MLB Player Notes

Monday, April 30, 2007 - MLB Player Notes

National League

Orlando Hernandez - SP - Mets
Mets placed RHP Orlando Hernandez on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 25, with shoulder tightness. The Mets had to know when they were re-signing El Duque that they'd be fortunate to get 150-160 innings per year from him. Going carefully with him now with an eye towards having him close to 100 percent in October is the correct strategy. Chan Ho Park will start in his place tonight.

Xavier Nady - OF - Pirates
Xavier Nady tested his hamstring prior to Sunday's game by taking batting practice and running the bases. Nady, who struck out while pinch hitting in the game, still has no timetable for a return to the starting lineup.
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Wilson Betemit - 3B - Dodgers
Wilson Betemit, who missed Saturday's game due to food poisoning, is expected to return to the starting lineup on Monday. Betemit is hitting just .133 this season. Wilson Valdez will continue to see increased playing time while Betemit struggles.
Source: Los Angeles Times

Jason Jennings - SP - Astros
Jason Jennings (elbow) threw a bullpen session using breaking balls on Sunday. "Just trying to get command back and get the feel of it back and throwing where I want to," Jennings said. "I'll see how I feel (Monday) and Tuesday, but (Sunday) was pretty good. I can't be disappointed, I guess." Jennings could return from the disable list in a week if his rehab continues to go smoothly.
Source: Houston Chronicle

Jorge Julio - RP - Marlins
Jorge Julio (calf strain) gave up three unearned runs on six hits during a three inning rehab start with Single-A Jupiter on Sunday. Julio had four strikeouts and did not walk a batter. The former closer is able to be activated from the disabled list on Thursday.
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Sergio Mitre - SP - Marlins
Sergio Mitre (finger) will make his second rehab appearance with Single-A Jupiter on Monday. Mitre is expected to be activated from the disabled list to start Saturday or Sunday's game. Lee Gardner or Wes Obermueller will be returned to the minors when Mitre is activated.
Source: Miami Herald

Kaz Matsui - 2B - Rockies
Kaz Matsui (lower-back) has started to play catch and swing a bat, but hasn't resumed running yet. The Rockies are being very careful with Matsui's rehab program. He won't begin a minor league rehab assignment for another week at the earliest.
Source: Denver Post

Rodrigo Lopez - SP - Rockies
Rodrigo Lopez threw Sunday for the first time since feeling tightness in his right elbow. Lopez threw lightly from a distance of 50 feet. He is still a few weeks away from pitching in a game situation.
Source: Denver Post

Ken Griffey Jr. - OF - Reds
Ken Griffey Jr. (pleurisy) was feeling much better Sunday and should return to the starting lineup on Tuesday. "He looks better," manager Jerry Narron said. "He's talking, laughing. The other day he hurt so bad he couldn't talk or laugh. Hopefully, he'll be 100 percent by Tuesday." Griffey hasn't played since waking up with chest pains on Thursday morning.
Source: Cincinnati Enquirer

Angel Guzman - RP - Cubs
Angel Guzman, who was penciled in to start for the Cubs on May 1, will start for Triple-A Iowa instead. The Cubs didn't need their fifth starter due to the postponement of Sunday's game against the Cardinals. Guzman is expected to be recalled to start Sunday's game against the Nationals.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times

Troy Tulowitzki - SS - Rockies
Troy Tulowitzki turned the 13th unassisted triple play in the game's history on Sunday. With Kelly Johnson and Edgar Renteria running from first and second on a 3-2 pitch, Tulowitzki caught a liner by Chipper Jones behind the second base bag. Tulo stepped on second base to double off Johnson, then tagged Renteria for the third out of the inning. Tulo was unsure if he had completed the play properly, so he went back to touch second again and then threw to first even though the inning was already over.

Matt Diaz - OF - Braves
The Braves' trade of Ryan Langerhans to Oakland appears to make Matt Diaz the club's primary left fielder. For now. If Diaz doesn't start hitting .300 with decent power, it shouldn't be too difficult for the team to upgrade in a trade. Craig Wilson and Willie Harris also figure to see some time in left field.

Randy Johnson - SP - Diamondbacks
Randy Johnson, making his second start since coming off the disabled list due to a back injury, gave up three runs -- two earned -- in six innings against the Giants on Sunday. Johnson struck out five and walked just one, but gave up six singles and a homer to account for the three runs. Although he didn't factor into the decision, it was an encouraging outing for Johnson. He has a tough matchup against the Mets later in the week, but NL-only leaguers will have to stick with him.

Marcus Giles - 2B - Padres
Marcus Giles left Sunday's game in the ninth inning with a bruised left rib cage. Giles was hurt trying to break up a double play. He should be day-to-day. Geoff Blum could start in his place on Monday.

Bob Wickman - RP - Braves
Bob Wickman blew a save against the Rockies on Sunday after giving up two runs while retiring just two batters in the bottom of the ninth. Wickman entered a 9-7 game and promptly walked three of the first four batters he faced. An infield single and a groundout scored two runs to tie the game, and Wickman was pulled after hitting Chris Iannetta to load the bases. Luckily for Wickman, Tyler Yates retired Clint Barmes to send the game into extra innings. Wickman blew a save two outings ago and then gave up three runs in a non-save situation on Friday, but unless he's hurt, he's still going to get the next save opportunity the Braves generate. Should he continue to struggle or require some time off, Mike Gonzalez would likely step in.

Chipper Jones - 3B - Braves
Chipper Jones extended his hitting streak to nine games Sunday with a single in six at-bats. Jones is playing through tightness in his quadriceps muscle, but that hasn't slowed him offensively, having gone 14-for-41 (.341 AVG) over the past nine games.

Hunter Pence - OF - Astros
Making his second consecutive start, Hunter Pence went 2-for-4. Pence is quickly proving that he belongs by smacking three hits in his first two games (.429 AVG). He should be picked up in all formats as he looks to replace Houston's Opening Day center fielder -- Chris Burke -- who is homerless and batting just .255 for the season.

John Maine - SP - Mets
John Maine improved to a perfect 4-0 on the season in a win against the Nationals on Sunday. He gave up three hits and three walks while striking out eight in seven shutout innings. Maine has been brilliant this season as he sports a sparkling 1.35 ERA to go with 1.05 WHIP and a 30/17 K/BB ratio. He'll look for win No. 5 in cozy Chase Field against the Diamondbacks in his next start.

American League

Eric Gagne - RP - Rangers
Eric Gagne (hip) is expected to start a throwing program Monday. Gagne is reportedly no longer having pain in his hip and hopes to return from the disabled list when he's eligible on May 8.
Source: Dallas Morning News

Frank Catalanotto - OF - Rangers
Frank Catalanotto left Sunday's game in the fifth inning after feeling a "tearing sensation" in his shoulder while making a throw from left field. "I felt the tearing sensation and then it felt kind of hot, like it was burning," Catalanotto said. "It felt a little like it did when I ended up having surgery on my shoulder 10 years ago." Catalanotto had arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder in 1997, but it's possible what he felt was merely scar tissue tearing. He's expected to undergo an MRI Tuesday.
Source: Dallas Morning News

Jorge Cantu - 1B - Devil Rays
Jorge Cantu made his first career appearance at first base Sunday. The key for Cantu getting significant playing time will be hitting well and learning to handle first base defensively, because the odds are against him seeing time at second base or third base. "I'm ready," Cantu said. "I've been playing there down in Durham and I'm ready to do the job."
Source: Tampa Tribune

Felix Hernandez - SP - Mariners
According to the Seattle Times, Felix Hernandez (forearm) is "penciled in" to start Friday against the Yankees. The Mariners may still decide to give Cha Seung Baek the start Friday and push Hernandez back to Saturday, which would involve bumping Jeff Weaver from the rotation.
Source: Seattle Times

Nick Swisher - 1B - Athletics
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Nick Swisher (hamstring) has "an outside shot" of returning to the lineup Tuesday. Swisher did some light running Sunday, but the newspaper suggests that a return "Friday at Tampa Bay might be more realistic."
Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Bobby Kielty - OF - Athletics
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Bobby Kielty's strained calf may require a trip to the disabled list. The injury reportedly may be related to the knee surgery Kielty underwent during spring training. He remained on the active roster Sunday, but a move could be coming early this week.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Jeff Karstens - SP - Yankees
Manager Joe Torre said Sunday that he expects Jeff Karstens (fibula) to miss at least 6-8 weeks. After pitching well in relief of Karstens Saturday, Kei Igawa will be moved back into the rotation in his place. Assuming the Yankees' pitching staff gets reasonably healthy at some point, they may not need Karstens as a starter once he does return in a couple months.
Source: New York Times

Chone Figgins - OF - Angels
The Angels are expected to activate IF/OF Chone Figgins (fingers) from the disabled list Monday. Figgins will join the team in time for Monday night's game in Kansas City and is expected to take over starting duties at third base. Brandon Wood was optioned back to Triple-A to make room for Figgins on the roster.
Source: Los Angeles Times

Ryan Langerhans - OF - Athletics
Athletics acquired outfielder Ryan Langerhans from the Braves for a player to be named or cash considerations. It's odd that the Braves would just give up their primary left fielder for nothing, even if Langerhans was hitting .068 in 44 at-bats. The A's get themselves a fine fourth outfielder capable of playing an above average center field. It's not going to make a lot of sense to use him regularly if Nick Swisher can return this week, but he is decent insurance.

Scott Kazmir - SP - Devil Rays
Scott Kazmir struck out a season-low one batter but still held the Athletics to two runs in seven innings to pick up his second win of the season. Both runs scored when Kazmir gave up back-to-back homers to Mark Ellis and Eric Chavez in the first. The only other trouble the left-hander got into was in the fifth, when he loaded the bases with two outs before retiring Ellis to end the rally. Kazmir will face the Athletics again on Saturday.

Johnny Damon - OF - Yankees
Johnny Damon, who finished April with a .229 average, is going to see a doctor Monday about his bad back. Now that Hideki Matsui is back, maybe it's for the best that Damon rest his back for a week or two. He's a lot more help to the Yankees when he's 100 percent than he is when he's 80. Melky Cabrera could take over in center field. While there's no certainty that Damon will miss time, mixed leaguers may want to sit him for the week.

Jaret Wright - SP - Orioles
One day after coming off the disabled list, Jaret Wright was placed back on the DL Monday with a recurrence of right shoulder soreness. This has the looks of becoming a long-term problem, so don’t rely on Wright contributing anytime soon. Jaret Wright felt soreness in his troublesome shoulder during his outing Sunday and could be on his way back to the DL. "It doesn't feel too good," Wright said. "I tried to get through it. It hurts, basically. It felt bad and kept getting worse. We'll give it 24 hours and come up with a plan." The Orioles don't lose much with Wright gone. What hurts them is trying to use him when he's less than 100 percent. Jeremy Guthrie could be called on to make several starts in his place.

Rocco Baldelli - OF - Devil Rays
Rocco Baldelli, who left Thursday's game with a swollen knee after running into the outfield wall, returned to the lineup Sunday and went 2-for-5 with a solo homer. The club wasn't expecting Baldelli to be ready for the weekend series initially, but he recovered quickly and is fine to activate for this week's games.

Jose Guillen - OF - Mariners
Jose Guillen ended April batting just .239 with two homers and five RBIs. Fielding aside, the mediocre combination of a .292 on-base percentage and .373 slugging percentage won’t cut it as an everyday right fielder. More inconsistent offense could mean less playing time for Guillen, who’s swatted just five extra-base hits.

Al Reyes - RP - Devil Rays
Al Reyes pitched a perfect ninth inning as he recorded his ninth save on Sunday against the A's. Reyes has been surprisingly impressive in the closer role for the Devil Rays, sporting a 1.50 ERA in 12 innings of work. He is tied with Joe Borowski for the American League lead in saves.

Brandon McCarthy - SP - Rangers
Brandon McCarthy struggled with his command again on Sunday against Toronto, issuing four walks in three innings while giving up five runs on six hits. A forgetful season so far for the White Sox farmhand who fell to 1-4 and now sports a 9.90 ERA. Look for him to head back to the bullpen after he pitched two innings of scoreless relief on April 25 against the Indians.

