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Today's News

Good morning everyone!!  Welcome to Insiderbaseball.com's Coaches Meeting for Week #7...

American League

In The Field

1B Chris Davis has begun his minor league rehab assignment and could return from his ribcage muscle strain as soon as today.  Plug Davis into your lineups as soon as his availability is known.  1B Mike Napoli has been playing through discomfort in his ring finger which he dislocated last month but has still been effective at the dish.  Keep rolling with Napoli in your lineups.  OF Adam Eaton is progressing in his recovery from a hamstring strain but is still likely a few weeks away from returning to the White Sox's lineup as he'll need a short rehab assignment before he does so.  Keep Eaton stashed and don't expect consistent production from Moises Sierra who has taken over the vacancy in the White Sox's outfield.  2B Jason Kipnis continues to recover from an oblique strain and has resumed taking dry swings with a bat.  Kipnis still appears to be on target for an early-June return and should be stashed in all formats.  Mike Aviles is seeing extra time at second with Kipnis out and is worth adding in deeper formats if you're looking for a stopgap at the position.  C Jason Castro returned to the Astros' lineup after missing a few games last week with a hand injury.  Castro hasn't hit nearly as well as he did last season but is still worth a look as an off-day fill in in standard mixed formats and as a regular starter in deeper leagues.  2B Omar Infante is day-to-day with a back injury.  Owners in deeper formats considering starting Infante this week will want to play close attention to his status before plugging hiim into lineups.  OF Josh Hamilton has resumed playing catch and hitting off of a tee but is still over a week away from returning from his thumb injury.  The Angels also continue to be without OF Kole Calhoun who has resumed running on his injured ankle.  Calhoun isn't expected back this week either.  Both players are worth stashing in most formats.  C.J. Cron was called up last week and after a hot start at the plate has found himself in a quality lineup position behind Albert Pujols.  Cron is worth a flier given his strong power potential as he could stick in the lineup even after Hamilton and Calhoun return if Raul Ibanez can't shake his offensive slump.  3B David Freese has resumed taking grounders but has yet to resume throwing or hitting as he recovers from a broken finger.  Keep Freese stashed in deeper formats despite his slow start but don't expect consistent offensive production from Ian Stewart who is filling in at third while Freese is on the mend.  The Twins continue to wait for the return of outfielders Oswaldo Arcia and Josh Willingham from their wrist injuries.  Neither player is a safe bet to return this week but both have potential value in deeper formats whenever they can return.  Chris Colabello has been a solid offensive contributor with Arcia and Willingham out and is worth owning in deeper formats.  Kurt Suzuki has been the beneficiary of Josmil Pinto being used at DH but isn't worth much aside from being used as a depth catcher in AL-only leagues.  1B Joe Mauer returned to the Twins' starting lineup on Saturday after missing nearly all of the last week with back spasms.  Keep Mauer in your starting lineups this week.  OF Coco Crisp is day-to-day and will likely avoid a DL stint after an MRI revealed no strucutural issues in his sore neck.  Keep an eye on Crisp's status before plugging him into your lineups this week but plan to have him back at some point during the scoring period.  3B Kyle Seager is day-to-day after missing Friday and Saturday's contest with a bad bout of the flu.  Seager isn't expected to miss an extended period of time but it's still worth double checking his status early this week if he doesn't return today.  With 2B Jurickson Profar out until next month recovering from shoulder surgery and Donnie Murphy landing on the DL, the Rangers have called up highly rated SS prospect Rougned Odor to fill the hole at 2B.  Odor is a long-shot to contribute gaudy numbers at the age of 20 but he's still worth a flier, just in case.  3B Brett Lawrie is day-to-day with a hamstring injury but should return to action soon.  Lawrie is a viable option at 3B and should gain positional eligibility at 2B in leagues where he doesn't already have it, as he'll see more action at second with the Blue Jays wanting to keep Juan Francisco's bat in the lineup against righties.

On The Mound

Chris Sale continues to throw bullpen sessions but he's still likely a week away from beginning a rehab assignment.  Keep Sale stashed away as it's clear the White Sox are playing it safe with his elbow injury and may not bring him back until early next month.  Andre Rienzo continues to start for the White Sox with Sale on the mend but is only worth a flier in AL-only leagues.  Anibal Sanchez is expected to return for a start next weekend after spending time on the DL with a blister on his pitching hand.  Plug Sanchez in for the start as soon as his activation is confirmed.  Robbie Ray pitched well in his debut in Sanchez's absence but may be making his last start in the Tigers' rotation today.  There's still no timetable for the return of Royals' starter Bruce Chen who remains out with a lingering back injury.  Chen isn't a pitcher that is worth stashing, but Danny Duffy is worth a flier after stringing together two quality outings since joining the Royals' rotation in Chen's absence.  After an ineffective stint in the starting rotation, Hector Santiago will return to the Angels bullpen.  The team has yet to announce who will replace Santiago in the starting rotation.  Santiago is not worth stashing.  Twins' starter Mike Pelfrey remains on the DL with a groin strain but has resumed throwing bullpen sessions.  Pelfrey isn't worth much in fantasy circles, but his absence has allowed Samuel Deduno to sneak back into the Twins' rotation.  Unlike Pelfrey, Deduno is worth a flier in AL-only leagues.  Michael Pineda remains on the DL with a shoulder muscle injury and isn't expected to return sooner than his original timetable of early-June.  Keep Pineda stashed and consider adding David Phelps in deeper leagues.  Drew Pomeranz has joined the A's rotation in the place of Dan Straily who had struggled with decreased velocity over his last few starts.  Pomeranz is worth a flier in AL-only formats but is a risky start right now.  Mariners' lefty James Paxton remains on the DL with a strained lat but has resumed throwing bullpen sessions.  Paxton is still likely 2-3 weeks away from a potential return but is worth stashing after his promising start to the season.  Taijuan Walker recently began a throwing program and will throw a bullpen session today.  It's doubtful Walker will return before the end of the month but he's worth stashing regardless given his tremendous upside.  Alex Cobb felt good following a simulated game last week and could begin a rehab assignment soon.  Keep stashing Cobb who could return before the end of the month.  Veteran lefty Erik Bedard is currently filling out the Rays' rotation but isn't a recommended fantasy starter.  Derek Holland continues to participate in a throwing program as he pushes his way back from knee surgery.  Keep stashing Holland though it'll likely be at least another month before his season debut.  Brandon Morrow will be out until around the All-Star break as he recovers from a torn tendon sheath in his pitching hand.  Morrow is worth holding onto in deeper formats if you have a DL slot available.  J.A. Happ has joined the Blue Jays' rotation and is worth a flier as a depth option in AL-only leagues.

In The Bullpen

John Axford has lost his grasp on the Indians' closer role after an inconsistent start to the season.  Cody Allen, Bryan Shaw, and Mark Rzepczynski are all part of a bullpen committee that could see save opportunties, but Cody Allen will likely be the reliever that sees the most action.  He's worth snagging in all formats.  Angels closer Joe Smith missed time last week with tightness in his side but returned to notch a save on Saturday.  Keep Smith active this week.  Jim Johnson has essentially regained his role as the A's closer after turning his season around following his early season woes.  Johnson is a solid relief option going forward.  Casey Janssen threw in a rehab game on Saturday and could be activated for the bulk of the action this week.  Janssen is a viable fantasy reliever in most formats as soon as he joins the Blue Jays' bullpen.

 Here are the most favorable American League offensive schedules this week...

New York Yankees NYY Colon,B. 6 Wheeler,Z. 7 Mejia,J. 8 Gee,D. 5 Volquez,E. 6 Morton,C. 6 Cole,G. 4 42
Seattle Mariners SEA
Ramos,C. (L) 6 Price,D. (L) 4 Odorizzi,J. 9 OFF 0 Gibson,K. 7 Deduno,S. 8 Nolasco,R. 7 41
Houston Astros HOU
Lewis,C. 8 Harrison,M. (L) 6 Darvish,Y. 5 OFF 0 Quintana,J. (L) 6 Noesi,H. 8 Danks,J. (L) 8 41

A
nd the unfavorable A.L. Weekly schedules..

Chicago White Sox ChW Chavez,J. 5 Pomeranz,D. (L) 5 Milone,T. (L) 6 OFF 0 McHugh,C. 4 Cosart,J. 7 Peacock,B. 8 35
Boston Red Sox BOS O
FF 0 Nolasco,R. 7 Correia,K. 8 Hughes,P. 5 Scherzer,M. 3 Porcello,R. 5 Sanchez,A. 4 32
Texas Rangers TEX
Peacock,B. 8 Keuchel,D. (L) 2 Feldman,S. 4 OFF 0 Hutchison,D. 5 Buehrle,M. (L) 7 Dickey,R. 6 32
 

2X Starters this Week (based on the strength of opponent*)...

Favorable
Ramos,C. TB SEA@ 10 LAA@ 7 17
Price,D. TB
SEA@ 10 LAA@ 7 17
Danks,J. CHW
OAK@ 5 HOU@ 10 15
Lewis,C. TEX
HOU@ 10 TOR 5 15
Harrison,M. TEX
HOU@ 10 TOR 5 15
Porcello,R. DET
BAL@ 8 BOS@ 6 14
Nolasco,R. MIN
BOS 5 SEA 9 14
Kuroda,H. NYY
NYM 7 PIT 6 13
Nuno,V. NYY
NYM 7 PIT 6 13
Norris,B. BAL
DET 4 KC@ 8 12
Jimenez,U. BAL
DET 4 KC@ 8 12
Shoemaker,M. LAA
PHI@ 7 TB 5 12
Chavez,J. OAK
CHW 5 CLE@ 7 12

Neutral

Wilson,C. LAA TOR@ 6 TB 5 11
Hernandez,F. SEA
TB 5 MIN@ 6 11
Iwakuma,H. SEA
TB 5 MIN@ 6 11
Buehrle,M. TOR
LAA 6 TEX@ 5 11
Dickey,R. TOR
CLE 6 TEX@ 5 11
Doubront,F. BOS
MIN@ 6 DET 4 10
Salazar,D. CLE
TOR@ 6 OAK 4 10

Unfavorable

Peacock,B. HOU TEX 4 CHW 5 9
Shields,J. KC
COL 1 BAL 7 8

*These ratings are based purely on the strength of the opposition (OBP), for comparative purposes.

National League

In The Field

In an effort to boost the offensive production from their outfield with Mark Trumbo out for another 2-4 weeks recovering from a broken foot, the D-backs' have called up Ender Inciarte and benched the struggling A.J. Pollock.  Inciarte isn't worth adding right now but Pollock should be dropped to free up a valuable roster spot in deeper formats.  OF Justin Upton is day-to-day after leaving Saturday's game with a lower back contusion. Plan to have Upton available this week as he's not expected to miss much time.  Cubs' OF Junior Lake will continue to see increased playing time with Ryan Sweeney out until the end of the month with a hamstring strain.  Lake has been disappointing at the plate thus far this season but is still worth holding onto as a depth option in NL-only and some deeper mixed leagues.  OF Chris Heisey continues to see time in the starting lineup with Jay Bruce out until early June recovering from knee surgery but has yet to impress at the plate this season.  Heisey has potential to have value in NL-only formats but he's not a recommended start right now.  Look for C Devin Mesoraco to be activated from the DL today as he's recovered from his hamstring strain.  Mesoraco was on fire offensively before his injury and is worth starting in all formats following his return this week.  OF Michael Cuddyer has resumed light running and taking batting practice but he's still a few weeks away from returning from his hamstring strain.  Keep stashing Cuddyer in all formats.  Drew Stubbs and Corey Dickerson continue to share time in the outfield for the Rockies but neither player sees consistent enough at bats to warrant starting every day.  C Wilin Rosario will miss another week after landing on the DL with a viral infection but should be stashed away in all formats.  Jordan Pacheco is starting behind the plate for the Rockies but there are likely better stop-gap options available.  Juan Uribe is day-to-day after missing time late in the week with a hamstring strain.  Keep a close eye on Uribe's status before plugging him into your lineups this week.  OF Ryan Braun has resumed taking batting practice and his quick recovery from an oblique strain should allow him to return as soon as he's eligible on Tuesday.  Braun should be starting in all formats as long as he's activated.  OF Carlos Gomez's suspension appeal was heard on Friday and we should learn early this week if he'll be forced to begin serving his three-game suspension.  Keep an eye on Gomez's status as he may be unavailable for half of his scheduled games this week.  3B Aramis Ramirez is likely headed to the DL after leaving Saturday's game with a hamstring injury.  Keep an eye on Ramirez's status but expect to roll with other options at third this week.  The Mets' have recalled Wilmer Flores who is expected to see playing time over the light-hitting Ruben Tejada for the time being.  Flores is worth adding in NL-only and deeper mixed formats as he has a chance to turn his solid offensive skill set into a full-time gig.  SS Jimmy Rollins has recovered from his groin injury and returned to the Phillies' lineup on Friday for the first time since last Sunday.  Rollins is worth starting consideration in deeper formats.  C Russell Martin remains on the DL with a hamstring injury and will have to serve his one game suspension following his activation.  Martin is expected to resume baseball activities soon, but is still over a week away from returning and is only worth stashing in deep leagues.  Pirates' outfielders Andrew McCutchen and Starling Marte are day-to-day.  McCutchen sat out Saturday's contest to rest a nagging ankle injury while Marte left the contest with back tightness.  Both players are expected to return soon but owners will want to monitor their status early this week.  3B Chase Headley was activated from the DL on Saturday after recovering from his calf strain.  Headley has struggled offensively thus far but is still worth holding onto in deep formats, though owners should look elsewhere to fill their starting lineups.  OF Carlos Quentin has recovered from his knee issues and will likely join the Padres' lineup last week after completing his rehab assignment.  Quentin is always a valuable source of pop when he's in the lineup and is worth considering as an add in most formats.  The Giants will be without 1B Brandon Belt until late June after he was placed on the DL on Saturday with a broken thumb.  Keep Belt stashed away as he was off to a very strong start to the season.  Michael Morse will likely take over at first with Belt out which should open up a spot in the outfield for Gregor Blanco.  Blanco may have value in NL-only leagues but he's not a recommended pick up at this time.  Nate McLouth has taken over in center for the Nationals who will likely be without Bryce Harper for another month as he recovers from surgery on his thumb.  Harper should be stashed until his return and McLouth is worth a look in NL-only formats.  3B Ryan Zimmerman's return from his thumb injury isn't imminent as he's yet to begin strength exercises.  Keep stashing Zimmerman and continue to consider 2B Danny Espinosa in deeper formats while he's seeing extra playing time.  1B Adam LaRoche's calf injury isn't healing as quickly as the Nationals would like and he will be placed on the DL on Sunday.  Keep LaRoche stashed until he returns.

On The Mound

Mike Bolsinger has quickly lost his grip on the final spot in the Diamondbacks' rotation opening up a spot for Chase Anderson.  Anderson was nearly untouchable in Double-A this season and may be worth a flier in NL-only formats this week if he has a strong start today.  Ervin Santana recovered from his thumb injury in time to make Saturday's start.  Keep Santana active this week.  Bad news for Alex Wood owners this week as they saw him moved to the bullpen to free up a spot in the rotation for Gavin Floyd.  Wood has little fantasy value right now but is worth stashing as he could return to the lineup after a brief relief stint.  Tony Cingrani remains on the DL with shoulder tendinitis but it's unclear whether he'll be able to return for a start late this week as he's eligible to come off the 15-day DL.  Keep Cingrani stashed until his return becomes clearer.  Hyun-Jin Ryu played catch on Friday for the first time since landing on the DL with shoulder inflammation.  Keep Ryu stashed as it's unlikely he'll return until late this month.  Paul Maholm will continue to pitch in the Dodgers' rotation until Ryu returns but isn't  recommended fantasy starter.  Lefty hurler Wandy Rodriguez should complete his rehab assignment on Tuesday which could put him in line for a start next weekend.  Rodriguez will have to pitch better than he did during his first outings of the season before he'll be worth picking up even in NL-only leagues.  Matt Cain returned to the mound for the Giants on Saturday after missing two starts following a freak incident where Cain sustained a laceration on his thumb after dropping a knife while cutting a sandwich.  Plug Cain back into your fantasy lineups this week.  Cardinals' starter Joe Kelly remains on the DL and may remain there until next month as his injured hamstring isn't healing as quickly as the team had hoped.  Kelly may return to a bullpen role when he's ready as Jaime Garcia may need only a few more rehab starts before he returns from his shoulder discomfort that shut him down for the early part of the season.  Kelly is no longer worth stashing and Garcia will be worth a flier once his return becomes clearer.  For now Tyler Lyons is filling out the rotation and pitching well enough to be worth adding in deeper formats.  Doug Fister was bombed in his return to the mound on Friday giving up seven runs to the A's.  Fister remains a viable option for the upcoming week despite the poor outing.

