Latest News

Justin Upton comes up big with grand slam

Adam LaRoche homers twice vs. Padres

Jordan Pacheco comes up big for Rockies

Aramis Ramirez homers twice, plates six vs. Cards

Ramirez took starter Jaime Garcia deep twice for a pair of three-run home runs. He finished 2 for 4 with two runs scored and six RBI in a 7-6 defeat.

Ramirez has gone 3 for 15 in his last four games played. He is hitting .327 with three home runs and 12 RBI in 49 at-bats.

Santiago Casilla returns to action

Mark Ellis leaves rehab early due to rainy conditions

Huston Street unable to preserve tie

Drew Storen picks up first save

Rafael Soriano can't hang on to late lead

Gio Gonzalez stays sharp in no-decision

Burch Smith hit hard vs. Nationals

Rafael Betancourt notches 10th save

Jorge De La Rosa escapes with win No. 5

Madison Bumgarner takes step back

Wily Peralta can't overcome early slam

Edward Mujica secures 12th save

Jaime Garcia escapes with fifth win

Craig Kimbrel closes out Dodgers

Paul Maholm picks up win No. 5

Hyun-Jin Ryu walks season-high five in ND

Jonathan Papelbon collects eighth save

Cliff Lee stays sharp vs. Reds

Tony Cingrani picks up ND vs. Phillies

Jeanmar Gomez settles for ND

Duane Below moving up

Marlins DFA Jon Rauch

Paul Goldschmidt goes yard twice

Trevor Cahill throws eight strong innings vs. Miami

Kevin Slowey serves up three homers vs. D-Backs

Ross Detwiler to miss next start

Mark Ellis leaves rehab game early

Daniel Hudson pleased after extended spring outing

Hudson is expected to throw a bullpen session Monday. Barring any setbacks, he will pitch five innings in an extended spring training game Thursday.

Nate Eovaldi will throw simulated game Monday

Jenrry Mejia begins rehab stint

Carlos Quentin will return Saturday

Pirates bring up Jared Hughes

Jose Contreras placed on bereavement list

Jerry Hairston dealing with knee issue

Scar tissue still an issue for Jake Westbrook

Zack Wheeler placed on 7-day DL

Latest meltdown excusable for Matt Cain

So what happened in his latest start Thursday, when he allowed three home runs and six earned runs in 6 1/3 innings?

For starters, he was pitching at Coors Field -- and not the snow-covered Coors Field we've seen for much of the season, but the one that typically accompanies 81-degree temperatures (you know, suitable baseball weather).

After a couple of years of relatively fair play with the introduction of the humidor, Coors Field was back to being kryptonite for many of the pitchers who came through there last year. Now that the weather is back to normal, I have a feeling Cain won't be the only notable pitcher to suffer from its effects.

No clearance for Travis d'Arnaud yet

He will have to stay off his fractured foot for at least two more weeks, according to the Star-Ledger. He will need to be re-examined in two weeks to determine when he will be able to begin ramping up baseball activities and begin his rehab assignment. 

Not going crazy over Francisco Liriano

He also has a 1.55 WHIP in those two starts, allowing more than hit per inning in each.

Two starts don't tell us much of anything but because neither has made me jump out of my chair and say, "Oh, wow! This is the Liriano we've been missing the last three years," I'm not in a hurry to add the Pirates left-hander off the waiver wire. It's not like he stopped striking out batters with the Twins and White Sox. The problem was all those baserunners.

Sure, Liriano is worth a flier if you need a strikeout specialist or a high-upside guy -- I currently rank him 82nd at starting pitcher -- but he's far from a must-add.

Carlos Quentin hits paternity list

The maximum amount of time a player can be on the paternity list is three games, so Quentin should be back soon. He is hitting just .181 with four home runs on the season.  

Padres purchase Tim Stauffer's contract

Stauffer is likely to pitch in relief while with the team. He has been recovering from elbow surgery, and he put up a 3.16 ERA in eight games at Triple-A. 

Keep a close eye on Jason Heyward

What's worse is he just looked uncomfortable at the plate, and as we saw in 2011, when his mechanics get out of whack, they're not so easy to fix.

Hopefully, the time away gave him a chance to study film and get his swing right. If he looks halfway decent over the weekend, you'll want to get him active in Fantasy Week 8 (May 20-26). Right now, the Braves are projected to face nothing but right-handers, and they're some of the more hittable pitchers in the Twins and Mets rotations.

Padres designate Thad Weber

Weber appeared in three games earlier in the season, before being sent down to Triple-A Tucson. He has a 4.15 ERA in 13 major-league innings over parts of two seasons. 

David Wright provides big lift to get over .300

Wright went 3 for 4 with a solo home run, accounting for three of the team's eight hits. He added a stolen base, his ninth of the season.

Wright is now batting .312 on the season, and has been on fire since the start of May. He is hitting .364 in 14 games, with twice as many home runs (four) as in April. He has six home runs on the season, with 27 RBI. 

Ike Davis snaps hitless streak

Starlin Castro racking up multi-hit games

On the one hand, Castro, who went 2 for 4 with a run scored, has multiple hits in five out of the last 10 games, as it's becoming old hat for him. On the other, both hits came off Mets starter Matt Harvey, who had allowed just two players to get multiple hits off him so far this season. The Cubs went on to lose 3-2, as Castro was the only batter with more than one hit.

Castro has upped his batting average from .277 to .287 over the last 10 games, while batting .341 over that stretch, with seven RBI and eight runs scored. 

Bobby Parnell earns save No. 5

Parnell entered the game in the ninth with a 3-2 lead and promptly retired the Cubs on 15 pitches. He had no strikeouts, but picked up two fly ball outs and one groundball out.

Parnell has five saves in seven opportunities, with an 0.98 ERA. He has four wins, three of which have come in May.

Stephen Strasburg is most definitely an ace

So why is everyone so down on him now?

The only two measurements that don't live up to last year's are win-loss record, which is out of hands, and strikeout rate, which doesn't signify much in and of itself, especially when it's a still-impressive 8.6 per nine innings.

Maybe the first eight-inning outing of his career Thursday will turn the tides back in his favor. If not, I'm happy to buy low on him.

Edwin Jackson loses despite best start

Jackson allowed a pair of solo home runs in the first and fourth inning, but that was all of the damage until the seventh, when he was chased with two outs after opposing starter Matt Harvey drove a single to left field to break a 2-2 tie. Jackson would earn the loss in the game as a result.

Jackson allowed three earned runs on seven hits and a walk, while striking out four batters. Despite throwing just his third quality start of the season, Jackson is now 1-6 on the season, with a 5.76 ERA. He will try to get back on the winning side in his next start, Thursday in Pittsburgh.

Matt Harvey lifts himself in win

Harvey held the Cubs to just two earned runs in 7 1/3 innings, and even his two runs could easily been unearned, as they came to score on an infield single and throwing error in the first inning. He held the Cubs to just five hits overall and walked no batters, while striking out six.

Harvey improved his record to 5-0, while his ERA rose slightly, to 1.55. He will attempt to remain unbeaten in his next start, Wednesday against the Reds. 

Cole Hamels still considered a must-start

While taking a look at two-start pitchers for week eight on Fantasy Baseball Today, Al Melchior said he still considers Cole Hamels a must-start regardless of whether he’s a one-start or two-start. Hamels’ next two scheduled outings come against Miami on Monday and Washington on May 26.

Brandon Belt poised for a breakout?

Our Nando Di Fino said on Friday’s broadcast of Fantasy Baseball Today that he doesn’t see Belt’s ownership percentage staying low for very long. The term “breakout” was tossed around a few times in his assessment of Belt’s expected rest-of-season production.

Rockies bump Juan Nicasio back a day

Nicasio is 3-1 with a 5.13 ERA through eight starts. 

Tyler Chatwood starting Saturday

Mike Leake staying in the rotation

The team has yet to divulge their plans for the rotation, but it has been expected that Leake or Tony Cingrani would be demoted with Cueto's return.   

Logan Morrison set for rehab opener

Morrison has been out all season while recovering from knee surgery. He is expected to return to the Marlins lineup in early June. 

Padres not looking to deal Chase Headley

According to sources close to the team, a trade is "unlikely" this season, as the team continues to hope it can re-sign Headley to a long-term contract. While Headley's agent did not return a message to Heyman, Padres general manager Josh Byrnes was willing to speak about his desire to keep Headley.

"Our first choice is to sign him," Byrnes told Heyman by phone.

Headley is still two offseasons away from becoming a free agent, but the Padres have already turned down plenty of offers for the Silver Slugger award winner.

"A couple teams tried pretty hard. But obviously we had a pretty high standard," Byrnes said. "And obviously, we think even higher of him now."

Mike Adams waiting for MRI results

Adams has not pitched in over a week due to his lingering back injury.

Jonathon Niese not quite 'back'

But don't assume he's back to normal. There's still that messy issue of the Mets instructing him to pitch to contact.

I don't mean to keep harping on something I heard once on an opposing team's broadcast, but with only three strikeouts again Thursday, Niese has no more than three in any of his last seven starts. He's averaging 4.5 strikeouts per nine innings this year after averaging 7.3 per nine last year.

If that doesn't change, I don't see how he's anything more than a matchups type in mixed leagues.

Adam LaRoche's hit streak could be more impressive

Here's a taste of what the Nationals are facing in that six-game slate: Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner, Kyle Kendrick and Cole Hamels. Yeah, LaRoche maintaining the streak against them wouldn't be the strangest thing ever, but at a deep position like first base, why take the chance of them pulling the rug out from under him?

Back on the Jose Fernandez bandwagon

By allowing Jose Fernandez to throw 99 pitches Thursday, as he said he eventually would, that's exactly what he did.

Don't get me wrong: Fernandez was looking like a good source of ERA and WHIP and a relatively good source of strikeouts (particularly if measured by inning) before then, but limited to just 85 pitches per start, he wasn't getting enough innings for those ratios to amount to anything.

He may still struggle to win games pitching for the Marlins, but now that you don't have to worry so much about him getting pulled before the fifth inning, he's a must-own in Fantasy.

Jordan Walden hits the shelf

It is not clear at this time how long he is expected to be out. Walden has a 4.85 ERA in 13 innings of work in his first season in Atlanta. 

Jason Heyward activated, active

Heyward has been out since April 22 due to an emergency appendectomy. He is in the starting lineup for Friday's game, batting second and playing right field. 

Brock Bond ready to begin season

He will likely work in Class A in order to prove he is healthy and up to speed, before joining Triple-A Fresno, where he hit .332 in 106 games a year ago. 

Zack Wheeler to get back at it

Wheeler is expected to miss just one start due to the issue.  

B.J. Rosenberg gets the call

Rosenberg has a 4.30 ERA in 37 2/3 innings in Triple-A this season. He allowed 17 runs in 25 innings with the Phillies in 2012. 

Phillies send Raul Valdes down

Valdes posted a 7.65 ERA in 20 innings of work with the Phillies this season.  

