| Joel Pineiro, P, St. Louis Cardinals | Tuesday 4/8, 11:43 PM CT |
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| Joel Pineiro looked good in his rehab start for Triple-A Memphis Tuesday, allowing two runs on six hits and a walk while striking out five over six innings. The righty is working his way back from a sore shoulder. This could be his only rehab start, as it's possible he could be activated and start on Sunday in place of Brad Thompson. Stay tuned. |
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| Randy Johnson, who's coming back from back surgery, allowed three runs while striking out seven over six innings Tuesday in his second rehab start for Triple-A Tucson. A much better performance this time out from the Big Unit. He's expected to be activated from the DL on Monday, but check back for updates to make sure. |
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| Eric Gagne, P, Milwaukee Brewers | Tuesday 4/8, 10:34 PM CT |
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| Eric Gagne blew his second save in three chances Tuesday, allowing a game-tying homer to Corey Patterson in the ninth. Rickie Weeks picked up Gagne with a game-winning RBI single in the 10th, but the Brewers and fantasy owners alike have to be concerned with Gagne's performance thus far. |
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| Clay Timpner, LF, San Francisco Giants | Tuesday 4/8, 10:19 PM CT |
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| The Giants recalled Clay Timpner from Triple-A Fresno Tuesday to replace the injured Dave Roberts on the roster. Timpner was hitting .250 with six RBI in 20 at-bats with Fresno. He batted .301 with six homers and 39 RBI last year at Triple-A. He doesn't figure to see a ton of playing time. |
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| Dave Roberts, LF, San Francisco Giants | Tuesday 4/8, 10:17 PM CT |
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| The Giants placed Dave Roberts on the DL Tuesday with a left knee injury. The team recalled Clay Timpner from Triple-A Fresno. Fred Lewis should get the bulk of the playing time in left field while Roberts is out, but Rajai Davis, Dan Ortmeier and Timpner should see time, as well. |
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| Johnny Estrada will be recalled from his rehab assignment to replace the injured Dmitri Young on the roster. Estrada is coming back from elbow surgery. He'll be behind Paul Lo Duca on the depth chart but should get a couple starts per week. |
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| Dmitri Young, 1B, Washington Nationals | Tuesday 4/8, 10:11 PM CT |
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| The Nationals placed Dmitri Young on the DL Tuesday with a lower back sprain. The move is retroactive to April 3. Young has managed just two at-bats thus far. Johnny Estrada will be recalled from his rehab assignment at Triple-A Columbus to replace Young on the roster. Nick Johnson will continue to see the bulk of the time at first base while Young is out. |
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| Chad Billingsley had to wait a while for his first start of the season. Perhaps he would have been better off waiting longer. The right-hander lasted just 2 1/3 innings Tuesday, allowing five runs (four earned) on five hits and three walks while striking out one. Billingsley gave up one run in a couple relief appearances last week. This was certainly a rough first start for the youngster, but be patient. He'll get better. |
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| Anthony Reyes was terrific out of the bullpen for the Cardinals Tuesday, allowing just one hit while striking out one over three scoreless innings to pick up a win. The righty lost out on a rotation spot this spring, but at the worst, he's pitching his way into an integral role with solid relief work. |
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| Johnny Cueto wasn't as dominant in his second career start as he was in his first, but he was still pretty darn good. The young right-hander allowed two runs on five hits while striking out eight over 6 1/3 innings. He did not walk a batter and now has an 18/0 K/BB rate in his 13 1/3 innings. It's pretty clear that Cueto is legit, though you can expect rough patches to come. |
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| Wily Mo Pena, LF, Washington Nationals | Tuesday 4/8, 9:39 PM CT |
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| Wily Mo Pena played three innings in a game at extended spring training in Florida Tuesday, according to the AP. He went 0-for-1 at the plate with a strikeout, a walk and a run scored. He didn't have any opportunities in left field. Pena has been sidelined by a torn left side muscle and could return later this month. |
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| Shawn Hill, P, Washington Nationals | Tuesday 4/8, 9:37 PM CT |
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| Shawn Hill, recovering from a forearm injury, tossed five shutout innings Tuesday in a rehab start for Single-A Potomac, allowing four hits and one walk with four strikeouts, according to the AP. The righty's fastball touched 91 MPH on the radar gun. GM Jim Bowden said he and manager Manny Acta planned to meet Wednesday to discuss Hill's status going forward. We'll keep you posted on Hill's progress, but everything sounds good so far. |