In The Bullpen

Aroldis Chapman was activated by the Reds on Saturday after missing the first several weeks of the season with facial fractures sustained in spring training.  Chapman is a top fantasy relief option going forward.  Kyle Farnsworth blew a save last weekend but manager Terry Collins expressed his intentions to keep him in the closer role.  Farnsworth is a low-end source of saves.  Jason Grilli has yet to resume throwing off of a mound as he continues to recover slowly from an oblique strain.  Keep Grilli stashed and continue to roll with Mark Melancon who will continue to get the call to close out games for the Pirates.

   Here are the most favorable national League offensive schedules this week...

St. Louis Cardinals STL
Wood,T. (L) 7 Arrieta,J. 8 Hammel,J. 4 Samardzija,J. 5 Santana,E. 6 Wood,A. (L) 5 Floyd,G. 6 41
Miami Marlins MIA
Haren,D. 6 Beckett,J. 4 Maholm,P. (L) 7 Cain,M. 6 Hudson,T. 3 Lincecum,T. 9 Vogelsong,R. 6 41
Milwaukee Brewers MIL
OFF 0 Cole,G. 4 Liriano,F. (L) 8 Rodriguez,W. (L) 8 Jackson,E. 6 Wood,T. (L) 7 Arrieta,J. 8 41

A
nd the unfavorable N.L. Weekly schedules...


Philadelphia Phillies PHI
OFF 0 Shoemaker,M. 6 Richards,G. 6 OFF 0 Bailey,H. 6 Cingrani,T. (L) 7 Leake,M. 6 31
San Diego Padres SD
OFF 0 Leake,M. 6 Cueto,J. 2 Simon,A. 4 Chacin,J. 8 Lyles,J. 4 Nicasio,J. 5 29
Los Angeles Dodgers LAD
Koehler,T. 4 Turner,J. 7 Fernandez,J. 2 OFF 0 Miley,W. (L) 6 Anderson,C. 2 Collmenter,J. 6 27

2X Starters this Week (based on the strength of opponent*)...

Favorable

Leake,M. CIN SD 10 PHI@ 7 17
Floyd,G. ATL
SF@ 8 STL@ 8 16
Lyons,T. STL
CHC 8 ATL 8 16
Wainwright,A. STL
CHC 8 ATL 8 16
Wood,T. CHC
STL@ 8 MIL 7 15
Arrieta,J. CHC
STL@ 8 MIL 7 15
Estrada,M. MIL
PIT 6 CHC@ 9 15
Cole,G. PIT
MIL@ 8 NYY@ 7 15
Zimmermann,J. WAS
ARI@ 8 NYM 7 15
Koehler,T. MIA
LAN@ 6 SF@ 8 14
Turner,J. MIA
LAN@ 6 SF@ 8 14
Colon,B. NYM
NYY@ 7 WAS@ 6 13
Wheeler,Z. NYM
NYY@ 7 WAS@ 6 13
Haren,D. LAD
MIA 4 ARI@ 8 12
Lincecum,T. SF
ATL 8 MIA 4 12
Vogelsong,R. SF
ATL 8 MIA 4 12

Neutral

Lee,C. PHI LAA 6 CIN 5 11
Collmenter,J. ARI
WAS 5 LAN 5 10

Unfavorable

Cashner,A. SD CIN@ 6 COL@ 3 9

*These ratings are based purely on the strength of the opposition (OBP), for comparative purposes.

Have a Great Week!

-Shane Cole

This week's recommended pickups:

Batters 

C Jarrod Saltalamacchia - Salty has hit well and consistently since the season has begun.  It's time to stop waiting for him to cool off and plug him in lineups.

C Devin Mesoraco - Mesoraco was on fire at the plate before landing on the DL.  He should be activated this week.

1B Adam Lind - Lind missed time with a back injury but was off to a strong start to the season before his trip to the disabled list.

SS/2B Rougned Odor - The next in the line of intriguing infield prospects for the Rangers has made his debut sooner than anyone imagined.  Snag the 20-year old Odor who has a chance to stick even after Jurickson Profar returns next month.

IF Wilmer Flores - While he may be poor defensively at the position, Flores's offense could make him a valuable commodity. 

 Pitchers

RP Jim Johnson - After losing his grip on the the closer role last month, Johnson has found himself back in the good graces of manager Bob Melvin.

RP Cody Allen - John Axford was demoted to middle relief opening up a closer committee in Cleveland.  Allen is the most talented of the bunch.

SP Chase Anderson - Anderson was nearly untouchable in Double-A this season. If he shines in his big league debut today he'll be a desirable fantasy option.

SP Corey Kluber - Kluber continues to rack up the Ks at an alarming rate with 57 on the young season.

SP Henderson Alvarez - Alvarez is dealing for the Marlins this season, pitching a complete game shutout in his last outing.


C.J. Cron – First Base – Angels

The Angels purchased the contract of first baseman C.J. Cron from AAA Salt Lake last weekend. He was the roster response to David Freeze being placed in the DL, but he’s probably more of a response to Raul Ibanez’ slow start.  If you listened to the Fantistic’s Sirius show this preseason, or paid attention to what the Fantistic’s staff wrote in the preseason, you hopefully see this as a cash in, with him already being on your roster at this point.  Cron hit 14 HRs in 519 AA ABs in 2013, a disappointing season from a power standpoint,  but he hit well in the AFL, and got out of the gate very well this year in his first tour of AAA, cashing in on the PCL for 6 HRs in 113 ABs with a .283 ISO.

C.J. has a slugger’s build and profile. His raw physical power is his calling card, but he’s struggled building skills to support it. The 24-year-old RHH stands 6-4/235, and he gets out of the park easily. His battle has been to get quality pitches to hit, and he has been his worst enemy in that regard, failing to control his strike zone. Last year he concluded his ABs, ahead in the count, just 20% of the time.  So far (as of this writing) in a small sample, C.J.’s chase rate is north of 40%.

There’s yer problem, right there.

His discipline problem aside for the moment, Cron is blessed with raw physical power and strong contact skills.  If he can bring the pitcher into the zone, he can torture him, but to do that more often, C.J. has to advance his approach at the plate. He’s not too old for that to happen but much of his problem is rooted in pitch recognition. He can be fooled, and at 24, headed towards his 1,500th pro AB, you would hope to see more gains in that area. And of course, that kind of weakness gets tortured by MLB pitchers.

Cron’s defense is fair-to-sub-standard, and he’s eventually going to predominantly be a DH.

As it stands, with enough ABs, C.J. can produce 20+ HRs in a season on a regular basis, and creep into the mid-to-high 20s on occasion. Right now, only Ibanez, and his approach as a hitter, stands between him and “enough ABs” this year.  His contact skills and plus power make him a viable claim, and there’s potential for growth in his approach, but it’s more likely that he‘ll be a significant drag on your average, struggle to hit well enough to stay in the lineup at first, and face a steep learning curve.

Cron’s power is legitimate. He just has to control his zone enough to get pitches to hit. At times, especially here in 2014, that may be a hurdle. Long term he looks like a Mark Reynolds/Adam Dunn type, without the same ability to take a walk, and with a little less applicable power (due to his approach at the plate)

Long Term Fantasy Grade – B-

Yr Lvl   AB  AVG  ISO  HR SB   BB%     K% BABIP

12 A+   525 .293 .223  27  3  3.1%  12.9%  .295

13 AA   519 .274 .154  14  8  4.1%  14.7%  .298

14 AAA  113 .319 .283   6  0  5.7%  18.9%  .357

14 MLB   20 .400 .150   0  0  0.0%  19.0%  .500

Wilmer Flores – Shortstop – Mets

Wilmer Flores is back, and for the time being he has been handed the SS job that Ruben Tejeda has coughed up. You only think Flores is a contemporary of Wally Backman because we have been hearing about him as a good Mets’ prospect for the last 6 years, since he was assigned at 16. He’s still just 22, despite having 2.964 pro ABs under his belt prior to being recalled. (Stunning isn’t it? That’s 550 more ABs than Matt Wieters has in the majors).

This is somewhat of a regression defensively and not a good one. Flores simply isn’t an MLB-caliber SS and he will be a liability there for the Mets. Offensively he’s a capable, if aggressive hitter with gap pop and power potential. Last year in his first 95 MLB ABs, pitchers leveraged that aggression against him, getting him to chase 40.6% of the time, which led to a 22.8% K rate, which ate away at his decent contact (21.9% LD%).  He’s going to have to tame his aggressiveness and start to lift the ball (47.7% GB% in AAA last year and 50.7% in the majors) to tap into his power potential, which at this point, is the only thing that makes him viable as a prospect. Assuming he’s blocked at 3B by David Wright, that realistically leaves only 1B as a path for him with the Mets. He’ll likely develop enough power to be border-line-to-reasonable at 3B, but I don’t see him being a neutral power contributor at 1B, although at 22, there’s still time and ceiling with Wilmer in terms of physical maturity and again, lifting the ball. Of course is he sticks at SS, he’s an entirely different fantasy animal. I don’t see that happening, but there is where we are for the time being.

I do believe there are some power gains ahead, and I do believe his future in the infield is anywhere but SS. He could potentially hold down some time at second base, perhaps enough for a qualification for a few years, but that doesn’t seem like a good fit for him either. If he were 24, and his power gains had started to show, he’d be a serious challenge for Lucas Duda at 1B, which is a situation unique to the Mets in 2014, and which is not to be confused with him being a comfortable option for your 1B slot.

There are still some questions about where his long term MLB opportunity is, and how much power he will have, and frankly whether he sticks this time around.  But to be honest, with a SS qualification, at the moment, he’s worth taking a shot at. We don’t care about his defense, just as long as he can stay in the lineup.  There are so many variables here, and such a wide range of projectable outcomes. Your guess is as good as mine long term, including the possibility he never becomes a full-time player. But I keep coming back to a 3B who could challenge 20 HRs eventually, on occasion, and hit for decent average, just not with the Mets.

Long Term Fantasy Grade – B-

Yr Lvl   AB  AVG  ISO  HR SB   BB%     K% BABIP
11 A+   516 .269 .110   9  2  4.8%  12.2%  .291

12 A+   242 .289 .174  10  3  6.6%  11.0%  .286

12 AA   251 .311 .183   8  0  7.3%  10.9%  .326

13 AAA  424 .321 .210  15  1  5.4%  13.6%  .342

13 MLB   95 .211 .084   1  0  5.0%  22.8%  .264

14 AAA  114 .307 .193   5  0  7.1%  16.7%  .337

14 MLB    9 .222 .000   0  0  0.0%  33.3%  .333

 

(Catch Lou Blasi on our Sirius XM 87/210 Fantistics show every Weekend from 10-1pm! Lou and Walter field your calls live: (888) 963-2682)

The First Pitch

Zach Greinke did his usual 2 earned run and a win routine yesterday afternoon, while Matt Kemp continued his solid stretch with a two-run bomb. The Dodgers took down the best team in baseball 5-2 in Matt Cain's first start back from the DL. Pittsburgh fought back from 3 down to beat Lance Lynn and the Red Birds 4-3. Edinson Volquez had his fourth straight rough outing, but Mark Melancon secured his fourth save. The Cubs couldn't handle the rain, or at least Ervin Santana. The Braves shutout the North Siders and Craig Kimbrel grabbed his tenth save, while Jeff Samardzija fanned 7 and allowed just 2 hits through 6 innings. There was finally a little offense in the NL via the Colorado Rockies who posted an 11 spot on the Reds. Joey Votto hit a dinger, but it was no match for the five round trippers the Rockies launched out of Great American Ball Park. Jordan Lyles also stymied the Reds for his fifth win. David Wright and Jimmy Rollins pretended it was 2009 and both hit home runs, while Dillon Gee and Kyle Kendrick both pitched adequately in no decisions. Kyle Farnsworth took the loss and Jonathan Papelbon notched save No. 11. Seth Smith filled the stat line for the Padres and Chase Headley hit a jack in his return from the DL. Headley still hasn't got paid though. In Interleague Play the Diamondbacks and Brewers won, while the Nationals blew a lead and lost to the Athletics in ten innings.

The Indians announced that John Axford would no longer serve as the team’s closer and he will be replaced by a committee, headlined by star set-up man Cody Allen.  Allen has the talent to be an elite stopper and should be added immediately in all fantasy leagues…The Angels’ closing situation got even murkier on Saturday when Joe Smith was called upon to close out the game over Ernesto Frieri.  Smith had been sidelined with a side injury until Friday night, when he entered the game in the 8th inning and yielded a home run.  Frieri saved two games in Smith’s absence, including Friday night’s game.  Many people speculated that Frieri’s strong recent performance would give him the edge to reclaim the role, but it looks like Mike Scioscia is sticking with a committee approach in the short-term...The Astros’ hyped rookie George Springer hit his 2nd homerun in 3 games on Saturday and is starting to hit better after a slow start to the year.  He’ll need to improve upon his 35% strikeout rate if he plans to stick around in the majors though…It was revealed that Minnesota Twins prospect Byron Buxton re-injured his wrist and will undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the injury.  While some people thought Buxton had a longshot at a September call-up this year, it seems like the wrist injuries will likely push his major league debut until next year…Chris Sale will require two rehab starts before returning and could throw in the first one as early as Thursday…Martin Perez  had this third straight bad outing on Saturday had has now given up 19 earned runs over his last three starts…Tyler Skaggs looked great against the Blue Jays, pitching into the 9th inning while only allowing one run before getting pulled with two baserunners on board.  Joe Smith eventually allowed both runners to score and both runs were charged to Skaggs…Jon Lester had another strong outing on Saturday and has quietly been one of the best pitchers in baseball to start the year.  He seems undervalued across the fantasy community this year but the breakout is supported by his underlying stats (batted ball splits, SwStr%, Chase rate, etc)…Tommy Hunter blew this second save of the year and is beginning to flirt this disaster.  He’s still the closer in Baltimore but Darren O’Day has pitched very well in the set-up role this year and would be the logical first man in line to get saves, if needed.


Players Included in todays Daily News Report

Catchers -  NL Player Injury UpdateMesoraco,D.   Player Injury UpdateEllis,A.

1st Base -  NL Great PlayerMorneau,J.   Press NewsHoward,R.   Hot PlayerVotto,J.    AL Rise ValueTeixeira,M.   Press NewsHosmer,E.   Press NewsFrancisco,J.   Player Injury UpdateDavis,C.   Player Injury UpdateCron,C.

2nd Base -  NL Press NewsGordon,D.    AL Press NewsSolarte,Y.

Shortstop -  NL Press NewsDesmond,I.    AL Player Injury UpdateEscobar,Y.   Press NewsBogaerts,X.

Thirdbase -  NL Player Injury UpdateUribe,J.   Player InjuryRamirez,A.   Rise ValueWright,D.   Player Injury UpdateHeadley,C.   Press NewsArenado,N.    AL Press NewsCabrera,M.   Press NewsLawrie,B.   Press NewsPlouffe,T.   Player Injury UpdateFreese,D.   Press NewsSeager,K.

