DL watch Crawford out may need surgery

DL watch Crawford out may need surgery
from CBSSports.com
posted by Tabloid Paige

Crawford could be out for year

The St. Pete Times reports that Rays OF Carl Crawford has tendon subluxation in his wrist, a problem with the tendon being out of its normal groove. He is likely out at least 6-8 weeks and could require season-ending surgery.

While Crawford hasn't done much for Fantasy owners this season, they would surely rather have him in their lineup than be on the DL and trying to scramble to fill his spot with someone else especially in AL only leagues. When healthy, he's a must start in all leagues that reward stolen bases, but it doesn't look like he'll be doing that any time soon. Hold onto him in deeper mixed and AL formats for now, but don't be surprised if he's no use to you the rest of the way.

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Players going on and coming off the DL

Players going on and coming off the DL
orginial post by sportingnews.com
Mon 08/11/2008

NL Pitchers:
Chris Carpenter - SP, St. Louis Cardinals Aug. 11, 1:36 a.m.

Chris Carpenter indicated after Sunday's game that he's aiming to throw on the side Tuesday and make his next start.
Fantasy Source spin: Carpenter allowed two earned runs in 5 1/3 innings before leaving his start against the Cubs with a triceps strain.
Next start: 8/10: @CHC

Aaron Harang - SP, Cincinnati Reds Aug. 10, 5:07 p.m.

Aaron Harang got knocked around in his return from the disabled list on Sunday, allowing eight earned runs over just four innings.
Fantasy Source spin: The Reds will be blamed for rushing Harang back after this drubbing. Edinson Volquez was ready to go on five days of rest and Harang had just one rehab start under his belt. Whatever. The fact is, he looked horrible. The eight earned runs he allowed set a career high as he fell to 3-12 on the season. He'll bring a 5.17 ERA into his next start against the Cardinals.

Brad Lidge - RP, Philadelphia Phillies Aug. 10, 3:36 p.m.

Brad Lidge admitted Sunday that his throwing shoulder has been feeling sluggish.
Fantasy Source spin: Lidge won't be available for Sunday's game. He apparently developed a mechanical flaw over the past few weeks which is causing some irregular fatigue. "You want to make sure you can nip it in the bud and get through it and come back really strong," he said. He should be ready to go on Monday.
Source: Phillies.mlb.com

Scott Olsen - SP, Florida Marlins Aug. 10, 2:12 p.m.

Scott Olsen rolled his ankle trying to cover first base on Saturday, but fully expects to make his next scheduled start.
Fantasy Source spin: Olsen is probably dealing with a swollen ankle this morning, but it should be fine by Thursday when he's slated to go against the Cardinals. "In talking with the training staff, they seem to think he's going to be OK," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "We'll know more the closer we get to that date."
Source: Marlins.mlb.com
Next start: 8/14: STL

Tom Glavine - SP, Atlanta Braves Aug. 10, 9:59 a.m.

Tom Glavine allowed four runs -- three earned -- over five innings Saturday for Double-A Mississippi.
Fantasy Source spin: Though it didn't go all that well, it was Glavine's final rehab start and he felt confident with the results. "I felt good, and just like my last time out, I felt better about my mechanics as the game went on," he said. He is scheduled to start Thursday against the Cubs.
Source: Braves.mlb.com

Scott Proctor - RP, Los Angeles Dodgers Aug. 10, 9:43 a.m.

Scott Proctor is expected to resume throwing on Monday.
Fantasy Source spin: Proctor was shut down last Saturday when he complained of discomfort after a rough two-thirds of an inning for Single-A Inland Empire. He's a couple of weeks from returning to the Dodgers.
Source: Los Angeles Times

Billy Wagner - RP, New York Mets Aug. 10, 9:19 a.m.

Billy Wagner played long-toss and threw several pitches on flat ground Saturday.
Fantasy Source spin: It was the first time Wagner had touched a baseball since he landed on the disabled list with a forearm strain last week. Wagner said he felt "all right." He is hoping to return when eligible on August 18.
Source: New York Daily News

NL Hitters:
Ryan Church - OF, New York Mets Aug. 10, 9:15 a.m.

According to the New York Daily News, Ryan Church "boomed shots over the outfield wall" during an impressive batting practice session on Saturday.
Fantasy Source spin: Church is on his way to Florida to begin a minor league rehab assignment with Port St. Lucie. He is hoping to return during the Mets' next home stand on August 19.
Source: New York Daily News

Orlando Hudson - 2B, Arizona Diamondbacks Aug. 10, 12:31 a.m.

Orlando Hudson could miss the rest of the year with a dislocated left wrist suffered Saturday against the Braves.
Fantasy Source spin: It'd be a major blow to Arizona's hopes. "(It's) not great, dislocation, fracture of a bone in his wrist, and we're not 100 percent sure whether he has to have surgery," manager Bob Melvin said. "Probably a pretty good chance, but we will know in the morning. If he has the surgery, he's out for the rest of the year, and if he doesn't, there's still a chance he could be out for the rest of the year." The Diamondbacks figure to make Augie Ojeda their primary second baseman, with Chris Burke backing him up. They could also attempt to trade for someone who has cleared waivers. Brian Roberts and Mark Ellis probably wouldn't, but lesser options like Tadahito Iguchi, Ronnie Belliard and Mark Loretta could be available.

Jerry Hairston Jr. - SS, Cincinnati Reds Aug. 10, 10:25 a.m.

Jerry Hairston Jr. was held out of Saturday's lineup as he's still bothered by a hamstring injury.
Fantasy Source spin: "He's better today," Dusty Baker said after Saturday's game. "We just deal with it. We're not quite there. We're hoping he'll be ready in Pittsburgh."
Source: Cincinnati Enquirer

Carlos Lee - OF, Houston Astros Aug. 10, 12:56 p.m.

Astros placed outfielder Carlos Lee on the 15-day disabled list with a broken left pinkie finger.
Fantasy Source spin: Even if he misses the rest of the year, which is rather likely, Lee has already turned in a fourth straight 100-RBI season. It looked like he was going to smash his career high of 119 established last year.

Ryan Braun - OF, Milwaukee Brewers Aug. 10, 11:13 a.m.

Ryan Braun is out of Sunday's lineup after exiting Saturday's game with lower back tightness.
Fantasy Source spin: The severity of Braun's injury is still unknown. For now, he's considered day-to-day. Gabe Kapler replaced him in the left field.

Todd Helton - 1B, Colorado Rockies Aug. 10, 5:52 p.m.

Rockies transferred Todd Helton to the 60-day disabled list on Sunday.
Fantasy Source spin: Helton has been out since July 3 and had a setback two weeks ago when his back began acting up during a round of soft-toss. There's a chance he won't see the field again this season.

AL Pitchers:
Bartolo Colon - SP, Boston Red Sox Aug. 10, 5:56 p.m.

Bartolo Colon pitched three shutout innings Sunday in a rehab start for Triple-A Pawtucket.
Fantasy Source spin: Colon allowed three hits, but didn't walk a batter and struck out three. 27 of his 34 pitches went for strikes. He'll have to build up his pitch count with several more rehab starts, but today's results are definitely encouraging.


Jose Contreras - SP, Chicago White Sox Aug. 10, 12:51 p.m.

White Sox placed RHP Jose Contreras on the 15-day disabled list with a rupturned Achilles' tendon.
Fantasy Source spin: Contreras is scheduled for season-ending surgery, and it's very much an unknown whether he'll be back to contribute in the last year of his contract in 2009. The White Sox figure to seek a veteran to replace him.
Next start: 8/14: KC

Tim Wakefield - SP, Boston Red Sox Aug. 10, 12:28 p.m.

Tim Wakefield will go on the disabled list before Sunday's game because of stiffness in his right shoulder.
Fantasy Source spin: Wakefield was scheduled to pitch next on Tuesday. His replacement should be announced soon.
Next start: 8/15: TOR

Todd Jones - RP, Detroit Tigers Aug. 10, 10:29 a.m.

Todd Jones (shoulder) is expected to throw a bullpen session on Monday.
Fantasy Source spin: Jones is hoping to be activated Friday, the first day he's eligible. "We'll play it by ear and see what he looks like (Monday)," manager Jim Leyland said.
Source: Detroit News

AL Hitters:
Rocco Baldelli - OF, Tampa Bay Devil Rays Aug. 10, 7:33 p.m.

Rocco Baldelli had an RBI single in four at-bats Sunday in his season debut against the Mariners.
Fantasy Source spin: Baldelli was put right into the cleanup spot in his first major league game since May 2007. He came out of the rout after playing six innings in right field.

Shawn Riggans - C, Tampa Bay Devil Rays Aug. 10, 7:32 p.m.

Shawn Riggans returned to action on Sunday and hit a three-run homer against the Mariners.
Fantasy Source spin: Riggans was hurt when he was hit in the chest a week ago. The homer today was his fifth of the year. He has 20 RBIs in just 95 at-bats this season.

Brandon Boggs - OF, Texas Rangers Aug. 10, 6:23 p.m.

Forced to enter Sunday's game after Milton Bradley left, Brandon Boggs went 0-for-2 with two walks.
Fantasy Source spin: Boggs was supposed to get another day off because of a sore shoulder, but he was able to DH. It's throwing that's more of a problem for him right now. He remains day-to-day.

Scott Rolen - 3B, Toronto Blue Jays Aug. 10, 6:16 p.m.

