Dustin Pedroia (2B - BOS) - Pedroia went 0-4 against Miami to lower his line to .273/.332/.411. After a hot start, the second baseman has been derailed by a thumb injury suffered on Memorial Day, as he's just 3-28 in the eight games since returning. His walk rate is down, but his contact rates are relatively stable and his line drive rate is around his career average. He also acknowledged being hampered by a custom-made thumb brace in his first few games in his return, which he ditched and proceeded to hit in four straight prior to last night. Pedroia has traditionally heated up around this time of year into the summer and remains an excellent option.
Colby Lewis (SP - TEX) - Lewis was fantastic against the Diamondbacks, going the distance while allowing only a Miguel Montero solo shot on four hits as he fanned seven against one walk. The right-hander has given up a ton of home runs since his return to the states in 2010 and that has continued into this year (1.52 HR/9), but he counters that with an above-average strikeout rate, an excellent walk rate and an ability to induce weak contact (.275, .265, .274 BABIPs since 2010). He makes for an excellent option outside Arlington and a matchup option at home. He should be used at home Sunday against the Astros, although Houston has been adequate against right-handed pitching.
Trevor Plouffe (2B, 3B, SS, OF - MIN) - Plouffe picked up three hits and hit his ninth homer in 19 games to raise his line to .231/.309/.507. His professional track record is unimpressive, but he started to hit for power in 2010 as his 6'2 frame filled out. It is worth noting that four of the home runs in the streak (and five of 10 on the season) have come against southpaws, as he has struggled mightily overall against right-handers. Still, his dominance of lefties combined with his multi-position eligibility certainly makes him rosterable in deeper leagues.
Alexei Ramirez (SS - CHW) - Ramirez took another 0-fer and is now hitting a putrid .220/.241/.275. After a strong rookie season power-wise in 2008 (21 HR, .185 ISO), he has been unable to replicate that before bottoming out this year. His LD% is in line with his career average, but his walk rate has cratered as he's swinging at more pitches outside the strike zone, and when he does make contact it's been more on the ground than in any other season in his career. Pitchers have been challenging him with a career-high amount of fastballs and he simply has not been able to hit them. He's not worth a roster spot.
Joe Mauer (C, 1B - MIN) - Mauer continued his resurgence with another multi-hit game. He is now hitting .305/.410/.429. The power is gone as he's hitting more ground balls than ever, but his LD% is at its traditionally excellent level and his walk rate is at a career-high. Still in his prime at 29, not having to catch everyday has saved his legs, although he is hitting much better when he catches. He's back to being a strong option behind the dish.
There are over 100 player news blurbs posted in the member area each morning. Members can read the rest of today's player news by clicking here. Not a member? Join today.