Outfield -  NL Player Injury UpdateCuddyer,M.   Press NewsDuda,L.   Press NewsMorse,M.   Press NewsMcLouth,N.   Player InjuryUpton,J.   Rise ValueKemp,M.   Player Injury UpdateQuentin,C.   Press NewsKalish,R.   Press NewsSmith,S.   Press NewsSpan,D.   Player InjuryMarte,S.   Player Injury UpdateMcCutchen,A.   Press NewsHamilton,B.   Press NewsDickerson,C.    AL Player Injury UpdateCrisp,C.   Press NewsVictorino,S.   Player Injury UpdateHamilton,J.   Press NewsKubel,J.   Press NewsBourn,M.   Player Injury UpdateDirks,A.   Press NewsJackson,A.   Player Injury UpdateSaunders,M.   Player Injury UpdateCalhoun,K.   RookieSpringer,G.   Player InjuryBuxton,B.

DH -    AL Hot PlayerMartinez,V.   Press NewsOrtiz,D.

Starters -  NL Great PlayerGreinke,Z.   Player Injury UpdateRodriguez,W.   Drop ValueSantana,E.   Get rid of PlayerVolquez,E.   Rise ValueCain,M.   Rise ValueLyles,J.   Press NewsMejia,J.   Press NewsMiley,W.   Press NewsFernandez,J.   Player Injury UpdateCingrani,T.   Press NewsWood,A.   Player Injury UpdateRyu,H.    AL Press NewsBedard,E.   FYIScherzer,M.   Player Injury UpdateSanchez,A.   Press NewsSantiago,H.   Player Injury UpdateHellickson,J.   Press NewsLester,J.   Player Injury UpdateCobb,A.   Press NewsRoss,R.   Press NewsStraily,D.   Rise ValueSkaggs,T.   Player Injury UpdateSale,C.   Press NewsPomeranz,D.   Press NewsTepesch,N.

Relievers -  NL Player Injury UpdateGrilli,J.   Press NewsSoriano,R.   Hot PlayerSmith,W.   Player Injury UpdateChapman,A.   CautionReed,A.    AL CautionHunter,T.   Press NewsAtchison,S.   CautionSmith,J.   Press NewsJohnson,J.   Press NewsRzepczynski,M.   Player Injury UpdateJanssen,C.   Press NewsShaw,B.   Drop ValueAxford,J.   Rise ValueAllen,C.



Daily Insider Injury

Player Type Report
Ramirez, Aramis (3B)

Mil (05-11)

Player Injury According to the Brewers' official website, "Brewers third baseman Aramis Ramirez, who spent much of last season on the disabled list with a left knee injury, may be headed back there after suffering a strained left hamstring in Saturday's otherwise uplifting, 5-4 win over the Yankees. Ramirez limped off the field after fielding a ground ball in the fourth inning. "He pulled it pretty good," Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said. "We'll know a little bit more [on Sunday], but he felt a pop." - newsgatherer6
Upton, Justin (OF)

Atl (05-11)

Player Injury According to the Braves' official website, "Braves left fielder Justin Upton exited Saturday night's game against the Cubs after getting hit by a Jeff Samardzija pitch. Upton went to first base after getting hit on the lower back by Samardzija's 94-mph fastball with one out in the sixth inning. But after reaching the base, he was checked on by Braves assistant trainer Jim Lovell, who shared a few words with the outfielder before walking off the field with him. Upton was diagnosed with a lower back muscle contusion." - newsgatherer6
Marte, Starling (OF)

Pit (05-11)

Player Injury According to the Pirates' official website, "Midway through Saturday night's game against the Cardinals at PNC Park, an eventual 4-3 win, the Pirates found themselves down two center fielders and fresh out of outfielders, period. As a result, veteran first baseman Gaby Sanchez made his Major League outfield debut in the fifth inning. Three innings later, after Sanchez departed as part of a double switch, Jordy Mercer took over in right, also making his big league debut at the position. Andrew McCutchen was missing from the starting lineup because of his sore left ankle, which has been bothering him for nearly a month. McCutchen exited the April 11 game in Milwaukee early because of the discomfort, and apparently re-aggravated the tender joint landing on it after jumping for Allen Craig's home run in the fourth inning of Friday night's game. Starting in McCutchen's place, Starling Marte, a natural center fielder, was removed from the game with tightness in his lower back after visibly favoring the back on a groundout in the third inning." - newsgatherer6
Buxton, Byron (OF)

Min (05-11)

Player Injury Reports came out on Saturday that baseball’s top prospect Byron Buxton re-injured the same wrist that caused him to miss the first month of the season. Buxton returned to action at High-A Fort Myers last Sunday but was left out of the lineup on Friday and Saturday after injuring his wrist while sliding into third base. According to Jeff Passan of Yahoo, the Twins don’t believe the injury is serious but Buxton will undergo an MRI to determine the severity. Buxton is an elite talent and has the potential to be a difference maker for fantasy rosters once he makes it to Minnesota. It’s likely that the Twins are just being cautious but it’s a situation worth monitoring in the next few days for owner’s that have invested in Buxton in keeper leagues. - mwaldo

Player Status Reports

Player Type Report
Uribe, Juan (3B)

LAN

Player Injury Update According to the Dodgers' official website, "Dodgers third baseman Juan Uribe staved off the disabled list for another day on Saturday, his improving strained right hamstring muscle not keeping him from hitting or playing long toss. Manager Don Mattingly said Uribe tried running in the trainer's room and tunnel, but a decision on whether he will be disabled won't come until Sunday. "He did OK," said Mattingly. "The key will be tomorrow. We'll see if it gets sore when he gets on the field. Stan [Conte, trainer] is a little more confident. We feel it's minor; we don't want to turn it into major." Hyun-Jin Ryu (left shoulder blade inflammation), meanwhile, was able to play catch with more velocity, and Mattingly said his stint on the disabled list should not be long-lasting. But Ryu will not be able to return on Tuesday, when he's eligible." - newsgatherer6
2014: 134 AB/ 0.306 BA/ 4 HR/ 17 RBI/ 13 R/ 0 SB/ 0.463 Slug/ 0.20 KRate/ 0.61 FPI
Week: 17 AB/ 0.118 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.118 Slug/ 0.12 KRate/ -0.06 FPI
Grilli, Jason (RP)

Pit

Player Injury Update According to the Pirates' official website, "Jason Grilli threw a 25-pitch bullpen session on Friday, and plans are for him to repeat the exercise on Sunday. He and Pirates staffers agree that he continues to feel good physically and edgy mentally. What they may not completely agree on is the eventual next step in his comeback from a strained left oblique. Grilli is not convinced that he will need a Minor League rehab outing "as long as I'm throwing well to guys in sim games here, and using all my pitches." Manager Clint Hurdle opined, "I think he's going to need some [rehab time]. We'll get his thoughts; he's a part of this." - newsgatherer6
2014: 7 IP/ 1.570 WHIP/ 5.14 ERA/ 0 W/ 5 K/ 3 S/ 0.71 K Inning/ 0.14 FPI
Cuddyer, Michael (OF)

Col

Player Injury Update According to the Rockies' official website, "Rockies outfielder-first baseman Michael Cuddyer said Saturday that he did not know when he would start a Minor League rehab assignment for his left hamstring injury, but he believed it would be a short one. "Last year I went down to extended spring for two days, and I got seven at-bats each day," Cuddyer said. "Then I came back and went 2-for-4 the next day against [Giants pitcher] Tim Lincecum." Cuddyer (.317, 3 HR, 10 RBIs in 16 games), who sustained the injury on April 17, took batting practice and ran for the first time on Friday, and he did slightly more intense running in the outfield Saturday after a heavy rainstorm blew through town. He hoped to run the bases Sunday, but that depended on the weather and if the grounds crew at Great American Ball Park believed the field was in shape for it." - newsgatherer6
2014: 60 AB/ 0.317 BA/ 3 HR/ 10 RBI/ 11 R/ 1 SB/ 0.533 Slug/ 0.12 KRate/ 0.77 FPI
Morneau, Justin (1B)

Col

Great Player The Early Season Fantasy Baseball MVP is awarded to … Justin Morneau. An afterthought in most leagues the late-round pick or waiver wire pickup has produced among the league's best thus far. Morneau has eight bombs, 19 runs and 29 RBIs to go along with his .336 batting average. That is excellent fake baseball, first-round fake stats in fact. Morneau has to regress right? But in this case, there is no reason to sell high. It is unlikely the return is worth the potential he maintains similar production. The .342 BABIP is unsustainable and Morneau's ISO is .256. However, this isn't a 'Never has' player. Morneau is playing in a hitter-friendly ball park and is a former MVP. Health is another concern, but Rockies manager Walt 'Heisenberg' Weiss has already taken precaution with Morneau's playing time, something fantasy owners should endorse. There is no downside at this point, so get every last contacted ball out of Morneau and hope he keeps finding green and clearing fences. - nparker
2014: 137 AB/ 0.336 BA/ 8 HR/ 29 RBI/ 19 R/ 0 SB/ 0.606 Slug/ 0.12 KRate/ 0.80 FPI
Week: 25 AB/ 0.320 BA/ 2 HR/ 5 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.640 Slug/ 0.08 KRate/ 0.81 FPI
Greinke, Zack (P)

LAN

Great Player The last time Zack Greinke gave up 3 earned runs was July 25, 2013, which makes 23 straight starts with two earned runs or less, including last post season. Yesterday Greinke recorded his sixth win of the season and ended his day with eight strikeouts; bringing his total to 55 on the season. Greinke wasn't drafted as a fantasy ace this season, but with six wins, ample Ks and top notch ratios he has pitched like one. The strikeouts are up thus far in 2014 but so are the walks. His BABIP is higher than last season to date and other than an unsustainable LOB% everything checks out for Greinke. His name value doesn't correlate with his fantasy value, so toss out an offer if you don't own Greinke. The Dodgers offense is an added bonus and likely to continue giving him all kinds of run support. - nparker
According to the Dodgers' official website, "With Maury Wills, Davey Lopes and Steve Sax in the house for Old-Timers' Day on Saturday, the Dodgers' newest version of a leadoff hitter and catalyst showed why he won the job in a 6-2 comeback win over the Giants. Dee Gordon stole three bases, scored two runs and had two hits, including a tiebreaking RBI double in the seventh inning. Gordon has an MLB-leading 24 steals, joining Scott Podsednik, Kenny Lofton and Vince Coleman as the only players to record 24 steals in the first 35 games. And with Cy Young Award winners Sandy Koufax, Fernando Valenzuela, Orel Hershiser, Eric Gagne and Clayton Kershaw watching, fellow Cy Young Award winner Zack Greinke dug down for seven innings and reared back to touch 96 mph in a key at-bat. With Matt Kemp homering and Drew Butera driving in another run, the Dodgers spotted the Giants a pair of runs and scored six times unanswered to snap the losing streak at three. "We needed a win for some energy," said manager Don Mattingly. "Down 2-0, it felt like we were down 10, honestly. Getting runs back were like a shot in the arm. Dee created energy all over the place. Obviously, we were going in the wrong direction. These are like a two-game swing." Greinke is now 6-1, with five wins following losses, and he's 10-1 against the National League West since coming to the Dodgers."
2014: 45 IP/ 1.150 WHIP/ 2.38 ERA/ 6 W/ 55 K/ 0 S/ 1.21 K Inning/ 1.83 FPI  
Week: 10 IP/ 1.500 WHIP/ 3.60 ERA/1 W/ 9 K/ 0 S/ 0.90 K Inning/ 1.05 FPI
Rodriguez, Wandy (P)

Pit

Player Injury Update According to the Pirates' official website, "Following his Tuesday rehab start, left-hander Wandy Rodriguez had no issues with the inflammation in his right knee that sent him to the disabled list on April 21. Friday's bullpen session had the same postmortem. So what's next? Rodriguez is tentatively scheduled for his return start on Thursday in Milwaukee, against the same Brewers team he faced in his last start. "He's making progress. Feeling better," manager Clint Hurdle said. "So we will announce that he's starting the third game [of the series in Miller Park]." - newsgatherer6
2014: 20 IP/ 1.600 WHIP/ 7.65 ERA/ 0 W/ 16 K/ 0 S/ 0.80 K Inning/ -0.40 FPI
Santana, Ervin (P)

Atl

Drop Value Continue to try and sell Evrin Santana high. He scattered six Cubs' base runners across seven innings earning his fourth win, while striking out seven. Santana has been dominant in his first six starts in the NL. Even better is that this start was interrupted by a rain delay. Life is easier in the National League and the Braves are a solid ball team, but how long do you stand behind a career season from a 31-year old? Santana's K/9 is at a career high and he has avoided the long ball, except on two occasions. Odds alone will catch up on those two statistics, which is reason enough to turn your late-to-mid round pick into better long-term value as quickly as possible. The worst-case scenario is you get equal value in return for Santana, which right now is a solid starting pitcher or big bat. - nparker
According to the Braves' official website, "The Braves went through most of April generating enough power to support their stellar rotation. After going through most of the past two weeks without the benefit of that element, they spent the past two nights playing small ball. After an Ervin Santana-Jeff Samardzija pitching matchup lived up to expectations Saturday night at Turner Field, the Braves produced a sacrifice bunt and a squeeze bunt to construct a two-run seventh inning that proved decisive in a 2-0 win over the Cubs. Santana scattered five hits over seven scoreless innings and showed no ill effects of the bruised right thumb that had forced him to miss his previous turn. The veteran right-hander has allowed one or no runs in four of his first six starts."
2014: 41 IP/ 1.010 WHIP/ 1.99 ERA/ 4 W/ 43 K/ 0 S/ 1.06 K Inning/ 2.46 FPI  
Week: 7 IP/ 0.857 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/1 W/ 7 K/ 0 S/ 1.00 K Inning/ 3.00 FPI
Wright, David (3B)

NYN

Rise Value David Wright had a nice day for the Metropolitans. He jacked his second home run of the season and parlayed it with a double and three RBIs. Wright is no longer the power threat he was when he first arrived on the scene, but his .103 ISO is low. It is extremely low; especially considering Wright's career mark is above .200. The Mets are horrific offensively and lineup protection is an issue, but hitting isn't and Wright's counting stats attest to that. He has 16 runs and 21 RBIs on the season. But back to stats due to improve, Wright's 6.3 BB% and 21.9 K% are low and high respectively when compared to his past two season's marks. Wright was a consensus top-30 fantasy pick and everything points to improvement from here on. Test the waters to acquire him and if you're fortunate to be an owner hold tight. - nparker
2014: 146 AB/ 0.295 BA/ 2 HR/ 21 RBI/ 16 R/ 2 SB/ 0.397 Slug/ 0.24 KRate/ 0.56 FPI
Week: 26 AB/ 0.385 BA/ 1 HR/ 5 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.692 Slug/ 0.23 KRate/ 1.00 FPI
Volquez, Edinson (P)

Pit

Get rid of Player In 2008 Edinson Volquez had a banner year, fantasy owners have been chasing that success ever since. Injuries and wildness have held Volquez's strikeout potential in check and the soon to be 31-year old isn't a fantasy option. The relocation to San Diego's favorable Petco Park was supposed to help Volquez, right? Pittsburgh Pirates pitching coach Ray Searage turned around Francisco Liriano, so surely he can help paint a renaissance season for Edinson, right? The player once traded for Josh Hamilton is now best used in over bets and stacking the team he is facing in daily games. Volquez's ownership is dwindling and rightfully so. Daily gamers and daily lineup owners need to target hitters getting the luxury of teeing off on the Peg-legs' hurler. - nparker
2014: 43 IP/ 1.200 WHIP/ 4.36 ERA/ 1 W/ 25 K/ 0 S/ 0.58 K Inning/ 1.47 FPI  
Week: 10 IP/ 1.861 WHIP/ 8.38 ERA/0 W/ 7 K/ 0 S/ 0.72 K Inning/ 0.00 FPI
Votto, Joey (1B)

