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

MLB Player Notes

Sunday, April 8, 2007 - MLB Player Notes

American League

Kevin Youkilis - 1B - Red Sox
Kevin Youkilis said he expected to be fine to play Sunday after tweaking an ankle during Saturday's game. Youkilis left Saturday's game in the eighth inning.
Source: Boston.com

Sammy Sosa - OF - Rangers
Sammy Sosa went 2-for-5 with the first home run of his comeback as the Rangers beat the Red Sox 8-4 on Saturday night. 11 to go until No. 600. Sosa's homer was a two-run shot off J.C. Romero in the sixth inning, doubling the Rangers' lead to four runs. Sammy is now 4-for-15 with three RBI and a 5/1 K/BB ratio in four games.

John Lackey - SP - Angels
John Lackey surrendered one run in seven innings to beat Dan Haren and the A's on Saturday night. Haren, who was outpitched by Felix Hernandez on Opening Day, was a hard-luck loser again in the 2-1 game. Lackey allowed seven hits, walked none and struck out six. He snapped a string of poor Aprils by getting off to a good start last year, and he seems poised for an even better first month this season.

Bobby Crosby - SS - Athletics
Bobby Crosby (back) was healthy enough to pinch-run in the ninth inning of Saturday's game against the Angels. Unfortunately, he wasn't healthy enough to break up the double play that Eric Chavez hit into immediately after Crosby entered the game. Crosby could rejoin the starting lineup on Sunday.

Kevin Youkilis - 1B - Red Sox
Kevin Youkilis said he expected to be fine to play Sunday after tweaking an ankle during Saturday's game. Youkilis left Saturday's game in the eighth inning.
Source: Boston.com

Frank Thomas - DH - Blue Jays
Frank Thomas went 2-for-3 with a grand slam and two walks to lead the Jays to an 8-5 win over the Rays on Saturday night. It was the ninth career slam for the Big Hurt and 488th homer overall. The four RBI moved him into a tie with Al Kaline for 32nd on the career list with 1,583.

Casey Fossum - SP - Devil Rays
Casey Fossum was lit up by the Blue Jays on Saturday, surrendering seven runs in 3 2/3 innings. Fossum hit two batters, something that's hardly a new problem for him. However, one of them was Reed Johnson, who is typically far enough over the plate to get drilled on borderline strikes. Fossum will have his share of good starts and he's capable of sporting a decent WHIP, but that he'll mix in outings like this and he may not get wins even when he pitches well makes him a weak play in AL-only leagues.

Eric Gagne - RP - Rangers
Pitching on back-to-back days for the first time, Eric Gagne gave up a run in an inning Saturday for Double-A Frisco. The run scored on a homer. Gagne threw 17 pitches. "There was a little stiffness, but it felt good the first time throwing back to back in two years," he said. "I was trying to work everything. The curveball and changeup was not as good as (Friday). I hit some spots and I missed some spots. These were positive outings." Gagne is expected to pitch again Tuesday before coming off the DL on Friday.

Troy Glaus - 3B - Blue Jays
Troy Glaus is day-to-day after leaving Saturday's game with soreness in his left heel. Jason Smith would likely start at third base if Glaus needs Sunday off.

C.C. Sabathia - SP - Indians
The Indians are scheduled to start C.C. Sabathia and Fausto Carmona in Sunday's doubleheader against the Mariners. Today's matchups will carry over, with Jeff Weaver and Sabathia facing off in the first game and Felix Hernandez and Carmona going later. That's assuming they even try to get both games in. Once again, it looks like the teams might be fortunate to play one game.

Milton Bradley - OF - Athletics
Milton Bradley is back in center field on Saturday after missing a day with soreness in his right side. Todd Walker returns to the bench with Nick Swisher back at first base.

Ian Kinsler - 2B - Rangers
Ian Kinsler was out of the starting lineup for Saturday's game because of flu-like symptoms. Jerry Hairston Jr. is filling in at second base. Kinsler could return Sunday.
Source: Dallas Morning News

Hideki Matsui - OF - Yankees
Hideki Matsui is likely to miss at least four games after straining his left hamstring on Saturday. They're looking to get him back against the A's on Friday. "Hopefully, it's only a few days," manager Joe Torre said. "It's not a full-blown hamstring, but again, it's something you have to keep an eye on." The Yankees expect to have Johnny Damon in center field on Sunday, so Melky Cabrera will move over to left field.

Bobby Abreu - OF - Yankees
Bobby Abreu is expected to play Sunday after getting hit in the knee by a pitch in the ninth inning of Saturday's game. Erik Bedard versus Darrell Rasner, with Hideki Matsui out and Abreu, Johnny Damon and Derek Jeter all nursing aches and pains; we're guessing the Yankees won't hesitate to call off Sunday's game if the weather gives them half a chance.

Javier Vazquez - SP - White Sox
Javier Vazquez yielded just one hit in 6 2/3 shutout innings in a victory over the Twins on Saturday. The pitchers seemed to benefit from temperatures in the low-30s, as Vazquez and Carlos Silva combined to allow just one run. Vazquez walked four and hit a batter, but the Twins never could capitalize. They threatened in the second inning, loading the bases with one out, but Michael Cuddyer, who had the lone hit, was doubled off third base after apparently forgetting how many outs there were.

Bobby Jenks - RP - White Sox
Bobby Jenks recorded his first save by throwing a scoreless ninth Saturday versus the Twins. Jenks gave up a double, but he struck out two of the other three batters he's faced. Manager Ozzie Guillen hasn't ruled out giving chances to other people, but Jenks should be good for 35-40 saves this year as long as he remains healthy and effective.

Juan Uribe - SS - White Sox
Juan Uribe went 2-for-3 with a homer Saturday against the Twins. White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen had Juan Uribe removed for a pinch-hitter after three at-bats on Wednesday, but Uribe has started all four games so far. There's just not going to be any reason to use Alex Cintron over him except when he needs a rest.

Cliff Lee - SP - Indians
Cliff Lee is scheduled to make his first rehab start at Double-A Akron on Monday. Lee is likely to make three or four rehab starts as he comes back from a strained abdominal muscle.
Source: Indians.mlb.com

Victor Martinez - C - Indians
The Indians got an extra day to decide on Victor Martinez's status following Saturday's postponements, but they may yet place him on the DL on Sunday. An MRI confirmed the diagnoses of a strained left quad. "He's certainly going to miss some time," GM Mark Shapiro said. "The good thing is it doesn't appear to be serious." Expect Martinez to go on the DL, opening up a roster spot for Mike Rose.
Source: Indians.mlb.com

John Danks - SP - White Sox
The White Sox confirmed that John Danks would make his major league debut Sunday, with Jose Contreras being pushed back to Monday. Jon Garland will follow on Tuesday, with Mark Buehrle hopefully going Wednesday. With Danks up against Johan Santana, it's almost like the White Sox are sacrificing the game. Still, it is April Santana, as opposed to August Santana.

Rondell White - OF - Twins
Rondell White was scratched from Saturday's lineup due to a strained right calf. Won't be the last time. Jason Tyner is starting in his place, with Jason Kubel moving up from eighth to seventh in the lineup.
Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune

Rocco Baldelli - DH - Devil Rays
Rocco Baldelli is back in center field for Saturday's game against the Blue Jays. Baldelli had been limited to DH duties by a hamstring injury. With Baldelli back, Elijah Dukes is on the bench tonight. However, manager Joe Maddon indicated that Dukes would play center field on Sunday.
Source: Tampa Tribune

Gary Sheffield - DH - Tigers
Gary Sheffield went 2-for-2 with a homer and two walks as the Tigers edged the Royals 6-5 on Saturday. Sheffield, Ivan Rodriguez and Curtis Granderson all homered off Gil Meche. Sheffield had been 1-for-11 to start the year.

Mike Maroth - SP - Tigers
Mike Maroth surrendered four runs in five innings Saturday in a victory over the Royals. It got the job done. The Tigers would have felt more confident with Maroth as their fifth starter, but at least he'll eat innings and keep the team in games most of the time. He's probably not going be of much help in AL-only leagues.

Gil Meche - SP - Royals
Gil Meche gave up six runs in seven innings to take a loss to the Tigers on Saturday. Get use to Meche's inconsistency if you picked him up based on his Opening Day performance. He could have been a decent option in shallow mixed leagues had he signed with an NL team, but it's doubtful that he'll contribute much outside of AL-only leagues as a Royal.

Alex Rodriguez - 3B - Yankees
Alex Rodriguez's second homer of Saturday's game was a walk-off grand slam to give the Yankees a 10-7 win over the Orioles. Rodriguez first had a two-run homer off Steve Trachsel in the first. Still, the Yankees entered the eighth inning down 7-3 before Jason Giambi's three-run homer off Danys Baez. The Orioles held a 7-6 lead with two outs and the bases empty in the bottom of the ninth before Chris Ray decided to follow Baez's lead. A hit, a walk and a HBP loaded the bases, and Ray grooved a 1-2 pitch to end the game. It was Rodriguez's 14th career grand slam. Hopefully, this will buy him at least three or four strikeouts before the booing resumes.

Kei Igawa - SP - Yankees
Kei Igawa was rocked in his major league debut, getting tagged for seven runs in five innings by the Orioles on Saturday. It was still the longest outing by a Yankee through four games. Just 53 of Igawa's 97 pitches were strikes. He's not going to get away with that kind of command while pitching in the American League East.

Steve Trachsel - SP - Orioles
Steve Trachsel was effective in his Orioles debut, allowing three runs in 6 2/3 innings. Trachsel deserved a win for the performance and should have gotten it after leaving with a four-run lead. Unfortunately for him, Jason Giambi and Alex Rodriguez had other ideas. Trachsel still isn't recommended in AL-only leagues.

Chris Ray - RP - Orioles
After Danys Baez gave up a three-run homer in the eighth, Chris Ray blew a save in the ninth inning of Saturday's game against the Yankees when he gave up a grand slam to Alex Rodriguez. Ray got two quick outs in the inning, but he allowed a single to Robinson Cano, walked Derek Jeter and then hit Bobby Abreu on the knee. With a 1-2 count on Rodriguez, Ray threw a belt-high fastball that was clobbered to center. Baez deserves at least as much blame as Ray for taking a four-run lead and shinking to one by walking Abreu and A-Rod in front of a Jason Giambi home run. Maybe the Orioles can spend another $40 million on their pen next winter.

Johnny Damon - OF - Yankees
Johnny Damon struck out as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning Saturday and remained in the game to play center field. He had been out with a strained right calf. Hideki Matsui seems certain to miss one day at least, so the Yankees would surely like to be able to start Damon in center field on Sunday. It looks like it will probably happen.

Miguel Tejada - SS - Orioles
Miguel Tejada went 0-for-5 and committed his third error in two games Saturday against the Yankees. Tejada made defense a priority in the offseason, but he seems poised to become a bigger liability than ever this year. At this rate, he might be better off as a first baseman or left fielder by the final year of his contract in 2009. Putting him at third base and moving Melvin Mora to left field could eventually be another possibility.

Melvin Mora - 3B - Orioles
Melvin Mora had a two-run homer and a three-run double Saturday against the Yankees. Mora was a disappointment last year after getting his three-year, $25 million contract extension in May, but with two homers and seven RBI in five games, he's off to a fine start in 2007. He totaled eight homers over the final four months of last season.

Mark Buehrle - SP - White Sox
Due to the postponement of Friday's game the White Sox will push their rotation back one day giving Mark Buehrle extra time to heal his bruised forearm. ''He felt better today [Friday],'' pitching coach Don Cooper said. ''We'll see how he is [Saturday], but I think it's 70-30 he'll be OK to pitch [his next start].'' Buehrle's is scheduled to start Wednesday's game against Oakland.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times

Ramon Hernandez - C - Orioles
Ramon Hernandez (strained oblique) has yet to take batting practice and is unlikely to play in this weekend's series against the Yankees. "It's close; they don't want to take a chance that I take one swing and then go all the way back," Hernandez said. "I think they want to make sure that when I swing the bat I have no pain at all." Paul Bako will continue to get most of the time behind the plate while Hernandez is out.
Source: Washington Post

Jered Weaver - SP - Angels
Jered Weaver gave up one run in four innings Friday in his rehab start for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga. Weaver topped out at 93 mph while throwing 77 pitches, 47 for strikes. "I felt great out there," Weaver said. "My pitches were there and I feel like I'm ready to get back out there." Weaver will make one more start in the minors before facing the Red Sox on April 16.

National League

Chris Carpenter - SP - Cardinals
Chris Carpenter (elbow) is likely to start Tuesday following a successful bullpen session on Saturday. "It went really well. We'll just have to see tomorrow, make sure he didn't have any kind of reaction from it," manager Tony La Russa said.
Source: Cardinals.mlb.com

Josh Willingham - OF - Marlins
Josh Willingham homered, tripled and doubled in his first three at-bats Saturday in the Marlins' 8-5 win over the Phillies. Unfortunately, he only had one chance to go for the cycle and he ended up striking out against Ryan Madson in a 10-pitch at-bat. Willingham collected four RBI against Brett Myers with his three hits. He has seven RBI through five games.

Dontrelle Willis - SP - Marlins
Dontrelle Willis yielded three runs in six innings and struck out nine Saturday in a win over the Phillies. The runs scored on Jimmy Rollins' inside-the-park homer in the third inning. Willis is now 2-0, giving him one more win than he had in the first two months of last season.

Jorge Julio - RP - Marlins
Working with a five-run lead, Jorge Julio gave up two runs in the ninth before finishing off the Phillies on Saturday. Lowering his ERA to 19.29. Julio gave up two doubles, walked one and sent a run home on a balk. The Marlins have absolutely no reason to demonstrate patience with him if this keeps up. Julio just isn't a very good pitcher.