Joe Torre - Manager - Yankees
Yankees manager Joe Torre won't lose his job anytime soon, owner George Steinbrenner revealed in a statement Monday. "The season is still very young, but up to now the results are clearly not acceptable to me or to Yankee fans," the statement read. "However, Brian Cashman our general manager, Joe Torre our manager and our players all believe that they will turn this around quickly. I believe in them. I am here to support them in any way to help them accomplish this turnaround. It is time to put excuses and talk away. It is time to see if people are ready to step up and accept their responsibilities. It is time for all of them to show me and the fans what they are made of. Let’s get going. Let’s go out and win and bring a world championship back to New York. That’s what I want."

MLB Player Notes

Saturday, April 21, 2007 - MLB Player Notes

American League

Brian N. Anderson - OF - White Sox
Brian Anderson will make his third start of the season on Saturday against the Tigers and lefty Nate Robertson. Anderson, who was left on the bench in favor of Rob Mackowiak on Friday, needs to have a big game to impress manager Ozzie Guillen.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times

Jon Lester - SP - Red Sox
Jon Lester (cancer) allowed three runs on six hits, including two home runs, in five innings during a rehab start at Single-A Greensville on Friday night. Lester struck out five in the outing. He will meet with the Red Sox medical staff on Saturday and then make a final rehab start at Triple-A Pawtucket on Wednesday. He is expected to be optioned to Pawtucket after Wednesday's start until the Red Sox need him to join their rotation.
Source: Boston Globe

Ramon Hernandez - C - Orioles
Ramon Hernandez (oblique) was able to take batting practice on Friday, but he will remain on the disabled list until at least early next week. The Orioles are looking into sending Hernandez on a minor league rehab assignment at the beginning of next week. If they decide to have him play in the minors he likely won't return from the DL until Wednesday or Thursday.
Source: Baltimore Sun

Jaret Wright - SP - Orioles
Jaret Wright (shoulder) played a pain-free game of catch on Friday. Wright is scheduled to be activated from the disabled list and start on April 29 at Cleveland.
Source: Washington Post

Vladimir Guerrero - OF - Angels
Vladimir Guerrero picked up right where he left off Friday, going 3-for-5 with a homer in the win over the Mariners. Guerrero missed two games with a bruised right hand sustained Monday against the Red Sox. He's hitting .388 with four homers and 13 RBI in 14 games.

Casey Kotchman - 1B - Angels
Casey Kotchman collected three hits, including a double, in four at-bats Friday against the Mariners. Kotchman was in a 2-for-26 slump that lowered his average from .400 to .235. The Angels have the alternative now of going to Kendry Morales at first base in the event of another slump from Kotchman. However, the team should be rooting for Kotchman, the superior defender, to hang on to the job.

Brandon McCarthy - SP - Rangers
Brandon McCarthy lasted just over one inning, the shortest start of his big-league career, as he lost again on Friday. McCarthy is really scuffling now, and he blamed his mechanics for tonight's debacle. While the gopher ball wasn't his undoing Friday, McCarthy was simply bad -- as in six hits, four runs and two walks bad. With an ERA that's now 10.20, it will be interesting to see how patient the Rangers, losers of five of six, will be with the youngster. He still figures to have some value in AL-only leagues this year.

Mariano Rivera - RP - Yankees
After entering with a four-run lead and two on in the eighth, Mariano Rivera was charged with his second blown save and second loss of the season Friday against the Red Sox. It's time for the annual "what's wrong with Mariano?" columns. Usually, we wouldn't worry at all about a couple of early blown saves from the future Hall of Famer. However, he couldn't spot his pitches while blowing a two-run lead on Sunday and he just didn't seem to have any movement on his cutter Friday night. There was nothing in his body language to suggest he was pitching hurt, but maybe the elbow is bothering him a little. If not -- if he's healthy -- then he'll go back to being the usual Mariano within a week or two.

Coco Crisp - OF - Red Sox
Coco Crisp continued his recent resurgence, delivering a two-run triple to tie the game in the eighth before scoring the go-ahead run as Boston rallied to stun the Yanks 7-6 on Friday. Boston roared back from 6-2 down with a five-run eighth before Hideki Okajima nailed down his first MLB save. Crisp was scuffling badly to start the year, but he really began showing signs of life in Toronto when manager Terry Francona decided to shift him up in the batting order. Back in his eighth spot Friday, it was great to see him keep hitting, lashing two hits to inch closer to the Mendoza Line. Crisp also ensured lots of blooper reel time for flipping right over the bullpen wall on A-Rod's second long ball.

Hideki Matsui - OF - Yankees
Hideki Matsui (hamstring) played left field and went 1-for-3 Friday in his first game for Single-A Tampa. Matsui will again play for Tampa on Saturday. Barring a setback, he'll be activated from the DL when eligible on Monday.

Andy Pettitte - SP - Yankees
Andy Pettitte was foiled in his efforts to bag a win Friday despite a solid outing in which he gave up just two runs in 6 1/3 innings. Pettitte scattered eight hits, one of which was a homer, and walked two, fanning three in seeing his ERA rise to 1.85. The bullpen, including Mike Myers, Luis Vizcaino and Mariano Rivera, allowed the game to slip away. All told, Pettitte tossed 100 pitches, 64 of which were strikes, in his third straight quality start.

A.J. Burnett - SP - Blue Jays
A.J. Burnett pitched seven effective innings on Friday in a no-decision against the O's. In his longest outing of the year, Burnett gave up only three hits and two runs, but he battled control problems with five walks, fanning just two. Still, he pitched well enough to win, entrusting the beleaguered Jay bullpen with a 4-2 lead which they promptly let slip away. Shaun Marcum was again at the center of the meltdown and Casey Janssen helped deny Burnett his win. The Jays are desperately missing B.J. Ryan and will need to make a deal soon if the situation doesn't turn around.

Rondell White - OF - Twins
Rondell White, on the DL with a strained right calf, wasn't activated when eligible Friday. "He's still having some issues," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "He's a little frustrated right now. Just have to continue working. It will be a few more days for him."

Jason Kendall - C - Athletics
A's manager Bob Geren said he was leaning toward resting Jason Kendall and starting Adam Melhuse on Saturday. It'd be Kendall's second day off of the season.

Jorge Posada - C - Yankees
Jorge Posada left Friday's game against the Red Sox because of a bruised left thumb. Posada was hurt catching an Andy Pettitte pitch. The Yankees took him in for precautionary X-rays, which came back negative. If Posada can't go Saturday' Wil Nieves will start in his place.

Torii Hunter - OF - Twins
The Twins had Torii Hunter back in center field for Friday's game. Hunter missed two contests due to a bruised left shoulder.

Brad Wilkerson - OF - Rangers
Brad Wilkerson was scratched from Friday's lineup after his sore knee locked up on him during batting practice. Wilkerson was expected to start over Nelson Cruz, but Cruz replaced him in the lineup. Wilkerson might be back on Saturday.
Source: Dallas Morning News

Milton Bradley - OF - Athletics
Milton Bradley started in center field on Friday after missing 10 days with a strained hamstring. He batted fifth instead of his usual third. Eric Chavez replaced him in the third spot against the Rangers.

Vernon Wells - OF - Blue Jays
Vernon Wells, who is 1-for-19 in his career against Daniel Cabrera, got a routine day off Friday. Matt Stairs started in the outfield with Wells sitting. Wells entered the lineup later in the game and went 1-2 with an RBI.
Source: Toronto Globe

Jay Payton - OF - Orioles
Orioles activated outfielder Jay Payton from the 15-day disabled list. Payton and Kevin Millar will share time against right-handers for now, with both playing against southpaws. Both are minor assets in AL-only leagues.

Luis Castillo - 2B - Twins
Manager Ron Gardenhire said Thursday that Luis Castillo (quadriceps) is "day-to-day." Castillo left Thursday's game after aggravating a quadriceps injury while running out a double. "He told me before the game he was fine. He was going to get three hits," Gardenhire said. "You saw when he hit the ball and tried to stretch out, he hurt himself, so we'll just go day-to-day with a quad." Alexi Casilla will likely fill in at second base for as long as Castillo is out.
Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune

John Buck - C - Royals
Despite a .440 batting average, manager Buddy Bell said Thursday that he'll continue to platoon John Buck with Jason LaRue. Buck has appeared in eight of the Royals' first 15 games and LaRue is hitting just .154. "Their primary job is the way they handle pitchers," Bell said. "Both of them are doing a good job there. That’s my first consideration. Some guys really like throwing to Jason, and some guys really like throwing to John."
Source: Kansas City Star

Rich Harden - SP - Athletics
Right-hander Rich Harden (shoulder stiffness) played catch in the outfield before Friday's game but remained non-committal about making a side session in the bullpen Saturday. Harden might not be activated on April 24 as expected. "So far, it felt all right," Harden said. "We'll see how it feels [Saturday]. I'm not sure. We'll just see how it feels then." Stay tuned for an update.
Source: MLB.com

Bartolo Colon - SP - Angels
Bartolo Colon (rotator cuff) will make his season debut Saturday against the Mariners. This will be Colon's first start since July of last season. Manager Mike Scioscia said the Angels ace can "easily throw 100 pitches if need be."
Source: MLB.com

Scott Podsednik - OF - White Sox
The White Sox have no timetable for Scott Podsednik's return from a right thigh strain. Podsednik owners might want to begin exploring other sources of speed. "We can't do any updates until he starts running," White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said. "He's doing none of that right now."
Source: MLB.com

Chien-Ming Wang - SP - Yankees
Chien-Ming Wang (right hamstring pull) allowed three earned runs, five hits and one walk with four strike outs in five innings in his last rehab start for Triple-A Tampa Thursday. Wang is expected to rejoin the Yankees as early as this weekend for their series against Boston.
Source: MLB.com

National League

Woody Williams - SP - Astros
Woody Williams is receiving treatment for a severe bruise he on his right shin. "I don't know how far it's going to linger, but I got smoked pretty good," Williams said. "Hopefully I'll have no problem going in my next start." Williams was hit on the shin by a Brandon Phillips line drive during Thursday's game.
Source: Houston Chronicle

Jason Jennings - SP - Astros
Jason Jennings (elbow) is expected to throw Saturday for the first time since going on the disabled list on April 9. "It feels good right now," Jennings said. "Obviously it's not a true test, but I'm optimistic." Jennings hopes that the tendinitis is gone after resting his arm for 10 days and a cortisone injection.
Source: Houston Chronicle

Ricky Nolasco - RP - Marlins
Ricky Nolasco (elbow) says he "felt great" after throwing batting practice on Friday. Nolasco is available to come of the disabled list on Sunday, but he will need to make one or two minor league rehab starts before the Marlins will activate him.
Source: Miami Herald

Alfonso Soriano - OF - Cubs
Alfonso Soriano (hamstring) said he felt around 90 percent after running in the outfield prior to Friday's game. ''He's going to run again [Saturday]," said manager Lou Pinella. "The outcome of that will determine when we get him back. The trainer said possibly Sunday or Monday. We could use him to pinch-hit. But it's a risky thing. We'd probably stay away from it if we can.''
Source: Chicago Sun-Times

Shawn Hill - SP - Nationals
Shawn Hill strained his shoulder while diving back into third base during a rundown on Friday. "It was stupid on my part, period," Hill said. "I don't know what exactly is wrong with it. "It's tender right now." Hill is questionable for his next start.
Source: Washington Post

Mike Jacobs - 1B - Marlins
Mike Jacobs suffered a bruised right thumb in the 14th inning of Friday's game against the Nationals. Jacobs was hurt trying to handle Chris Snelling's go-ahead single. X-rays were negative, and he said he expects to play Saturday.

Randy Wolf - SP - Dodgers
Randy Wolf fanned 10 while allowing one run in six innings Friday in a victory over the Pirates. Wolf has gone exactly six innings in all four of his starts. The last three have all been quality starts and each has resulted in a win, leaving him 3-1 with a 3.38 ERA. He could be a sell-high candidate if he keeps this up for another month or so, but he should have value in NL-only leagues all season long.