The Blue Jays said after Sunday's game that they're placing Scott Rolen on the DL and bringing back Kevin Mench.
Fantasy Source spin: Rolen will rest his troublesome shoulder for two or three weeks before rejoining Toronto's lineup. Joe Inglett figures to get most of the playing time at third base. Marco Scutaro could also see some starts there.

Torii Hunter - OF, Los Angeles Angels Aug. 10, 5:47 p.m.

Torii Hunter was relegated to DH duty on Sunday after tweaking his right ankle in the eighth inning of Saturday's game.
Fantasy Source spin: "I woke up this morning and it was fine," Hunter said. "I'm feeling good, but I figure if I go out there and run on it and something happens, I could be out for weeks but I promise you there's no pain." Gary Matthews Jr. is playing center field.
Source: Angels.mlb.com

Jed Lowrie - SS, Boston Red Sox Aug. 10, 5:18 p.m.

Jed Lowrie was able to enter Sunday's game as a pinch-hitter for Alex Cora and went 0-for-2.
Fantasy Source spin: Lowrie didn't start because of a bruised foot, but he's expected to be fine.

Willie Bloomquist - OF, Seattle Mariners Aug. 10, 4:49 p.m.

Mariners placed infielder Willie Bloomquist on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring.
Fantasy Source spin: Bloomquist's season could be over after he was injured last night. The free-agent-to-be was hitting .279/.377/.285 with 14 steals in 165 at-bats. Despite the extreme lack of power, it qualifies as a career-best season for a guy who entered with a .313 career OBP.

Scott Rolen - 3B, Toronto Blue Jays Aug. 10, 4:13 p.m.

Scott Rolen was a late scratch from Sunday's lineup because of continued soreness in his left shoulder.
Fantasy Source spin: Marco Scutaro took over at third base. Rolen has missed five of 11 games and could be headed for a stint on the DL if the shoulder keeps bothering him.

Milton Bradley - DH, Texas Rangers Aug. 10, 4:03 p.m.

The Rangers said Milton Bradley left Sunday's game with a stomach virus, not because of his strained quad.
Fantasy Source spin: Maybe he did. However, the Rangers also said Hank Blalock had an upset stomach one day before they put him on the DL with a sore shoulder. We'll see how this one turns out.
Source: Dallas Morning News

Jeff Mathis - C, Los Angeles Angels Aug. 10, 3:01 p.m.

Jeff Mathis was held out of Sunday's starting lineup because of an irritated right eye.
Fantasy Source spin: Mike Napoli is starting a second straight game with Mathis sidelined.
Source: Orange County Register

Jed Lowrie - SS, Boston Red Sox Aug. 10, 2:56 p.m.

Jed Lowrie didn't start Sunday after fouling a pitch off his left foot on Saturday.
Fantasy Source spin: Lowrie is likely to be back on Monday. Alex Cora started at shortstop Sunday.
Source: Boston.com

Milton Bradley - DH, Texas Rangers Aug. 10, 2:55 p.m.

Milton Bradley lasted just two at-bats before coming out of Sunday's game against the Orioles.
Fantasy Source spin: Bradley struck out in the first, walked in the second and then was removed when he was due up in the fourth. It looks like the Rangers made a mistake in letting him rush his return from a strained quad.

Juan Castro - SS, Baltimore Orioles Aug. 10, 2:49 p.m.

Juan Castro was held out of the lineup Sunday after leaving Saturday night's game in the seventh inning with a mild groin strain.
Fantasy Source spin: Manager Dave Trembley said Castro should "be OK to play tomorrow." Alex Cintron got the start at short.
Source: Orioles.mlb.com

Carl Crawford - OF, Tampa Bay Devil Rays Aug. 10, 2:09 p.m.

Rays placed outfielder Carl Crawford on the 15-day disabled list with a right hand injury.
Fantasy Source spin: Crawford said he felt a pop in his hand during his final at-bat of Saturday's game. If he has ligament damage, then he could miss at least a month and possibly the rest of the season. Right now, he's optimistic that he'll be back when his 15 days are up. Gabe Gross will be a regular outfielder for now. Rocco Baldelli was activated in Crawford's place and will also see considerable playing time.

Rocco Baldelli - OF, Tampa Bay Devil Rays Aug. 10, 2:07 p.m.

Rays activated outfielder Rocco Baldelli from the 15-day disabled list.
Fantasy Source spin: With Carl Crawford out, Baldelli figures to get as much playing time as he can handle for at least the next two weeks. That makes him worth using in AL-only leagues.

Marcus Thames - OF, Detroit Tigers Aug. 10, 1:16 p.m.

Marcus Thames was scratched from Sunday's lineup with a sore right shoulder.
Fantasy Source spin: Brandon Inge was inserted as the third baseman, with Ryan Raburn moving to left. Thames is day-to-day.
Source: Booth Newspapers

Carlos Guillen - 3B, Detroit Tigers Aug. 10, 1:14 p.m.

Carlos Guillen is expected back in the starting lineup for Monday's game.
Fantasy Source spin: Guillen is out of the lineup for a second straight game on Sunday because of back spasms.
Source: Booth Newspapers

Milton Bradley - DH, Texas Rangers Aug. 10, 1:14 p.m.

Milton Bradley is back in the starting lineup for the first time this month on Sunday.
Fantasy Source spin: Bradley wasn't expected back from his strained quad until Tuesday, but he said he was ready to DH today.

Kevin Youkilis - 1B, Boston Red Sox Aug. 10, 12:33 p.m.

Kevin Youkilis was a late scratch from Sunday's lineup because of soreness in his left shoulder.
Fantasy Source spin: Sean Casey replaced him in the field. J.D. Drew will bat cleanup. Consider Youkilis day-to-day.

Vernon Wells - OF, Toronto Blue Jays Aug. 10, 12:04 p.m.

Blue Jays activated outfielder Vernon Wells from the 15-day disabled list.
Fantasy Source spin: Wells has been out since July 10 with a strained left hamstring. He had a .287/.329/.449 line with nine home runs and 42 RBI before getting hurt.

Joey Gathright - OF, Kansas City Royals Aug. 10, 10:34 a.m.

Joey Gathright (shoulder) went 0-for-5 Saturday in a rehab game for Triple-A Nashville.
Fantasy Source spin: It was Gathright's first rehab game. He'll play a few more before the Royals make a roster move.
Source: Kansas City Star

Hank Blalock - 3B, Texas Rangers Aug. 10, 9:56 a.m.

Hank Blalock (shoulder) played catch Saturday for the first time since landing on the disabled list July 28.
Fantasy Source spin: Blalock will take ground balls Tuesday in front of manager Ron Washington and others. If that goes well, he'll begin a rehab assignment soon after.
Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Brandon Boggs - OF, Texas Rangers Aug. 10, 9:53 a.m.

Brandon Boggs (shoulder) was held out of the lineup Saturday because manager Ron Washington didn't want him to make throws from the outfield.
Fantasy Source spin: Boggs was apparently injured last week on a slide into second base. Consider him day-to-day.
Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Milton Bradley - DH, Texas Rangers Aug. 10, 9:51 a.m.

Milton Bradley (quadriceps) took batting practice Saturday and could return to the lineup on Tuesday.
Fantasy Source spin: Bradley has now been dealing with this injury for two weeks. He'll likely DH for the rest of the season once he returns.

Asdrubal Cabrera - 2B, Cleveland Indians Aug. 10, 5:45 a.m.

Asdrubal Cabrera returned to action on Saturday.

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Glavine could rejoin rotation next week.

Glavine could rejoin rotation soon

Veteran to have one more rehab start

By DAVID O'BRIEN
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 08/05/08

San Francisco — Reports on Tom Glavine were all good after the veteran lefty pitched four solid innings Monday in an injury-rehab start for Class A Myrtle Beach, his first minor-league appearance in 22 years.

Braves manager Bobby Cox said Glavine would more rehab start Saturday for Class AA Mississippi "to build endurance." Provided that goes well, he would activated from the disabled list and rejoin the Braves' rotation next week.

Glavine, 42, has been out eight weeks recovering from a partially torn flexor tendon near his left elbow. He threw 53 pitches and reported no pain Tuesday while allowing three hits and one run with one walk and four strikeouts.

• The Braves had no updates on closer Rafael Soriano, whose sore elbow landed him on DL on Sunday for the third time this season. Past MRIs and other exams have shown no ligament tears or other structural damage.

"There's something in there, and we've got to find it," Cox said. "It's there. Just can't locate it."

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Joba Heads to DL Chris Britton Called Up

Joba Chamberlain is headed to the disabled list.
By GEORGE A. KING III
Last updated: 5:23 pm
August 6, 2008

Joba Heads to DL Chris Britton Called Up.

The YankeesNew York Yankees put the right-hander on the 15-day DL with an injured shoulder before tonight's game against Texas while awaiting word on a diagnosis from Dr. James Andrews.

The Yankees recalled pitcher Chris Britton from Triple-A, despite the fact he was sent down less than 10 days ago.

A player cannot be recalled after a demotion before 10 days have passed, unless his team needs him to replace an injured player.

Chamberlain is in Pensacola, Fla., today having his right shoulder examined by Dr. James Andrews, is bound for the DL.

A diagnosis from Andrews likely would determine how much time the 22-year-old would miss, and if surgery is required.

Britton pitched three innings for the Yankees on July 31 and was sent down to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre the next day, Aug. 1.