Jimmy Rollins - SS - Phillies
Jimmy Rollins had a three-run, inside-the-park homer, a double and a walk Saturday against the Marlins. Center fielder Alejando De Aza misplayed Rollins' liner into a homer. Rollins also has two traditional homers in five games, suggesting his 25-homer season in 2006 was no fluke. If this keeps up, the Phillies could reconsider batting him fifth behind Ryan Howard. However, they probably shouldn't take that step as long as he's showing this kind of approach. Along with a .350 average, he's already walked five times.

Brandon Webb - SP - Diamondbacks
Brandon Webb limited the Nationals to one run in seven innings and struck out eight to earn a win on Saturday. The run was controversial. Austin Kearns hit a homer to left in the sixth that may have been foul -- replays were inconclusive. Webb gave up six other hits and walked three. As on Opening Day, he wasn't at his best. Still, he was more than a match for the Nationals.

John Patterson - SP - Nationals
John Patterson gave up three runs in five innings Saturday in a defeat at the hands of the Diamondbacks. Patterson pitched four scoreless innings after a lackluster first frame, but the damage was already done and the Nationals weren't coming back against Brandon Webb. Expect slow progress from Patterson as he continues to work his way back from shoulder surgery. He probably shouldn't be used in mixed leagues right now, but he is likely to have some value eventually.

Stephen Drew - SS - Diamondbacks
Stephen Drew rejoined the starting lineup for Saturday's game and went 1-for-2 with two walks. Drew missed games a sore right quad and an upset stomach.

Roy Oswalt - SP - Astros
Roy Oswalt went the distance and threw a five-hitter Saturday in a 5-1 win over the Cardinals. Just what his team needed. Oswalt needed just 86 pitches, so he could have finished the game regardless of whether the score was 2-1 or 9-1. It was the first win of the season for the Astros, who like the Cardinals, now have a 1-4 record.

Carlos Lee - OF - Astros
Carlos Lee went 2-for-3 with his first homer as an Astro in Saturday's win over the Cardinals. The Houston offense got off to an awful start, but there was never much chance of Lee and Lance Berkman struggling for long. Berkman joined Lee in homering tonight. It's the top and bottom of the lineup that the Astros need to worry about.

Albert Pujols - 1B - Cardinals
Albert Pujols went 0-for-4 on Saturday and is off to a 1-for-17 start this season. This after he hit just .277 in spring training. Maybe it's time for the Cardinals to start thinking about playing Scott Spiezio over him.

John Smoltz - SP - Braves
John Smoltz allowed two runs over six innings to outduel Tom Glavine and hand the Mets their first loss of the season on Saturday. Glavine, hurt by errors on routine plays from Carlos Delgado and Shawn Green, gave up five runs -- two earned -- in 5 1/3 innings. The Braves and Mets are now tied atop the AL East at 4-1.

Shawn Green - OF - Mets
Shawn Green went 3-for-5 with a double and an RBI Satruday against the Braves. He nearly had a fourth hit that would have tied the game in the bottom of the ninth, but his liner was snared by first baseman Adam LaRoche. Green, who has started all five games in right field so far, is 8-for-20 with three RBI. The Mets aren't going to be able to keep Lastings Milledge on the roster for much longer if manager Willie Randolph intends to keep using Green as an everyday player.

Derek Lowe - SP - Dodgers
Derek Lowe limited the Giants to one run and four hits over seven innings to pick up a win on Saturday. Lowe, who struggled in a loss to the Brewers on Opening Day, got 15 groundball outs against a lineup missing Barry Bonds and Omar Vizquel. Jonathan Broxton and Takashi Saito finished up the 4-1 victory, with the latter picking up his third save.

Russ Ortiz - SP - Giants
Russ Ortiz took a loss in his return to the Giants after giving up three runs in five innings Saturday against the Dodgers. He allowed seven hits and walked three, including Wilson Betemit with the bases loaded. Even if Ortiz has a respectable ERA, his WHIP is likely to be a major problem for fantasy purposes. He's not worth owning in Nl-only leagues.

Freddy Sanchez - 3B - Pirates
Pirates activated second baseman Freddy Sanchez from the 15-day disabled list. Sanchez's return will push Jose Casillo into a utility role. He'll be joined there by Don Kelly, as the Pirates elected to keep a sixth infielder and send down Ryan Doumit to make room for Sanchez. Manager Jim Tracy didn't commit to starting Sanchez on Sunday, but the reigning batting champ will likely be back in the lineup by Monday anyway.

Miguel Olivo - C - Marlins
Miguel Olivo was out of the lineup for Saturday's game after leaving with a bruised right thumb Friday night. Olivo is available in an emergency. Matt Treanor is starting.
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Edwin Encarnacion - 3B - Reds
Edwin Encarnacion went 3-for-4 with two RBI, a walk and a stolen base as the Reds topped the Pirates 7-5 on Saturday. Encarnacion is 6-for-16 with four walks while batting fifth against righties and fourth versus lefties. It'd make sense for the Reds to have him switch spots with No. 3 hitter Brandon Phillips against right-handers. Phillips may be faster, but Encarnacion has an obvious edge everywhere else.

David Weathers - RP - Reds
David Weathers turned in a perfect ninth Saturday for his second save in two tries. Kirk Saarloos set him up with a perfect eighth. Except for when the Reds think they'd particularly benefit from using a left-hander in the ninth in a given situation, Weathers is going to get the team's save chances, even if he hasn't been named the closer.

Tony Armas Jr. - SP - Pirates
Tony Armas Jr. gave up six runs and walked five in four innings Saturday in a loss to the Reds. Xavier Nady should have caught Adam Dunn's two-run homer, but Armas has no one but himself to blame the walks. His solid spring doesn't make him a good bet in NL-only leagues this year. The Pirates would likely be better off with Shawn Chacon occupying the fifth spot in their rotation.

Adam Dunn - OF - Reds
Adam Dunn had a two-run homer and walked three times as the Reds' No. 2 hitter on Saturday. The homer went off the glove of right fielder Xavier Nady and over the fence in right field. Dunn is batting .353 with three homers in the early going. He even swiped a couple of bases today, as the Reds ran wild against Tony Armas Jr. and Humberto Cota.

Adam LaRoche - 1B - Pirates
Adam LaRoche homered and doubled in a run Saturday against the Reds. LaRoche, no stranger to slow starts, entered the day 1-for-15 with no RBI and nine strikeouts.

Carlos Zambrano - SP - Cubs
Carlos Zambrano bounced back from a rough Opening Day start to allow three runs over seven innings Saturday in a win over the Brewers. Rickie Weeks and Geoff Jenkins homered, but Zambrano gave up just three other hits and struck out six. Bobby Howry and Ryan Dempster followed with perfect innings to finish the 6-3 victory.

Ben Sheets - SP - Brewers
Ben Sheets, who threw a two-hitter on Opening Day, gave up five runs in six innings Saturday in a loss to the Cubs. Sheets went a second straight start without a walk, but he gave up nine hits today, including a two-run homer to Aramis Ramirez. He'll get the Cardinals next time out.

Derrek Lee - 1B - Cubs
Derrek Lee went 3-for-4 with a double Saturday against the Brewers. The double was the 500th extra-base hit of his career. Lee, who batted .471 this spring, has hit in five straight to open the season and is 9-for-22 overall.

Jon Lieber - SP - Phillies
Jon Lieber (strained oblique) allowed two runs -- one earned -- on four hits during a 3 2/3-inning rehab appearance with Single-A Clearwater on Friday. Lieber could be activated from the DL as soon as Monday. He will be used as a reliever.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer

Rafael Furcal - SS - Dodgers
Rafael Furcal took batting practice and some ground balls on Friday, but he was still favoring his ankle. Furcal won't be ready when he is eligible to be activated from the disabled list on Saturday. Ramon Martinez will continue to play shortstop while Furcal is out.
Source: Los Angeles Times

Josh Johnson - SP - Marlins
Josh Johnson (elbow) has been playing catch and will begin throwing on back-to-back days this week. The Marlins don't expect Johnson to be activated from the disabled list until early-June.
Source: Miami Herald

Mark Prior - SP - Cubs
Mark Prior (shoulder) still hasn't made a start at extended-spring training. Prior last pitched in a game situation on March 28. The Cubs want Prior to have enough stamina to throw at least five innings before making a rehab start for Triple-A Iowa. There is currently no timetable for his return.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times

Carlos Quentin - OF - Diamondbacks
Carlos Quentin (partially torn labrum) took about 30 swings during early batting practice on Friday. Quentin is expected to take regular batting practice prior to Saturday's game. "We're building up endurance," he said. "I'll be out there with these guys (Saturday) and I'll keep doing that and see what they want to do when we get home. I'm pretty confident it'll go well." He could leave for a minor league rehab assignment next week.
Source: Arizona Republic

Dice-K dazzles in debut

After striking out three times, Ryan Shealy sounded amazed. "I didn't know he threw that hard," he said. He's got a bunch of plus-pitches," Shealy said. "A lot of guys have a good fastball or have good offspeed stuff, but he seems to have both." Dice-K was more than OK in his major league debut. With millions of early rising viewers keeping track on Japanese television, Daisuke Matsuzaka struck out 10 in seven innings in his major league debut Thursday to lead the Boston Red Sox over the Kansas City Royals 4-1.

"I can't say that my overall condition was that great today, but I think the role of a starting pitcher is to set up the game and give my teammates the opportunity to win," he said through an interpreter. "I feel like I was able to do that today, so I was satisfied."

On a cold, blustery afternoon, Matsuzaka (1-0) allowed six hits, including a sixth-inning homer by David DeJesus, and walked one. DeJesus joked about the famed "gyroball," a pitch Dice-K may or may not throw. "I think it was the gyroball," he laughed when asked what he hit for the home run. "No, it was a fastball. I didn't think it was going to go, but the ball kept carrying."

He looked every bit the ace Boston committed $103 million to. His fastball clocked at 95 mph and his famed array of fastballs, changeups and breaking pitches at times was dazzling. Flashing a reddish-orange glove during his slow-motion windup, he retired 10 batters in a row during one stretch starting with the final out of the first inning. He struck out the side in the fourth on 14 pitches.

Kansas City manager Buddy Bell strained to think of a pitcher to compare him with. "I will tell you this -- I was pretty impressed," Bell said. "He just really had a feel for what he was doing. Everything he did was absolutely solid. Everything that he tried to do."

Even though it was against the weak Royals lineup, look for more performances like this one from Dice-K in 2007.
Source: AP

MLB Player Notes

Friday, April 6, 2007 - MLB Player Notes

American League

Bartolo Colon - SP - Angels
Bartolo Colon (shoulder) fanned five in four scoreless innings Thursday for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga. He allowed one hit and walked one. Colon is expected to make two or three more starts in the minors before coming off the DL, probably by the end of the month. Once healthy, he'll push Joe Saunders out of the rotation.

Chien-Ming Wang - SP - Yankees
Chien-Ming Wang (hamstring) reported no problems Thursday after throwing 40 pitches from the top of the mound. Wang might throw batting practice in the next few days. He could rejoin the rotation in about two weeks.

Mark Buehrle - SP - White Sox
Mark Buehrle thinks he'll make his next start after leaving Thursday's game with a bruised forearm. Buehrle, who was hit by a comebacker today, is due to pitch Tuesday against the A's.
Source: WhiteSox.mlb.com

Johnny Damon - OF - Yankees
Although he said he was feeling better than he was Wednesday, Johnny Damon was sent for an MRI Thursday on his strained right calf. Damon could be DL bound, but the Yankees appear to be another day or two from making a decision. Melky Cabrera started in center field Thursday. Robinson Cano has moved into the leadoff spot.

Rocco Baldelli - DH - Devil Rays
Because of the weather, Rocco Baldelli (hamstring) was held out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Yankees. The Rays don't want him trying to run with the temperature in the 30s. He'll be back DHing on Friday. Jonny Gomes is filled in Thursday.

Dioner Navarro - C - Devil Rays
Dioner Navarro was out of the starting lineup for Thursday's game because of his injured left hamstring. Navarro would have played had the game been in Florida, but the Rays didn't want to take the chance with the temperature in the 30s on Thursday night. Navarro should be back on Friday. Josh Paul is filled in.

Reggie Sanders - OF - Royals
Reggie Sanders is likely to make his first start of the season Saturday against lefty Mike Maroth. Royals manager Buddy Bell didn't say where Sanders will play. Perhaps he'll be used in right field to give Mark Teahen his first day off.
Source: Royals.mlb.com

Justin Verlander - SP - Tigers
The Tigers will start Justin Verlander on Friday and push Chad Durbin to the back of the rotation following Thursday's postponement. Mike Maroth, Jeremy Bonderman and Nate Robertson will follow Verlander before Durbin goes on Tuesday.

Gustavo Chacin - SP - Blue Jays
Gustavo Chacin will make his season debut on Friday after his start Thursday was postponed. Tomo Ohka will go Saturday. The Jays will have Roy Halladay and A.J. Burnett stay on schedule the following two days, so Josh Towers won't make his first start until Tuesday.

