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| Helton not giving up | Thursday 8/28, 12:05 PM CT |
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Todd Helton is not giving up and remains committed to returning to Colorado this season, according to the Denver Post. Helton never considered shutting it down for the season, and said Wednesday the team's surge back into postseason contention has only strengthened his determination. Helton said, "That helps. The guys are doing their part. But also, I would never want it assumed that I wasn't doing everything I can to get back, because that's not who I am. I want to play."
Our View: He is trying to return from an irritated disc in his back, and has already suffered two setbacks in his recovery. He should remain stashed in NL-only leagues but there remains the possibility that he won't be back this season. |
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| Robertson sent back down | Thursday 8/28, 12:00 PM CT |
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One pitch to Dustin Perdoia cost David Robertson his spot in the majors for now. Robertson gave up a grand slam to Pedroia in last night's game verse the Red Sox and according to Yankees.com he was sent back to Triple-A after the game.
Our View: With Robertson being sent down the Yankees purchased the contract of Alfredo Aceves. |
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| Kotsay makes debut | Thursday 8/28, 11:39 AM CT |
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Mark Kotsay will get his first start for the Boston Red Sox today. According to the Providence Journal Kotsay will be in the lineup and play right field.
Our View: Kotsay will see some at-bats with JD Drew in the DL. He might be a good option for a bench outfielder. |
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| Garcia to start for Triple-A | Thursday 8/28, 11:34 AM CT |
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If Freddy Garcia is going to pitch in the major leagues this year with the Tigers, tonight could go along way. Garcia will start for the Toledo Mud Hens the Tigers' Triple-A club. The Detroit Free Press reports that manager Jimmy Leyland will travel to watch Garcia in person.
Our View: Garcia is trying to come back from a shoulder injury that has sidelined him for over a year. The Tigers are still having internal discussions on whether to bring back Garcia. |
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| Cordero returns | Thursday 8/28, 11:26 AM CT |
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Francisco Cordero has returned to the Reds Wednesday after missing Tuesday's game to be with his newborn son, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Our View: The Reds' closer can now be penciled back into lineups. |
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| Sherrill coming back | Thursday 8/28, 11:26 AM CT |
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Orioles closer George Sherrill will come off the DL on Monday and return to his role at the back-end of the Orioles pen. According to the Baltimore Sun Sherrill will have one more light workout then a practice throwing off the mound.
Our View: Sherrill has been one of the best closers in all of baseball this year and should be activated on your fantasy lineup as soon as he comes back. |
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| Ohman not going anywhere | Thursday 8/28, 11:03 AM CT |
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Will Ohman will not be following Mark Kotsay out of Atlanta before August 31, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Our View: Ohman was claimed on waivers this month, and the Braves pulled him back after no trade could be worked out, meaning he is staying with the Braves for the remainder of the season. The Braves will either re-sign him or get the draft pick (or picks) as compensation when he departs as a free agent.
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| Mussina vs Sox | Thursday 8/28, 11:01 AM CT |
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It has been an up and down year for Mike Mussina who started the season with a record of 1-3 and an ERA as high as 5.75. But after the rough start Mussina reeled off nine wins in his next 11 starts and lowering his ERA to as low as 3.27. If there has been one thorn in the side of Mussina it has been the Red Sox, he is 1-3 on the year against the Yanks biggest rival with an ERA of 5.75.
Our View: In the month of August Mussina is 3-0 with an ERA of 3.00. Today Mussina is trying to stop the Red Sox train from rolling in and out of Yankee Stadium with a a three game sweep. Mussina has been a very solid fantasy starter all year and should continue down the stretch. |
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| Schafer won't be called up? | Thursday 8/28, 10:57 AM CT |
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The Atlanta Journal-Constitution indicates that Jordan Schafer will not likely be called up by the Braves in September.
