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| 4:55 PM | Brandon Inge, 2B, OAK |
Inge not starting WednesdayNews: The A's left Brandon Inge out of the starting lineup with groin issues for the fourth straight game on Wednesday at Texas. Inge hasn't played since May 12 against Detroit when he went 0 for 3 with a walk and a strikeout. He's batting .188 on the year but had been on fire with four homers over a five-game stretch with 16 RBI over that span from May 6 through May 11. Oakland said Thursday is likely for Inge to return. Analysis: Oakland seems like it will be able to avoid putting Inge on the DL, though he couldn't return to the starting lineup Wednesday. Inge has enjoyed a career resurgence since joining Oakland in late April. He's batting just .227 in 11 games, but Inge has four homers and 17 RBI in that span. Inge won't hit for a pretty average and he will strike out a lot, but if he keeps hitting homers and driving in runs, then Inge has Fantasy value in deep Fantasy formats. |
| 12:43 PM | Brandon Phillips, 2B, CIN |
Phillips emerging from slumpNews: Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips appears to be getting back on track offensively. After battling a hamstring injury that contributed to his batting average dipping to .215, Phillips has hit safely in seven of his last eight games. He's batting .344 (11 for 32) with a .382 OBP, .820 OPS, three doubles and three RBI in that span. Phillips' average has gone up to .252 thanks to his recent surge. Analysis: Just ask Matt Kemp how a hamstring injury can affect a player's performance. Kemp was killing the ball before developing a hamstring injury in early May and his offense suffered before he went on the DL. Phillips avoided the DL, but now that he's getting past this injury, it has allowed him to get back to playing at a level he's accustomed to. Phillips is still one of the better offensive second basemen in the majors and remains a viable Fantasy start in all formats. |
| 11:05 AM | Mark Ellis, 2B, LAD |
Ellis a different hitter in MayNews: Dodgers second baseman Mark Ellis homered for the second time in five games Tuesday against the Diamondbacks. He finished 3 for 4 and produced his seventh multi-hit game of the year. Analysis: Ellis has been much better offensively since the calendar hit May. After batting .247 in April, Ellis opened May with a four-hit game and hasn't looked back. He's batting .333 with two homers, seven RBI, .434 OBP, .511 slugging percentage and .945 OPS in 12 May games. This isn't out of the norm for Ellis. He's had hot streaks like this before. It's just that he will likely cool down at some point, so Fantasy owners in larger formats should ride the hot streak while it lasts. |
| 1:04 AM | Omar Infante, 2B, MIA |
Infante keeps on hittingNews: Marlins second basemen Omar Infante registered his first four-hit performance of the season during Tuesday night's contest against the Pirates. All four of his hits went for singles, including his knock in the fourth inning, which brought home a pair of runs. He finished 4 for 5 in the 6-2 win and is now batting .325 on the year. Analysis: Infante continues to rack up the hits as his 38 hits leads the team. Eighteen of those have gone for extra bases and his .598 slugging percentage also ranks tops in the Marlins' clubhouse. While most have been waiting for Infante's production to slow down a bit, the 30-year-old has been Miami's most consistent hitter all year. As long as he continues to produce, he can continue to be viewed as a solid Fantasy start in the majority of mixed formats. |
| 5/15/2012 | Rickie Weeks, 2B, MIL |
Weeks homers in returnNews: Brewers second basemen Rickie Weeks, who was back in the starting lineup for Tuesday's contest against the Mets, after missing the previous two games with a pair of minor issues, snapped an 0-for-21 skid with a solo home run in the seventh inning of the 8-0 win. However, that would be his only hit of the contest as he finished 1 for 5 with three strikeouts. Analysis: Weeks was able to return to the starting lineup on Tuesday, so it appears he is over his hand and wrist issues. Now the 29-year-old needs to find a way to snap out of his season-long slump. Weeks had just three hits over his previous 35 at-bats entering Tuesday's game, but finally was able to hit his first home run in May. Still, his three strikeouts now gives him 43 on the year -- third most in the National League -- and he is batting just .159 on the year. Fantasy owners may want to think about leaving Weeks reserved until he finally breaks out of his slump. |
| 5/15/2012 | Freddy Galvis, 2B, PHI |
