|
|
|
|
Latest News |
|
Sort by League: |
Sort by Position: |
| 3:56 PM | Brett Lawrie, 3B, TOR |
Lawrie appealing suspensionNews: Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie was in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Yankees a day after getting ejected from Tuesday's game against the Rays for arguing strikes. Lawrie got into a heated exchange with umpire Bill Miller and accidentally hit Miller with his helmet after throwing it at the ground in anger. MLB announced Wednesday that Lawrie was suspended four games, but he is appealing. Analysis: The good news is that Lawrie isn't looking at a long suspension. We will keep you posted about his appeal, but for now you can keep him active in all Fantasy formats. Lawrie is batting .324 in his last 10 games. When Lawrie sits, then Edwin Encarnacion will probably see the bulk of starts at third base. |
| 2:45 PM | Kevin Youkilis, 3B, BOS |
Youkilis on trading block?News: ESPN analyst Buster Olney told WEEI that the Red Sox might have to look into trading third baseman Kevin Youkilis to clear everyday at-bats for Will Middlebrooks. “I’ve talked with a number of executives at other teams this week, because this looks like it’s headed down that path,” Olney said. “Unless there’s an injury to a David Ortiz or to an Adrian Gonzalez, eventually you’re going to have a situation when the Red Sox, who are presumably going to want to find a way to keep Middlebrooks in the big leagues, they’re going to have to figure out what to do with Youkilis.” Olney added that other general managers have said Youkilis will need to put together at least three productive weeks once he returns to gauge his trade value. “They think then, that’s when you can get a little something in return,” Olney said. “Not great, they’re not going to get a Grade A prospect, they’re probably not even going to get a Grade A-minus prospect because of the amount of money owed to him. But there’s clearly a lot of places where he could land. The Dodgers, I think are in an evaluation period now with their first baseman James Loney, because he’s gotten off to a terrible start. … I think the Chicago White Sox potentially are a fit for Youkilis as a third baseman, and potentially in his hometown of Cincinnati would be a great fit for him because they need a right-handed hitter who can play third base especially now that Scott Rolen’s career might be over.” Analysis: Can you really be shocked that Youkilis trade talk has surfaced with the emergence of Middlebrooks, who is slated to be demoted to Triple-A Pawtucket once Youkilis comes off the DL? Youkilis, who is rehabbing a back injury, will begin a rehab assignment with Pawtucket on Wednesday. If all goes according to plan, then he's expected to be activated early in Fantasy Week 8 (May 21-27). Youkilis is off to a slow start this season, but if he returns to form once healthy, then Boston could look to trade him to clear at-bats for Middlebrooks. Don't forget that Boston holds a $13 million option on Youkilis for the 2013 season. He has a $1 million buyout as well. For the immediate future, however, Youkilis will play regularly once he's activated. It's just that he's more of a low-end Fantasy starter until his numbers start to rise. |
| 5:51 PM | Evan Longoria, 3B, TB |
Longoria feels good after BPNews: Tampa Bay injured third baseman Evan Longoria, who is on the disabled list with a hamstring injury, took some batting practice on Wednesday, reports the Tampa Bay Times. Longoria told manager Joe Maddon that he felt good. That said, he did not run or complete any other baseball-related activities. Analysis: Longoria went on the disabled list as May began and was expected to miss anywhere from 4-8 weeks at that point. He's definitely making progress, but until he can run or field he hasn't gotten that far. Once ready, Longoria is likely to need an injury rehab assignment as well. Longoria should be stashed in all Fantasy formats while he's on the DL and he'll be back before you know it. |
| 3:21 PM | Jack Hannahan, 3B, CLE |
Hannahan undergoes MRINews: Indians third baseman Jack Hannahan did not return to the starting lineup Wednesday against the Mariners because of lingering back soreness. It was the third straight game he missed. Jose Lopez once again started in his absence. MLB.com reports Hannahan went for an MRI to learn more about the injury. He is day to day, but the disabled list is a possibility. Analysis: Hannahan has been slow to recover from this injury and the DL has now become a possibility. Hannahan's numbers to start the season have been decent, but he's starting to slow down. He's batting just .241 in his last nine games. Hannahan is still the team's starting third baseman, but he has a low offensive ceiling when healthy. Consider him a low-end Fantasy option. |
