| Felix Pie, CF, Chicago Cubs | Wednesday 4/9, 11:58 PM CT |
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| Felix Pie's two-run single in the top of the 15th inning allowed Chicago to somehow outlast the fiery Pirates on Wednesday night. Chicago beat Pittsburgh 10-8 in 12 innings in the previous game Monday, meaning they have played 27 innings in two games. Pie, who appears to have lost his starting gig to Reed Johnson, came off the bench to lead the Cubs in Wednesday win.
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| John Danks, P, Chicago White Sox | Wednesday 4/9, 11:08 PM CT |
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| John Danks looked great against Cleveland earlier in the week, but tonight’s 5-12 loss to the Minnesota Twins was anything but. Danks lasted just 2 1/3 innings, giving up seven runs (all earned) on seven hits with three walks and two strike outs. Danks now carries an ERA of 8.00 and may suffer moving forward if his mental gets the best of him. |
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| Brendan Harris is now riding a four-game hit streak, extended by going 3-for-4 in Minnesota’s 12-5 victory over the Chicago White Sox. Harris picked up his fourth double of the year and totaled three runs scored, now carrying a batting average of .348. |
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| Jason Kubel, DH, Minnesota Twins | Wednesday 4/9, 11:04 PM CT |
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| Jason Kubel did the bulk of the Twins’ damage against the Chicago White Sox, winning 12-5 this evening. Kubel went 2-for-4 at the plate with a two-run homer and SIX total RBIs on the evening. Kubel hasn’t been a major contributor (hitting .269), but he’s capable of doing damage like this on just about any given night. |
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| Joe Mauer, C, Minnesota Twins | Wednesday 4/9, 11:03 PM CT |
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| Joe Mauer continues to keep fans happy, hitting 2-for-5 in the Twins’ 12-5 win over the Chicago White Sox. Mauer ended with two runs scored and now has a seasonal batting average of .323. |
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| Joe Crede, 3B, Chicago White Sox | Wednesday 4/9, 11:02 PM CT |
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| Joe Crede has been swinging a hot bat for the White Sox thus far and continued to do so despite the horrific 5-12 loss to the Minnesota Twins. Crede went 2-for-4 at the plate with his third double and third home run of the season. This brings Crede to a .406 season batting average, one of three players on the Chicago batting order with a BA at or over .400 (Jermaine Dye, A.J. Pierzynski). |
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| Royals 2B Mark Grudzielanek continues to bring his bat to the plate, going 1-for-3 in the Royals 4-0 win over the Yankees. Grudzielanek also picked up one walk and scored a run, raising his batting average to .407 on the season. |
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| Ian Kennedy, P, New York Yankees | Wednesday 4/9, 10:38 PM CT |
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| Ian Kennedy may have been scratched from the start, but he still got in the game, pitching 3.0 innings of relief after Kyle Farnsworth surrendered two runs on four hits over two innings. Kennedy pitched the final three innings, allowing two runs on two hits with two walks surrendered and three strike outs earned. Kennedy’s ERA still comes in at an astronomical 13.50, but the ability to come in and concentrate despite the circumstances, throwing 32 strikes on 52 pitches, shows he has the game to compete. |
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| Zack Greinke, P, Kansas City Royals | Wednesday 4/9, 10:36 PM CT |
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| Zack Greinke appears to be rounding into form nicely, a sign of progress we have all been waiting some time to witness. Tonight Greinke earned his second win of the year, shutting the Yankees out for eight innings, allowing just six hits and two walks with two strike outs on the evening. Greinke threw 107 total pitches, 73 of them counting for strikes. That brings Greinke’s ERA to an astounding 0.60. |
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| Cristian Guzman hit a solo homer off Marlins starter Scott Olsen in Wednesday's loss to Florida. The long ball was Guzman's second of the season and bumped his RBI total to six. |
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| Dan Uggla, 2B, Florida Marlins | Wednesday 4/9, 10:20 PM CT |