Cin

Hot Player Joey Votto has bombs in back-to-back games, which tops him out at 6 on the season. The former NL MVP is still a go-to option in OBP leagues, but his modest .266 batting average isn't paying the fantasy bills. Additionally 12 RBIs don't jive with a .476 slugging percentage. Votto only drove in 73 RBIs last season and expecting many more in 2014 is unrealistic at this point of the season. The Canuck is no longer a five-category contributor. He'll chip in across the board and when the Reds' lineup is healthy there is a lot of offensive potential for Votto. The problem right now is the Reds are among the league's worst offenses and Jay Bruce is out for the foreseeable future. You can't trade Joey Votto for 85 cents on the dollar either because of the up-front investment. He has proven to be as reliable as they come; the problem is the price tag in March isn't going to match the end results in September. At least Votto can do a lot of damage on his own. - nparker
2014: 123 AB/ 0.268 BA/ 6 HR/ 12 RBI/ 19 R/ 1 SB/ 0.480 Slug/ 0.23 KRate/ 0.71 FPI
Week: 20 AB/ 0.250 BA/ 2 HR/ 2 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.600 Slug/ 0.25 KRate/ 0.68 FPI
Headley, Chase (3B)

SD

Player Injury Update Returning with a bang is Mr. Chase Headley. After a breakout campaign in 2012 Mr. Headley has been chasing a contract and good health, tonight's round tripper fresh off the DL was a great sign for fantasy owners. Headley slipped into fringe-fantasy-starter range on draft day and could provide a huge profit if he can get anywhere near his breakthrough season's counting stats. Expecting anything north of 20 home runs is unwise and a slow start will limit his year-end RBI and run totals, but going forward he can produce CI-starter numbers. Don’t underestimate the steal potential and solid batting average and make sure Headley isn't sitting around for free on waivers in your league. - nparker
According to the Padres' official website, "Chase Headley hit a three-run home run to highlight a four-run sixth inning Saturday as the Padres topped the Marlins, 9-3, before a crowd of 27,719 at Petco Park. Headley, who came off the disabled list earlier in the day after missing 14 games with a strained right calf, drove a 2-2 pitch from Marlins reliever Carlos Marmol (0-3) into the right-field seats. Jedd Gyorko, who knocked in six runs Friday, knocked in the other run of the inning with a single to right field. The Padres (17-21) have won two of the first three games of this four-game series from the Marlins (20-17). Seth Smith had three hits and knocked in four runs. He finished a single shy of the first cycle in franchise history."
2014: 73 AB/ 0.192 BA/ 3 HR/ 10 RBI/ 7 R/ 1 SB/ 0.356 Slug/ 0.27 KRate/ 0.39 FPI
Week: 3 AB/ 0.333 BA/ 1 HR/ 3 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 1.333 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ 1.50 FPI
Cain, Matt (P)

SF

Rise Value Matt Cain went five-scoreless innings before getting tagged for two-earned runs in the sixth inning, which he didn't finish. It was a solid start for the Giants veteran. Cain missed his last two starts after cutting the tip of his right index finger. Cain was an elite fantasy arm for the better part of a decade, but fell on hard times in 2013 and hasn't had a great start to 2014. He is winless through six games started. Statistically very little has changed for Cain. The Giants have more wins than any team in baseball and Cain's job is safe. Those are two huge positives going forward. Owners have to be frustrated at this point and if there is a buy-low opportunity it is time to pounce. You shouldn't expect 2012 numbers, but going forward Cain is a pitcher you can put in your lineup and leave there. - nparker
2014: 36 IP/ 1.330 WHIP/ 4.25 ERA/ 0 W/ 29 K/ 0 S/ 0.81 K Inning/ 1.08 FPI  
Week: 5 IP/ 1.400 WHIP/ 3.60 ERA/0 W/ 4 K/ 0 S/ 0.80 K Inning/ 2.20 FPI
Kemp, Matt (OF)

LAN

Rise Value After the recent endorsement off full-time at bats Matt Kemp's stock is trending up. The former fantasy dynamo has had back-to-back injury plagued seasons and his production has suffered. 2014 looked like more of the same, but Kemp is heating up. The RBIs will come and the recent surge is encouraging. Kemp has gone 13 for his last 28 and the counting stats will have to follow. His BB% is up and with three stolen bases thus far, there are encouraging signs for fake-baseball owners. Kemp is still striking out too much, but his ISO is well above .200 and he is surrounded by big-time talents in the Dodgers' lineup. Kemp has burned a lot of fantasy owners over the years and has started slowly, so there is a chance he is being undervalued. Don't sell the farm, but first-round talent doesn't disappear. - nparker
2014: 111 AB/ 0.270 BA/ 5 HR/ 11 RBI/ 15 R/ 3 SB/ 0.495 Slug/ 0.32 KRate/ 0.66 FPI
Week: 23 AB/ 0.435 BA/ 1 HR/ 2 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.609 Slug/ 0.30 KRate/ 0.98 FPI
Mesoraco, Devin (C)

Cin

Player Injury Update According to the Reds' official website, "Because of afternoon showers on Saturday, the tarp covered the infield at Great American Ball Park and prevented Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco from running the bases. Instead, Mesoraco tested his left hamstring by running "simulated bases" on the indoor track behind the Reds' dugout. "I'm good to go, I believe," Mesoraco said. "I don't know what the official plan is yet, but they want me to go play a few games somewhere." Mesoraco practiced tagging up, secondary leads and short sprints. "I don't feel anything; it feels perfectly good," said Mesoraco, who strained his left hamstring on April 25. "There are no worries at this point." Mesoraco was eligible to be activated from the 15-day disabled list on Sunday, but as of Saturday that was not expected to happen." - newsgatherer6
2014: 46 AB/ 0.478 BA/ 3 HR/ 13 RBI/ 10 R/ 1 SB/ 0.804 Slug/ 0.22 KRate/ 1.30 FPI
Ellis, A.J. (C)

LAN

Player Injury Update According to the Dodgers' official website, "Catcher A.J. Ellis (left knee surgery) will begin a Minor League rehab assignment for Triple-A Albuquerque on Sunday, and he could be activated next week. Ellis took an additional 15 at-bats in an extended spring game on Saturday." - newsgatherer6
2014: 24 AB/ 0.167 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.167 Slug/ 0.25 KRate/ 0.21 FPI
Quentin, Carlos (OF)

SD

Player Injury Update According to the Padres' official website, "Outfielder Carlos Quentin pushed a cart filled with his belongings into the home clubhouse at Petco Park on Saturday, a sign his Minor League rehabilitation stint could be coming to an end soon. But when does Quentin -- who hasn't played a game thus far because of a bone bruise he sustained in his left knee in Spring Training -- expect to get into a big league game? "I would say sooner than later," he said. Quentin hit a home run on Friday playing for Triple-A El Paso in Fresno, Calif. He'll get treatment and will also go through his normal workout routine Saturday at Petco Park before heading up I-15 to play Sunday at Class A Advanced Lake Elsinore. "It's gone well, we're still making progress," Quentin said. "[Friday] was the first time I have gone back-to-back [starts in the field]." - newsgatherer6
Lyles, Jordan (P)

Col

Rise Value Last night Jordan Lyles fanned eight batters. Entering the game he had 24 strikeouts on the season over seven starts. The Rockies offense is potent and Lyles has limited opponents to the tune of a .266 ERA and a 5-0 record. Lyles has lasted 5 innings in each start of the season and allowed 4 earned runs just a single time, in his first start of 2014. The 23-year old doesn't miss many bats posting just a 5.68 K/9 this season, but he has excellent control averaging just 2.49 BB/9. The Astros' former first rounder has never fanned many batters, likewise he has never walked many either. The good news is the Rockies are the best offensive team in baseball and it isn't close. Pair that with wins being arguably the most difficult fantasy category to predict and Lyles has been and should continue to be a plus contributor in 3 categories. - nparker
According to the Rockies' official website, "Rockies right-hander Jordan Lyles, the winner after six effective innings Saturday night, joined the Yankees' Masahiro Tanaka as the only Major League starting pitchers with 5-0 records."
2014: 51 IP/ 1.090 WHIP/ 2.66 ERA/ 5 W/ 32 K/ 0 S/ 0.63 K Inning/ 2.32 FPI  
Week: 14 IP/ 1.143 WHIP/ 2.57 ERA/2 W/ 13 K/ 0 S/ 0.93 K Inning/ 2.39 FPI
Smith, Will (RP)

Mil

Hot Player It is time to add Will Smith to your roster. The Brewers reliever has been unhittable to date and boasts a dazzling 13.22 K/9. Regardless of your league's format you can find room for strikeouts, or at least in Roto and especially if there is an innings cap. Smith has also picked up a save on the season; although with the way Francisco Rodriguez has been dealing Smith will be reserved to spot duty at best. His strikeout total sits at 24 though just 16.1 innings pitched. Smith does offer up more free passes than most, but has only allowed a single earned run on the season. His 0.55 ERA will also play. A reliever who can stabilize ratios and pad your strikeout totals is worth a roster spot and Will Smith can do just that. He'll grab a win here and a save there too. - nparker
2014: 16 IP/ 1.040 WHIP/ 0.55 ERA/ 0 W/ 24 K/ 1 S/ 1.47 K Inning/ 2.73 FPI  
Week: 4 IP/ 0.500 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/0 W/ 6 K/ 0 S/ 1.50 K Inning/ 3.63 FPI
McCutchen, Andrew (OF)

Pit

Player Injury Update According to the Pirates' official website, "Midway through Saturday night's game against the Cardinals at PNC Park, an eventual 4-3 win, the Pirates found themselves down two center fielders and fresh out of outfielders, period. As a result, veteran first baseman Gaby Sanchez made his Major League outfield debut in the fifth inning. Three innings later, after Sanchez departed as part of a double switch, Jordy Mercer took over in right, also making his big league debut at the position. Andrew McCutchen was missing from the starting lineup because of his sore left ankle, which has been bothering him for nearly a month. McCutchen exited the April 11 game in Milwaukee early because of the discomfort, and apparently re-aggravated the tender joint landing on it after jumping for Allen Craig's home run in the fourth inning of Friday night's game. Starting in McCutchen's place, Starling Marte, a natural center fielder, was removed from the game with tightness in his lower back after visibly favoring the back on a groundout in the third inning." - newsgatherer6
2014: 133 AB/ 0.308 BA/ 4 HR/ 18 RBI/ 18 R/ 4 SB/ 0.496 Slug/ 0.21 KRate/ 0.81 FPI
Week: 21 AB/ 0.381 BA/ 0 HR/ 2 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.524 Slug/ 0.14 KRate/ 0.82 FPI
Chapman, Aroldis (RP)

Cin

Player Injury Update According to the Reds' official website, "It was a traumatic moment when Aroldis Chapman was struck in the face by a line drive during Spring Training. But it is a moment from which the Reds' closer has moved past rather quickly under the circumstances. The corner was turned, officially, when Chapman was activated from the disabled list on Saturday. To make room for Chapman on the 25-man roster, the Reds optioned reliever Curtis Partch to Triple-A Louisville. "I'm really happy to be back with my team," Chapman said via translator Tomas Vera." - newsgatherer6
Reed, Addison (RP)

Ari

Caution Make it 11 saves for Addison Reed. Just don't forget to acknowledge the fact he has allowed runs in ten of 18 appearances this season. The statistics tell a pretty simple tale for Reed. He is getting taken deep. His K/9 is up, his BB/9 is down and most everything else is similar to years past, beyond an inflated HR/9 and HR/FB. Either Reed's propensity to serve up meatballs is going to subside, or he is going to lose his job. The Diamondbacks have enough invested in Reed for him to maintain the role in the short term, especially as long as he keeps saving games. Brad Ziegler is worth a look in deep and competitive leagues, at least until Reed can string together a few flawless outings. - nparker
2014: 19 IP/ 1.180 WHIP/ 4.34 ERA/ 1 W/ 22 K/ 11 S/ 1.18 K Inning/ 1.07 FPI  
Week: 3 IP/ 1.000 WHIP/ 6.00 ERA/0 W/ 5 K/ 3 S/ 1.67 K Inning/ 2.00 FPI
Cingrani, Tony (P)

Cin

Player Injury Update According to the Reds' official website, "Reds starting pitcher Tony Cingrani, who has been on the disabled list since May 1 because of mild left shoulder tendinitis, threw a light bullpen session on Friday. "It went well," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "Our plan is to have him ready for the Philadelphia series [next weekend]. When that time comes, we want him to feel like it's his Opening Day again. We want his arm to feel that good. We don't want him to get 80 percent recovery. We want 100 percent recovery, and we don't want to have to go back down the same road." The Reds, who have used a four-man rotation because of multiple recent off-days, do not need Cingrani's spot until May 17 against the Phillies. "If he's not ready … then we'll find somebody else to make that start and activate him when he's 100 percent ready," Price said." - newsgatherer6
2014: 32 IP/ 1.330 WHIP/ 3.34 ERA/ 2 W/ 32 K/ 0 S/ 0.99 K Inning/ 1.69 FPI
Ryu, Hyun-Jin (P)

LAN

Player Injury Update According to the Dodgers' official website, "Dodgers third baseman Juan Uribe staved off the disabled list for another day on Saturday, his improving strained right hamstring muscle not keeping him from hitting or playing long toss. Manager Don Mattingly said Uribe tried running in the trainer's room and tunnel, but a decision on whether he will be disabled won't come until Sunday. "He did OK," said Mattingly. "The key will be tomorrow. We'll see if it gets sore when he gets on the field. Stan [Conte, trainer] is a little more confident. We feel it's minor; we don't want to turn it into major." Hyun-Jin Ryu (left shoulder blade inflammation), meanwhile, was able to play catch with more velocity, and Mattingly said his stint on the disabled list should not be long-lasting. But Ryu will not be able to return on Tuesday, when he's eligible." - newsgatherer6
2014: 39 IP/ 1.230 WHIP/ 3.23 ERA/ 3 W/ 31 K/ 0 S/ 0.79 K Inning/ 1.85 FPI
Duda, Lucas (OF)

NYN

Idea
According to the Mets' official website, "Lucas Duda is feeling better and back in the lineup. Duda, New York's first baseman, was held out of Friday night's game due to a case of food poisoning, and manager Terry Collins didn't expect to have him back for Saturday. The veteran made a full recovery, though, and after running through pregame drills, he talked his way into the lineup. "I feel a lot better and I'll play today," said Duda. "I just told him, 'Hey, I feel good. I want to play.'" Duda, batting .266 with four home runs entering Saturday, said he thought he contracted the sickness from eating an undercooked hamburger. Duda's illness came right when he was heating up at the plate, as the 28-year-old was hitting .316 with a .435 on-base percentage during May entering Saturday."
2014: 96 AB/ 0.260 BA/ 4 HR/ 15 RBI/ 11 R/ 1 SB/ 0.417 Slug/ 0.30 KRate/ 0.56 FPI
Week: 12 AB/ 0.250 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.333 Slug/ 0.33 KRate/ 0.56 FPI
Morse, Michael (OF)

SF

Hot Player
According to the Giants' official website, "Experience was the chief factor in the Giants' decision to name Michael Morse as their primary first baseman while Brandon Belt's broken left thumb heals. Manager Bruce Bochy announced the Giants' plans Saturday, one day after Dodgers starter Paul Maholm hit Belt on the thumb with a fastball, causing the injury. Belt was scheduled to be examined by a hand specialist later Saturday in San Francisco. To replenish their outfield depth with the imminent shift of Morse, their everyday left fielder, the Giants purchased the contract of Tyler Colvin from Triple-A Fresno."
2014: 120 AB/ 0.275 BA/ 8 HR/ 24 RBI/ 17 R/ 0 SB/ 0.542 Slug/ 0.27 KRate/ 0.65 FPI
Week: 27 AB/ 0.148 BA/ 0 HR/ 2 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.222 Slug/ 0.33 KRate/ 0.12 FPI
McLouth, Nate (OF)