Jason Kubel remains sidelined

Kubel has appeared in two of the last three games, but only as a pinch-hitter. The team does not know when he will be able to return. 

Stephen Strasburg reached eighth inning for first time

"Last year," manager Davey Johnson said to CBSSports.com senior baseball columnist Scott Miller, "I cut him short because he was on an innings limit. This year, I'm going to be pushing him."

Strasburg is averaging 6 1/3 innings per start, the first time in his career he has topped the six-inning mark on average. That is an indication of the team's growing trust in their ace.

"Davey has given me a little bit more trust," Strasburg said. "I'm strong enough to go over 100 pitches and be successful, and not lose movement."

Strasburg is still ninth in the National League in strikeouts per nine innings, but he has made a concerted effort to pitch to contact more often, in an attempt to get deeper into games. 

No decision coming on Matt Garza Friday

The team plans to have a decision made after Garza throws a bullpen session Saturday. None of the Cubs' starters have been told they are moving to the bullpen at this point. Despite throwing just 75 pitches over six innings Thursday, Sveum said he does not think Garza's durability will be a concern whenever he is capable of coming back. 

"That's the last thing we have to worry about with him," he said. 

Mets sticking with Ike Davis

Davis, who is batting just .157 through the first 37 games of the season, suffered through a similar slow start 2012 that the Mets allowed him to battle through. He was hitting just .170 through the end of May last year, before hitting .253 with 27 home runs in his final 108 games. 

Dodgers giving Andre Ethier some rest

Ethier's play has not indicated that he is struggling with his conditioning, as he is batting .500 over the last five games. Still, the team wants to keep he 31-year-old healthy for the long season.

"The [body] language tells you kind of where he's at. And then you see it on the field in his energy level," Mattingly said. "You can kind of feel it with guys."

Anthony Rizzo cutting down on the whiffs

Rizzo struck out in 27.6 percent of his at-bats in the month of April, leading to a .224 batting average despite eight home runs and 20 RBI. Since May 1, however, he has struck out in just 12.3 percent of his at-bats.

His improved plate discipline has led to a .368 batting average in the month, though he does have just one home run in 14 games. 

Michael Cuddyer making slow progress

Cuddyer is dealing with an inflamed disc in his neck, and he is advancing slowly in his recovery. He had an epidural shot in the next Wednesday, and is improving slowly.

"I was still pretty locked up yesterday after the epidural, but I'm feeling a little better today," he said to the Denver Post.  

Cuddyer is still a few days from resuming baseball activities. 

Todd Helton takes one deep

He went 1 for 4 in the game, and his homer came in the second inning with one runner on base. Helton is now batting .257 on the season, while receiving most of his starts at first base against right-handed pitchers. He has just nine at-bats against left-handers this season.

Nolan Arenado goes deep

Arenado went 1 for 4 in the game, with a solo home run, his first since May 5. He also struck out once.

Arenado is batting .259 since May 1, with three home runs and seven runs scored. 

Adam LaRoche continues to heat up

LaRoche opened the scoring with a two-run shot in the fourth inning, to give them a 2-0 lead they would not relinquish. He finished the game 1 for 3 with a walk and two RBI.

LaRoche is batting .217 on the season, but it currently riding a 13-game hitting streak. He is batting .354 with a .959 on-base plus slugging percentage in 14 games since May 1. 

Matt Garza says he is ready

"I don't need another start down here," Garza told the Des Moines Register after Thursday's rehab start for Triple-A Iowa. "There's no reason for me to stay in the Minor Leagues."

Garza has been out all season due to a strained lat muscle, but has now made four minor-league rehab starts, including two at Triple-A. The Cubs plan to re-evaluate Garza before making a decision, according to MLB.com.

"I don't need another one here," Garza said. "They might differ on opinion but I think all in all, it comes down to what I want and the way I feel. The organization — they're going to make the call at the end of the day but I think we're going to collaborate and come to some sort of compromise."

One possible hurdle for Garza is he only needed 75 pitches over six innings Thursday, and the team wanted him to throw at least 85 in his final rehabilitation start. 

Jason Heyward expected back Friday

Heyward has been on the disabled list since April 22 due to an appendectomy. 

Quad bothering Jason Kubel again

Kubel will try to play Friday against the Marlins after appearing twice in the team's last three games as a pinch-hitter.  

Jeanmar Gomez's calf not a concern

Gomez has started three games in a row since moving into the rotation, and has allowed just three earned runs on eight hits in 14 innings of work. He has not gone more than five inning in any start, and the team seems OK with that out of him for now.

"Jeanmar's still spinning out of that fifth spot because he performed admirably as well as a long man, a pure long man, a few times," manager Clint Hurdle said. "He's given us what we need there as a five-inning guy, basically."

Gomez is expected to remain in the rotation at least until Charlie Morton can retrun from the disabled list, which is not expected to occur until June 5.

"We'll see where it takes us," Hurdle said. "We'll keep our eyes on what's down below as well."

Bryce Harper homers despite soreness

Harper went 1 for 4 in the game, but his one hit was a loud one. He slugged his 11th home run of the season an estimated 431 feet, to put the finishing touches on a 6-2 win. Harper also struck out once to go along with his solo shot.

Harper was out of the starting lineup for two games in a row with soreness in his shoulder, knees and rib cage following a collision with a wall Monday. 

Jenrry Mejia to make first start Friday in minors

MRI shows 'irregularity' in Ross Detwiler's back

The team expects to take a broader look at Detwiler's back in the second MRI, with the hopes of getting a better idea of his status moving forward.

Detwiler is doubtful for his next start, Monday in San Francisco.

Brandon Crawford plates three vs. Rockies

Wilin Rosario lifts off vs. Giants

Edinson Volquez knocked around by Nats

Stephen Strasburg finally wins his second

After struggling to get through five innings in his previous outing, Strasburg was relatively efficient this time around, needing 117 pitches to finish his eight frames. He limited the Padres to three hits in the game, while walking three batters. He also struck out four batters, nearly matching his season-low. He racked up 13 groundball outs and seven fly ball outs in the game.

Strasburg did not allow an earned run until the sixth inning, however the defense let him down earlier in the game. An unearned run came around to score in the fifth inning, after a throwing error by third baseman Ryan Zimmerman. He allowed just the one earned run in his eight innings of work, and he earned his first win since his first start, 6-4.

Strasburg lowered his ERA to 2.83 on the season, while improving his record to 2-5. He is scheduled to make his next start Tuesday against the Giants. 

Jon Garland wants increased pitch count

Sergio Romo picks up two-out save

Jhoulys Chacin shelled in loss to Giants

Matt Cain roughed up by Rockies

Steve Cishek loses another

Cishek allowed just one hit in the ninth inning, as he held the deficit to just one run. The Marlins fought back to score one off Aroldis Chapman, and Cishek returned to the mound for the top of the 10th inning.

Unfortunately, Cishek ran into trouble immediately, as he allowed a single to the first batter and walked the next. He would eventually allow three runs in the inning on two hits and two walks, before being pulled with two outs. He allowed three runs in 1 2/3 innings, on three hits and two walks, to earn the loss in a 5-3 final.

Cishek is now 1-4 with a 5.40 ERA in 16 2/3 innings. He has five saves in six opportunities. 

Marcell Ozuna comes up big late

Ozuna finished the game 1 for 3, with a sacrifice bunt as well as the RBI triple. The Marlins fell, 5-3. He is now batting .298 15 games into his rookie campaign. 

Logan Forsythe working way back from foot injury

Juan Pierre hits rare homer

"Juan Pierre hit a home run off me -- just my luck," Latos said. "I looked at him when he was running the bases and said, 'What the heck happened?'"

Pierre's home run was his first since June 23 of the 2012 season, and just his sixth extra-base hit of this season. He finished the game going 1 for 5, with one strikeout, in a 5-3 loss.

Pierre has struck out in four straight games, as his batting average is down to .239. 

Pedro Alvarez records rare stolen base

Alvarez entered play Thursday with just two steals in 354 games and 1,370 career plate appearances. He recorded one stolen base in each of the last two years. Alvarez has hit just .188/.237/.336 with six home runs in 139 plate appearances this season.

Cameron Maybin making steady progress

Jeff Mathis hitless in first start

Mathis went hitless in four at bats, with a pair of strikeouts, in a 5-3 loss. He did throw out the lone baserunner who tried to run against him.

Travis Snider connects on first homer of season

With the big game, Snider boosts his line to .292/.364/.406 in 107 plate appearances.

Yuniesky Betancourt halts skid with 1-for-3 game

Betancourt had actually went hitless in six of his seven games heading into Thursday. The solid performance gives him a .239/.268/.455 line with eight home runs in 142 plate appearances. He'll attempt to build upon Thursday's game when the team faces the Cardinals this weekend.

Jay Bruce extends hitting streak to 7 games

Bruce has hit .269/.318/.419 with just three home runs in 179 plate appearances, but his 14 doubles are tied for the National League lead.

Jose Fernandez strong in another no decision

Fernandez limited the Reds to just two runs in seven innings of work, but exited the game trailing, 2-1. He allowed just five hits and three walks in the game, and he allowed just a single run in each of the fourth and sixth innings.

Fernandez struck out five batters in the game, while throwing 65 of his 99 pitches for strikes. Fernandez's 99 pitches are the most of his career, and this was just the second time in eight starts that he has finished seven innings of work. The Marlins would go on to lose the game, 5-3, in 10 innings. 

Despite having a 3.48 ERA and three quality starts in a row, Fernandez is just 2-2 on the season. He is set to take the mound next Tuesday against the Phillies. 

Adeiny Hechavarria tallies 3 hits

Hechavarria has hit .211/.265/.400 with five triples in 102 plate appearances. He has hit batting average over .200 for the first time since April 9. He's 7 for 18 in his last five games.

Clayton Richard Ks 8 in rehab start

Hiram Burgos takes second straight loss

While three runs in five innings is by no means great, it's a step up from the 10-run shellacking Burgos endured in his last start. He'll look for a win Tuesday against the Dodgers.

Francisco Liriano strikes out seven in win

Liriano has struck out 16 batters in 11 innings through his first two starts. He'll try to keep rolling against the Mets at home next week.

Aroldis Chapman blows first save opportunity

Chapman has posted a 2.41 ERA this season while saving eight games and compiling an impressive 30 strikeouts in 18 2/3 innings. Thursday's win was his third of the year.

Joe Mahoney taking grounders

Mahoney took part in fielding drills prior to Thursday's game against the Reds, however he is not yet nearing a rehab assignment. The team has no timeline for his possible return.

Mat Latos pitches into ninth but can't get win

Yet to take a loss on the season, Latos brings a 2.91 ERA into a meeting with the Mets in New York Tuesday.

Casey Kotchman nearly ready for rehab

Kotchman has been out since April 3 with a hamstring injury. He is on the 60-day disabled list and is not eligible to return until early June.