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| Orlando Hernandez returned to New York for an MRI Tuesday after experiencing pain in the right foot that bothered him early in spring training and which initially forced him to the disabled list, according to Metsblog.com. It had seemed like El Duque would return soon, but that's obviously up in the air now. We'll let you know what the MRI results are. |
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| Vinnie Chulk, P, San Francisco Giants | Tuesday 4/8, 8:19 PM CT |
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| Vinnie Chulk, who is coming back from tendinitis in his shoulder, will make at least one more appearance for Triple-A Fresno before being activated from the DL, according to MLB.com. The righty has tossed two scoreless innings for Fresno thus far. "When he comes up here, we don't want to be concerned with how we use him," manager Bruce Bochy said. The Giants need all the help they can get, and Chulk is a solid reliever, but he has value only in the deepest of NL-only leagues. |
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| Mark Mulder, P, St. Louis Cardinals | Tuesday 4/8, 8:07 PM CT |
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| Mark Mulder is scheduled to throw his second extended spring training game on Wednesday. If that goes well, his next game will mark the beginning of his minor league rehab assignment, according to MLB.com. Once a pitcher begins their minor league rehab, he has 30 days before he must be activated. However, GM John Mozeliak said Mulder may not necessarily even need the full month. "I would say pitch-count-wise, the answer is probably no," Mozeliak said. "But we'll see how he does." The lefty is coming back from a second shoulder operation. How he comes back and pitches is anyone's guess, but you should definitely see how he does in a few starts before picking him up. |
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| It was puzzling as to why Pedro Feliciano didn't pitch in Tuesday's game in the middle innings when the Mets needed him, and now we know the reason. The lefty specialist didn't arrive at Shea Stadium until the seventh inning. He had been back home in Puerto Rico dealing with what he called "family issues" and had his original flight canceled, according to MLB.com. Feliciano said the issue was resolved, so he it appears he'll be available going forward. |
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| Felipe Paulino suffered a setback today in his recovery from a pinched nerve in his upper arm when a team doctor informed him he needed another month of inactivity, according to the Houston Chronicle. Paulino is one of the Astros better prospects and was competing for a rotation spot this spring before the injury cropped up. We'll let you know how he progresses. |
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| Jimmy Rollins expects to start Wednesday despite the ankle injury that knocked him out of Tuesday's game, according to MLB.com. "My cleat got stuck," said Rollins. "I was more concerned about my knee popping if anything, but the ankle went. It's probably something day-to-day." Rollins went on to say that he could have stayed in the game. It sounds like he'll be good to go tomorrow. |
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| Colt Morton, C, San Diego Padres | Tuesday 4/8, 7:30 PM CT |
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| The Padres recalled Colt Morton from Double-A San Antonio Tuesday to replace the injured Michael Barrett on the roster. Morton figures to see limited playing time behind Josh Bard. |
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| The Padres placed Michael Barrett on the DL Tuesday with a strained ligament in his right elbow. Barrett was injured during the Padres' 8-4 victory over the Giants on Monday night. The team recalled Colt Morton from Double-A San Antonio to take Barrett's place on the roster. It's not clear how long the injury will sidelined Barrett, but his fantasy value was minimal, anyway, in a backup role. |
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| Jordan Schafer was suspended for 50 games Thursday by the baseball commissioner's office for using HGH, according to the AP. The outfielder is the team's top prospect, so this is no doubt a big blow. He was expected to compete for the everyday job in center next year, but those plans could be changed with this news. |
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| The Pirates signed Craig Wilson to a minor-league deal Tuesday. Wilson was signed by the Reds this offseason, but the deal reportedly fell through after he failed his physical. I guess you don't have to be healthy to play for the Pirates. Wilson will be returning to where he began his career, though he'll have to work his way back from Triple-A Indianapolis. |
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| The Marlins have purchased the contract of Burke Badenhop from Double-A Carolina. Badenhop, who came over from Detroit in the Miguel Cabrera trade this winter, held a 1.88 ERA in 14 1/3 innings this spring, though that also came along with an ugly 6/7 K/BB rate. He threw 6 1/3 scoreless innings in his lone start for Carolina this year. Badenhop is expected to start for the Fish on Sunday. |
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| Chris Young, CF, Arizona Diamondbacks | Tuesday 4/8, 4:58 PM CT |
