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| 4:48 PM | Wilson Ramos, C, WAS |
Ramos officially done for seasonNews: Washington catcher Wilson Ramos returned to Nationals Park on Wednesday, reports the Washington Post. Ramos will not have surgery on his knee for another 2-3 weeks and said he has no chance of returning to the field for the Nationals this season. Ramos is going to undergo surgery to fix his ACL. Analysis: Washington was hesitant to rule Ramos out for the season but Fantasy owners across the board can consider that to be the case now. Ramos' power was just beginning to come around as he clubbed two homers over his past four games prior to the injury. Jesus Flores has taken over behind the plate for Washington in Ramos' absence. Fantasy owners should release Ramos in all seasonal formats. |
| 4:43 PM | Jose Lobaton, C, TB |
Lobaton moves onto Double-ANews: Rays catcher Jose Lobaton (shoulder) moved his rehab assignment from Class A Charlotte to Double-A Montgomery. He went 0 for 5 in two games for Charlotte. Analysis: Lobaton might grab a roster spot with the Rays once he is healthy, but he will be at best in a timeshare situation with Jose Molina. He won't have much Fantasy appeal once active. |
| 10:59 AM | A.J. Ellis, C, LAD |
Ellis turning into hitting machineNews: Dodgers catcher A.J. Ellis had his fifth multi-hit game in May on Tuesday against the Diamondbacks, going 2 for 4 with one strikeout. Ellis has a five-game hitting streak and is batting .371 (13 for 35) with two homers, two doubles, one triple and eight RBI in 11 May games. The Dodgers did not start Ellis on Wednesday against the Padres. Analysis: Ellis' hot streak extends past May and into late April. He's batting .389 with a .492 OBP, .574 slugging percentage and 1.066 OPS in his last 17 games. In the last 21 days, Ellis is the sixth-highest scoring Fantasy catcher, beating out the likes of Brian McCann, Jesus Montero, Joe Mauer and Mike Napoli. The question beckons -- Will it last? Ellis has definitely been very lucky in his last 17 games, producing a .463 BABIP. It's unlikely he will keep up his current pace, but that's not to say Ellis can't help Fantasy owners. He hit .310 over four seasons at Triple-A. However, he was more of an average and OBP guy rather than home run hitter in the minors. Ellis screams as a sell-high candidate, but you might as well start him in Fantasy with these kinds of numbers. |
| 10:47 AM | Miguel Montero, C, ARI |
Montero's average rising in MayNews: Diamondbacks catcher Miguel Montero produced his fourth multi-hit game in May on Tuesday against the Dodgers. After batting .257 in April, Montero is batting .280 with five RBI and 20 strikeouts in May. Analysis: Montero isn't exactly having the banner year yet we would expect from a player in a contract season. The most disappointing stat is Montero's 36 strikeouts in 33 games. He's never been that bad of a strikeout hitter in his career. The problem for Montero is his lack of contact in 2012. He has a .366 BABIP, so when he is making contact, then his numbers look good. It's just that Montero is swinging and missing at a career-high 13.9 percent and making contact on a career-low 69.6 percent of pitches he swings at. If Montero starts making a little more contact, then his numbers should rise. Montero still has the ability to be a No. 1 Fantasy catcher. |
| 12:33 AM | Rob Johnson, C, NYM |
Johnson still bothered by thumbNews: Mets catcher Rob Johnson was not in the starting lineup for Tuesday night's contest against the Brewers as he continues to deal with a sore left thumb. He is being considered day to day with his injury. Analysis: Johnson continues to split time behind the plate with Mike Nickeas, while Josh Thole continues to recover from a concussion. While he should be able return to the lineup in a few days, Johnson doesn't have much Fantasy value, even when healthy. |
| 5/15/2012 | Brian McCann, C, ATL |
McCann homers in second inningNews: Braves catcher Brian McCann put an end to Johnny Cueto's lengthy scoreless innings streak on Tuesday night against the Reds. McCann homered off Cueto in the second inning and the wheels came off from there for the Cincinnati starter. McCann went 2 for 3 with a walk in the game and the home run was his sixth of the year. He's batting .243 for Atlanta. Analysis: McCann isn't having the best May, but hopefully can start turning things around with hits in three of his last four games. Still, the power-hitting backstop already has six homers and 21 RBI and should remain active in all mixed Fantasy formats at a very thin position. |
| 5/15/2012 | Miguel Olivo, C, SEA |
