| Roy Oswalt, P, Houston Astros | Tuesday 4/1, 11:49 PM CT |
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| Roy Oswalt said he has a big black mark on his right hip as a result of being hit with a Kevin Kouzmanoff line drive on Monday, but he doesn't expect it to keep him from making his next start on Saturday. "It's not broken, so I should be able to pitch with it," he said on MLB.com. The righty said he felt pain the first few innings after being hit, but that it had nothing to do with his un-Oswalt-like performance (5 1/3 innings, three runs, 11 hits). "It has a mark on it, but it should be fine," he said. "I've been hit before. And I don't like it when the batters complain when they get hit." Oswalt should be good to go Saturday, though he has a tough matchup in Chicago. |
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| Derek Lowe, P, Los Angeles Dodgers | Tuesday 4/1, 11:34 PM CT |
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| Derek Lowe exited Tuesday's game in the seventh inning after being struck in the left foot by a grounder, according to the AP. The righty grimaced in pain but left the field under his own power. He was replaced by Joe Beimel, who promptly walked the first guy he faced to allow the first run of the game. We'll update you on Lowe's status when more is known. |
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| Kazuo Matsui took batting practice Tuesday for the first time since undergoing anal fissure surgery, according to MLB.com. "I've been making good progress," he said. "It's not going to be that long. Hopefully, as soon as possible." Matsui will likely play in a few rehab games before being cleared to rejoin the Astros, which could come as soon as April 15 when the team travels to Philadelphia. This is good to hear, since last week we heard Matsui's recovery was going slower than expected. |
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| Kyle Lohse, P, St. Louis Cardinals | Tuesday 4/1, 10:38 PM CT |
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| Kyle Lohse had a solid debut for the Cardinals Tuesday, tossing five scoreless innings while allowing three hits and three walks with three punchouts. He didn't get a win, though, as the Cards bullpen coughed up a one-run lead in a 2-1 defeat. Pitching coach Dave Duncan has worked wonders with many pitchers in the past, and Lohse is his next project. The righty could be a deep sleeper this year. |
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| Pedro Martinez will fly back to New York Wednesday for an MRI exam on his injured left hamstring, according to the AP. Pedro suffered the injury in the fourth inning of Tuesday's outing. Manager Willie Randlolph said the team would make a quick decision if it needed to fill Martinez's spot on the roster. It's purely speculation at this point, but we're betting Pedro needs a DL stint. Be prepared to find a fill-in. |
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| Robert Andino gave the Marlins an extra-inning win over the Mets Tuesday, blasting a walk-off homer in the bottom of the 10th. He had entered the game in the top of the inning to play third, though he is naturally a shortstop. Andino earned a roster spot as a result of Alejandro De Aza's injury. He put up some pretty good numbers last year in Triple-A, but the 23-year-old won't be a fantasy asset so long as Hanley Ramirez is around. |
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| The Cardinals will not move Adam Wainwright up to pitch on short rest, despite the fact that he threw just three innings Monday before the game was rained out. He'll make his second start on Saturday against the Nationals, as planned. "We've got the other guys ready to go," said manager Tony La Russa on MLB.com. "It would disrupt everybody." Wainwright owners got cheated out of a start this week. Mother nature can be cruel sometimes. |
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| Juan Pierre, LF, Los Angeles Dodgers | Tuesday 4/1, 8:24 PM CT |
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| Juan Pierre started in left field and hit seventh for the Dodgers Tuesday. Andre Ethier played right field and Matt Kemp was on the bench. Manager Joe Torre said that Pierre was going to be a "regular bench player," but it's looking like he will still get his fair share of starts. |
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| Matt Kemp, CF, Los Angeles Dodgers | Tuesday 4/1, 8:21 PM CT |
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| Matt Kemp was on the bench Tuesday, with Andre Ethier starting in right field and Juan Pierre in left. Kemp started in right and Ethier was in left for the opener. Owners that were hoping to see what Kemp could do playing every day might not get what they want after all. |
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| Pedro Martinez left Tuesday's game in the bottom of the fourth inning with what appeared to be a left hamstring injury, according to Sports Network. He was faring poorly before exiting, allowing four runs on four hits and a walk in 3 1/3 innings. We'll update you on Pedro's status when more is known. |