He likely would pitch out of the bullpen, which means the Yankees would need to make another recall to take Chamberlain's spot in the rotation. Ian Kennedy is the likely choice.

Chamberlain was removed after 4 2/3 innings of Monday's game in Texas. After that game, Joe Girardi said he thought Chamberlain might miss one start, but did not think the injury was serious based on how the righty had maintained his velocity.

Chamberlain was dispatched to New York on Tuesday to undergo an MRI exam. The result showed a significant enough problem for the Yankees to send Chamberlain and the MRI results to Pensacola to see Andrews. It was an ominous sign considering teams usually send players to Andrews for second opinions only when they have a concern from their initial diagnosis.

The loss of Chamberlain for any length is a blow because he was emerging as a top-of-the-rotation force. He was 4-3 with a 2.63 ERA. Even with his poor outing Monday, Chamberlain was 3-1 in 12 starts with a 2.76 ERA.

Additional reporting by Joel Sherman

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Maine To DL Wagner Still Out. Kunz Who?

Maine To DL Wagner Still Out. Kunz Who?
Updated: August 4, 2008, 5:21 PM EST
Posted by Tabloid Paige

HOUSTON (AP) - Billy Wagner has a strained left forearm and will have his second MRI in two weeks on Tuesday, leaving the New York Mets without their closer and starter John Maine.
Maine was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with a mild strain in his right rotator cuff. He left Monday's game in Florida after 4 1-3 innings because of pain in his shoulder.
Wagner said he felt pain in his forearm on Tuesday, when he earned his 27th save with a scoreless ninth in the Mets' 4-1 win over Florida. He blew a save chance on Saturday night and said his arm felt strong, but he struggled to locate his pitches.

The Mets didn't make a move with Wagner but the left-hander was unavailable for their game against Houston on Sunday. New York is off Monday before hosting San Diego in the opener of a three-game series Tuesday night.

"When you lose Billy Wagner, that's very critical for us," manager Jerry Manuel said.

The Mets purchased right-hander Eddie Kunz's contract from Double-A Binghamton to fill Maine's roster spot. Manuel said the 22-year-old Kunz might be his closer on Sunday.

Kunz was 1-4 with 27 saves in 44 games with Binghamton. He threw 17 scoreless innings over his last 16 appearances dating to June 20.

Wagner had an MRI on July 22 that showed muscle spasms around his shoulder joint. But he had tossed 10 consecutive scoreless innings over nine appearances before Saturday night.

"It got to the point where I couldn't locate the ball inside," Wagner said. "The pitches didn't have much finish on them."

The Mets were in third place in the NL East entering play Sunday, two games behind Philadelphia and a half-game behind Florida. Wagner was hoping to avoid the disabled list, but also didn't want to come back too soon.

"It's a situation where we're at this part of the season, where you have time to take some time off," Wagner said. "I don't want to hamper the team and continuously fight an uphill battle when we've got it close in the division. There's no use going out there and hurting the team by being something that you're not right now."

Maine's DL stint is retroactive to July 29 and Manuel tentatively plans to start him again at Washington on Aug. 13. Oliver Perez started Sunday's series finale in Houston on regular rest in Maine's spot.

Maine threw a light bullpen session on Sunday and said the shoulder felt fine. Manuel said the Mets are just being cautious.

"We know he could use that rest," Manuel said. "The more rest we give him, the better off he'll be."

Maine insisted the injury was nothing serious.

"There's no setback," Maine said. "It's just precautionary. I still feel it a little bit. But it's 100 times better than it was before."

Eddie Kunz Minor League Stats:
1-4 W-L: ERA 2.87: 43 Games: 26 SV: 47.0 IP: 38 Hits: 19 R: 15 ER: 23BB: 41 SO:

analysis:
He might be some help if your in desperate need he does have some upside.

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Players On The Mend A Heads Up

Players On The A Mend
Clipper Jones Set to return Friday
by Dennis Paige

Clipper Jones who has been on the DL since July 23rd can return as early as Friday. Jones who was hitting .369 when injured took batting practice and a few grounders before Saturdays game against the Brewers.

"I feel great," Jones said. "Everything feels good. I'll be ready by Friday."

More on the mend.

Ray's Rocco Baldelli who just finished 20 days on the DL last night while playing Double A could return soon. Not as a every day player but could be platooned between DH and the outfield. Rocco hit .297 with three home runs and eight RBIs in 13 games at Montgomery.

Oakland A's reinstated right-handed pitcher Joey Devine from the 15-day disabled list on Saturday. Devine is 3-0 with a 1.23 ERA in 18 relief appearances with Oakland this year.

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Braves Pitcher Tim Hudson Season Over

Braves Pitcher Tim Hudson Season Over
MRI reveals bad news for No. 1 starter

By DAVID O'BRIEN
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

An MRI done Monday afternoon showed damage in the ulnar collateral ligament area of the elbow, though Hudson and Wren said it wasn't known if he has a torn ligament that would require season-ending "Tommy John" ligament-transplant surgery.
"That's the obvious procedure that's going to fix any kind of ligament damage," Hudson said. "I don't know how severe it is, if rehab [alone] might fix it."
Hudson will meet Wednesday with Braves orthopedist Xavier Duralde, who's out of town until Tuesday night. Then the pitcher will travel to Birmingham to see famed orthopedic surgeon James Andrews.

After Monday's game, Hudson still seemed to be in almost a state of disbelief over the news.

"I was floored," he said. "I thought they were almost kidding with me. ... It feels fine, that's what's frustrating. Nothing really hurts."

Hudson said he got the test done only because he was going to be on the disabled list for 15 days anyway, and the Braves figured he might as well get the sophisticated dye-injection form of MRI.

"I'm starting to wonder if it's been like this for three or four years, and is just something I learned to deal with," said Hudson, who left his Wednesday start at Florida after six scoreless innings when tightness in his right forearm moved toward his elbow.

The 33-year-old didn't think it was anything serious, though he still had some minor discomfort when he threw Sunday at Philadelphia.

Braves manager Bobby Cox said Hudson was placed on the DL earlier Monday for precautionary reasons, indicating there was no reason to risk further injury when the Braves had fallen so far back in the standings. But that was before the Braves saw MRI results from the 4 p.m. exam.

Hudson is 11-7 with a 3.17 ERA in a staff-leading 142 innings, and has a 146-77 career record in 10 seasons with Oakland and Atlanta.

The Alabama native is in the third year of a four-year, $47-million contract extension he signed after being traded from Oakland following the 2004 season. He is scheduled to make $13 million in 2009, with a $12 million option for 2010 that's mutual and includes a $1 million buyout.

Wren said he was told by doctors that the MRI revealed what was believed to be some old and some recent damage in the elbow. He said there had not been warning signs before Wednesday's start.

"I think everybody was a little surprised there was something [injured in the elbow]," Wren said.

Hudson is the fourth member of the Braves' season-opening rotation to land on the DL, after John Smoltz, Tom Glavine and Mike Hampton. Rookie Jair Jurrjens missed a start with a sprained ankle.

Smoltz had season-ending shoulder surgery, and Glavine is trying to come back from a partially torn flexor tendon near his pitching elbow.

"We've had more than our share [of injuries], that's for sure," said Wren forced a smile and added, "Could throw a yellow flag for piling on."

More Braves News

ATLANTA BRAVES

Chipper Jones returns to DL

Reyes demoted to make room for Morton, Sammons

By DAVID O'BRIEN
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 07/28/08

On a day in which Chipper Jones and Tim Hudson were placed on the disabled list, struggling pitcher Jo-Jo Reyes was optioned to Class AAA Richmond and the Braves added pitcher Charlie Morton and catcher Clint Sammons from Richmond. They also activated pitcher Jeff Bennett from the DL.

While the possible severity of Hudson's ulnar-collateral ligament injury was surprising, placing Jones on the 15-day DL for the first time this season wasn't. The major-league hitting leader's left hamstring hadn't improved since he pulled it Wednesday and he'll probably need most of two weeks to recover anyway.

The Braves wanted to DL a position player to open a spot for Sammons, since they needed another catcher for a few days while Brian McCann recovers from the concussion sustained Sunday in a home-plate collision with the Phillies' Shane Victorino.

Jorge Campillo will replace Hudson for Tuesday's game, Jair Jurrjens is scheduled to start Wednesday and Mike Hampton is set for his second start in Thursday's series finale. Braves manager Bobby Cox said he didn't know who'd pitch Friday's series opener against Milwaukee.


Jones rues inability to help vs. Phillies

The Braves blew six- and five-run leads in weekend defeats at Philadelphia, and Jones regretted that he wasn't on the field to do anything about it.

"It's disappointing because I felt I could've helped us this last series, maybe pushed us over the top in a game we lost," said Jones, who's still hitting .369, but was 9-for-39 (.231) in his last 12 games while playing with a lingering right quadriceps injury.

"My goal in spring training was to go through the season without anything keeping me out for any extended period of time," he said. "Unfortunately, I've had leg problems last couple of months.

"The team is better off with me on the DL right now, to give Bobby a full deck when he's trying to manage a game. It just makes sense to give itthe full 15 days to heal, and let the quad on the other leg heal."

The Braves played Monday without Jones and McCann, who ranked second and sixth in the NL in on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS). Mark Kotsay, with four homers and 27 RBIs, hit cleanup Monday.

"It's been that kind of year," Jones said. "We can't sustain the injuries we've sustained to key people and expect to stay competitive, at or near the top of the division. It's impossible, especially when you're replacing guys like myself, Smoltz, Glavine, [Rafael] Soriano and [Peter] Moylan with minor-league guys."

