Post by John on May 30, 2006 12:44:30 GMT -4
5/30 Updates
Astros' owner optimistic he will sign Clemens
Source: Houston Chronicle
Astros' owner Drayton McLane is reportedly "optimistic" that Roger Clemens will resign with the team.
"We had conversations with Randy and Alan Hendricks [Clemens' agents] last week, and they're supposed to get back to us at midweek," McLane said. Clemens is in the second week of an intense three week workout plan. He could make a decision between the Astros, Red Sox, Yankees, and Rangers in the next few days.
Cardinals' Edmonds to have MRI on Tuesday
Source: St Louis Post-Dispatch
Jim Edmonds will have an MRI on his lower abdomen on Tuesday to determine if he has a "sports hernia".
If Edmonds does have a "sports hernia" it will likely require surgery and he could out for a few weeks. Edmonds' soreness has kept him out of the starting lineup for the past three games.
5/29 Updates
Lieber placed on DL with groin injury
Phillies placed RHP Jon Lieber on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left groin.
Brian Sanches replaced Lieber on the roster, but the Phillies will need to add a starter this weekend. Eude Brito would be the logical choice. It's now likely that both Gavin Floyd and Ryan Madson will stay in the rotation after Cole Hamels returns next week.
Colon likely to return June 10
Bartolo Colon (shoulder) will make the first of two scheduled rehab starts with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on Thursday and throw a maximum of 60 pitches.
After a bullpen session this weekend, Colon will make his second rehab start at Triple-A Salt Lake next Tuesday with a pitch limit of 75-80. Barring a setback, Colon will be activated to start June 10 against the Mariners.
Prior ineffective in first rehab start
Mark Prior gave up three runs and four hits in two innings Monday in his start for Single-A Peoria.
Prior struck out three while throwing 44 pitches. He was working in the 80s for the most part, but he did touch 90 mph in the second inning. "In these type of situations you're looking more for how your execution was, not so much what the outcome is," Prior said. "My main priority was to throw strikes and get ahead of guys predominantly with fastballs." Prior will make at least two more rehab starts before coming off the disabled list.
Gagne earns save in final rehab appearance
Eric Gagne (elbow) allowed one hit in a scoreless ninth inning Monday to earn a save in his second and final appearance for Triple-A Las Vegas.
Gagne threw 17 pitches, 11 for strikes. "My arm felt great. I feel confident," Gagne said. "I'll be ready for Thursday. You get mentally ready and bounce back in the big leagues." Gagne will come off the DL on Thursday and should step back into the closer's role right away.
Pujols' 25th homer leads Cards over Astros
Albert Pujols hit a three-run homer off Chad Qualls in the seventh inning to lead the Cardinals to a 3-1 win over the Astros on Monday.
The Cardinals expanded their lead over the Reds to five games and are now 7 1/2 games ahead of Houston. The homer was Pujols' 25th of the season and gave him 50 runs scored and 64 RBI. At .314, his average stands 18 points below his career mark. It's something his fantasy owners will just have to live with.
Penny reveals shoulder injury following start
After being pulled from Monday's game, Brad Penny said he's been dealing with some shoulder soreness, as well as an aching back.
Penny was upset about being removed after 4 1/3 innings against the Braves and took a bat to a water cooler to prove it. "I wanted a chance to get that inning out of the way," Penny said, adding "I'm out there pitching hurt. ... I don't appreciate not getting the chance with a three-run lead to finish the inning." If Penny is forced to the DL, the Dodgers would likely put Odalis Perez back into the rotation.
Big Unit goes six scoreless in shutout of Tigers
Randy Johnson went six-plus innings and combined with Ron Villone and Kyle Farnsworth on a shutout of the Tigers on Monday.
He had a no-hitter going until the sixth, when Ivan Rodriguez singled. He gave up his second hit to start the seventh inning and was immediately pulled by manager Joe Torre, even though he was at just 91 pitches. Clearly, Torre didn't want anything to spoil Johnson's best outing in more than a month. Johnson didn't overpower hitters while striking out four batters today, but he did a much better job of spotting his pitches than he had of late. If he keeps putting the ball where he wants to, he'll have more outings like this.
Jeter leaves game with jammed right wrist
Derek Jeter left Monday's game because of a jammed right wrist he suffered sliding into second base.
Jeter was taken out for precautionary reasons so that his hand could be iced, the Yankees said. There's a good chance that he'll be in Tuesday's starting lineup.
Cardinals expected to put Carpenter on the DL
Source: St Louis Post-Dispatch
The Cardinals are expected to put Chris Carpenter (shoulder) on the disabled list prior to Tuesday's game.