Francisco Rodriguez - RP - Angels
MLB confirmed Thursday morning that it is investigating whether Francisco Rodriguez doctored the baseball during two appearances against the Rangers this week. Rangers GM Jon Daniels said he did not contact MLB in order to start the investigation. It sounds like MLB decided to look more closely at his appearances against Texas on Monday and Wednesday after seeing the evidence presented on The Cheater's Guide to Baseball Blog.
Source: Dallas Morning News

Mark Kotsay - OF - Athletics
Oakland Athletics center fielder Mark Kotsay still hopes to return to the A's lineup in mid-May. Kotsay had back surgery a month ago and his rehab has been progressing nicely, "things are going good," said Kotsay. "There haven't been any setbacks. I think we're making good progress; I haven't had any pain."
Source: MLB.com

Shea Hillenbrand - DH - Angels
Angels designated hitter Shea Hillenbrand is out of the Angels lineup for the second straight game due to tightness in his groin. Hillenbrand is still considered day-to-day. Reggie Willits was the Angels DH and batted ninth.
Source: MLB.com

Craig Monroe - OF - Tigers
Had Thursday’s Detroit-Toronto game been played, manager Jim Leyland said Craig Monroe would have been rested in favor of Marcus Thames in left field. Monroe is battling an unspecified “slight strain,” and Leyland didn’t want to run the risk of aggravating the injury in Detroit's frigid conditions. With the team set to open a series in Kansas City on Friday night, Monroe’s availability for the game will likely depend on the weather once again.
Source: MLB.com

J.D. Drew - OF - Red Sox
J.D. Drew roped his second double of the season and walked in Thursday's win over the Royals. Drew's shoulder -- which delayed his eventual multiyear contract with the Red Sox -- has held up quite well in the early going, as he upped his on-base percentage to an even .500 in three games played.
Source: MLB.com

David Riske - RP - Royals
David Riske threw a perfect ninth inning in Thursday's loss to the Red Sox, striking out Kevin Youkilis and David Ortiz. Riske, 30, will be relied upon as the Royals closer while Octavio Dotel nurses a strained left oblique.
Source: MLB.com

Jose Contreras - SP - White Sox
After having a conversation with pitcher Jose Contreras about his implosion on Opening Day, White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen determined there was nothing wrong with the veteran right-hander. The good news is that Guillen doesn't believe Contreras was hiding an injury. "He just had a bad game," the skipper said. "I'm always worried about my players. ... We had a good conversation and he said he just had a bad game." Contreras' next start will come against Minnesota on April 8.
Source: MLB.com

National League

Freddy Sanchez - 3B - Pirates
Freddy Sanchez (knee) went 1-for-2 with two walks for Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday night. Sanchez got the start at second base, though he didn't play the full game. It's possible that he'll be activated Saturday, depending on how comfortable he is at the plate.

Stephen Drew - SS - Diamondbacks
Stephen Drew was held out of Thursday's lineup to rest his sore right quad. The injury has been bagging him for a week now, but he'll probably be back at shortstop on Friday. Alberto Callaspo started tonight.

Micah Owings - SP - Diamondbacks
Diamondbacks purchased the contract of RHP Micah Owings from Triple-A Tucson. J.D. Durbin was designated for assignment Wednesday to open up a spot. Owings will make his first major league start Friday against the Nationals. He's only expected to stay in the rotation until Randy Johnson returns in two weeks, but maybe he'll overtake Edgar Gonzalez within that timeframe.

Josh Hamilton - OF - Reds
Originally expected to make his first start on Thursday, Josh Hamilton is instead on the bench with flu-like symptoms. He'll have to wait until sometime this weekend for his first start over Ryan Freel or Ken Griffey Jr.
Source: Cincinnati Enquirer

Chris Carpenter - SP - Cardinals
Swelling has gone down enough in Chris Carpenter's elbow that he will begin preparing to start against Pittsburgh on Tuesday. "The swelling is gone, basically, so now it's just throwing," Carpenter said. "If (the swelling) comes back, then obviously we'll have to go back a step... I was excited when I got up this morning. I felt good. I felt it was back to normal." Carpenter will throw a side-session on Saturday.
Source: St Louis Post-Dispatch

Mike Hampton - SP - Braves
Though Mike Hampton has experienced pain in his pitching elbow, the Braves medical staff has reassured him that it's just part of the process that he'll undergo while coming back from Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery. Hampton hopes to throw a bullpen session on April 7. If all goes well, the Braves will then determine when he'll make the first of what will likely be five Minor League rehab starts.
Source: MLB.com

Thursday MLB Busts

Thursday, April 5, 2007 - MLB Busts

Andy Pettitte - SP - Yankees
Andy Pettitte surrendered four runs -- two earned -- in four-plus innings Thursday against the Rays. It's not surprising that Pettitte would get off to a slow start after missing the end of the spring with back troubles. He was hurt by his defense tonight, but he wasn't very good anyway. Expect a better showing next time out.

Jason Bergmann - SP - Nationals
Jason Bergmann gave up four runs and walked six in 3 2/3 innings Thursday in a loss to the Diamondbacks. Bergmann walked three during a three-run first. He was better after that, but the Nationals don't have the firepower to come back very often and they fell a little short tonight. Bergmann is expected to make at least two or three more starts before Jason Simontacchi returns.

Adam Eaton - SP - Phillies
Adam Eaton was pounded for eight runs -- seven earned -- in 4 2/3 innings Thursday in a loss to the Braves. Including his final two starts of the spring, Eaton has given up 18 earned runs in 12 1/3 innings in his last three outings. He should be held on to in NL-only leagues, but it'd be a mistake to play him against the Mets next week.

Ryan Howard - 1B - Phillies
Ryan Howard was put back into the cleanup spot on Thursday and went 0-for-4 with a walk against the Braves. Howard hit ahead of Chase Utley in the Phillies' first two games. Utley was back in his usual third spot today and went 3-for-5. Pat Burrell doubled twice and walked as the No. 5 hitter. With the Phillies now 0-3, manager Charlie Manuel might keep experimenting.

Joe Saunders - SP - Angels
Angels left-hander Joe Saunders gave up three earned runs, nine hits and three walks with five Ks over 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision against the A's Thursday night. Despite posting a 4.71 ERA and 1.42 WHIP, Saunders managed to win seven games in just 13 starts last season. Stay away from him as he faces the hard-hitting Indians at Jacobs Field in his next start.

Clay Hensley - SP - Padres
Padres right-hander Clay Hensley took the loss as he was tagged for five earned runs, seven hits and three walks in 4 2/3 innings against the Giants Thursday night. Hensley also struck out two in a disappointing performance. After posting a 3.71 ERA last season, look for the 27-year-old to bounce back next start in a rematch against the Giants at Petco Park.

Jae Seo - SP - Devil Rays
Devil Rays right-hander Jae Seo allowed 11 hits, one walk and five earned runs in 6 1/3 innings while striking out two in a no-decision against the Yankees Thursday night. Seo should not be owned in even the deepest of leagues as he posted a 5.00 ERA and 1.70 WHIP with just 39 strikeouts in 90 innings last season for the D-Rays. He'll face the Rangers in Texas in his next start.

Michael Barrett - C - Cubs
Michael Barrett went 0-for-4 with a strikeout on Thursday. Barrett is hitless in his first 11 at-bats, but it’s probably only be a matter of time before he starts swinging the bat well enough to justify his ranking as a top 5 fantasy backstop. Last year, Barrett set career highs in batting average (.307) and slugging percentage (.517), while tying his career high for homers (16).

Thursday MLB Standouts

Thursday, April 5, 2007 - MLB Standouts

Mike Piazza - DH - Athletics
Mike Piazza went 3-for-5 with a solo homer off Francisco Rodriguez in the top of the ninth to help the A's beat the Angels 4-3 on Thursday night. One of his other hits was a double. After Piazza's homer, Huston Street pitched a scoreless ninth for the save, with the final out coming when Erick Aybar was caught stealing. The homer was Piazza's first ever at Angel Stadium.

Matt Morris - SP - Giants
Matt Morris was sharp in his first start of the year, allowing one run and five hits over six innings in a win against the Padres. This after Morris gave up 22 runs -- 14 earned -- and 28 hits in 18 2/3 innings last month. Little can be expected from Morris this year. He lost his best fastball years ago, and his strikeout rate has suffered as a result. The Giants should be content if he bounces back with an ERA around 4.50.

Ryan Klesko - 1B - Giants
Ryan Klesko went 3-for-4 against the Padres Thursday in his first start for the Giants. Manager Bruce Bochy had Klesko at first, Rich Aurilia at third and Pedro Feliz on the bench. The Giants need to get Klesko into the lineup against righties when he's healthy, whether it's Aurilia or Feliz who gets to sit. Beyond Barry Bonds, either Klesko or Ray Durham is probably the club's best hitter versus righties.

Akinori Iwamura - 3B - Devil Rays
Akinori Iwamura had two hits, a walk and three runs scored in the Rays' 7-6 win over the Yankees on Thursday night. With a light snow falling, Iwamura doubled and then scored the go-ahead run in the top of the eighth on a wild pitch that should have been gloved by Jorge Posada. Iwamura wasn't very impressive this spring, and all signs point to his power failing to translate very well to the majors. Still, his glove will keep him in the lineup and he should do enough offensively to be a significant asset in AL-only leagues.

Al Reyes - RP - Devil Rays
Al Reyes pitched a perfect ninth for a save in the Rays' one-run victory over the Yankees on Thursday. Reyes struck out pinch-hitter Josh Phelps and got Hideki Matsui to ground out before Jorge Posada fly to fairly deep right ended the game. Brian Stokes set him up with a scoreless eighth, though he loaded the bases in the process. Reyes is the heavy favorite for saves in Tampa Bay right now.

Jose Valverde - RP - Diamondbacks
Jose Valverde bounced back from Tuesday's blown save with a perfect ninth Thursday against the Nationals. Valverde needed only eight pitches to earn a save in the 4-3 game. He's 2-for-3 in save chances.

Elijah Dukes - OF - Devil Rays
Elijah Dukes hit a solo homer -- his second in two games -- and walked Thursday against the Yankees. The homer off Scott Proctor was a laser beam over the left-field wall at Yankee Stadium. Jonny Gomes doubled and walked filling in for Rocco Baldelli tonight, but if Dukes keeps playing like this, he could get most of the at-bats at DH when Baldelli is ready to head out to center field.

Dmitri Young - 1B - Nationals
Dmitri Young homered, doubled and walked Thursday against the Diamondbacks. Young has been shaky defensively, but he's 6-for-16 with an RBI in each of the Nationals' four games. He'll stay in the lineup for as long as he's productive and healthy.

Chuck James - SP - Braves
Chuck James allowed one run over five innings to win Thursday as the Braves completed a sweep of the Phillies. James only walked one, but he threw 92 pitches through five innings, making it an easy decision to remove him for a pinch-hitter in the top of the sixth. James is well worth using in mixed leagues.

Daisuke Matsuzaka - SP - Red Sox
Daisuke Matsuzaka yielded one run in seven innings and struck out 10 Thursday to beat the Royals in his major league debut. Matsuzaka allowed a single to the first batter he faced, David DeJesus, and later got bitten by DeJesus again on a solo homer in the sixth. The Royals nearly tied it up after that. Esteban German singled and then appeared to steal second base, only to get called out on a controversial call. Emil Brown followed that with a two-out double that would have driven in German from first. However, Matsuzaka bounced back to strike out three of the final four hitters he faced. It won't be the last double-digit strikeout game he has this year.

Jonathan Papelbon - RP - Red Sox
Jonathan Papelbon struck out two in a perfect ninth for a save Thursday against the Royals. Papelbon was making his first appearance since rolling an ankle on March 29. He threw 13 pitches today, 11 of them strikes.

Zack Greinke - SP - Royals
Zack Greinke allowed two runs -- one earned -- over seven innings in a loss to the Red Sox on Thursday. The Red Sox had the leadoff man on in six of the seven innings, but Greinke did a great job of pitching out of trouble. He walked just one and struck out seven, including David Ortiz three times. If he keeps throwing like this, he's going to be one of the AL's top 15 or 20 starters. It's probably not going to lead to a lot of value in shallow mixed leagues, but he'd be worth considering in his easier matchups.

Bobby Jenks - RP - White Sox
Bobby Jenks got four outs for a relief victory as the White Sox edged the Indians 4-3 on Thursday. Matt Thornton blew a one-run lead by giving up a single and a double to start the eighth. He then bounced back to get two outs before Jenks replaced him. Jenks got the final out of the eighth and pitched a scoreless ninth before the White Sox won in the bottom of the inning. The winning run scored when Roberto Hernandez hit A.J. Pierzynski with the bases loaded.

Grady Sizemore - OF - Indians
Grady Sizemore homered in a third straight game Thursday against the White Sox. Sizemore was just brutal this spring, batting .115. Still, it was never a cause for concern and he's showed exactly why. In all, Sizemore was 6-for-14 against the White Sox.

David Weathers - RP - Reds
David Weathers pitched a perfect ninth with a three-run lead to earn a save Thursday against the Cubs. Rheal Cormier, Kirk Saarloos and Mike Stanton each got one out in the eighth to set Weathers up. Although Weathers hasn't been named the Reds' closer. he's likely to get most of the save opportunities until he falters.

Jason Marquis - SP - Cubs
Jason Marquis allowed one run and four hits in six innings against the Reds on Thursday. A solid debut for Marquis, who finished the spring with a 4.84 ERA. Aided by cold weather and a 19-mph wind blowing in from left, he managed to avoid giving up a home run. He walked two and struck out one while throwing 82 pitches.

Huston Street - RP - Athletics
A's closer Huston Street earned his first save of the season in a 4-3 win over the Angels Thursday night. The 23-year-old right-hander figures to be a great source for saves again this year after posting 37 last season.

Robinson Cano - 2B - Yankees
Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano went 3-5 with a run and a RBI batting leadoff in place of the injured Johnny Damon. Though manager Joe Torre hinted that Melky Cabrera would be the long-term leadoff hitter if Damon hit the DL, nights like this could change his mind. Expect Cano to pile up plenty of runs if he stays atop the lineup.

Brian McCann - C - Braves
Sustaining his early-season hot streak, Brian McCann went 1-for-3 with a walk and two RBIs in Thursday's win at Philadelphia. In three games, the stud backstop has six RBIs (two in each game) and a .500 batting average (6-for-12).

Aramis Ramirez - 3B - Cubs
Aramis Ramirez went 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI vs. the Reds on Thursday. Ramirez’s second consecutive three-hit game boosted his batting average to .538. He has yet to go deep, but that will likely change soon, as the slugging third baseman has averaged 35 blasts per year since the beginning of 2004.