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| The details have come in on Chris Young's contract extension. It is for $28 million over five years, and the D'Backs hold a $11 million option with a $1.5 million buyout for 2014, according to the AP. Young is off to a nice start this year, with four homers and two steals in the first seven games. |
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| Carlos Delgado remains hot as he went 2-for-4 with one RBI against the Phillies on Tuesday, while notably collecting his first homer of the season. Delgado is now hitting nine for 24 on the season. |
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| Oliver Perez was solid in a no decision against the Phillies on Tuesday, as he didn't allow a run over 5.2 innings of work, with a mere three hits allowed, and three walks and two strikeouts. The walks were his only flaw for today as the Mets ultimately fell 5-2. Perez is in a nice rhythm over his first two starts. |
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| Jayson Werth, CF, Philadelphia Phillies | Tuesday 4/8, 3:55 PM CT |
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| Jayson Werth was awarded the start over Geoff Jenkins in right field on Tuesday against the Mets, and he did not disappoint as he went 2-for-4 with an RBI, and one walk. This was a good day for him as he fights Jenkins for playing time in the Phillies' outfield. |
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| Jamie Moyer, P, Philadelphia Phillies | Tuesday 4/8, 3:51 PM CT |
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| Jamie Moyer claimed his first win of the season today as he only allowed two runs on four hits over six innings of work against the Mets, with three walks and one strikeout. This was a good outing for the middle of the rotation starter, as most of the damage came on a Carlos Delgado solo homer in a 5-2 win. |
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| Brett Carroll has been optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque, according to FishStripes.com. He held no fantasy value and has been sent down to make room for Jeremy Hermida, who is being activated from the DL. |
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| Eric Bruntlett filled in at shortstop for the Phillies on Tuesday after Jimmy Rollins exited with an apparent leg injury. He was notably part of the Brad Lidge package, and hit .246 over 80 games with the Astros last season. The severity of the Rollins injury is yet to be revealed. |
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| Jimmy Rollins left Tuesday's game against the Mets in the eighth inning with an apparent ankle injury. Eric Bruntlett replaced him at shortstop, and more news on Rollins' status will be be reported as it becomes available. |
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| Jeremy Hermida will be activated from the DL, according to FishStripes.com. He will be activated in time for Wednesday's game, and to make room for Hermida, outfielder Brett Carroll has been optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque.
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| Blake DeWitt, 3B, Los Angeles Dodgers | Tuesday 4/8, 2:59 PM CT |
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| Blake DeWitt has fallen into a hitting slump, according to MLB.com. Since starting the season hitting a solid 5-for-8, he is currently in an 0-for-13 slump that sunk his average to .238. He will be looking to bounce back against D-Backs' pitcher Doug Davis, who is 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA.
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| Matt Kemp, RF, Los Angeles Dodgers | Tuesday 4/8, 2:55 PM CT |
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| Matt Kemp is expected to return to the starting lineup on Tuesday, according to MLB.com. Manager Torre said he didn't want to bring back the slumping Kemp against veteran right-hander Dan Haren on Monday, and added, "You try to pick your spots to get them going and Haren is tough on right-handers. It's tough enough for veteran to work out of slumps. Young guys, they have a problem being patient. In Matt's case, I don't know him as well as I'm going to, but he seems very anxious. I base the decision on what I know and what I think I know. He's overswinging, jumping at the ball instead of letting the ball come to you. I talked to him today and told him he'd play tomorrow. He's going to get plenty of playing time. I told him to be patient with me. I think he understands. I'm not saying he agrees. He says he feels pretty good at the plate and I don't see that." Kemp holds a dismal .176 average over 17 at-bats, and will be looking to bounce back against D-Backs' starting pitcher Doug Davis. |
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| Chad Billingsley is expected to finally make his first official start of the season, following two unexpected relief appearances, according to MLB.com. He was scratched from his scheduled debut last Wednesday before the first pitch because of an unfavorable rain forecast, then relieved for 1/3 of an inning, only for rain to stop play for about 74 minutes. He was then called on in relief again on Friday against the Padres for two scoreless innings. He is notably 4-1 with a 2.36 ERA lifetime against the D-Backs, and was 2-1 against them last year. He will square off against Doug Davis, who is 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA.