Nate Eovaldi tosses another 'pen session

According to MLB.com, "everything was good" with the session, and he is expected to throw one or two more before he makes his next step in his recovery.

A rehab assignment is likely looming for the 23-year-old, who has yet to pitch this season while on the 60-day disabled list. 

Matt Garza throws six shutout innings in rehab start

Wilson Ramos could need three weeks

Ramos is flying back to Washington from San Diego, and will undergo an MRI as soon as Friday to determine how long he will be out. He thinks he may have suffered the injury by putting too much pressure on it recently while recovering from ACL surgery in his right knee.

"Especially these two weeks, I was working a lot with my hamstring getting it stronger," Ramos said. "I don't know what happened. I was feeling very good yesterday before the game. I don't know. Maybe because I hurt the other leg when I got surgery last year, I put more pressure on this leg? Tried to keep the pressure even, but, unlucky."

Zach Duke probably won't join rotation

Duke has an 8.40 ERA on the season, and the team would rather use Stammen, who pitched Wednesday and would be in line to pitch on normal rest if he has to join the rotation, according to The Washington Post. 

Craig Stammen could get a start

The Washington Post reported Thursday that Stammen is most likely to get the starting nod if Detwiler has to sit. Zach Duke would also be considered for the start.

Stamman has not started a game at the major-league level since 2010, but he does have a 2.33 ERA in 70 relief appearance over the last  two seasons. 

Ross Detwiler not looking good for next start

Johnson told the Washington Post that he does not feel confident in Detwiler's availability for his next start, scheduled for Monday in San Francisco. If Detwiler is forced to miss the start, the team hopes it will not require a trip to the disabled list, and they will likely choose his replacement from the bullpen.

"If we think he's just going to miss one start, then wouldn't DL him," Johnson said.

Zach Duke and Craig Stammen would be the best candidates to take Detwiler's place, and the manager is reportedly leaning towards Stammen. 

Jayson Werth's recovery hits a snag

Werth saw a doctor Thursday after feeling tightness in his strained right hamstring, and is in New York visiting with the team's specialist, according to the Washington Times.

"He wanted to go see another doctor in New York," manager Davey Johnson said Thursday. "Reason being, he felt a slight, little bit of tightness in his hamstring. He just wanted to check something out."

The team has yet to say officially, but it looks like Werth's return to the active roster could be delayed a few days. Werth has been out since May 2 due to this injury. 

Tyler Chatwood expected to start Sunday

Chase d'Arnaud begins rehab assignment

James McDonald could throw bullpen session Tuesday

McDonald is recovering from shoulder inflammation that resulted in his placement on the 15-day disabled list May 7.

Giants giving Ryan Vogelsong 'longer leash'

Vogelsong shelled eight runs over 2 2/3 innings of work his previous meeting against the Nationals in 2012.

Mets committed to Ike Davis at cleanup

After going 0 for 5 with four strikeouts Thursday, Davis is hitless in his last 22 at bats, lowering his average to .157. Despite his struggles, Mets manager Terry Collins gave Davis a vote of confidence, via ESPN.com.

"Through this weekend," Collins said. "I told him last week that this week, when we play against right-handed pitchers, he's going to hit fourth. That’s where he belongs. And that’s where he's supposed to hit."

Davis said his issue has been falling behind in counts too often. Davis has faced two strike counts in 67 of his at-bats, and his batting just .082 in those at-bats after hitting .160 in 281 such situations in 2012.

"I'm missing the fastballs," he said. "When you miss the fastballs, they have pretty good off-speed pitches in the big leagues. And when you have two strikes, you've got to protect [against] the fastball at 97 mph. And then there's a good off-speed pitch. The bottom line is I need to hit the pitch earlier in the count that's over the plate, and hit it in fair play."

Carlos Quentin out to attend birth of child

Alex Sanabia hoping to avoid Marlins' history

Only one pitcher in Marlins' franchise history has ever dropped six decisions in six starts, and that was then-rookie Brad Hand, from August 2011 through August 2012. Sanabia is the ninth player in team history to lose five starts in a row.

After losing Wednesday to the Reds, Sanabia is 2-6 with a 5.00 ERA on the season. 

Ryan Webb has impressive streak come to an end

Just ask Marlins reliever Ryan Webb, who had not allowed a hit in his last 32 opponent at-bats before Joey Votto singled off him Wednesday. Even he hadn't realized how long his hitless streak was until after it ended.

"Honestly, I didn't even pick up on it until a week ago," Webb told the Sun-Sentinel. "Probably San Diego [last week] I realized it had been a little while."

Webb has only gone less than a full inning in one of his last 10 outings, and has not allowed a run in that span. With 11 strikeouts in 14 2/3 innings, Webb is well aware of how much help he has gotten from his defense in this streak.

"Definitely there was some good defense behind all those outs I got and I got lucky on some stuff, which is going to happen," Webb said. "I'm getting the put-aways when I need to."

Ted Lilly ready to return

Danny Espinosa gets day off

Espinosa is batting just .177 on the season, with three home runs and 12 RBI. 

Nationals recall Jhonatan Solano

Solano appeared in three games earlier in the season for Washington, going 1 for 6. He is hitting just .167 in 48 at-bats at Triple-A.  

Wilson Ramos put on the shelf

The team called up Jhonatan Solano from Triple-A Syracuse to take Ramos' place on the active roster.  

Bryce Harper returns to the lineup

Harper is in his usual spot, playing left field and batting third, despite admitting to the Washington Times earlier in the day that he wasn't feeling great. 

Rockies recall Rob Scahill

Rockies promote DJ LeMahieu from Triple-A

Jimmy Rollins knows this could be the last ride

"We've just got to make sure we do what we need to do before they blow it up," Rollins told MLB.com Thursday.

The Phillies are three games under .500 on the season, a poor showing for a roster that is being paid $159.6 million this season, and a far cry from the team that made five straight postseason appearances and won a World Series from 2007 and 2011. Still, Rollins said he isn't panicking.

"We're not going to panic," Rollins said. "That word isn't going to get into this clubhouse."

Rollins has two years and $22 million remaining on his contract after this season, and is batting just .255 with a career-low .686 on-base plus slugging percentage. 

Chris Heisey's re-injury not severe

"It wasn’t horrendous," assistant general manager Bob Miller told the Enquirer. "He tweaked it."

Heisey originally was scheduled to return to the Reds Friday before re-injuring his hamstring. The earliest he'll return now is May 24, when the Reds begin their next homestand.

Jeff Francis lands on the DL

Team doc speaks about Roy Halladay

"That’s very possible," Ciccotti said. "The combination of a rotator cuff injury and a labral injury is a challenging injury for a professional pitcher to navigate through."

Despite that worst-case prognosis, the team was pretty happy with the results of Halladay's shoulder surgery, and thinks he can begin a throwing program in six to eight weeks.

"It’s very possible. It is very possible," he said. "Well, we remain cautiously optimistic about it. And given the person that he is, the motivation that he has, the dedication that he has, he has all the intangibles that are important in getting someone back. But we’re realistic about it, too, that it is very possible that he is not pitching at the level that he wants or what Phillies fans and his teammates deserve him to be pitching at."

Halladay's best-case scenario probably involves him returning to the mound in three months. 

Jeff Karstens to make rehab start Saturday

Karstens, who hasn't pitched for the Pirates this season, is recovering from shoulder inflammation.

Will Venable fighting for playing time

Our Nandi Di Fino expressed his concern over Venebale being a “part-time player” during Thursday’s broadcast of Fantasy Baseball Today. He said in another situation, with guaranteed playing time, he likes Venable. But the only player he considers a sure thing in the Padres outfield is Carlos Quentin.

Jedd Gyorko is a stellar buy-low candidate

Before Quentin and Headley returned, the power production fell on Gyorko and Yonder Alonso. Just to throw a little more on his plate, Gyorko was playing in his first month of major-league baseball and was bouncing between third and second base (he is eligibile at both). But he has 150 plate appearances behind him, some big bats in the lineup, a steady role at second base and the chance to tap into his minor-league potential (55 home runs in 2011 and 2012 and a .319 average over 1,343 at-bats).

Gyorko's April may have turned some owners off, but he had a similar set of lineup circumstances to established slugger Giancarlo Stanton, yet never got the same, "well, his lineup sucks" excuses when he struggled early. Gyorko is owned in 67 percent of leagues but should see that number skyrocket as more Fantasy players take notice of his now-favorable situation. 

Jason Grilli not available Thursday

Grilli has pitched two-consecutive games, and will not be used a third-straight day. Setup man Mark Melancon is in the same situation, so manager Clint Hurdle will have to turn to another pitcher if the team needs to close out the game. Grilli has been fantastic this season, with 16 saves and a 1.02 ERA.

J.R. Graham to rehab for a month

Graham left his start for Double-A Mississippi Monday after two innings. Graham entered the season as the Braves' fourth-best prospect, according to MLB.com.

Bobby Parnell picks up fourth save

Parnell gave up one hit during the appearance, but left the runner stranded at first. He struck out one batter. Parnell now has a 1.04 ERA and a 1.84 FIP on the season.

Carlos Beltran has three hits

Beltran was the Cardinals' only offense with a double and two singles. He drove in one of the team's two runs. Beltran is hitting .309 this year.

Daniel Murphy stays hot

Murphy went 4 for 4, with two singles and two doubles. Murphy also walked during the game. He added an RBI and scored two runs. Murphy now has 10 hits in his last five games. 

Adam Wainwright goes six innings

Wainwright ended up giving up four runs, but only three were earned. He gave up six hits, and struck out eight batters. Wainwright also gave up one walk, bringing his season total to just six. Wainwright has stuck with the loss, and is now 5-3 on the season. 

Jonathon Niese rebounds against the Cardinals

Niese (3-4) had been struggling this season, and had reportedly worked on his mechanics recently. Niese pitched into the eighth inning Thursday, giving up two runs. He went 7 1/3 innings, giving up six hits, two walks and struck out three for the win.

Charlie Morton to make three more rehab starts

Morton had a successful outing Thursday, throwing 61 pitches over four innings. If Morton is able to return after three starts, that would put his ETA at early June. His next start will come at Triple-A Indianapolis. 

Aramis Ramirez out of Brewers' lineup

Ramirez has taken on a full load since returning from a knee injury, so this is just a routine day off. He's gotten off to a strong start, hitting .318/.388/.500. He'll be replaced by Yuniesky Betancourt, who will hit sixth. 

Tim Stauffer worth deep NL-only speculation

Now that he's healthy, Stauffer has been quietly compiling a nice set of stats in the PCL, with a 3.16 ERA over eight games. Despite some early returns, he won't get a lot of strikeouts when he's called back up. Additionally, Stauffer has an ugly 1.52 overall WHIP, but he's managed to control that lately, with a 1.11 mark in his last three games. For the hitter-happy PCL, these are encouraging numbers. 

