Player Watch Update

Grady Sizemore - OF, Cleveland Indians
Jun. 14, 1:25 a.m.Grady Sizemore hit a pair of homers as the Indians defeated the Padres 9-5 on Friday. Fantasy Source spin: Sizemore took Josh Banks and Mike Adams deep tonight. He has four homers in three games and he's hit in 10 straight, so he's really stepping up as is necessary with both Victor Martinez and Travis Hafner on the shelf.

Kelly Shoppach - C, Cleveland Indians
Jun. 14, 1:23 a.m.Kelly Shoppach had a two-run homer, two walks and three runs scored Friday against the Padres. Fantasy Source spin: Shoppach should be pretty valuable while Victor Martinez is out. He has three homers in his last four games, and he has 11 homers in 247 at-bats since the beginning of 2007.

Garret Anderson - OF, Los Angeles Angels
Jun. 14, 12:32 a.m.Garret Anderson returned to action on Friday and went 1-for-3 against the Braves. Fantasy Source spin: Anderson was the DH tonight. He didn't play Wednesday because of a sore right knee.

Juan Uribe - 2B, Chicago White Sox
Jun. 13, 11:42 p.m.Finally making his first start since coming off the DL on May 31, Juan Uribe had a two-run single to help the White Sox beat the Rockies 5-4 on Saturday. Fantasy Source spin: Alexei Ramirez had the night off. As well as Ramirez is swinging, it seems unlikely that Uribe's big hit tonight will get him any additional time at second base this weekend. Perhaps he could be used at shortstop to give Orlando Cabrera a day off.

Jason Kubel - DH, Minnesota Twins
Jun. 13, 11:31 p.m.Jason Kubel went 2-for-5 and hit his third homer in five games Friday against the Brewers. Fantasy Source spin: Kubel has six homers in the five games. That he's heating up could give the Twins a bit of a dilemma for the rest of their games in NL parks. Even if Michael Cuddyer (hand) can play on Saturday, the Twins might still be better off with either he or Delmon Young on the bench to keep a spot open for Kubel.

Manny Ramirez - OF, Boston Red Sox
Jun. 13, 11:08 p.m.The Red Sox said Manny Ramirez's hamstring was bothering him during Friday's game before he came out. Fantasy Source spin: "We talked about it before the game and then he said he was really feeling it, so we took him out," manager Terry Francona said. "And that certainly makes it hard, because it certainly limits you when the game starts, but you don't want to hurt him worse than he is." Ramirez is expected to sit out Saturday's game. Either Coco Crisp or Brandon Moss will start.Source: RedSox.mlb.com

Magglio Ordonez - OF, Detroit Tigers
Jun. 13, 11:04 p.m.Magglio Ordonez homered as part of a 2-for-4, two RBI night Friday in a win over the Dodgers. Fantasy Source spin: Marcus Thames also homered in the game. The blast was Ordonez's tenth this season and the two RBI move his total to 42. He's currently hitting .311 with 36 runs.

Matt Stairs - DH, Toronto Blue Jays
Jun. 13, 10:54 p.m.Matt Stairs, batting second, connected for a two-run homer in the third inning Friday that led the Blue Jays over the Cubs. Fantasy Source spin: Scott Rolen also homered in the inning, and those three runs held up. Stairs is hitting .261 this year with 25 RBI and now eight total homers.

Eric Hinske - OF, Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Jun. 13, 10:39 p.m.Eric Hinske drove in two runs Friday and finished 2-for-3 as the Rays topped the Marlins. Fantasy Source spin: Dioner Navarro added a two-run double, while Akinori Iwamura, Gabe Gross, and Jason Bartlett drove in a run apiece. Hinske improves his average to .250. He has 33 RBI and 23 runs scored this season.

Frank Thomas - DH, Oakland Athletics
Jun. 13, 10:31 p.m.Not having made as much progress with his strained quad tendon as expected, Frank Thomas has been told not to participate in any baseball activities until July 1. Fantasy Source spin: The hope was that he'd return next Friday after the A's were finished playing in NL parks, but that won't happen now. As a result, both Daric Barton and Jack Hannahan will keep their jobs. One could be dropped from the roster after Thomas returns.