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| Dan Uggla hit a two-run double in Wednesday's 10-4 beat down of the Washington Nationals. Ugla has struggled in the first week and a half of the season, and was hitting a light .143 entering Wednesday's game. As is typically with the Marlins second baseman, he has shown his power stroke this year, but in 28 at-bats had struck out nine times. In four at-bats Wednesday night, Uggla added two more strikeouts to his season total (11). The Florida second baseman is on pace to threaten 200 K's for the year. This of course is Ug-acceptable, or Ug-ly, whichever word you prefer. |
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| Jacoby Ellsbury got the start in center over Coco Crisp today but failed to assert his true value as a power moving forward, going 0-for-2 at the plate with two walks and a sacrifice fly that drove in one run. That brings Ellsbury’s batting average to just .176, an outing that is not going to cease the platoon situation with Crisp in center. |
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| Carlos Guillen put forth a strong effort in helping his Detroit Tigers to a 7-2 win over the Boston Red Sox. Guillen went 1-for-3 with his second homer of the season, touting two walks and three runs scored on the evening. The outing brings Guillen, who has been swinging a hot bat thus far, to a batting average of .333. |
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| J.D. Drew, RF, Boston Red Sox | Wednesday 4/9, 10:10 PM CT |
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| Boston’s top hitter? Try J.D. Drew , going 1-for-3 with one walk, one strike out, and one run scored in Boston’s 2-7 loss to the Detroit Tigers this evening. Drew now carries a team-leading batting average of .364, but let’s remember… it’s early. |
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| Kevin Youkilis failed to add to his impressive early season swings, going 0-for-5 in Boston’s 2-7 loss to the Detroit Tigers. This is only the third time Youkilis failed to get a hit in a game thus far this season and only the second in which he failed to get on base. |
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| Edgar Renteria got the revenge he desired against his old Boston mates, leading the Tigers to a 7-2 win over the Red Sox. Renteria went 3-for-4 at the plate with two doubles, two RBIs, and two runs scored, adding a walk to the mix in one of the best nights he’s enjoyed in recent memory. Renteria needed a lift and used this outing to raise his batting average to .265. |
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| Jeremy Hermida, who came off the disabled list for his first game of the season, hit a two-run double in the Marlins 1-4 win over the Nationals. Needless to say it was a solid beginning for the young outfielder with a Miami barge full of talent. |
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| Jon Lester, P, Boston Red Sox | Wednesday 4/9, 10:07 PM CT |
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| Jon Lester suffered through a troublesome outing in the Red Sox 2-7 loss to the Detroit Tigers. Lester pitched 5 1/3 innings, throwing 97 pitches to allow four earned runs on five hits with four walks surrendered and no strike outs on the day. This gives Lester his second loss on the year. |
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| Mike Jacobs, 1B, Florida Marlins | Wednesday 4/9, 10:02 PM CT |
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| Mike Jacobs powered Florida into first-place of the NL East on Wednesday night. Jacobs hit two homers, including one that capped a seven-run inning as the Fish beat the Nationals, 10-4.
The pair of two-run shots give the first baseman four homers in the past five games. |
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| Scott Olsen, P, Florida Marlins | Wednesday 4/9, 9:55 PM CT |
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| The Nationals did a poor job of situational hitting on Wednesday night, their problem during their six game losing streak. The Nats have left the bases loaded nine times this season. Scott Olsen who picked up the win in the Marlins 10-4 victory went 7 2/3 innings, allowing four runs (three earned),four hits and four walks. Olsen hasn't been the same since injuring himself in 2006, and while tonight's effort resulted in a win, he wasn't impressive in the outing. Owners outside of NL-only formats should avoid the Marlins right-hander. |
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| Jason Bergmann was good on Wednesday night, but only for four innings, as the Marlins moved into first place in the NL East with a 10-4 win over the Nationals.