Olivo catching some bullpensNews: Seattle catcher Miguel Olivo, on the shelf with a sprained groin muscle, has been able to catch some bullpen sessions in Tacoma, Wash., and will work out at Safeco Field while the team is on the road, reports MLB.com on Tuesday. Manager Eric Wedge said Olivo will be watched and monitored before heading out on a minor league rehab assignment. Analysis: Olivo is dealing with a groin injury, so the Mariners will be cautious with him. Fantasy owners should continue to monitor his progress over the next few weeks. Olivo has some decent pop for a backstop and should be stashed away in AL-only formats until he is able to return. |
| 5/15/2012 | Yadier Molina, C, STL |
Molina extends streak with game winnerNews: Yadier Molina hit an RBI single off Cubs closer Rafael Dolis with two outs in the ninth inning and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs, 7-6, Tuesday, avoiding a sweep and an 0-5 homestand. Molina's grounder to the right side deflected off Darwin Barney's glove and rolled into shallow right field, and Matt Holliday scored without a play. Analysis: The game-winning hit Tuesday extended Molina's hitting streak to seven games. Molina is 9 for 29 (.310) with four RBI and three doubles during that span. Molina is off to a solid start in 2012 and showing why he was handed a long-term deal. Continue to roll with Molina as a No. 1 Fantasy catcher. |
| 5/15/2012 | A.J. Pierzynski, C, CHW |
Pierzynski has second five-hit gameNews: Chicago No. 4 and 5 batters Paul Konerko and A.J. Pierzynski had huge games on Tuesday afternoon in a 10-8 loss to the Tigers. Despite the loss, Konerko and Pierzynski combined to go 8 for 9 in the game with a walk, four RBI and five runs scored. Pierzynski recorded his second career five-hit game as he went 5 for 5 with a double and three RBI. Pierzynski also scored twice for the White Sox in the loss. He's batting .288 on the year. Analysis: The 35-year-old Pierzynski won't be the most consistent hitter around, but he continues to provide solid run production from the catcher position, the thinnest position in Fantasy. Pierzynski has five homers and 24 RBI on the season and continues to be a worthy Fantasy option in most mixed Fantasy formats. |
| 5/15/2012 | Josh Thole, C, NYM |
Thole inching toward returnNews: Mets catcher Josh Thole, on the 7-day disabled list with a concussion, is expected to undergo a computerized concussion test on Tuesday, reports ESPN.com. If Thole passes the test, he would be cleared to resume physical activity. "I don't know what the next step is. I just know I'm going to take it easy," Thole said. "I've just been hanging out with the family. I really couldn't do a whole lot." Analysis: Manager Terry Collins said Thole will likely need to go on a minor-league rehab assignment before he returns, so he is likely still a few weeks away from getting back on the field. Thole also has a history of concussions, so the Mets will likely err on the side of caution with the 25-year-old. Fantasy owners should continue to monitor his recovery over the next few days to make sure he does not suffer a setback. Thole can be considered a NL-only option in the majority of formats when healthy. |
| 5/15/2012 | Carlos Santana, C, CLE |
Santana launches fifth homerNews: Carlos Santana doubled and homered for the fifth time this season Tuesday against the Twins. Santana went back-to-back with Asdrubal Cabrera in the fifth inning off Jason Marquis. Shin-Soo Choo also homered in the inning. Santana has five multi-hit games in May. Analysis: Santana has been locked in at the plate lately, batting .324 with seven RBI in his last 10 games. The home run power might not yet be there for Santana, but he's starting to heat up and remains one of the best offensive catchers in the majors. Santana remains a viable Fantasy option in all formats. |
| 5/15/2012 | Taylor Teagarden, C, BAL |
Teagarden feeling better of lateNews: Baltimore catcher Taylor Teagarden, out all season with a back injury, is on a stabilization program for his back down at extended spring training, reports MLB.com on Tuesday. Manager Buck Showalter said Teagarden is feeling much better. Analysis: The Orioles are currently using Luis Exposito to back up Matt Wieters and have Ronny Paulino at Triple-A waiting in the wings. They may go back to Teagarden when he's ready, but he's never going to have anything more than AL-only Fantasy appeal with Wieters ahead of him. |
| 5/15/2012 | Carlos Maldonado, C, WAS |