Kevin Millar - 1B, Baltimore Orioles
Jun. 13, 10:26 p.m.Kevin Millar, in the lineup after leaving Thursday's game early, drew three walks and managed to rack up two RBI Friday as the Orioles beat the Pirates. Fantasy Source spin: Seven of the Orioles' starters had at least one hit. Luke Scott contributed a homer, while Ramon Hernandez, Aubrey Huff and Brian Roberts drove in runs. Millar is hitting .251 with 36 RBI this season.

Michael Cuddyer - OF, Minnesota Twins
Jun. 13, 9:23 p.m.Michael Cuddyer left Friday's game in the first inning with a bruised right hand. Fantasy Source spin: X-rays were negative after Cuddyer was hit by a David Bush pitch. Delmon Young, who was supposed to get a rare day off, replaced Cuddyer in the game against the Brewers.

Hank Blalock - 3B, Texas Rangers
Jun. 13, 7:51 p.m.Hank Blalock (carpal tunnel syndrome) will begin a rehab assignment Monday and hopes to be activated before next weekend. Fantasy Source spin: Blalock took two rounds of batting practice Friday for the first time since undergoing wrist surgery at the end of May. "My hand feels a little weak for not having heat in so long but I'll get as many repetitions this weekend as I can and go from there," he said. He'll start his rehab Monday at Triple-A Oklahoma, but should be in the minors for only three or four games. The Rangers still plan to start him at first base once he returns.Source: Rangers.mlb.com

Manny Ramirez - OF, Boston Red Sox
Jun. 13, 6:37 p.m.Manny Ramirez is making his first start in left field in 11 days against the Reds on Friday. Fantasy Source spin: He can't DH in a National League park. Ramirez has been bothered by a strained right hamstring, and there's a good chance he would have missed at least a few games if not for David Ortiz's absence opening up the DH spot.

Ryan Sweeney - OF, Oakland Athletics
Jun. 13, 6:02 p.m.Athletics activated outfielder Ryan Sweeney from the 15-day disabled list. Fantasy Source spin: Sweeney should reclaim his job as the center fielder against right-handers. Carlos Gonzalez will move to right field, though he could continue to play center against some lefties. That would put Emil Brown in right.

Travis Buck - OF, Oakland Athletics
Jun. 13, 6:01 p.m.Athletics optioned outfielder Travis Buck to Triple-A Sacramento. Fantasy Source spin: Buck and Carlos Gonzalez had essentially produced at the same rate since they were recalled on the same day, though they went about it differently (Gonzalez had the better average by 90 points; Buck had a 3-0 lead in homers and a 7-1 edge in walks). As similar as they were, we figured Buck would be the one to stay. However, the A's will keep Gonzalez for now and shift him over to right field. Expect him to play pretty regularly there.

Carl Crawford - OF, Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Jun. 13, 5:03 p.m.Carl Crawford will begin serving his four-game suspension with Friday's game against the Marlins. Fantasy Source spin: He might need a break anyway, as he's been playing for weeks like he's banged up. Crawford's absence finally gets Cliff Floyd back into the lineup tonight. He will DH, with Eric Hinske playing left field and Willy Aybar at first base.Source: St. Petersburg Times

Sean Casey - 1B, Boston Red Sox
Jun. 13, 5:00 p.m.Sean Casey appealed his three-game suspension which was due to begin on Friday. Fantasy Source spin: Casey's suspension was supposed to start the game after Coco Crisp's ended. That's the way MLB does it, even though it knows 95 percent of the players are going to appeal anyway.Source: RedSox.mlb.com

Alberto Gonzalez - 3B, New York Yankees
Jun. 13, 2:54 p.m.The Yankees recalled Alberto Gonzalez from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Fantasy Source spin: The Yankees weren't using Shelley Duncan's bat, so they decided to fill his roster spot with someone who at least offers some defensive versatility. Barring an injury, Gonzalez figures to see little action.

Shelley Duncan - 1B, New York Yankees
Jun. 13, 2:52 p.m.The Yankees optioned Shelley Duncan to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Fantasy Source spin: Duncan is 10-for-57 (.175) on the season and had just one at-bat since May 30, thanks in part to the Yankees facing only one lefthander over the past 13 games.