Was

Player Injury Update
According to the Nationals' official website, "Nate McLouth was back in the Washington starting lineup on Saturday for the first time since cutting his hand while colliding with a wall on Monday making a diving catch. The veteran outfielder appeared as a ninth-inning defensive replacement on Wednesday but had been otherwise giving his hand time to recover. "There was no way it would have healed if I kept swinging," McClouth said. "But I hit [Friday], and it's good to go." McLouth has a small bandage near the knuckle at the base of his right index finger. While grabbing the ball on defense hasn't been much of a problem, he's noticed the injury when swinging the bat."
2014: 50 AB/ 0.080 BA/ 1 HR/ 1 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.160 Slug/ 0.24 KRate/ 0.10 FPI
Week: 9 AB/ 0.000 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.000 Slug/ 0.33 KRate/ -0.30 FPI
Hamilton, Billy (OF)

Cin

Player Injury Update
According to the Reds' official website, "Reds center fielder Billy Hamilton notched a pinch-hit double and scored a run in the eighth inning during Friday's 4-3 victory over the Rockies. However, Hamilton was still out of the starting lineup vs. Colorado on Saturday as he continued to work his way back from two sprained knuckles on his left hand. "We're still evaluating there just to make sure he's 100 percent, 100 percent," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "A funny thing Dusty [Baker] used to say was that when you feel like a guy is ready, you give him one more extra day. I think all things considered, one extra day in this case allows him to get more swings right-handed, which is the side that's given him more trouble. "You can expect him to be in there [Sunday]. I think that's safe to say."
2014: 96 AB/ 0.250 BA/ 1 HR/ 6 RBI/ 14 R/ 11 SB/ 0.344 Slug/ 0.19 KRate/ 0.56 FPI
Week: 3 AB/ 0.333 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.667 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ 0.83 FPI
Arenado, Nolan (3B)

Col

Rise Value
According to the Rockies' official website, "It does not have the panache of a hit streak, but Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado still has an active run of success. Arenado's hit streak ended at a club-record 28 games on Friday night, but he reached on a ninth-inning walk. Arenado doubled twice Saturday night to extend his streak for reaching base to 30 games. Arenado's current run is tied for the second-longest streak in the Majors this season, behind the Blue Jays' Jose Bautista's 37-game run."
2014: 154 AB/ 0.318 BA/ 6 HR/ 26 RBI/ 23 R/ 1 SB/ 0.526 Slug/ 0.13 KRate/ 0.71 FPI
Week: 26 AB/ 0.346 BA/ 1 HR/ 6 RBI/ 4 R/ 0 SB/ 0.692 Slug/ 0.12 KRate/ 0.97 FPI
Gordon, Dee (2B)

LAN

Hot Player
According to the Dodgers' official website, "With Maury Wills, Davey Lopes and Steve Sax in the house for Old-Timers' Day on Saturday, the Dodgers' newest version of a leadoff hitter and catalyst showed why he won the job in a 6-2 comeback win over the Giants. Dee Gordon stole three bases, scored two runs and had two hits, including a tiebreaking RBI double in the seventh inning. Gordon has an MLB-leading 24 steals, joining Scott Podsednik, Kenny Lofton and Vince Coleman as the only players to record 24 steals in the first 35 games. And with Cy Young Award winners Sandy Koufax, Fernando Valenzuela, Orel Hershiser, Eric Gagne and Clayton Kershaw watching, fellow Cy Young Award winner Zack Greinke dug down for seven innings and reared back to touch 96 mph in a key at-bat. With Matt Kemp homering and Drew Butera driving in another run, the Dodgers spotted the Giants a pair of runs and scored six times unanswered to snap the losing streak at three. "We needed a win for some energy," said manager Don Mattingly. "Down 2-0, it felt like we were down 10, honestly. Getting runs back were like a shot in the arm. Dee created energy all over the place. Obviously, we were going in the wrong direction. These are like a two-game swing." Greinke is now 6-1, with five wins following losses, and he's 10-1 against the National League West since coming to the Dodgers."
2014: 140 AB/ 0.336 BA/ 1 HR/ 11 RBI/ 21 R/ 24 SB/ 0.443 Slug/ 0.16 KRate/ 0.96 FPI
Week: 28 AB/ 0.250 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 5 R/ 5 SB/ 0.357 Slug/ 0.21 KRate/ 0.73 FPI
Dickerson, Corey (OF)

Col

Hot Player
According to the Rockies' official website, "Corey Dickerson had his first career two-homer game, also doubling twice, and the Rockies went deep five times in an 11-2 victory over the Reds on Saturday night at Great American Ball Park in front of 37,984."
2014: 52 AB/ 0.385 BA/ 4 HR/ 11 RBI/ 11 R/ 2 SB/ 0.750 Slug/ 0.23 KRate/ 1.12 FPI
Week: 15 AB/ 0.467 BA/ 2 HR/ 6 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 1.000 Slug/ 0.27 KRate/ 1.43 FPI
Wood, Alex (P)

Atl

Hot Player
According to the Braves' official website, "The Braves temporarily addressed the surplus in their starting rotation by deciding Alex Wood will spend the next few days experiencing the first of what might end up being a couple of short stints in the bullpen. Instead of making his scheduled start on Sunday, Wood will serve as a reliever through Wednesday, then return to the rotation to start May 17 against the Cardinals in St. Louis. This decision gives the Braves a second left-hander in the bullpen and a chance to harness the workload of Wood, who is on pace to pitch approximately 200 innings in just his second full season at the professional level."
2014: 46 IP/ 1.170 WHIP/ 2.93 ERA/ 3 W/ 46 K/ 0 S/ 1.00 K Inning/ 1.40 FPI  
Week: 6 IP/ 1.500 WHIP/ 3.00 ERA/1 W/ 9 K/ 0 S/ 1.50 K Inning/ 0.50 FPI
Soriano, Rafael (RP)

Was

FYI
According to the Nationals' official website, "So much for Rafael Soriano's perfect start to the season. The A's mounted a ninth-inning rally against Washington's closer to erase a solid start from Nationals righty Tanner Roark, before claiming a 4-3, walk-off win in 10 innings Saturday night. Soriano had entered with a 25-inning scoreless streak, and had converted 19 straight saves dating back to last season, but Oakland strung together a game-tying salvo in the ninth to set itself up for the extra-inning dramatics. A's catcher John Jaso capped off his stellar evening by drilling a double off the right-field wall in the 10th against Drew Storen to score Nick Punto from first."
2014: 14 IP/ 1.000 WHIP/ 1.29 ERA/ 1 W/ 15 K/ 7 S/ 1.07 K Inning/ 2.75 FPI  
Week: 3 IP/ 1.000 WHIP/ 6.00 ERA/0 W/ 3 K/ 1 S/ 1.00 K Inning/ 2.00 FPI
Smith, Seth (OF)

SD

Player Injury Update
According to the Padres' official website, "Chase Headley hit a three-run home run to highlight a four-run sixth inning Saturday as the Padres topped the Marlins, 9-3, before a crowd of 27,719 at Petco Park. Headley, who came off the disabled list earlier in the day after missing 14 games with a strained right calf, drove a 2-2 pitch from Marlins reliever Carlos Marmol (0-3) into the right-field seats. Jedd Gyorko, who knocked in six runs Friday, knocked in the other run of the inning with a single to right field. The Padres (17-21) have won two of the first three games of this four-game series from the Marlins (20-17). Seth Smith had three hits and knocked in four runs. He finished a single shy of the first cycle in franchise history."
2014: 101 AB/ 0.327 BA/ 3 HR/ 13 RBI/ 14 R/ 0 SB/ 0.574 Slug/ 0.20 KRate/ 0.83 FPI
Week: 23 AB/ 0.522 BA/ 1 HR/ 6 RBI/ 4 R/ 0 SB/ 1.087 Slug/ 0.22 KRate/ 1.61 FPI
Desmond, Ian (SS)

Was

FYI
According to the Nationals' official website, "The Washington lineup isn't at full strength without stars like Bryce Harper and Ryan Zimmerman, who are both dealing with lengthy thumb injuries. With first baseman Adam LaRoche also dealing with a nagging quad problem, manager Matt Williams needs more production out of regulars like shortstop Ian Desmond and leadoff man outfielder Denard Span. Through the team's first 35 contests, Desmond was hitting .221, while Span was batting .243, but the skipper doesn't sound too concerned with their ability to produce going forward. Williams said he hasn't approached the two players about their struggles at the plate, nor does he plan to. "You can't do that," Williams said. "They look at you, like, 'OK that's eyewash. Calm down, don't worry about it.' But of course, you're going to worry about it. You're human, and you want to do well, and you want to get a hit every time you go up there. The key for both those guys is to play, and to play a lot."
2014: 140 AB/ 0.214 BA/ 4 HR/ 17 RBI/ 15 R/ 2 SB/ 0.336 Slug/ 0.29 KRate/ 0.37 FPI
Week: 20 AB/ 0.100 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 1 R/ 1 SB/ 0.100 Slug/ 0.25 KRate/ 0.17 FPI
Mejia, Jenrry (P)

NYN

Rookie
According to the Mets' official website, "The Mets still aren't sure what they have in Jenrry Mejia. The 24-year-old right-hander has bounced between the starting rotation and the bullpen in his brief big league tenure, and manager Terry Collins said Saturday that the Mets are currently reviewing how Mejia will best be used. Mejia has always been viewed as a potential starter, but the Mets are concerned that he doesn't get deep enough in games to protect the rest of the bullpen. Mejia has completed six innings just twice in seven starts this season, prompting Collins to re-evaluate his status. "Jenrry's stuff plays. It's good enough," said Collins. "Where you get a little concerned is the excessive pitches that he uses to sometimes get some outs. Look at last night -- in three innings, he had 63 pitches. That's a lot. In certain cases, we're lucky. We had Thursday off, so the bullpen was fine. We had a lot of guys down there we could use, but when you think you're going to get five innings out of a guy, you end up expending your bullpen a little bit. You've got to be good enough."
2014: 37 IP/ 1.580 WHIP/ 5.06 ERA/ 3 W/ 38 K/ 0 S/ 1.02 K Inning/ 1.19 FPI  
Week: 5 IP/ 1.927 WHIP/ 3.85 ERA/0 W/ 4 K/ 0 S/ 0.86 K Inning/ 0.65 FPI
Span, Denard (OF)

Was

FYI
According to the Nationals' official website, "The Washington lineup isn't at full strength without stars like Bryce Harper and Ryan Zimmerman, who are both dealing with lengthy thumb injuries. With first baseman Adam LaRoche also dealing with a nagging quad problem, manager Matt Williams needs more production out of regulars like shortstop Ian Desmond and leadoff man outfielder Denard Span. Through the team's first 35 contests, Desmond was hitting .221, while Span was batting .243, but the skipper doesn't sound too concerned with their ability to produce going forward. Williams said he hasn't approached the two players about their struggles at the plate, nor does he plan to. "You can't do that," Williams said. "They look at you, like, 'OK that's eyewash. Calm down, don't worry about it.' But of course, you're going to worry about it. You're human, and you want to do well, and you want to get a hit every time you go up there. The key for both those guys is to play, and to play a lot."
2014: 120 AB/ 0.242 BA/ 0 HR/ 7 RBI/ 18 R/ 4 SB/ 0.325 Slug/ 0.13 KRate/ 0.45 FPI
Week: 25 AB/ 0.320 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 4 R/ 0 SB/ 0.400 Slug/ 0.08 KRate/ 0.58 FPI
Howard, Ryan (1B)

Phi

Great Player
According to the Phillies' official website, "All around Ryan Howard, the crowd at Citi Field stood and cheered. Mets fans wanted one final strike from reliever Kyle Farnsworth, which would have sent the game into the bottom of the ninth inning with the score tied. Instead, Howard lined a single -- his fourth hit of the night -- above Farnsworth's head and into center field, scoring Jimmy Rollins with the go-ahead run to send the Phillies to a 5-4 win over the Mets on Saturday night."
2014: 133 AB/ 0.256 BA/ 7 HR/ 21 RBI/ 17 R/ 0 SB/ 0.466 Slug/ 0.31 KRate/ 0.56 FPI
Week: 27 AB/ 0.259 BA/ 1 HR/ 4 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.407 Slug/ 0.26 KRate/ 0.46 FPI
Fernandez, Jose (P)

Mia

Great Player
According to the Marlins' official website, "Chalk up Friday as an off night for Jose Fernandez and the Marlins. Fernandez was tagged for six runs (five earned) with five strikeouts in five-plus innings in Miami's 10-1 loss to the Padres at Petco Park. As it turns out, there was a reason why Fernandez was a bit off. He was dealing with an upset stomach. In the top of the first inning, as San Diego's Tyson Ross was pitching, Fernandez threw up in a trash can in the tunnel leading into the visiting dugout. "I wasn't feeling well," Fernandez said on Saturday afternoon. Not making any excuses for his performance on the mound, Fernandez did note that something he ate for lunch didn't agree with him. Before every road start, he has a steak, but this meal upset his stomach. "It probably was something I ate," Fernandez said"
2014: 52 IP/ 0.950 WHIP/ 2.44 ERA/ 4 W/ 70 K/ 0 S/ 1.35 K Inning/ 2.39 FPI  
Week: 12 IP/ 1.333 WHIP/ 5.25 ERA/0 W/ 15 K/ 0 S/ 1.25 K Inning/ 1.04 FPI
Miley, Wade (P)

Ari

Rise Value
According to the D-backs' official website, "When he is at his best, D-backs left-hander Wade Miley is working quickly and throwing strikes. That's exactly what he did Saturday night, delivering seven strong innings as the D-backs held on to beat the White Sox, 4-3, at U.S. Cellular Field. "You've got to be aware," D-backs third baseman Martin Prado said of playing behind Miley. "He comes right at the hitters so you have to be on your toes. It's fun, because it's throw and go. He had pretty good command today." The win sets up a rubber match Sunday afternoon and keeps alive the D-backs' chances of winning their third straight series. Miley (3-3) allowed two runs on four hits over seven innings to pick up his first win since April 6."
2014: 56 IP/ 1.210 WHIP/ 4.82 ERA/ 3 W/ 46 K/ 0 S/ 0.82 K Inning/ 1.52 FPI  
Week: 14 IP/ 0.786 WHIP/ 3.21 ERA/1 W/ 10 K/ 0 S/ 0.71 K Inning/ 2.64 FPI
Kalish, Ryan (OF)

ChN

FYI
According to the Cubs' official website, "Whether it's coincidence or not, there's something about Cubs outfielder Ryan Kalish batting near the top of the order. Entering Saturday, he was batting .321 (9-for-28) with four runs scored, all four of his RBIs and three of his five walks in the first and second spots. "It's a fun challenge, for sure," Kalish said. "My job is to score runs." Kalish hit second Saturday night, making three consecutive starts hitting either first or second in the order. During the past two games, he has reached base four times in 10 plate appearances, including a run-scoring single on Friday night. In three Major League seasons, Kalish is batting .286 (20-for-70) when batting first or second, a mark much better than his .245 (80-for-326) career clip."
2014: 71 AB/ 0.268 BA/ 0 HR/ 4 RBI/ 9 R/ 2 SB/ 0.352 Slug/ 0.21 KRate/ 0.49 FPI
Week: 20 AB/ 0.300 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.400 Slug/ 0.10 KRate/ 0.50 FPI
Martinez, Victor (DH)