| 12:10 PM | David Freese, 3B, STL |
Freese upbeat amid slumpNews: Cardinals third baseman David Freese has seen his average dip to .272 thanks to a 5-for-36 slump in his last 10 games. Despite a rough few weeks, Freese is remaining upbeat. "I'm healthy and I want to get in there and keep grinding it out," Freese said, as reported by FOX Sports Midwest. "Obviously I'm going through a little slump right now but I think it's something everybody goes through. I want to be in there. Sometimes you need a break, but I feel good. I want to be out there, especially with us losing four in a row, I thought I can help this team. I talked to Mike and eventually it worked out." Analysis: Freese has grounded into five double plays and has struck out eight times in his last 10 games. He has a .148 BABIP in that span as well. "He's just fighting himself," manager Mike Matheny said. "He's just got to stop and breathe a little bit and that was part of the reason I wanted to give him a day to let him breathe but some guys just can't wait to get back in there to try and fix it. We just need to keep pointing out the positives. He's hitting some balls hard, it's just a tough time for him right now." Freese had a great April following a strong postseason run 2011. He has proven he has the talent to be a dynamic hitter and reliable Fantasy option, so hopefully he will break out of this slump. |
| 5/15/2012 | Will Middlebrooks, 3B, BOS |
Middlebrooks facing demotionNews: CBSSports.com baseball insider Jon Heyman reports the Red Sox plan to demote Will Middlebrooks to Triple-A Pawtucket once Kevin Youkilis (back) is ready to come off the disabled list. Analysis: This is certainly a somewhat shocking development seeing how Middlebrooks has proven he's ready for a full-time gig in the majors. It just seems as though the Red Sox don't want to move him or Youkilis to the outfield, so the only solution is to demote Middlebrooks so he can play every day in the minors. Youkilis took grounders Monday and will begin a rehab assignment Wednesday, so Middlebrooks' time in the majors might be running out. For now, he's worth starting in Fantasy, but a move to your bench is coming unless the Red Sox change their mind. |
| 12:49 AM | Hanley Ramirez, 3B, MIA |
Ramirez racking up hitsNews: Marlins third basemen Hanley Ramirez registered his second straight multi-hit performance during Tuesday night's contest against the Pirates. Ramirez collected three hits in the 6-2 win, including a pair of RBI doubles. He also added a single later in the contest and finished 3 for 4 with a pair of runs driven in. Analysis: Ramirez has now put together a modest four-game hitting streak for the Marlins and is batting .412 with a home run and four RBI over that stretch. While his production has been much more consistent in May, Ramirez has struggled to hit for average during the first six weeks of the season. Even with his latest hot spurt, he is batting only .274 for the month and has posted a .279 on-base percentage over that stretch. However, as long as he continues to produce runs, Ramirez can continue to be viewed as a high-end option in all formats moving forward. |
| 5/15/2012 | Mike Moustakas, 3B, KC |
Moustakas reaches in 22nd straight gameNews: Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas is going well right now as he's reached base in 22 straight games after he was hit by a pitch in the first inning on Tuesday against Texas, reports MLB.com. "I've just been trying to do anything I can to help us win," Moustakas said. "We've been playing really good baseball up to this point." In 21 games entering Tuesday, Moustakas was hitting .342 with seven walks, nine runs scored, six doubles, three homers and a .405 on-base percentage. Analysis: The 23-year-old Moustakas added his fifth homer in Tuesday's game and has been streaking in the positive direction since early this season and he's going very well right now. He has his batting average over .300 with solid power production. "I'm just trying to be consistent. That's what this game is about, just going out there every day and putting consistent at-bats together and try to have consistent approaches," he said. The streak of games in which he's reached base shows how consistent Moustakas has been as he can be used in most mixed Fantasy formats. |
| 5/15/2012 | Miguel Cabrera, 3B, DET |
