Howie Kendrick- LAA- Hot- Kendrick went 2-for-4 against the Yankees last night, making him an impressive 8-for-12 since returning from the DL. Encouragingly, Kendrick has walked once, but has yet to strike out since coming back. Getting his Batting EYE under control would convert me from being a Kendrick skeptic.
Jim Thome- CHW- FYI- With Thome at 493 career homers, manager Ozzie Guillen said that he may start putting the DH in the leadoff spot to get him more at bats as he chases homer #300. With a .409 OBP, Guillen feels that Thome wouldn't make a bade leadoff hitter anyway, despite being slow (he didn't use the word "slow", it seems like no one will actually say a player is "slow,"they will say something like he "lacks speed.")
Justin Verlander- DET- Cold- A very humid night seemed to have an effect on Verlander, who did not have his usual velocity. He was eminently hittable, giving up 7 runs on 10 hits and a walk while striking out 5 in 4 IP against the Indians. The 24-year-old also was coming off consecutive starts of 114 pitches or more, so that may have had an impact. Hopefully his young arm was not pushed too hard with his recent workload.
Kason Gabbard- TEX- Hot- Somewhat lost in the hoopla of the Rangers' 30-run output in the first game yesterday was the fact that Gabbard turned in his second consecutive quality start for the Rangers. He allowed 3 runs on 7 hits and a walk while striking out 3 in 6 IP. Gabbard has posted a solid 3.51 ERA for the Rangers since coming over from the Red Sox.
Edwin Jackson- TB- Hot- Jackson threw his 5th straight quality start yesterday, going 6 innings and allowing 1 run on 5 hits and 5 walks while striking out 3. The 5 walks matches the number of free passes he gave in his previous start and that is a major concern. Until he improves his control, it's too early to hope that he is fulfilling the potential he had a few years ago as a top Dodgers prospect.
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