Maldonado answers the callNews: The Washington Nationals purchased the contract of catcher Carlos Maldonado from Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday to help bolster the team's situation behind the plate. Maldonado takes the roster spot of Sandy Leon, who was placed on the disabled list with a high ankle sprain. Analysis: The Nationals have been ravaged by injuries at the catcher position recently as they have placed two backstops on the disabled list in the past three days. Maldonado, 33, has recorded more strikeouts (20) than hits (15) during 21 games at Syracuse and should be left untouched in all Fantasy formats as he serves as the backup to Jesus Flores. |
| 5/15/2012 | Sandy Leon, C, WAS |
Leon lands on disabled listNews: Washington catcher Sandy Leon was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a high ankle sprain, the team announced Tuesday. Leon suffered the injury on Monday following a collision at home plate in his major-league debut. Catcher Carlos Maldonado replaced him on the roster. Analysis: Leon received a rude welcome to the majors as he needed to be assisted off the field following the play. The 23-year-old was expected to serve as the backup to Jesus Flores, but could still assume that role later this season. For now, he should be left on waivers in all Fantasy formats. |
| 5/14/2012 | Kelly Shoppach, C, BOS |
Shoppach hits first home runNews: Boston catcher Kelly Shoppach homered for the first time this season and first time in his Red Sox career on Monday against the Mariners. Shoppach went deep off starter Jason Vargas in the fourth inning for a solo shot with one out. He finished 2 for 4 in the game and is now batting .265 on the year. Analysis: Shoppach has hits in four of his last five games for the Red Sox, but basically is just the backup to Jarrod Saltalamacchia in Boston. Unless that somehow changes, Shoppach only will have AL-only Fantasy appeal. |
| 5/14/2012 | Stephen Vogt, C, TB |
Vogt recalled by Tampa BayNews: The Tampa Bay Rays made it official on Monday night as they placed outfielder Desmond Jennings on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 12, with his knee injury. Jennings is battling soreness in his sprained knee and the Rays needed an extra player. They recalled catcher Stephen Vogt to take Jennings' place on the roster. Analysis: Vogt was up with Tampa Bay earlier this season and saw 13 at-bats. He recorded no hits in seven games with two strikeouts. Vogt is a placeholder on the roster right now and has low-end Fantasy value in AL-only leagues. |
| 5/14/2012 | Kurt Suzuki, C, OAK |
Suzuki back in actionNews: A's catcher Kurt Suzuki was back in the starting lineup for Monday's contest against the Angels. Suzuki, who sat out Sunday's series finale vs. the Tigers due to a sore left hand, finished 2 for 4 with a RBI in the 5-0 win. Analysis: Suzuki should be OK moving forward, as he seems to have avoided a major injury. Now the 28-year-old needs to figure out how to get himself going at the plate. He has just two RBI so far in May and nine on the year and has yet to homer. Suzuki should be ignored in all but deeper Fantasy formats until he heats up at the dish. |
| 5/14/2012 | Eliezer Alfonzo, C, COL |
Alfonzo has suspension droppedNews: The Denver Post reports Rockies catcher Eliezer Alfonzo had his 100-game suspension for a positive drug test dropped by MLB because of a chain-of-command procedural issues. The Rockies have outrighted Alfonso to Triple-A Colorado Springs, where he's on the restricted list until he can obtain a visa for travel from Venezuela. Analysis: General manager Dan O'Dowd said the Rockies will make a decision about Alfonso once he reports to Triple-A. The Rockies are set at catcher with Ramon Hernandez and Wilin Rosario. Alfonso has no Fantasy appeal at this time. |
| 5/14/2012 | Yorvit Torrealba, C, TEX |
Torrealba back in starting lineupNews: Texas catcher Yorvit Torrealba (head) was in the starting lineup for Monday's game against Kansas City following a two-game absence. Torrealba went 0 for 4 with a strikeout in the 3-1 loss. Analysis: Torrealba has collected just three hits this month -- all in one game -- as his batting average continues to hover below .250. He is currently at .220 with no home runs and is not an everyday starter at catcher. The 33-year-old should be viewed as a low-end AL-only Fantasy option. |
| 5/14/2012 | Russell Martin, C, NYY |