Barring something entirely unexpected, the Braves will miss the postseason for the third consecutive year since their run of 14 consecutive division titles.

"I feel like for the last couple of years, even though we haven't gone to the playoffs, we've been within earshot of the rest of the division," Jones said. "Now, because of the injury situation, because of the trade deadline coming up and all of the rumors floating around here, we're already pointing to next year.

"...We're going to work hard and continue to compete. But there's three teams in front of us in the division. The likelihood of all three of them collapsing is not probable."

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Posada Return Possible?

Tabloid Paige fantasy Baseball News

Posada Return Possible?
updated 12:30 pm EDT
Posada might return after the 15 days on the DL. Thats if his shoulder feels better.

Yankees' Posada won't go for surgery yet
BY KEN DAVIDOFF | ken.davidoff@newsday.com
11:34 AM EDT, July 23, 2008

Yankees catcher Jorge Posada will try to return to the lineup if his shoulder feels better when his stint on the disabled list is over.

Jorge Posada will postpone the inevitable surgery on his right shoulder, Joe Girardi said Wednesday.

The Yankees catcher, who has a torn labrum and rotator cuff damage, will likely take the entirety of his 15 days on the disabled list to see if he can strengthen his shoulder and consequently help the team as a designated hitter and first baseman. The injury has considerably diminished Posada's arm strength this season.

The team placed Posada on the disabled list this past Monday. He'd be eligible to play again on August 5.

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Fantasy Baseball Injury Report

Fantasy Baseball Injury Report
posted by TabloidPaige.com

Jul 13 2008 - DH David Ortiz is moving closer to a return to the Red Sox lineup. Big Papi is scheduled to embark on a six-game rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Pawtucket (R.I.) and Double-A Portland (ME.) after the All-Star break. If Ortiz's troublesome left wrist passes through the minor league action without any setbacks, the designated hitter should be cleared to return to the Sox fold against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park on July 25. "I feel great. I've had so many surgeries already. I don't want no more. It's good to know that I'm going to be able to play without surgery," said Ortiz.

Jul 13 2008 - B Kevin Youkilis left Sunday afternoon's game in the fifth inning with a left triceps contusion after getting hit in the arm with a pitch. The injury isn't expected to be serious and X-Rays taken at the park were negative, so Youkilis' status as the starting first baseman for the AL All-Star team shouldn't be affected. SS Jed Lowrie entered the game as an injury replacement for Youkilis and played in the remainder of Sunday afternoon's game. "He's fine," said Sox Manager Terry Francona. "He just got hit in the funny bone."

Jul 14 2008 - RHP Rafael Soriano (right elbow tendinitis) began a rehab assignment July 12 with the Braves' Dominican Summer League's team in San Francisco de Macoris. Soriano threw nine pitches and had one strikeout in his one-inning appearance.
Jul 14 2008 - LF Alfonso Soriano probably won't come off the DL until July 24, when the Cubs return from a six-game road trip after the All-Star break. Soriano broke a bone in his left hand June 11. The Cubs had hoped he could return right after the break, but the hand has felt "weak," and Soriano may do a minor-league rehab stint.
Spin: He could be back in 1 week.

Jerry Hairston Jr.
Day-To-Day
July 16 2008 Hairston was diagnosed with a mild strain in his right hamstring after undergoing an MRI on Monday, the Sporting News reports.

Jul 14 2008 - RF Ryan Church said he expects to play sooner rather than later after an exam in the Cleveland Clinic determined his headaches were migraines rather than symptoms from his two concussions. Endy Chavez and Fernando Tatis have played in right with Church on the disabled list. Church hopes to be ready to play when he's eligible to come off the disabled list, July 21. "He'll get some at-bats before he rejoins us," manager Jerry Manuel said. "Every day there's a period of evaluation."

Player Watch On the mend: Francisco Liriano; Assistant general manager Rob Antony said Wednesday that the Twins will discuss the possibility of pitching Liriano out of the bullpen.

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MLB Injury Updates

Pedro Martinez, SP
Day-To-Day
News: Manager Jerry Manuel raised the possibility that Martinez could be skipped Sunday, with Mike Pelfrey taking his turn if Pedro needs more time to rest a sore groin and tight shoulder, the NY Newsday reports.

Mon, July 14
Al Reyes, RP
Out: 15-day DL
News: The Rays are expected to activate Reyes (biceps) off the DL on Friday.
Spin: That presumes Reyes successfully gets through his last scheduled minor league rehab apperance on Sunday. He'd move into a seventh-eighth inning role in the Rays bullpen.

Mon, July 14
Jason Schmidt, SP
Out: 60-day DL
News: Schmidt (shoulder) allowed five runs (four earned) in 2.1 innings in Sunday's Triple-A rehab start, the LA Times reports.

Mon, July 14
Jeff Suppan, SP
Out: 15-day DL
News: Suppan (elbow) threw his first bullpen session Sunday since going on the disabled list, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Spin: "It never really hurt when I was throwing," Suppan said. He still plans to be activated and make his first start July 22 against the Cardinals.

Mon, July 14
Johnny Damon, CF
Out: 15-day DL
News: Damon (shoulder) had his first hitting session pushed back at least a couple of days, the Associated Press reports.

Spin: The shoulder is still too sore for Damon to start swinging, but he should be able to pick up a bat soon. "Had a little tough time sleeping last night," Damon said after undergoing treatment Monday at the Yankees' minor league complex. "Today it felt a little sore. We're just going to hold back the swinging at least two more days. Hopefully it won't be too long of a time." He was expected to return to the Yankees around July 20, but will probably need a few more days to recover.

Mon, July 14
Brian Giles, RF
Day-To-Day
News: Giles (hamstring) expects to play Thursday when the Padres return to action against the Cardinals, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.Spin: Giles played through the injury for several weeks before deciding to take some time off, sitting out the past six games. "There has been noticeable improvement," Giles said. "Getting off it for a couple of days was the right decision."

Mon, July 14
Luis Castillo, 2B
Out: 15-day DL
News: Castillo, on the DL since July 3 with a strained left hip flexor, is eligible to return as early as Friday in Cincinnati. But the Mets have given no indication that he'll be ready, and manager Jerry Manuel is in no hurry to deal with the whole second-base conundrum, the NY Newsday reports.

Mon, July 14
Todd Helton, 1B
Out: 15-day DL
News: Helton (back) is pain-free thanks to a second epidural, according to the Rocky Mountain News.

Mon, July 14
Kip Wells, SP
Out: 15-day DL
(blood clots in right hand) is likely to start for the Rockies on July 21 at home against the Dodgers, according to the Rocky Mountain News.

Mon, July 14
Wily Mo Pena, LF
Out: 15-day DL
News: Pena will undergo surgery in the next week to 10 days to repair a small tear in his left shoulder, the Washington Times reports.

Spin: No word on Pena's recovery time, but it's possible that he won't be back this season. Pena's lack of power at the plate -- two home runs -- has been linked to his shoulder injury. Probably time to cut bait.

Mon, July 14

Erik Bedard, SP
Out: 15-day DL
News: Bedard (shoulder), who was expected to start July 21 when he comes off the disabled list, has been pushed back at least a day, and the Mariners are unsure when he will actually start again, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports.

Spin: Bedard is now slated for July 22, but even that is 50/50, according to the report. The Mariners need to get him on the mound to audition him for a trade. But don't expect him to pitch again until he is fully healthy.

Mon, July 14
Hideki Matsui, LF
Out: 15-day DL
News: Matsui (knee) took 59 swings in his second on-field batting practice in Tampa on Sunday, NY Newsday reports. He also hit off a tee and did soft-toss.
Spin: Matsui said he is progressing as planned and manager Joe Girardi said he hopes Matsui will be activated from the DL after the All-Star break, perhaps as early as Friday. That timetable seems a bit optimistic given that just a few days ago season-ending surgery seemed like a possibility, but it's good to hear such positive news about Matsui's recovery. Don't expect him to return Friday, but a late July comeback seems like a strong possibility.

Mon, July 14
Kevin Youkilis, 1B
Day-To-Day
News: X-rays of Youkilis' left triceps came back negative, the Boston Herald reports.

Mon, July 14
Willy Taveras, CF
Day-To-Day
News: Taveras (left quadriceps) will probably go on the DL if he isn't healthy after the All-Star break, according to the Denver Post.

Mon, July 14
Jeff Francis, SP
Out: 15-day DL
News: Francis (left shoulder inflammation) threw a successful 45-pitch bullpen session on Saturday, according to the Rocky Mountain News.

Mon, July 14
Chris Snyder, C
Out: 15-day DL
News: Snyder (testicular fracture) is tentatively scheduled to play in a rehab game for Triple-A Tucson on Friday, the East Valley Tribune reports.

Mon, July 14
Ryan Church, LF
Out: 15-day DL
News: Church was cleared Sunday to do some light running and even took some swings in the indoor cages as he works his way toward a rehab assignment, the NY Newsday reports.

Spin: Church was cleared for activity after returning from a two-day visit to the Cleveland Clinic confident his recent fatigue and dizziness troubles were migraine-related and not directly attributable to two concussions. Doctors there reviewed tests conducted by the Mets-affiliated Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan and left Church enthusiastic that he will play again this season. The Mets still haven't figured out a timetable for his return - he's eligible July 21 - but Church was encouraged by Sunday's activity and his condition is significantly improved. If Church is able to return to the full-time, outfield duty, it somewhat lessens the Mets need to acquire an outfielder with Moises Alou already out for the year.