Chone Figgins - 3B, Los Angeles Angels
Jun. 13, 12:10 p.m.The Angels activated Chone Figgins from the disabled list. Fantasy Source spin: Figgins' made it through just one game before heading back to the disabled list last time, but he'll slide right into the starting lineup. He is a safe fantasy play after going 2-for-10 during a minor league rehab assignment.

Travis Hafner - DH, Cleveland Indians
Jun. 13, 9:26 a.m.Travis Hafner might not be fully recovered when the Indians bring him back in the coming weeks. Fantasy Source spin: The team's head trainer said it would be "hard to speculate" if Hafner will be 100 percent. And manager Eric Wedge says "it's just a question of what percentage he can give us." Hafner's ailing shoulder has been used as an excuse for his struggles thus far this season, and while it might be improved when he returns, it doesn't seem it will be healed.Source: Akron Beacon Journal

Luke Scott - OF, Baltimore Orioles
Jun. 13, 9:04 a.m.Orioles manager Dave Trembley indicated Thursday that he plans on starting Luke Scott more often against lefthanded pitchers. Fantasy Source spin: In 146 career at-bats against southpaws, Scott has a .240 average with four home runs. Fantasy leaguers might do well to continue to selectively use him as a fourth outfielder, especially against tougher lefties, until he shows that he can handle them. He has a .297 average with 10 homers in in 158 at-bats against righties this season.Source: Baltimore Sun

Billy Butler - DH, Kansas City Royals
Jun. 13, 4:09 a.m.Billy Butler homered, doubled and walked Thursday for Triple-A Omaha. Fantasy Source spin: With Butler tearing it up since being optioned out and Ross Gload still doing nothing to justify his existance, the Royals need to be seriously thinking about giving the 22-year-old another chance. He's hitting .377/.441/.679 with three homers and just two strikeouts in 53 at-bats.

Hideki Matsui - DH, New York Yankees
Jun. 13, 12:56 a.m.Playing on his 34th birthday, Hideki Matsui hit his fifth major league grand slam to give the Yankees all of their runs in a 4-1 win over the A's on Thursday night. Fantasy Source spin: Matsui's seventh homer in the year followed an infield single and two walks that Joe Blanton was quite unhappy about. He had been without an extra-base hit in 33 at-bats this month.

Robinson Cano - 2B, New York Yankees
Jun. 13, 12:50 a.m.Robinson Cano went hitless on Thursday to finish 0-for-12 in the series against the A's. Fantasy Source spin: Cano hit .295 in May, but he's at .224 with just one RBI through 49 at-bats in June. While it was mid-July last year before he went on his tear to finish with strong numbers, he was better than this during the first 2 1/2 months. The Yankees need more from him.Pitchers

R.A. Dickey - RP, Seattle Mariners
Jun. 14, 1:16 a.m.R.A. Dickey, who was moved into the rotation as a temporary replacement for Miguel Batista, was lit up by the Nationals on Friday, surrendering seven runs in 1 2/3 innings. Fantasy Source spin: Dickey has been terrific in relief, but he's been roughed up in both of his starts for the Mariners this season. If he's not better next time out, there's a good chance that he'll find himself right back in the bullpen.

Greg Smith - SP, Oakland Athletics
Jun. 14, 1:12 a.m.Greg Smith allowed one run over five innings Friday in a defeat of the Athletics. Fantasy Source spin: Smith overcame six walks, something he probably wouldn't have been able to do versus an American League club. The win was just his second in his last nine starts. If he doesn't impress over the next couple of weeks, he might cease being worth using in AL-only leagues once the A's resume facing AL teams.Next start: 6/13: @SF

Zack Greinke - SP, Kansas City Royals
Jun. 14, 12:44 a.m.Despite issuing seven walks, Zack Greinke shut out the Diamondbacks for seven innings on Friday. Fantasy Source spin: One of the walks was intentional. Greinke allowed just three hits, all of which were singles, so the Diamondbacks never could score. Since he didn't have many long at-bats outside of the walks, he threw only 111 pitches in the contest.Next start: 6/13: @ARI