Tony Armas Jr. - SP - Pirates
Tony Armas Jr. was torched for eight runs in 2 2/3 innings by the Dodgers on Friday. Armas hadn't pitched in 12 days after having his start last weekend rained out, so it's not surprising he wasn't sharp. Still, the Pirates had to hoping for a little more than this. He has an 18.90 ERA in two starts, and he should be in danger of being replaced by Shawn Chacon if he's not a whole lot better next time out. Chacon is the superior pitcher anyway.

Stephen Drew - SS - Diamondbacks
Stephen Drew went 1-for-5 Friday in his first game out of the leadoff spot this season. The slumping Drew hit second, with Eric Byrnes occupying the leadoff spot. Drew will likely be dropped to sixth or seventh in the order if he doesn't pick it up soon.

Juan Pierre - OF - Dodgers
Juan Pierre had three hits, two steals and three runs scored Friday versus the Pirates. Pierre has had five straight multihit games, raising his average from .180 to .278. He's 7-for-10 on the basepaths so far.

Micah Owings - SP - Diamondbacks
Diamondbacks placed RHP Micah Owings on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring. Yusmeiro Petit is expected to be called up to start in Owings' place on Sunday. With Randy Johnson set to return next week, Owings might not have a rotation spot once he's ready to return.

Tim Hudson - SP - Braves
Tim Hudson hurled eight shutout innings at the Mets Friday, leading Atlanta to an 8-3 win over New York. Dominating the Marlins and Nats was one thing, but Hudson cooled off a Mets team that had piled up 28 runs over its last three games. This is clearly no fluke anymore -- the Hudson the Braves thought they were getting in 2005 has definitely arrived. After scattering five hits and two walks in moving to 3-0, Hudson has given up a measly two runs in 29 innings this season. Is it too early to talk about Comeback Players of the Year?

Chad Cordero - RP - Nationals
Chad Cordero was charged with a second straight blown save after giving up a solo homer in the ninth Friday against the Marlins. The good news for the Nationals is that the club has won both games. Still, it's very disappointing for his fantasy owners, if for no other reason than that the Nats will be lucky to generate more than 30 save chances all year.

Scott Olsen - SP - Marlins
Scott Olsen was removed after giving up five runs in five innings Friday in a no-decision against the Nationals. Olsen won his first two starts, but because he's struggled to throw strikes all along, he still hasn't lasted six innings in any of his outings. He's pitching far under his potential, and the Marlins need more with three starting pitchers currently on the disabled list.

Chipper Jones - 3B - Braves
Chipper Jones crushed his fifth home run in nine games Friday to help stake the Braves to an early lead as they regained first place in the NL East. Jones smoked a two-run jack in the first and wound up scoring three runs on the night. He just seems to love playing the Mets -- that's 37 career homers in 167 games against them. Jones has now driven in 10 runs and will be extremely valuable as long as he avoids the DL.

David Wright - 3B - Mets
David Wright went 0-for-3 Friday, snapping his club-record hitting streak at 26 games. The streak dates back to last season, so Hubie Brooks and Mike Piazza still share the one-season Mets mark of 24 games. Wright has dropped to .310, but he did draw a walk, so he has still gotten on base in every game this year.

Jon Lieber - RP - Phillies
Jon Lieber allowed one hit over 5 2/3 shutout innings against the Reds in his first start of the year Friday. Lieber will get the Nationals next, so he'll definitely be worth using in NL-only leagues then. He probably won't have a lot of long-term value, though his respectable WHIP will help balance out an ERA that's likely to climb over 4.00.

Tom Gordon - RP - Phillies
Tom Gordon surrendered a two-out home run in the bottom of the ninth to Scott Hatteberg before giving up the game-winning single in the 10th inning Friday. Jon Lieber, who pitched extremely well in his return to the Philadelphia rotation, was denied the win because of Gordon, who could suddenly be on thin ice with Brett Myers in the Philadelphia pen. The Phillies can't keep Myers in a setup role forever, so he'll probably either go back to the rotation or close eventually. Flash blew his first save chance of the year, but had recorded three straight going into tonight. He's likely to be effective when healthy, but with the Phillies still trying to shake things up, he can't afford any additional missteps.

Paul Lo Duca - C - Mets
Paul Lo Duca was back in the lineup for Friday's game after resting his sore hand on Thursday. He's batted second versus the Braves.

Scott Rolen - 3B - Cardinals
Scott Rolen returned to action on Friday and went 0-for-4 against the Cubs. Rolen, who missed two games with food poisoning, is now batting just .196.

Miguel Cabrera - 3B - Marlins
Miguel Cabrera felt ready to play Friday, but manager Fredi Gonzalez opted to rest him for a day. Cabrera left Thursday's game with a mild oblique strain. He'll likely be back at third base on Saturday.
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Sergio Mitre - SP - Marlins
Marlins placed RHP Sergio Mitre on 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 18, with blister on right middle finger. Scott Tyler was called up to replace him, but the Marlins will likely bring in someone else when they need to replace Mitre on Sunday. Veterans Wes Obermueller and Chris George are candidates, as is top prospect Gaby Hernandez.

Juan Encarnacion - OF - Cardinals
Juan Encarnacion homered Wednesday as a designated hitter in an extended spring game. Encarnacion should begin a rehab assignment next week. Considering that he didn't see any action this spring, he might require a couple of weeks down on the farm regaining his swing.
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Aaron Harang - SP - Reds
Aaron Harang said he didn't tweak his back during Wednesday's start. Instead, he was just fatigued. "I was just tired from throwing so many pitches in the fourth and fifth innings," he said. "I thought it would be best (that I come out). The bullpen had been so good." Harang could be hurting and choosing not to talk about it, but he can be counted on to make his next start.
Source: Cincinnati Enquirer

Aaron Rowand - OF - Phillies
Aaron Rowand says his surgically repaired ankle has been giving him issues lately. "When the weather was halfway decent, the last couple innings it would start hurting," Rowand said. "All this week, since the rainouts, it's been miserable." Rowand, who has two screws in the ankle from last year's fracture, says he doesn't think it affect his swing or speed.
Source: Philadelphia Daily News

Mark Prior - SP - Cubs
After visiting orthopedic specialist Dr. Lewis Yocum on Monday, Mark Prior (shoulder) is still waiting to visit Dr. James Andrews for a second opinion. While Prior waits to get an opinion from Dr. Andrews he isn't throwing and the arm strength and stamina he built up during spring training is going away. "I don't know [if he has lost] all of it, but it goes backward a little bit," pitching coach Larry Rothschild said. "You can't pick up where you left off because he has had a couple of weeks off now. So we'll see."
Source: Chicago Tribune

Kerry Wood - RP - Cubs
Kerry Wood (shoulder) hasn't resumed throwing and there is not a timetable for when he will begin. "He has had some good days with the rehab, and we'll just see where it goes," pitching coach Larry Rothschild said.
Source: Chicago Tribune

Lance Cormier - RP - Braves
Lance Cormier (shoulder) had another productive bullpen session on Thursday. Cormier will begin a minor league rehab assignment by pitching for the Rome Braves on Sunday. If that outing goes well he will make two or three starts for the Richmond Braves before being activated from the disabled list.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Chris Iannetta - C - Rockies
Rockies rookie catcher Chris Iannetta (0 HR, .107 AVG) was benched again Friday night in favor of Yorvit Torrealba (.300 AVG). Call it the curse of Ben Petrick. The highly-touted Iannetta has started only three of the past eight games after being named the Opening Day starter. Though the 24-year-old backstop is the likely long-term solution, expect manager Clint Hurdle to go with the hot bat, as the struggling Rockies (7-10) look to turn things around.
Source: MLB.com

Adam LaRoche - 1B - Pirates
Pirates first baseman Adam LaRoche went 0-for-3 Friday night with three strikeouts, lowering his season average to .100. The 28-year-old has really been struggling to make contact this year, providing his owners with a disappointing 9/20 K/BB ratio to go along with his miserable production (two home runs, five RBIs). However, as long as Jason Bay continues to bat behind him, expect the former Brave to turn things around.
Source: MLB.com

Kevin Kouzmanoff - 3B - Padres
Kevin Kouzmanoff was replaced in the lineup at third base by Russell Branyan Friday for the second game in a row. After tearing up the Minor Leagues, Kouzmanoff has struggled in the bigs. The former Indians prospect is hitting .146 with one home run and three RBIs in 41 at-bats. Manager Bud Black said Kouzmanoff hasn't been benched, but at this pace, the rookie is well on his way to losing his starting third-base gig.
Source: MLB.com

Edwin Encarnaction - 3B - Reds
Edwin Encarnacion went 0-for-4 Friday night against the Phillies, dropping his batting average to a paltry .154 on the season. In the midst of a 1-for-32 deep slump, Encarnacion is in danger of losing more playing time to Ryan Freel, who started in place of the cold 23-year-old on back-to-back days from April 17-18.

Ken Griffey Jr. - OF - Reds
Right fielder Ken Griffey Jr. missed his second consecutive game on Friday because of an undisclosed illness. Griffey remains homerless in 50 at-bats, so hopefully the time off will help rejuvenate his powerless bat.

Adrian Gonzalez - 1B - Padres
Adrian Gonzalez hit his fourth home run of the season -- a three-run shot -- in the first inning of Friday night's game at Colorado. Gonzalez has a whopping .642 average (9-for-14), two home runs and 10 RBIs with runners in scoring position so far this season.

Josh Johnson - SP - Marlins
Josh Johnson (biceps nerve) threw long toss before Friday's game. On the 15-day disabled list since Opening Day, the 6-foot-7 right-hander aims to throw off the mound on May 1. The earliest Johnson is expected to be ready to join the Marlins is June 1.
Source: MLB.com

Ryan Howard - 1B - Phillies
For the second game in a row, Ryan Howard was out of the starting lineup on Friday with a sprained left knee. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said Howard would be available to pinch-hit Friday and play at some point over the weekend. "If he feels like he could stay in and we get in a spot where I had to use him at first base," Manuel said, "I wouldn't be afraid to use him." Howard’s status remains day-to-day.
Source: MLB.com

Jimmy Rollins - SS - Phillies
Jimmy Rollins went 2-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored in Thursday’s win over the Nationals. Rollins has drawn plenty of attention for his early season power outburst (6 HR), but he’s also gone for multiple hits in five of his last six games to boost his batting average to .302. He hasn’t been particularly active on the basepaths yet (1 SB), but owners shouldn’t worry too much about that, as it’s not like his speed disappeared overnight. Before long, the 28-year-old shortstop will revert back to normal by running more and showcasing a little less power. Chase Utley (2B) Apr 20 2007, 10:15 am ET Bio | News Archive

Chase Utley - 2B - Phillies
Chase Utley's performance (.224 AVG, 2 HR, 6 RBIs, 0 SB) has been disappointing so far, but he’s showing signs of life with seven doubles, tying him for the NL lead. Have faith, owners, as fantasy’s top-ranked second baseman will eventually get into a groove and remind you of why you invested a high pick in him.

John Patterson - SP - Nationals
Patterson is struggling right now (0-3, 7.00 ERA, 8/14 K/BB ratio in 18 IP), but it’s mainly because he’s still trying to build up arm strength after last summer’s forearm surgery. He’s likely to get knocked around for a little while, and as a result, he’s really not worth holding onto in any format. Owners will want to keep posted to his progress, however, as a healthy Patterson has the ability to shut down opposing lineups while ringing up a lot of strikeouts. After a few more weeks, we could see the ace version of Patterson start to resurface.

A-Rod continues hot start

Alex Rodriguez continued his ridiculously torrid play, smashing another pair (Nos. 11 & 12) of long balls among a three-hit, three-run, four-RBI night on Friday.

A-Rod's blasts tie him with Mike Schmidt as the fastest to reach a dozen. Schmidt also hit 12 in the first 15 games back in 1976. Rodriguez is simply unconscious right now. He has hit in all 15 games this year, and 20 straight dating back to last year. Even his outs are long, as he flied to the warning track in his first at-bat. With 476 career dingers, Rodriguez has moved into the Top 25 of all time, passing Willie Stargell and Stan Musial on Friday. In addition to pacing the majors in long balls, A-Rod also tops baseball with 30 RBI and 65 total bases.