Cabrera heating back up for TigersNews: Tigers third basemen Miguel Cabrera registered his third straight straight multi-hit performance during Tuesday afternoon's contest against the White Sox. Cabrera collected two hits in the 10-8 victory, including belting his eighth home run of the season. He ripped the two-run shot off starter Jake Peavy in the sixth inning. Cabrera also singled earlier in the contest and finished 2 for 5 with a pair of RBI and a run scored. Analysis: Cabrera hit just .176 ( 6 for 34) over the first eight games of May, but is now starting to heat for the Tigers. He has collected 14 hits over his last 28 at-bats (.500) and driven in nine runs over that stretch. While he has gone through a few down stretches during the early part of the season, Cabrera has shown the ability to bust of a slump at anytime. Fantasy owners should continue to roll with the 29-year-old as a must-start option in all formats moving forward. |
| 5/15/2012 | Alex Liddi, 3B, SEA |
Wedge wants to get Liddi more PTNews: Mariners infielder Alex Liddi, who started the last two games at third base, was left out of the starting lineup Tuesday against Red Sox right-hander Josh Beckett. However, manager Eric Wedge said he wants to get Liddi more playing time, and could start to use him at shortstop and left field. Analysis: The shortstop tandem of Brendan Ryan and Munenori Kawasaki aren't getting the job done offensively, so if Liddi doesn't prove to be a defensive liability at the position, then maybe that's a way for Seattle to play him on a regular basis. Liddi's versatility will only help him in the long run. Liddi was a top prospect in the Mariners system and he has pop for an infielder. He should already be owned in AL-only Fantasy formats, but Liddi is worth keeping on your radar in mixed leagues. |
| 5/15/2012 | Pablo Sandoval, 3B, SF |
Sandoval loses stitches, plays catchNews: Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval, on the 15-day disabled list, had the stitches removed from his left hand on Monday and played catch before San Francisco's contest against Colorado. Sandoval underwent surgery May 4 to remove the fractured hamate bone from his hand. Analysis: Sandoval is expected to miss at least a month with his injury but a clearer timetable will be known once he starts resuming baseball activities. He was batting .316 with five home runs and 15 RBI before going down with the injury so keep an eye on his progress going forward. Sandoval can be an elite option in Fantasy, when healthy, so keep him stashed away in all formats. |
| 5/15/2012 | Mark Reynolds, 3B, BAL |
Reynolds to start rehabbingNews: Orioles third baseman Mark Reynolds (strained oblique) is expected to go to Florida to begin rehabbing his injury, reports MLB.com Monday. Reynolds was injured during batting practice on Friday. There is a chance he could return when he is first eligible to come off the disabled list. Analysis: Reynolds is dealing with an oblique injury so it is fair to assume it could linger. He might not be ready to come off the DL so fast. Reynolds isn't off to a fantastic start with a .191 average, two homers and 36 strikeouts over 108 plate appearances. When healthy, Reynolds can be used in deeper mixed Fantasy formats and should head up in the power department. |
| 5/15/2012 | Mark Trumbo, 3B, LAA |
Trumbo to see every day at-batsNews: With Torii Hunter placed on the restricted list, first basemen Mark Trumbo is expected to see the majority of starts in right field. Trumbo got the start there on Monday night, which was his 14th career appearance in right field. "Mark has a terrific attitude about it," manager Mike Scioscia told MLB.com. "... He understands the situation, he's a good athlete and he's shown well in the corner outfields and first base and he's picking up third base, and we'll see how it goes." Analysis: Trumbo entered Monday's contest against the A's leading the Angels in batting average .321), home runs (six), and RBI (16). While he has been moved all over the field this season, it appears he will take be the Angels everyday right fielder until Hunter comes back. Fantasy owners should continue to roll with Trumbo in the majority of deeper mixed formats, while he will see everyday at-bats. |
| 5/14/2012 | Chipper Jones, 3B, ATL |
Chipper levels average at .300News: After sitting out Sunday due to soreness, Braves third baseman Chipper Jones returned to the lineup for Monday's series opener against the Reds. He went 1 for 3 with a walk in the 3-1 loss to raise his average to .300 on the year. Analysis: Jones continues to rest his surgically-repaired knee from time to time and owners should expect that trend to continue over the course of the season. Jones entered Monday batting .368 with two homers and 10 RBI in nine May games. He continues to be productive when he plays, but Jones' history of injuries keeps him as a low-end Fantasy start in deep mixed leagues. |