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| Orlando Hernandez expects to make his first rehab start Thursday for the St. Lucie Mets, according to the NY Daily News. He's dealing with a bunion on his right big toe. El Duque is able to be activated from the disabled list on April 13, which means Mike Pelfrey will make at least two starts with the big club. The veteran should be ready to start for the Mets at that point, but we should have a better idea next week. |
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| With the Mets facing a right-hander Tuesday, Ryan Church has moved from seventh to sixth in the lineup, switching spots with Angel Pagan. The rest of the lineup remained the same from the previous day and will likely stay that way for the most part until Moises Alou returns. |
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| Cody Ross, CF, Florida Marlins | Tuesday 4/1, 6:06 PM CT |
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| Cody Ross and Alfredo Amezega will platoon in center field for the time being, with Ross starting against lefties and Amezega against righties. However, it's possible Ross could eventually win the everyday job. "I'm not opposed to Cody being the every day guy as soon as his legs are built up," manager Fredi Gonzalez said on MLB.com. Ross dealt with a knee injury in spring training. He's talented enough to be a viable mixed league option if he plays every day. |
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| Conor Jackson hit cleanup for the D'Backs in Monday's opener, and he'll remain in the No. 4 spot for now, according to the East Valley Tribune. “Right now Conor is driving runs in, so I am comfortable hitting him ‘4,’ ” manager Bob Melvin said. “Originally I thought when spring training started it might be more him third and (Eric) Byrnes fourth, but Conor had a great spring with runners on base.” It sounds like Jackson will move to the three spot if he goes anywhere, so his fantasy value won't be affected dramatically either way. He's a breakout candidate this year. |
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| Randy Johnson is scheduled to start tonight for Triple-A Tucson. He threw 75 pitches in his last outing and could approach 90 pitches tonight, according to the Arizona Republic. Johnson, who's coming back from back surgery, and the D'Backs will determine the next step in the left-hander's rehab after tonight's outing. It's possible he could be activated from the DL, but it's more likely that he'll make at least one more rehab start to increase his innings total. We'll keep you updated on how the Big Unit fares tonight and what the plan for him will be going forward. |
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| Jair Jurrjens will start his first game of 2008 on Wednesday against Pittsubrgh, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Brian McCann should catch that game and said, "He knows what he's doing on the mound. He's way more mature than 22 years old. He has a four-seam and a two-seam fastball, and he puts the ball where he wants to. He's going to be a front-line starter." That is certainly encouraging news from McCann.
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| Brandon Phillips went 1-for-4 with an RBI against Arizona on opening day, but he struck out three times in a 4-2 loss. Phillips is an elite 2B and he should bounce back fine. |
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| Corey Patterson struggled at the plate against Arizona on Monday, as he went 0-for-4, while leaving three men on base in a 4-2 loss. He started in CF and batted lead-off, and will have to prove he can get on base efficiently if he expects to keep his spot in the order. |
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| Ryan Doumit, C, Pittsburgh Pirates | Tuesday 4/1, 12:45 PM CT |
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| Ryan Doumit was awarded the start at catcher over Ronny Paulino on opening day, and he took advantage as he went 3-for-7, while scoring a run. He will battle Paulino for playing time throughout the season, and he showed the team that he can hold his own as a starter. |
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| Corey Hart, RF, Milwaukee Brewers | Tuesday 4/1, 11:58 AM CT |
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| Corey Hart is off to a solid start as he went 1-for-4 with two RBI in a 4-3 win over the Cubs on Monday. The under-rated outfielder racked up 24 homers and 81 RBI in 2007, with a .295 average. |
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| Ryan Theriot is off to a slow start as he went 0-for-5 with two strikeouts in Monday's opening day loss to Milwaukee, 4-3. He is batting lead-off, but will move down in the order if he continues to fail to reach base efficiently. |
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| Steve Holm, C, San Francisco Giants | Tuesday 4/1, 11:39 AM CT |
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| Steve Holm will get a chance to compete for the backup role at catcher with the Giants, according to the Contra Costa Times. GM Brian Sabean stated, "We had chances to get something else done, but this is good for the organization. This is a guy who's beaten the odds and earned his way. That's a plus for everybody to see."
