1. Corey Hart (OF - Brewers) - Could we be seeing multiple position eligibility out of Corey Hart in the near future? There are reports floating around that Hart took some practice grounders at 1B before yesterday's game. Hart has a couple of games under his belt at 1B in his career and he did get a considerable amount of time at the position while in the minors (179 games played at 1B to be exact). This can only help his fantasy value if he gains 1B eligibility. Check your league settings to determine how many games it may take.
2. Jhoulys Chacin (SP - Rockies) - Chacin was sent down to the minors on Wednesday to try and get back on track. He has been pretty awful this year with only one QS in his 5 outings that resulted in a 7.30 ERA, 1.86 WHIP, and 15 BB in 24.2 IP. It has been pretty obvious that Chacin hasn't had command or strong velocity at all this year. His average fastball was 91.5 and 91.2 over the last two seasons, but was topping out at just 90.0 through his 5 starts this year. Even his slider velocity was done as well. Time will tell if he can return to the Chacin was saw in 2010 and 2011, but for now he can be dropped in just about every league format. Replacement options for the Rockies are Alex White, Tyler Chatwood (but he suffered triceps tightness in his start in Triple-A yesterday) and/or Christian Friedrich.
3. Yovani Gallardo (SP - Brewers) - Sure, it was an official QS for Yovani Gallardo, but I would've expected a more dominant performance from him against the Padres. He only recorded 4 K's and allowed 7 hits, 3 BB, and 3 ER in 6.0 IP. He was handed the loss in the decision. Despite being 4-for-6 in QS (the other two both coming against the Cardinals) Gallardo's ERA is an inflated 5.79 with a 1.65 WHIP. However, he does have 31 K's in 32.2 IP and if you can look beyond the Cardinals owning him whenever they play each other, Gallardo has been pretty solid.
4.Heath Bell (RP - Marlins) - Things are not getting better for Heath Bell. Ozzie Guillen had the quick hook with him on Wednesday, but not before he allowed 2 ER and 3 H without recording an out. It is the 5th time he has allowed 2 ER in a relief appearance this year alone, leading to a 11.74 ERA and a 2.74 WHIP. Bell may need to take a step into a non-closer situation to fix his issues. If Guillen goes in another direction in the short term, either Edward Mujica or Steve Cishek will get the call for the save opportunity. Last night, it was Cishek who was called-in to replace Bell and limit the damage.
5. Jeff Samardzija (SP - Cubs) - Samardzija recorded his 3rd QS of the season last night with a 7.2 IP performance of 1 ER, 3 hits, 7 K's and 2 BB. He earned his 3rd win of the season to bring his record to 3-1. It was one of those games for Samardzija where he looked dominant and untouchable (similar to his 2012 debut). While I think he'll be a 50% QS guy for an entire season, I'm encouraged about his upside with a strong K/I over 1.0 and a K/BB of 3.2. Up-arrow for Samardzija who has ownership hovering around only 20% according to some of the major services. He'll also be a 2-start pitcher next week against the Braves and the Brewers for you weekly-leaguers.
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