| 5/14/2012 | Placido Polanco, 3B, PHI |
Polanco homers for 2,000th hitNews: Phillies third baseman Placido Polanco reached a personal milestone in Monday's series opener against the Astros. He went 1 for 3 with a home run and three runs scored. He also walked once in the 5-1 win. Polanco launched a two-run shot off David Carpenter in the eighth inning for the 2,000th hit of his career. It was also his first long ball of the season. "It means a lot," Polanco told MLB.com. "It means you've been around for a while. I've been very fortunate to have played since 1998 and to accomplish all these things. However, I'm not thinking about that right now. I'm thinking about our situation right here, which is we've got to try to win games [and vie for a championship]." Analysis: Polanco continues to hit well in May as he is batting .327 so far this month with four RBI and eight runs scored. While he has not been hitting for much power thus far, he continues to make solid contact and has stayed healthy at age 36. Continue to view Polanco as a viable option in deeper Fantasy formats at this point. |
| 5/14/2012 | Logan Forsythe, 3B, SD |
Forsythe ready for rehab gamesNews: Padres infielder Logan Forsythe (foot) is expected to start a rehab stint with Triple-A Tuscon on Monday, reports MLB.com. Forsythe, on the 60-day disabled list with a broken sesamoid bone in his left foot, has been playing in extended spring training games over the past two weeks. Analysis: Forsythe broke a bone in his foot back in March, which has kept him sidelined over the first six weeks of the season. While he will now be heading up to Triple-A and is expected to see time at third base, shortstop and second base. However, because he was transferred to the 60-day disabled list, he won;t be eligible to return until the end of May. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on his status moving forward. Still, Forsythe is expected to be merely a reserve infielder for the Padres this season, which would give him marginal Fantasy appeal when healthy. |
| 5/14/2012 | Zelous Wheeler, 3B, BAL |
Wheeler sent to Double-ANews: Orioles infielder Zelous Wheeler, who was designated for assignment, has cleared waivers Monday and was outrighted to Double-A Bowie. Analysis: Wheeler has been with both the Double-A and Triple-A affiliates for the Orioles this season, however he has not managed to hit at either level, with just a .202 batting average. He has low-end Fantasy value. |
| 5/14/2012 | Juan Uribe, 3B, LAD |
Uribe lands on disabled listNews: Dodgers third baseman Juan Uribe has been placed on the 15-day disabled list on Monday, reports CBSSports.com Senior Baseball Writer Danny Knobler. The Dodgers recalled Elian Herrera to take Uribe's place on the roster. Uribe is dealing with a wrist injury. Analysis: Uribe keeps dealing with injuries and the Dodgers have decided to place him on the disabled list to get healthy. He's batting .250 on the season with one homer and 10 RBI over 80 at-bats. When healthy, Uribe is really just an NL-only Fantasy option. |
| 5/14/2012 | William Rowell, 3B, BAL |
Rowell banned 50 gamesNews: Baltimore prospect William Rowell was suspended 50 games for a second violation of the minor-league drug prevention program for a drug of abuse, the team announced Monday. He is the third Orioles minor-league player to be suspended for the violation. Rowell was attempting to transition to pitcher this season after a lackluster attempt as an infielder. Analysis: Rowell, who was a first-round selection by Baltimore in the 2006 MLB Draft, but has been unable to crack the majors. The 23-year-old has posted a .261 batting average with 40 homers during six seasons in the minors, but should be left untouched in all Fantasy formats for now. |
| 5/13/2012 | David Wright, 3B, NYM |
