered a two-run single. There is no word on why Crisp was taken out.

Our View: We're digging for updates, but if Crisp is hurt, Moss could stand to step into a lot of at-bats.
Travis Denker, 2B, San Diego PadresWednesday 6/18, 12:48 PM CT
Travis Denker will start on Wednesday in place of Ray Durham, who is presumably just getting a day off, the San Jose Mercury News notes.

Our View: It's a day game after a night contest, so it's not too surprising to see Durham on the bench.
Manny Ramirez, LF, Los Angeles DodgersWednesday 6/18, 10:56 AM CT
Manny Ramirez experienced a twinge in his right hamstring on Tuesday night and is not in the lineup on Wednesday, the Boston Globe reports.

Our View: Ramirez and the Red Sox are hurt by the no-DH rule as they visit the Phillies. His hamstring issue isn't major, but the Red Sox can't afford to push it.
Randy Winn, RF, San Francisco GiantsWednesday 6/18, 10:26 AM CT
The Braves could be interested in acquiring Randy Winn before the July 31 trade deadline, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Our View: The list of suitors won't end with the Braves. Winn will likely be a hot commodity as July 31 approaches, and there's a chance he'll end up in a good situation to help fantasy teams. His stock could rise.
Kevin Kouzmanoff, 3B, San Diego PadresWednesday 6/18, 10:22 AM CT
Kevin Kouzmanoff was out of the lineup on Tuesday because he tweaked his back while taking grounders in pre-game warm-ups. "It could be day-to-day for Kouz," manager Bud Black tells the San Diego Union-Tribune. "It could be longer."

Our View: Fantasy owners should plan on Kouz being out on Wednesday and probably Thursday, at the least. We'll provide more updates when available. Meanwhile, Chase Headley will move in to third base.
Mark Rogers, P, Milwaukee BrewersWednesday 6/18, 10:11 AM CT
Mark Rogers recently underwent right shoulder surgery, again. The latest procedure cleaned out scar tissue, and the 22-year-old right-hander is out for the season. "They didn't find anything significant," assistant general manager Gord Ash tells the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. "It was not a significant repair. It was more what I'd call a clean-out procedure." Rogers, the fifth overall pick in the 2004 draft, missed all of 2007 after undergoing surgery to repair a slap lesion on his labrum.

Our View: Rogers has only risen to High-A ball at this point, which is disappointing. This is a guy who was picked amidst the likes of Justin Verlander, Jeremy Sowers, Homer Bailey, and Jered Weaver, and the Brewers obviously hoped he'd be at Triple-A by now. Anyway, Rogers obviously has no fantasy value.
Michael Bourn, CF, Houston AstrosWednesday 6/18, 10:06 AM CT
Michael Bourn returned to the leadoff spot on Tuesday night. He hadn't been there since June 4. Bourn went 2-for-5 with an RBI and two runs. "It's about that time," manager Cecil Cooper tells the Houston Chronicle. "He's playing well and swinging well. It's been that way for a few weeks now." Bourn is hitting .391 in June.

Our View: Bourn hasn't been quite as active on the base paths this month, but fantasy owners should be happy his average is on the rise. He needed to start hitting to save his job. Hopefully he can stay hot and start scoring more runs.
Prince Fielder, 1B, Milwaukee BrewersWednesday 6/18, 10:02 AM CT
Prince Fielder rarely has trouble with opposing pitchers, but he may have found an opponent he can't swing at. The first baseman owes the IRS $409,149 in unpaid taxes, the Detroit News reports. The IRS filed the lien on October 6, 2005. Fielder owes the money from 2003, a year after he inked his first contract and received a $2.4 million bonus.

Our View: We don't know if Prince is in danger of going to jail, but he probably hasn't gotten a new credit card lately.
Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Colorado RockiesWednesday 6/18, 9:52 AM CT
Troy Tulowitzki went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI in Tuesday's Triple-A appearance. He also played shortstop. Tulowitzki remains on track to return this weekend, possibly by Friday. He tore a left quad muscle on April 29.