"It makes sense for him to throw from a mound before he makes his next start," manager Tony La Russa said. "That hasn't happened yet." If Carpenter can throw off a mound this week he could be back in the rotation for next week's series against Cincinnati. Anthony Reyes will take Carpenter's spot in the rotation.
5/28 Updates
Bonds passes Babe with 715th home run
Barry Bonds hit his 715th home run off Byung-Hyun Kim in the fourth inning on Sunday to pass Babe Ruth for the second highest total in history.
Bonds is 40 homers behind Hank Aaron. The home run was just his second in three weeks. Now that he has No. 715 out of the way, Bonds' numbers should pick up again.
Matsui out as Mets' starting second baseman
Source: Mets.mlb.com
Kaz Matsui, who is batting .179/.225/.238 during May, has lost his job as the Mets' starting second baseman.
Jose Valentin and Chris Woodward will share time with Matsui until further notice. "I will go with what I feel and see," manager Willie Randolph said. "I'm not going to say it's a strict platoon. I'm going to find a way to match up guys that I think is best for the team. When I look at the lineup and who's pitching, I'm going to make a decision daily on what I want to do." Anderson Hernandez could reemerge as an alternative next month, but it looks like the Mets will be shopping for a second baseman in July.
Crisp returns to Boston lineup one day early
Red Sox activated outfielder Coco Crisp from the 15-day disabled list.
With Manny Ramirez (back) and Wily Mo Pena (wrist) nursing injuries, the Red Sox decided to bring back Crisp a day early. Pena was sent to the DL to open up a roster spot. Crisp is starting in center field and batting leadoff today. Kevin Youkilis is in the cleanup spot in place of Ramirez.
Bay scores winning run in 18-inning game
Jason Bay went 3-for-7 with his 15th home run, four RBI and two walks Saturday as the Pirates edged the Astros 8-7 in 18 innings.
The Astros took a 7-6 lead in the 17th, but Mike Gallo gave that up when Jose Castillo homered in the bottom of the inning. Gallo remained in to pitch the 18th and walked Jason Bay to get it started. A wild pitch advanced Bay to second, leading to an intentional walk to Craig Wilson. A second wild pitch came during the intentional walk, as Gallo fired one over the head of Eric Munson, putting Bay on third. Jose Bautista followed Wilson and hit a fly to shallow center that Bay tagged up on. The throw beat Bay home, but Munson never got it into his glove and Bay scored the winning run. The game was the longest in Pittsburgh since PNC Park opened in 2001.
Weaver prevails in major league debut
In his major league debut, Jered Weaver tossed seven scoreless innings to defeat the Orioles on Saturday night.
Weaver gave up three hits, walked one and struck out five while throwing 97 pitches. Next up for the 23-year-old is Tampa Bay and perhaps Cleveland before Bartolo Colon comes off the disabled list next month. If he keeps on pitching like this, the Angels could choose to make him a permanent member of the rotation, perhaps at his brother's expense. Weaver won't last in the free-agent pool in mixed leagues after his performance tonight, so grab him if you want him. Just realize that he might not contribute for the long-term.
Red Sox' Crisp expected to start on Sunday
Source: RedSox.mlb.com
Coco Crisp (finger) is expected to be in the starting lineup for the Red Sox on Sunday.
Crisp went 1-for-3 with two RBI in a rehab stint with Triple-A Pawtucket on Saturday. He should be safe to activate in your lineup for this week.
5/27 Updates
Schilling picks up 200th career victory
Curt Schilling recorded his 200th career win by allowing four runs and striking out seven in seven innings Saturday against the Devil Rays.
Schilling wasn't at his best, but he kept the ball in the yard and didn't walk anyone. He became the 104th pitcher in major league history to win 200 games. He's the fourth to do it in a Red Sox uniform, joining Lefty Grove, Ferguson Jenkins and Luis Tiant. Schilling is eighth among active starts in wins, pending the possible return of Roger Clemens.
Nationals place Guillen on 15-day DL
Nationals placed outfielder Jose Guillen on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 26, with a left hamstring strain.
This is for the best. Guillen has been a liability while playing at less than 100 percent all year long, and getting two weeks off may bring him closer to full health. The Nationals will use Daryle Ward, Marlon Byrd, Marlon Anderson and Mike Vento in right field. Byrd and Damian Jackson will continue to see time in center.
Braves' McCann likely DL bound
Brian McCann could go on the disabled list on Saturday after aggravating his ankle running in the outfield prior to Friday's game.
That would open up a spot for Horacio Ramirez, who could start against the Cubs on Saturday. McCann was used as a pinch-hitter on Tuesday, so the move could only be retroactive to Wednesday. It looks like the Braves will have to go with Todd Pratt and Brayan Pena behind the plate for the next two weeks.