Mon, July 14
Angel Pagan, CF
Out: 15-day DL
News: Pagan revealed on Sunday that he has a torn labrum in his left shoulder, contrary to earlier reports that it was simply a bruise, the New York Daily News reports.

Mon, July 14
Troy Tulowitzki, SS
Out: 15-day DL
News: Tulowitzki (lacerated right palm) will likely require a minor league rehab assignment, according to the Denver Post.

Mon, July 14
Ryan Sweeney, LF
Day-To-Day
News: The A's are hopeful that Sweeney (finger) will be able to return to the lineup on Friday, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Mon, July 14
Phil Hughes, SP
Out: 15-day DL
News: Hughes (ribs) threw 25 fastballs during his second bullpen session on Monday, the Associated Press reports.

Mon, July 14
Justin Upton, RF
Day-To-Day
News: Upton (oblique/strained rib cage muscle) is uncertain if he will be able to return when Arizona resumes play on Friday, the East Valley Tribune reports.

Spin: "At this point, we're still working on it," Upton said. "We'll see what four days can do and evaluate then." He did not rule out the disabled list as a possibility, but Upton missed the last five games and will have another few days to rest, so he should be able to avoid the DL.

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Fantasy Injury Report Update

Fantasy Baseball Injury Report

David Ortiz - DH, Boston Red Sox
Jul. 7, 7:06 p.m.
David Ortiz took batting practice Monday for the first time since injuring his wrist on May 31. Fantasy Source spin: Both Ortiz and manager Terry Francona reported afterward that the BP session went well, but there's still no timetable for Ortiz's return.
Source: MLB.com

John Buck - C, Kansas City Royals
Jul. 7, 4:55 p.m.
John Buck hit a three-run homer in the top of the 10th to lead the Royals over the Rays on Monday afternoon. Fantasy Source spin: Last time we checked in with Buck he was passing blood after getting hit in the cup with a foul tip. It was a much better day today as he also singled and scored, finishing 2-for-5. His three-run blast off Dan Wheeler was followed by a solo shot from Mike Aviles to put the Royals up four.

Mike Napoli - C, Los Angeles Angels
Jul. 7, 4:13 p.m.
Angels placed catcher Mike Napoli on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder inflammation. Fantasy Source spin: Napoli started 43 of the Angels' first 88 games, but Jeff Mathis will now play nearly every day behind the plate, with Ryan Budde backing him up. Napoli hit .204/.308/.472 with 12 homers and 29 RBI in 169 plate appearances.

Hideki Matsui - DH, New York Yankees
Jul. 7, 10:00 a.m.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman said that playing the outfield would not be part of Hideki Matsui's rehab work. Fantasy Source spin: This likely means that the Yankees are only considering a return to the DH spot for Matsui if he does make it back this season. Team trainers say that he's "showing some improvement," but there's still no timetable for a possible return. Source: New York Daily News

Pitchers
Erik Bedard - SP, Seattle Mariners
Jul. 7, 9:19 p.m.
According to the Seattle Times, Erik Bedard could start Saturday or Sunday "depending on how his shoulder feels." Fantasy Source spin: With Felix Hernandez set to come off the disabled list Friday, the Mariners could use Ryan Rowland-Smith to sub for Bedard if needed. Manager Jim Riggleman said Monday that the Mariners may decide to shut Bedard down through the All-Star break.
Source: Seattle Times Next start: 7/9: @OAK

Felix Hernandez - SP, Seattle Mariners
Jul. 7, 9:15 p.m.
Felix Hernandez (ankle) is scheduled to come off the disabled list to start Friday versus the Royals. Fantasy Source spin: King Felix has been sidelined since June 23 after injuring his ankle while covering home plate. He's returning to face the punchless Royals in a favorable first matchup, so Hernandez should be activated in all leagues.

Adam Loewen - SP, Baltimore Orioles
Jul. 7, 7:19 p.m.
According to the Baltimore Sun, Adam Loewen (elbow) is "a slam dunk" to land on the disabled list. Fantasy Source spin: Loewen underwent a CT scan Monday, but the results haven't been made public yet. He left Sunday's game after complaining of a sharp pain in his left elbow.
Source: Baltimore Sun

Dontrelle Willis - SP, Detroit Tigers
Jul. 7, 2:51 p.m.
The Tigers said Monday that Dontrelle Willis will fly to Detroit to have his right knee examined by the team doctor. Fantasy Source spin: It's the same knee that he hyperextended in April and caused him to go on the 15-day disabled list. He hasn't pitched since a June 29 outing for Single-A, and it's unclear just how long the knee has been bothering him.
Source: Tigers.mlb.com

Curt Schilling - SP, Boston Red Sox
Jul. 7, 1:09 p.m.Curt Schilling (shoulder surgery) said Monday that he hasn't decided whether to try to play baseball again. Fantasy Source spin: He said Monday that he's started to rehab his shoulder, but that it will be at least five weeks before he must decide whether to try to return for 2009. Schilling's arm was in a sling and he said it was more sore than he expected it to be.
Source: Boston Globe

Kevin Millwood - SP, Texas Rangers
Jul. 7, 5:59 a.m.Kevin Millwood returned to action on Sunday July 6. Next start: 7/11: CHW
Felix Hernandez - SP, Seattle Mariners
Jul. 7, 12:12 a.m.Felix Hernandez (ankle) threw his first full bullpen session since going on the disabled list on Sunday. Fantasy Source spin: He'll throw another one on Tuesday, and if all goes well he could return to the starting rotation on Thursday.
Source: Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Bobby Jenks - RP, Chicago White Sox
Jul. 7, 12:06 a.m.Bobby Jenks (back) might not be available to pitch for the White Sox before the All-Star break Fantasy Source spin: Jenks continues to be bothered by soreness in his back, and he played long toss on Sunday, but he still hasn't thrown a side session since first reporting the pain. The Sox will likely decide what to do with him before their series in Kansas City starts on Tuesday. They could put him on the DL retroactive to June 30, which would mean he'd be eligible to join the team after the All-Star break.
Source: WhiteSox.mlb.com

Fantasy source: Sportingnews.com

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The DL Bug Still Biting, Fantasy baseball News

Tabloid Paige
Fantasy Baseball News


LATEST FANTASY BASEBALL HEADLINES

Rangers' Hamilton suffers bruised hand

Rays' Garza throws one-hitter, fans 10

Pirates place Snell on DL with elbow strain

Cards activate Pujols off the disabled list

Report: Rangers to call up prospect Davis

Braves prospect Hanson throws no-hitter

Stults pitches shutout to defeat White Sox

Garza's Gem
06/27/2008
BY Nick Nelson

There's never really been any question about the quality of Matt Garza's stuff. The only concerns have surrounded his ability to trust in and command that stuff. He was able to do both yesterday as he pitched the first complete game of his career, a one-hitter against the Marlins.

Garza took a no-hitter into the seventh before Hanley Ramirez hit a leadoff home run to simultaneously break up the bids for a no-no and a shutout. Garza recovered to set down the last nine Marlins in order, and ended up facing just one batter over the minimum in the complete-game gem.

The 24-year-old right-hander struck out 10 in the game, mixing in some nasty breaking balls with a dominating fastball that consistently registered between 93-96 mph. His lone "mistake" in the game, the pitch Ramirez took deep, was a sharp slider that was nearly in the dirt. It's this type of brilliance that made Garza one of baseball's top prospects as he rocketed through the minors back in 2006, and that prompted the Rays to trade for him during the offseason.

Garza caused some panic early in the season when he went on the disabled list due to a nerve problem in his elbow which had reportedly bothered him last year in Minnesota, but he's been very good since returning from the DL, going 6-4 with a 3.21 ERA while allowing only 60 hits over 75 2/3 innings. He'll probably continue have some ups and downs this season, but Garza continues to flash the type of excellent potential that makes him one of the game's more intriguing young hurlers.

A few other league notes to send you into the weekend.

Josh Hamilton is getting bit hard by the injury bug. A couple days ago he had to exit a game against the Astros early due to knee inflammation, and in his return to the lineup on Thursday night he was again forced out early, this time after being hit in the hand by a pitch.

After amazingly driving in 68 runs in his first 60 games, Hamilton has picked up just eight RBI in his last 16 games and it won't help that he's now battling multiple ailments. He should remain productive at the plate, but don't be surprised to see the RBI output continue to tail off.

Edinson Volquez owners can take the right-hander's poor outing on Thursday night -- 4 1/3 innings, six hits, seven runs (five earned), three walks, zero strikeouts -- as an opportunity to sulk, or as an opportunity to sit back and marvel at just how amazing Volquez has been all season up to this point. In 15 starts prior to the loss against the Blue Jays, Volquez had never failed to complete five innings, had never failed to strike out at least one batter, had never allowed more than three runs, had only once allowed more than a hit per inning, and had given up only three home runs over 95 innings. Volquez has turned a corner and has been an absolute godsend for the Reds this season.

Albert Pujols was activated from the disabled list and started at designated hitter for the Cardinals on Thursday. He picked up right where he left off by going 4-for-4 with a walk and an RBI. He isn't getting the type of MVP hype that he usually does because Chipper Jones and Lance Berkman have been so spectacular, but Pujols sports an amazing .484 on-base percentage and is having one of his best seasons.