Our View: We'll continue to monitor Tulo's status, but fantasy owners can tentatively plan on using him next week, if not sooner.
Homer Bailey, P, Cincinnati RedsWednesday 6/18, 9:46 AM CT
Homer Bailey remains listed as the starter for Saturday's game in New York against the Yankees, but the team could turn to veteran Josh Fogg or youngster Daryl Thompson. "We don't know yet," manager Dusty Baker informs the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Our View: Bailey, an elite prospect, was supposed to take the majors by storm, but he struggled in 2007 (5.76 ERA) and has been awful this year (8.76 ERA). We have to remind ourselves that he only turned 22 a month ago. He clearly has stuff to work on.
Mark Mulder, P, St. Louis CardinalsWednesday 6/18, 9:07 AM CT
Mark Mulder's next rehab outing will come on Thursday at Triple-A Memphis, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch notes. The southpaw got his fastball up into the low-90s during his Double-A outing on Saturday.

Our View: Could Mulder actually be close to returning to the majors? It sounds like it. We remain skeptical about his ability to help fantasy owners following multiple shoulder surgeries.
Anibal Sanchez, P, Florida MarlinsWednesday 6/18, 9:01 AM CT
Anibal Sanchez threw a simulated game on Tuesday, MLB.com reports. The right-hander is recovering from right shoulder surgery and won't be ready until August, at the earliest.

Our View: Sanchez, 24, still has a bright (albeit slightly dimmer than it once was) future in the majors, but fantasy owners shouldn't expect anything this year. His only value is in keeper leagues.
John Lannan, P, Washington NationalsWednesday 6/18, 8:59 AM CT
Nats hurler John Lannan owns a 3.36, and he can thank his teammates for a 4-8 record. The southpaw ranks last in the majors in run support (2.39). Paul Byrd (2.78) and Aaron Harang (2.85) are the two closest on the list, the Washington Post reports.

Our View: Have you seen the Nationals' lineup? If so, this news shouldn't be too surprising. The 23-year-old Lannan doesn't strike out many people, but he does a nice job of getting outs. He looks like a keeper.
Josh Willingham, LF, Washington NationalsWednesday 6/18, 8:52 AM CT
Josh Willingham went 2-for-4 with a double and a pair of RBI for Double-A Carolina on Tuesday. He is expected to rejoin the Marlins during their next homestand, which begins on Monday, the Miami Herald reports. Willingham is on the DL due to a sore lower back.

Our View: Willingham was swinging well prior to his injury, and we hope he can find his stroke during his rehab period. He should end up with seven-to-nine games of rehab work before coming back up.
Kris Benson, P, Philadelphia PhilliesWednesday 6/18, 8:42 AM CT
Kris Benson is slated to make a rehab start on Thursday for High-A Clearwater, the Philadelphia Daily News reports. The hurler was previously scheduled to pitch on June 2, but his start was scratched due to soreness in his right biceps.

Our View: Benson hasn't been in the majors since 2006 (torn rotator cuff), and the Phillies are likely to stretch his minor league rehab out to the full 30 days. Fantasy owners shouldn't count on him.
Jose Reyes, SS, New York MetsWednesday 6/18, 8:39 AM CT
Jose Reyes may be able to return to the lineup on Wednesday after dealing with some left hamstring tightness on Tuesday. Manager Jerry Manuel informs the New York Daily News that the shortstop is typically able to "shake it out" and come back quickly. The new skipper also chastised Reyes for the tantrum he threw when he was removed from the game on Tuesday.

Our View: Manuel made the right move on Tuesday, and it's too bad Reyes felt the need to challenge the new manager. We imagine Manuel later gave Jose a big bowl of ice cream and let him stay up watching TV all the way until 10:00 pm.