The first pitch Bergmann threw in the fifth was line shot in the left-field stands by Jorge Cantu, and the rest was uglier. The Nats' right-hander left the game after giving up seven runs on nine hits over five innings of work. He struck out four and walked one in the losing effort. |
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| Jeremy Accardo hit the mound today but now wishes he could forget the entire experience. Accardo came into the game in the 9th inning with two outs and a 3-2 lead, facing two men on and a game that needed to be saved. Accardo, but by the time he was done, he had earned just one out and had allowed four runs on just one hit. Of his 23 pitches, only 10 counted for strikes, taking his second loss and first blown save of the season. |
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| Young RHP Dustin McGowan pitched a stellar game against the Oakland Athletics this evening, but the relief pitching and failed to support his cause and kept him from a well-earned win. McGowan pitched just five innings and hurled a whopping 101 pitches in that short span, but 65 of those counted for strikes as McGowan allowed just two runs on seven hits, gathering three walks and an impressive seven strikeouts along the way. McGowan has been solid thus far and appears to be on track for a noteworthy season, if only the relief pitching would bring him home with a win. |
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| Bobby Crosby, SS, Oakland Athletics | Wednesday 4/9, 9:46 PM CT |
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| Bobby Crosby continues to swing a hot bat for the A’s and did his part in Oakland’s 6-3 win over Toronto this evening. Crosby went 3-for-5 with two doubles and three RBIs on the evening, failing to leave a single runner on base. Crosby now carries a seasonal batting average of .306 and has four doubles thus far. |
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| Mark Ellis, 2B, Oakland Athletics | Wednesday 4/9, 9:44 PM CT |
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| Mark Ellis enjoyed a fantastic evening at the plate in support of the A’s 6-3 win over the Toronto Blue Jays, going 4-for-5 with a triple, two stolen bases, one RBI and one run scored. Ellis, like most second baggers, isn’t known as an offensive force, but tonight’s outing ranks as one of the best fantasy performances of the day. |
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| Angel Pagan, LF, New York Mets | Wednesday 4/9, 9:43 PM CT |
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| Angel Pagan hit a two-run double for the Mets and scored a run in the Wednesday night win over Philadelphia. Pagan, who is replacing the injured Moises Alou in left field, has been solid so far. His .318 batting average and eight RBI has assisted fantasy owners who believed in the ex-Cub. |
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| Don't blame Kyle Kendrick for Wednesday's 8-2 loss to the Mets. After suffering a miserable spring (9.68 ERA) the right-hander lasted only 2.1 innings in the loss. Kendrick gave up four hits and seven runs (one earned) in a fielding fiasco by the Phillies infield. Kendrick had a terrific rookie season going 10-4 with a 3.87 ERA last year and it's only a matter of time before he rounds into shape. |
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| Mike Pelfrey gave the Mets' injury-riddled pitching staff a breather in his first start of the year leading the Mets to an 8-2 victory on Wednesday night over Philadelphia. The right-hander gave up two runs on five hits over five innings of work. He added three strikeouts while walking two. |
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| The Detroit Tigers continue to seek options for pitching insurance, signing veteran LHP Casey Fossum to a minor-league contract, according to MLB.com. Fossum will report to Toledo and join work with the Mud Hens as the team tracks his progress to see if he will be able to help at the major league level. |
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| Willy Aybar, 1B, Tampa Bay Rays | Wednesday 4/9, 8:59 PM CT |
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| Tampa Bay third bagger Willy Aybar enjoyed his first multi-hit performance of the season, going 3-for-4 with two doubles in the 1-7 loss to Seattle. Aybar was the lone offensive note of joy for the Rays on the evening and has raised his seasonal batting average to .294. |
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| Carl Crawford’s struggling bat continues to flounder in the Rays’ 1-7 loss to Seattle this evening, going 1-for-4 at the plate to bring his seasonal batting average to .167. This one hit was Crawford’s first in four games as the “traditional” offensive leader of the Rays attempts to find his stride. He has just one multi-hit game this season and hasn’t stolen a base since April 4th. |