Stauffer has a "role" problem -- in that he doesn't have one. The Padres have all five spots filled, with Clayton Richard rehabbing and Tyson Ross supposedly slotting back in when he's fully healthy. But for NL-only leaguers looking for a clever long-term (plan on maybe a June/July call-up, at best?) stash to their rotation, Stauffer has been left out of a lot of conversations, but has gotten the job done before in the majors. 

J.R. Graham placed on DL with shoulder strain

Graham had to leave his Monday start after experiencing discomfort in his back and shoulder. He lasted just two innings. He was examined by team doctors, and there is no timetable for Graham's return. He has a 4.04 ERA in eight starts this year. 

Jayson Werth not with Potomac

Werth said his hamstring feels fine, but he "needed more action." There's a 40 percent chance of rain near game time, and the Nationals might not like their highly paid outfielder playing a rehab game in poor weather. The Potomac Nationals are located just a half hour from Nationals Park, so Werth could be getting his work in with the major-league club Thursday. He is aiming to return to the Nationals Saturday.

Heath Hembree a solid dynasty league add

Owned in two percent of leagues, Hembree -- who has a 2.56 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 11.6 K/9 in more than 218 minor-league appearances -- doesn't merit consideration outside of deeper Dynasty leagues but is worth keeping an eye on into the summer, as a call-up gets him in the bullpen and some kind of Sergio Romo catastrophe (or even a deadline deal to a rebuilding team like Houston) could vault him into the saves mix. There's a lot of speculation there, but Hembree has shown he has the talent to get batters out and can thrive in a late-game situation. 

Charlie Morton goes four innings in rehab start

Morton gave up two runs, both on solo home runs. He threw 61 pitches with a walk and strikeout. Morton has been attempting to come back from Tommy John surgery. He had a setback in his first outing, which pushed back his schedule. 

All systems go for Russell Martin

Martin missed time with a neck injury but did not have to go on the disabled list. He's been able to assume a normal workload since he returned. Martin will bat sixth. After starting three-straight games, Martin may get a day off Friday.

Justin Ruggiano not in starting lineup

Ruggiano is getting a normal day off and should return to the starting lineup Friday against the Diamondbacks. He'll be replaced by Chris Coghlan, who will hit fifth. Ruggiano has failed to hit for average this year, with a .218/.302/.421 slash line. He has hit seven homers this year.

Rob Brantly gets a day off

Brantley will be replaced by Jeff Mathis, who will hit sixth. Brantly has missed extended stretches of games during the year with a finger injury but was able to play two-consecutive games this week. He could return to the lineup Friday against the Diamondbacks. 

David Freese should see ownership rise

Over 39 at-bats this month, Freese is hitting .282 with a double and four runs scored. Although he spent April dealing with injury and a .216 BABIP, Freese has hit safely in eight of 11 games this month and hashas a .367 BABIP in May. 

Owned in just 68 percent of leagues, Freese is quietly getting into a nice groove, and it's only a matter of time until third base speculators take notice. Forget Freese's ugly April and focus on his .296 career average coming into 2013 (Freese's lowest batting average in his four seasons has been .293 and he's seen his power rise as he received more at-bats). Taking a chance on Freese now should mean several months of solid average, along with maybe 12-15 home runs, as he distances himself from the ugly start. 

Shelby Miller to focus on run game

Miller has been fantastic this season, but opposing base-runners are seven for eight off him. The Cardinals recently timed Miller with a stopwatch, and found he was too slow during his windup. Miller admitted he has been making some mental mistakes, and vowed to take care of the issue. 

Miller will work on his "hold" times during bullpen sessions, which will allow him to figure out the most effective ways for him to cut down on his time to the plate. Miller's next start will come May 20 against the Padres.

Jonny Venters has Tommy John surgery

The list of players who have successfully come back from two Tommy John surgeries is not encouraging, and Venters will face a tough road back to the majors. Joakim Soria has yet to return from his second Tommy John surgery. Brian Wilson is looking for a team. The only pitcher to return effectively from two Tommy John surgeries is Chris Capuano.

The timetable after Tommy John surgery is typically at least a year after surgery. It could take longer since it's the second time he's undergone the procedure. 

Daniel Murphy's hot play earns him more time

Manager Terry Collins said he expected to use Jordany Valdespin at second Thusday but didn't want to sit Murphy. "Dan's swinging too good, so I just said, 'We'll put [Valdespin] in right field.'

Terry Collins encouraged by Ike Davis' at-bats

Davis is hitting .164/.254/.279 in 122 at-bats. Davis is hitless in his last five games, but Terry Collins has been "encouraged" by his at-bats. "Ike’s swinging better. The hardest part is when he’s swinging better, he’s not getting any hits and that’s frustrating for him," Collins said.

Davis is back in the clean up role Thursday, and will face Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright. 

Roy Halladay has successful shoulder surgery

The team issued a statement Thursday, saying "Roy had successful shoulder surgery yesterday. He had an arthroscopic evaluation and underwent debridement of his labrum and rotator cuff as well as removal of an inflamed bursa."

Halladay will begin his rehab shortly, and could begin throwing again in six to eight weeks. Through 34 1/3 innings this year, Halladay has an 8.65 ERA and a 6.22 FIP. 

Scott Rice on pace to break appearance record

Rice has made a major-league high 23 appearances this season. If he continues being used at this rate, Rice would break the Mets' record for appearances in a season. Manager Terry Collins has been happy with Rice's production, saying "Scott’s done a great job, he really has. So in those situations, he’s going to have to be the guy that steps up, and either gets his groundball or strikeout."

In 18 1/3 innings this season, Rice has a 3.44 ERA and a 3.84 FIP.

David Freese returns to starting lineup

Freese did not play Wednesday for matchup reasons, according to MLB.com. He's struggled this year, hitting .216/.296/.250 in 88 at-bats. Freese will bat sixth against Mets pitcher Jonathon Niese. 

Daniel Murphy starting to hit again

In his last four games, Murphy has seven hits and is hitting .278/.314/.410 in 144 at-bats. Murphy will bat second against Cardinals' ace Adam Wainwright Thursday.

Jonathon Niese is 'a mess'

Niese hasn't been able to command his breaking pitches this season and is overcompensating by falling into predictable routines. Niese has been working on his mechanics in a mirror, and is trying to stay "tall and straight on the hill." 

Niese will start Thursday against the Cardinals. He has a 5.93 ERA and a 5.34 FIP in 41 innings.

Chris Carpenter trying to return as a starter

Carpenter threw 30 pitches during a bullpen session Wednesday as a "pre-game warmup." Carpenter will throw again Saturday and is expected to throw an "extended session." That session will involve Carpenter taking breaks after he pitches to simulate throwing a game. 

Carpenter said he and the team will have a better idea of if and when he'll return by May 28.

Ty Wigginton gets a start Thursday

Wigginton will hit seventh and play first base. Regular first baseman Allen Craig will shift to left field, giving Matt Holliday a day off. Wigginton has only started seven games this year. This will be his third start at first base. Wigginton is hitting .200/.286/.240 in 25 at-bats. 

Jon Jay not in starting lineup

Jay has started 35 games this year, and is likely receiving a routine day off. Jay is hitting .276/.351/.425 in 134 at-bats this year. Shane Robinson will fill in for Jay and hit second Thursday. Jay will likely return to face Brewers starter Wily Peralta Friday. 

Matt Holliday gets a rest

Holliday has played in 37 games and is receiving a routine day off. He'll be replaced by Allen Craig in left. Holliday is hitting .268/.361/.442 in 138 at-bats. He should return to the lineup Friday against Brewers starter Wily Peralta. 

Ike Davis back in clean-up spot

Davis had been moved to the seventh spot in the lineup against left-handers but will continue to hit in the four hole against righties. Davis has hit .210 against lefties over his career but has a .257/.350/.483 line against righties.

Jordany Valdespin gets a start

Valdespin will play right field and hit leadoff. He will face Cardinals' ace Adam Wainwright. It's Valdespin's first start since May 8. He's hitting .235/.297/.426 in 68 at-bats.

Matt Kemp feeling good about production

Kemp has a .282 average but has hit just one home run. He's been hitting the ball hard recently. "But I’m feeling a lot better at the plate," Kemp said. "Those are good signs coming."

Manager Don Mattingly agreed, saying "I think Matt is kind of out of his early season [funk]. I think we can kind of say, 'Hey, Matt is swinging the bat pretty good.' Now until obviously he hits some homers, he’s going to continue to get those questions." 

Kemp is on a 14-game hitting streak. His only home run came April 24.

Bryce Harper feels 'terrible,' might start Thursday

When asked, Harper said he felt "terrible." Manager Davey Johnson said Harper "should be all right" Thursday, but Harper was more cryptic, saying "we'll see."

Reliever Craig Stammen could start

Stammen replaced Detwiler and was able to go three innings, his longest appearance of the season. If Detwiler misses his next start, Stammen would be a candidate to fill the role.

Stammen came up through the Nationals' system as a starter but was converted to a reliever upon reaching the majors. Stammen has been able to get a high number of strikeouts out of the bullpen, but his arm might not be stretched out enough for him to pitch deep into a game. Detwiler's next start is scheduled for May 20 against the Giants. 

LaTroy Hawkins can't defend Jordany Valdespin

Hawkins was asked about the controversy surrounding Valdespin's recent hit by pitch against the Pirates. Valdespin hit a home run with the team down by six runs and celebrated a little too much. The following day, manager Terry Collins pinch hit Valdespin expecting him to be hit by a pitch.

Hawkins couldn't defend his teammate, saying "he showed absolutely no respect. If you're going to pimp it, you're going to suffer the consequences." Hawkins added, "I have no problem defending my teammates, but some things, you just can't defend against."

Valdespin is hitting .235/.297/.426 in 68 at-bats.

Brewers running out of options with John Axford

Manager Ron Roenicke has stood by Axford throughout his struggles, but admitted there have been discussions about sending him to the minors. Roenicke said it could happen, but "hopefully it won't." Axford has a 9.00 ERA and a 7.15 FIP in 15 innings.

Anthony Rizzo on fire

The 23-year-old is hitting .403 since April 20, with three home runs and 10 doubles. Strikeouts were a problem for Rizzo early in the year, but he's gone seven straight games without one. Rizzo reportedly made some minor tweaks to his swing at the end of April, which is partially responsible for his recent surge. He's hitting .277/.349/.523 in 155 at-bats.

Jhonatan Solano could be called up Thursday

Wilson Ramos left Wednesday night's game after pulling his hamstring, and manager Davey Johnson said he would be "down for a while." Johnson added that he believes the team will call up Solano to take Ramos' place. Solano has been up with the club once this year, and received  six at-bats. 

Wilson Ramos likely to go back on DL

Manager Davey Johnson classified Ramos as "down for a while," and that he believes the team will call up Jhonaton Solano Thursday to take Ramos' place. Ramos already missed time this season with a hamstring injury. He's hitting .250/.308/.438 in 48 at-bats. 

Josh Rutledge reaches base three times

Rutledge had three singles, driving in two runs. He has a .255/.316/.383 line in 141 at-bats. Rutledge has added five home runs and five steals.