It will be interesting to see if he can keep up the pace because he has the talent to do so. We are not talking about Chris Shelton (remember his hot April last year?). Can he reach 70 plus homers this year? Stay tuned.

MLB Player Notes

Tuesday, April 17, 2007 - MLB Player Notes

American League

Victor Martinez - C - Indians
Victor Martinez is in the starting lineup Tuesday for the first time in 12 days. Martinez, recovered from a strained left quad, is doing the catching against the Yankees tonight.

Jered Weaver - SP - Angels
Angels activated RHP Jered Weaver from 15-day disabled list. Weaver will make his season debut against the A's tonight.

Scott Podsednik - OF - White Sox
White Sox placed outfielder Scott Podsednik on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 16, with a pulled groin muscle. We're guessing this is related to his offseason hernia surgery. Podsednik was off to a nice start at the plate, hitting .303/.378/.455. Still, the White Sox don't lose much by giving more at-bats to Rob Mackowiak and Brian Anderson against right-handers. Pablo Ozuna will likely continue to play against lefties.

Rich Harden - SP - Athletics
Rich Harden (shoulder) said Monday that he's "pretty sure" he'll make his scheduled start Saturday against the Rangers. Harden was pulled from Sunday's game after experiencing right shoulder tightness, but said Monday that he "feel[s] good about it."
Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Dan Johnson - 1B - Athletics
Dan Johnson (hip) homered Monday in an extended spring training game. He's expected to be re-evaluated at the end of the week and could begin a minor league rehab assignment soon after that.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Jeff Karstens - SP - Yankees
Jeff Karstens (elbow) threw four shutout innings in a minor league rehab start Monday at Single-A. The Yankees have an opening in the rotation Saturday against the Red Sox and Karstens may get the call.
Source: New York Times

Cliff Lee - SP - Indians
Cliff Lee (abdomen) threw three innings Monday in an extended spring training game. Assistant general manager Chris Antonetti said afterward that Lee "felt fine." The Indians have said previously that Lee's return won't be considered until he's able to throw at least five innings.
Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer

Andy Marte - 3B - Indians
Hitting coach Derek Shelton said Monday that Andy Marte is "progressing" at the plate despite a .179 batting average. Marte has hit just .201 in 249 career at-bats dating back to 2005 and has struggled defensively, but doesn't appear to be in danger of losing his starting spot. "I look at smaller stuff, such as how he takes pitches, and I'm seeing good signs," Shelton said. "He's putting the work in. He's going to be fine."
Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer

Bartolo Colon - SP - Angels
The Angels will have Bartolo Colon (shoulder) come off the DL and start Saturday against the Mariners. Colon was to pitch Friday before Sunday's game was rained out. Since he'll be facing the Mariners, he should probably be activated right away in AL-only leagues.

Troy Glaus - 3B - Blue Jays
Blue Jays placed third baseman Troy Glaus on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 13, with a bone spur in his left heel. Glaus doesn't want to have surgery to take care of the problem. Two weeks off should do him a fair amount of good, but it probably won't make him 100 percent. Jason Smith, John McDonald and Ryan Roberts can fill in at third base.

Zack Greinke - SP - Royals
Zack Greinke was pulled from Monday's game in the first inning after giving up a grand slam and walking three Tigers. Greinke was more just missing than all over the place, but since he was up to 49 pitches and still not out of the inning, manager Buddy Bell decided to remove him. The 23-year-old was pitching for the first time since his grandparents died last week. No one is going to hold this one against him.

Ramon Hernandez - C - Orioles
Ramon Hernandez (oblique) took part in a soft toss session Monday and will take batting practice Tuesday. The Orioles are hoping to get Hernandez back on Wednesday.

B.J. Ryan - RP - Blue Jays
The Blue Jays expect B.J. Ryan to miss 4-6 weeks due to a strained ligament in his left elbow. Ryan avoids Tommy John surgery for now, but that still may be a possibility if he doesn't recover as hoped. Jason Frasor is set to occupy the closer's role in his absence. Shaun Marcum and Victor Zambrano are the fallbacks.
Source: ESPN.com

Nick Punto - 3B - Twins
The MRI on Nick Punto's ankle showed only a sprain. He's expected to avoid the disabled list. The Twins hope that Punto will be able to return within the next few days. Luis Rodriguez could get a couple of more starts in his place.

Reed Johnson - OF - Blue Jays
Reed Johnson will undergo surgery for a herniated disc in his back and isn't expected to return before July. Back surgery can be tricky, so Johnson can't be counted on to show up at full strength after the All-Star break. Fortunately, the Jays have Adam Lind to cover for him in left field and should be fine there. However, now the only backup they have for the outfield, first base and DH is Matt Stairs. They'll want to add some depth, even if it's just a quad-A player. Alex Rios is likely to remain in the leadoff spot until Johnson returns, giving him some additional value.

Vladimir Guerrero - OF - Angels
X-rays on Vladimir Guerrero's right hand were negative. He's day-to-day with a soft tissue contusion. The Angels' season is saved. Reggie Willits will fill in if Guerrero needs to miss a few days after getting hit by a Josh Beckett pitch in the first inning of Monday's game.

Nelson Cruz - OF - Rangers
According to the Dallas Morning News, manager Ron Washington wants Nelson Cruz playing more often. Cruz has lost playing time to both Sammy Sosa and Brad Wilkerson early, but has impressed in whatever at-bats he's been given. Expect Sosa's at-bats to diminish.
Source: Dallas Morning News

Milton Bradley - OF - Athletics
Manager Bob Geren said Sunday that Milton Bradley (hamstring) may need a trip to the disabled list. "It gets to the point where you have to think about putting him on the disabled list," Geren said. "Our target date is Tuesday. If he's not ready, we'll have to make a decision."
Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Hideki Matsui - OF - Yankees
Hideki Matsui (hamstring) took fly balls prior to Sunday's game. Matsui is expected to return to the Yankees when he's eligible to come off the disabled list next Monday. "My guess is that he will be activated on the day he is scheduled to be activated," manager Joe Torre said. "Hopefully, that is the case but everything is going well."
Source: New York Daily News

Jaret Wright - SP - Orioles
Jaret Wright (shoulder) threw 30 pitches off flat ground Saturday and reported no problems. "It was a little bit stiff in the beginning, but I thought it loosened up pretty well in the end," Wright said. No timetable has been established yet for Wright throwing off a mound.
Source: Washington Post

National League

Jason Jennings - SP - Astros
Astros placed RHP Jason Jennings on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 9, with elbow tendinitis. Jennings, already scratched from a start over the weekend, will likely miss another two weeks. Matt Albers will fill in and make his first start of the season on Friday.

Alfonso Soriano - OF - Cubs
Alfonso Soriano hopes to return in a week or so after an MRI on his hamstring came back negative. There's still a chance that he'll land on the DL, but he avoids the assignment for now. Felix Pie has been called up to start in center field and hit leadoff in his place.

Freddy Sanchez - 2B - Pirates
Freddy Sanchez was out of the lineup Tuesday with a sore left wrist. Manager Jim Tracy said Sanchez hurt the wrist on a checked swing. "His grip strength is fine," Tracy said. "When he goes to finish his swing it's bothering him." Jose Castillo filled in.

Rodrigo Lopez - SP - Rockies
Rodrigo Lopez had no problems during a throwing session Monday and is scheduled to start Wednesday's game against the Dodgers. Lopez missed his last start with right elbow inflammation.
Source: Denver Post

Tony Armas Jr. - SP - Pirates
Tony Armas Jr. has had his next scheduled start pushed back until Friday, giving him 12 days between starts. "Ideally, you want to be out there every five days," Armas said. "But with the weather being so bad, what can you do but wait? It's part of the game." Armas is available out of the bullpen for middle relief on Tuesday.
Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Mark Mulder - SP - Cardinals
Mark Mulder (shoulder) is scheduled to check in with team doctors next week to see how his rehab is progressing. Mulder has just started a light throwing program. He hopes to return to the Cards' rotation around late July.
Source: St Louis Post-Dispatch

Juan Encarnacion - OF - Cardinals
Juan Encarnacion (left wrist) is scheduled to play in extended spring training games by the end of this week. If Encarnacion is pain-free during the extended spring training games he could move on to a minor league rehab assignment next week.
Source: St Louis Post-Dispatch

Oliver Perez - SP - Mets
Oliver Perez has had his next scheduled start pushed back until Saturday due to back-to-back rainouts. Perez will throw four bullpen sessions and might make an appearance out of the bullpen prior to Saturday's start. His last outing was Wednesday when he gave up three runs and walked seven in just 2 2/3 innings.
Source: New York Daily News

Matt Kemp - OF - Dodgers
Matt Kemp (shoulder) took batting practice prior to Monday's game. Kemp, who must remain on the disabled list for another seven days, said his shoulder is pain-free. It sounds like he will come of DL the first day he is eligible.
Source: Los Angeles Times

Jason Schmidt - SP - Dodgers
Jason Schmidt underwent an MRI on his right arm Monday even though he claims it isn't sore. "We are exploring every area," manager Grady Little said. "We've had coaches, players and his former coaches look at video of him, trying to reconstruct his mechanics from square one." Schmidt has lost velocity lately and was able to last just two innings in his start against the Padres on Saturday.
Source: Los Angeles Times

Josh Fogg - SP - Rockies
Josh Fogg, who is still scheduled to start on Thursday, pitched two scoreless innings of relief on Monday. This was the first relief appearance for Fogg since Sept. 26, 2005. He used Monday's relief outing as a substitute for his regular between starts bullpen session.
Source: Rocky Mountain News

Lance Cormier - RP - Braves
Lance Cormier (shoulder) had another pain-free bullpen session on Sunday. Cormier is scheduled to throw another bullpen session on Thursday and then leave for a minor league rehab assignment on Sunday. He is around two weeks away from possibly joining the rotation.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Randy Johnson - SP - Diamondbacks
Randy Johnson will make one more rehab start Thursday for Triple-A Tucson. "I didn't feel I was ready," Johnson said. "I'm coming off back surgery. I didn't have a regular spring training, absolutely. I'm feeling good about everything, and I want to have one more productive start and know that it's my last start." Johnson is now set to make his season debut against the Padres on April 24.

John Maine - SP - Mets
John Maine's start has been pushed back to Wednesday following another rainout on Monday. Tom Glavine will start Tuesday as previously scheduled. Maine will be followed by Orlando Hernandez, Mike Pelfrey and Oliver Perez in the rotation.
Source: The Journal News

Carlos Quentin - OF - Diamondbacks
Diamondbacks activated outfielder Carlos Quentin from the 15-day disabled list. Quentin started in right field and batted fifth on Monday night. Brian Barden was sent down to make room on the roster, and Scott Hairston will return to the bench role he was supposed to occupy this year.

Tom Gorzelanny - SP - Pirates
Tom Gorzelanny limited the Cardinals to one run and four hits over 8 1/3 innings in Monday's victory. Gorzelanny has been dominant against the Cardinals in back-to-back outings, giving him a 1.33 ERA after three starts. It's still pretty early to be thinking about grabbing him in shallow mixed leagues, but he's capable of remaining an above average starter for the Pirates as long as his elbow holds up.

Adrian Gonzalez - 1B - Padres
Adrian Gonzalez went 4-for-7 with two doubles and an RBI as the Padres edged the Cubs 4-3 in 14 innings on Tuesday. Khalil Greene doubled over right fielder Ryan Theriot's head and Geoff Blum blooped a double to left to give the Padres to go-ahead run in the 14th. Trevor Hoffman then picked up the save. Gonzalez entered the game in a 2-for-20 slump, but he's back hitting .288 for the year. He's tied for sixth in the NL with 10 RBI.