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| Jamie Burke, C, Seattle Mariners | Wednesday 4/9, 8:56 PM CT |
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| Catcher Jamie Burke put his best foot forward in Seattle’s 7-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays this evening, going 2-for-3 at the plate and hitting his first homer of the season off J.P. Howell in the 8th inning. Burke picked up three RBIs on the evening, his first three of the season, and now owns a batting average of .375 in limited action this season. |
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| Jarrod Washburn put forth a stellar effort in support of Seattle’s 7-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays. Washburn the 105 pitches over seven innings, 65 counting for strikes, allowing just one run on six hits. Washburn now sits at 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA. |
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| Adrian Beltre put his bat to good use in Seattle’s 7-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays, going 2-for-5 at the plate with his second home run of the year. Beltre now carries a batting average of .294, but has failed to earn a hit in just one game thus far this season. |
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| Andrew Sisco underwent Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery on Monday, according to the team website. Sisco had surgery in New York and will be out of action 12-to-24 months.
Sisco, 25, came to the White Sox via a trade with Kansas City for Ross Gload on Dec. 16, 2006, and the southpaw was counted as an integral part of the White Sox bullpen. Gload currently starts at first base for the upstart Royals. |
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| According to MLB.com, Albert Pujols and Houston starting pitcher Brandon Backe, aren't the best of friends.
Pujols and Backe exchanged words as the Astros exited the field during batting practice prior to the series finale at Minute Maid Park. The report noted that Pujols stopped Backe as the two crossed paths near first base, and, according to Backe, expressed his dissatisfaction that Backe "kept pressing on" about a hard slide that Pujols made into rookie catcher J.R. Towles during Tuesday's game.
Pujols called Towles from the visitors' clubhouse after the game to apologize, but it doesn't appear to be enough for Backe. |
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| Ian Kennedy, P, New York Yankees | Wednesday 4/9, 7:46 PM CT |
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| RHP Ian Kennedy was scratched from his scheduled start this evening against the Kansas City Royals, according to MLB.com. This was to be Kennedy’s second start of the season, but he was pulled in favor of RHP Brian Bruney. An unnamed official from the Yankees states manager Joe Girardi was concerned about a projected rain storm and thus preferred to go with Bruney. Kennedy struggled in his first outing, pulled after just 2 1/3 innings, and that could be cause for concern in this situation. Girardi may have a point and seems to have the interest of his young hurler at heart. |
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| Mike Lowell, 3B, Boston Red Sox | Wednesday 4/9, 7:41 PM CT |
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| Boston’s Mike Lowell has exited tonight’s matchup with the Detroit Tigers after suffering an unknown injury to his left hand, according to MLB.com. The Sox believe it is a sprained left thumb and initial X-rays were negative for fracture. Sean Casey has entered in relief of Lowell and the team will revisit his condition tomorrow. |
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| Jhonny Peralta enjoyed a solid day at the plate in Cleveland’s 5-9 loss to the Angels today, going 3-for-5 with his third double of the season and his second home run as well. Peralta finished with just one RBI but pulled two runs scored and raised his batting average to .294 on the season. Of course, he might reflect on the four men left on base, but the outing is one to enjoy despite the shortcomings. |
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| James Loney, 1B, Los Angeles Dodgers | Wednesday 4/9, 6:58 PM CT |
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| James Loney hit his first home run of the season on Wednesday. The Dodgers first baseman has now scored four runs and registered three RBI in the first week and a half of the '08 campaign. |
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| Eric Byrnes, LF, Arizona Diamondbacks | Wednesday 4/9, 6:44 PM CT |
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| Eric Byrnes went 3-for-5 on Wednesday as the Diamondbacks executed a three game sweep of the Dodgers. The Arizona outfielder raised his average to .256 and with his two RBI today now has five on the season. |