Gavin Floyd - SP, Chicago White Sox
Jun. 13, 11:41 p.m.Gavin Floyd allowed four runs -- all coming on solo homers -- in 6 1/3 innings Friday in a no-decision against the Rockies. Fantasy Source spin: As a flyball pitcher, Floyd is going to have nights like this. He gave up Ian Stewart's third and fourth career homers tonight, as well as the first hit by Willy Taveras since last June 16. Brad Hawpe hit the fourth and final homer. They were the only hits Floyd allowed.Next start: 6/13: COL

Kevin Slowey - SP, Minnesota Twins
Jun. 13, 11:33 p.m.Kevin Slowey allowed two runs in eight innings and had a two-run single in the Twins' 10-2 win over the Brewers on Friday. Fantasy Source spin: Slowey was shelled by the White Sox last time out, so he still has a 4.70 ERA for the season. However, he's allowed three runs or fewer in seven of his nine starts. Mixed leaguers should strongly consider him with the Nationals and Padres next on the schedule.Next start: 6/13: @MIL

Joba Chamberlain - RP, New York Yankees
Jun. 13, 11:20 p.m.Joba Chamberlain lasted six innings in his third major league start and held the Astros to one run in a game the Yankees would win 2-1. Fantasy Source spin: Derek Jeter's homer in the eighth was the difference. Shawn Chacon also pitched one-run ball for 6 1/3 innings, so Chamberlain is still looking for his first victory as a starter. He walked four and struck out just two tonight, but all six hits he allowed were singles.

Kyle Farnsworth - RP, New York Yankees
Jun. 13, 11:18 p.m.With Mariano Rivera needing a day off, Kyle Farnsworth got a save chance in a 2-1 game against the Astros on Friday and pitched a scoreless ninth. Fantasy Source spin: They just don't get any more reliable. Farnsworth hit Ty Wigginton to start the inning, but that didn't stop the Astros from having Michael Bourn try to bunt. A popup followed, and the only reason it wasn't a double play -- Bourn made no attempt to run out of the box -- was that Farnsworth was too dense to drop the ball. After that, Wigginton, a noted speed demon who swiped seven bases just four years ago, was thrown out trying to steal second. Reggie Abercrombie, who is in MLB only because of his legs, remained in the dugout throughout. Geoff Blum then fanned to end the game. It was Farnsworth's first save since 2006 and the 52nd time Cecil Cooper was outmanaged this season.

Armando Galarraga - SP, Detroit Tigers
Jun. 13, 11:08 p.m.Armando Galarraga pitched seven innings of shutout ball Friday as the Tigers blanked the Dodgers 5-0. Fantasy Source spin: Galarraga moves to 6-2 on the year. The Dodgers managed only three hits as Galarraga walked only one and fanned five. He's definitely worth a shot in AL-only leagues and some deep mixed leagues, especially now that he has some job security resulting from Jeremy Bonderman's injury. There's no reason to think he won't pitch well against the Giants next week.Next start: 6/13: LAD

A.J. Burnett - SP, Toronto Blue Jays
Jun. 13, 10:58 p.m.A.J. Burnett held the Cubs to four hits and two earned runs over five innings Friday as the Blue Jays beat the Cubs 3-2. Fantasy Source spin: Burnett wasn't great. He walked four batters, but made a big stride from his horrible performance last week. He did manage seven strikeouts however and lowered his season ERA to 4.90. Burnett could move above .500 with a win over the Brewers next week.Next start: 6/13: CHC

Andy Sonnanstine - SP, Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Jun. 13, 10:49 p.m.Andy Sonnanstine moved to 7-3 Friday night, but allowed three earned runs over 5 1/3 innings to the Marlins. Fantasy Source spin: Sonnanstine pitched a little better than those numbers sound. He had a rough first inning, but retired 12 batters in a row between the second and fifth. He didn't walk a man and struck out six. He'll meet the Cubs next.Next start: 6/13: FLA