Galvis blossoming in MayNews: Philadelphia shortstop Freddy Galvis went 0 for 3 with a walk during the Phillies' 4-3 win over Houston on Tuesday. Galvis, who is starting at second base for Chase Utley while he continues to rehab his knee, has now reached base in six consecutive games. His hitless outing Tuesday was just the second time during that six-game span that he has failed to record a hit as his batting average dipped back to .225 on the season. "I just try to do my job, try to play for the team," Galvis told MLB.com. "I just try to play hard every day." Analysis: Already hailed as a defensive standout prior to the season, there were concerns about Galvis' production at the plate. The 22-year-old has plenty of speed, but opened the year -- and his career -- 0 for 12. But he has rebounded in May and is hitting .300 during the second month. He also ranks third on the team with 15 RBI. "He was hitting fly balls mostly because he was digging under," manager Charlie Manuel said. "Right now, he had a good night where he popped some balls." If Galvis is able to sustain his recent surge, he could be worth an addition in NL-only Fantasy formats. |
| 5/15/2012 | Tyler Greene, 2B, STL |
Greene snaps 0-for-17 skidNews: Cardinals infielder Tyler Greene stopped an 0-for-17 skid with three hits, including a double and triple Tuesday against the Cubs. 'Today was a good day. It was good for the team to get the win and end this little funk we've been in,'' Greene said. ''You just keep working, keep pushing. You've got to believe in it and have confidence in it.'' Analysis: Greene's inability to produce offensively has put him in a timeshare situation at second base with Daniel Descalso and Skip Schumaker. Despite the three-hit game, Greene has marginal Fantasy appeal. |
| 5/15/2012 | Ryan Raburn, 2B, DET |
Raburn finally connects for first HRNews: Tigers second baseman/outfielder Ryan Raburn entered Tuesday's series finale against the White Sox having not hit a home run through 94 at-bats this season. That changed in the sixth inning when he launched a three-run shot off Jake Peavy. Raburn would drive in another run in the seventh with a base hit and finished 2 for 5 with four RBI in the 10-8 win. Analysis: Raburn has gone just 8 for 45 (.176) with five RBI through 12 games in May but at least he was able to collect his first home run on Tuesday. He has averaged 15 long balls in fewer than 400 at-bats over the last three seasons so hopefully this performance will get him going at the plate. The 31-year-old has a potent lineup surrounding him at Detroit and possesses decent pop at a thin position in Fantasy but due to his .162 average thus far, leave Raburn for AL-only formats at this point. |
| 5/15/2012 | Alexi Casilla, 2B, MIN |
Casilla takes on utility roleNews: Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire said second baseman Alexi Casilla will serve as the team's utility player after the shuffle that brought shortstop Brian Dozier up from Triple-A Rochester and moved Jamey Carroll to second base. Casilla has earned just one start in the past eight games. Analysis: Casilla began the season as the Twins' starting second baseman, but has struggled to hit for average and is carrying just a .247 mark. He also has just four RBI and will now be on the bench in favor of Carroll. "Maybe what I'm doing is not enough, so I've got to work harder to get back to the lineup," he said. "And I'll be available whenever they need me." Consider Casilla a low-end option in deeper AL-only Fantasy formats. |
| 5/14/2012 | Joe Thurston, 2B, HOU |
Thurston cut by TwinsNews: The Twins released infielder Joe Thurston on Monday. Thurston batted .093 with one homer and two RBI in 15 games for Triple-A Rochester. Analysis: Thurston has already been cut by two teams so far this season and is nothing more than organizational depth at age 33. Continue to ignore him in all Fantasy formats. |
| 5/14/2012 | Freddy Sanchez, 2B, SF |
Sanchez suffers another setbackNews: SportsNet Bay Area reported on Monday that Giants second baseman Freddy Sanchez, on the 15-day disabled list, suffered a setback in his recovery from shoulder surgery and has been shut down. His lower back flared up and he will be sent for an MRI. Analysis: Sanchez appeared to turning the corner in his recovery but this setback will push back his timetable once again. He has not played in more than 111 games since 2008 as injuries continue to hinder his career. Owners should keep an eye on his status going forward but Sanchez is worth stashing away in just NL-only formats at this point. |
| 5/14/2012 | Jemile Weeks, 2B, OAK |
Weeks gets back into lineupNews: As expected, Oakland second baseman Jemile Weeks returned to the starting lineup for Monday's game at the Angels after dealing with a minor ankle injury. Weeks, who was held out Sunday after suffering a sprained ankle the previous day went 0 for 4 in the 5-0 win. He is now batting .198 on the year. Analysis: After missing some time at the beginning of the month, Weeks returned for five straight games before he landed back on the bench Sunday. The Athletics continue to be conservative with the promising 25-year-old as he has shown some improvement at the plate with three multi-hit games since last Tuesday. Fantasy owners should consider Weeks a quality option in deeper formats as he still holds upside. |