Det

Hot Player V-Mart slugged a homerun and knocked in 3 RBIs against the Twins on Saturday. Martinez has been red-hot at the plate this week, with 4 homeruns in his last 6 games. The 35 year-old catcher is currently enjoying the highest contact rate of his career at 94% and has a swinging strike rate below 3%, which is exceptional and second to only Kurt Suzuki in 2014. He has seen time at catcher in two games this season and would pick up extra value if he can gain eligibility at the catcher position before the end of the year. - mwaldo
According to the Tigers' official website, "On Jim Leyland Day at Comerica Park, it's fitting that the Tigers lived on the three-run homer. With the former manager in attendance as the guest of honor, Detroit's offense looked revitalized Saturday afternoon in a 9-3 win over Minnesota. And resembling those Leyland-managed clubs, teams that thrived on the long ball, the Tigers blasted a pair of three-run shots. "Leyland always played for the three-run bomb," Detroit starter Max Scherzer said, "so we hit two of them." Aided by Miguel Cabrera's three-run home run off Kyle Gibson, the first homer he had allowed this season, the American League's top offense chased the Twins' starter from the game with a six-run second inning. Cabrera's homer placed him in a tie with Gil Hodges for 73rd on the all-time home run list with 370. He has three home runs and nine RBIs in his past five games. Cleanup hitter Victor Martinez, Cabrera's partner-in-crime, launched a three-run blast of his own in the seventh inning to put the game out of reach. It was Martinez's eighth home run of the season."
2014: 119 AB/ 0.328 BA/ 8 HR/ 22 RBI/ 15 R/ 1 SB/ 0.588 Slug/ 0.04 KRate/ 0.82 FPI
Week: 27 AB/ 0.333 BA/ 4 HR/ 7 RBI/ 4 R/ 0 SB/ 0.815 Slug/ 0.07 KRate/ 1.03 FPI
Hunter, Tommy (RP)

Bal

Caution Hunter gave up three consecutive hits in the ninth inning to blow his second save of the season against the Astros. Since moving into the bullpen, Hunter has seen an uptick in velocity and is striking out batters at the highest rate of his career, despite a below average 6% swinging strike rate. After allowing the runs tonight, he has now allowed at least a run in each of his last 3 appearances and has given up hits to 20 of the 65 batters he has faced on the year. I’m confident that the closing job still belongs to Hunter, but he’s going to need to turn things around soon. At this point, the best arm in the bullpen for the Orioles is 31 year-old Darren O’Day. - mwaldo
2014: 14 IP/ 1.670 WHIP/ 4.39 ERA/ 1 W/ 14 K/ 11 S/ 0.98 K Inning/ 0.73 FPI  
Week: 4 IP/ 2.997 WHIP/ 9.81 ERA/0 W/ 4 K/ 3 S/ 1.09 K Inning/ -1.77 FPI
Teixeira, Mark (1B)

NYA

Rise Value Tex went 2-for-4 with his sixth homerun of the season against the Brewers. Teixeira’s ISO is now sitting at .267 and he is looking much more like his old stuff so far this year. Despite a slightly higher strikeout rate, his walk rate is an excellent 13%, his chase rate is very good at 25% and his contact rate is still sitting near the league average 80%. All these indicators are positive signs for the slugger. While his days of high batting averages are way in the rear-view mirror, Tex could be a solid source of HRs and RBIs while hitting in the middle of the Yankees batting order this year. - mwaldo
2014: 75 AB/ 0.253 BA/ 6 HR/ 15 RBI/ 12 R/ 0 SB/ 0.520 Slug/ 0.25 KRate/ 0.65 FPI
Week: 23 AB/ 0.217 BA/ 1 HR/ 5 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.391 Slug/ 0.17 KRate/ 0.38 FPI
Crisp, Coco (OF)

Oak

Player Injury Update According to the A's official website, "Coco Crisp remains day to day with a sore neck. A's manager Bob Melvin said he'd like to see his center fielder go through a series of baseball activities before putting him back in the lineup. Crisp underwent an MRI on Friday, which revealed no further damage. "He feels a little better," Melvin said. "I'm not sure about his return until we get him back on the field and taking batting practice." - newsgatherer6
2014: 96 AB/ 0.260 BA/ 3 HR/ 11 RBI/ 15 R/ 7 SB/ 0.406 Slug/ 0.19 KRate/ 0.69 FPI
Week: 16 AB/ 0.250 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.250 Slug/ 0.06 KRate/ 0.19 FPI
Mauer, Joe (C)

Min

Player Injury Update According to the Twins' official website, "After missing five games with lower back spasms, Joe Mauer returned to the lineup on Saturday against Detroit, starting at designated hitter and batting third. He went 1-for-3 with a walk in Minnesota's 9-3 loss, but the Twins were relieved to see him avoid the 15-day disabled list. "With backs, it's something you don't want to deal with too much," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "When you start feeling better, you always want to give it a few extra days. I've had it and we've all had it, and it's just not very fun. So I'm just happy to see him in here wanting to play." - newsgatherer6
2014: 118 AB/ 0.297 BA/ 2 HR/ 11 RBI/ 22 R/ 1 SB/ 0.373 Slug/ 0.25 KRate/ 0.63 FPI
Week: 4 AB/ 0.250 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.250 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ 0.50 FPI
Hamilton, Josh (OF)

LAA

Player Injury Update According to the Angels' official website, "The Angels' wounded roster entered play on Saturday with a .500 record and the third-best run differential in the American League at plus-24, numbers they will gladly take, considering they have a slew of regulars on the disabled list. What's even better news for the club is that a key group of players on the DL -- outfielders Josh Hamilton and Kole Calhoun and third baseman David Freese -- are all making progress on their road to recovery. All three players are in Arizona at the Angels' Spring Training complex, and have intensified their rehab work. Calhoun, who hasn't played since April 15 due to a sprained right ankle, is the closest to rejoining Los Angeles. He could go on a rehab assignment as early as next week. Freese, meanwhile -- who suffered a non-displaced fracture in his right middle finger after getting hit by a pitch in a May 2 game against the Rangers -- has been participating in baseball-related activities. Ebel thinks Freese has a good chance to be activated off the DL on May 18, his first day of eligibility." - newsgatherer6
2014: 27 AB/ 0.444 BA/ 2 HR/ 6 RBI/ 7 R/ 1 SB/ 0.741 Slug/ 0.26 KRate/ 1.26 FPI
Scherzer, Max (P)

Det

FYI Scherzer had a pedestrian outing at home on Saturday against the light-hitting Twins. Most of the damage occurred in the third inning when Scherzer allowed a 3-run homerun to Brian Dozier. For the game, he threw 116 pitches through 6 innings and gave up 5 hits and walked 4 batters. He did add 6 strikeouts but the game has to be viewed as a disappointment for the Tigers’ ace. On year, Scherzer has continued exactly where he left off last year. He remains an elite option at the starting pitching position. Scherzer has seen steady improvement to most of his underlying stats the last three years, including his swinging strike percentage, chase rate, contact rate and walk rates. - mwaldo
2014: 53 IP/ 1.020 WHIP/ 2.04 ERA/ 5 W/ 66 K/ 0 S/ 1.25 K Inning/ 2.35 FPI  
Week: 14 IP/ 0.929 WHIP/ 1.93 ERA/2 W/ 15 K/ 0 S/ 1.07 K Inning/ 2.93 FPI
Smith, Joe (RP)

LAA

Caution Joe Smith got the call in a save situation on Saturday protecting a 5-1 lead after Tyler Skaggs allowed two baserunners in the ninth. He did allow both inherited runners to score before ending the game with a double play ground ball. Smith was dealing with some tightness in his side and missed most of the past week. Meanwhile, Ernesto Frieri notched two saves (including one on Friday after Smith allowed a homerun while pitching in the 8th) leading to speculation that he reclaimed the closer gig. Regardless, Mike Scioscia's decision to pitch Smith in a save situation on Saturday shows that neither player has a firm grasp on the job. Smith has shown significantly better control this year (5% walk rate) as well as an improved strikeout rate (24%) and is on pace for career bests for both stats. Since being removed from the closer role, Ernesto Frieri has made 7 appearances, striking out 7 over 6.2 IP allowing just one hit and no walks. Consider this a committee for now, but if Frieri continues pitching well, he could reclaim the job for himself. - mwaldo
2014: 15 IP/ 1.130 WHIP/ 3.00 ERA/ 2 W/ 14 K/ 4 S/ 0.93 K Inning/ 2.17 FPI  
Week: 2 IP/ 2.000 WHIP/ 4.50 ERA/1 W/ 1 K/ 1 S/ 0.50 K Inning/ -0.50 FPI
Sanchez, Anibal (P)

Det

Player Injury Update According to the Tigers' official website, "Tigers starter Anibal Sanchez and long reliever Luke Putkonen are both slated for May returns. By all indications, Sanchez's bullpen session on Friday went well. Sanchez said Friday that the club is aiming for a May 18 return from the lacerated right middle finger injury that will cause him to miss at least two turns in the rotation. Rookie Robbie Ray, who debuted last week, will start in Sanchez's place again Sunday. Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said Saturday that the next step for Sanchez will be a simulated game at Camden Yards on Tuesday." - newsgatherer6
2014: 23 IP/ 1.130 WHIP/ 3.13 ERA/ 0 W/ 24 K/ 0 S/ 1.04 K Inning/ 2.13 FPI
Escobar, Yunel (SS)

TB

Player Injury Update According to the Rays' official website, "Yunel Escobar was back in the Rays' lineup at shortstop Saturday after sustaining a right thumb contusion in the first inning against Cleveland on Friday night. Said Maddon: "He's fine. He's ready to rock and roll. All the tests were negative. I think his thumb just got in the way of a ground ball." - newsgatherer6
2014: 127 AB/ 0.244 BA/ 2 HR/ 6 RBI/ 4 R/ 0 SB/ 0.339 Slug/ 0.14 KRate/ 0.43 FPI
Week: 18 AB/ 0.278 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.333 Slug/ 0.06 KRate/ 0.50 FPI
Wieters, Matt (C)

Bal

Player Injury Update According to the Orioles' official website, "Orioles catcher Matt Wieters served as designated hitter again on Saturday and bench coach John Russell said there are no immediate plans for him to test his right elbow. "Probably not the next couple of days," Russell said of when Wieters could try to throw. "It's tough to put an exact timeline on Matt because it is a different kind of scenario. He doesn't really feel pain, it's not loose, he can move it around, he doesn't feel much. He just doesn't feel like he has much on it the last couple games when he'd make a throw back to second." Russell said it will depend on how Wieters feels along with input from the team's athletic trainers and they won't rush the process." - newsgatherer6
2014: 104 AB/ 0.308 BA/ 5 HR/ 18 RBI/ 13 R/ 0 SB/ 0.500 Slug/ 0.18 KRate/ 0.65 FPI
Week: 22 AB/ 0.136 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.136 Slug/ 0.18 KRate/ -0.09 FPI
Hellickson, Jeremy (P)

TB

Player Injury Update According to the Rays' official website, "Rays pitcher Jeremy Hellickson (right elbow) threw 40 fastballs and changeups off the mound in the bullpen Saturday and five or six curveballs on flat ground. Hellickson, who is aiming to return in late June, is slated to throw another bullpen session Tuesday." - newsgatherer6
Dirks, Andy (OF)

Det

Player Injury Update According to the Tigers' official website, "According to manager Brad Ausmus, outfielder Andy Dirks has started "the very beginnings of baseball activities." Dirks is on the 60-day disabled list, recovering from microdisectomy surgery on his back. Ausmus said the average time for a return from the surgery is about three months, which would have Dirks back in action sometime in June. He appears to be on track. "I texted him the other day," Ausmus said. "He threw the other day for the first time, and he can take dry swings -- just swing a bat easy. So that's where he's at." - newsgatherer6
Cobb, Alex (P)

TB

Player Injury Update According to the Rays' official website, "Starting pitcher Alex Cobb, who is coming off a strained left oblique, will throw a simulated game of four innings or 60 pitches in Port Charlotte, Fla., on Monday. He could be back in the Rays' rotation by the end of the month. If all goes well on Monday, Cobb will probably begin a rehab assignment next Saturday while the Rays are on the West Coast. "He's not far off," said manager Joe Maddon, as he kept an eye on Cobb's bullpen session before Saturday night's game. "He's kind of frisky." - newsgatherer6
2014: 19 IP/ 0.890 WHIP/ 1.89 ERA/ 1 W/ 14 K/ 0 S/ 0.74 K Inning/ 2.50 FPI
Perez, Salvador (C)

KC

Player Injury Update According to the Royals' official website, "Royals catcher Salvador Perez knew just what he wanted for his 24th birthday on Saturday. "Something good -- win the game," he said. "That's going to be good for me." Perez was working on his birthday, catching younger pitcher Yordano Ventura, 22, against the Mariners. But he might get Sunday off to rest his aching left leg which was struck -- again -- by his own foul ball May 2. "Yes, he'll probably get the day off," said Royals manager Ned Yost. "It's not the shin, it's the calf. He's got a real big bruise on it and all that blood's draining down toward his ankle. It's still sore." That's why, after hitting into what appears to be a sure out, Perez isn't running full speed. He's been told to gear down to minimize his running." - newsgatherer6
2014: 131 AB/ 0.260 BA/ 3 HR/ 11 RBI/ 12 R/ 1 SB/ 0.420 Slug/ 0.12 KRate/ 0.54 FPI
Week: 30 AB/ 0.367 BA/ 1 HR/ 1 RBI/ 5 R/ 0 SB/ 0.567 Slug/ 0.03 KRate/ 0.82 FPI
Janssen, Casey (RP)

Tor

Player Injury Update Casey Janssen, working his way back from an oblique injury, has now thrown four scoreless innings in a rehab assignment in the minor leagues. Janssen hasn’t walked a batter and now has 3 strikeouts. He will likely be ready to come off the DL very soon and will be immediately re-inserted into the closer role for the Blue Jays. Janssen has been a consistent performer out of the bullpen for the last four seasons, posting K/9 rates between 8-9 and BB/9 rates below 3 each of those years. He doesn’t have a flashy arm but he keeps the ball on the ground and is a much more stabilizing force in the ninth inning than Sergio Santos. - mwaldo
Axford, John (RP)

Cle

Drop Value Terry Francona indicated on Saturday that John Axford has been removed from the closer role. The Indians will supposedly go with a committee in the ninth but Cody Allen is only the must-add of the group. Allen boasts an above average swinging strike and strikeout rate, as well as a fantastic 68% contact rate. He has a 95 MPH fastball, but his curveball is his most effective pitch. With the news, Allen instantly becomes a top-15 closing option, assuming he sees the lion share of opportunities moving forward. Righties do hit Allen a little better than lefties, but his career wOBA is better than average against both sides of the playe. Axford only signed a one-year contract this past off-season, so from a financial perspective, there’s not as much at risk by keeping him out of the closer role for the rest of the year. Run out to your waiver wires and grab Allen if he’s still available. - mwaldo
According to the Indians' official website, "The Tribe removed John Axford from the closer's role on Saturday, but manager Terry Francona said the move is only temporarily. Until Axford regains a comfort zone on the mound, and shows he can cut down his inflated walk rate, Cleveland will keep Cody Allen, Scott Atchison, Marc Rzepczynski and Bryan Shaw available for the ninth inning."
2014: 15 IP/ 1.770 WHIP/ 4.91 ERA/ 1 W/ 15 K/ 9 S/ 1.02 K Inning/ 0.38 FPI  
Week: 3 IP/ 3.987 WHIP/ 14.95 ERA/1 W/ 5 K/ 0 S/ 1.66 K Inning/ -5.47 FPI
Davis, Chris (1B)

Bal

Player Injury Update According to the Orioles' official website, "Chris Davis made his rehab debut Saturday night for Double-A Bowie in his first -- and possibly last -- rehab game. Davis, who is working his way back from a left oblique strain, could be activated on Sunday after going 1-for-4 and playing all nine innings at first base, and Orioles bench coach John Russell -- filling in for manager Buck Showalter -- expected Davis to plead his case after Saturday's game. "We'll see," Russell said. "Me personally, I'd love to say yes. Knowing Chris, I think chances are pretty good that's what he's going to say. But I've been around baseball enough. I've seen obliques over the last few years. I don't want to step out there and say it's going to be great." - newsgatherer6
2014: 76 AB/ 0.250 BA/ 2 HR/ 13 RBI/ 14 R/ 2 SB/ 0.382 Slug/ 0.33 KRate/ 0.59 FPI
Freese, David (3B)