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| Omar Vizquel, SS, San Francisco Giants | Tuesday 4/1, 11:36 AM CT |
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| Omar Vizquel continues to make progress on his recovery from knee surgery, according to the Contra Costa Times. Vizquel played a five-inning simulated game today in Arizona and is scheduled for five more innings today, the team stated. If all goes favorably, Vizquel would begin a rehab assignment on Thursday. It seems that the team's best option is to send Vizquel to Single-A San Jose, which plays at Bakersfield. He will continue to be replaced by Brian Bocock until he is ready to return. |
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| Joel Pineiro, P, St. Louis Cardinals | Tuesday 4/1, 11:02 AM CT |
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| Joel Pineiro could be able to return in about three weeks, or mid april, according to the St. Louis Dispatch. Pineiro could start a rehab assignment within a week, and remains in Florida with the Cardinals' extended spring training teams. He's scheduled to throw Thursday and, depending how he responds to it, could make his next start for an affiliate. He would have 30 days on his rehab assignment, and the team said that he could be back in the majors in about three weeks.
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| Brian McCann went 2-for-6 on Monday night, and generated three RBI in 12-11 loss to Pittsburgh. He also collected his first home run, which was a solo shot off of starter Ian Snell. McCann is among the best young catchers in the league, evidenced by his opening peformance of 2008. |
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| Rising star Jeff Francoeur only went 1-for-5 on opening day against Pittsburgh, but he collected his first home run, a solo shot off of F. Osoria, who went on to collect the win in a 12-11 game that went 12 innings. Francoeur has enough power to challenge 40 homers, and he is off to a good start in that department. |
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| Freddy Sanchez missed most of spring training with a shoulder injury, but he was able to start on opening day against Atlanta, and he wasn't slowed by the ailment, as he went 3-for-5, while drawing one walk. If he stays healthy, he should maintain a solid batting average and generate plenty of RBI's in an improved Pirates' offense. |
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| Nate McLouth, CF, Pittsburgh Pirates | Tuesday 4/1, 10:40 AM CT |
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| Nate McLouth started in CF on opening day against Atlanta, and he didn't disappoint as he went 3-for-5 with four RBI, while scoring two runs and collecting his first home run. His fantasy stock will continue to rise. |
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| Tom Glavine was dealt a no decision on Monday night against the Pirates, in his return start with the Braves, as he allowed two runs on seven hits over five innings, with two walks and three strikeouts. It wasn't a bad outing for him, but cannot be pleased as the Braves ultimately lost 12-11 in extra innings. |
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| Ian Snell, P, Pittsburgh Pirates | Tuesday 4/1, 10:31 AM CT |
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| Ian Snell struggled in a no decision on Monday night as he allowed four runs on seven hits (solo home run by Brian McCann) over six innings of work against Atlanta, with two walks and three strikeouts. He is the Pirates' ace and the team must be displeased with his outing, even though they won the game in extra innings 12-11. |
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| Jose Valentin has chronic neck pain, but won't immediately have surgery. He'll be reexamined in 7-10 days, according to NY Daily News. He provides solid veteran leadership to the Mets infield, and hopefully he can return. |
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| Blake DeWitt, 3B, Los Angeles Dodgers | Tuesday 4/1, 9:49 AM CT |
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| Blake DeWitt started at 3B for the Dodgers on Monday and enjoyed a solid debut, according to the LA Times. He went 1-for-2 against the Giants and commented after the game, "Walking up to that plate, I heard my named called and I told myself, 'Be patient, be calm, breathe. You can get caught not breathing and start shaking a bit." He also added that it was nice to get the first hit out of the way. |
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| Rudy Seanez, P, Philadelphia Phillies | Tuesday 4/1, 9:44 AM CT |
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| Rudy Seanez has been signed by the Phillies, according to the LA Times. The 39-year old was recently released by the Dodgers and is expected to be activated by his new team on Wednesday. |
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| Miguel Tejada was solid in his debut with the Astros on Monday night, as he went 2-for-4. The Astros lost to San Diego 4-0, but he should be pleased with his initial performance. |
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| Josh Bard, C, San Diego Padres | Tuesday 4/1, 9:37 AM CT |
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| Josh Bard struggled through spring training, but he was still awarded the opening night start against Houston, and he stepped up as he went 2-for-4 and scored a pair of runs. This was a great effort as he fights Michael Barrett for playing time this season. |
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| Roy Oswalt, P, Houston Astros | Tuesday 4/1, 9:34 AM CT |
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| Roy Oswalt ended opening night with a loss as Houston was blanked by San Diego 4-0. Oswalt got rocked for three runs on 11 hits over 5.1 innings of work, with one walk and six strikeouts. He remains an elite pitcher and should bounce back fine. |
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| Jake Peavy, P, San Diego Padres | Tuesday 4/1, 9:29 AM CT |
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| Jake Peavy was in control as he threw seven scoreless innings with only three hits allowed, and four strikeouts and three walks. The Padres downed Houston 4-0 on Monday. This is why Peavy is taken in the first round in fantasy drafts. |
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| J.R. Towles rode the pine in favor of veteran Brad Ausmus in the Astros' season opener on Monday and the team is going to work their future star in slowly, according to the Houston Chronicle. Manager Cooper stated, "The reason why I'm doing it is I want my starting pitcher to be comfortable. This is a big year for us, and I want to make sure that he is comfortable and slowly kind of work the kid in catching Roy instead of just dropping the hammer on him, because that's not the right way to do it. We're going to slowly work him in. He'll catch the other guys for the most part. He and I have already talked about it. He is just happy to be here and be a part of this team." Towles should get plenty of at-bats this season, and being worked in slowly will be good for him.