Adam LaRoche hits fourth home run

LaRoche was responsible for the team's only run of the game, hitting a solo shot in the top of the fourth inning. LaRoche got off to a poor start, but he's on a 12-game hitting streak. He's raised his average nearly 90 points over that period.

Angel Pagan reaches three times

Pagan had two doubles and a single with a run scored. It was Pagan's first multi-hit game since May 1. He's hitting .264/.315/.372 in 148 at-bats this year. 

Rickie Weeks hits third home run

Weeks has been in a major slump this year, hitting .187/.306/.299. In the top of the seventh inning, Weeks sent a Wandy Rodriguez changeup out to left for a solo shot. It was Weeks' first home run since April 30.

Ross Detwiler suffers back spasms

The injury is not thought to be severe, and Johnson hopes Detwiler can make his next start Monday against the Giants, MLB.com reports.

Wilson Ramos 'down for a while' with pulled hamstring

Kurt Suzuki will likely handle regular catching duties with Ramos on the shelf.

Adam LaRoche's hitting streak at 12 games

After posting a .136 batting average in April, LaRoche owns a .214 batting average, four HRs and 13 RBI.

Bryce Harper grounds out in pinch-hit appearance

Harper's status for Thursday's series opener against the Padres is unknown.

Brandon League back in save column

Zack Greinke wins in return to mound

Monitoring Brandon McCarthy

Before running into some bad luck with injuries, McCarthy was coming into his own in his last two seasons in Oakland, posting back to back seasons of 3.32 and 3.24 ERAs. However, his transition from a pitcher-friendly park in Oakland to one that favors hitters in Arizona has not gone smoothly, as he has a 5.63 ERA in his first eight starts of the year, including the eight shutout innings he tossed his last time out.

Fantasy owners who are interested in McCarthy are obviously hoping he can find his former levels of success. McCarthy is still posting miniscule walk rates and subpar strikeout numbers, but he has been killed by a high batting average on balls in play this season. His FIP stands at 3.74, an indication that he is pitching much better than his ERA indicates.

McCarthy makes a ton of sense as a buy-low candidate right now, even with his lack of strikeouts. If you are hovering over the add button, I would go ahead and click it. He can only go up from here. 

Red-hot Daniel Murphy notches first stolen base

"It's tough to explain," Murphy told MLB.com. "Once you start feeling good and then you have some success for it, it just lends to more peace and less anxiety."

Murphy has hit .278/.314/.410 in 153 plate appearances this season.

Ted Lilly makes rehab start

Mike Leake to keep rotation spot?

Give Kyle Blanks a look

Blanks is hitting .250 in 20 appearances, and our Nando Di Fino thinks he might be worth a look in NL-only Fantasy formats, in his latest Waiver Wire column. Nando is banking on Blanks turning his gaudy minor-league numbers into something resembling production at the major-league level, so Wednesday's home run is certainly a start.

Blanks isn't the safest option, but he is just 26 years old with upside, on an offense-starved team. If he can start hitting the ball reasonably well, Fantasy owners looking for a punch in NL-only formats might want to keep an eye on him. 

Blake Lalli optioned to Triple-A

Rick Ankiel hits first homer as Met

Ankiel's home run was his sixth of the season after hitting five as part of the Astros earlier this year. He has hit .200/.243/.500 this year.

Taylor Green shifted to 60-day DL

David Wright records eighth stolen base

A two-time Gold Glove award-winner, Wright has three errors in 2013. The three-strikeout game was Wright's second of the season. He has hit .295/.410/.504 with five home runs in 156 plate appearances this year.

Matt Magill to start Sunday

Carl Crawford rests hamstring

Edward Mujica collects 11th save

Shelby Miller continues scoreless run

Shaun Marcum remains winless

It was the first time this season Marcum pitched at least five full innings. He takes an 0-4 record and 6.75 ERA into a home start against the Reds Monday.

Neil Walker drives in two

Ross Detwiler exits with apparent injury

Detwiler closed out the third inning after getting the go-ahead from the trainers but did not return for the fourth inning. He ended the day with two earned runs on six hits and two walks without striking out a batter.

Tony Cingrani could be odd man out

Cingrani told reporters Tuesday that he would not be surprised if he ends up being sent back down to Triple-A, and his competitor for the final spot in the rotation seemingly made the decision much more difficult Wednesday. Mike Leake tossed six-plus scoreless innings against the Marlins, putting Cingrani at a disadvantage moving forward.

Also working against Cingrani is a bit of soreness in his throwing shoulder that has already pushed his next start back to Friday. At this point, it looks like the deck is stacked against the younger starter. A decision should come soon, and we would obviously prefer if Cingrani stayed in the rotation, given his upside.

As Scott White noted earlier Wednesday, Cingrani is worth shopping in yearly Fantasy formats, given the looming decision. His long-term Fantasy value remains very high. 

Wilson Ramos exits game with injury

Ramos came off the disabled list April 29 after dealing with a hamstring injury earlier this season. He was 2 for 2 Wednesday before exiting.

Not enticed by Mike Leake's future

From a Fantasy perspective, we have to believe Cingrani gets the team's vote, but he is dealing with a minor shoulder injury that could tip the scales in Leake's direction. Even if Leake remains in the rotation, he is just a 4.24 career ERA pitcher with middling strikeout ability, so there is not much to like about him.

Outside of NL-only Fantasy formats, I wouldn't really touch Leake. And obviously, if the team decides to go with the upside play and stick with the younger Cingrani, Leake likely wouldn't even be worth stashing. Keep an eye on this situation as it develops, and plan to part ways with Leake if the team moves away from him.

Luis Valbuena singles in return

Jeff Samardzija helps own cause in win

Jon Garland surrenders two homers

Give up on Ryan Vogelsong

For whatever reason, Vogelsong has lost whatever it was that made him such a reliable starting pitcher in the previous two seasons. He has an 8.06 ERA in 41 1/3 innings, with 11 home runs allowed. His 1.84 WHIP is among the worst in the majors, and 45 percent of all runners who reach base eventually come around to score on him. 

Vogelsong has always gotten away with middling stuff, but with his average fastball velocity down to 89.9 miles per hour, batters are punishing him even more now. Opposing batters are making contact on 84.4 percent of his pitches, his highest total since PITCHf/x data became available. 

It is worth noting that Nando Di Fino is not quite ready to drop Vogelsong, as noted in his Waiver Wire column. And, I still think Vogelsong is much better than what he has shown, but with rumblings about the Giants possibly considering pulling him from the rotation, Fantasy owners simply cannot rely on him right now. In a deeper format, I might still try to stash Vogelsong to see if he finds the form that helped him to a 3.05 ERA in 2011 and 2012. But I wouldn't hold onto him too tightly if I needed the roster spot. 

Shin-Soo Choo adds to HR total

Derek Dietrich collects two hits batting third

Dietrich has at least one hit in each game and two hits in each of his last three.

Dietrich, who struck out in his other three trips to the plate Wednesday, is making a case to remain in the team's lineup long-term.

Alex Sanabia gets no run support

Sanabia ended up surrendering four earned runs on nine hits and three walks while striking out three. He served up two home runs to Reds outfielder Shin-Soo Choo. Sanabia is 2-6 with a 5.00 ERA after taking losses in each of his last five starts.

He'll try to get back in the win column Monday against the Phillies.

Mike Leake makes case for rotation spot

Jayson Werth feels good after rehab outing

"Pretty good," Werth told the Post after the game. "Been a couple weeks since I’ve been out there but a step in the right direction."

Werth is hoping to get three at-bats Thursday.

Not a Jason Marquis believer

Marquis has just five more strikeouts (29) than walks (24), and has given up 1.47 home runs per nine innings, all signs that he simply will not continue this kind of success. His secret formula so far has been pretty simple; despite allowing 1.35 base runners per inning, four out of every five are being stranded. That is much higher than his 70.4 percent career strand rate, or the 66.3 percent mark he posted a year ago.

Marquis is also enjoying an unsustainably-low .234 batting average on balls in play. So much of Marquis' success has been out of his hands this season, and that simply cannot prove sustainable. I do not expect Marquis, who had a 5.15 ERA in his previous three seasons, to keep this kind of performance up.

Errors lead to Ryan Vogelsong's fourth loss

Jason Grilli converts 16th save

Tim Byrdak throws first bullpen session

Wandy Rodriguez earns fourth win

Jon Niese uses mirror to remedy mechanics

"Whenever I had free time, I just stepped in front of a mirror and went through my mechanics, and made sure everything's on line," Niese told MLB.com. "I can feel when it's right."

Niese added that he's over the back soreness that hampered him earlier this month. He'll try to turn his season around Thursday against the Cardinals.

Late damage saddles Yovani Gallardo with loss

Assessing Tim Hudson's skid

So far, Hudson's main issue has been pitching out of jams with runners in scoring position; batters are hitting .385 against him with runners on second or third, compared to just .249 otherwise. As a result, 35.1 percent of all base runners have come around to score on him, a career-high rate. Entering the season, Hudson has allowed just 26.2 percent of base runners to come around and score on him in his career, so that is the biggest reason for his struggles.

Hudson is still racking up groundballs at a high rate, though he does have an abnormally high 13.6 home run per fly ball percentage. It is a bit of a generalization, but strand rate and home run per fly ball rate are based, at least partially, on chance, so Hudson could easily see those numbers turn around.

Hudson stands a pretty solid chance of turning his season around moving forward, so I wouldn't give up on him just yet. 

John Gast to see another start

Jake Westbrook aiming to throw Friday

Chris Carpenter almost ready for rehab stint?

Matt Cain prepares for start at home

Chris Narveson throwing light 'pen sessions

Bryce Harper also has sore rib cage

Harper is still considered day to day.

Corey Hart 'probably a couple weeks away' from rehab stint

John Axford 'frustrated' by struggles

B.J. Upton goes 0 for 5 in return

Upton lowered his season line to .145/.242/.244 with 49 strikeouts in 150 plate appearances this season. He's in the first year of a five-year, $75.25-million deal signed this past offseason.

Juan Francisco strikes out four times

Francisco has hit .258/.298/.438 in 98 plate appearances this year after closing out April with a .297/.328/.500 line. He could lose playing time if he continues to struggle, as the Braves have a capable backup third baseman in Chris Johnson.

Pedro Alvarez sits against righty

Freddie Freeman drives in three runs

Freeman upped his season line to .295/.362/.419 with two homers and 22 RBI in 116 plate appearances.

Poor fifth inning dooms Tim Hudson

Hudson entered the game with a stellar track record against the Diamondbacks in his career (7-0, 1.13 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 54 Ks in 67 2/3 innings over nine starts), but dropped to 4-3 this season with the disappointing outing.

He'll take a 5.12 ERA into next week's start against the Twins.

Carlos Marmol wants to stay in Chicago

Logan Forsythe not ready for baseball activities

Bryce Harper out of Thursday's lineup

The Nationals open a series against the Padres in San Diego Thursday, but Harper's availability for that game is unknown.