MLB Player Notes

Thursday, April 12, 2007 - MLB Player Notes

National League

Josh Bard - C - Padres
Padres placed catcher Josh Bard on the 15-day disabled list with a groin strain. He was injured during Wednesday's game. Rob Bowen will get most of the starts behind the plate while Bard is sidelined, and Khalil Greene and Kevin Kouzmanoff figure to move up in the order. Pete Laforest was recalled to serve as a backup.

Taylor Tankersley - RP - Marlins
Marlins activated LHP Taylor Tankersley from the 15-day disabled list. Tankersley probably won't be put in save situations right away, but he's as good of a bet as anyone to be the Marlins' most effective reliever this year. He's well worth owning in NL-only leagues at least, he may be a potential candidate for the closer role.

Jason Schmidt - SP - Dodgers
Jason Schmidt's next start has been moved up to Saturday, with Randy Wolf getting pushed back to Sunday. Manager Grady Little says it's because he wanted to separate Schmidt and Brad Penny in the rotation. Of course, he had plenty of opportunity to do that during spring training, but he settled on the odd course of using his No. 4 starter in the second game of the season.
Source: Dodgers.mlb.com

Rafael Furcal - SS - Dodgers
Rafael Furcal isn't assured of returned to the starting lineup Friday as scheduled after feeling tightness in his injured ankle Wednesday. "It's tight when I push off," Furcal said. "There's no pain and no swelling, but it's like when you feel tight and you want to move and it feels heavy. I don't want to take a chance." Furcal was scheduled to rejoin the Dodgers today. If he's feeling better, he still could be activated on Friday. If not, his return could be pushed back three or four days.
Source: Dodgers.mlb.com

Cristian Guzman - SS - Nationals
Christian Guzman (hamstring) isn't expected to participate in baseball activities until Monday. Guzman has remained in Washington rehabbing the sore hamstring. He will likely head to Florida next week for some extended spring training at-bats.
Source: Associated Press

Adam Kennedy - 2B - Cardinals
Even though Adam Kennedy sat back-to-back games in favor of Aaron Miles he remains the Cardinals' starting second baseman. "Adam Kennedy is our starting second baseman. That's not a question," La Russa said. "This isn't a platoon situation. He's been fighting it a little and [Aaron] Miles had four hits. With another left-hander going today, it makes sense. There's nothing beyond that." Kennedy is in the middle of an 0-for-10 slump.
Source: St Louis Post-Dispatch

Chase Utley - 2B - Phillies
X-rays on Chase Utley's hand were negative and he shouldn't miss any games. Utley was hit in the left hand by Pedro Feliciano during Wednesday's game. The X-rays were for precautionary reasons.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer

Jorge Julio - RP - Marlins
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that Jorge Julio has been told he is no longer the Marlins' closer. Julio, who blew two saves in the past week, was told by manager Fredi Gonzalez on Wednesday that he will now work in the sixth or seventh innings. "It is best for me right now," said Julio. "I need to work on my game, especially my command. I like this team, and I want to help it, not hurt it." Gonzalez says he hasn't decided on a replacement, but Henry Owens, Lee Gardner and Matt Lindstrom are candidates.
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Lance Cormier - RP - Braves
Lance Cormier (shoulder) is pain-free after lifting weights and throwing in the outfield the past few days. The Braves won't need a fifth starter until April 19, at the very earliest, so they are not in a hurry to bring him back.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Carlos Quentin - OF - Diamondbacks
Carlos Quentin (shoulder) went 0-for-3 during an extended spring training game on Wednesday. Quentin will play in the next four or five games for Triple-A Tucson and then should be activated from the disabled list early next week.
Source: Arizona Republic

Randy Johnson - SP - Diamondbacks
Randy Johnson (back) said his projected return to the rotation on April 19 is not a sure thing. "I've had probably the most makeshift spring training you could possibly have," Johnson said. "Everybody says that I'm targeted to come back on the 19th. Don't put that in stone." Johnson, who has thrown just 15 innings so far this spring, will have a better idea when he will return following Friday's start for Triple-A Tucson.
Source: Arizona Republic

Edwin Encarnacion - 3B - Reds
Edwin Encarnacion was removed from Wednesday's game because he didn't run out his popup in the first inning. The lesson, as always, is that you got to have a 30- or 40-homer season under your belt before you decide to stop running out flyballs. Somehow, we don't think Ken Griffey Jr. would have gotten the same treatment from manager Jerry Narron. Still, Encarnacion figures to get the memo and at least jog to first base next time.

Rickie Weeks - 2B - Brewers
Rickie Weeks had a two-run homer, a triple and three runs scored against the Marlins on Wednesday. Unfortunately, Weeks' power won't result in a lot of RBI from the leadoff spot. Still, he'll be a top-five fantasy second baseman for however long he's healthy. He has two homers and nine runs scored.

Orlando Hudson - 2B - Diamondbacks
Orlando Hudson went 1-for-3 with an RBI in Wednesday night's loss to the Reds. The D-backs' second baseman has hit safely in nine of 10 games and sports a robust .390 batting average.

Oliver Perez - SP - Mets
Oliver Perez was all over the place on Wednesday night, issuing seven walks to the Phillies in just 2 2/3 innings en route to his first loss. One start after walking nobody, Perez returned to his wild ways, throwing just 32 of his 73 pitches for strikes. Look for the inconsistency to continue until Mets pitching coach Rick Peterson tames his left arm.

Chris Young - OF - Diamondbacks
Center fielder Chris Young (strained groin) ran at "about 95 percent" on Wednesday. If all goes well, Young will likely be back in action during the April 13-15 weekend series with Colorado. "We're just being on the cautious side," said Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin. "We'll get him through the off-day [on Thursday], and he'll be out there on Friday."
Source: MLB.com

American League

Travis Hafner - DH - Indians
Travis Hafner hit a three-run homer off Scot Shields in the bottom of the eighth inning to lead the Indians to a 4-2 win over the Angels on Thursday. Grady Sizemore, who homered for the Indians' first run, and Trot Nixon opened the eighth with walks before Hafner's blast put the Indians on top. It was the first homer of the year for Hafner, who entered with one RBI in six games.

Tim Wakefield - SP - Red Sox
Thursday's game between the Mariners and Red Sox was postponed due to rain and will be made up on May 3. Jarrod Washburn and Tim Wakefield, today's scheduled starters, both figure to go on Friday. The Red Sox can send Julian Tavarez to the back of the rotation if they'd want, though the better bet is that they'll push him back two days and slow him in between Curt Schilling and Josh Beckett, ensuring the Beckett and Daisuke Matsuzaka each get an extra day off.

Shea Hillenbrand - DH - Angels
Shea Hillenbrand, still not fully recovered from a groin strain, sat out Thurday's game. Hillenbrand was healthy enough to DH, but manager Mike Scioscia wanted to stick Vladimir Guerrero in that spot today. Hillenbrand will probably be in the lineup on Friday.

Carl Crawford - OF - Devil Rays
Manager Joe Maddon said that wet dirt around first base in Texas led to Carl Crawford being thrown out twice Tuesday. He stopped just short of accusing the Rangers of anything. "I don't know if they had a sprinkler problem or whatever it may have been, but it was a little bit damp on the first-base side," Maddon said. It was the first time in Crawford's career that he's been gunned down twice in the same game.
Source: Dallas Morning News

Milton Bradley - OF - Athletics
Milton Bradley sat out Wednesday's game because of a sore hamstring. Manager Bob Geren indicated that Bradley likely could have played if needed, but the A's decided to give him two straight days off with an off day Thursday.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Gary Sheffield - DH - Tigers
In an effort to get him going at the plate, manager Jim Leyland is expected to start Gary Sheffield in right field Thursday. Magglio Ordonez will take over as the designated hitter while Sheffield tries to break a slump that has him batting .103 through eight games. "We'll change the scenery a little bit for him," Leyland said.
Source: Detroit News

Victor Martinez - C - Indians
Manager Eric Wedge said Wednesday that the Indians should know by this weekend if Victor Martinez (quadriceps) needs to go on the disabled list. By that point, we should hope so. Martinez is reportedly in Cleveland rehabbing the injury, with Kelly Shoppach serving as the everyday catcher until he returns.
Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer

Jon Lester - SP - Red Sox
After throwing four scoreless innings at Single-A Tuesday, manager Terry Francona said Jon Lester is "begging for more innings." "He's the best text messager in the game," Francona said. "He text messaged me this morning, said he felt good. He's begging for more innings. He'll go five in his next start."
Source: Boston Globe

Jered Weaver - SP - Angels
Jered Weaver (biceps) threw seven scoreless innings and struck out seven Wednesday in his second rehab start for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga. This should end talk of him requiring a third start in the minors. He's likely to come off the DL to face the Red Sox on Monday.

Mike Mussina - SP - Yankees
Mike Mussina said he believes he'll miss his next start but avoid the disabled list after suffering a strained left hamstring on Wednesday. That's what he says, but it's better than 50-50 that he lands on the DL. Darrell Rasner can fill in for him next week.
Source: The Journal News

Darrell Rasner - SP - Yankees
Darrell Rasner will start on April 17 against the Indians in place of the ailing Mike Mussina (hamstring). Avoid Rasner, who got battered around by the Orioles in his last outing.

Jaret Wright - SP - Orioles
The Orioles placed starter Jaret Wright on the disabled list Thursday due to right shoulder soreness. Wright’s absence seemingly would have provided a perfect opportunity for top Baltimore pitching prospect Hayden Penn to step into the rotation. However, Penn has health problems of his own, having been scratched from his second start for Triple-A Norfolk for elbow and forearm soreness. Jeremy Guthrie is considered the favorite to take Wright’s rotation slot.
Source: MLB.com

Ramon Ortiz - SP - Twins
Ramon Ortiz limited the Yankees to only one earned run on three hits in eight innings Wednesday to notch his second win. Ortiz -- who from 2005-06 had ERAs over 5.00 in the National League -- lowered his 2007 ERA to 1.80. Don't get your hopes up too high, though, as the 33-year-old right-hander has proven to be little more than an innings eater throughout his career.

Felix Hernandez - SP - Mariners
Felix Hernandez flirted with a no-hitter in a complete-game shutout of the Red Sox at Fenway Park Wednesday. The 21-year-old issued two walks and struck out six to improve to 2-0. Hernandez’s no-no bid was broken up by a J.D. Drew single to lead off the eighth inning. The right-hander, who has yet to allow an earned run in 17 innings and sports a 0.47 WHIP, will face the Twins at home in his next start on April 17.

MLB Player Notes

Wednesday, April 11, 2007 - MLB Player Notes

National League

Adam LaRoche - 1B - Pirates
Adam LaRoche didn't play Wednesday because of back stiffness. LaRoche is expected to be available after Thursday's off day. Brad Eldred replaced him at first base today.

Jorge Julio - RP - Marlins
Manager Fredi Gonzalez wasn't willing to commit to Jorge Julio as closer after another blown save on Tuesday. A big change from Sunday, when Gonzalez made it clear he was still behind Julio. "We'll do what's best for the team, the organization and the individual," Gonzalez said Wednesday. It sounds like Henry Owens might be the new favorite for saves in Florida.
Source: Marlins.mlb.com

Chris Duncan - OF - Cardinals
Pinch-hitter Chris Duncan homered off Salomon Torres in the top of the ninth to break a tie and help the Cardinals beat the Pirates 3-2 on Wednesday. Duncan had started against a couple of lefties, but So Taguchi got the nod over him versus Paul Maholm today. The home run was Duncan's second in 25 at-bats this season.

Salomon Torres - RP - Pirates
Salomon Torres, who blew a save on Tuesday night, lost on Wednesday after giving up a solo homer in a tie game. Meanwhile, Matt Capps extended his scoreless streak to 6 1/3 innings to start the year. It's doubtful that the Pirates will be quick to make a change, but they may eventually find they'd be better off with Capps closing games.

Scott Rolen - 3B - Cardinals
Scott Rolen missed a second straight game with upper back spasms on Wednesday. Scott Spiezio got another start at third base. Rolen said he was only slightly improved from where he was Tuesday. Still, he hopes to return for Friday's game.