Sidney Ponson will make his first start as a Yankee today when he faces the Mets in the second game of a doubleheader. Ponson experienced some surprising success with the Rangers this year, going 4-1 with a 3.88 ERA in nine starts. Unfortunately, his off-the-field problems were so grave that even the pitching-starved Rangers couldn't put up with him. The Yankees are desperate enough to give him a chance, but it's tough to imagine that the finicky ownership in the Bronx will put up with too much of that type of behavior, particularly if his performance declines from where it was earlier in the season (which is likely).

AL Quick Hits:
Rich Harden notched 11 strikeouts over eight scoreless inning on Thursday afternoon . Erik Bedard's status for Sunday is still up in the air, and much will depend on how his bullpen session today goes . Jesse Litsch tossed eight innings of one-run ball on Thursday night, improving to 8-4 . Francisco Liriano had a second consecutive poor outing for Class-AAA Rochester on Wednesday night, surrendering five earned runs while striking out only three over 5 1/3 innings . Cliff Lee fanned a career-high 11 batters while picking up his 11th win in a brilliant effort against the Giants on Thursday . Hank Blalock is thought to be about two weeks from returning to the Rangers lineup.

NL Quick Hits:
Ian Snell was placed on the disabled list retroactive to June 24 with an elbow strain . Mark Hendrickson surrendered five runs over 4 1/3 innings on Thursday afternoon and suffered his fourth straight loss . Clayton Kershaw lasted only four innings against the White Sox on Thursday afternoon, allowing just two runs but struggling with his control . One day after announcing that Shawn Chacon was suspended indefinitely after an altercation with general manager Ed Wade, the Astros released the embattled right-hander on Thursday . Alfonso Soriano (broken hand) hopes to return in time to participate in the All l-Star Game . Carlos Zambrano threw off flat ground on Thursday and is scheduled for a bullpen session on Sunday as he works back from a shoulder injury . The Nationals have placed Shawn Hill on the disabled list and it's not clear how long he'll be out.

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Fantasy Baseball News Hit The Wires

Tabloid Paige
Fantasy Baseball News

LATEST FANTASY BASEBALL HEADLINES

Rangers' Hamilton day-to-day with sore knee

Astros place INF Matsui back on DL

Nick Johnson out for the season

King Felix expects to make next start

Sheets' one-run complete game beats Braves

Nationals' Johnson to undergo wrist surgery

Pirates' Snell to have MRI on elbow

Run Carlos, Run
06/25/2008
BY Aaron Gleeman

Manager Jerry Manuel continued to make headlines Monday, suggesting that Carlos Beltran's historically excellent success rate on stolen bases has kept him from running more often. Beltran is 11-for-12 swiping bases this season and 261-for-296 during his career, which is good for an 88 percent success rate that ranks first in the history of baseball among players who've attempted at least 200 steals."I would hope Carlos runs into a couple of outs, just to get that percentage thing out of his mind," Manuel said. "That's going to be addressed, because that's an important part to what we're going to try to do here going forward." Whether or not Beltran upping his steal attempts will actually have a positive impact on the Mets is debatable, but there's no question that Manuel's prodding has the potential to give his fantasy value a huge boost. Since signing with the Mets in 2006, Beltran is 69-for-81 (85.1 percent) while averaging one steal attempt per 6.3 games. Prior to arriving in New York he went 192-for-215 (89.3) while averaging one steal attempt per 4.1 games. In other words, over the past four years he's run less often and been slightly less effective when he does go for a steal. Age and injuries have a lot to do with that, but Beltran clearly still has the ability to steal more if he's willing to see his success rate dip. While Manuel ponders whether convincing Beltran to take more chances on the bases will require "going gangster" or not, here are some other notes from around baseball .

One of the topics yesterday in this space was Ben Sheets staying healthy and potentially tying his career-high in wins by the All-Star break. Interestingly, shortly after moving to 9-1 with a 2.59 ERA by throwing his league-leading third complete game Monday, the impending free agent announced plans to test the market following the season regardless of whether the Brewers come to him about a new contract. "That's the direction I'm headed now," Sheets said. Sheets' lengthy injury history and corresponding lack of jaw-dropping win totals will no doubt hurt his earning potential, but he doesn't turn 30 years old until next month and has posted a sub-4.00 ERA in each of the past five seasons. Since the beginning of last year he's 21-6 with a 3.30 ERA in 39 starts, posting a fantastic 190-to-58 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 246 innings. C.C. Sabathia has gotten all the headlines thus far, but he's not the only stud pitcher hitting the market soon.
Few pitchers can boast a more impressive minor-league track record than Kevin Slowey, who posted an amazing 1.94 ERA and even more ridiculous 361-to-52 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 366.2 innings prior to being called up to Minnesota last season. Throughout his dominance in the minors Slowey had plenty of skeptics, because many people felt that his high-80s fastball and supposed lack of a "out pitch" wouldn't translate particularly well against big-league hitters. Slowey has turned in some rough outings that tend to include multiple homers allowed, but for the most part he's shown that pinpoint control and uncommon intelligence on the mound can go an awfully long way. He tossed a gem Tuesday, shutting out the Padres for six innings while racking up a season-high seven strikeouts, and is 2-0 with a 1.35 ERA and 16-to-2 strikeout-to-walk ratio in three starts since being knocked around for eight runs by the White Sox on June 8.If you remove that one ugly game from Slowey's record he has a 2.97 ERA and 42-to-8 strikeout -to-walk ratio in 10 starts this year. Even with the clunker against Chicago included, he's 8-7 with a 4.35 ERA, 93-to-20 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and 1.26 WHIP over 130 career innings. Serving up 26 homers during that time is behind the mediocre ERA and he doesn't project as a future ace, but his performance has been impressive for someone who turned 24 years old last month.

AL Updates:
Zack Greinke racked up a season-high 10 strikeouts Tuesday as the Royals won for the ninth time in 10 games . After examining Shaun Marcum's injured elbow Monday, Dr. James Andrews determined that he won't require surgery . Gary Sheffield homered in his return from the disabled list Tuesday, which is encouraging after he hit just three homers through 163 plate appearances prior to the injury . R.A. Dickey went 0-3 with a hideous 14.11 ERA through his first three starts, but the knuckleballer shut out the Mets for seven innings Tuesday . George Sherrill loaded the bases with no outs Tuesday, but managed to wriggle out of trouble to close out a two-run lead for his 26th save in 29 chances . Alex Rios collected four hits Tuesday, including his first homer since May 1 . Josh Hamilton exited Tuesday's game with knee inflammation, but is considered day-to-day . Andy Marte star ted Tuesday for the first time in 17 days, striking out twice before being lifted for a pinch-hitter . With his wife set to give birth Jason Bartlett will be away from the team Wednesday and Thursday, so Ben Zobrist will be starting fresh off the DL.

NL Updates:
Thanks to Reed Johnson heading to the disabled list Tuesday with back spasms, Eric Patterson could emerge with short-term value in NL-only leagues . Nick Johnson will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery Tuesday to repair a torn wrist ligament, leaving Dmitri Young with little competition for playing time . After taking a no-hitter into the eighth inning last week, Dave Bush tossed seven innings of one-run ball Tuesday and has sliced his ERA from 6.56 to 4.94 over the past six starts . Bronson Arroyo turned in a disastrous start Tuesday as the Blue Jays pummeled him for 10 runs, knocking him out of the game in the second inning after 12 of 15 batters reached base . An anal fissure sidelined Kaz Matsui earlier this season, but Tuesday's trip to the DL was due to a strained hamstring . Sean! Marshall totaled seven strikeouts Tuesday while subbing for Carlos Zambrano, but took the loss by allowing four runs in 4.2 innings . Adam Kennedy started at first base against a left-hander Tuesday despite never playing the position previously and hitting .250/.307/.333 against southpaws for his career.

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"They Call Themselves Pros" And what good is spring training anyway?

Tabloid Paige Fantasy Sports

News and Opinion

"They Call Themselves Pros"

And what good is spring training anyway?

June 23, 2008

by Dennis Paige

When we think of Pros' we think of an athlete, like an Olympian that has stayed in shape, and ready for the season to begin, but in baseball it seems to be different. Why is that? Is it the attitude of the players or the teams? My quest is to find out, give you my best opinion and maybe some answers. As spring training started some players showed up over weight and clumsy. While others where just not at all with the program and it looked like they haven't played a game in years. Any amateur knows that you keep your muscles limber and your joints lose so you are less likely to get injured. But while other career athletes stay in shape on their time off the majority of baseball players don't. With the money they are making and all the luxury they have I believe they have lost the hunger needed to motivate themselves for the season ahead and keep themselves fit. And for some others its like a social welfare program, they are hurt so often. This must go back to the roots of baseball when teams where made up from the local bar or fire stations. Many players through baseball history have abused alcohol or tabbaco or drugs which many have died, from their abuses, like Babe Ruth and Mikey Mantle. Have their egos gotten so out of hand that thay say I can play without any sacrifices on my time. Well they think they can but they can't and the DL proves it. With a 171on the injuries list as of this printing and as many more in past weeks this season could be worst season for injuries yet. Now lets look at the last six years and the DL. stats. The total DLs' I will qoute from: The Baseball Injury Report "In the past six seasons the number of players who have landed on the DL, from a low of 337 (2002) to a record of 404 (2007)". If this years DL stats stay at this rate we will see another record year. My conclusion is that the teams don't care for if they did they would implement penalties that would suspend or pay per preformance til they get in shape and play like a pro, they are suppose to be.