Where are the whiffs for Andrew Cashner?

Despite his solid run, I'm not entirely sold on the fireballer's success. We were initially excited about Cashner joining the rotation because his big fastball was likely to lead to big strikeout numbers, but that has not been the case; he has just 18 strikeouts in 28 2/3 innings of work. Cashner has done a good job improving his control as a starter and he has maintained a solid groundball ratio, but without strikeouts, it is hard to say this is sustainable.

Cashner has been fortunate to have a .247 batting average on balls in play since joining the rotation. Once that comes back to Earth, his numbers are going to look much worse.

One of two things is likely to happen before long; Cashner's electric stuff is going to start generating more whiffs or his ERA is going to rise. Just know that his current success does not look sustainable. 

Mets want Ruben Tejada to cut down on fly balls

"You’ve got to get out of that. Fly balls aren’t going to help you," Collins told Tejada.

Tejada has hit .227/.301/.295 with no home runs in 148 plate appearances this season. He has a 33 percent fly ball rate heading into Wednesday's game, according to Fangraphs.

Paul Goldschmidt raises average to .322

Heath Bell closes out Braves

Ian Kennedy finally earns win No. 2

No red flags for Cole Hamels

Hamels is in the midst of a definite cold streak to open the season,. He has already matched his loss total from last season in just nine starts. His ugly record isn't all the result of bad luck and poor run support either. His 4.61 ERA is a career-worst. Hamels is struggling with his control or the first time in his career, walking 3.81 batters per nine innings, while only striking out 7.46 per nine.

At this point, there do not appear to be any physical reasons for Hamels' struggles. His average fastball velocity is sitting at 91.5 according to FanGraphs.com's PITCHf/x data, actually an improvement over the 2012 season, so it is not like we can point to some obvious mechanical flaw that is causing his pitches to lose their life. He is also throwing a similar proportion of his pitches inside the strike zone: 42.6 percent in 2013, 43.8 percent in 2012.

At least if he were struggling with his arm speed or showing a tendency away from pitching in the zone, we could try to diagnose what is wrong with Hamels. At this poin t, Fantasy owners simply have to hope that he is a few small corrections away from living up to his manager's still-lofty expectations. 

Josh Beckett lands on DL

Zack Greinke activated for start

Giancarlo Stanton plays catch Wednesday

"I'm sure I'll be able to hit way sooner than I'll be able to run," Stanton told the Herald.

Stanton has been out since April 29.

Logan Morrison to begin rehab assignment next week

Morrison is expected to return to the Marlins lineup in early June.

Yadier Molina gets rare day off

"Yesterday was one of the first days where it didn't look like everything was on, timing wise, as far as his swing goes, and that was it more than anything. Physically, he feels good, just trying to get a day to get himself back into a good rhythm."

Mike Adams could have MRI Thursday

"[Thursday] if I come in and don’t feel like I’m progressing or so, I may ask to go to an MRI on Friday or [Thursday], just so I have a better idea on what’s going on and what the timetable may be about the severity of what’s going on," Adams told the Inquirer Wednesday.

"I don’t know the true timetable on what’s going on right now," Adams added.

John Baker's first RBI lead Padres to win

The RBI Wednesday were Baker's first of the season. He also ended a 0-for-18 slump in his previous nine games (six starts).

Santiago Casilla eyes Wednesday return

Kyle Blanks ends home run drought

Since batting .455 in his first four games, Blanks is batting .195 (8 for 41) in his last 16 games, dropping his average to .250.

Will Venable in midst of productive stretch

Venable has hit safely in seven of his last nine games. He's batting .357 (10 for 28) with one double, three home runs and six RBI in that span.

Jedd Gyorko leading MLB rookies in hits

Both of Gyorko's three-hit games have come in May. After managing one multi-hit game in his first 17 outings, Gyorko has six multi-hit games in his last 20 appearances.

He's batting .307 (23 for 75) in that span, raising his batting average from .210 to .263. He leads all rookies with 36 hits.

Alexi Amarista ties career-high

He finished 3 for 5 with two RBI, three runs and one strikeout. He has seven doubles and three home runs in 2013. Amarista is batting .368 (7 for 19) with two home runs and three RBI in his last six games.

Health the key to Eric Chavez's success

Everth Cabrera joins elite company with four-hit game

Cabrera added an RBI, walk, run and stolen base Wednesday. Cabrera had entered play Wednesday, mired in a 5-for-36 slump and batting .167 (8 for 48) in 12 May games.

J.R. Graham to see team specialist

Zack Wheeler only expected to miss one start

Wheeler is 2-1 with a 3.74 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 47:18 K:BB ratio in 43 1/3 innings this season. He last pitched on May 11.

Carlos Ruiz finally collects first RBI

Wednesday was Ruiz's first multi-hit game of the season. He was able to extend his hitting streak to eight games. Ruiz is batting .333 (9 for 27) in that stretch.

Julio Teheran worth picking up?

Our Scott White pointed out on Wednesday’s broadcast of Fantasy Baseball Today that while Teheran isn’t exactly racking up the Ks, he has only allowed one walk in those last four starts. Al Melchior said he might pick him up in a two-start week, but added that there isn’t much distinguishing Teheran from other options at SP. 

Phillies to update Roy Halladay's status Thursday

Delmon Young starting to settle in

Young is batting .389 (7 for 18) with one RBI and two doubles in his last five games after batting .130 with three RBI in his first eight games. Young is batting .244 through 13 games.

Mike Leake pitching to keep spot in rotation?

Leake is scheduled to take the hill Wednesday at Miami, which could be a final audition to keep his rotation spot. He's 2-2 with a 4.32 ERA in seven starts. 

Johnny Cueto slated to return Monday

Cueto made two rehab starts for Class A Dayton, going 1-0 with a 1.13 ERA and .233 opponents' batting average. He also had eight strikeouts and issued no walks in eight innings.

Jimmy Rollins starting to put it together

Rollins has hit safely in five straight games and seven of eight. He's batting .323 (11 for 34) with one home run, three doubles and seven RBI in that span.

Matt Carpenter in top form

This is closer to what I expected from the first-year starter coming out of spring training: a high on-base percentage and enough extra-base power to distinguish him at a weak position. He's not quite as valuable in Rotisserie leagues given his limited home run ability and almost non-existent steals potential, but even in those formats, his quadruple eligibility makes him a definite asset.

If you like what Martin Prado has had to offer in recent years, you should like Carpenter as well.

Gerardo Parra impressive so far in May

Al Melchior said on Wednesday’s episode of Fantasy Baseball Today that he doesn’t see a big decrease in playing time once Adam Eaton comes back. Scott White added that Parra might lose some at-bats, but doesn’t see him becoming a “bench player.”

Cole Hamels suffers sixth loss in ninth start

Hamels, who was plagued by a high pitch count, gave up a solo home run to Mike Aviles in the fourth inning and a two-run homer to Nick Swisher in the fifth inning. Hamels (1-6) allowed five runs on six hits and two walks in five innings. He struck out four. The Phillies are 1-8 in his starts.

Hamels needed 91 pitches to get through four innings and reached 100 in the fifth.

"We drove his pitch count up early," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "We made him earn his outs and we scored early. It's great to work the count and have something to show for it."

The left-hander will be back on the hill Monday at Miami. Hamels is 0-1 with a 1.93 ERA in two starts against Miami this season.

Huston Street finishes off O's in non-save outing

Street stranded Markakis by getting Adam Jones to ground out and Chris Davis to fly out to the warning track in left field. Street has had scoreless appearances in four of his last five outings.

Zack Wheeler gets a bit of good news

"All good," Wheeler's agent Al Goetz sent in a text message. "No structural damage."

Wheeler has been diagnosed with a bout of inflammation and received a cortisone injection, according to ESPN. He's expected to start throwing in a couple of days.

Jason Marquis makes it four straight wins

The only runs Baltimore scored off Marquis (5-2) came off solo home runs from Wieters and J.J. Hardy. Marquis' ERA actually rose a fraction from 3.48 to 3.49, but he has won four straight starts. He hasn't allowed more than three earned runs in any of those outings.

Marquis is slated to be back on the hill Monday against the Cardinals. Marquis is 5-2 with a 3.80 ERA in his career against St. Louis.

Don't look to Francisco Rodriguez for saves

Last season, Rodriguez notched a strikeout per inning, and his ERA would have been considerably lower than 4.38 if not for a 69 percent strand rate. However, Rodriguez relied on a higher rate of foul balls to maintain his K-rate, and meanwhile, his swinging strike rate fell from 13 percent in 2011 to 9 percent in 2012.

Unless Rodriguez can find a way to avoid contact at a higher rate, he could have a hard time maintaining a high strikeout rate. At risk of allowing more hits and runs, Rodriguez could be a very ordinary reliever this year -- and one not quite effective enough to hold down a prominent role.

Brandon Phillips coming through in the clutch

Phillips hit .305 with runners in scoring position last season, which included a .238 average with runners in scoring position and two outs. He's batting .357 (5 for 14) with two outs and runners in scoring position this year.

J.R. Graham lands on minor-league DL

He is 1-3 with a 4.04 ERA and .283 opponents' batting average in eight starts. He also has 28 strikeouts and 10 walks in 35 2/3 innings.

Brewers adding Francisco Rodriguez to roster

Rodriguez tossed four scoreless innings over four appearances between Class A Brevard County and Nashville. He struck out seven, allowed one hit and walked three.

Stay patient with Jonathan Lucroy

Last year, Lucroy got 23 of his 33 extra-base hits either up the middle or to the opposite field, and that's where he has hit most of his deepest flies this season, as shown on the spray charts on TexasLeaguers.com. It's only a matter of time before he finds the gaps and hits a few more balls over the wall. And don't worry about Lucroy making contact; he is striking out at a lower rate this season than last.

Lucroy is currently starting in only 59 percent of the leagues on CBSSports.com, but given that he could bust out at any time, more owners should be getting him into their lineups.

'Excellent offseason' fueling Taylor Jordan's emergence

Jordan, who is considered the Nationals' 17th-best prospect by MLB.com, has a 32-to-7 strikeout-to-walk ratio and has allowed one home run in 40 1/3 innings. 

"He really had an excellent offseason," Nationals director of player development Doug Harris said, per MASNsports.com. "He really put himself in position to be in consideration for that when spring training broke. I am not surprised with the success and very pleased with where he is."

Is Jonathan Papelbon due for a fall?

Papelbon has just 12 strikeouts in 16 2/3 innings, and with his velocity down roughly 1 mph since last season, there is cause for concern over the Phillies' closer. Papelbon has been aided by a .186 batting average on balls in play (BABIP), and with a 31 percent ground ball rate, he is fortunate to have allowed only one home run. While Papelbon hasn't set the Fantasy world on fire so far this season, things could get a lot worse.