Rich Hill - SP - Cubs
Rich Hill will next start Saturday after his outing Wednesday against the Astros was rained out. Carlos Zambrano will start Friday as previously scheduled. Ted Lilly is being pushed back to Sunday, with Jason Marquis to follow on Monday.

Wandy Rodriguez - SP - Astros
Wandy Rodriguez won't make his next start until Monday after Wednesday's game was rained out. The Astros will stick with Roy Oswalt, Jason Jennings and Woody Williams for this weekend's series against the Phillies. Rodriguez will face the Marlins.

Rafael Furcal - SS - Dodgers
Rafael Furcal (ankle) went 0-for-4 with a walk while serving as the designated hitter for Single-A Inland Empire on Tuesday. Furcal, who faced the Angels' Bartolo Colon in the game, will start at short in his final rehab game Wednesday. He will rejoin the Dodgers on Friday.
Source: Los Angeles Times

Chris Sampson - SP - Astros
Chris Sampson, who left Tuesday's game after five scoreless innings due to a sore calf, doesn't expect to miss his next scheduled start. "It's numb right now because I just finished icing, so I can't really feel it, but it's fine," Sampson said. "Pitching, walking — all that doesn't bother it. When I try to run on it, that's when it starts getting pretty sore."
Source: Houston Chronicle

Eric Milton - SP - Reds
LHP Eric Milton will have his next scheduled start pushed back one day so that Kyle Lohse will pitch on regular rest. Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo and Lohse will be the starters for this weekend's series against the Cubs. Milton will start on Monday against the Brewers.
Source: Cincinnati Enquirer

Carlos Quentin - OF - Diamondbacks
Carlos Quentin (shoulder) is expected to get three at-bats in an extended spring game on Wednesday. Quentin could begin a minor league rehab on Friday and should return to the D-Backs early next week.
Source: Arizona Republic

Adrian Gonzalez - 1B - Padres
Adrian Gonzalez went 3-for-5 with two homers and four RBI in the loss to the Giants on Tuesday. Gonzalkez has three homers and nine RBI in 31 at-bats, but he needs some more help from his teammates. He's scored just one run when he wasn't driving in himself.

Josh Hamilton - OF - Reds
Josh Hamilton's first major league hit was a two-run homer off Edgar Gonzalez Tuesday against the Diamondbacks. Hamilton also walked twice while filling in for Ryan Freel atop the order. He'll probably get a start in place of Ken Griffey Jr. sometime this week. Still, playing time will be hard to come by until either Freel or Griffey gets hurt. Adam Dunn can't sit at all with the way he's playing, and the Reds seem resistant to the idea of using Freel in the infield now that he's a regular outfielder.

Brett Tomko - SP - Dodgers
Brett Tomko pitched six innings of one-hit ball and struck out nine Tuesday against the Rockies. No rust on Tomko, who hadn't made an appearance since the beginning of the season. Outings like this figure to be few and far between for the 34-year-old, but with Dodger Stadium aiding him, he could have a little fantasy value for as long as he remains in the rotation. Unfortunately, he's a weaker play next week, as he'll be pitching in Arizona.

Jason Schmidt - SP - Dodgers
Jason Schmidt said he felt fine on Tuesday and planned to make his next start Sunday as scheduled. Schmidt left Monday's game with right hamstring tightness.

Kevin Kouzmanoff - 3B - Padres
Kevin Kouzmanoff is expected to sit out a few games with a bruised left elbow, manager Bud Black said. Russell Branyan started in his Tuesday tonight. Geoff Blum could play Wednesday with the Giants set to throw lefty Noah Lowry. It sounds like Kouz will be back on Friday.

Hanley Ramirez - SS - Marlins
Hanley Ramirez didn't start Tuesday and may not return to the lineup until Friday's game. Ramirez feels he can play on his stiff right hamstring, but the Marlins are being especially cautious. "We have the off day Thursday, we'd like to give him another day," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "Again, he is progressing." Alfredo Amezaga is playing shortstop in his place.

Chris Young - OF - Diamondbacks
Chris Young may be held out of the lineup until Friday's game because of his groin injury, manager Bob Melvin said. It sounded like Young would return Tuesday night. Instead, Alberto Callaspo is getting another start in the outfield.

American League

Jermaine Dye - OF - White Sox
Jermaine Dye hit a game-tying homer in the eighth and the White Sox scored three in the ninth to beat the A's 6-3 on Wednesday. Dye also singled. He had been 2-for-20 with no extra-base hits this season. Now his average is up to .160.

Huston Street - RP - Athletics
Huston Street took a loss after giving up three runs in the ninth Wednesday against the White Sox. Street wasn't happy about some ball-and-strike calls when he walked back-to-back batters to load the bases with no outs. Darin Erstad followed with a routine fly to shallow left. Fortunately, that's where Shannon Stewart was stationed, so the White Sox had no problem getting a run home. After an intentional walk to Jim Thome, Paul Konerko doubled over Stewart's head to put the game away.

Tadahito Iguchi - 2B - White Sox
Tadahito Iguchi returned to the starting lineup and went 1-for-3 with a walk on Wednesday. Iguchi rested a bruised finger on Tuesday.

Jonny Gomes - DH - Devil Rays
Despite leading the Rays in home runs this spring, Jonny Gomes is on the bench Wednesday for the seventh time in eight games this season. Even Carlos Pena, who was sent down and then recalled when Greg Norton got hurt, is making his third start. Gomes doubled and walked in his only start, so this isn't about production. Instead, this has a lot more to do with Elijah Dukes. The Rays want to start Dukes and all three of their outfielders, closing off the DH spot, and they're not willing to try Gomes at first base, even though he wanted to play there last month. Gomes will get another shot eventually, but it seems like it's going to take time.

Eric Gagne - RP - Rangers
Eric Gagne pitched a perfect inning Tuesday in his third and final appearance for Double-A Frisco. Gagne is expected to come off the DL on Friday. Manager Ron Washington indicated yesterday that Gagne would return to the closer's role immmediately.

Octavio Dotel - RP - Royals
Manager Buddy Bell said Tuesday that the "best-case scenario" for Octavio Dotel's (oblique) return is now April 20. Dotel's timetable continues to be pushed back, this time by about a week. "He hasn’t really had any setbacks," Bell said. "We’re just being real cautious with him. He’s going to throw off of the mound on Thursday."
Source: Kansas City Star

Wily Mo Peña - OF - Red Sox
Manager Terry Francona indicated that Wily Mo Pena will get his first start of the season Thursday against Jarrod Washburn. Pena will likely start in right field in place of J.D. Drew. Francona initially said that he planned to get Pena 400 at-bats this season, but that's going to be impossible starting him once every two weeks or solely against left-handers.
Source: Boston Globe

Ramon Hernandez - C - Orioles
Ramon Hernandez (oblique) is expected to be activated from the disabled list as soon as he's eligible to return Sunday. "Ramon had a little progress yesterday," manager Sam Perlozzo said. "He has minimal discomfort in the oblique and is on a throwing program." Alberto Castillo should start packing.
Source: Washington Post

Chone Figgins - OF - Angels
X-rays showed that the fractures in Chone Figgins' fingers have healed and he's begun taking dry swings. Figgins is expected to begin throwing by this weekend and could then begin a brief minor league rehab assignment. "Once he gets his arm stretched out and takes some swings, he won't be that far away," manager Mike Scioscia said.
Source: Los Angeles Times

Jered Weaver - SP - Angels
According to the Los Angeles Times, Jered Weaver's (shoulder) scheduled Monday return against the Red Sox "is looking a little iffy." Weaver is expected to throw 90 pitches in a start at Single-A Wednesday, but the Angels could decide that he needs one more minor league appearance before returning. "It's penciled in," manager Mike Scioscia said. "It will depend on how he feels. If he can pitch a little deeper into the game and get his pitch count where it needs to be and maintain his velocity, we'll certainly look at doing that. But there's a chance he could need one more rehab start."
Source: Los Angeles Times

Bartolo Colon - SP - Angels
Bartolo Colon (shoulder) gave up two runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings Tuesday in his second rehab start for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga. He struck out five and walked none. Colon is probably going to make two more starts before coming off the disabled list.

Dan Johnson - 1B - Athletics
Dan Johnson (hip) could get into an extended spring training game in the next week to 10 days. He'll need a couple of weeks after that before he's ready to rejoin the A's, but it looks like he could be back at first base in early May. Travis Buck might head to Triple-A then.

Zack Greinke - SP - Royals
Zack Greinke allowed one run in six innings and struck out five in a victory over the Blue Jays on Tuesday night. Greinke has walked just one batter in a couple of very impressive showings so far. His flyball tendencies will begin to result in homers before long, and it seems unlikely that he'll finish with a great ERA. Still, all signs point to him being the Royals' best pitcher this year.

Alex Gordon - 3B - Royals
Alex Gordon hit his first career homer Tuesday in the win over the Blue Jays. It was a two-run shot off Josh Towers. Gordon is still just 2-for-24 with a 10/0 K/BB ratio. At least he was nowhere to go but up.

Nate Robertson - SP - Tigers
Nate Robertson shut out the Orioles for 7 1/3 innings on Tuesday to improve to 2-0. Robertson had a 1.86 ERA in three starts against Baltimore last year, and the Orioles might be even worse against left-handers this season than they were then. Robertson's next start will come against Toronto, the team he beat in week one.

Brian Roberts - 2B - Orioles
Brian Roberts went 0-for-4 and committed an error on a double-play ball that gave the Tigers two runs Tuesday in a 3-1 loss. Roberts had a lousy spring and is off to a 5-for-30 start during the regular season. He thought he'd be a better hitter this season with his elbow healthier than it was a year ago, but he's hurt the Orioles so far.

MLB Player Notes

Tuesday, April 10, 2007 - MLB Player Notes

National League

Nick Johnson - 1B - Nationals
Nick Johnson (broken leg) will travel with the Nationals so that he can continue to rehab with head trainer Lee Kuntz. Johnson has resumed throwing and running, but hasn't started taking batting practice. He is expected to miss the first two months of the season.
Source: Washington Post

Andre Ethier - OF - Dodgers
Manager Grady Little said prior to Monday's game that Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp are in a competition to be the starting right fielder. "They have never said one word to me," said Ethier. "But you have competition on every team. I guess the writing is on the wall for me, at least. If I want this spot, I have to not only earn it, but keep it." Kemp is expected to miss a few games after injuring his shoulder on Monday. After Tuesday's game, which Ethier will start, both players will have started four games at the position.
Source: Los Angeles Daily News

Carlos Quentin - OF - Diamondbacks
Carlos Quentin (shoulder) took batting practice again on Monday. Quentin is scheduled to take more batting practice on Tuesday and could get some at-bats in extended spring training on Wednesday. The outfielder could begin a minor league rehab assignment as soon as Friday.
Source: East Valley Tribune

Kevin Kouzmanoff - 3B - Padres
Kevin Kouzmanoff is day-to-day after suffering a bruised left elbow when he was hit by a pitch during Monday's game. Russell Braynan figures to start in his place on Tuesday, but Kouzmanoff shouldn't miss much time.

Chris Young - SP - Padres
Chris Young pitched seven scoreless innings in a 1-0 win over the Giants on Monday night. Cla Meredith and Trevor Hoffman finished up. Young allowed four hits, walked two and struck out five.

Matt Cain - SP - Giants
Even though he allowed just one run and one hit in seven innings, Matt Cain took a loss to the Padres on Monday night. Cain had a no-hitter going until Khalil Greene doubled to begin the seventh. He later came around to score on a sac fly. Cain walked five and hit a batter, so he threw 115 pitches in the seven innings. It'd be nice if he were more efficient, though it's still hard to complain about the results.

Hanley Ramirez - SS - Marlins
Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said Hanley Ramirez would likely return for Tuesday's game. Ramirez didn't play Monday because of a right hamstring injury.

Chris Young - OF - Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks are hopeful of getting Chris Young back in the lineup for Tuesday's game. Alberto Callaspo got a start with Young resting a minor groin injury on Monday.