Astros' owner optimistic he will sign Clemens
Source: Houston Chronicle
Astros' owner Drayton McLane is reportedly "optimistic" that Roger Clemens will resign with the team.
"We had conversations with Randy and Alan Hendricks [Clemens' agents] last week, and they're supposed to get back to us at midweek," McLane said. Clemens is in the second week of an intense three week workout plan. He could make a decision between the Astros, Red Sox, Yankees, and Rangers in the next few days.
Cardinals' Edmonds to have MRI on Tuesday
Source: St Louis Post-Dispatch
Jim Edmonds will have an MRI on his lower abdomen on Tuesday to determine if he has a "sports hernia".
If Edmonds does have a "sports hernia" it will likely require surgery and he could out for a few weeks. Edmonds' soreness has kept him out of the starting lineup for the past three games.
5/29 Updates
Lieber placed on DL with groin injury
Phillies placed RHP Jon Lieber on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left groin.
Brian Sanches replaced Lieber on the roster, but the Phillies will need to add a starter this weekend. Eude Brito would be the logical choice. It's now likely that both Gavin Floyd and Ryan Madson will stay in the rotation after Cole Hamels returns next week.
Colon likely to return June 10
Bartolo Colon (shoulder) will make the first of two scheduled rehab starts with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on Thursday and throw a maximum of 60 pitches.
After a bullpen session this weekend, Colon will make his second rehab start at Triple-A Salt Lake next Tuesday with a pitch limit of 75-80. Barring a setback, Colon will be activated to start June 10 against the Mariners.
Prior ineffective in first rehab start
Mark Prior gave up three runs and four hits in two innings Monday in his start for Single-A Peoria.
Prior struck out three while throwing 44 pitches. He was working in the 80s for the most part, but he did touch 90 mph in the second inning. "In these type of situations you're looking more for how your execution was, not so much what the outcome is," Prior said. "My main priority was to throw strikes and get ahead of guys predominantly with fastballs." Prior will make at least two more rehab starts before coming off the disabled list.
Gagne earns save in final rehab appearance
Eric Gagne (elbow) allowed one hit in a scoreless ninth inning Monday to earn a save in his second and final appearance for Triple-A Las Vegas.
Gagne threw 17 pitches, 11 for strikes. "My arm felt great. I feel confident," Gagne said. "I'll be ready for Thursday. You get mentally ready and bounce back in the big leagues." Gagne will come off the DL on Thursday and should step back into the closer's role right away.
Pujols' 25th homer leads Cards over Astros
Albert Pujols hit a three-run homer off Chad Qualls in the seventh inning to lead the Cardinals to a 3-1 win over the Astros on Monday.
The Cardinals expanded their lead over the Reds to five games and are now 7 1/2 games ahead of Houston. The homer was Pujols' 25th of the season and gave him 50 runs scored and 64 RBI. At .314, his average stands 18 points below his career mark. It's something his fantasy owners will just have to live with.
Penny reveals shoulder injury following start
After being pulled from Monday's game, Brad Penny said he's been dealing with some shoulder soreness, as well as an aching back.
Penny was upset about being removed after 4 1/3 innings against the Braves and took a bat to a water cooler to prove it. "I wanted a chance to get that inning out of the way," Penny said, adding "I'm out there pitching hurt. ... I don't appreciate not getting the chance with a three-run lead to finish the inning." If Penny is forced to the DL, the Dodgers would likely put Odalis Perez back into the rotation.
Big Unit goes six scoreless in shutout of Tigers
Randy Johnson went six-plus innings and combined with Ron Villone and Kyle Farnsworth on a shutout of the Tigers on Monday.
He had a no-hitter going until the sixth, when Ivan Rodriguez singled. He gave up his second hit to start the seventh inning and was immediately pulled by manager Joe Torre, even though he was at just 91 pitches. Clearly, Torre didn't want anything to spoil Johnson's best outing in more than a month. Johnson didn't overpower hitters while striking out four batters today, but he did a much better job of spotting his pitches than he had of late. If he keeps putting the ball where he wants to, he'll have more outings like this.
Jeter leaves game with jammed right wrist
Derek Jeter left Monday's game because of a jammed right wrist he suffered sliding into second base.
Jeter was taken out for precautionary reasons so that his hand could be iced, the Yankees said. There's a good chance that he'll be in Tuesday's starting lineup.
Cardinals expected to put Carpenter on the DL
Source: St Louis Post-Dispatch
The Cardinals are expected to put Chris Carpenter (shoulder) on the disabled list prior to Tuesday's game.