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| Hiroki Kuroda didn't fare as well in his second start for his new team on Wednesday as the Diamondbacks took a 4-3 decision over the Dodgers. In his second start since coming from Japan, the right-hander gave up four runs -- two earned -- and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings. |
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| Brandon Lyon, P, Arizona Diamondbacks | Wednesday 4/9, 6:26 PM CT |
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| Brandon Lyon, who had blown his prior two save chances, mowed down the side in order in the ninth for his second save of the 2008 campaign. Lyon's improved his ERA from 12.00 to 9.00 and now has four strikeouts and no walks on the season. |
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| Micah Owings, P, Arizona Diamondbacks | Wednesday 4/9, 6:22 PM CT |
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| Micah Owings improved to 2-0 on Wednesday in a 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Owings allowed three runs and seven hits in seven innings as the Diamondbacks finished a three-game sweep of their NL West rival. |
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| Paul Byrd, P, Cleveland Indians | Wednesday 4/9, 6:16 PM CT |
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| Paul Byrd was not able to bounce back from a tough first outing as he was hit early and hard in a 9-5 loss to the Angels on Wednesday The right-hander allowed six runs and five hits in three innings, raising his ERA to 11.05. |
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| Dustin Moseley allowed four runs on nine hits in six innings Wednesday as the Angels put a 9-5 beating on the Indians. Moseley, who evened his record to 1-1, gave up one walk and struck out four. |
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| Jimmy Rollins, SS, Philadelphia Phillies | Wednesday 4/9, 6:04 PM CT |
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| Jimmy Rollins was scratched from Wednesday's game against the Mets due to a sprained left ankle, this according to the ESPN broadcast at Shea Stadium.
The reigning National League Most Valuable Player suffered the injury in an eighth-inning pickoff attempt on Tuesday night. The All Star shortstop gives way to Eric Bruntlett tonight.
Rollins started all 162 games last season, and while he was his name was on the card before first pitch, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel scratched his shortstop when he couldn't make a hard sprint from first to third. |
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| Casey Kotchman hit his second home run of the season as the Angels defeated the Indians 9-5 on Wednesday. The first baseman is hitting .265 with five runs, two RBI and a stolen base midway through Week 2. |
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| Vladimir Guerrero is warming up after a slow start. Guerrero hit his second home run in as many games on Wednesday as the Angels put a 9-5 beat down on the Indians. Vlad exits today's game hitting .300 with two home runs and eight RBI on the young season. |
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| Garret Anderson was 2-for-4 on Wednesday as the Angels defeated the Indians, 9-5. Anderson scored once, registered one RBI and one of his two hits was his second home run of the season. |
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| Mike Napoli, C, Los Angeles Angels | Wednesday 4/9, 5:38 PM CT |
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| Mike Napoli hit his first career grand slam leading a parade of long balls by LA as the Angels defeated the Cleveland Indians 9-5 on Wednesday. It might have been Napoli's first career granny, but it was his third bomb of the season. |
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| After tossing the ball around on Wednesday, A's right-hander Rich Harden, said he doesn't think he's likely to be on the mound Saturday at Cleveland, this according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Harden said the strain is on his right side, basically under his arm, and he still feels it when he throws. The injury is minor, according to Harden, but he and the team don't want him to push it and make things worse.
Lenny DiNardo is expected to get Saturday's start in place of Harden. |
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| The Mets are the frontrunners to sign free-agent right-hander Claudio Vargas, this according to the New York Post. The Mets are expected to sign the right-hander to a minor-league contract, and a deal could be done as early as Thursday.
Vargas' agent, Bean Stringfellow, told The Post today that the Mets have offered Vargas a Triple-A deal and are one of four teams in the hunt. Stringfellow confirmed, though, that the Mets are the favorite.