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| Brandon Backe will start tonight against the Padres, according to the Houston Chronicle. Backe was 3-1 with a favorable 3.77 ERA in five starts last year and is 2-1 with a 2.45 ERA over three career starts against the Padres. |
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| Alfredo Amezaga will start in CF against Pedro Martinez and the Mets on Tuesday, according to FishStripes.com. Amezaga is going to platoon with Cody Ross, especially early in the season as Ross is still recovering from a hyperextended knee. |
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| Wesley Wright enjoyed a solid debut against San Diego on Monday night, according to, the Houston Chronicle. He is the only lefty in the Astros' bullpen and retired Brian Giles as his only man faced, and after the game Manager Cooper stated, "He's got such a good arm that my concern is coming in and throwing strikes. If he throws strikes, he might stay in against righthanders. I think initially what we'll try to do is get him in situations where he faces more lefthanded hitters and let him get comfortable."
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| Doug Brocail has been named the lead setup man for the Astros, according to the Houston Chronicle. Manager Cooper commented, "Obviously, Valverde's the back guy, and we're going to go with Brocail as basically the eighth-inning guy and see how that goes from there. We're going to use the other guys as fourth-, fifth- and sixth-inning guys, primarily the long guys, meaning Geoff Geary, Dave Borkowski and Brian Moehler. They'll be used in long relief."
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| Mark Reynolds had a tough day at the plate on Monday against Cincinnati, as he went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts, while leaving three men on base. Hopefully he can bounce back and play up to his high potential. |
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| Jeff Salazar, LF, Arizona Diamondbacks | Tuesday 4/1, 8:46 AM CT |
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| Jeff Salazar collected a pinch hit home run on Monday, and now all three of his career homers have come on pinch hits, according to the East Valley Tribune. Salazar stated, "I dont know if I want to continue that trend or not. They are obviously exciting. It is obviously a situation where a team needs you to put together a quality at-bat." He helped lead Arizona to a 4-2 win over Cincinnati. |
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| Pedro Feliz, 3B, Philadelphia Phillies | Tuesday 4/1, 8:40 AM CT |
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| Pedro Feliz failed to impress with his new team on Monday as he went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts, while leaving three men on base in an 11-6 loss to Washington. Hopefully he can perform better in his next game. |
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| Jimmy Rollins won his first gold glove in 2007, but already has a blemish on his fielding record in the new season as he made an error against Washington on Monday. He made up for it however, as he blasted a two-run homer and finished 2-for-4 overall. |
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| Conor Jackson has been sick since Saturday and continues to battle the flu, according to the East Valley Tribune. Before the game on Monday he stated that he wanted to go back to bed and admitted that he felt light headed while running out a grounder in the sixth inning. It didn't keep from playing well however, as he went 1-for-3 with an RBI in a 4-2 win over Cincinnati. Jackson should continue to get back up to full strength. |
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| Casey Blake, 3B, Los Angeles Dodgers | Tuesday 4/1, 7:51 AM CT |
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| Casey Blake came up big in the Indians' close 10-8 win over the rival White Sox, as he went 1-for-4 with three RBI. Blake has his season off to a great start and was the Indians' hero for a day. |
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