"It makes sense for him to throw from a mound before he makes his next start," manager Tony La Russa said. "That hasn't happened yet." If Carpenter can throw off a mound this week he could be back in the rotation for next week's series against Cincinnati. Anthony Reyes will take Carpenter's spot in the rotation.
5/28 Updates
Bonds passes Babe with 715th home run
Barry Bonds hit his 715th home run off Byung-Hyun Kim in the fourth inning on Sunday to pass Babe Ruth for the second highest total in history.
Bonds is 40 homers behind Hank Aaron. The home run was just his second in three weeks. Now that he has No. 715 out of the way, Bonds' numbers should pick up again.
Matsui out as Mets' starting second baseman
Source: Mets.mlb.com
Kaz Matsui, who is batting .179/.225/.238 during May, has lost his job as the Mets' starting second baseman.
Jose Valentin and Chris Woodward will share time with Matsui until further notice. "I will go with what I feel and see," manager Willie Randolph said. "I'm not going to say it's a strict platoon. I'm going to find a way to match up guys that I think is best for the team. When I look at the lineup and who's pitching, I'm going to make a decision daily on what I want to do." Anderson Hernandez could reemerge as an alternative next month, but it looks like the Mets will be shopping for a second baseman in July.
Crisp returns to Boston lineup one day early
Red Sox activated outfielder Coco Crisp from the 15-day disabled list.
With Manny Ramirez (back) and Wily Mo Pena (wrist) nursing injuries, the Red Sox decided to bring back Crisp a day early. Pena was sent to the DL to open up a roster spot. Crisp is starting in center field and batting leadoff today. Kevin Youkilis is in the cleanup spot in place of Ramirez.
Bay scores winning run in 18-inning game
Jason Bay went 3-for-7 with his 15th home run, four RBI and two walks Saturday as the Pirates edged the Astros 8-7 in 18 innings.
The Astros took a 7-6 lead in the 17th, but Mike Gallo gave that up when Jose Castillo homered in the bottom of the inning. Gallo remained in to pitch the 18th and walked Jason Bay to get it started. A wild pitch advanced Bay to second, leading to an intentional walk to Craig Wilson. A second wild pitch came during the intentional walk, as Gallo fired one over the head of Eric Munson, putting Bay on third. Jose Bautista followed Wilson and hit a fly to shallow center that Bay tagged up on. The throw beat Bay home, but Munson never got it into his glove and Bay scored the winning run. The game was the longest in Pittsburgh since PNC Park opened in 2001.
Weaver prevails in major league debut
In his major league debut, Jered Weaver tossed seven scoreless innings to defeat the Orioles on Saturday night.
Weaver gave up three hits, walked one and struck out five while throwing 97 pitches. Next up for the 23-year-old is Tampa Bay and perhaps Cleveland before Bartolo Colon comes off the disabled list next month. If he keeps on pitching like this, the Angels could choose to make him a permanent member of the rotation, perhaps at his brother's expense. Weaver won't last in the free-agent pool in mixed leagues after his performance tonight, so grab him if you want him. Just realize that he might not contribute for the long-term.
Red Sox' Crisp expected to start on Sunday
Source: RedSox.mlb.com
Coco Crisp (finger) is expected to be in the starting lineup for the Red Sox on Sunday.
Crisp went 1-for-3 with two RBI in a rehab stint with Triple-A Pawtucket on Saturday. He should be safe to activate in your lineup for this week.
5/27 Updates
Schilling picks up 200th career victory
Curt Schilling recorded his 200th career win by allowing four runs and striking out seven in seven innings Saturday against the Devil Rays.
Schilling wasn't at his best, but he kept the ball in the yard and didn't walk anyone. He became the 104th pitcher in major league history to win 200 games. He's the fourth to do it in a Red Sox uniform, joining Lefty Grove, Ferguson Jenkins and Luis Tiant. Schilling is eighth among active starts in wins, pending the possible return of Roger Clemens.
Nationals place Guillen on 15-day DL
Nationals placed outfielder Jose Guillen on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 26, with a left hamstring strain.
This is for the best. Guillen has been a liability while playing at less than 100 percent all year long, and getting two weeks off may bring him closer to full health. The Nationals will use Daryle Ward, Marlon Byrd, Marlon Anderson and Mike Vento in right field. Byrd and Damian Jackson will continue to see time in center.
Braves' McCann likely DL bound
Brian McCann could go on the disabled list on Saturday after aggravating his ankle running in the outfield prior to Friday's game.
That would open up a spot for Horacio Ramirez, who could start against the Cubs on Saturday. McCann was used as a pinch-hitter on Tuesday, so the move could only be retroactive to Wednesday. It looks like the Braves will have to go with Todd Pratt and Brayan Pena behind the plate for the next two weeks.