Vargas and his agent want to sign with the team he's most likely to have a chance to start with. With injuries to the Mets rotation, Orlando Hernandez and Pedro Martinez, Vargas indeed has a shot at one of the open slots in the starting five. |
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| Cliff Floyd, DH, Tampa Bay Rays | Wednesday 4/9, 4:56 PM CT |
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| Cliff Floyd was placed on the DL with a medial meniscus tear in his right knee, this according to MLB.com.
Floyd will undergo surgery Friday morning by Dr. Coco Eaton, and the Rays are unclear on a specific timetable for the veterans return. Jonny Gomes is the benefactor from the Floyd injury. Gomes goes from being what most believed would be a part time role this year, to full time right fielder and designated hitter. |
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| Shawn Hill, P, Washington Nationals | Wednesday 4/9, 4:44 PM CT |
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| Shawn Hill, who told the Washington Post that he felt fine after last night's start at Class-A Potomac, will be required to make one more minor league appearance.
"It feels like normal throwing, stiffness - nothing abnormal that I would be worried about," he said.
The club wants him to stretch himself out and face better competition, so he'll pitch for Class AAA Columbus on Sunday, not for the major league club. Manny Acta, who was there last night, had this to say:
"We need to see him [against] better competition," Acta said. "We want him to see better competition. Obviously before last night, he pitched in our controlled environment that we had in Florida, and last night was a real type of game, and he didn't even see a lefty the whole game. And also, we want him to get his pitch count up. He only threw 69 pitches in the game."
The righty's fastball touched 91 MPH on the radar gun. A healthy Hill equals mixed league sleeper. |
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| Bartolo Colon, who is still nursing a strained right oblique, was examined by Boston's training staff today, this according to Providence Journal.
The right-hander is "still a little bit tender," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona.
Francona didn't directly answer the question of whether Colon has shed a few pounds since signing with the Sox this spring as a free agent. He indicated weight isn't the most important issue with Colon's conditioning.
Francona said Colon has been bothered by a similar oblique injury twice in his career. One time it kept him out of action for seven days; the other time it forced him to the sidelines for 20 days. |
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| Craig Monroe will be in the starting lineup tonight, as the Twins resume their three-game series with the White Sox, according to the Star Tribune. Monroe is battling for playing time in the field, but mostly at-bats as the teams' DH versus Jason Kubel. |
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| Greg Smith, P, Oakland Athletics | Wednesday 4/9, 4:22 PM CT |
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| The Athletics purchased the contract of left-hander Greg Smith from Class AAA Sacramento on Wednesday, this according to Sports Network.
Smith, 24, will make his major league debut tonight and face one of the better offenses, and right arms, Toronto's Dustin McGowan (0-0, 3.00). Smith was one of six players acquired in the trade that sent Dan Haren to Arizona this winter.
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| Conor Jackson was replaced by Chris Burke in the top of the fifth inning during Wednesday’s game due to a left wrist injury. He was hit in the wrist by a pitch in the bottom of the fourth inning but stayed in the game to run the bases. X-rays came back negative, and the D'Backs consider him day-to-day. In the event Jackson has to miss a game or two, Burke would likely fill in at first base. |
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| Carmen Pignatiello has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa, according to the AP. The rookie lefty made two relief appearances for the Cubs this season, while allowing two hits and one run over 2/3 of an inning.
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| Yovani Gallardo made a rehab start for Triple-A Nashville, according to the AP. He is recovering from a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee. He was strong today over 5.1 innings, as he allowed two runs and seven hits. He walked only one, and struck out six in Nashville’s 2-1 rain-shortened loss to the Oklahoma RedHawks. He threw 90 pitches, 58 going for strikes.
Manager Ned Yost stated last weekend that Gallardo could return to Milwaukee’s rotation by the end of the month, and he will likely make at least one more rehab start with Nashville. This is good news for Gallardo.