Mark DeRosa - 2B - Cubs
Mark DeRosa went 2-for-3 with a solo homer and a walk in Thursday’s loss to the Reds. DeRosa is off to a nice start with a .556 average and three RBIs in his first three games, giving hope to owners who gambled that last season’s breakout numbers weren’t a fluke.

Calros Ruiz - C - Phillies
Calros Ruiz went 2-for-4 with a solo homer in his first start of the season Wednesday night. Ruiz was named backup catcher to Rod Barajas at the end of Spring Training, but with youth on his side (27 years old), the rookie backstop could see more starts before long.

Dice-K to make much-anticipated debut

For months, Daisuke Matsuzaka has been the No. 1 topic surrounding the Boston Red Sox. Every aspect of his arsenal has been dissected. Every bit of his history has been reviewed. Every nuance of his assimilation has been reported. The only thing that hasn't happened -- Matsuzaka pitching in an official game for the Red Sox -- will occur Thursday afternoon when the much-ballyhooed righty from Japan makes his Major League debut against the Royals at Kauffman Stadium.

From Japan to New England to Kansas City, they'll be watching. The Red Sox have liked the view so far. "I think it's just a monster hype job that we're going through," said Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell. "I hope he just settles down and pitches. I hope he gets into his own groove and doesn't try to do too much. His stuff is excellent."

Dice-K's legend began in high school, when he threw 250 pitches in a 17-inning complete game in Koshien, the national tournament. He pitched the next day in relief, then threw a no-hitter on the third consecutive day to win the championship. Matsuzaka signed with the Seibu Lions of the Japanese Pacific League after high school, his charm and cherubic nature instantly endearing him to a baseball-crazed nation. "He keeps getting bigger and bigger and getting more popular," said Yoshiki Sasaki, who has been covering Matsuzaka since 2002 for the Japanese newspaper Hochi Shimbun. "Japan saw Matsuzaka getting big."

With at least six pitches -- not counting that mystical (mythical?) gyroball -- and a fastball clocked in the mid-90s, the deepest pockets in baseball spent the offseason pining for Matsuzaka. Boston eventually won the bidding war, posting $51,111,111 for the right to negotiate. The sides agreed to a $52 million, six-year contract on Dec. 13, and every move Matsuzaka has made since then has been watched and weighed.

While Matsuzaka's debut is being viewed as a spectacle, the drama of it all doesn't figure to bother him. In fact, it will probably make Matsuzaka feel more at home. "Because he has pitched on such a high stage since the age of 17, that's where he's shown us his relaxation and his mound presence, to be able to deal with the attention and the spotlight," said Farrell. "To me, I think he feels very much at home in that environment."

Matsuzaka might not feel so comfortable in the elements. The forecast? Frigid. Game-time temperature will be in the low 40s with a wind-chill that will make it feel like the mid-30s. "He has pitched in cold weather. It's been on some rare occasions, because their home ballpark was a dome in Seibu," Farrell said. "The one great thing about pitching on a cold night or a cold day is the warmest guy on the field is the starting pitcher."

Matsuzaka, as is his custom, didn't speak to the media the day before his start. But he did answer a broad question about the weather after his exhibition start in Philadelphia last weekend. "I'm feeling comfortable with the changes in climate. I'm told what to expect in each region," said Matsuzaka. "I'm not too concerned with the climate changes in each city."

The bigger change will be in the ferocity of the hitters Matsuzaka will face. The American League has the type of lineups he never saw in Japan. There is confidence, however, that Matsuzaka will stand tall amid the challenge. The Red Sox just want Matsuzaka to do what he did all spring. "He throws all his pitches for strikes," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "He had a good spring. Hopefully now that will carry over to a long successful career. We're happy we have him. Now the season starts and it will be exciting to watch his progression."

At least during Spring Training, Matsuzaka appeared ready to live up to his lofty billing, going 2-1 with a 2.91 ERA in five starts. Matsuzaka was a legend in Japan during his eight-year career with the Seibu Lions. He went 108-60 with a 2.95 ERA while producing 1,355 strikeouts. Matsuzaka also led Japan to victory in the inaugural World Baseball Classic. En route to the MVP award, Matsuzaka went 3-0 with a 1.38 ERA.

Sources: AP & MLB.com

MLB Player Notes

Thursday, April 5, 2007 - MLB Player Notes

American League

Shea Hillenbrand - DH - Angels
Shea Hillenbrand (groin) said Wednesday that he's not sure how long he'll be sidelined. The Los Angeles Times reports that Hillenbrand is not expected to be placed on the disabled list, but Hillenbrand said, "I've never done anything to my groin before, so I have no clue how long I'll be out."
Source: Los Angeles Times

Octavio Dotel - RP - Royals
Royals placed RHP Octavio Dotel on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 30, with a left oblique strain. David Riske is set to act as the Royals' closer until Dotel returns. The Royals hope to have him back as soon as his 15 days are up, but oblique injuries can be very tricky.

Francisco Rodriguez - RP - Angels
Francisco Rodriguez was photographed with what appeared to be a foreign substance under the bill of his cap following his first save of the season on Monday. K-Rod was seen rubbing his thumb in the area following several pitches. Derek Zumsteg, a former Baseball Prospectus writer who wrote about Monday's incident in his blog, says the Rangers noticed the apparent cheating and complained to the commissioner's office. We'll have to wait and see if anything comes of this.
Source: Zumsteg.net

Ramon Hernandez - C - Orioles
Ramon Hernandez likely will go on the disabled list with a strained oblique, according to the Baltimore Sun's Roch Kubatko. The Orioles, who have had Freddie Bynum pinch-hit in each of the last two games, could call up Jon Knott if Hernandez goes on the DL. Paul Bako would continue to get most of the playing time behind the plate.
Source: Baltimore Sun

Michael Cuddyer - OF - Twins
Michael Cuddyer left Wednesday's game in the fifth inning with a cut on his chin that required stitches. During the fourth, Cuddyer fouled off a ball that bounced in the dirt and caught him in the chin. He stayed in initially and singled in the at-bat, but he later left and got stitches. He should be back in the lineup after Thursday's off day.

Jose Contreras - SP - White Sox
Manager Ozzie Guillen is expected to have a "sit-down" with Jose Contreras before his scheduled start Sunday. Contreras was a mess in his first start, showing decreased velocity, and Guillen is said to be "concerned about his mental state." ''For Jose, it is a problem," Guillen said. "He takes things real personal, takes things real seriously. I don't think he was feeling good after the game.''
Source: Chicago Sun-Times

Chien-Ming Wang - SP - Yankees
Manager Joe Torre said Wednesday that Chien-Ming Wang (hamstring) could pitch a simulated game over the weekend. Wang tossed a 40-pitch bullpen session Sunday, but has yet to throw from the top of a mound.
Source: New York Post

Dan Johnson - 1B - Athletics
Rather than undergo surgery that could have sidelined him for three months, Dan Johnson (hip) is expected to rehab the injury and could return within a month. "I'm pretty excited,'' Johnson said. "Now I just have to get my strength back and get back to doing baseball stuff. If everything goes right, I could be (doing baseball activity) next week. It all depends on how much leg strength I have when I start moving again."
Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Al Reyes - RP - Devil Rays
Manager Joe Maddon indicated that Al Reyes would have been given the save opportunity if the Devil Rays had held a lead into the ninth inning Monday. Maddon shied away from saying that meant Reyes was the team's official closer, saying instead: "That was the way it was set up on Monday."
Source: Tampa Tribune

Eric Gagne - RP - Rangers
Eric Gagne (elbow) threw one inning in a simulated game Wednesday. The outing was reportedly "without incident" and Gagne is scheduled to pitch for Double-A Frisco Friday night.
Source: Dallas Morning News

Vernon Wells - OF - Blue Jays
Vernon Wells revealed that John Gibbons has given him the green light to steal bases whenever he wants. This is terrific news for owners who have been waiting for Wells to use his speed to become a major contributor in the stolen-base category. The 28-year-old center fielder has shown that he intends to take advantage of the opportunity presented to him, as he stole his second base of the year while going 2-for-5 with two RBIs on Wednesday.
Source: MLB.com

Rocco Baldelli - OF - Devil Rays
Rocco Baldelli and Dioner Navarro could sit out Thursday night's series finale with the Yankees. Baldelli and Navarro are nursing sore hamstrings. Though both players started in the Rays’ opener on April 2, the expected cold weather -- temperatures in New York could dip as low as 35 degrees -- could prompt manager Joe Maddon to err on the side of caution.
Source: MLB.com

Carl Crawford - OF - Devil Rays
Tampa Bay speedster Carl Crawford aims to spearhead a team effort to put pressure on opposing defenses with speed. "We're going to do what we have to do to win games," Crawford said, "because we're not really driving the ball like other teams. So we've got to go to that speed game." Crawford, who noted that he’d like to steal at least 60 bases this season, predicted that B.J. Upton could steal 50 bases, Elijah Dukes 30 and Delmon Young 25. He didn’t even mention center fielder Rocco Baldelli, who stole second on Opening Day and swiped 27 bags in his rookie season. Nobody has ever confused Crawford with Nostradamus, but owners in need of speed may want to see if any of these fleet-footed Rays are available in their league.
Source: MLB.com

Dan Haren - SP - Athletics
Starter Dan Haren, who who drew some brief medical attention in Monday's opener after tweaking his right hip flexor, threw his normal side session before Wednesday's game with no problems. This is good news but something to keep an eye on for Haren owners because he originally injured the same hip during his offseason workouts with bullpen catcher Brandon Buckley and stopped all stretching in the area for two weeks to allow it to calm down. Haren is scheduled to make his next start in Anaheim on April 7.
Source: MLB.com

National League

Lance Cormier - RP - Braves
Braves placed RHP Lance Cormier on 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 31, with a sore right shoulder. The Braves are hopeful of getting Cormier back on April 15. Kyle Davies will be called up to start in his place on Sunday.

Zach Duke - SP - Pirates
Zach Duke is having his start pushed back from Saturday to Sunday because of a cracked fingernail. "He has a little crack in his nail," manager Jim Tracy said. "He was supposed to throw a bullpen today [Wednesday], but rather than irritate that, we're not going to [have him] throw the bullpen today obviously. [He'll] get the day off [Thursday], throw the bullpen on Friday and pitch on Sunday." Tony Armas Jr.'s start is getting moved up to Saturday.
Source: Pirates.mlb.com

Eric Milton - SP - Reds
Eric Milton (back) threw 70 pitches in a simulated game Wednesday and also took batting practice with the rest of the rotation. If he's still feeling fine tomorrow, Milton will come off the DL and start Sunday's game. Victor Santos could be dropped from the roster.
Source: Reds.mlb.com

Barry Bonds - OF - Giants
Barry Bonds finished Wednesday's game despite an apparent hamstring injury. He was hitless in his last three at-bats after homering in the first. The apparent injury, sustained on a running catch to end the third, must have been just a cramp. Bonds' homer in the first off Chris Young was the 735th of his career. He was on deck when the game ended in the ninth.

Carlos Quentin - OF - Diamondbacks
Carlos Quentin (partially torn labrum) hit off a tee and took soft-toss prior to Wednesday's game. Quentin is still a couple weeks from being activated from the disabled list.
Source: East Valley Tribune

Mark Prior - SP - Cubs
The Iowa Cubs will place Mark Prior (shoulder) on the seven-day disabled list on Thursday. "He has to be accounted for by Opening Day," general manager Jim Hendry said. "He has to be on their roster or on the DL." Prior will continue to throw in extended spring training until he builds up enough arm strength to pitch five innings, at that point he will join Iowa for a few starts.
Source: Chicago Tribune

Luke Scott - OF - Astros
Luke Scott was out of the starting lineup for the second consecutive game due to a hyperextended elbow. "I feel better," Scott said. "I did a bunch of treatments on my arm, some stretching and just movements to get my range of motion back, and it's feeling a lot better." Scott had X-rays on the elbow and doesn't think he will need surgery. He will continue to be used as a pinch-hitter until he is able to throw without pain.
Source: Houston Chronicle

Rich Hill - SP - Cubs
Rich Hill wasn't bothered by the blister on his middle finger during a bullpen session on Wednesday. ''It took care of itself. It's fine,'' said Hill, who didn't throw at all Monday and played catch briefly Tuesday. ''I feel great. I'm ready to go Friday.'' The blister cut short Hill's final spring training start on Sunday.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times

Freddy Garcia - SP - Phillies
Freddy Garcia (biceps tendinitis) will make a minor league rehab start for Single-A Clearwater on Thursday night. If the start goes well Garcia is scheduled to make a second rehab start on Tuesday.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer

Jon Lieber - SP - Phillies
Jon Lieber (strained oblique) was pain-free after a 42-pitch simulated game on Monday. Lieber will make his first minor league rehab appearance on Friday at Single-A Clearwater. he is still at least a week from joining the Phillies.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer

Kyle Davies - SP - Braves
With Lance Cormier headed to the disabled list, Kyle Davies will take his place in the rotation on April 9 at home against the Mets. Avoid using Davies against the mighty Mets offense, as the right-hander was slated to begin the season in the Minors.

Willy Taveras - OF - Rockies
Willy Taveras was benched Wednesday in favor of Steve Finley, who batted leadoff in the Rockies lineup. Taveras has slumped over the first two regular-season games, going 1-for-9 with six strikeouts and a walk.
Source: MLB.com

Chris Young - OF - Diamondbacks
Center fielder Chris Young got a routine day off Wednesday. Eric Byrnes was shifted from right to center and Alberto Callaspo got the start in right. Callaspo, an infielder by trade, played some outfield during the spring, and figures to get more time out there as D-backs manager Bob Melvin tries to get his bat in the lineup. "Right-handed, left-handed, he's gotten hits," Melvin said of Callaspo.
Source: MLB.com

Wednesday MLB Busts

Wednesday, April 4, 2007 - MLB Busts

Miguel Batista - SP - Mariners
Miguel Batista was pounded for eight runs in 4 2/3 innings to take the loss to the A's in his Mariners debut Wednesday. In signing Batista, the Mariners paid $25 million for an innings-eating fourth starter. He'll give the club 200 innings this year and win about a dozen games, but he's not going to be of any real use in fantasy leagues.

