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.