| 5/14/2012 | Ian Kinsler, 2B, TEX |
Kinsler not running in placeNews: Texas second baseman Ian Kinsler finished 2 for 4 with a pair of doubles and two runs scored during the Rangers' 13-6 victory over the Angels on Sunday night. It was just the second time Kinsler has recorded multiple runs this month after accomplishing the feat six times in April en route to a franchise-record 24 runs scored. He now has drilled 11 doubles to bump his batting average back up to .275 for the season. Analysis: Kinsler's scorching pace has slowed somewhat as he entered Sunday's outing with just one run in his previous five games. Part of the reason for his decrease in runs scored, is his higher strikeout rate from the first month of the season. Kinsler has fanned nine times with just four walks this month after posting a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 8-to-15 in April. Still, he remains a must-start Fantasy option as he continues to generate hits. |
| 5/14/2012 | Marco Scutaro, 2B, COL |
Scutaro continues to lack numbersNews: Rockies shortstop Marco Scutaro went 2 for 4 with two runs, one RBI and one walk Sunday against the Dodgers. He's batting .267 with one RBI and six runs in 11 May games. Analysis: Many Fantasy owners were excited for Scutaro's move to Colorado. He was coming off a strong second half in 2011 for Boston and was going to another great offensive situation with the Rockies. Unfortunately, Scutaro has been a huge letdown thus far. He has no homers and two RBI in 31 games and the tough part is that nothing is out of the ordinary for Scutaro. All of his contact rates, BABIP and other Sabermetrics are pretty much par for the course. Scutaro just isn't producing big numbers. He has low-end Fantasy appeal until he heats up. |
| 5/14/2012 | Aaron Hill, 2B, ARI |
Hill not producing many runsNews: Diamondbacks second basemen Aaron Hill's struggles at the plate continued during Sunday's contest against the Giants. Hill went hitless in his two at-bats in the 7-3 loss, dropping his average to .244 on the year. Analysis: Hill has been struggling at the plate of late, especially in the run production department. He has gone 14 games since his last home run and only has three RBI over that stretch. While his track record suggests he should be able to turn things around, Fantasy owners may want to leave him reserved until he gets himself back on track. |
| 5/13/2012 | Gordon Beckham, 2B, CHW |
Beckham back in doldrumsNews: White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham finished hitless in four at-bats with a walk during Chicago's 9-1 loss to Kansas City on Sunday. Beckham has notched just two hits in his past four games to drop his batting average down to .208. Surprisingly, he has not whiffed in that span. Analysis: Beckham teased Fantasy owners at the beginning of the month when he recorded three multihit games in his first four outings, which included a pair of home runs and a double. However, he has reverted back to his lowly production levels and has just five hits since May 4. He has also driven in just two runs since as Chicago has given up relying on him to produce runs. Fantasy owners should do the same and keep him benched. |
| 5/13/2012 | Neil Walker, 2B, PIT |
Walker slugging during MayNews: Pittsburgh second baseman Neil Walker finished 2 for 5 with a pair of doubles and a run scored during the Pirates' 3-2 win over Houston in 12 innings on Sunday. It was the first time this season Walker has belted two extra-base hit in one game to lift his batting average to .278. Analysis: Walker has steadied his production during the second month of the season and already surpassed his doubles total (three) and homer output (one) from April. The 26-year-old was also riding a seven-game hitting before the start of the series against the Astros. However, he hasn't claimed many multihit games as his average sits at .263. Consider him a quality option in deeper Fantasy formats as he appears to be warming up. |
| 5/13/2012 | Darwin Barney, 2B, CHC |
Barney putting some hits togetherNews: Cubs second baseman Darwin Barney collected a hit for the fifth time in his last six games on Sunday against the Brewers. He went 1 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored. He also posted his first stolen base in the 8-2 win. Barney has gone 6 for 22 (.273) with four runs scored in his last six games. Analysis: Barney is batting just .182 in his last 16 games but has shown some life at the plate of late and could be on the verge of breaking out. He showed last season that he can hit for average so keep an eye on his progress going forward. Still, Barney doesn't have much power or speed so continue to view the 26-year-old as more of an option for NL-only formats at this point. |