Anibal Sanchez - SP - Marlins
Anibal Sanchez surrendered three runs over six innings in a defeat of the Brewers on Monday night. Sanchez hasn't been sharp in either of his starts, but neither has he gotten lit up. He allowed eight hits, walked three and struck out one tonight. Expect his WHIP to come down soon.

Josh Willingham - OF - Marlins
Josh Willingham went 1-for-4 with an RBI on Monday after missing a game with a stiff back. Cody Ross started in Willingham's place on Sunday.

Miguel Olivo - C - Marlins
Miguel Olivo returned to action on Monday and went 0-for-3 with a walk. Amazingly enough, that's two walks already for Olivo, who finished with a 103/9 K/BB ratio last year. Olivo missed two starts because of a bruised right thumb.

Geoff Jenkins - OF - Brewers
Geoff Jenkins homered in a third straight game Monday in a loss to the Marlins. Jenkins is hot enough right now that he might begin getting some starts against left-handers. Manager Ned Yost already seems perfectly willing to bench Corey Hart against righties, so why not against lefties, too? Jenkins wouldn't be a bad pickup in mixed leagues right about now.

Henry Owens - RP - Marlins
Henry Owens pitched a scoreless ninth with a two-run lead to earn a save for the Marlins on Monday night. Manager Fredi Gonzalez said after Sunday's game that Jorge Julio was still his closer, but that he'd get Monday off. So, all this really does is seem to establish Owens as the No. 2 option in the pen. Maybe he'll have a chance to take over the closer's role if Julio struggles again next time out. He's worth owning in all formats.

Rafael Furcal - SS - Dodgers
Rafael Furcal (ankle) will begin a two-game rehab assignment at Single-A Inland Empire on Tuesday and rejoin the Dodgers on Friday. A bit of a disppointment, as it appeared he could play Wednesday. However, since the Dodgers have Thursday off, he'll have to wait a little longer. Furcal will DH tomorrow and play shortstop on Wednesday.

Kerry Wood - RP - Cubs
Kerry Wood has started working out with a physical therapist to build up strength in his right shoulder. The converted reliever is believed to be about two weeks away from pitching in a Minor League game, meaning he'll likely return at some point in May.
Source: MLB.com

Matt Murton - OF - Cubs
Matt Murton has started four games in left field while Cliff Floyd has started three, including back-to-back starts at Wrigley Field. Murton was thought to have won the majority of playing time in left, but that doesn't appear to be the case. "I like Murton, and he's going to get playing time," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said. "This team [the Astros] has only one lefty. It has nothing to do with Murton. Murton will get some playing time, too." Bottom line: look for Floyd and Murton to continue sharing time.
Source: MLB.com

Clay Hensley - SP - Padres
Clay Hensley is determined to make his scheduled start Tuesday against the Giants, though a blister on his right middle finger may prevent that from happening. As of Monday night, Padres manager Bud Black said there was a 50-50 chance Hensley would be able to make Tuesday’s start, so it looks like the team will wait until the last minute before determining whether to make any pitching changes.
Source: MLB.com

Bronson Arroyo - SP - Reds
Bronson Arroyo allowed two earned runs, four hits and two walks with two strikeouts in seven innings to earn a no-decision Monday night vs. Arizona. Arroyo had a no-hitter going until Conor Jackson broke it up with a fifth-inning single. The righty is a must-start at Wrigley Field his next time out, as he went 4-0 with a 1.01 ERA in 35 2/3 innings over five starts against the Cubs last season.

Randy Johnson - SP - Diamondbacks
Randy Johnson (back) is scheduled to start for Triple-A Tucson April 13. The Big Unit started for Class A Visalia on Sunday, allowing allowed two earned runs on four hits over six innings. He's on track to start for the Diamondbacks by April 19, but given how Edgar Gonzalez and Micah Owings have impressed in the fourth and fifth spots in the rotation, the club will have difficult decision to make when it comes time to make room for him.

American League

Esteban Loaiza - SP - Athletics
Esteban Loaiza (neck) said Monday that he's still 3-6 weeks away from throwing. "I'm trying to make it three weeks,'' Loaiza said. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Loaiza will "miss a minimum of a month and possibly as many as two."
Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Chien-Ming Wang - SP - Yankees
General manager Brian Cashman said Monday that the Yankees are still hoping to get Chien-Ming Wang (hamstring) back at the end of the month. Wang is expected to make two minor league rehab appearances before returning. "He's coming along," Cashman said. "We’re lining him up for sometime in late April."
Source: New York Times

Octavio Dotel - RP - Royals
Manager Buddy Bell said Monday that Octavio Dotel's strained oblique is "still bothering him." Dotel is scheduled to test the injury Wednesday, but Bell said he hasn't "heard anything too positive, to be honest." If things go well, he could pitch in extended spring training Friday and potentially return from the disabled list Sunday. "We’re still holding out for that," Bell said.
Source: Kansas City Star

Cliff Lee - SP - Indians
With his scheduled minor league rehab appearance Monday canceled due to bad weather, Cliff Lee (abdominal) is expected to pitch Tuesday at Single-A. Lee, who said Monday that he's feeling good and has had no addition issues with the injury, is scheduled to throw just two innings.
Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer

Mark Buehrle - SP - White Sox
Mark Buehrle (forearm) has been cleared to start Wednesday against the A's. Buehrle was reportedly sore after throwing on the side Monday, so he's a somewhat risky fantasy play. ''I think he's ready to do it,'' manager Ozzie Guillen said. ''We're going to keep our eyes close on him. I worry about him getting tight because that's the muscle running [through his arm]. He says he's ready.''
Source: Chicago Sun-Times

Chone Figgins - OF - Angels
Chone Figgins (fingers) was examined Monday and cleared to begin range-of-motion exercises. Figgins could be throwing by the end of the week, but isn't expected back for at least another two weeks.
Source: Los Angeles Times

Jose Contreras - SP - White Sox
Jose Contreras yielded one run and four hits over six innings to outduel Rich Harden and pick up a win over the A's on Monday. Lowering his ERA from 63.00 to 10.29. Conteras' numbers won't recover quickly from a shelling on Opening Day, but Monday night's performance suggests that he is on the correct path. He needs to be left active in mixed leagues.

Scott Podsednik - OF - White Sox
Scott Podsednik went 3-for-4 with a home run off Rich Harden on Monday night. He also swiped his second base. The homer just over the high wall in right field was his fourth in 273 games since joining the White Sox.

Ian Kinsler - 2B - Rangers
Ian Kinsler went 4-for-4 with a double and two RBI to lead the Rangers to an 8-4 win over the Rays on Monday night. Kinsler entered 2-for-14, though both of those hits were homers. He had also walked four times.

Brandon McCarthy - SP - Rangers
Brandon McCarthy earned his first win for the Rangers by allowing two runs in six innings Monday against the Rays. McCarthy allowed seven homers in 16 innings this spring, but he's yet to give up one in 12 innings since leaving Arizona. He'll face the Mariners in Seattle next, one of the best matchups for him during intraleague play.

Carl Crawford - OF - Devil Rays
Carl Crawford hit his second home run Monday off the Rangers' Kameron Loe. The run he scored was his 401st, moving him past Aubrey Huff into first place on the Rays' all-time list.

Rondell White - OF - Twins
Twins placed outfielder Rondell White on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 5, with a strained right calf. As injury-prone as White is, the Twins should have been better prepared for this scenario. They will use Jason Tyner, Jason Kubel and Josh Rabe in left field while White is out, with Kubel and Rabe also getting most of the time at designated hitter. Tyner is a solid play in AL-only leagues, and Rabe might also have a little value.

Jeff Cirillo - DH - Twins
Twins placed third baseman Jeff Cirillo on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 8, with a sore left knee. Cirillo is expected to undergo surgery and miss a month or so. It wouldn't normally be much of a loss, but he was clearly the best hitter on the impotent Twins' bench.

A.J. Burnett - SP - Blue Jays
A.J. Burnett bounced back from an ugly loss to Detroit to limit the Royals to one run in 6 2/3 innings in a victory on Monday night. Burnett walked three and hit a couple of batters, but the Royals failed to take advantage of his command problems. He'll have to throw more strikes if he expects to exact some revenge against the Tigers this weekend.

Troy Glaus - 3B - Blue Jays
Troy Glaus returned to action on Monday and went 2-for-3 with a walk against the Royals. Glaus didn't play Sunday because of left heel soreness.

Ivan Rodriguez - C - Tigers
Ivan Rodriguez is scheduled for his first day off of the year on Thursday. Mike Rabelo will catch Mike Maroth.

Sidney Ponson - SP - Twins
Sidney Ponson was tagged for eight runs in 5 2/3 innings Monday in a loss to the Yankees. The Twins shouldn't have been expecting anything else. They'll just keep biding time until they think Matt Garza is ready to help.

Carl Pavano - SP - Yankees
Carl Pavano earned his first win since May 22, 2005 by allowing two runs over seven innings against the Twins on Monday night. He allowed six hits, walked none and struck out two. Pavano hasn't displayed more than fourth- or fifth-starter stuff at any point since the beginning of the spring, but if he pitches with confidence and throws strikes, there's no reason he can't win 13-14 games for the Yankees. Fantasy leaguers just shouldn't expect him to help much in ERA or WHIP.

Bobby Abreu - OF - Yankees
Bobby Abreu went 3-for-5 with a two-run homer and four RBI in the Yankees' victory on Monday night.

Johnny Damon - OF - Yankees
Johnny Damon went 2-for-4 with a double, a walk and two runs scored in his return to the starting lineup on Monday. Damon hadn't started since Opening Day because of a calf injury.

Brandon Inge - 3B - Tigers
Third baseman Brandon Inge is off to a 0-for-20 start the season. Though he'll likely turn things around, Inge owns a career batting average of just .239, so you shouldn't expect a huge turnaround, either.

Jermaine Dye - OF - White Sox
Jermaine Dye went 0-for-3 with a sacrifice fly for his first RBI of the season Monday night. Dye is off to a terrible start with just two singles and no runs scored in 20 at-bats, but it’s way too early to pronounce him a bust following his MVP-caliber 2006 campaign. Look for him to start turning things around once the unseasonably cool weather passes and the ball begins carrying again at U.S. Cellular Field.

Alex Rodriguez - 3B - Yankees
Alex Rodriguez homered in his third consecutive game Monday at Minnesota, going 1-for-4 with two RBIs. Rodriguez leads the Majors with five home runs and broke a Yankees franchise record for most long balls in the first six games of the season. The All-Star third baseman is batting .360 (9-for-25) with nine runs scored, 13 RBIs and a stolen base.

MLB Player Notes

Monday, April 9, 2007 - MLB Player Notes

American League

Victor Martinez - C - Indians
Indians manager Eric Wedge said Victor Martinez (quad) was feeling a little better on Monday and could be carried on the active roster for the beginning of Tuesday's series. The one plus for the Indians after four straight postponements is that they've been able to avoid putting Martinez on the DL. He's still likely to miss most of this week, but the Indians could decide not to disabled him if they think he'll be ready in 5-7 days.

Daniel Cabrera - SP - Orioles
Daniel Cabrera yielded two runs in 7 2/3 innings in a victory over the Tigers on Monday. We're not pleased that Cabrera was left in to throw 122 pitches in a game that was 6-1 after seven innings. Still, it's not a big problem unless it becomes a trend. Cabrera walked none today. The Tigers never attempted a steal after the Twins were 4-for-4 against him and Alberto Castillo six days ago.

Chad Durbin - RP - Tigers
Chad Durbin was roughed up by the Orioles on Monday, allowing six runs in 4 2/3 innings to take a loss. Let the Andrew Miller countdown begin. Durbin figures to get at least one more start, but there's no reason for the Tigers to be too patient with him. Even if they don't want to go to Miller yet, Wilfredo Ledezma, who has thrown four scoreless innings out of the pen so far, would be a better choice as a fifth starter.

C.C. Sabathia - SP - Indians
Felix Hernandez - SP - Mariners
Even though the snow had stopped, the Indians called off a scheduled doubleheader with the Mariners for a third straight day on Monday. The grounds crew was unable to get the field in shape for the games after three days of snow. There's been no announcement as of yet on how the Mariners and Indians are going to make up the four games lost this weekend. Fitting them all into the schedule later this season is likely to damage the Indians' playoff chances.