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| Todd Helton, 1B, Colorado Rockies | Tuesday 4/8, 2:42 PM CT |
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| Todd Helton had his six-game hit streak snapped on Monday, but he drew two walks, and is the only member of the Rockies to reach base safely in every game this season, this according to MLB.com. Helton currently holds a .296 average over 27 at-bats, with two homers and three RBI. |
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| Mark Loretta will continue to start at second base today against St. Louis (in place of the injured Kaz Matsui), according to MLB.com. He is off to a cold start as he only has four hits over 21 at-bats, with three strikeouts. |
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| Geoff Blum, 3B, Houston Astros | Tuesday 4/8, 2:29 PM CT |
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| Geoff Blum is likely to start at third base and hit sixth in the order against St. Louis today, according to MLB.com. He is filling in for the injured Ty Wigginton at third base, and is off to a favorable start as he is hitting .308 over 13 at-bats, with one homer and two RBI. He could serve as a decent handcuff until Wigginton returns. |
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| Wade LeBlanc allowed one run in six innings in his start at Triple-A Monday and struck out 11. LeBlanc caught the eye of Padres manager Bud Black during spring training and could find himself in the Padres’ starting rotation at some point this year. |
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| Max Scherzer, P, Arizona Diamondbacks | Tuesday 4/8, 2:25 PM CT |
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| Former first-round draft choice Max Scherzer threw five scoreless innings in his Triple-A debut Monday, allowing two hits, two walks and fanning seven. Scherzer is a future option for the D-Backs in both the starting and closer role due to his high-90s fastball. As long as he can continue to throw strikes, Scherzer looks like a good fantasy prospect. |
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| Hernandez, one of the players acquired by Atlanta in the Edgar Renteria deal with Detroit, stole his second base of the season Monday at High-A. Hernandez stole 54 bases in 2007 and could be a big-time fantasy player in the future if he can continue to hit. |
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| Justin Maxwell stole a pair of bases Monday at Double-A. Maxwell stole 35 bases on 43 attempts between Low-A and High-A in 2007, while hitting 29 homers for the season. He is a very good fantasy prospect as long as he continues to progress. |
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| Cesar Izturis has a good track record against Shawn Chacon, today's opposing pitcher for Houston, according to MLB.com. Izturis has been moved to the leadoff spot in the Cardinals' order, and is batting 7-for-24 over his career against Chacon, with three doubles. |
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| Matt Wise, P, New York Mets | Tuesday 4/8, 2:18 PM CT |
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| Matt Wise has been placed on the 15-day DL, as expected, according to the AP. He was taken down by a right forearm contusion, and his return is unknown at this time. Carlos Munoz is being called up from Triple-A New Orleans to replace him on the roster. |
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| Luis Castillo was forced out of action against the Phillies on Tuesday due to sore knees, according to the AP. The severity of the ailment is yet to be known, and Damion Easley replaced him at second base. |
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| Rick Ankiel, CF, St. Louis Cardinals | Tuesday 4/8, 2:06 PM CT |
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| Rick Ankiel is likely to move from the number two spot down to the clean-up spot in the Cardinals' order today, according to MLB.com. For the first time in five games, the Cardinals will face a right-handed starting pitcher, which will be Shawn Chacon of Houston. Ankiel is hitting .296 over 27 at-bats, with three homers and six RBI. He will be in position to add to his RBI totals nicely from the clean-up spot in the solid Cardinals' offense. |
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| Jeff Suppan, P, Milwaukee Brewers | Tuesday 4/8, 1:46 PM CT |
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| Jeff Suppan is aiming for a 2-0 start as he battles the Reds at home on Tuesday, according to MLB.com. Suppan held the Cubs to two runs on six hits in his first win of the season, and notably went 9-3 last season with a 3.87 ERA at Miller Park. He will square off against rookie phenom Johnny Cueto, who racked up 10 strikeouts in his first outing. This should be a great battle today. |
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| Rookie phenom Johnny Cueto is set to make his second start of the season against Milwaukee today, according to MLB.com. He notably registered 10 strikeouts and no walks over seven innings in his first outing, and looks to prove his performance was not a fluke as he challenges a solid Brewers' hitting crew. He features a fastball that hits 96 mph, and counters with a commanding hard slider and changeup. |
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| Omar Vizquel, SS, San Francisco Giants | Tuesday 4/8, 12:23 PM CT |
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| Omar Vizquel's soreness in his surgically repaired left knee is being caused by a bone bruise, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The team noted that he will rest for 3-to-5 days before resuming his rehab. Brian Bocock should continue to man shortstop until he can return. |
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| Chad Cordero, P, Washington Nationals | Tuesday 4/8, 12:18 PM CT |
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| Chad Cordero is scheduled to throw an inning in the bullpen on Wednesday, according to the Washington Post. He is recovering from shoulder tendititis and said, "It's definitely getting stronger." He is eligible to come off the DL on Friday. |