Mets looking to lock up WrightNews: The New York Mets are preparing to make third baseman David Wright a long-term contract extension at some point this season, according to the Wall Street Journal. The Mets hold an option to retain Wright for 2013, but the team could begin negotiations with the five-time All-Star as early as this summer. New York general manager Sandy Alderson did not provide specifics about a possible deal, however, he did rule out a possible trade of Wright. "I certainly do not foresee, under any circumstances, David being a topic of discussion at the trade deadline," Alderson said. Analysis: Finally healthy after dealing with persistent injuries over the past three years, Wright has regained his All-Star form and leads the National League in both batting average (.400) and on-base percentage (.489). He is also riding a seven-game hitting streak, including six outings with multiple hits. Wright, 29, has expressed a desire to remain with the Mets and wants to finish his career in New York. Fantasy owners should monitor the situation, but it is unlikely to affect his sterling offensive production. Keep him rolling as a must-start in all formats. |
| 5/13/2012 | Aramis Ramirez, 3B, MIL |
Ramirez streaking into Week 7News: Brewers third baseman Aramis Ramirez extended his hitting streak to 10 games in Sunday's series finale against the Cubs. He went 1 for 3 with a walk and a run scored in the 8-2 loss. Ramirez has gone 11 for 38 (.289) during his streak with nine RBI. Analysis: Ramirez got off to a slow start in his first season with the Brewers but has been looking better of late and has raised his average from .205 to .230 during his streak. His slugging percentage has also gone from .364 to .389 over that span. The 33-year-old could be in for a productive Week 7 (May 14-20) so keep Ramirez active in the majority of Fantasy formats. He will face off against the Mets, Astros and Twins during the upcoming scoring period. |
| 5/13/2012 | Mike Costanzo, 3B, CIN |
Costanzo makes first appearanceNews: Recently called up Red third baseman Mike Costanzo made his major-league debut on Sunday against the Nationals, driving in a run with a pinch-hit sacrifice fly in the fifth inning, as the Reds won, 9-6. Analysis: Costanze is a 28-year-old who has spent eight years working his way up In the minors. He is a career .259 hitter in the minors, with 100 home runs, so he has some pop. He is being used as a utility player, and should be ignored in Fantasy right now. |
| 5/13/2012 | Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, WAS |
Zimmerman searching for powerNews: Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman went hitless for the second game in a row on Sunday in Cincinnati, and he is still looking for his first home run since returning from the disabled list last week with a shoulder injury. Zimmerman went 0 for 4 in the game, though he did walk for the fourth game in a row, as the Nationals fell, 9-6. Analysis: Zimmerman is hitting .260 since coming off the disabled list on May 8, and while he does have a .370 on base percentage, he has only one extra base hit, a double, in six games. Shoulder injuries have a tendency to sap players of power until they fully heal, so that could be the culprit behind Zimmerman’s drought. However, he has yet to complain of any lingering weakness in the shoulder, so Fantasy owners should continue to start him in all formats until he breaks out of it. |
| 5/13/2012 | Chase Headley, 3B, SD |
Headley starting to cool offNews: San Diego third baseman Chase Headley struck out in his only at-bat while serving as a pinch-hitter during the Padres' 3-2 loss to Philadelphia on Sunday. Headley finished the three-game series 0 for 7 with a pair of walks and five strikeouts as his batting average dipped to .242. Analysis: Headley's hitless performance against the Phillies over the weekend marked the first time he failed to record a hit in a series this season. Sunday also marked the initial time Headley was not in the starting lineup as he entered the game with just two hits over his past four contests. He has slowed since his torrid start, but still boasts a sterling .374 on-base percentage. Keep him active in deeper Fantasy formats for now. |
| 5/13/2012 | Ian Stewart, 3B, CHC |
Stewart picking up his powerNews: After hitting just one home run over the first month of the season, Cubs third baseman Ian Stewart slugged his third long ball of May in Sunday's series finale against the Brewers. He launched a solo shot off Marco Estrada in the fifth inning and finished 2 for 5 with two runs scored in the 8-2 win. Analysis: Stewart has picked up his power this month but is still struggling to hit for average. His .193 mark is nearly 40 points below his career average and his .351 slugging percentage is nothing special. The 27-year-old will continue to see everyday at-bats in Chicago but remains more of an option for NL-only formats at this point. |
 |
Get prepped to set your lineup with the latest player rankings, updates & more delivered directly to your inbox each week. Preview |