Our View: Schafer is a candidate for the starting job in center field next season, and GM Frank Wren noted that he didn't tarnish his rep with the club after being suspended for 50 games due to using an illegal growth hormone (HGH). Along with Schafer, other top prospects are not expected to be recalled in September, such as pitchers Tommy Hanson and Kris Medlen. To add any of them (including Schafer) to the 40-man roster now would require the Braves take someone off and possibly lose them in the Rule 5 Draft. Schafer will play winter ball in Mexico, then rejoin the club in spring training to compete for the aforementioned center field job. |
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| Lester owns Yanks | Thursday 8/28, 10:25 AM CT |
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Today the Red Sox will try and sweep a three game series with the Yankees and most likely sweep them right out the playoff picture. Jon Lester will go for the Sox today and he has absolutely owned the Yankees this year. Lester is 2-0 against the Yanks with an ERA of 1.13.
Our View: Lester is looking to rebound from a couple of rough outings but the Yankees might be exactly what the doctor ordered. |
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| ARod needs to come through | Thursday 8/28, 10:21 AM CT |
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Alex Rodriguez has had a lot of success at Yankee Stadium this year, averaging .360 with 39 RBI in 37 games. The three-time MVP will need more of that success today as the Yankees try and avoid a three-game sweep to the hated Red Sox.
Our View: The Yankees will face lefty Jon Lester today and A-Rod has not had the best of times against him. He is a career .125 hitter against the southpaw. |
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| Byrnes still hopeful to return | Thursday 8/28, 10:20 AM CT |
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Eric Byrnes took batting practice Tuesday and remains hopeful of returning to Arizona this season, according to the Arizona Republic. He is rehabbing from a left-hamstring tear, and he isn't going to do anything that might set him back for the 2009 campaign.
Our View: If he does come back in September, he isn't going to push himself and would only serve as a pinch-hitter or runner, and defensive replacement in the outfield. |
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| Wagner improving | Thursday 8/28, 10:13 AM CT |
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Billy Wagner's ailing left elbow is improving, according to the NY Post. He is back playing catch at Shea Stadium. GM Omar Minaya said Wagner could be re-examined next week to see if he can start throwing off the mound again or if more rest is needed. Wagner has been on the DL since August 3 with elbow swelling and a strained left forearm.
Our View: For now, Jerry Manuel is sticking with former Nationals' righty Luis Ayala as the closer.
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| Hairston likely headed to DL | Thursday 8/28, 10:07 AM CT |
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Scott Hairston may have sustained a broken thumb while attempting a diving catch in the outfield Wednesday, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. He said, "I thought I jammed the thumb on the dive, but an X-ray seems to show a chipped bone in the thumb."
Our View: He will have an MRI Thursday morning, which will decide if he is headed for the DL. Hairston is not optimistic the exam will have good results. Jody Gerut could be set up for extended playing time in center field, but that will also depend on who the Padres add in September call-ups. |
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| Pavano placed on waivers | Thursday 8/28, 9:56 AM CT |
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Carl Pavano has been placed on waivers by the Yankees, according to the NY Post. Pavano was put on waivers within the last 24 hours and is available to be claimed and then traded if the Yankees find a match.
Our View: He is still scheduled to start Friday against the Blue Jays if he clears waivers with New York. The Post believes the Mets may have interest in Pavano after likely losing John Maine for the season. |
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| Colon's next rehab outing Sunday | Thursday 8/28, 9:39 AM CT |
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Bartolo Colon struggled Tuesday in his last rehab outing, but is scheduled for another one Sunday with Triple-A Pawtucket, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: He may only be able to last 75 pitches if recalled to the Red Sox, but manager Terry Francona noted that the bullpen wouldn't be compromised when rosters expand in September. He should remain held on rosters in larger AL-only leagues. |
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| Casey not bound for DL? | Thursday 8/28, 9:33 AM CT |
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Sean Casey aggravated his stiff neck while trying to hit Tuesday, and hasn't played since last Thursday, but the team plans to wait out his injury and are not considering placing him on the DL at this time, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: Consider him day-to-day. Casey is hitting .345, but won't likely play enough down the stretch in the final month to make him fantasy worthy. |
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| Barfield believed to be fully recovered | Thursday 8/28, 9:24 AM CT |
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Josh Barfield seems fully recovered from surgery on his left middle finger, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Our View: He isn't expected to return to Cleveland when rosters expand Monday, but could be back not long after. He could platoon with Asdrubal Cabrera at second base. |
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| Hafner misses another game | Thursday 8/28, 9:20 AM CT |
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Travis Hafner missed his third straight rehab game Wednesday and isn't expected to play again until Thursday after developing soreness in his right shoulder, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Head athletic trainer Lonnie Soloff said, "Haf's rehab pace has slowed. He played every other day for a week or so. It was his thought that he could use more time developing his endurance by working in the cage and progressing through batting practice as opposed to game situations."