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| Sean Marshall has been recalled from Triple-A Iowa, according to the AP. To make room for Marshall, the team optioned rookie lefty Carmen Pignatiello to Iowa. Marshall holds limited fantasy value as of now. |
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| Dan Johnson, 1B, Tampa Bay Rays | Wednesday 4/9, 3:48 PM CT |
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| Dan Johnson has been designated for assignment by Oakland, according to the AP. That means the team has 10 days to put Johnson on waivers, trade him or release him. The team needed to free up a roster spot for pitcher Greg Smith, and Johnson was the most expendable member of their roster.
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| Jose Guillen, RF, Kansas City Royals | Wednesday 4/9, 3:43 PM CT |
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| Jose Guillen is still uncertain when his 15-day suspension will begin, according to the AP. The Royals were informed by the commissioner’s office on Wednesday that the stay of Guillen’s suspension has been extended through Tuesday. He was suspended on March 30 for violating the MLB's drug policy, but the suspension was put on hold for 10 days while the owners and players negotiated a tougher drug agreement. Guillen has played in the first seven games for KC, but only holds a .138 average over 29 at-bats.
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| As expected, Jeremy Hermida has been activated from the DL, according to the AP. He has previously been sidelined since late March with a strained left hamstring. He will resume his starting role in right field, hence replacing Luis Gonzalez. |
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| Damian Miller is reportedly on the Padres' radar, according to the Union-Tribune. The team has sent Michael Barrett to the DL, and the 38-year old vet is possibly being talked about to fill his backup roster spot behind starter Josh Bard. Miller is fine as an experienced catcher, but won't offer much with his bat anymore. |
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| Randy Choate visited Dr. Don Sheridan in Phoenix on Monday because he was still experiencing some tenderness in his broken left hand, according to MLB.com. Sheridan recommended two more weeks of rest for him. He holds little to no fantasy value.
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| Tony Gwynn, CF, Milwaukee Brewers | Wednesday 4/9, 3:21 PM CT |
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| Tony Gwynn Jr. took early batting practice and did some running in the outfield on Tuesday, but remained sidelined by a strained left hamstring, according to MLB.com. The team is hoping to avoid placing him on the DL. He has registered four hits over seven brief at-bats this season. |
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| Jeff Keppinger has a seven game hitting streak, according to MLB.com. He will look to extend it tonight against Milwaukee starter Dave Bush, who is currently 0-1 with a 10.13 ERA. Keppinger is hitting .387 overall, in 31 at-bats. |
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| Justin Ruggiano has been recalled from Triple-A Durham, according to the Tampa Tribune. The move was made to fill the roster spot vacated by Cliff Floyd, who is headed for the DL due to his knee injury. |
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| Cliff Floyd, DH, Tampa Bay Rays | Wednesday 4/9, 3:06 PM CT |
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| Cliff Floyd will need surgery to repair the torn medial meniscus in his right knee, and he is headed to the DL, according to the Tampa Tribune. The surgery will be performed on Friday by team orthopedist Koco Eaton. Outfielder Justin Ruggiano was recalled from Triple-A Durham. The timetable for Floyd's recovery is believed to be released later today.