Woody Williams - SP - Astros
Woody Williams gave up five runs -- three earned -- in 4 2/3 innings Wednesday in a loss to the Pirates. It's not only their fourth and fifth starters the Astros have to be concerned about. Williams didn't show much this spring, and he started off his regular season by giving up eight hits, walking two, hitting two batters and striking out none. He's not the same kind of option in NL-only leagues that he was as a Petco pitcher.

Jaret Wright - SP - Orioles
Jaret Wright was pulled from Wednesday's game after giving up six runs -- four earned -- and walking five in 2 1/3 innings. This is why the Orioles wanted to carry 13 pitches. The real issue, though, is why the club ever wanted Wright in the first place. Maybe he'll pitch just well enough to hang on to a rotation spot all year long, but he's not going to be much of a factor in AL-only leagues.

Tom Gordon - RP - Phillies
Tom Gordon blew the save versus the Braves on Tuesday after giving up two runs in the ninth. Gordon allowed a double to Jeff Francouer and then a homer to Brian McCann, tying the game. He preserved the tie, but the damage was done. The Phillies ended up losing in extra innings once again.

Jake Westbrook - SP - Indians
Jake Westbrook was pounded for seven runs in five innings by the White Sox on Wednesday. The sinker wasn't working for Westbrook today, as he recorded just five outs on the ground and gave up homers to Jim Thome and Tadahito Iguchi. Despite the poor outing, he's a nice play in shallow mixed leagues next week. He'll have two home starts, the first versus the Mariners. He'll then get the White Sox again in 10 days.

Jon Garland - SP - White Sox
Jon Garland gave up five runs in 5 1/3 innings Wednesday versus the Indians. At least Garland only walked five while giving up 45 hits in 24 2/3 innings this spring. He issued four free passes today (one intentional) and gave up seven hits, including a two-run homer to Andy Marte. His velocity remains down, so it's likely that he'll keep struggling.

Scott Podsednik - OF - White Sox
Scott Podsednik, who sat against the lefty on Opening Day, went 0-for-4 with a walk and a caught stealing Wednesday against the Indians. If Podsednik can't even steal bases off Victor Martinez, it's not an exaggeration to suggest he might be done as a useful player. At the very least, he should be on the bench versus all lefties. Pablo Ozuna can start tomorrow against Jeremy Sowers.

A.J. Burnett - SP - Blue Jays
After starting off with two scoreless innings, A.J. Burnett gave up six runs without getting an out before being pulled in the third Wednesday against the Tigers. Four singles and two walks got Burnett pulled from the game with the bases loaded. All three inherited runners came around to score off Shaun Marcum. Burnett also had control issues in the first two innings and threw just 26 of his 55 pitches for strikes. Expect him to bounce back Monday against the Royals.

Matt Chico - SP - Nationals
Matt Chico surrendered six runs and three homers in four innings Wednesday in his major league debut against the Marlins. Cody Ross, Miguel Cabrera and Mike Jacobs all homered off him. Chico could be an effective third or fourth starter in time, but there's little reason to think that time is now. If he continues to struggle, the Nationals could send him back to Triple-A when Jason Simontacchi is ready to return.

Jorge Julio - RP - Marlins
Jorge Julio blew his first save chance for the Marlins by giving up three runs in the ninth Wednesday against the Nationals. Julio, who was brought in to start the bottom of the ninth with a two-run lead, allowed five hits and a walk. The only out he recorded came on a sacrifice bunt. The Marlins didn't get themselves a very good pitcher when they acquired Julio from the Diamondbacks last week. He'll probably be adequate in the closer's role and strikeouts will help him as a fantasy property, but the Marlins could have been just as well off going with a youngster.

Wednesday MLB Standouts

Wednesday, April 4, 2007 - MLB Standouts

Marcus Giles - 2B - Padres
Marcus Giles went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer as the Padres topped the Giants 5-3 on Wednesday night. Khalil Greene and Adrian Gonzalez also homered, accounting for all five Padres runs. Chris Young and Matt Cain had pretty much identical outings in the game, but Padres relievers Cla Meredith, Scott Linebrink and Trevor Hoffman combined to pitch 3 1/3 scoreless innings, while Brad Hennessey and Jack Taschner both gave up runs for the Giants. It's a difference between the two teams that figures to be a big factor in the NL West standings this year.

Rich Harden - SP - Athletics
Rich Harden allowed three hits in seven innings Wednesday in Oakland's 9-0 shutout of Seattle. Harden struck out seven and walked two while throwing 94 pitches. Jay Marshall and Huston Street completed the three-hitter with perfect innings of relief. Harden should remain one of the game's very best pitchers for however long he stays healthy. Fortunately, he may have to throw only 140-150 innings to make back what owners paid for him this year.

Mark Ellis - 2B - Athletics
Mark Ellis drove in five runs with a pair of doubles Wednesday against the Mariners. Ellis had exactly 52 RBI each of the last three seasons. He's currently at seven after three games this year, so count on him establishing a new career high somewhere around the first of May.

John Maine - SP - Mets
John Maine pitched the first seven innings in the Mets' two-hit shutout of the Cardinals on Wednesday night. The Mets allowed only two runs while scoring 20 in a three-game sweep of the Cardinals. 10 of those runs came in tonight's game, which featured two homers from Carlos Beltran and one from Jose Reyes. Maine allowed just one hit and struck out six before being removed after 97 pitches. Aaron Sele gave up the other hit in the ninth.

Carlos Beltran - OF - Mets
Carlos Beltran had two homers and four RBI in the rout of the Cardinals on Wednesday. Beltran collected hits in all three games and drove in six runs in the sweep. Despite Jose Reyes' emergence, Beltran still has to be considered the Mets' best player right now. If not for his leg problems last September, he could have been the NL's MVP last year.

Jose Bautista - 3B - Pirates
Jose Bautista had three hits and three RBI in the Pirates' 5-4 win over the Astros on Wednesday night. Bautista finished the spring ice cold, whereas Jose Castillo was red hot. However, things reversed themselves in the three-game sweep of the Astros. Bautista went 6-for-13 with two doubles in the series. Castillo was just 1-for-11. It's now clear that Bautista will remain a regular when Freddy Sanchez returns to the lineup this weekend.

Craig Biggio - 2B - Astros
Craig Biggio went 3-for-5 with a solo homer Wednesday versus the Pirates. Biggio is no longer an OBP guy or a basestealer, suggesting he should no longer be hitting first for the Astros. However, he does still have his uses, especially at Minute Maid park and when the club is facing a lefty. A fourth straight 20-homer season is a possibility, even though his at-bat today figures to drop for a third consecutive year.

Tim Hudson - SP - Braves
Tim Hudson limited the Phillies to one run and two hits over seven innings on Wednesday night. Hudson walked four and hit a batter, but they didn't hurt him at all. The run scored on a Carlos Ruiz homer. It's an encouraging start following a spring that fits the same description.

Cole Hamels - SP - Phillies
Cole Hamels shut out the Braves for seven innings and struck out eight Wednesday in a no-decision. Even without the win, Hamels owners and the Phillies have to be very pleased. The 23-year-old struggled most of the spring, giving up nine homers in 20 2/3 innings.

Ted Lilly - SP - Cubs
Ted Lilly struck out nine in seven innings and combined with two relievers on a three-hitter Wednesday against the Reds. Despite some flu-like symptoms, Lilly outpitched Bronson Arroyo in the 4-1 game. He did give up all three hits and the run, which came on a sixth-inning single from Adam Dunn. Bobby Howry and Ryan Dempster finished up with perfect innings.

Ervin Santana - SP - Angels
Ervin Santana threw seven innings and allowed two runs and four hits Wednesday in a defeat of the Rangers. Santana improved to 20-5 in 32 career starts at Angel Stadium. We wonder if the Angels gave much thought to putting him ahead of Kelvim Escobar in the rotation, which would have left him with two starts at home in the first week of the season. Since he was held back until today, he'll next pitch at Cleveland. He'll also get the Red Sox at Fenway next week, making him a risky play in mixed leagues.

Matt Holliday - OF - Rockies
Matt Holliday went 4-for-4 with a home run and four RBI to lead the Rockies to an 11-4 win over the Diamondbacks on Wednesday. Holliday was the Rockies' best hitter last year, so it may seem odd that he's batting fifth to begin this year. However, he's going to be in more RBI situations hitting behind Garret Atkins and Todd Helton than he would be behind Willy Taveras and Kaz Matsui/Jamey Carroll. He might be good for 120 RBI this year.

Rodrigo Lopez - SP - Rockies
Rodrigo Lopez limited the Diamondbacks to two runs -- one earned -- in seven innings to earn a win on Wednesday. Lopez had a 9.00 ERA this spring, so this had to be a nice surprise for the Rockies. Only Eric Byrnes, who homered and doubled, had much luck versus Lopez today.

Victor Martinez - C - Indians
Victor Martinez went 4-for-4 with a double, two RBI and two walks Wednesday in the Indians' 8-7 defeat of the White Sox. Martinez has gone 6-for-8 with five RBI while the Indians have combined for 20 runs in their two wins over the Pale Hose. It looks like he might even better his performance from last April, when he hit .398 with five homers and 20 RBI.

Darin Erstad - OF - White Sox
Darin Erstad reached base all five times he was up and stole two bases Wednesday against the Indians. Erstad, who homered on Opening Day, went 2-for-2 and walked three times today. He had four walks in 80 at-bats this spring.

Curtis Granderson - OF - Tigers
Curtis Granderson had a grand slam, an RBI triple and a stolen base Wednesday as the Jays edged the Tigers 10-9. The Jays got seven runs in the eighth off Jason Grilli and Fernando Rodney, but they couldn't tie it up, even after getting two of the first three batters on against Todd Jones in the ninth. Granderson's grand slam was the first of his career. The stolen base was another good sign. He didn't seem comfortable running last year, especially after struggling early. However, the speed is there for him to swipe at least 15-20 bases.

Ivan Rodriguez - C - Tigers
Ivan Rodriguez contributed four singles in five at-bats Wednesday against the Jays. He somehow went without an RBI, even though the Tigers scored 10 runs and the two guys ahead of him combined to reach base six times. Rodriguez should have a lot of chances to drive in runs while batting sixth against righties. He's due to lead off versus lefties.

Ryan Church - OF - Nationals
Ryan Church had a three-run homer and a double as the Nationals came from behind to beat Marlins 7-6 on Wednesday. Despite his success, Church was out of the game by the time the Nationals scored three in the ninth off Jorge Julio. Robert Fick, Kory Casto and Dmitri Young all singled in runs during the inning. Church's big game today came from the seventh spot in the order. If manager Manny Acta really thinks Church belongs behind Brian Schneider in the lineup, it's hard to see why he's playing Church in the first place.

Ronnie Belliard - 2B - Nationals
In his first start of the season, Ronnie Belliard went 3-for-4 against the Marlins on Wednesday. As expected, the Nationals moved Felipe Lopez to shortstop to make room for Belliard while Cristian Guzman is sidelined. Belliard won't have a lot of value if he keeps batting eighth like he did today, but he is worth using in NL-only leagues.

Miguel Cabrera - 3B - Marlins
Miguel Cabrera went 2-for-3 with a homer and a walk Wednesday against the Nationals. Cabrera went 7-for-10 with two homers and five walks in the series against the Nationals, giving him an acceptable .700/.800/1.500 line.

Bob Wickman - RP - Braves
Bob Wickman notched his first save of the season Wednesday night against Philadelphia. In one inning, he allowed a single and struck out one. Barring injury, it wouldn't come as a shock to see the finesse closer sustain last year's strong strikeout numbers in the National League (25 Ks in 26 innings).

MLB Player Notes

Wednesday, April 4, 2007 - MLB Player Notes

National League

Chris Carpenter - SP - Cardinals
The Cardinals decided against performing an MRI on Chris Carpenter's elbow. He'll miss his next start with what the team is calling inflammation. Carpenter said his elbow wasn't bothering him during Sunday's game, though he did notice some swelling later that night. "Everybody I've talked to, the doctors and trainers, are not alarmed," he said. "They're trying to make sure I know everything will be OK." Carpenter will be evaluated over the next three days before the Cardinals decide when he'll pitch next.

Rafael Furcal - SS - Dodgers
Rafael Furcal (ankle) was again limited to playing catch on Tuesday. He won't be ready Saturday as hoped. "He's having a hard time getting from jogging to running," trainer Stan Conte said. "It's a transition, and we expected it. If you push at the wrong time, you can irritate it and cost more days. It was a significant ankle injury, and this is not very much time when you're talking about an ankle. He hasn't had any setbacks." Furcal is probably at least a week away.
Source: Dodgers.mlb.com

Randy Johnson - SP - Diamondbacks
Randy Johnson threw 60 pitches over four innings in a minor league game for Triple-A Tucson on Tuesday. The Diamondbacks didn't say how he performed, but they indicated he didn't have any problems in the start. Johnson will make two official starts in minor league games before rejoining the Arizona rotation on April 19.