The decline in velocity is not dramatic and the sample of innings is small, so Papelbon could still rebound. However, his owners should monitor his progress over his next several appearances closely. If he doesn't start picking up his strikeout or groundball pace, it may be time for a sell-high on the veteran closer.

Don't wait to pick up Kenley Jansen

When League appeared to be uncontested as the closer, Fantasy owners were taking a risk in rostering Jansen, even though he has a decidedly better statistical profile for the job. Now that there is even a sliver of doubt around League's status, it's time to pounce on Jansen in the many leagues where he is still on waivers. Given a chance to close out games, Jansen is highly likely to pitch so well that Mattingly won't put him back in a setup role.

With regular save opportunities, Jansen would be an across-the-board contributor (aside from wins) who would rank among the top three closers in Fantasy for the rest of the season.

Josh Beckett likely headed to DL

Phillippe Aumont battling 'command issues'

"Phillippe right now, he's going to have command issues," pitching coach Rich Dubee said, per MLB.com. "He can dot a couple pitches then miss with a bad one. But he's much improved from where he was at the beginning of last year in Triple-A where walks snowballed against him."

Justin De Fratus thrives in pressure situations

"He likes that atmosphere. He doesn't panic," Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee said Wednesday, per MLB.com. "Last year he was outstanding when we brought him in with guys on base to get us a big out. Those guys are special."

Pirates bring back Jordy Mercer

John McDonald lands on 15-day DL

Tyson Ross will start once healthy

"We still see him as a starting pitcher," Padres manager Bud Black said. "But that will be left shoulder related and whether he's physically able to do that. Right now, his strength is improving. In due time, he has to get in a cage."

Ross, who tossed four scoreless innings in relief Saturday, said he's been happy with his recovery.

"It's been good," Ross said. "I'm still able to pitch with it. It was nice to get some work the other day. I was happy to get an extended outing. I've just been getting treatment, doing exercises and I've been feeling good. We want to push it, so I'll see the doctors when we can get home. Hopefully, they can extend my leash a little."

Andrew Cashner finds formula to pitch deep into games

"I think a big thing for me this year is not trying to air it out," Cashner said, per MLB.com. "I'm not trying to throw 100 mph."

Cashner is averaging 95 mph on his fastball after averaging 98 mph last season. He's also been able to decrease the velocity in his changeup from 87.4 mph to 85.7 mph.

"When you back off a pitch, [that] doesn't mean you're going to have better control with it," Padres pitching coach Darren Balsley said. "But a workload for a starter, if you're going to throw 100 pitches every five days, your velocity is probably going to go down a couple miles an hour."

Marlon Byrd enjoying productive May

Byrd is enjoying a productive May, batting .370 (10 for 27) with a .667 slugging percentage and 1.024 OPS in eight games (seven starts). He also has two doubles, two home runs and six RBI.

Ryan Zimmerman has Dodgers' ace figured out

"Zimmerman, I can't get that guy out," Kershaw said. "He owns me so I have to figure that out."

Zimmerman is batting .538 (7 for 13) with one double, one RBI and one walk in his career against the left-handed hurler.

"He's obviously one of the best pitchers in the game," he said. "I guess you just have to kind of keep it simple. I wish I knew what I was doing so I could tell everyone."

Zimmerman is batting .313 (15 for 48) in his last 13 games, raising his batting average from .220 to .270.

John Mayberry emerges from prolonged slump

His batting average rose from .218 to .242 due to his three hits Tuesday. He also had his first RBI since April 28, which ended a drought of 12 games (five starts) without an RBI.

Yasmani Grandal getting closer to activation

Domonic Brown hitting better in last few weeks

Brown is batting .301 (22 for 73) with a .548 slugging percentage, three doubles, five home runs and 13 RBI in his last 19 games. His batting average has risen from .206 to .257 in that span.

Jose Tabata's average up more than 100 points in May

Tabata is batting .522 (12 for 23) with one home run, three doubles and three RBI in eight May games (four starts). His batting average has soared from .178 to .294 since the start of May.

Cole Hamels 'real close' to going on hot streak

"He's real close to getting on one of those runs, has had good stuff, but walked more than usual, matter of command," Manuel said during an interview on MLB Network Radio.

Andrew McCutchen finally hits stride offensively

McCutchen has broken out since a four-hit performance April 30. He's batting .353 (18 for 51) with a .421 on-base percentage, .549 slugging percentage and .970 OPS in his last 13 games. On top of the three home runs, McCutchen has one double, six walks, seven RBI and eight runs in that span. His batting average has soared from .217 to .266 since April 29.

B.J. Upton back from shoulder injury

Upton enters play Wednesday batting .171 (6 for 35) with one RBI through 11 May games.

Bryce Harper expected back in coming days

"There's no concussion, he's feeling better. He'll be ready to go in the next day or so," Rizzo said.

Darwin Barney starting to heat up

After beginning May without a hit in seven games (0 for 20), Barney has hit safely in four of his last five games. He's batting .333 (6 for 18) with one home run, two RBI, three runs and three doubles in that span.

Eric Young trying to end May slump

Young entered the game mired in a 1-for-17 slump. He's batting .200 (7 for 35) with one home run, two doubles, two RBI, three walks, three stolen bases and seven runs in 12 May games (seven starts).

Troy Tulowitzki sends average soaring past .300

Despite the slide, Tulowitzki has managed to raise his batting average from .292 to .324 in his last 16 games thanks to a .370 average (17 for 46) in that span. Tulowitzki has two home runs, six doubles and 15 RBI in his last 16 games.

Joey Votto hitting, just not home runs

Votto is batting .383 (23 for 60) in his last 15 games, sending his batting average from .279 to .322. He has seven doubles, seven RBI, seven walks and 12 runs in that span. Unfortunately, Votto's home run drought extended to 16 games Tuesday.

Pablo Sandoval's power swing has arrived

Sandoval is batting .286 (8 for 28) with three home runs and five RBI in his last seven games, but he's been hitting much better longer than a week.

In his last 16 games, Sandoval is batting .369 (24 for 65) with a .585 slugging percentage. His batting average has gone from .276 to .316 in that span. He also has two doubles, four home runs, 11 RBI and 14 runs in that span.

Mike Adams hopes to return after off-day

Marco Scutaro keeps piling up hits

Scutaro has managed 10 multi-hit games during the streak, including seven straight games. He's batting .491 (26 for 53) with one home run, two triples, four walks, five doubles, five RBI and 12 runs in his last 13 games.

Brandon Belt's numbers improve over long stretch

Belt is batting .467 (7 for 15) with two home runs, three doubles and six RBI during his hitting streak. 

Belt's hot streak, however, has lasted more than five games. His slash line in his last 20 games is .305/.627/1.024. He also has four doubles, five home runs, eight walks, 10 runs and 15 RBI in that span.

Cliff Pennington getting cozy with bench

He could see even less playing time when Aaron Hill (hand) comes off the disabled list. Pennington is batting just .212 through 34 games and isn't exactly forcing his way into the lineup.

"When you get a chance to play you got to play," Pennington said, per The Arizona Republic. "I got off to a slow start and had a rough stretch for a few at-bats, but I’ve been swinging it good in May and I feel good, so I just got to keep that going."

Jayson Werth on track for Saturday return

Has Brandon League been supplanted as closer?

"We’ll see," Mattingly said, per the Los Angeles Times. "I don’t know if I really have to set roles. We always talk about where we’re at in the lineup. I know we like to create controversies and all that. Honestly, I prefer having roles where everybody knows where they’re at. But tonight I felt like Kenley was the best shot of getting that guy out."

League has allowed at least one run in six of his last seven appearances, going 0-2 with one blown save, three saves and a 9.82 ERA in that span.

Kenley Jansen the new Dodgers' closer?

"We’ll see," Mattingly said, per the Los Angeles Times. "I don’t know if I really have to set roles. We always talk about where we’re at in the lineup. I know we like to create controversies and all that. Honestly, I prefer having roles where everybody knows where they’re at. But tonight I felt like Kenley was the best shot of getting that guy out."

Jansen said he's fine with whatever role Mattingly wants him to fill.

"Honestly, it don’t matter," Jansen said. "Whenever the [bullpen] phone rings for me, it’s time to work. Go out there and help the team win, that’s all that’s on my mind. I don’t watch the roles. That’s for Donnie and the front office to deal with."

Dillon Gee to remain part of Mets' rotation

"As we sit here, at this particular time, I don't have an answer for you," Collins said about Gee's struggles, per ESPN. "Obviously this guy has gotten to the major leagues. He's become a very, very good major-league pitcher with the command of his stuff. When he pitches good, he's a guy who can throw any pitch at any time. He keeps the hitters off balance. And he's not throwing strikes. Is it due to the surgery? I can't answer that. I don't have that answer. I asked [pitching coach] Dan [Warthen] if the delivery is the same. Dan said it is, or minute changes, which happen to everybody. He's just not making the pitches he normally makes."

Manager defends Jordany Valdespin

"I don’t answer to fans," Collins said, per the New York Post. "They don’t play this game. They have no idea what goes on. They have no idea what goes on in there, they have absolutely no idea what it means to be a professional teammate at this level. I’ve been doing it a lot longer than a lot of people. He’s fine. He handled it great."

Collins also denied a report indicating Valdespin tried to avoid pinch-hitting Saturday because he knew he would get hit or Valdespin not wanting to bat later in the game after getting hit.

"He didn’t want to hit the second time on Saturday, after he got hit," Collins said. "(His forearm) did swell up. That’s when you walk in that batter’s box and say, 'OK let’s go.' If they threw at him again, we would have answered. If they threw at him we would have answered, there would have been a definitive answer."

Freddy Galvis might see time in center field

Galvis is batting .294 with two home runs, three doubles and six RBI in 21 games.

Manager wants Chase Utley to play 140-142 games

"We want to kind of monitor and keep him off his feet at times," manager Charlie Manuel said before Tuesday's game, per The Philadelphia Inquirer. "I think if he plays 140 to 142 games with the off days we have, that would be very passable."

Utley heads into play Wednesday batting .393 (11 for 28) with one home run, three doubles, three RBI, four walks and five runs in his last seven games.

Anthony Rendon proving too good for Double-A

"I didn't think that getting sent down was a negative," Rendon said, per MLB.com. "Honestly, not that I didn't care, but I knew my stint wasn't going to be that long under the circumstances, so I wanted to make the best of it while I was there. And then I came back here and kept doing the same thing I was doing."

Rendon's slash line through 25 games is .356/.496/.609/1.105. He's added four home runs, 10 doubles and 16 RBI, while recording more walks (23) than strikeouts (18).

"Tremendous talent. It's fun to watch," Harrisburg manager Matt LeCroy said. "I think he's got a little bit more confidence coming down and realizing how difficult the game is up there and then you come down here and it's not as hard. To his credit, he's worked hard, he's developed a routine from Day 1, and it's carried over. He's started seeing the rewards for his work."