Martin working on consistencyNews: Yankees catcher Russell Martin accomplished a feat Sunday he has only done eight previous times during his tenure with New York: he drew multiple walks. Martin finished 0 for 1 with an RBI and a pair of walks during the Yankees' 6-2 loss to Seattle. Martin's bases-loaded walk in the fifth inning off Mariners starter Kevin Millwood gave him an RBI in consecutive games for just the second time this year. Analysis: After an improved .338 on-base percentage during the first month of the season, Martin has reverted back into an impatient hitter and walked just three times in May, including Sunday's outing. Martin, who drew an encouraging 11 walks last month, had seen his offensive production waver early this year and he is hitting just .182. He has just six extra-base hits, but remains a quality Fantasy starter because of the limited options. |
| 5/14/2012 | John Buck, C, MIA |
Buck powering up for MarlinsNews: Marlins catcher John Buck hit his fourth homer of the season on Sunday against the Mets. It was also his third homer in five games. Buck has five RBI in that span as well. Buck produced two RBI on Sunday, which was just the second time this season he had more than one RBI in a game. Analysis: While Buck has found his power swing, he's still not making much contact at the plate. He has just one multi-hit game this season and is batting .200 through 25 contests. While Buck has pop for a catcher, he lacks consistency at the plate. He's best left for the deepest of Fantasy formats. |
| 5/14/2012 | Devin Mesoraco, C, CIN |
Mesoraco's bat has gone quietNews: Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco drew the start behind the plate Monday against the Braves -- his 14th start this season at catcher. Unfortunately, Mesoraco heads into Fantasy Week 7 (May 14-20) mired in an offensive slump. Since producing consecutive multi-hit games on April 18 and April 20, Mesoraco is batting .125 (3 for 24) with one homer and two RBI in his last nine games. Analysis: As much offensive upside as Mesoraco has, it's not surprising to see him struggle offensively at the beginning of his MLB career. Most young catchers struggle offensively since they are learning the defensive intricacies of the position. Also, Mesoraco is in a timeshare situation with Ryan Hanigan, so it could be tough for him to settle into an offensive rhythm as he is not playing every day. Mesoraco is worth holding onto in deeper Fantasy formats, but right now he's nothing more than a No. 2 Fantasy catcher. |
| 5/14/2012 | Tyler Flowers, C, CHW |
Sox still awaiting Flowers powerNews: White Sox catcher Tyler Flowers went 1 for 3 in just his eighth appearance of the season during Chicago's 9-1 loss to Kansas City on Sunday. Flowers was in the lineup for only the third time this month and collected a single to boost his batting average to .167. Plus, he was able to halt a woeful streak as he did not register a strikeout for the first time in eight games. Flowers has fanned 11 times in 24 at-bats this year. Analysis: Flowers continues to serve as the White Sox's backup catcher to A.J. Pierzynski, but he is contributing little on offense during his limited playing time. The 26-year-old, once considered a top hitting prospect, has notched just two extra-base hits. He has also driven in just one run -- on a solo homer he hit April 14 against Detroit. For now, Fantasy owners should leave him unowned in most formats while Pierzynski is around. |
| 5/13/2012 | Ryan Doumit, C, MIN |
Doumit drives in two moreNews: Twins catcher Ryan Doumit drove in his 20th and 21st run of the season during Sunday's contest the Blue Jays. Doumit ripped a two-run single off starter Ricky Romero in the fifth inning of the 7-4 win. He also singled later in the contest and finished 2 for 4 with a pair of RBI. Analysis: Doumit's 21 runs batted in leads the Twins as the 32-year-old continues to find ways to bring runs home. He has been seeing starts at first base, catcher and designated hitter for the Twins as manager Ron Gardenhire searches for ways to keep him in the lineup. While he is hitting just .250 on the year, the fact that he is eligible at catcher continues to give him value in deeper mixed formats. |
| 5/13/2012 | Geovany Soto, C, CHC |
Soto still struggling with averageNews: Cubs catcher Geovany Soto had one of his better days at the plate recently in Sunday's series finale against the Brewers. He went 1 for 3 with a walk and a run scored in the 8-2 win. Soto has gone 6 for 31 (.193) so far in May with two homers and four RBI. Analysis: Soto raised his average to .151 on Sunday as he continues to struggle to hit for average. His .286 slugging percentage is over 160 points below his career mark and he has just five RBI through 26 games. The 29-year-old has proven in the past to be a viable option in Fantasy but should be left for NL-only formats until he shows some consistency at the plate. |
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