Todd Wellemeyer: Wellemeyer will rejoin the Cardinals rotation with a start on Tuesday against the Reds. His dominance, 2005/2006/2007 K/9’s of 8.9/6.2/6.8, always gave him potential, but control problems, BB/9’s of 6.1/5.7/4.5, always held him back, ERA’s of 6.12/4.14/4.54. However last year, he was able to put it all together, 13-9, 3.71 ERA, 6.3 K/9, and a 2.9 BB/9, but this year he has regressed back to old habits, 5.67 ERA, 5.7 K/9, and a 4.1 BB/9. He was taken out of the rotation after a poor start on 7/26 and it is possible that the LaRussa/Duncan machine have made the right adjustments to get Wellemeyer back on the right path. It is worth monitoring.
Jordan Zimmerman: The results from a MRI on Zimmermann’s right elbow are being looked at by Dr. James Andrews today, which is not good news. Any extended period of time being missed due to injury would be a big blow for the Nationals, as the 23-year-old, despite his 3-5 record and 4.63 ERA, was showing outstanding skills, 9.1 K/9, 2.9 BB/9, and a 43% GB%. A 68% strand rate and a .327 BHIP% is obscuring Zimmermann’s talent.
Mike Hampton: Hampton was pulled after just two innings from his latest rehab start, which means you shouldn’t expect him back anytime soon. His 6.0 K/9 and 51% GB% is not bad, but without dominating skills, he needs to cut back on the walks, 3.9 BB/9. Some bad luck, 66% Strand rate and a .312 BHIP%, is contributing to his 5.30 ERA, so if he does return, he may have some value in NL-only leagues down the stretch.
Chris Young: Young, who has been out with an injured shoulder since June14, will most likely miss the rest of the season. He is still dealing with soreness and is a few weeks away from throwing off the mound. With the Padres out of contention, they are much better off giving him more time to heal and start fresh next spring.
Tim Hudson: Hudson who has not pitched this year due to an elbow problem, could be back in the Braves’ rotation by the end of August. If fully healthy, the 34-year-old, Hudson still has the skills, 5.4 K/9, 2.5 BB/9, and a 59% GB% in 2008, to get the job done, 11-7 with a 3.17 ERA. If he is sitting out there on the waiver wire in your league, go and grab him.
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