Lastings Milledge - OF - Mets
Lasting Milledge admitted that his hand is still sore and he will need to wear protective padding on it to prevent further injury. Milledge is expected to make his first start of the season on Friday against the Braves.
Source: Newsday

Barry Bonds - OF - Giants
Barry Bonds felt strong enough to steal a base during Tuesday's opener, but he doesn't think he will play more than the 130 games he appeared in last year. "I'm 42, not 22," Bonds said. "I'll get out there if my body allows me to get out there. If it doesn't, I'm not. That's just life. That's nothing to do against anybody or the team. ... If my body doesn't, too damn bad."
Source: Contra Costa Times

Dave Roberts - OF - Giants
An MRI performed Monday on Dave Roberts' shoulder showed no structural damage. Roberts was in the Giants' lineup for Tuesday's game. He injured the shoulder running into the outfield wall during Sunday's exhibition game against Oakland.
Source: Contra Costa Times

Matt Chico - SP - Nationals
Matt Chico will make his major league debut on Wednesday. "To tell you that kid is going to step on the mound and act and pitch like he's been here 10 years, I'd be lying to you," Nats' manager Manny Acta said. "He's going to have some butterflies." The 23-year-old has never made a start above Double-A.
Source: Washington Post

Mike Jacobs - 1B - Marlins
Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez plans to alternate Mike Jacobs and Josh Willingham in the fourth and fifth spots of the lineup. The left-handed-hitting Jacobs will bat cleanup when a right-hander's on the mound, and right-handed-hitting Josh Willingham will move into the four-hole when a lefty takes the hill. Florida's top three hitters -- Hanley Ramirez, Dan Uggla and Miguel Cabrera -- promise to provide a good deal of RBI chances for the middle of the order. After the first two games, in four of Jacobs' first nine at-bats, he had runners in scoring position. And Willingham, in his first 10 at-bats, was hitting with runners in scoring position five times.
Source: MLB.com

Kevin Mench - OF - Brewers
Starting in left field Tuesday against the Dodgers, Kevin Mench hit a go-ahead, two-run homer off left-hander Randy Wolf in the sixth inning. Brewers manager Ned Yost said he plans to platoon the right-handed-hitting Mench and the left-handed hitting Geoff Jenkins in left this season.
Source: MLB.com

John Patterson - SP - Nationals
John Patterson studied videotape of his less-than-stellar Monday debut and found what he believes were mechanical flaws in his delivery. The Nationals ace said that his shoulder was pointed toward third base, when it should have been facing the plate. "It's a pretty simple fix," Patterson said. "It's speeding up my delivery a little bit and getting my direction a little bit more in line." Hopefully the discovery will help him -- and his owners -- avoid future meltdowns.
Source: MLB.com

Brad Penny - SP - Dodgers
Brad Penny (shoulder stiffness) came through his bullpen session on Tuesday with no problems as he prepares for his season debut April 6 in San Francisco. Penny missed a Spring Training start two weeks ago but said he’s felt fine since.

American League

Johan Santana - SP - Twins
Johan Santana will get a fifth day of rest between starts and pitch on Sunday. Santana could have come back on four days' rest Saturday if he wished. Instead, Sidney Ponson will go then.

Esteban Loaiza - SP - Athletics
Esteban Loaiza won't throw again for at least a week after being diagnosed with a bulging disk in his neck. That's what caused the soreness near his shoulder. "It's not herniated. Not surgical. It's something that can be treated," assistant GM David Forst said. Chad Gaudin is now expected to make two or three starts in place of Loaiza. The plan is for Loaiza to return before the end of the month.

Jorge Cantu - 2B - Devil Rays
As expected, Jorge Cantu will report to Triple-A Thursday after initially demanding a trade and saying he wouldn't accept his demotion. Cantu's agent told reporters Tuesday that his trade request "was firm" and added that Cantu is "focused on going to Durham and working hard." Cantu can force the issue by hitting well at Durham, but his lack of offense last season along with his defensive struggles makes it difficult to play him regularly. A long stint at Triple-A could push back Cantu's arbitration eligibility, which was set to kick in next year.
Source: St Petersburg Times

Jay Payton - OF - Orioles
Jay Payton (hamstring) is expected to begin running later this week. Payton is eligible to return from the disabled list next Wednesday, but will likely need a brief minor league rehab assignment before then.
Source: Baltimore Sun

Johnny Damon - OF - Yankees
Johnny Damon had more than just cramps in his calf Monday and wasn't going to start Wednesday's game as planned. Damon, who was having a bigger problem with the right calf, showed up in the clubhouse Wednesday barely able to walk. There's a chance he might end up on the disabled list, putting Melky Cabrera in center field for a couple of weeks.
Source: Newsday

Andy Pettitte - SP - Yankees
Andy Pettitte is now scheduled to start Thursday after Wednesday's game against the Devil Rays was rained out. Mike Mussina and Kei Igawa have each been backed up one day. Darrell Rasner remains Sunday's scheduled starter, and Carl Pavano will now make his next start Monday.
Source: Newsday

Bobby Crosby - SS - Athletics
Shortstop Bobby Crosby will likely get a day or two off each week throughout the first month of the season. Crosby's first day off, according to Oakland manager Bob Geren, probably will be Thursday in Anaheim. Crosby might not play Sunday, either, because it's Oakland's first day game after a night game of the year.
Source: MLB.com

Joe Nathan - RP - Twins
Expecting his second child, Joe Nathan could possibly miss Wednesday night's game against the Orioles. Nathan's wife Lisa is scheduled to be induced for labor on Wednesday morning. If all goes according to schedule, Nathan plans on being back in the bullpen by the middle innings to be available to pitch, if necessary. Nathan has even talked to his wife about leaving for a bit to come to the game if the labor is taking longer than expected, and then returning before the birth. Such unbelievable ambition is yet another reason why the Twins reliever can be called the game’s top fantasy closer.
Source: MLB.com

Ramon Hernandez - C - Orioles
Ramon Hernandez, who's nursing a strained left oblique, elected to skip batting practice Tuesday and may be held out of the lineup a little longer than expected. The backstop was hoping to make his season debut in the April 7-9 weekend series against the Yankees, but if he can't swing in the next few days, the Orioles may do without his services. "Obviously, you have some concern about it or otherwise, he'd be in there playing," manager Sam Perlozzo said. "My biggest concern is we don't want something to happen that is going to be long-term. That's our major concern. It's early in the season. ... We're going to hope that he is 100 percent before we feel comfortable to put him back in there."
Source: MLB.com

Octavio Dotel - RP - Royals
Octavio Dotel had an MRI on his strained left oblique on Tuesday. Dotel remains listed as day-to-day and is expected to throw on Wednesday but will not be available to pitch against the Red Sox that night. “We’ll see how he feels,” said Royals manager Buddy Bell. “If he can’t pitch on Thursday, more than likely, we’ll put him on the disabled list. We’ll wait until [Wednesday] to make a more solid decision on that.” This is not good news for Dotel owners. Bell said that primary setup man David Riske would assume the closer role should Dotel hit the DL.
Source: MLB.com

Tuesday MLB Busts

Tuesday, April 3, 2007 - MLB Busts

Vicente Padilla - SP - Rangers
Vicente Padilla was tagged for six runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings by the Angels on Tuesday. Little more should have been expected the way he finished up the spring. Padilla might be pitching through some pain. He's not going to be worth using in AL-only leagues until he turns it around.

Nelson Cruz - OF - Rangers
In his first start, Nelson Cruz went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts and committed an error in right field on Tuesday. Cruz replaced Brad Wilkerson in the outfield tonight. Sammy Sosa has started both games, going 1-for-7 so far. The three are sharing two spots, and whoever gets hot first could take away quite a bit of playing time from the other two.

Jose Valverde - RP - Diamondbacks
Jose Valverde blew a one-run lead and took the loss in the 10th Tuesday against the Rockies. Valverde did deserve the blown save, but it easily could have gone the other way. While Troy Tulowitzki's game-tying double with two outs was scalded to right field, it was nearly hauled in by Eric Byrnes, who had the ball go off the wrist of his glove-hand. What Valverde didn't deserve was the loss. The following batter, Chris Iannetta, hit a grounder to third that Alberto Callaspo fanned on. It was a tough error, leading to an unearned run, but it was a play that should have been made.

Tuesday MLB Standouts

Tuesday, April 3, 2007 - MLB Standouts

Vladimir Guerrero - OF - Angels
Vladimir Guerrero went 4-for-4 with a homer and a walk as the Angels defeated the Rangers 8-3 on Wednesday night. The top three men in the order -- Gary Matthews Jr., Orlando Cabrera and Guerrero -- combined to go 8-for-12 with three walks in the game. With only Garret Anderson and Shea Hillenbrand hitting behind him, Guerrero should be looking at a lot of intentional walks when he's hot like he is now. He's still capable of an MVP-type season, but he's going to have a hard time putting up monster run and RBI numbers while being surrounded by little more than average regulars.

Ian Kinsler - 2B - Rangers
Ian Kinsler homered and walked twice as the Rangers' No. 9 hitter on Tuesday night. He also homered in Monday's opener. Kinsler won't keep batting ninth versus righties if he remains hot. He's already expected to bat second versus lefties.

Richie Sexson - 1B - Mariners
Richie Sexson homered for the second straight day to help the Mariners beat the A's 8-4 on Tuesday night. Sexson had a two-run shot off Joe Blanton in the second inning. The homers are his only hits through two games, but they've accounted for five RBI.

Orlando Hernandez - SP - Mets
Orlando Hernandez limited the Cardinals to one run in seven innings and had a two-run double to earn a victory on Tuesday night. El Duque had two RBI in 68 career at-bats before his double off Kip Wells tonight. Hernandez got the win despite not striking out a single batter. He fanned 164 in 162 1/3 innings last year, so it was probably a fluke.

Boof Bonser - SP - Twins
Boof Bonser yielded two runs and three hits in six innings Tuesday in the Twins' 3-2 win over the Orioles. Unfortunately, Bonser would have needed to last one more inning to get the win, which went to Pat Neshek. Bonser threw 100 pitches in six innings, so he wasn't coming back out. He allowed three hits, walked three and struck out six.

Daniel Cabrera - SP - Orioles
Daniel Cabrera gave up three runs in seven innings and struck out nine Tuesday in a loss to the Twins. Cabrera is starting to figure out the whole pitching thing, but the rest of his game still needs work. The Twins were 4-for-4 attempting steals against him and Alberto Castillo (5-for-5 in all), and Cabrera also hurt himself on defense, something that's not unusual for him. One still has to like the strikeouts, and if he gives up three runs in seven innings every time out, he'll win plenty of games.

Xavier Nady - OF - Pirates
Xavier Nady had a solo home run and a go-ahead RBP single in the top of the eighth as the Pirates edged the Astros 3-2 on Tuesday. After recovering from an intestinal infection, Nady didn't have an extra-base hit in 36 at-bats this spring. He's started the regular season with two homers in two games, both coming off quality righties. Since he's a career .245/.294/.409 hitter against right-handers, there's a good argument to be made that he shouldn't be playing regularly. However, the Pirates have every intention of giving him 500+ at-bats this year.

Ian Snell - SP - Pirates
Ian Snell fanned 11 while allowing two runs in six innings Tuesday against the Astros. What's especially impressive is that Snell needed just 86 pitches to get the 11 strikeouts. He might have gone another inning, but the Pirates were down by a run and had a man on base when he was due up in the top of the seventh.

Salomon Torres - RP - Pirates
Salomon Torres picked up his second save in two days with a perfect ninth Tuesday against the Astros. Torres and setup man Matt Capps combined to give up 18 runs in 16 2/3 innings this spring, but they've pitched four scoreless innings through two games. Capps' performance on Monday earned him a win.

Jason Jennings - SP - Astros
Jason Jennings allowed one run in six innings and struck out seven against the Pirates on Tuesday. Two very good starts and two losses for the Astros. The team can at least be pleased about Jennings' effort tonight after he gave up nine runs and 18 hits in 14 innings this spring.

Russell Martin - C - Dodgers
Russell Martin went 3-for-5 with a homer and a double in Tuesday's loss to the Brewers. Martin, who is batting second with Rafael Furcal sidelined, drove in the Dodgers' first run, scored the second and did both for the third in the 4-3 loss. There's a better chance of Tommy Lasorda winning the New York Marathon this year, but the Dodgers would benefit from leaving Martin in the second spot after Furcal returns and batting Juan Pierre eighth.

Josh Willingham - OF - Marlins
Josh Willingham went 3-for-5 with two RBI against the Nationals on Tuesday night. Willingham had a tough spring and was about the only Marlin not to have fun during Monday's 9-2 rout, going 0-for-5 in that one. He originally figured to hit cleanup -- as he did most of last year -- but he's instead batting fifth behind Mike Jacobs, even though Jacobs also hit under .200 during March. Willingham is more likely to be a $15-$16 player this year if he resumes batting immediately behind Miguel Cabrera. He likely will do so against left-handers.

Jake Peavy - SP - Padres
Jake Peavy struck out six in six innings and combined with two relievers on a shutout of the Giants on Tuesday. Peavy allowed three hits, all singles. The first was a check-swing grounder by Barry Bonds against the shift, and the next was a little dribbler down the first-base line by Dave Roberts. Only Ray Durham's liner to center in the sixth was fairly well hit. Peavy was removed after 98 pitches. Cla Meredith and Heath Bell finished the shutout.

Josh Bard - C - Padres
Josh Bard went 4-for-5 with a double and two runs scored Tuesday against the Giants. Picking up right where he left off last year. The Padres had Bard hitting fifth today despite the great springs enjoyed by Khalil Greene and Kevin Kouzmanoff. He should eventually drop a spot or two, but he'll enjoy solid run and RBI numbers for as long as he remains in the heart of the order.