Mike Sweeney - DH - Royals
Manager Buddy Bell said Sunday that Mike Sweeney and Mark Grudzielanek will likely both sit out two of the three games in Toronto. With Grudzielanek fresh off knee surgery and Sweeney always nursing a bad back, Bell wants to keep them off the Rogers Centre turf.
Source: Kansas City Star

Chone Figgins - OF - Angels
Chone Figgins (fingers) is scheduled for a "checkup" Monday. Figgins is expected to miss 2-3 more weeks with two fractured fingers on his right hand. "Chone is going to see the doctor and be evaluated Monday morning and after that, he'll join us on our flight," manager Mike Scioscia said. "Hopefully, he'll have good range of motion in his right hand and he'll start throwing in a handful of days."
Source: Long Beach Press Telegram

Eric Gagne - RP - Rangers
Rangers manager Ron Washington said Eric Gagne's first few appearances back from the DL may come in non-save situations. Gagne is expected to be activated Friday. If Akinori Otsuka continues to close initially, it is expected to be a temporary situation. "If Gagne is here, he's going to be the closer," Washington said.
Source: Rangers.mlb.com

Troy Glaus - 3B - Blue Jays
Troy Glaus said he might play Monday after leaving Sunday's game with a sore left heel. Don't count on him being in the lineup tomorrow, but it sounds like he's healthy enough that he has to be left active this week.

Johnny Damon - OF - Yankees
Johnny Damon (calf) entered Sunday's game after seven innings and went 2-for-2 with a double against the Orioles. Damon didn't start because the Yankees didn't want him playing nine innings in the cold. He is expected to be in the lineup for Monday's game.

Hideki Matsui - OF - Yankees
Yankees placed outfielder Hideki Matsui on the 15-day disabeld list with a strained left hamstring. Kevin Thompson will be called up prior to Monday's game. It's the second DL trip in two years for Matsui, who played in 1,768 consecutive games between Japan and the U.S. before suffering a broken wrist in 2006. Melky Cabrera will be the Yankees' primary left fielder for the next two weeks.

Ramon Hernandez - C - Orioles
Orioles placed catcher Ramon Hernandez on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 31, because of a strained oblique. Hernandez was scratched from last Monday's opener, so the move can be backdated until the day after his last spring training game. Paul Bako and Alberto Castillo will fill in behind the plate for another week.

Rocco Baldelli - DH - Devil Rays
Rocco Baldelli, who made his first start in center field in 18 days Saturday against Toronto, will resume playing in the outfield more regularly this week. Baldelli returned to DH Sunday and could play center field Monday in Texas. "As Rocco is ready to go, we're going to start utilizing him," manager Joe Maddon said. "But as I told him, now that we have options, the biggest thing is to keep his leg well and keep him involved in the lineup." With center fielder Elijah Dukes hitting well, Maddon will be cautious using Baldelli in the field.
Source: St Petersburg Times

National League

Jason Schmidt - SP - Dodgers
Jason Schmidt left his start in the fifth inning Monday with a right hamstring injury. Schmidt had to speed up on the way to cover first base after Nomar Garciaparra bobbled a routine grounder and injured his hamstring in the process. Mark Hendrickson replaced him and likely would move into the rotation if Schmidt lands on the DL.

Ricky Nolasco - RP - Marlins
Marlins placed RHP Ricky Nolasco on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 8, with a tender right elbow. He's probably going to miss at least three weeks. Ryan Vanden Hurk will take Nolasco's roster spot and start Tuesday

Chris Carpenter - SP - Cardinals
Chris Carpenter will be placed on the disabled list because of moderate arthritis and a mild impingement in his pitching elbow. Carpenter had an MRI scan and exam today by team physician Dr. George Paletta in St. Louis. "Chris will be placed on the disabled list (retroactive to April 2)," the Cardinals said in a statement, "and will rest and be re-evaluated in the next 10-14 days." An arthritic elbow hardly seems like a good condition for a pitcher, but the team is pleased Carpenter doesn't have any ligament damage. Maybe he'll be back sometime around the end of the month. Randy Keisler will be called up to start in his place on Tuesday.

Mike Hampton - SP - Braves
Mike Hampton has a torn flexor tendon in his elbow that will require surgery, knocking him out for the season. Hampton will need 6-9 months to recover from surgery, so he should be ready for next year. This means either Lance Cormier or Kyle Davies is now going to have a permanent rotation spot. Odds are the Braves will need considerable innings from both to get through the season.

Dan Wheeler - RP - Astros
Astros newly named closer Dan Wheeler pitched a perfect ninth inning Monday to earn his first save against the Cubs. Rick White pitched the eighth in front of him. Wheeler finished with ERAs of 2.21 and 2.52 the last two years, so he should be fine if the Astros need him to close all year long. Even if Brad Lidge turns it around over the next month or two, the Astros could be content to use him as a setup man.

Carlos Delgado - 1B - Mets
Carlos Delgado went 3-for-3 with a sac fly, two RBI and a walk to help the Mets beat the Phillies 11-5 on Monday. After getting into the bullpen, the Mets scored once in the seventh and then, aided by a Jimmy Rollins error, exploded for seven runs off Geoff Geary and Jon Lieber in the eighth. Delgado came alive today after opening the year with a .185/.241/.222 line in 27 at-bats. Every member of the starting lineup had at least one hit, and David Wright, Moises Alou and Jose Valentin joined Delgado with two RBI apiece.

Cole Hamels - SP - Phillies
Cole Hamels yielded three runs -- two earned -- and struck out seven in six innings Monday against the Mets. Hamels left with a two-run lead, but that was blown by Geoff Geary. Hames has a 1.38 ERA and 15 strikeouts after two starts. Even though he doesn't have a win to show for it, the fast start is very encouraging following his poor spring.

Ryan Howard - 1B - Phillies
Ryan Howard's first homer of the season was a three-run shot off Ambiorix Burgos in the sixth inning on Monday. The Mets had first base open, but they pitched to Howard anyway and he made them pay. Odds are they would have employed a different strategy had Howard not entered the game with a .217 average and one extra-base hit in 23 at-bats.

Wade Miller - SP - Cubs
The Cubs are again pushing back fifth starter Wade Miller, who won't make his next start until April 18. We thought he was a poor bet anyway, but the Cubs are barely giving Miller a chance of succeeding by using him like this. The right-hander gave up six runs in four innings Sunday in his season debut.
Source: Cubs.mlb.com

Braden Looper - SP - Cardinals
Braden Looper won for the first time as a starter by throwing seven shutout innings Monday versus the Pirates. He walked three and hit a batter, but he gave up just two hits, a double to Chris Duffy and a single to Jason Bay. Looper should have his most luck against teams with right-handed-heavy lineups, and Pirates started just two left-handers today. The Brewers will go with four or five left-handers against him this weekend.

Ian Snell - SP - Pirates
Ian Snell took a loss despite limiting the Cardinals to one run in seven innings on Monday. Considering he finished with a 4.74 ERA, Snell was very lucky to win 14 games lousy Pirates team last year. Now he's finding out about life on the other side. He's currently 0-1 with a 2.08 ERA.

Brad Lidge - RP - Astros
The Astros have decided to pull Brad Lidge from the closer's role and use him earlier in games. Dan Wheeler is the new favorite for saves in Houston. "I'm going to change the bullpen configuration a little bit," manager Phil Garner said. "Brad is not going to close as a general rule. ... As of right now I'm going to pitch him earlier in the game, sixth inning area, sixth-seventh inning area 'cause I want to pitch him more often, give him more consistent work. As it stands right now I'll probably close with Wheeler, set up with [Chad] Qualls and [Rick] White." It had to be done. Lidge's fastball is still there, so he could turn things around if he gets his head on straight. In the meantime, Wheeler will likely do a fine job saving games.
Source: Houston Chronicle

Clay Hensley - SP - Padres
Clay Hensley, who is still bothered by a blister on the middle finger of his throwing-hand, will start Tuesday's game against San Francisco. "My finger would have to be cut off," said Hensley. "I'm just going to have to figure out a way to pitch with it." Hensley has had the blister since his final start of spring training.
Source: San Diego Union-Tribune

Rafael Furcal - SS - Dodgers
Dodgers' manager Grady Little thinks that Rafael Furcal (ankle) will return from the disabled list in two or three days. Furcal is working on hitting left-handed and running the bases without feeling any pain in his ankle. He was eligible to come off the DL on Saturday so he will be activated as soon as he is pain-free.
Source: Los Angeles Times

Miguel Olivo - C - Marlins
Miguel Olivo (thumb) is expected to return to the starting lineup on Monday. Olivo has been out since jamming his thumb during Friday's game.
Source: Miami Herald

Troy Tulowitzki - SS - Rockies
Troy Tulowitzki could be given a game or two off this week. "I'm going to let his actions play out," manager Clint Hurdle said. "I think there are going to be spots where Carroll matches up a little better against some pitchers. But I want to continue to push (Tulowitzki) into some growth and some leadership out there." Tulowitzki has started the season .208 with nine strikeouts in 24 at-bats. Jamey Carrol would start shortstop if Tulowitzki sits.
Source: Denver Post

Ken Griffey Jr. - OF - Reds
Ken Griffey Jr. is still bothered by the left hand he broke this winter. "I'm adjusting to the hand, trying to work through it. It's cold and it's just something you've got to go through," Griffey said. "I still have some pain here and there. You just have to work through it." Griffey is batting .250 and hasn't hit a home run yet this season.
Source: Cincinnati Post

Mark Prior - SP - Cubs
Mark Prior (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session on Monday and could make his first start at extended spring training on Wednesday or Thursday. Prior maintains his arm feels fine even though he hasn't thrown in a game situation since March 28. After the poor performance that Wade Miller had on Sunday, the Cubs are hoping to get Prior back in the rotation as soon as possible.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times

Lance Cormier - RP - Braves
Lance Cormier (shoulder) had a pain-free throwing session prior to Sunday's game. "Today was definitely the best it's been [since the March 26 injury]," said Cormier, who threw the ball with some zip from about 90 feet. "I didn't let it go, but ... I kept it on a line, not floating it." Cormier should resume throwing off a mound later this week, and baring a setback, should be activated from the disabled list around April 19.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Chris Young - OF - Diamondbacks
Chris Young suffered a minor groin injury in the eighth inning of Sunday's game and left the following half-inning. Young said he didn't think it was serious. Alberto Callaspo will probably get a start if Young needs Monday off.

Jorge Julio - RP - Marlins
Jorge Julio will get Monday off, but manager Fredi Gonzalez said he's still the Marlins' closer for now. "We've got to show confidence with Julio," Gonzalez said. "He's our guy, and we need him. We've got to get him right, and I think he can do it." If the Marlins have a save chance tomorrow, it could go to Henry Owens.

Randy Johnson - SP - Diamondbacks
Randy Johnson allowed two runs and four hits in six innings for Single-A Visalia on Sunday. Johnson struck out four while typically throwing in the low-90s. "I think I'm yet (to be) convinced that I'm ready to pitch at the major league level," Johnson said. "I'd like to get my velocity going here a little, but I feel comfortable with everything else. Not content by any means. It's kind of hard to gauge how successful you really are when you're pitching against minor league kids because they're so aggressive, it's hard to set people up. But overall, I feel comfortable." Johnson is expected to make one more start before rejoining the Diamondbacks.

Hanley Ramirez - SS - Marlins
Hanley Ramirez could return Tuesday after tweaking his right hamstring in the first inning of Sunday's game. "It was pretty tight, like a cramp," Ramirez said. "It's way better. I'm OK. I'm going to try to be in there Monday." Manager Fredi Gonzalez, though, said Ramirez would likely get Monday off as a precaution. Alfredo Amezaga will fill in.

Josh Willingham - OF - Marlins
Josh Willingham didn't start Sunday's game due to a stiff back. Cody Ross was a late addition to the lineup in his place. Willingham should be OK in a day or two.
Source: Marlins.mlb.com