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Fantasy Baseball 7 Day DL Watch List

Fantsy Basball News
7 day DL List
By Scorbe
June/21/2008

6/21/08 Crisp, Coco CF BOS 7-game suspension. Appeal to be heard June 23
6/16/08 Casey, Sean 1B BOS 3-game suspension. Appeal to be heard June 23
6/15/08 Jackson, Edwin SP TB 5-game suspension. Playing amid appeal
6/8/08 Iwamura, Akinori 3B TB 3-game suspension. Playing amid appeal
6/21/08 Jones, Chipper 3B ATL Quadriceps Out until at least June 23-25 series vs. Milwaukee
6/21/08 Cameron, Mike CF MIL Toe Questionable for June 21-22 vs. Baltimore
6/21/08 Laird, Gerald C TEX Hamstring 15-day DL. Out until at least early July
6/21/08 Inge, Brandon 3B DET Questionable for June 21-22 at San Diego
6/21/08 Kouzmanoff,Kevin 3B SD Back Doubtful for June 21-22 vs. Detroit
6/21/08 Durham, Ray 2B SF Ankle Questionable for June 21-22 at Kansas City
6/21/08 Barmes, Clint SS COL DL On Triple-A rehab assignment. Might return for June 21-22 vs. N.Y. Mets
6/21/08 Boone, Aaron 1B WAS Questionable for June 21-22 vs. Texas
6/21/08 Izturis, Cesar SS STL Doubtful for June 21-22 at Boston
6/21/08 Escobar, Yunel SS ATL Questionable Hip Questionable for June 21-22 vs. Seattle
6/21/08 Clement, Matt SP STL 15-day DL. On Triple-A rehab assignment
6/20/08 Doumit, Ryan C PIT Concussion Questionable for June 21-22 vs. Toronto
6/20/08 Byrnes, Eric CF ARI Hamstrings 15-day DL. On Class A rehab assignment. Expected to return for June 23-25 series at Boston
6/20/08 Bradley, Milton OF TEX Questionable for June 21-22 at Washington
6/20/08 Mulder, Mark SP STL 15-day DL. On Triple-A rehab assignment
6/20/08 Macri, Matt 3B MIN Calf Questionable for June 21-22 vs. Arizona
6/20/08 Hairston, Jerry LF CIN 15-day DL. Out until at least late June
6/20/08 Bedard, Erik SP SEA Questionable for June 25 start at N.Y. Mets
6/20/08 Schilling, Curt SP BOS DL Shoulder Out for season
6/20/08 Nady, Xavier RF PIT Doubtful for June 21-22 series vs. Toronto
6/20/08 Mathis, Doug P TEX Shoulder 15-day DL. Out until at least early July
6/20/08 Blalock, Hank 3B TEX Wrist 15-day DL. On Triple-A rehab assignment. Might return for June 24-26 series at Houston
6/20/08 Cuddyer, Michael RF MIN Personal Probable for June 21-22 vs. Arizona
6/20/08 Edmonds, Jim CF CHC Foot Questionable for June 21-22 series vs. Chicago White Sox
6/20/08 Punto, Nick 3B MIN Hamstring 15-day DL. On Class A rehab assignment. Might return for June 23-25 series at San Diego
6/20/08 Pena, Carlos 1B TB Finger 15-day DL. Might return for June 24-25 series at Florida
6/20/08 Johnson, Reed LF CHC Back Available to pinch hit. Questionable for June 21-22 series vs. Chicago White Sox
6/19/08 Kuroda, Hiroki SP LA Shoulder 15-day DL. Out until at least late June
6/19/08 Zambrano, Carlos SP CHC Shoulder Out until at least June 29 start at Chicago White Sox
6/18/08 Duchscherer,Justin RP OAK Hip Probable for June 22 start vs. Florida
6/18/08 Abreu, Tony 3B LA Groin, hip 60-day DL. Out for the season
6/18/08 Blackburn, Nick SP MIN Elbow Probable for June 21 start vs. Arizona
6/18/08 Konerko, Paul 1B CHW Oblique 15-day DL. Out until at least early July
6/18/08 Wang, Chien-Ming SP NYY Foot 15-day DL. Out until at least early September
6/18/08 Hafner, Travis DH CLE Shoulder 15-day DL. Out until at least early July
6/18/08 Wellemeyer, Todd SP STL Elbow Out until at least June 25 start at Detroit
6/18/08 Stauffer, Tim SP SD Shoulder 60-day DL. Out for the season
6/18/08 Choate, Randy RP MIL Finger 15-day DL. On Class A rehab assignment
6/18/08 Johnson, Josh SP FLA Elbow 60-day DL. On Class A rehab assignment
6/18/08 Bard, Josh C SD Free DL Out until at least early July
6/18/08 Young, Chris R. SP SD Nose 15-day DL. Out until at least late July
6/18/08 Bennett, Gary C LA 15-day DL. Out until at least early July
6/18/08 Pujols, Albert 1B STL Calf 15-day DL. Eligible to return June 26 at Detroit
6/18/08 Estes, Shawn SP SD Thumb 15-day DL. Out until at least late July
6/18/08 Jones, Andruw CF LA Knee 15-day DL. Out until at least early July
6/18/08 Albaladejo, Jonathan RP NYY Elbow 60-day DL. Out for the season
6/18/08 Furcal, Rafael SS LA Back 15-day DL. Out until at least late July
6/18/08 Wells, Kip SP COL Hand 15-day DL. Out until at least late July
6/18/08 Garciaparra, Nomar 1B LA Calf 60-day DL. On Triple-A rehab assignment
6/18/08 Loewen, Adam SP BAL Elbow 15-day DL. On Double-A rehab assignment
6/18/08 Bowie, Micah SP COL Forearm 60-day DL. Out until at least late July
6/18/08 Wainwright, Adam SP STL Finger 15-day DL. Out until at least early July
6/18/08 Bonderman, Jeremy SP DET Shoulder 15-day DL. Might be out for the season
6/18/08 Roberts, Dave LF SF Knee 15-day DL. Out until at least late July
6/18/08 De Aza, Alejandro OF FLA Ankle 60-day DL. Out until at least early July
6/18/08 Iguchi, Tadahito 2B SD Shoulder 15-day DL. Out until at least late July
6/17/08 Colon, Bartolo SP BOS Back 15-day DL. Out until at least late July
6/17/08 Penny, Brad SP LA Shoulder 15-day DL. Out until at least early July
6/17/08 Barfield, Josh 2B CLE Finger 15-day DL. Out until at least early August
6/17/08 Matsuzaka, Daisuke SP BOS Shoulder 15-day DL. Expected to return for June 21 start vs. St. Louis
6/17/08 Soriano, Alfonso LF CHC Hand 15-day DL. Out until at least mid-July
6/17/08 Martinez, Victor C CLE Elbow 15-day DL. Out until at least early August
6/17/08 Baldelli, Rocco CF TB Illness 60-day DL. On Class A rehab assignment
6/17/08 Sheffield, Gary DH DET Oblique, shoulder 15-day DL. On Class A rehab assignment
6/16/08 Bierd, Randor RP BAL Shoulder 15-day DL. Out until at least late July
6/16/08 Duffy, Chris CF PIT Shoulder 15-day DL. On Double-A rehab assignment
6/16/08 Alou, Moises RF NYM Calf 15-day DL. Out until at least early July
6/16/08 Kotsay, Mark CF ATL Back 15-day DL. Out until at least early July
6/16/08 Escobar, Kelvim SP ANA Shoulder 60-day DL. Out until at least early July
6/16/08 Pagan, Angel LF NYM Shoulder 15-day DL. Out until at least early July
6/16/08 Vargas, Jason M. SP NYM Hip 15-day DL. Out until at least early August
6/16/08 Glavine, Tom SP ATL Elbow 15-day DL. Out until at least late July
6/16/08 Bootcheck, Chris RP ANA Forearm 15-day DL. Out until at least early July
6/15/08 Carpenter, Chris SP STL Elbow 15-day DL. Out until at least early August
6/15/08 Fox, Chad RP CHC Hand 15-day DL. Out until at least late June
6/15/08 Putz, J.J. RP SEA Elbow 15-day DL. Out until at least early July
6/15/08 Cameron, Kevin RP SD Elbow 15-day DL. Out until at least early July
6/15/08 Zimmerman, Ryan 3B WAS Shoulder 15-day DL. Out until at least late July
6/15/08 Schmidt, Jason SP LA Shoulder 60-day DL. Out until at least late July
6/15/08 Soriano, Rafael RP ATL Elbow 15-day DL. Out until at least late June
6/15/08 Kearns, Austin RF WAS Elbow 15-day DL. Out until at least early July
6/15/08 Cordero, Chad RP WAS Shoulder 15-day DL. Out until at least early July
6/15/08 Everett, Adam SS MIN Shoulder 15-day DL. Out until at least late June
6/15/08 Perez, Odalis SP WAS Shoulder 15-day DL. Out until at least late June
6/15/08 Valdez, Merkin RP SF Elbow 15-day DL. Out until at least early July
6/15/08 Gardner, Lee RP FLA Elbow 15-day DL. Out until at least late June
6/15/08 Ward, Daryle 1B CHC Back 15-day DL. Out until at least late June
6/15/08 Bale, John RP KC Shoulder, hand 15-day DL. Out until at least early July
6/15/08 Westbrook, Jake SP CLE Elbow 60-day DL. Out for the season
6/15/08 Johnson, Nick 1B WAS Wrist 15-day DL. Out until at least early July
6/15/08 Brackman, Andrew SP NYY Elbow 60-day DL. Out for the season
6/15/08 Gagne, Eric RP MIL Shoulder 15-day DL. Out until at least late June
6/15/08 Mitre, Sergio SP FLA Forearm 60-day DL. Out until at least late July
6/15/08 Devine, Joey RP OAK Elbow 15-day DL. Out until at least early July
6/15/08 McCarthy, Brandon SP TEX Elbow 15-day DL. Out until at least late July
6/15/08 Nunez, Leo SP KC Latisimus 15-day DL. Out until at least early July
6/15/08 Denorfia, Chris LF OAK Back 15-day DL. Out until at least early July
6/15/08 Carroll, Brett OF FLA Shoulder 15-day DL. Out until at least late June
6/15/08 Estrada, Johnny C WAS Elbow 15-day DL. Out until at least early July
6/15/08 Kennedy, Ian SP NYY Ribcage, shoulder 15-day DL. Out until at least early July
6/15/08 Wagner, Ryan RP WAS Shoulder 60-day DL. Out until at least late July
6/14/08 Willingham, Josh LF FLA Back 15-day DL. On Double-A rehab assignment
6/13/08 Loaiza, Esteban SP CHW Shoulder 15-day DL. Out until at least late June
6/13/08 Hughes, Phil SP NYY Rib 15-day DL. Out until at least late August
6/13/08 Thomas, Frank DH OAK Quadriceps 15-day DL. Out until at least early July
6/13/08 Reyes, Al RP TB Shoulder 15-day DL. Out until at least late June
6/12/08 Fogg, Josh SP CIN Back 15-day DL. On Class A rehab assignment
6/12/08 Wilson, Vance C DET Elbow 15-day DL. Out for the season
6/11/08 Hernandez, Orlando SP NYM Foot 15-day DL. Out until at least late July
6/11/08 Keppinger, Jeff SS CIN Knee 15-day DL. On Class A rehab assignment
6/11/08 Prado, Martin 2B ATL Thumb 15-day DL. Out until at least late June
6/11/08 Wise, Matt RP NYM Shoulder 15-day DL. Out until at least late July
6/11/08 Accardo, Jeremy RP TOR Forearm 15-day DL. On Class A rehab assignment
6/11/08 Stewart, Shannon LF TOR Ankle 15-day DL. Out until at least early July
6/11/08 Kinney, Josh RP STL Elbow 60-day DL. Out until at least late July
6/10/08 Church, Ryan CF NYM Concussion 15-day DL. Out until at least late June