LAA

Player Injury Update According to the Angels' official website, "The Angels' wounded roster entered play on Saturday with a .500 record and the third-best run differential in the American League at plus-24, numbers they will gladly take, considering they have a slew of regulars on the disabled list. What's even better news for the club is that a key group of players on the DL -- outfielders Josh Hamilton and Kole Calhoun and third baseman David Freese -- are all making progress on their road to recovery. All three players are in Arizona at the Angels' Spring Training complex, and have intensified their rehab work. Calhoun, who hasn't played since April 15 due to a sprained right ankle, is the closest to rejoining Los Angeles. He could go on a rehab assignment as early as next week. Freese, meanwhile -- who suffered a non-displaced fracture in his right middle finger after getting hit by a pitch in a May 2 game against the Rangers -- has been participating in baseball-related activities. Ebel thinks Freese has a good chance to be activated off the DL on May 18, his first day of eligibility." - newsgatherer6
2014: 84 AB/ 0.202 BA/ 2 HR/ 8 RBI/ 12 R/ 0 SB/ 0.286 Slug/ 0.32 KRate/ 0.28 FPI
Saunders, Michael (OF)

Sea

Player Injury Update According to the Mariners' official website, "Mariners right fielder Michael Saunders was replaced by Stefen Romero in the fourth inning of Saturday's game against the Royals at Safeco Field after hyperextending his left knee when he fell awkwardly while pursuing a triple by Mike Moustakas. Saunders tripped as he extended for Moustakas' line drive down the line in the third inning, then got up and limped after the ball in the corner as Moustakas reached third base, from where he eventually scored the game's first run on a sacrifice fly. Saunders remained in the outfield the rest of that inning, but was replaced the following frame by Romero." - newsgatherer6
2014: 81 AB/ 0.222 BA/ 1 HR/ 7 RBI/ 14 R/ 2 SB/ 0.321 Slug/ 0.21 KRate/ 0.39 FPI
Week: 29 AB/ 0.172 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 5 R/ 1 SB/ 0.172 Slug/ 0.21 KRate/ 0.18 FPI
Skaggs, Tyler (P)

LAA

Rise Value Skaggs rebounded nicely on Saturday after being shellacked in his last outing. After allowing a run in the first inning, Skaggs didn’t allow another hit until the 8th inning. Joe Smith replaced Skaggs after he allowed back-to-back singles in the ninth. Unfortunately, both runners came around to score, tagging two earned runs to Skaggs’ line. On the night, Skaggs struck out 4 and allowed just 4 hits with no walks against a tough Toronto Blue Jays offense. Hitters are making contact with Skaggs at a higher rate than ever before and his overall strikeouts are down but he’s showing significantly improved control and giving up a much higher percentage of groundballs (which helps offset the higher contact rate). Outside of a clunker against Texas, Skaggs has enjoyed a very good first season away from hitter-friendly Chase Field. I’m buying into the breakout. - mwaldo
According to the Angels' official website, "The Angels aren't short on superstar talent. But on Saturday, they didn't need it. Tyler Skaggs worked into the ninth inning, while rookie C.J. Cron hit his first career homer to power the Angels to a 5-3 win over the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. "[Skaggs] pitched one heck of a game for us," said acting manager Dino Ebel. "Can't say enough. He wanted this game, went out there and made pitches. The curveball was down, he mixed his pitches well, in and out, up and down. You have to tip your hat to Tyler." After allowing an unearned run in the first inning, Skaggs had his way with the Jays. The left-hander bounced back from his worst performance of the season -- in which he lasted just 2 2/3 innings -- to dominate Toronto, throwing a career-high-tying eight-plus innings in front of a crowd of 31,412."
2014: 46 IP/ 1.120 WHIP/ 4.14 ERA/ 3 W/ 28 K/ 0 S/ 0.61 K Inning/ 1.97 FPI  
Week: 11 IP/ 1.406 WHIP/ 6.75 ERA/1 W/ 6 K/ 0 S/ 0.56 K Inning/ 1.13 FPI
Sale, Chris (P)

ChA

Player Injury Update Mark Parent filled in for Robin Ventura on Saturday and broke some good news for Chris Sale owners. He revealed that Sale will complete two rehab games before joining the White Sox at the end of May. The first rehab start could be as early as Thursday. Up until today, the White Sox haven’t revealed much about the progress of Sale so this has to be seen as positive news. So far in 2014, he has been absolutely dominant through 4 starts, striking out more than a batter per inning. Sale has battled various arm issues throughout his career so his long-term durability is a big question mark. - mwaldo
2014: 27 IP/ 0.840 WHIP/ 2.31 ERA/ 3 W/ 29 K/ 0 S/ 1.06 K Inning/ 3.00 FPI
Calhoun, Kole (OF)

LAA

Player Injury Update According to the Angels' official website, "The Angels' wounded roster entered play on Saturday with a .500 record and the third-best run differential in the American League at plus-24, numbers they will gladly take, considering they have a slew of regulars on the disabled list. What's even better news for the club is that a key group of players on the DL -- outfielders Josh Hamilton and Kole Calhoun and third baseman David Freese -- are all making progress on their road to recovery. All three players are in Arizona at the Angels' Spring Training complex, and have intensified their rehab work. Calhoun, who hasn't played since April 15 due to a sprained right ankle, is the closest to rejoining Los Angeles. He could go on a rehab assignment as early as next week. Freese, meanwhile -- who suffered a non-displaced fracture in his right middle finger after getting hit by a pitch in a May 2 game against the Rangers -- has been participating in baseball-related activities. Ebel thinks Freese has a good chance to be activated off the DL on May 18, his first day of eligibility." - newsgatherer6
2014: 60 AB/ 0.250 BA/ 3 HR/ 6 RBI/ 12 R/ 2 SB/ 0.500 Slug/ 0.20 KRate/ 0.63 FPI
Allen, Cody (RP)

Cle

Rise Value Terry Francona indicated on Saturday that John Axford has been removed from the closer role. The Indians will supposedly go with a committee in the ninth but Cody Allen is only the must-add of the group. Allen boasts an above average swinging strike and strikeout rate, as well as a fantastic 68% contact rate. He has a 95 MPH fastball, but his curveball is his most effective pitch. With the news, Allen instantly becomes a top-15 closing option, assuming he sees the lion share of opportunities moving forward. Righties do hit Allen a little better than lefties, but his career wOBA is better than average against both sides of the playe. Axford only signed a one-year contract this past off-season, so from a financial perspective, there’s not as much at risk by keeping him out of the closer role for the rest of the year. Run out to your waiver wires and grab Allen if he’s still available. - mwaldo
According to the Indians' official website, "The Tribe removed John Axford from the closer's role on Saturday, but manager Terry Francona said the move is only temporarily. Until Axford regains a comfort zone on the mound, and shows he can cut down his inflated walk rate, Cleveland will keep Cody Allen, Scott Atchison, Marc Rzepczynski and Bryan Shaw available for the ninth inning."
2014: 15 IP/ 1.160 WHIP/ 1.84 ERA/ 2 W/ 22 K/ 1 S/ 1.50 K Inning/ 2.11 FPI  
Week: 2 IP/ 0.429 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/0 W/ 4 K/ 1 S/ 1.72 K Inning/ 3.43 FPI
Cron, C.J. (1B)

LAA

Player Injury Update Cron was called up by the Angels last weekend and all he has done since the call-up was hit. Through 24 ABs, he’s hitting .417/.500/.667. At Triple-A this year, Cron hit 6 HRs with a .319 batting average and .283 ISO before getting the call. Across two levels in 2013, he hit 20 HRs, 75 RBIs and stole 8 bases. Cron is a decent defender but his bat is what brought him to the big leagues and will be what helps him stay up. He’s not going to draw a lot of walks but he’s also not going to strike out much either. Ride him while he’s hot but with Kole Calhoun and Josh Hamilton coming with the next few weeks, he might not see consistent playing time after this month. - mwaldo
According to the Angels' official website, "The Angels aren't short on superstar talent. But on Saturday, they didn't need it. Tyler Skaggs worked into the ninth inning, while rookie C.J. Cron hit his first career homer to power the Angels to a 5-3 win over the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. "[Skaggs] pitched one heck of a game for us," said acting manager Dino Ebel. "Can't say enough. He wanted this game, went out there and made pitches. The curveball was down, he mixed his pitches well, in and out, up and down. You have to tip your hat to Tyler." After allowing an unearned run in the first inning, Skaggs had his way with the Jays. The left-hander bounced back from his worst performance of the season -- in which he lasted just 2 2/3 innings -- to dominate Toronto, throwing a career-high-tying eight-plus innings in front of a crowd of 31,412."
2014: 24 AB/ 0.417 BA/ 1 HR/ 5 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.667 Slug/ 0.21 KRate/ 1.00 FPI
Week: 19 AB/ 0.368 BA/ 1 HR/ 3 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.632 Slug/ 0.26 KRate/ 0.87 FPI
Springer, George (OF)

Hou

Rookie George Springer hit his 2nd homerun in 3 days on Saturday and looks like he’s finally turning the corner after getting off to a slow start in his major league debut. He has tallied hits in 9 of his last 10 games (although only 2 have been multi-hit efforts). A 66% contact rate and 18% swinging strike rate are the biggest drivers behind his brutal 33% K-rate. Springer carried a high strikeout rate through each stop at the minors but he also walked at an above average rate, which helped him post solid OBP numbers. He’s still working on his approach at the plate so hopefully we’ll see improvement to his 0.19 EYE moving forward. If not, he might need to go back down to the minors to cut down on the strikeouts. - mwaldo
2014: 88 AB/ 0.227 BA/ 2 HR/ 8 RBI/ 6 R/ 1 SB/ 0.341 Slug/ 0.38 KRate/ 0.37 FPI
Week: 27 AB/ 0.333 BA/ 2 HR/ 3 RBI/ 5 R/ 0 SB/ 0.630 Slug/ 0.37 KRate/ 0.79 FPI
Francisco, Juan (1B)

Tor

Rise Value
According to the Blue Jays' official website, "Brett Lawrie could be heading back to second base -- at least part-time -- when he returns from his right hamstring injury, Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said on Saturday. The third baseman hasn't played since Monday, when he left in the fourth inning against Philadelphia with a tight hamstring. Gibbons said he spoke to Lawrie, who is expected to return to the lineup on Sunday, about having him play more second base when Juan Francisco's bat is needed in the lineup. Francisco has been manning third in Lawrie's absence."
2014: 68 AB/ 0.279 BA/ 5 HR/ 12 RBI/ 14 R/ 0 SB/ 0.559 Slug/ 0.40 KRate/ 0.72 FPI
Week: 25 AB/ 0.280 BA/ 2 HR/ 6 RBI/ 7 R/ 0 SB/ 0.560 Slug/ 0.40 KRate/ 0.71 FPI
Pomeranz, Drew (P)

Oak

Rise Value
According to the A's official website, "Struggling righty Dan Straily was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Friday, leading the A's to name Drew Pomeranz an official member of their rotation following his impressive spot start Wednesday. Straily had a 2.77 ERA over his first two starts, but a 6.04 mark over his last five while battling decreased velocity and command woes. He issued 15 walks over 38 1/3 innings, and also surrendered nine home runs in that span, tied for the Major League lead."
2014: 19 IP/ 1.020 WHIP/ 1.45 ERA/ 2 W/ 16 K/ 0 S/ 0.86 K Inning/ 2.28 FPI  
Week: 5 IP/ 0.400 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/1 W/ 5 K/ 0 S/ 1.00 K Inning/ 4.10 FPI
Cabrera, Miguel (3B)

Det

Hot Player
According to the Tigers' official website, "On Jim Leyland Day at Comerica Park, it's fitting that the Tigers lived on the three-run homer. With the former manager in attendance as the guest of honor, Detroit's offense looked revitalized Saturday afternoon in a 9-3 win over Minnesota. And resembling those Leyland-managed clubs, teams that thrived on the long ball, the Tigers blasted a pair of three-run shots. "Leyland always played for the three-run bomb," Detroit starter Max Scherzer said, "so we hit two of them." Aided by Miguel Cabrera's three-run home run off Kyle Gibson, the first homer he had allowed this season, the American League's top offense chased the Twins' starter from the game with a six-run second inning. Cabrera's homer placed him in a tie with Gil Hodges for 73rd on the all-time home run list with 370. He has three home runs and nine RBIs in his past five games. Cleanup hitter Victor Martinez, Cabrera's partner-in-crime, launched a three-run blast of his own in the seventh inning to put the game out of reach. It was Martinez's eighth home run of the season."
2014: 131 AB/ 0.282 BA/ 5 HR/ 28 RBI/ 17 R/ 0 SB/ 0.481 Slug/ 0.20 KRate/ 0.60 FPI
Week: 28 AB/ 0.286 BA/ 3 HR/ 11 RBI/ 5 R/ 0 SB/ 0.679 Slug/ 0.21 KRate/ 0.78 FPI
Bogaerts, Xander (SS)

Bos

Cold Player
According to the Red Sox's official website, "Boston shortstop Xander Bogaerts started Saturday despite getting spiked in the left knee in the fourth inning of Friday's game. On a steal attempt by Leonys Martin, Bogaerts had his knee in front of the bag and Martin's foot hit Bogaerts's knee as he slid."
2014: 119 AB/ 0.252 BA/ 1 HR/ 5 RBI/ 13 R/ 1 SB/ 0.336 Slug/ 0.29 KRate/ 0.49 FPI
Week: 15 AB/ 0.067 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.067 Slug/ 0.47 KRate/ -0.09 FPI
Ortiz, David (DH)

Bos

Stats
According to the Red Sox's official website, "David Ortiz's leadoff homer in the third inning of Saturday night's game against the Rangers was his 380th as a member of the Red Sox, breaking a tie for fourth on Boston's all-time list with Dwight Evans. Ortiz needs three more home runs to pull even with Jim Rice for third on Boston's all-time list, and 72 more to tie Carl Yastrzemski (452). Ortiz, 38, would have to play at his current level into his mid-40s to catch Ted Williams, the team's leader with 521 homers."
2014: 128 AB/ 0.266 BA/ 7 HR/ 19 RBI/ 16 R/ 0 SB/ 0.484 Slug/ 0.19 KRate/ 0.65 FPI
Week: 20 AB/ 0.350 BA/ 1 HR/ 2 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.600 Slug/ 0.15 KRate/ 0.89 FPI
Bourn, Michael (OF)

Cle

Player Injury Update
According to the Indians' official website, "Indians center fielder Michael Bourn received a scheduled day off on Saturday. With Cleveland in the midst of a six-game, seven-day stretch on artificial turf (Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg and Rogers Centre in Toronto), Bourn was given the day to rest his legs. He recently missed four games due to tightness in his left hamstring."
2014: 73 AB/ 0.247 BA/ 0 HR/ 5 RBI/ 6 R/ 2 SB/ 0.342 Slug/ 0.27 KRate/ 0.39 FPI
Week: 9 AB/ 0.111 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.333 Slug/ 0.56 KRate/ 0.06 FPI
Plouffe, Trevor (3B)

Min

Hot Player
According to the Twins' official website, "The Twins shuffled their lineup against the Tigers on Saturday, as manager Ron Gardenhire opted to give third baseman Trevor Plouffe and left fielder Jason Kubel a day of rest from the starting lineup. Plouffe had started in 33 of the club's 34 games and was replaced at third base by Eduardo Escobar, while Kubel had started in 28 games and was replaced by Eduardo Nunez in left field."
2014: 134 AB/ 0.246 BA/ 1 HR/ 22 RBI/ 20 R/ 0 SB/ 0.388 Slug/ 0.28 KRate/ 0.51 FPI
Week: 25 AB/ 0.120 BA/ 0 HR/ 2 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.160 Slug/ 0.36 KRate/ -0.04 FPI
Johnson, Jim (RP)