| 5/13/2012 | Elliot Johnson, 2B, TB |
Johnson gives Rays some insuranceNews: Tampa Bay shortstop Elliot Johnson played a big role in the Rays beating the Orioles in Baltimore on Sunday. Johnson gave Tampa an insurance run in the eighth inning with a solo home run off Troy Patton for his second HR of the year. Johnson went 3 for 4 in the game and added two singles as he scored three times for the Rays. Johnson drove in two runs in the game and is batting .264 on the season. Analysis: Johnson has been on fire of late after starting the season out so poorly from the dish. Johnson has hit in five straight games and has hits in six of his last seven, including two homers and four RBI with two stolen bases. Johnson is never going to be an offensive juggernaut, and remains mostly an AL-only Fantasy option. |
| 5/13/2012 | Charlie Culberson, 2B, SF |
Culberson joins Giants' rosterNews: San Francisco recalled infielder Charlie Culberson from Triple-A Fresno on Sunday. Culberson was hitting .284 with Fresno and playing a lot of second base. Analysis: Culberson has five homers and 24 RBI over 141 at-bats this season. He provides a bit of pop from the middle infield positions. He should see some at-bats, but not regular enough to become anything more than an NL-only Fantasy option. |
| 5/13/2012 | Matt Antonelli, 2B, BAL |
Orioles DFA infielder AntonelliNews: The Orioles designated infielder Matt Antonelli for assignment on Sunday. Antonelli was playing with Triple-A Norfolk. Analysis: Antonelli will have to clear waivers, but is just infield depth in the Baltimore organization. He was a long shot to ever see the Orioles' roster. He has almost zero Fantasy value. |
| 5/13/2012 | Jose Altuve, 2B, HOU |
Altuve adjusting to three-holeNews: Houston second baseman Jose Altuve finished 1 for 4 with a run scored during the Astros' 5-2 loss at Pittsburgh on Saturday night. Altuve tallied a single to halt a two-game hitless slide -- his longest of the season -- and is now carrying a .323 batting average through 32 games. Analysis: After performing as one of the biggest surprises during the first month of the season, Altuve was moved to the No. 3 spot in Houston's batting order on Friday. He is now 1 for 7 from the position as his batting average has dipped 10 points since the move. The 22-year-old has cooled off some since his torrid start and has just one extra-base hit this month. Still, he should be viewed as a quality option in most Fantasy formats. |
| 5/12/2012 | Dan Uggla, 2B, ATL |
Uggla drives in another runNews: Atlanta second baseman Dan Uggla went 2 for 3 with a double in Saturday's 7-2 win over St. Louis. He scored two runs and drove in his 21st RBI of the season. Uggla also drew two walks and struck out once in the contest. Analysis: Uggla is batting .282 on the year for the Braves, which is also pleasing for Fantasy owners. He's not normally a consistent hitter, in terms of average, so enjoy this while it lasts. Uggla has five homers to his credit, and has the potential to knock out 30-plus in a season. Fantasy owners should continue to view Uggla as a high-end second baseman moving forward. |
| 5/12/2012 | Danny Espinosa, 2B, WAS |
Espinosa heating upNews: Nationals shortstop Danny Espinosa hit his second home run in as many games on Saturday, while also adding a pair of stolen bases in his first multi-hit game in over a week to lead the Nationals to a 2-1 win over the Reds. Espinosa raised his batting average above the Mendoza line for the first time in seven games with the 2 for 3 showing, and he also walked in the game. Analysis: Espinosa had just one multi-hit game in the month of May before Saturday, as he has been struggling mightily. Fantasy owners knew coming into the season that he would struggle to hit for average, however at least he is starting to hit for some power and show activity on the basepaths. He is still struggling too greatly to be considered a reliable option, however you can get him active in NL-only formats as he finds his swing. |
| 5/12/2012 | Jason Kipnis, 2B, CLE |
Kipnis adds to RBI totalNews: Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis provided his team with it's only run on Saturday against the Red Sox. He went 1 for 4 with his RBI, giving him a three-game hit streak. The Indians would lose the game, 4-1. Analysis: Kipnis has gone 5 for 13 with a homer and two RBI in this series with Boston. He's batting .277 on the year and has 22 RBI for the Tribe. Fantasy owners should continue to view Kipnis as a solid second baseman in the majority of formats at this time. |
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