Our View: The team still believes he will be ready to return at some point in September. There is no point cutting him now if fantasy owners held him this long, and hopefully he can make a positive contribution before the end of the season. |
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| Revere named MVP | Thursday 8/28, 8:37 AM CT |
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Ben Revere has been named the MVP of the Midwest League after batting .379 with Single-A Beloit, according to the Star Tribune.
Our View: He was the Twins' first-round pick in 2007. The team is pleased with his accolade, but is not likely ready to call him up to the big leagues, especially while in the middle of a tight pennant race in the AL Central. |
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| Gomez did not start Wednesday | Thursday 8/28, 8:33 AM CT |
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Carlos Gomez did not start Wednesday as he had been 1-for-6 in the first two games of the series against Seattle, according to the Star Tribune. Manager Ron Gardenhire said, "He's swinging a little crazy again. Just gotta calm him down."
Our View: Gomez will likely return to center field tonight when the Twins open a four-game set against the Athletics.
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| Sabathia yet to lose with Milwaukee | Thursday 8/28, 8:00 AM CT |
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CC Sabathia is yet to lose with Milwaukee as he is 8-0 with a 1.59 ERA since joining the club, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View: He has a strong chance to keep his winning streak going on Sunday as he faces a Pirates' club that has lost seven straight games and sits in the cellar of the NL Central. |
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| Capps adds pitch to arsenal | Thursday 8/28, 7:57 AM CT |
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Matt Capps has added a 12-6 curve to his arsenal of pitches, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View: He auditioned the new pitch with favorable results Wednesday against the Cubs as he froze Ryan Theriot on a third strike. He has not allowed a hit or earned run over two innings since returning from his bout with bursitis (both outings were losses so he did not have an opportunity for a save). |
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| Dumatrait transferred to 60-day DL | Thursday 8/28, 7:52 AM CT |
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Phil Dumatrait has been transferred from the 15-day DL to the 60-day DL, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The team promoted reliever Jesse Chavez from Triple-A Indianapolis as the corresponding move.
Our View: Dumatrait was already ruled out for the season following his surgery to repair damage to his rotator cuff. |
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| Bourn to be active in September | Thursday 8/28, 7:45 AM CT |
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Manager Cecil Cooper stated that Michael Bourn will get most of the starts in center field in September, according to the Houston Chronicle. Cooper said, "We need Michael to go out and play consistently as far as his approach to the plate. I know defensively he’s been pretty good in the outfield and hasn’t had any problems and made some good plays and has made adjustments there. I just want to see the hitting part be more consistent and hit balls to left field and make better contact and have a better approach at the plate."
Our View: Bourn is only hitting .222 but should remain a solid source of speed in the final month as he has 34 stolen bases. |
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| Matsui improving | Thursday 8/28, 7:41 AM CT |
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Kazuo Matsui hit some soft toss in the batting cage with hitting coach Sean Berry on Wednesday and did some side-to-side agility drills, according to the Houston Chronicle. His back ailment is getting better, but he still isn’t expected to be activated from the DL until Monday in Chicago at the earliest. Matsui said, "That’s the plan to be able to play on Monday. The only concern is my speed and how much I’ll be able to run."
Our View: It looks like he should be back at some point next week, but his speed could be compromised, which is where he holds most of his fantasy value with 19 steals. |
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| Ankiel still battling ailment | Thursday 8/28, 7:26 AM CT |
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Rick Ankiel is still bothered by his strained abdominal muscle, and only has four hits over his last 36 at-bats (.111), according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The injury has also limited him to three homers and nine RBI in the month of August. Manager Tony La Russa is concerned that the injury could be a more serious ailment like the sports hernia for which Chris Duncan eventually had to have surgery last year. After participating in early batting practice Wednesday, Ankiel went to a doctor to be checked before returning to the ballpark.