Oak

Rise Value
According to the A's official website, "Jim Johnson was signed to be the Athletics' closer this season, but a poor start forced Oakland to utilize a closer-by-committee format. That may be changing. Johnson is 3-0 with a save and has not allowed an earned run over his last 10 outings, a span of 12 innings. "We're not afraid to close with him, or with some other guys," A's manager Bob Melvin said. "Right now, there is no set closer, but he has put himself into position to be in there." Johnson is one of three relievers who have saved games for the A's this season, joined by Luke Gregerson, who has three, and Sean Doolittle, who has one."
2014: 15 IP/ 1.830 WHIP/ 4.11 ERA/ 3 W/ 14 K/ 2 S/ 0.91 K Inning/ 1.11 FPI  
Week: 3 IP/ 1.497 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/1 W/ 1 K/ 1 S/ 0.30 K Inning/ 2.55 FPI
Lester, Jon (P)

Bos

Stats
According to the Red Sox's official website, "For at least a few innings Saturday night, Red Sox lefty Jon Lester looked as if he might turn in a performance on par with Rangers ace Yu Darvish's near-no-hitter the night before. Coming off a victory over Oakland in which he pitched eight scoreless innings, Lester retired the first nine Rangers in order on the way to an 8-3 victory over Texas. Lester ultimately fell off his early pace, but his outing was more than enough to win when coupled with the Red Sox's breakout offensive performance. Lester allowed three runs on four hits in seven innings. He struck out eight in his fourth win of the season."
2014: 56 IP/ 1.080 WHIP/ 2.75 ERA/ 4 W/ 66 K/ 0 S/ 1.19 K Inning/ 1.99 FPI  
Week: 7 IP/ 1.000 WHIP/ 3.86 ERA/1 W/ 8 K/ 0 S/ 1.14 K Inning/ 3.07 FPI
Lawrie, Brett (3B)

Tor

FYI
According to the Blue Jays' official website, "Brett Lawrie could be heading back to second base -- at least part-time -- when he returns from his right hamstring injury, Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said on Saturday. The third baseman hasn't played since Monday, when he left in the fourth inning against Philadelphia with a tight hamstring. Gibbons said he spoke to Lawrie, who is expected to return to the lineup on Sunday, about having him play more second base when Juan Francisco's bat is needed in the lineup. Francisco has been manning third in Lawrie's absence."
2014: 118 AB/ 0.229 BA/ 6 HR/ 21 RBI/ 14 R/ 0 SB/ 0.407 Slug/ 0.19 KRate/ 0.43 FPI
Week: 6 AB/ 0.167 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.167 Slug/ 0.17 KRate/ 0.00 FPI
Santiago, Hector (P)

LAA

Cold Player
According to the Angels' official website, "The Halos won't shy away from using Hector Santiago in high-leverage spots. And, really, they have no choice. Santiago, who was removed from Los Angeles' rotation on Friday after going 0-6 with a 5.19 ERA over seven starts, is currently the only left-hander in the Angels' bullpen. "With Hector, getting him out there and getting him in and facing a left-hander, you have to get him in there," said acting manager Dino Ebel. "He has to get his chance." Santiago was originally slated to start Tuesday's series opener in Philadelphia, and the Halos have yet to announce who will take his place in the rotation."
2014: 35 IP/ 1.590 WHIP/ 5.19 ERA/ 0 W/ 30 K/ 0 S/ 0.87 K Inning/ 0.27 FPI  
Week: 2 IP/ 3.433 WHIP/ 7.73 ERA/0 W/ 2 K/ 0 S/ 0.86 K Inning/ -4.73 FPI
Straily, Dan (P)

Oak

Cold Player
According to the A's official website, "Struggling righty Dan Straily was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Friday, leading the A's to name Drew Pomeranz an official member of their rotation following his impressive spot start Wednesday. Straily had a 2.77 ERA over his first two starts, but a 6.04 mark over his last five while battling decreased velocity and command woes. He issued 15 walks over 38 1/3 innings, and also surrendered nine home runs in that span, tied for the Major League lead."
2014: 38 IP/ 1.250 WHIP/ 4.93 ERA/ 1 W/ 34 K/ 0 S/ 0.89 K Inning/ 1.17 FPI  
Week: 6 IP/ 1.167 WHIP/ 4.50 ERA/0 W/ 3 K/ 0 S/ 0.50 K Inning/ 1.58 FPI
Hosmer, Eric (1B)

KC

Stats
According to the Royals' official website, "Eric Hosmer's season is off to a much better start. A year ago, after his first 35 games, Hosmer had a .256 (31-for-121) average with four doubles, a triple, one homer and 11 RBIs. This year, after his first 35 games, Hosmer had a .326 (46-for-141) average with 13 doubles, just one homer again but 18 RBIs. "I feel really good at the plate," the Royals' first baseman said before Saturday night's game against the Mariners. "I'm just trying to basically be as consistent as I can with my approach. I try to walk up to the plate, no matter what the situation is, and be consistent with the timing. The more times you're consistent, the better off the offense is going to be." Hosmer has batted third in the order 29 times and second, including Saturday night, seven times. The hits keep coming."
2014: 145 AB/ 0.317 BA/ 1 HR/ 18 RBI/ 15 R/ 0 SB/ 0.428 Slug/ 0.14 KRate/ 0.62 FPI
Week: 31 AB/ 0.387 BA/ 1 HR/ 8 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.516 Slug/ 0.19 KRate/ 0.83 FPI
Seager, Kyle (3B)

Sea

Hot Player
According to the Mariners' official website, "Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager missed his second straight game Saturday due to a flu-like illness that hit him prior to Friday's series opener with the Royals. Seager was with the team Saturday, but not in the lineup, as utility infielder Willie Bloomquist got the call again at third on a night that featured a Seager bat giveaway for all kids aged 14 and under at Safeco Field. "He was pretty sick last night, so we're going to hold him out," said manager Lloyd McClendon."
2014: 117 AB/ 0.239 BA/ 5 HR/ 19 RBI/ 15 R/ 2 SB/ 0.444 Slug/ 0.22 KRate/ 0.56 FPI
Week: 20 AB/ 0.250 BA/ 0 HR/ 3 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.400 Slug/ 0.10 KRate/ 0.54 FPI
Ross, Robbie (P)

Tex

Hot Player
According to the Rangers' official website, "Robbie Ross Jr. isn't approaching Sunday afternoon's start against the Red Sox like it's the biggest one of his short career as a starter. But it could be an important one. Ross is 0-3 with an 8.10 ERA in his last four starts. His hold on a spot in the rotation could be tenuous. The Rangers have Joe Saunders close to returning from the disabled list and Nick Tepesch is pitching well for Triple-A Round Rock. Saunders made his second rehab start for Double-A Frisco on Saturday night. Tepesch is 6-1 with a 1.58 ERA in seven starts at Round Rock. Washington said Ross is adjusting to having to get 27 outs as a starter. More work is resulting in more pitches to locate. Opponents are batting .379 with .976 OPS against him."
2014: 38 IP/ 1.580 WHIP/ 4.74 ERA/ 1 W/ 29 K/ 0 S/ 0.76 K Inning/ 0.47 FPI  
Week: 5 IP/ 2.439 WHIP/ 10.13 ERA/0 W/ 1 K/ 0 S/ 0.19 K Inning/ -2.44 FPI
Bedard, Erik (P)

TB

Cold Player
According to the Rays' official website, "Veteran left-hander Erik Bedard held the Indians scoreless on one hit over the first six innings Saturday night as the Rays, who had been struggling offensively, snapped their four-game losing streak with a resounding 7-1 win. "I can't say I expected a one-hitter, but I expected him to go deep in the game," said manager Joe Maddon. "He pitched really, really well. One hit, six innings, not bad. He's definitely showing signs of improvement. "He has the weapons. He has the know-how. He's pretty much a strike-thrower." The Indians' lone hit off Bedard came in the second inning when Ryan Raburn doubled with one away. Bedard also walked three and struck out four before 29,212 at Tropicana Field."
2014: 27 IP/ 1.420 WHIP/ 3.37 ERA/ 2 W/ 17 K/ 0 S/ 0.64 K Inning/ 1.84 FPI  
Week: 12 IP/ 0.917 WHIP/ 0.75 ERA/2 W/ 7 K/ 0 S/ 0.58 K Inning/ 3.21 FPI
Victorino, Shane (OF)

Bos

Player Injury Update
According to the Red Sox's official website, "Though he missed most of the season's first month with a hamstring injury, right fielder Shane Victorino is at full strength after 11 games back, Red Sox manager John Farrell said Friday. "There's been no restrictions as far as the way he's moved, the range he's shown in right field," Farrell said. "He's responded daily, so it's been as expected." One thing Victorino may not be doing anytime soon is hitting left-handed. He spent the first decade of his career as a switch-hitter but began hitting exclusively right-handed last August, save for a single postseason game."
2014: 52 AB/ 0.288 BA/ 0 HR/ 7 RBI/ 5 R/ 1 SB/ 0.385 Slug/ 0.25 KRate/ 0.57 FPI
Week: 21 AB/ 0.286 BA/ 0 HR/ 4 RBI/ 2 R/ 1 SB/ 0.286 Slug/ 0.19 KRate/ 0.50 FPI
Solarte, Yangervis (2B)

NYA

Hot Player
According to the Yankees' official website, "Yangervis Solarte entered play on Saturday with 18 RBIs, leading the Yankees and marking the third-highest total among all big league rookies. The 26-year-old's performance has also earned some solid praise from team captain Derek Jeter. "He's done good, man," Jeter said. "He's been one of our most consistent hitters. He went through a little stretch there where he scuffled, but that happens to everyone. "Him and Jacoby [Ellsbury] have really been the only two guys who have been consistent for us throughout the first month of the season. He enjoys to be out there. He wants to play. He's not intimidated by anything, and he's done a good job."
2014: 106 AB/ 0.302 BA/ 2 HR/ 18 RBI/ 11 R/ 0 SB/ 0.453 Slug/ 0.14 KRate/ 0.67 FPI
Week: 18 AB/ 0.389 BA/ 1 HR/ 5 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.611 Slug/ 0.06 KRate/ 0.92 FPI
Suzuki, Kurt (C)

Min

Hot Player
According to the Twins' official website, "The Twins knew what they were getting in Kurt Suzuki with his defense and game-calling skills behind the plate, but he's been a pleasant surprise offensively this season. Suzuki, who joined the Twins on a one-year deal worth $2.75 million, picked up two more RBIs in Friday's 2-1 win over the Tigers and entered Saturday's game leading all Major League catchers with 21 RBIs. His .302 batting average also ranked second among backstops. Suzuki has delivered in key situations, as he's hitting .393 (11-for-28) with runners in scoring position, and .412 (7-for-17) with runners in scoring position and two outs."
2014: 100 AB/ 0.300 BA/ 1 HR/ 24 RBI/ 7 R/ 0 SB/ 0.400 Slug/ 0.08 KRate/ 0.62 FPI
Week: 26 AB/ 0.308 BA/ 0 HR/ 5 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.385 Slug/ 0.04 KRate/ 0.60 FPI
Jackson, Austin (OF)

Det

FYI
According to the Tigers' official website, "Tigers center fielder Austin Jackson extended his hit streak to eight games with a single in the second inning on Saturday."
2014: 109 AB/ 0.303 BA/ 2 HR/ 10 RBI/ 18 R/ 5 SB/ 0.468 Slug/ 0.17 KRate/ 0.76 FPI
Week: 25 AB/ 0.320 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 4 R/ 3 SB/ 0.360 Slug/ 0.08 KRate/ 0.77 FPI
Kubel, Jason (OF)

Min

Preseason
According to the Twins' official website, "The Twins shuffled their lineup against the Tigers on Saturday, as manager Ron Gardenhire opted to give third baseman Trevor Plouffe and left fielder Jason Kubel a day of rest from the starting lineup. Plouffe had started in 33 of the club's 34 games and was replaced at third base by Eduardo Escobar, while Kubel had started in 28 games and was replaced by Eduardo Nunez in left field."
2014: 116 AB/ 0.267 BA/ 1 HR/ 13 RBI/ 12 R/ 0 SB/ 0.362 Slug/ 0.38 KRate/ 0.50 FPI
Week: 22 AB/ 0.182 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.182 Slug/ 0.59 KRate/ 0.22 FPI
Tepesch, Nick (P)

Tex

Preseason
According to the Rangers' official website, "Robbie Ross Jr. isn't approaching Sunday afternoon's start against the Red Sox like it's the biggest one of his short career as a starter. But it could be an important one. Ross is 0-3 with an 8.10 ERA in his last four starts. His hold on a spot in the rotation could be tenuous. The Rangers have Joe Saunders close to returning from the disabled list and Nick Tepesch is pitching well for Triple-A Round Rock. Saunders made his second rehab start for Double-A Frisco on Saturday night. Tepesch is 6-1 with a 1.58 ERA in seven starts at Round Rock. Washington said Ross is adjusting to having to get 27 outs as a starter. More work is resulting in more pitches to locate. Opponents are batting .379 with .976 OPS against him."
Jaso, John (C)

Oak

Player Injury Update
According to the A's official website, "Sonny Gray pitched well enough to win, and a late Oakland rally made sure he would not get the loss. The Athletics rallied for a pair of runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to tie the score against Washington's reliable closer Rafael Soriano, and then scored the game-winner on John Jaso's walk-off double against Drew Storen in the 10th as Oakland downed the Nationals, 4-3, on Saturday night before a sellout crowd of 36,067 on fireworks night."
2014: 80 AB/ 0.288 BA/ 3 HR/ 8 RBI/ 11 R/ 1 SB/ 0.463 Slug/ 0.29 KRate/ 0.68 FPI
Week: 20 AB/ 0.350 BA/ 2 HR/ 4 RBI/ 4 R/ 0 SB/ 0.700 Slug/ 0.10 KRate/ 0.93 FPI
Rzepczynski, Marc (RP)

Cle

MLB Trade
According to the Indians' official website, "The Tribe removed John Axford from the closer's role on Saturday, but manager Terry Francona said the move is only temporarily. Until Axford regains a comfort zone on the mound, and shows he can cut down his inflated walk rate, Cleveland will keep Cody Allen, Scott Atchison, Marc Rzepczynski and Bryan Shaw available for the ninth inning."
2014: 13 IP/ 1.160 WHIP/ 2.08 ERA/ 0 W/ 12 K/ 0 S/ 0.93 K Inning/ 2.07 FPI  
Week: 2 IP/ 0.602 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/0 W/ 2 K/ 0 S/ 1.20 K Inning/ 2.99 FPI
Atchison, Scott (RP)

Cle

Player Injury Update
According to the Indians' official website, "The Tribe removed John Axford from the closer's role on Saturday, but manager Terry Francona said the move is only temporarily. Until Axford regains a comfort zone on the mound, and shows he can cut down his inflated walk rate, Cleveland will keep Cody Allen, Scott Atchison, Marc Rzepczynski and Bryan Shaw available for the ninth inning."
2014: 14 IP/ 0.630 WHIP/ 1.88 ERA/ 0 W/ 12 K/ 0 S/ 0.84 K Inning/ 3.24 FPI  
Week: 3 IP/ 0.000 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/0 W/ 4 K/ 0 S/ 1.50 K Inning/ 4.50 FPI
Shaw, Bryan (RP)

Cle

Cold Player
According to the Indians' official website, "The Tribe removed John Axford from the closer's role on Saturday, but manager Terry Francona said the move is only temporarily. Until Axford regains a comfort zone on the mound, and shows he can cut down his inflated walk rate, Cleveland will keep Cody Allen, Scott Atchison, Marc Rzepczynski and Bryan Shaw available for the ninth inning."
2014: 18 IP/ 0.900 WHIP/ 1.53 ERA/ 1 W/ 17 K/ 1 S/ 0.96 K Inning/ 2.66 FPI  
Week: 4 IP/ 0.817 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/0 W/ 3 K/ 1 S/ 0.82 K Inning/ 2.46 FPI

Today's AL report was produced by Fantistics' Michael Waldo

Today's NL report was produced by Fantistics' Neil Parker

 

 


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