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| Colt Morton, C, San Diego Padres | Tuesday 4/8, 12:12 PM CT |
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| Colt Morton is expected to be called up from Double-A San Antonio, due to Michael Barrett being placed on the 15-day DL, according to the Union Tribune. Morton went hitless over one at-bat in 2007, and will not challenge Josh Bard for playing time. |
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| Michael Barrett will be placed on the 15-day DL due to a strained throwing elbow, according to the Union-Tribune. It remains unknown when he may be able to return. Barrett was only hitting 2-for-8 over three games this season, and Josh Bard should rest a bit easier with the catching job likely all to himself for a while. |
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| Jose Valentin had his injured neck examined, and will remain sidelined, according to the NY Daily News. It is unknown when he can return, but it is good news that no surgery is scheduled for him at this time. He would provide solid veteran leadership to the Mets' infield upon his return. |
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| Carlos Muniz is expected to be called up from Triple-A New Orleans, according to the NY Daily News. The Mets will make the move due to Matt Wise likely headed for the DL. His fantasy value remains limited. |
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| Matt Wise, P, New York Mets | Tuesday 4/8, 11:14 AM CT |
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| Matt Wise appears likely to be headed to the disabled list due to his stiff right arm, according to the NY Daily News. He surrendered a game-winning home run to Florida's Robert Andino in his last outing and commented, "I've had three elbow surgeries, and this doesn't feel like anything." He racked up two strikeouts over one inning this season, but his fantasy value is limited. |
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| Kosuke Fukudome will remain fifth in the Cubs batting order against lefties, according to the Chicago Tribune. Manager Piniella commented that he will leave him where he is in the order against lefties, to protect Aramis Ramirez, and added, "He had nice at-bats behind Ramirez. You know, they pitched to Ramirez every time, too, which is what we're trying to accomplish with Fukudome batting fifth. We put 10 runs on the board against a left-hander, and you've got to stay with it." Fukudome is hitting .458 over 24 at-bats so far this season.
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| Miguel Montero could return to the D-Backs on May 1, according to the East Valley Tribune. He is recovering from a fractured right index finger, and notably went 2-for-5 with a homer in an extended spring training game on Monday, but he did not catch. He will compete for a backup catcher role when he returns. |
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| Mike Gonzalez remains on pace for an early June return (as he recovers from elbow replacement surgery), according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Gonzalez notably faced hitters in live batting practice over the weekend, and next week he is expected to see his first game action in almost a year when he pitches in the extended-spring training program in Florida. Gonzalez will contend for a bullpen role when he returns to the Braves.
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| It will likely be a few days before Mike Hampton can beging throwing again due to his strained left pectoral ailment, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Hampton commented, "It feels a little better every day. I still feel it strain some. Just treatment so far. I'll see how it feels the next couple of days before I see when to start throwing again." Hampton remains damaged goods as a fantasy prospect. |
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| Ryan Ludwick, RF, St. Louis Cardinals | Tuesday 4/8, 8:42 AM CT |
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| Ryan Ludwick currently co-leads the MLB with two triples, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Ludwich noted, "I don't see myself as a triples guy. I'm more a doubles guy." He is hitting 6-for-19 overall, with three RBI and his fantasy stock should continue to rise.
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| Brendan Ryan, SS, St. Louis Cardinals | Tuesday 4/8, 8:36 AM CT |
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| Brendan Ryan is expected to take live batting practice today in anticipation of playing in a minor league game on Wednesday, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Ryan is battling a strained rib cage, and would have made the opening day roster if healthy. |
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| Joel Pineiro is set to make a minor league rehab start tonight, according to the St. Louis Dispatch. If he continues to make favorable progress on his sore right shoulder tonight, he could be back with the Cardinals in another week or two. Pitching Coach Dave Duncan noted that he prefers to activate Pineiro only after he has enough stamina to throw 100 pitches in a start.
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| Skip Schumaker has lost his leadoff spot in the Cardinals' batting order, according to MLB.com. He led off the first three games of the season, but failed to register a hit over 14 at-bats, and has notably sat out four straight games against left-handed starting pitchers. His fantasy stock will continue to drop. |
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| Cesar Izturis has been moved up to the leadoff spot, according to MLB.com. Manager LaRussa noted, "I think it sets up well. He's been swinging the bat well right-handed, to me." Izturis is hitting .250 over 16 at-bats, with five walks, and he will have a chance to score a solid number of runs in the Cardinals' offense if he holds on to his spot at the top of the order.
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