Tigers keep hot-hitting Brayan Pena in lineup
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com
(2:27 pm ET) Tigers catcher
Brayan Pena started consecutive games for the
first time this season Thursday against the Twins. It also was his third start in four games.
Pena has been on a roll offensively, hitting safely in four straight games and six of seven. He's batting .423 (11 for 26) with one double, two home runs and seven RBI in his last seven games.
'No other options' keep Fernando Rodney in closer's role
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com
(2:22 pm ET) Despite Rays closer
Fernando Rodney blowing his fourth save opportunity Wednesday against the Blue Jays and posting a 12.27 ERA in his last four appearances, sending his ERA from 3.68 to 5.40, manager Joe Maddon continues to
back him as the team's closer.
"There's no other options," Maddon said, per The Tampa Tribune.
DJ LeMahieu is a nice deep league add
by Nando Di Fino | Senior Fantasy Writer
(2:19 pm ET) With the Rockies demoting Josh Rutledge on Wednesday,
DJ LeMahieu is expected to take over the starting second base job. Owned in six percent of leagues, it might benefit an owner in a deeper format to take a closer look at the 24-year-old.
LeMahieu has never hit below .314 in any of his five minor league campaigns (he has a .321 career minor league BA). In 306 major league at-bats, he has a .294 average. I wouldn't expect much in the way of power or speed from LeMahieu, but 20 doubles the rest of the way (assuming he gets regular at-bats) wouldn't be out of the question, and you can pretty much bank on the average to be there.
In NL-only, he's a must-add. But I would consider adding him in formats as shallow as 15-team Roto leagues (at MI or UT), based on his promise in batting average.
Carlos Santana has weak May batting average
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com
(1:28 pm ET) Indians catcher
Carlos Santana homered and drove in two runs Wednesday against the Tigers. It was Santana's eighth home run and first in 13 games.
Santana had just his third multi-hit game in May Wednesday. He's batting .200 (14 for 70) with three home runs, four doubles, six RBI, 12 runs and 13 walks in 20 May games.
Asdrubal Cabrera racking up doubles in May
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com
(1:24 pm ET) Indians shortstop
Asdrubal Cabrera totaled two doubles, a run and a walk Wednesday against the Tigers. Cabrera has hit 10 of his 14 doubles in May.
Cabrera is batting .273 (21 for 77) with a .506 slugging percentage, a triple, two home runs, 10 RBI and 11 runs in 20 May games.
Michael Brantley beginning to pile up RBI
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com
(1:19 pm ET) Indians outfielder
Michael Brantley extended his RBI streak to four games Wednesday against the Tigers, totaling three RBI as he finished 3 for 5 with one run. Brantley has nine RBI in his last four games, while batting .438 (7 for 16) during that span.
Brantley is having a productive May, batting .338 (25 for 74) with a home run, a double, 10 runs and 15 RBI in 21 games (18 starts).
Zack Wheeler discusses return
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com
(1:17 pm ET) Mets pitching prospect
Zack Wheeler admitted Thursday that he was not at his best in his return from shoulder inflammation Wednesday. Wheeler,
who admitted to being rusty, had his turn skipped in the rotation due his shoulder issue.
"Honestly, nothing was working real well for me today," he said to the New York Post. "Taking 10 days off and missing a start this late in the season and coming back as sharp as you were is tough."
Wheeler hit 100 mph on the radar gun, but reportedly saw his velocity dip as the start went on. He allowed two home runs among his five hits, surrendering three runs in five innings of work.
Wheeler expects to be fine for his next turn in the rotation.
Paul Konerko ends long HR drought
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com
(1:14 pm ET) White Sox first baseman
Paul Konerko ended his home run drought at 17 games as he teed off for a solo home run Wednesday against the Red Sox. It was his fifth home run and first since April 28.
Konerko isn't having a very productive May, batting .212 (14 for 66) with one home run, two doubles, three RBI, seven runs, seven walks and 10 strikeouts.
Rangers give Mark Teahen minor-league deal
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com
(1:09 pm ET) The Rangers signed veteran Mark Teahen to a
minor-league contract Thursday. Teahen was released by the Diamondbacks May 20.
Teahen had been playing for Arizona's Triple-A team prior to his release. Teahen hit .211 with three doubles and five RBI in 22 games for Reno.
Rangers release veteran Derek Lowe
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com
(1:05 pm ET) The Rangers announced Thursday reliever
Derek Lowe was
released after clearing waivers Wednesday. The veteran right-hander was designated for assignment Monday.