Our View: The Cardinals have an off day today, and the Houston Astros will pitch lefthanders Friday and Sunday against the Cardinals, so Ankiel (struggling against lefthanders as of late) likely will sit. That will afford him extra time to rest. He feels his swing is fine, and just cannot run at 100 percent. Hopefully he can finish the season strong over the final month when fantasy owners need him the most. |
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| Schierholtz coming up | Thursday 8/28, 7:12 AM CT |
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Nate Schierholtz returned from the Olympics in Beijing and reported to Triple-A Fresno, where he'll work until the Giants promote him when rosters expand Monday, according to the SF Chronicle.
Our View: Schierholtz fared well in the Olympics and could see enough action with the Giants in the final month to merit him worth consideration for NL-only leagues. |
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| Sweeney goes 0-for-3 in rehab game | Thursday 8/28, 7:06 AM CT |
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Ryan Sweeney went 0-for-3 with two walks in a rookie-ball game in Arizona on Wednesday, which was his first game since going on the DL on August 13, according to the SF Chronicle. He is recovering from a sprained right thumb.
Our View: There is a chance he could rejoin the club Tuesday in Kansas City. He hit for a solid average (.287) this season, but offers little else as a fantasy outfielder. |
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| Ellis makes appearance | Thursday 8/28, 7:00 AM CT |
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Mark Ellis was employed as a pinch runner Wednesday, which was his first appearance in five days, according to the SF Chronicle. His sore right shoulder is still not 100 percent, so he will remain limited and is not expected to play second base for several more days.
Our View: Ellis could be be back in the lineup for the next fantasy week. His average is low but has been decent in the speed (14 steals) and power (12 homers) departments for AL-only leagues. |
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| Brown homers in win over Angels | Thursday 8/28, 1:05 AM CT |
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Outfield Emil Brown was the king of the hill this evening, leading his A's to a 6-5 victory over the Angels. Brown went 2-for-5 at the plate, hitting his 13th homer of the season to card three RBIs and one run scored on the night.
Our View: Brown could use some positive charma going into the last weeks of the season. He's hitting just .242 this month with tonight's homer being jus this fourth of the month, totaling eight RBIs along the way. |
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| Davis steals two going 4-for-5 vs Angels | Thursday 8/28, 1:03 AM CT |
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The Athletics played with passion early and held on despite several scares from the Angels, winning 6-5 with the help of leadoff outfielder Rajai Davis. Davis went 4-for-5 with two stolen bases, his 22nd and 23rd of the season, to total two runs scored.
Our View: Davis is playing out of his mind, hitting .438 through August with five stolen bases. He needs to turn them into runs, but the potential to start making noise is there. |
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| Three walks, two runs scored for Napoli | Thursday 8/28, 12:55 AM CT |
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It was an interesting night for Angels catcher Mike Napoli, going 0-for-1 at the plate but grinding with three walks, adding two runs scored to the stat line.
Our View: In spot action, Napoli has been solid, hitting .333 with just seven strikeouts over 25 at-bats. |
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| Aybar drives in three versus Oakland | Thursday 8/28, 12:52 AM CT |
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Angels shortstop Erick Aybar was a force of reckoning despite the the loss to Oakland, 6-5. Aybar went 2-for-4 at the dish with three RBIs and one run scored.
Our View: Aybar is in need of a lift, hitting just .239 this month with 10 RBIs and eight runs scored. He's not likely to vault in production, but now is the time to get hot if you have it in the bank to do so. |
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| Teixeira goes 3-for-4 in loss to Oakland | Thursday 8/28, 12:49 AM CT |
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The A's and Angels battled for the love of the west coast this evening, and it was Oakland emerging with the 6-5 win. For the Angels, first baseman Mark Teixeira continues to do positive work with the stick, going 3-for-4 with his 31st double of the season, adding one RBI to the stat line.
Our View: Teixeira continues to terrorize the competition in the AL, hitting .373 through August coming into this evening with seven homers, 20 RBIs, and 19 runs scored. He improved those numbers this evening and wilil continue to do so moving forward. |
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