Brian Burres - SP, Baltimore Orioles
Jun. 13, 10:34 p.m.Brian Burres allowed six earned runs in six innings Friday to the Pirates, but the offense carried him to a win. Fantasy Source spin: Burres let up eight hits and walked three. His control was off, but after a rough third inning he didn't allow a run. The bullpen was perfect through the end of the game when George Sherrill picked up his 22nd save. Burres now carries a 5.28 record and probably doesn't deserve a spot in the Orioles' rotation. If he gets another start, it'll be against the Astros.Next start: 6/13: PIT

Scott Feldman - SP, Texas Rangers
Jun. 13, 10:12 p.m.Scott Feldman got lit up Friday by the Mets, allowing seven runs -- six earned -- over five innings. Fantasy Source spin: The Mets managed eight hits off Feldman, who also walked two. He struck out just one batter, and moves to 1-3 on the year. He's up against the Braves next week, though he shouldn't be considered as a spot starter by even the most desperate of fantasy leaguers.Next start: 6/18: ATL

Justin Masterson - SP, Boston Red Sox
Jun. 13, 9:42 p.m.Justin Masterson struck out nine, but allowed three earned runs in a loss to the Reds Friday night. Fantasy Source spin: Masterson let up only four hits, but walked three and served up homers to Jay Bruce and Adam Dunn. Masterson falls to 3-1, but those strikeouts and his 2.90 ERA are plenty of reason to get AL-only leaguers excited. He'll have a tough test against the Phillies next week, but he's definitely worth owning.Next start: 6/13: @CIN

Jeremy Accardo - RP, Toronto Blue Jays
Jun. 13, 8:47 p.m.Jeremy Accardo's ailing forearm flared up Thursday during a rehab appearance. He'll be out several days. Fantasy Source spin: Accardo has been on the disabled list since May 10 with a right forearm strain. He had yielded one run on three hits in two innings for Single-A Dunedin, but might need to start his rehab from scratch after this incident.Source: BlueJays.mlb.com

Juan Rincon - RP, Minnesota Twins
Jun. 13, 8:41 p.m.Juan Rincon has rejected his assignment to Triple-A Rochester. Fantasy Source spin: The Twins now have 10 days to trade or release the struggling reliever. His career stats should lead to some offers, but there's a good chance he ends up just getting released. Rincon had a 2.93 ERA from 2003-2006, but has definitely been a bit off recently. He had a 6.11 ERA in 28 innings this season. "I've got to go do something, find another team to make it back to the big leagues," he said.

Joaquin Benoit - RP, Texas Rangers
Jun. 13, 7:30 p.m.The Rangers are considering placing Joaquin Benoit on the disabled list to make room for Saturday's starter Kason Gabbard. Fantasy Source spin: The Rangers would probably prefer to throw Robinson Tejada and his 13.50 ERA on the DL, but Benoit has been complaining of shoulder pain this week and hasn't pitched since last weekend. Benoit has allowed six runs in his last three appearances, so some extended rest might be good for everyone. "He hasn't been what he was last year and we'd like to get him back to where he's normal again," said pitching coach Mark Connor. The move will be made early Saturday.Source: Rangers.mlb.com

Al Reyes - RP, Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Jun. 13, 6:50 p.m.Rays placed RHP Al Reyes on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to June 10, with right shoulder tendinitis. Fantasy Source spin: Reyes has been battling his shoulder all year, and this is his second DL stint. He has a 4.02 ERA in 15 2/3 innings.

Troy Percival - RP, Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Jun. 13, 6:50 p.m.Rays activated RHP Troy Percival from the 15-day disabled list. Fantasy Source spin: Percival will resume closing right away, putting Dan Wheeler back into a setup role.

Jordan Tata - SP, Detroit Tigers
Jun. 13, 6:41 p.m.Tigers sent RHP Jordan Tata outright to Single-A Lakeland. Fantasy Source spin: Tata isn't hopeless, but since he has been awful in the Florida State League of late, there was little chance of him getting claimed. A smart move by the Tigers to free up a spot on the 40-man.

Daisuke Matsuzaka - SP, Boston Red Sox
Jun. 13, 5:49 p.m.Daisuke Matsuzaka is expected to make a rehab start for Triple-A Pawtucket on Monday and rejoin the Red Sox five days later. Fantasy Source spin: That means Justin Masterson should make two more starts, including tonight's, before returning to the minors. Dice-K has been out since May 27 with a strained shoulder.