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| Andre Ethier, RF, Los Angeles Dodgers | Wednesday 4/9, 3:00 PM CT |
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| Andre Ethier is going to start in right field and bat third in the order against Arizona on Wednesday, according to the LA Daily News. The rising star is off to a good start as he is hitting .276 with one homer, four RBI, and one stolen base, over 29 at-bats. His fantasy stock will continue to climb. |
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| Juan Pierre, LF, Los Angeles Dodgers | Wednesday 4/9, 2:56 PM CT |
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| Juan Pierre is back in the starting lineup at left field for today's game against Arizona, according to the LA Daily News. Matt Kemp will replace Andruw Jones in center field, and Andre Ethier will handle right field. Pierre is only hitting .067 over 15 at-bats, so Manager Torre is batting him eighth in the order. |
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| Andruw Jones, CF, Los Angeles Dodgers | Wednesday 4/9, 2:51 PM CT |
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| Andruw Jones will ride the pine today in favor of Matt Kemp, according to the LA Daily News. Jones is only hitting .103 over 29 at-bats (with nine strikeouts), and Manager Torre is going with Kemp in center field. |
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| Matt Kemp, RF, Los Angeles Dodgers | Wednesday 4/9, 2:49 PM CT |
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| Matt Kemp will start in center field today against Arizona, according to the LA Daily News. He is hitting .273 over 22 at-bats, and he will start over Andruw Jones. |
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| Milton Bradley surprisingly has a four game hitting streak, and he will look to extend it tonight against Baltimore, according to MLB.com. You wouldn't think he has a streak going, as he only has five hits over 21 at-bats. |
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| Kason Gabbard threw seven scoreless innings in his first start of the season, and he will look to keep his ERA perfect as Texas hosts Baltimore tonight, according to MLB.com. His fantasy stock will continue to rise if he fires another strong game from the hill. |
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| The Orioles have won six games in a row, and Steve Trachsel will look to stretch the streak to seven when he takes the hill against Texas tonight, according to MLB.com. He is off to a solid 1-0 start with a 3.18 ERA, but remains an unstable fantasy prospect. |
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| Ryan Church, RF, New York Mets | Wednesday 4/9, 2:24 PM CT |
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| Ryan Church has fared well against Kyle Kendrick, today's opposing hurler for Philadelphia, according to MLB.com. Church has generated two singles, one home run, and two walks over nine career plate appearances versus Kendrick. Church is off to a solid start as he is hitting 8-for-24, with one homer and six RBI, and looks to have a good day at the plate today. |
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| Mike Pelfrey is set to make his first start of 2008 today as he battles the Phillies, according to MLB.com. He has registered a loss in his only previous start against the Phillies, but Jimmy Rollins, who hit a two-run homer against him in that game, will not be in the lineup today due to injury. |
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| Sean Rodriguez is now hitting .400 for the season at Triple-A after going 2-for-4 with a home run on Tuesday. Rodriguez is a good fantasy prospect who is a candidate to be traded due to the presence of Howie Kendrick. He had 17 homers and 15 steals at Double-A last season. |
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| Fernando Martinez, widely considered the Mets’ best prospect, went 0-for-5 on Tuesday at Double-A and is now batting .136. This would be a red flag except for the fact that Martinez is only 19-years-old and already at Double-A. The Mets could demote him to High-A if the struggles continue, but that hardly blemishes his high stock as a hitting prospect. |
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| Jo-Jo Reyes, P, Atlanta Braves | Wednesday 4/9, 2:09 PM CT |
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| Jo-Jo Reyes threw five scoreless innings at Triple-A, allowing only one hit and striking out six. He struggled with his control in the majors last season, but he is still likely the first man in line for starts in the minors. Of course, if Mike Hampton ever makes it back healthy, Reyes could have a tough time getting starts in the Atlanta organization in 2008. |
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| Homer Bailey picked up his first win of the year after throwing 5.2 scoreless innings and fanning seven hitters. Bailey was seen as the next great pitcher in Cincinnati before Johnny Cueto’s arrival, and his stock could rise again if he continues to perform this well. |
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| Paul Lo Duca, C, Washington Nationals | Wednesday 4/9, 1:37 PM CT |
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| Paul Lo Duca has a solid track record against Scott Olsen, today's opposing pitcher for Florida, according to MLB.com. He is hitting 8-for-20 lifetime against Olsen. This is good news for him, as he needs to break out of a slow start with a .227 average over 22 at-bats. |
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| Kurt Birkins threw his second live bullpen session before Tuesday's game, according to MLB.com. He is on the DL due to his elbow neuritis, and his next step will be to throw in a game situation later this week. |
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