Damon might end up on DL

Johnny Damon had more than just cramps in his calf Monday and wasn't going to start Wednesday's game as planned. Damon, who was having a bigger problem with the right calf, showed up in the clubhouse Wednesday barely able to walk. There's a chance he might end up on the disabled list, putting Melky Cabrera in center field for a couple of weeks.
Source: Newsday

Padres' Peavy shuts down Giants

Jake Peavy sparkled in six shutout innings and the San Diego Padres beat the San Francisco Giants 7-0 on Tuesday in the season opener for both clubs, giving rookie skipper Bud Black a win in his debut against predecessor Bruce Bochy. "That's the way you draw it up," Peavy said. "Put some zeros on the board and make it hold up. That's a good day. I feel healthy. That's the biggest thing for me." Peavy gave up 3 hits, walked two and struck out six.
Source: AP

Carpenter to miss start due to elbow inflammation

Chris Carpenter will miss a turn in the St. Louis Cardinals' pitching rotation due to right elbow inflammation, though the team thinks its ace won't be out long. Carpenter complained of soreness Monday, the day after he struggled in the season opener against the New York Mets. An examination by team physician Dr. George Paletta on Tuesday did not include an MRI, and Carpenter said he thought his elbow already had improved. "I'm not a doctor, but I feel it's a little bit better," Carpenter said. The Cardinals said Carpenter will be evaluated over the next three days.

Carpenter allowed five runs in six innings during a 6-1 loss to the Mets on Sunday night. He has been the staff ace the last three seasons after missing most of the 2002 season and all of 2003 following shoulder surgery. Carpenter was an All-Star in each of the last two seasons, going 15-8 last year after winning the NL Cy Young Award with a 21-5 record in 2005.
Source: AP

2007 Opening Day Busts

2007 MLB Opening Day Busts

Aces get tagged, Lidge blows save, Monroe K's four times

Jose Contreras - SP - White Sox
Jose Conteras was torched for eight runs -- seven earned -- in one-plus innings by the Indians on Monday. Contreras gave up a leadoff homer to Grady Sizemore to start a five-run first. The second started with a walk, a double and an infield single/error before Contreras was pulled, and the two inherited runners came around to score off Nick Masset. Contreras finished with a 5.09 ERA this spring, but that's not bad for Arizona. He should have value in shallow mixed leagues this season.

After facing him on Opening Day, Jhonny Peralta told reporters that Jose Contreras "just wasn't throwing as hard as last year." "He usually throws harder," Peralta said. "Today he was throwing a lot of sliders."
Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer

Brad Lidge - RP - Astros
Brad Lidge blew his first save of the season when he gave up a two-out solo homer to Xavier Nady in the top of the ninth on Monday night. Working with a one-run lead, Lidge struck out Adam LaRoche and got Ronny Paulino to ground out before giving up the gopher ball. A double and a walk followed before Lidge got out of the inning. It's not like Lidge was throwing badly, but he isn't even close to being the Astros' best reliever right now and the team might not be able to afford to keep him in the closer's role, especially not when Phil Garner is working so hard to prevent his team from scoring runs.

Derek Lowe - SP - Dodgers
Derek Lowe pitched four innings and gave up six runs Monday in a loss to the Brewers. Lowe allowed eight hits and walked five. He issued just three free passes in 24 innings while amassing a 3.38 ERA this spring. This isn't worth worrying about. He still has the potential to win 15 plus games in 07.

John Patterson - SP - Nationals
John Patterson was roughed up by the Marlins on Monday, allowing six runs in 3 2/3 innings. Patterson allowed seven hits and walked three. He wasn't all that sharp this spring, though he did get better as March went on. It may take him longer to hit his stride as he continues his recovery from forearm surgery.

Scott Kazmir - SP - Devil Rays
Scott Kazmir was tagged for five runs in five-plus innings by the Yankees on Monday. Kazmir just didn't have his good slider today, and his fastball command was also a problem. He walked four and hit Derek Jeter in the leg with one of his sliders.

Carl Pavano - SP - Yankees
Carl Pavano was pulled after allowing five runs -- four earned -- in 4 1/3 innings Monday against the Rays. Pavano's outing might have looked better if not for a couple of Derek Jeter-Josh Phelps missed connections. Still, the Yankees couldn't have loved what they were seeing if they pulled him after just 73 pitches. Pavano allowed six hits, walked two and struck out two.

Craig Monroe - OF - Tigers
Craig Monroe struck out all four times he was up Monday against the Blue Jays. Monroe struck out 31 more times (126 in all) last year than he did in 26 fewer at-bats in 2005, yet he was just as productive thanks to his 28 homers. He'll likely be good about 25 homers and 80-90 RBI again this year, but with his low OBP, it wouldn't take much of a decline for him to cease being an effective regular.

Carlos Zambrano - SP - Cubs
Carlos Zambrano gave up five runs and walked five in five innings Monday in a loss to the Reds. This was actually the longest of Zambrano's three career Opening Day starts. He's also faced the Reds a year ago and gave up five runs in 4 2/3 innings. Along with the five walks, Zambrano hit Brandon Phillips. Just 45 of his 92 pitches were strikes.

Curt Schilling - SP - Red Sox
Curt Schilling lasted just four innings and gave up five runs and eight hits Monday in a loss to the Royals. Ignoring one start impacted by a power outage, it was Schilling's shortest outing since May 22, 1997, a span of 281 starts. We're not going to blame the whole "pitching to contact" strategy on this one. He just had lousy command right from the very start of his outing. He only walked two, but he missed down the middle of the plate far too often to be successful.

Erik Bedard - SP - Orioles
Erik Bedard was tagged for six runs and 10 hits in 4 2/3 innings Monday in a loss to the Orioles. Bedard gave up back-to-back solo homers in the second. The three-run fifth was partially fueled by a too tight strike zone from umpire Joe West. Bedard gave up one more run today than he did in 23 innings this spring.

Brandon Webb - SP - Diamondbacks
Brandon Webb allowed five earned runs, eight hits and three walks in five innings in Monday's opening day start at Colorado. He made 97 pitches and did not figure into the decision. Webb will certainly have better days. It's bad enough making the opening day start, but pitching at Coors makes it doubly hard. He'll bounce back and be just fine. His next assignment will come next weekend at Washington, a favorable matchup.

2007 Opening Day Standouts

2007 MLB Opening Day Standouts

Felix fans 12, Sheets pitches two-hitter, Dunn & Renteria homer twice

Felix Hernandez - SP - Mariners
Felix Hernandez struck out 12 in eight scoreless innings to beat the A's on Monday. Yeah, the Mariners were probably right to make him their Opening Day starter. Hernandez allowed three hits and walked two while throwing 111 pitches. The Mariners can't let him go past 110 pitches very often and still should be trying to steal an extra day of rest for him here and there. If they handle him correctly, he could be as valuable as any AL pitcher outside of Johan Santana. If not, there's a good chance he'll wear down in August and September or get hurt even before then.

Jason Bay - OF - Pirates
Jason Bay hit a two-run homer off Chad Qualls in the top of the 10th Monday to lead the Pirates to a 4-2 win over the Astros. That after Xavier Nady's solo blast off Brad Lidge tied it in the ninth. Bay's homer was the only hit for the Pirates' three-through-five hitters. Adam LaRoche and Ronny Paulino both went 0-for-5, with LaRoche striking out four times.

Roy Oswalt - SP - Astros
Roy Oswalt didn't figure into the decision despite limiting the Pirates to one run in 7 2/3 innings on Monday. The lone run came on a pinch-hit homer from Nate McLouth. Oswalt left with a one-run lead that was surrendered by closer Brad Lidge. 72 of his 95 pitches were strikes.

Brad Hawpe - OF - Rockies
Hawpe, who missed the final five days of the spring with a sprained ankle, went 3-for-5 with two RBI Monday against the Diamondbacks. Hawpe will get another start on Tuesday and then likely sit in favor of Jeff Baker against the lefty on Wednesday. Hawpe could be a decent fantasy outfielder, but you want a guy that starts every day. He will lose bats to Baker against lefties.

Adam Dunn - OF - Reds
Adam Dunn homered in his first two at-bats off Carlos Zambrano and walked Monday in the Reds' victory. Dunn also had two homers on Opening Day 2005 and now has five first-day homers in his career. Frank Robinson is the all-time leader with eight, and Ken Griffey Jr. is among those one behind. The second homer was also the 200th of Dunn's career. He's not going to stay hot all season, but with the way he's swinging now, don't be surprised if he reaches double figures in homers before April is over.

Ben Sheets - SP - Brewers
Ben Sheets threw a two-hitter and retired 22 straight at one point in the Brewers' 7-1 win over the Dodgers on Monday. Sheets' streak started immediately after Jeff Kent homered to lead off the second. The recently traded Brady Clark had the only other hit for the Dodgers. Given his injury history, it may seem odd that the Brewers let Sheets go nine on Opening Day. However, Sheets had to throw just 104 pitches to get his 27 outs.

Edgar Renteria - SS - Braves
Edgar Renteria hit a game-tying homer in the eighth and a go-ahead two-run blast in the top of the 10th to lead the Braves to a 5-3 win over the Phillies on Monday. Renteria tried and failed to sacrifice twice before the homer off Ryan Madson in the 10th. The first homer came off Brett Myers. Renteria's career high for homers in a season is 16, so don't expect more outbursts like this. He will, however, contribute enough in all five categories to be of use in shallow mixed leagues.

Alejandro De Aza - OF - Marlins
Alejandro De Aza tripled, singled, walked and scored two runs Monday in his major league debut. A nice start to his major league career. De Aza is unlikely to be very good offensively, but he will steal the occasional base, giving him some value in NL-only leagues.

Miguel Cabrera - 3B - Marlins
Miguel Cabrera went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer, a two-run double and two walks Monday against the Nationals. Both extra-base hits came off John Patterson. If Hanley Ramirez and Dan Uggla are even close to as good this year as they were last year, Cabrera should be looking at a new career high in RBI this season. He drove in 116 runs in 2005.

Hanley Ramirez - SS - Marlins
Hanley Ramirez went 4-for-6 with two doubles, four runs scored and two stolen bases on Monday. Ramirez got off to a very slow start this spring, but he ended up with a .303/.346/.526 line in 76 at-bats. We're not sure he'll get 74 extra-base hits like he did as a rookie, but since he's going to be allowed to attempt 60-70 steals again, he is likely to remain a fantasy stud.

Dontrelle Willis - SP - Marlins
Dontrelle Willis yielded two runs -- one earned -- in six innings Monday in a victory over the Nationals. Willis has already equalled his win total from the first two months of last year. It shouldn't come as much of a surprise that his first win of last season also came against the Nationals.

Brett Myers - SP - Phillies
Brett Myers surrendered three runs and four hits in 7 2/3 innings Monday in a no-decision versus the Braves. With no setup man the Phillies have a lot of faith in, manager Charlie Manuel let Myers start the eighth with a 3-2 lead. Edgar Renteria ended up tying the contest with a solo homer. The other two runs off Myers scored on a Brian McCann homer. Myers struck out nine and walked two in a strong effort.

Brian McCann - C - Braves
Brian McCann went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer and a double Monday against the Phillies. McCann was the only Brave to have any luck against Brett Myers until Edgar Renteria homered in the eighth. With the potential for another 90-RBI season as the Braves' No. 5 hitter, he's far and away the NL's No. 1 fantasy catcher.

Elijah Dukes - OF - Devil Rays
After walking his first time up, Elijah Dukes homered in his first official at-bat as a major leaguer Monday against the Yankees. With Rocco Baldelli limited to DH duties, Dukes played center field and hit eighth today. B.J. Upton had two hits and a steal behind him in the order. If those two can keep it up, they'll not only stay in the lineup, but they'll soon overtake Dioner Navarro and move up a bit in the order.

Alex Rodriguez - 3B - Yankees
Alex Rodriguez went 2-for-5 with a two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth Monday in the Yankees' 9-5 win over the Rays. A roller-coaster day for A-Rod. He committed an error on a foul popup in the top of the first and then struck out with two on in the bottom of the inning. Things got better from there. His bigger contribution probably came in the seventh, when he singled, stole second and scored the go-ahead run on Jason Giambi's single. The homer off Juan Salas in the eighth was highly unlikely to make a difference, as the Yankees had just stretched their lead from one to two and had Mariano Rivera coming on to pitch.

Aaron Harang - SP - Reds
Aaron Harang allowed just an unearned run over seven innings to defeat the Cubs on Monday. It didn't look like Harang would last that long when he began to struggle a bit in the fifth, but he retired the final eight batters he faced in a 113-pitch outing. He allowed six hits, walked two and struck out five.

J.J. Hardy - SS - Brewers
J.J. Hardy went 3-for-4 with a walk as the Brewers' No. 2 hitter on Monday. He'll certainly stay in that spot if he keeps having games like this. Hardy entered with a career OBP of .319 in 500 at-bats. He'll have to improve that considerably to be an asset so high in the order this year, but he does have the potential to do so.

Trot Nixon - OF - Indians
Trot Nixon went 3-for-4 with a walk and three runs scored Monday against the White Sox. Nixon might not hit for much power early on, but his on-base ability will aid the Indians, especially with the team using him as a No. 2 hitter. He will sit against lefties, opening up first base for Ryan Garko and Victor Martinez.

Grady Sizemore - OF - Indians
Grady Sizemore homered to lead off the game and scored three runs in the Indians' victory on Monday. Following the homer off Jose Contreras, Sizemore later singled and walked. The big game today comes after he hit just .115 this spring.

Mark Grudzielanek - 2B - Royals
Mark Grudzielanek went 3-for-5 with a double and three RBI against the Red Sox on Monday. Grudzy was hitting .185 with an 18/1 K/BB ratio against Curt Schilling before collecting hits in all three of his at-bats in the matchup today.

Gil Meche - SP - Royals
Gil Meche held the Red Sox to one run in 7 1/3 innings to win Monday in his Royals debut. Maybe nowhere to go but down from here. Meche walked off to a standing ovation from the crowd of 41,257 on Opening Day. He'll have similar outings during the summer, but they may be witnessed by a quarter as many people. While he didn't need a lot of help, Meche was aided today by the Red Sox twice trying and failing to take second base after singles. He allowed six hits, walked one and struck out six.