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Fantasy Baseball News Get'em Set'em

Fantasy Baseball News

Going Gangster - 06/20/2008

BY Aaron Gleeman


Mariners fire McLaren, turn to Riggleman

Mets manager Jerry Manuel: 'I'm a gangster'

Zambrano to have shoulder examined

Report: Yankees bring Ponson back to AL East

Report: Mariners plan to release Sexson next

Reyes tweaks hamstring, hopes to play Weds.

Report: Rays reach deal with top pick Beckham

Jerry Manuel's first game as Mets manager became an eventful one Tuesday when Jose Reyes resisted when asked to leave after tweaking his hamstring. Reyes apologized for the modest act of insubordination afterward and returned to the lineup Wednesday by going 3-for-5 with a stolen base and three runs, but Manuel's amusing take on the situation is definitely worth passing along anyway. Asked what exactly happened with Reyes, Manuel (seemingly) joked: "I told him next time he does that I'm going to get my blade out and cut him. I'm a gangster. You go gangster on me, I'm going to have to get you. You do that again, I'm going to cut you right on the field." Manuel then explained that he's "not here to make friends or for people to like me," which is good because the New York media isn't exactly known for its friend-making ability. Whatever happens with Manuel and the Mets-my guess is that he probably finishes out the season with a winning record, yet still gets replaced-he's provided my early pick for Managerial Quote of the Year. There's still plenty of time for Ozzie Guillen to reclaim the top spot and Jim Leyland is always a good darkhorse pick, but for now at least the thought of Jerry "American Gangster" Manuel going after Reyes with a sharpened blade is the leader in the clubhouse.While Manuel tries to change the laid-back image that he had while managing the White Sox to a .515 winning percentage from 1998-2003, here are some other notes from around baseball .

As of this writing Carlos Zambrano has avoided the disabled list, but he's expected to miss his scheduled start Tuesday at the very least after leaving Wednesday's game with a sore shoulder. Zambrano is slated to undergo an MRI exam with a dye injection Friday, at which point the Cubs should have a better idea about his status. Rather than shifting veteran Jon Lieber from the bullpen to the rotation, the Cubs may choose to replace Zambrano with Sean Marshall. Marshall logged over 100 innings with the Cubs in each of the past two seasons, but has spent much of this year at Triple-A. He has a 4.18 ERA and 21-to-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio in six starts there and the 25-year-old southpaw has a 4.81 ERA in 237.2 career big-league innings. Marshall projects as a solid mid-rotation starter long term, but a mediocre strikeout rate will keep him from having big-time fantasy value and he's unlikely to be an asset in the short term.

It was only a matter of time once Eddie Guardado took over as the Rangers' primary setup man, and sure enough manager Ron Washington hinted following Thursday's game that C.J. Wilson is in danger of losing ninth-inning duties. Wilson blew a save Wednesday, but was asked to work Thursday for the third straight day anyway and retired just one of the four batters he faced before being yanked in favor of Jamey Wright (Guardado had already pitched a scoreless eighth inning). At 37 years old and with his injury history Guardado is far from a sure thing to remain healthy and effective, but he's looked solid through 28 appearances, posting a 3.70 ERA and .202 opponent's batting average. Washington said Thursday that the Rangers "still have trust" in Wilson and he's converted 14-of-16 save chances, but a 5.04 ERA and lack of consistent command seemingly have the team considering a switch. For now, Guardado is a solid pickup in AL-only leagues.

Continuing his season-long trend of going public with a plan only to change his mind days later, manager Lou Piniella announced Wednesday that Kosuke Fukudome will take over as the Cubs' primary leadoff man until Alfonso Soriano returns. Piniella initially said that Reed Johnson would lead off with Soriano out, but perhaps thought better of it after noticing Johnson's .325 career on-base percentage against right-handers, which includes a measly .292 mark this season.Fukudome's power has been disappointing thus far, but he's done a fantastic job getting on base against all pitchers, posting a .413 OBP against righties and reaching at a .375 clip against lefties. He's homered just five times through 70 games, but has drawn 47 walks and is on track to score 105 runs, which is a pace that will rise if he remains atop the lineup. Meanwhile, with righty James Shields pitching Johnson was out of the lineup Thursday in favor of Micah Hoffpauir.

Eric Gagne threw a bullpen session Thursday and reported no problems, saying afterward that he hopes to return from the disabled list on June 27. Gagne has been sidelined since May 21 with rotator cuff tendinitis and struggled prior to the DL stint, which is why manager Ned Yost revealed Thursday that Salomon Torres will remain the Brewers' closer even after Gagne returns. "Closing, setting up, third inning, I don't care," Gagne said. "I just want to compete, get back on the mound.

AL Get'em Set'em:

Days after canning general manager Bill Bavasi, the Mariners fired manager John McLaren and replaced him Thursday with ex-Cubs skipper Jim Riggleman . Meanwhile, with rumors of his impending release swirling, Richie Sexson remains on the roster for now . Joba Chamberlain turned in his best start Thursday, allowing one run while racking up nine strikeouts over 5.2 innings . Rocco Baldelli went deep twice in a minor-league rehab game Wednesday at Single-A . Jason Bartlett was scratched from Thursday's lineup after fouling a ball off his foot during batting practice, giving Evan Longoria his first career start at shortstop . Mark Teahen went 3-for-4 with his seventh homer Thursday, matching his total from all of last season . Scott Feldman tossed seven innings of two-run ball in a no-decision Thursday, giving him a 4.33 ERA in 10 starts after spending the first five years of his career as a reliever . Jermaine Dye homered twice Thursday, including his seventh career grand slam . No. 1 overall pick Tim Beckham agreed to a quick deal Thursday, accepting a $6.15 million signing bonus from the Rays.

NL Get'em Set'em:

Jay Bruce struck out three times Thursday before being ejected for arguing balls and strikes, and is now in a 7-for-42 (.167) slump . Dave Bush took a no-hitter into the eighth inning Thursday, but the Brewers' bullpen almost blew a seven-run lead before hanging on to win 8-7 . Despite going 9-for-21 (.429) to begin his minor-league rehab assignment, Dusty Baker said Wednesday that Jeff Keppinger (knee) isn't ready to return from the disabled list because "his legs are still sore" . Willy Tavares collected three hits and a stolen base Thursday, giving him a dozen steals in 16 games this month . Aaron Harang coughed up five runs on 10 hits Thursday to join Barry Zito and Joe Blanton as MLB's only 10-game losers, which is interesting given that all three pitchers began their careers with the A's . Kris Benson (shoulder) made his first rehab start Thursday at Single-A, serving up three homers in two innings . Russell Branyan homered again Thursday, giving him 10 long balls (and 24 strikeouts) in 20 games since being called up from Triple-A.

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