Esteban Loaiza - RP, Chicago White Sox
Jun. 13, 4:58 p.m.White Sox placed RHP Esteban Loaiza on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to June 12, with a right shoulder inflammation. Fantasy Source spin: Instead of being released, Loaiza heads back to the DL with a supposed injury. The White Sox probably won't consider bringing him back until after he makes a few rehab starts.

J.J. Putz - RP, Seattle Mariners
Jun. 13, 3:03 p.m.The Mariners placed J.J. Putz on the disabled list, retroactive to June 12, with a hyperextended right elbow. Fantasy Source spin: Manager John McLaren initially expressed optimism that Putz would avoid the DL, but he'll now miss at least two weeks after leaving his Wednesday appearance in obvious discomfort. Brandon Morrow takes over as the Mariners' closer and gains a ton of fantasy value after dominating in 22 outings as a setup man.

Roy Corcoran - RP, Seattle Mariners
Jun. 13, 3:00 p.m.The Mariners recalled Roy Corcoran from Triple-A Tacoma. Fantasy Source spin: Corcoran replaces J.J. Putz on the roster and has minor league closing experience. But he merely will fill a middle-relief role with the Mariners after posting a 5.02 ERA and 11/13 K/BB ratio in 14.1 innings at Triple-A.

Esteban Loaiza - RP, Chicago White Sox
Jun. 13, 11:05 a.m.The White Sox's official site reports that the team is expected to release Esteban Loaiza prior to Friday's game. Fantasy Source spin: The team had been unhappy with his conditioning, and wasn't pleased that he could reach only the low 80s on the radar gun. The 10-day experiment of having Loaiza pitch in mop-up situations didn't hurt, but the Sox clearly feel he no longer has his best stuff. Adam Russell likely will be called up to take his place.Source: WhiteSox.mlb.com

Joba Chamberlain - RP, New York Yankees
Jun. 13, 10:27 a.m.Joba Chamberlain will be allowed to throw around 95 pitches in his start on Friday. Fantasy Source spin: Assuming he lasts that long, the outing effectively will end his pitch count. Chamberlain says his body has been responding well to getting stretched out, and that his legs are "getting there."Source: Newsday

Joel Zumaya - RP, Detroit Tigers
Jun. 13, 9:47 a.m.Joel Zumaya (shoulder) said Thursday that he reached 100 mph on the radar gun in a recent outing. Fantasy Source spin: Good news considering he's coming off reconstructive shoulder surgery. Zumaya is reportedly 25-30 pounds lighter after undergoing his rehab regimen, and also admitted that he considered retiring after suffering his injury. The Tigers hope to have him back on June 20.Source: Detroit Free Press

Jake Westbrook - SP, Cleveland Indians
Jun. 13, 9:22 a.m.Jake Westbrook had successful Tommy John surgery on Thursday in Los Angeles. He was transferred to the 60-dat DL on Friday. Fantasy Source spin: He'll fly to Cleveland today and begin physical therapy for what should be a 10-14 month rehab.Source: Akron Beacon Journal

Esteban Loaiza - RP, Chicago White Sox
Jun. 13, 9:18 a.m.The White Sox were disappointed to realize that Esteban Loaiza hadn't been working out or throwing before they signed him on on June 4. Fantasy Source spin: In all fairness, it probably doesn't take a ton of work to maintain his low-80s fastball. He's issued just one run in three innings of work for the White Sox, but the team is clearly not satisfied with his stuff. "We would like to see more, see more fastball. We know he has pitchability. He's going to have some time to show us, but we have our work cut out for us," pitching coach Don Cooper said.Source: Chicago Sun-Times

Andy Pettitte - SP, New York Yankees
Jun. 13, 12:54 a.m.Andy Pettitte threw eight innings and allowed one run Thursday in a win over the A's. Fantasy Source spin: Pettitte followed up one of the worst outings of his career (10 ER in 6 2/3 IP versus Kansas City) with his best performance since April 20. Still, he is sporting a 4.45 ERA despite a particularly easy schedule. Not one of his 14 starts to date has come against a team in the top 10 in the majors in runs scored.Next start: 6/18: SD