Orlando Hudson - 2B - Diamondbacks
Orlando Hudson went 3-for-4 with a double and two runs scored to help the Diamondbacks beat the Rockies 8-6 on Monday. Hudson was hitting third today. He'll probably split time between the second and third spots in the order, as manager Bob Melvin intends to play matchups with his lineups.

Luke Scott - OF - Astros
Luke Scott went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer off Zach Duke in Monday's loss to the Pirates. Had the Pirates started Ian Snell first and then Duke, Scott likely would have sat out against the left-hander. However, manager Phil Garner wanted his primary right fielder in there on Opening Day and Scott responded. This may encourage Garner to give Scott more time against lefties, though Jason Lane is deserving of the at-bats.

Justin Morneau - 1B - Twins
Justin Morneau went 3-for-4 with a home run in the Twins' 7-4 defeat of the Orioles on Monday night. Morneau and Torii Hunter went back-to-back off Erik Bedard in the second inning. The quick start for Morneau comes after he had just three extra-base hits in 62 at-bats this spring.

Casey Kotchman - 1B - Angels
Casey Kotchman went 2-for-3 with a solo homer and a walk Monday against the Rangers. Kotchman had a great spring to win a starting job over Kendry Morales and seems poised for the breakthrough season he appeared set to experience a year ago before being diagnosed with mono. He's still a poor bet to reach 20 homers, but he could hit .290-.300 and drive in 80 runs.

Player Notes: American League

AL Player Notes - April 3, 2007

Eric Gagne - RP - Rangers
Eric Gagne (elbow) threw 20 pitches Monday in an extended spring training game. Gagne is expected to pitch again Wednesday and could return from the disabled list as soon as April 13.
Source: Dallas Morning News

Rocco Baldelli - DH - Devil Rays
Rocco Baldelli's injured hamstring cramped up Monday, but he remained in the game and later stole a base after singling. "I cramped up right when I swung," Baldelli said. "I swung and took my first step out of the box and my leg cramped up. I knew what it was right away, but there was nothing I could do about it at that point except turn around and walk back to the dugout. I was just hoping it didn't stay cramped, and it didn't."
Source: Tampa Tribune

Esteban Loaiza - SP - Athletics
Esteban Loaiza canceled Monday's scheduled bullpen session and will not start Thursday at Triple-A after experiencing further tightness in his injured shoulder. Loaiza is returning to Oakland Tuesday to undergo further tests, including an MRI, and said "this one is worse" than the shoulder problems that sidelined him for a month last year. The A's may call up Jason Windsor if Loaiza is out for an extended period of time, but Chad Gaudin figures to replace him in the short term.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Octavio Dotel - RP - Royals
Octavio Dotel (oblique) is expected to be sidelined until at least Thursday and may still end up on the disabled list. David Riske will assume ninth-inning duties in the meantime. "If he can throw on Thursday, great," manager Buddy Bell said. "If he can’t go Thursday, we’ll probably put him on the disabled list and backdate him."
Source: Kansas City Star

Ramon Hernandez - C - Orioles
Ramon Hernandez (oblique) said Monday that he's hoping to return in "three to four days." Hernandez could be available to pinch hit, but likely won't be starting until at least Friday, after he's re-evaluated. Paul Bako started for him Monday night against Johan Santana and had a rough night, getting crushed by Justin Morneau in a home-plate collision that busted his chin and making two defensive mistakes afterward.
Source: Washington Post

Jered Weaver - SP - Angels
Jered Weaver said Monday that he's "completely recovered" from the shoulder problems that have sidelined him to begin the season. Weaver is scheduled to throw 75 pitches in a minor league game Friday and 90 pitches in a minor league start next week, and then plans to return to the Angels' rotation on April 16.
Source: Los Angeles Times

Johnny Damon - OF - Yankees
Johnny Damon said after Monday's game that he expects to be ready to play on Wedneday. Damon left the game with cramps in both calves.
Source: Newsday

Tadahito Iguchi - 2B - White Sox
Tadahito Iguchi is expected to bat seventh in the White Sox's batting order to begin the season. Iguchi spent much of last year hitting second, but Darin Erstad will take that spot this year. Iguchi may get more RBI chances hitting lower in the order, but his overall fantasy value takes a slight hit.
Source: Chicago Tribune

Player Notes: National League

NL Player notes - April 3, 2007

Rafael Furcal - SS - Dodgers
Rafael Furcal (ankle) has yet to resume running, leading to doubt that he'll be ready to play when eligible on Saturday. Furcal reportedly played catch with trainer Stan Conte at about 75 feet Monday morning and threw very gingerly, even grimacing on some of the throws. Ramon Martinez and Wilson Valdez are going to fill in for him at shortstop for at least the next few days.
Source: Los Angeles Daily News

Nook Logan - OF - Nationals
The Nationals placed center fielder Nook Logan on the 15-day disabled list with a left foot strain. An MRI confirmed the strain, and Logan is expected to miss two or three weeks. The Nationals will move Ryan Church to center field and go with Kory Casto as their primary left fielder. The offense should benefit from the change. The defense will suffer, but since John Patterson is the only Nationals starter worth using right now, that doesn't matter very much from a fantasy perspective.
Source: Washington Post

Cristian Guzman - SS - Nationals
The Nationals feel Cristian Guzman's hamstring problem is more serious than the ankle injury suffered by Nook Logan on Monday. Manager Manny Acta said that if Guzman is out for "a long period of time," then Felipe Lopez would shift back from second base to shortstop and Ronnie Belliard would play second. If it's just going to be a day-to-day thing, the Nationals will go with Josh Wilson at shortstop, a scenario that Lopez prefers. "I'm playing second. I don't want to switch. I don't want to start all over again," Lopez said. "If I have to, if they ask me -- but right now I want to stay at second. ... I've already got my mind set and got our game plan. I'm comfortable now."
Source: Washington Post

Chris Duncan - OF - Cardinals
Chris Duncan is expected to start in left field and bat second in Tuesday's game against the Mets. He should be in the lineup against every righty. "I definitely didn't swing the bat good against left-handers this spring," said Duncan. "I think [manager Tony La Russa] gave me an opportunity in spring to face some guys. It's the way it goes." Duncan hit .170 against left-handers last season, but had .318 average with 20 home runs against right-handers. So Taguchi started in left instead of Duncan on Opening Night .
Source: St Louis Post-Dispatch

Mike Cameron - OF - Padres
Mike Cameron (strained hamstring) will start Tuesday's game in center field. Cameron missed the last six spring training games due to the sore hamstring. He has taken batting practice the past few days and should be safe to use in fantasy leagues.
Source: San Diego Union-Tribune

Freddy Sanchez - 3B - Pirates
Freddy Sanchez (sprained MCL) is playing in extended spring training games and expects to play for Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday. Sanchez is eligible to be activated from the disabled list on Saturday, but the Pirates could wait until after the weekend so he can get some at bats in Triple-A to get comfortable at the plate.
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Freddy Garcia - SP - Phillies
Freddy Garcia (biceps tendinitis) said his bullpen session on Monday went very well. "I threw harder," Garcia said. "Today, I had life." He will make a rehab start in Clearwater on Thursday.
Source: Philadelphia Daily News

Luke Scott - OF - Astros
Manager Phil Garner says he plans to "semi-platoon" Luke Scott and Jason Lane in right field to begin the season. "I felt like Luke, based on what he did for the last part of the season and he had a very nice spring, he deserved to start the game," Garner said. "I will use a semi-platoon. I will play Jason Lane against left-handers a lot of times." Scott started Monday's opener against lefty Zach Duke.
Source: Houston Chronicle

Eric Milton - SP - Reds
Eric Milton (stiff back) played long-toss in the outfield prior to Monday's game. Milton, who is eligible to come off the disabled list on Saturday, will test his back during a simulated game on Wednesday.
Source: Cincinnati Enquirer

Wade Miller - SP - Cubs
Wade Miller will throw a simulated game on Tuesday to prepare for his start on Sunday. Miller had a 3.63 ERA during spring training. He will get at least three or four starts to prove he belongs in the rotation. If he struggles the Cubs could potentially replace him in the rotation with Mark Prior.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times

Mark Prior - SP - Cubs
Mark Prior will remain at extended spring training until he is able to get his pitch count high enough to start for Triple-A Iowa. "I want to make sure he's up to at least five innings," said farm director Oneri Fleita. "We just want to make sure he's ready to go, 100 percent. If it's one start or two starts, it doesn't matter." Prior was expected to throw a bullpen session Monday afternoon.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times

Ted Lilly - SP - Cubs
Ted Lilly has been sick with the flu since Sunday, but he doesn't think it will cause him to miss Wednesday's scheduled start. "I feel a lot better," Lilly said on Monday. "I'm a little more gung-ho. I've been looking forward to this opportunity for a while. Especially coming off a loss on Opening Day, there will be a little more emphasis."
Source: Chicago Sun-Times

Lance Cormier - RP - Braves
Lance Cormier (shoulder) will test his injured shoulder during a bullpen session on Tuesday. If Cormier is pain-free during the session he will start Sunday against the Mets. Kyle Davies will take the April 8 start if Cormier still feels any tightness in his shoulder.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Eric Byrnes - OF - Diamondbacks
Eric Byrnes was nearly removed from Monday's game because of an ankle injury sustained in the fourth inning. "I thought I was going to have to take him out of there because he really rolled that ankle, but he was saying `There's no way I'm coming out of this game,"' manager Bob Melvin recounted. "He's a tough guy and to see him hobbling around like that I was sure I'd have to take him out, but he stayed in the game and played a phenomenal game on top of that." Byrnes should be in Tuesday's lineup, but if not, this is probably going to be reason.

Matt Kemp - OF - Dodgers
Matt Kemp will get a start against left-hander Chris Capuano on Tuesday, manager Grady Little said. Little isn't committing to a platoon, but Kemp wouldn't be on the roster unless the Dodgers planned to get him into the lineup against lefties. Unfortuantely, it's likely that most of his at-bats will come at the expense of Andre Ethier, rather than Luis Gonzalez. Despite the difference in ballparks, Ethier had more than 100 points of OPS on Gonzalez against lefties last season. Ethier is also the better defender, as has already been made obvious in Monday's game.

Rich Hill - SP - Cubs
Rich Hill had his throwing session cut short Sunday by the blister on the middle finger of his left hand. "It'll be all right," Hill said. "It happened twice last year." Hill remains scheduled to start Friday.
Source: Cubs.mlb.com

Josh Hamilton - OF - Reds
Josh Hamilton is likely to make his first major league start Thursday against the Jason Marquis. A nice matchup to break him in with. Since it's a day game after a night game, either Ken Griffey Jr. or Ryan Freel could get the day off.
Source: Cincinnati Post

David Weathers - RP - Reds
Asked who would close Monday if the Reds had a one-run lead going into the ninth, manager Jerry Narron replied with David Weathers' name. Interestingly, he said Jon Coutlangus could start the ninth if a left-hander was up. Mike Stanton is supposed to be the top lefty in the Cincinnati pen, but Coutlangus, a rookie, was more impressive this spring.
Source: Cincinnati Enquirer

Pelfrey won't start in week one

The Mets optioned No. 5 starter Mike Pelfrey to Class A Port St. Lucie of the Florida State League. The Mets won't need a fifth starter at the beginning of the season because of off days. Pelfrey could return to the big leagues Sunday, April 15, which would be the last day of Fantasy Week 2 (April 9-15). Reserve him in all formats in Fantasy Week 1 (April 1-8) and don't drop the potential "next Justin Verlander."
Source: CBS SportsLine.com

Reds place SP Milton on DL

The Reds put Eric Milton on the 15-day disabled list because of back spasms, the latest setback for the left-hander who had been projected as the team's No. 3 starter. Milton was one of eight players who went on the disabled list Sunday.

Milton had to be scratched from his scheduled appearance in an exhibition on Saturday because of back spasms. He was examined on Sunday and placed on the disabled list retroactive to March 23, meaning he would be eligible to return in a week. Keep him reserved for Week 1 of the Fantasy season (April 1-8) in all leagues. Kyle Lohse will move into the third spot in the rotation, with Matt Belisle taking the fourth spot. Milton has been a huge disappointment in his first two seasons in Cincinnati, winning no more than eight games in either season.
Source: CBS SportsLine.com

Dotel could end up on DL

According to MLB.com, the Royals could be without their new closer, Octavio Dotel, for more than just opening day. Dotel is feeling discomfort in his left oblique and won't pitch Monday against the Red Sox. He will be re-evaluated Wednesday. "There is a chance that he could be put on the disabled list," manager Buddy Bell said before the Royals' public workout Sunday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium. "We don't think it is a long-term situation." GM Dayton Moore said the team does not want to rush Dotel and risk further injury. "He wants to go, but we want to be cautious," Moore said.

Bell doesn't know who will close while Dotel is out, but said Joakim Soria and Todd Wellemeyer could pitch in the later innings. "We are going to play it by ear right now," Bell said. The sad part for Dotel is that he had a great spring training and looked as good as ever. Fantasy owners should keep Dotel out of active Fantasy lineups until further notice. Soria has closer's experience, but that came in the Mexican Pacific League last season. He would be the likely candidate to close games, if Dotel is out for an extended period. Although the team could go with Wellemeyer because he is more accustomed to the MLB game. Either way, all three players are just low-end options because the Royals might have a hard time getting their closer save opportunities.
Source: CBS SportsLine.com

Furcal begins season on DL

Rafael Furcal was placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 23. Furcal, who has been sidelined with a sprained left ankle, will be eligible to come off the DL on April 7, but Dodgers manager Grady Little won’t set that date in stone. "We have hopes that he'll be ready to play [April 7], but we're not going to play him until he's ready," Little said.
Source: MLB.com