Nationals trying to get Tyler Moore more at-bats

"Tyler Moore is in a little bit of a funk, he had been kind of all year," manager Davey Johnson said, per MLB.com. "He hasn't been himself. We are going to try to get him more at-bats to get him in a groove."

Hitting coach Rick Eckstein said Moore is missing on too many fastballs, which he added is also a problem for Danny Espinosa, who is also off to a slow start.

"They have to get back on the fastball," Eckstein said. "You can't be in between. …. When you are facing guys as tough as Kershaw, you are not going to get too many pitches that are over the heart of the plate. The breaking stuff, when it's down in the zone, it has late sharp bite on it. It's pretty good. You have to get on the fastball. Anytime you are sitting in between, you are late on the heater and early in the off speed. You have to get back on the heater."

Danny Espinosa 'trying to do too much'

"Danny's best side is right-handed. [Left-hander Clayton] Kershaw made some good pitches on him and he had some pitches to hit and I think he is trying to do too much," manager Davey Johnson said after Tuesday's game, per MLB.com. 

Teammate Tyler Moore is also mired in a hitting slump and hitting coach Rick Eckstein said they are struggling because both players are missing on fastballs.

"They have to get back on the fastball," Eckstein said. "You can't be in between. …. When you are facing guys as tough as Kershaw, you are not going to get too many pitches that are over the heart of the plate. The breaking stuff, when it's down in the zone, it has late sharp bite on it. It's pretty good. You have to get on the fastball. Anytime you are sitting in between, you are late on the heater and early in the off speed. You have to get back on the heater."

Jean Segura proving his worth

Reports came out Tuesday that the Brewers are already looking to lock up Segura long-term, despite having just 320 plate appeareances at the major-league level by which to judge him. The fact that the team is so sold on him should be a good sign for those Fantasy owners who are wondering if his hot start is for real.

Segura is being helped out by a .376 batting average on balls in play, and his seven home runs are just three shy of matching his highest total in the minors, so there are definite signs that this is an outlier. On the other hand, he is barely striking out and has a very high 21.6 percent line drive rate, so a .300-plus batting average seems sustainable. If he can trade his power surge for an increased reliance on his speed, Fantasy owners will take that. At this point, Segura is looking like one of the best shortstops in the game. 

Still not sold on Dan Haren

Haren has made a point of publicly noting his lack of concern with his declining fastball velocity, claiming that overthrowing was the cause of his early seasons struggles. And while that may be the case, I also cannot endorse Haren as a reliable Fantasy option if he is just pitching to contact. This is still a guy who struggles to keep the ball in the yard, thanks to a subpar 34.9 groundball percentage.

If Haren isn’t missing bats or keeping the ball on the ground, his pinpoint accuracy will only take him so far. Eventually, all of those balls in the zone are going to turn into hits and home runs, and Haren is going to look a lot less impressive than his 3.00 ERA over the last four starts might indicate.

I can buy Haren as a useful Fantasy option somewhere near the back of your rotation. But I definitely am not on board with his apparent return to relevance as anything resembling a must-start option. 

John McDonald leaves with back pain

McDonald is batting .065 on the year.

Heath Bell picks up save No. 5

Bell also struck out two in the 2-0 win.

Patrick Corbin runs record to 6-0

Corbin threw 58 of his 98 pitches for strikes and lowered his ERA to 1.52.

"I feel good and I just want to keep it going," Corbin said. "Anytime I can go out there and pitch like this is awesome."

His next start is scheduled for Monday against the Rockies.

Kenley Jansen earns one-out save

It was Jansen's second save of 2013.

Clayton Kershaw Ks 11, nearly goes the distance

The left-hander threw 96 of his 132 pitches for strikes and was pulled after giving up a two-out single to Adam LaRoche in the ninth. He lowered his ERA to 1.40.

Kershaw also walked one while earning his fourth win.

The 25-year-old has gone 2-0 with a 0.59 ERA in his previous four starts.

His next start is scheduled for Monday against the Brewers. When he faced Milwaukee on April 26, Kershaw worked eight scoreless innings in the win.

John Gast wins major-league debut

The left-hander made it through his first five frames unscathed before running into trouble in the sixth. In that inning, he put two men on before John Buck and Lucas Duda drove in a run each. Marlon Byrd followed with a two-run homer.

Gast, who threw 71 pitches, also struck out three and walked one in the victory.

His next start is scheduled for Sunday against the Brewers.

Dan Haren's win streak snapped

Dillon Gee roughed up by Cards

Carlos Gonzalez has career night

Gonzalez singled home a run in his first at-bat before launching a solo shot off starter Carlos Villanueva his next time up. He added a double in the fifth inning and another base hit in the seventh. His perfect night was capped off with a solo home run in the ninth. 

Gonzalez, who has nine homers with 22 RBI, saw his average rise to .313 in the victory. 

Julio Teheran suffers first loss

Carlos Villanueva hit hard by Rockies

The right-hander gave up five runs over his first three frames before Colorado pushed across two more runs in the fifth. 

Villanueva (1-3) also struck out one with no walks. His ERA rose to 3.93. 

Jeff Francis finally earns second win

Not blown away by John Gast

As he did coming up through the minors, Cingrani relied on a solid groundball rate and pinpoint control Tuesday against the Mets, though he just fell short of a quality start. Given what we know about his minor-league record, we should definitely expect Gast to be more like Jake Westbrook, the man he replaced in the rotation, than anything resembling a high-end Fantasy player.

The Cardinals have a long track record of getting the best out of their pitchers, but Gast still looks more like an NL-only Fantasy option, as is the case with most crafty, control specialists. 

Jenrry Mejia yet to start rehab stint

Mejia was scheduled to start his rehab Saturday, but had his outing washed away by rain. Since then he was transferred to the 60-day DL Monday. He was not used during St. Lucie's 4-0 win over Brevard County Tuesday night.

Russell Martin doubles twice in return

Ryan Braun stays hot in return

Mike Fiers takes loss in extras

Ricky Nolasco drops third straight

He allowed five runs in the second and was charged with six runs and seven hits over five innings of work. He struck out five and walked two in a 6-2 defeat.

"I've been doing a good job of staying away from that big crooked inning all year, but it got me today,” Nolasco told The Miami Herald after the game.

Nolasco has watched his ERA rise from 3.82 to 4.89 during his three-start losing skid. He is scheduled to take the hill Sunday at home against the Diamondbacks. He allowed five runs and six hits over five innings of work in his previous meeting with Arizona last season.

Buying back in on Jon Jay

Jay is batting .378 in May, and his improvement can be traced to one very important development: his strikeout rate. After striking out 17 times in 89 at-bats in April, he has struck out just six times in 41 May at-bats.

As long as Jay keeps hitting, cries for Taveras' call-up will be quiet, and he will have a steady job. Jay is a steady hitter who can help any Fantasy owner with his high batting average skills. 

Adam Eaton to play the field Friday

Willie Bloomquist nearing rehab stint

DJ LeMahieu excelling at Triple-A

Juan Nicasio still in rotation

Roy Oswalt could join Double-A next week

Mark Ellis could have brief rehab stint

Jonathan Pettibone stays sharp

The right-hander is expected to make his next start Monday at Miami. He allowed one run and five hits over 6 1/3 innings of work in his lone appearance against the Marlins on May 3.

Homer Bailey looking like a new man

Bailey is striking out a career-high 9.12 batters per nine innings, while displaying his usual sterling control. He has walked just 2.45 batters per nine, and has made the transition to a majority groundball pitcher, after struggling for most of his career with home runs. Generally speaking, if you strike guys out, and don't walk them or allow home runs, you're probably going to have a good time on the mound.

Bailey's improved performance has come with a faster fastball (93.3 miles per hour), as well as an increased reliance on his splitter, the type of pitch that tends to lead to more frequent groundballs. If Bailey can keep this up, the 27-year-old might just live up to his former billing as a top prospect. After a few years of middling play, Bailey is worth starting in most Fantasy formats. 

Matt Kemp moved up to two-hole

Homer Bailey goes the distance for second win

Barry Zito blasted by Blue Jays

Jeff Locke Ks six in no-decision

Looking for more from Votto

Votto went 3 for 4 in the game to raise his batting average, however he had just one RBI in the Reds' baffling lineup construction. Votto is hitting .322 with a .927 on-base plus slugging percentage, but has just 16 RBI because the Reds have been unable to get on base directly ahead of him. The Reds' No. 2 hitters currently have a .269 on-base percentage.

Votto is hitting .333 with runners in scoring position, but has just 11 RBI in 33 at bats. While leadoff man Chin-Soo Choo is one of the league's better on-base threats, the inability of the No. 2 hitters to do anything often leaves Votto moving Choo into scoring position as the third hitter, rather than driving him. Votto also has yet to hit a home run with a runner in scoring position, a trend that should reverse itself before long, given his history.

Fantasy owners obviously want more production from one of the league's premiere hitters, and they can expect him to improve his power potential moving forward, for certain. Whether he ends up getting more opportunities to succeed with runners in scoring position will depend on the Reds realizing that they aren't putting him or their offense in the best position to succeed right now. 

Kyle Lohse avoids fourth straight loss

Carlos Quentin hits fourth homer

Huston Street bounces back for ninth save

Andrew Cashner working deeper into games

Johnny Cueto works scoreless rehab start

The right-hander also did not walk a batter as he continues to recover from lat and oblique injuries. 

"Yeah, I’m feeling ready," Cueto told the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Burch Smith working on off-speed pitches

Ryan Jackson getting noticed in minors

Lance Lynn not concerned with pitch counts

"If we see something early that we don't like, it doesn't matter if it's on pitch 20 or 120, we've got to respond more to what we see and how they feel and the information they give us back. We watch these guys pretty close and see them enough to know when there are little issues, hopefully before they become big issues."

Donovan Solano not ready to swing a bat

Ty Wigginton making impact off the field

Nate Eovaldi will throw 'pen session Thursday

Francisco Peguero seeing more time in minors

Streaking Marco Scutaro gets 'break' at DH

Logan Morrison needs more at-bats before rehab

Giancarlo Stanton not ready for baseball activities

Arodys Vizcaino a couple weeks away

B.J. Upton not as sore as anticipated

Zack Greinke coming back Wednesday

Ted Lilly to make rehab start Wednesday

Mark Ellis ready for rehab assignment

Mike Matheny: Mitchell Boggs needs focus in minors

Brandon Beachy makes first extended spring training start

Ruben Tejada takes a breather

"Hopefully [Daniel] Murphy is breaking out. I wanted to play Ike (Davis). There's only one other spot to go for right now, and that was at shortstop."

Ike Davis in 7-hole vs. lefty

"Tomorrow we'll put him back up there," he said. "I thought he swung the bat better yesterday. I don't want to put him in a situation where yesterday is forgotten -- where we're putting him in a tough spot, such as he was at home in the four-spot. We get a couple of guys on and he doesn't deliver." 

Josh Edgin promoted to Triple-A

Derek Dietrich takes over three-hole

"We've used many combinations this year," Redmond said. "But we're looking for guys to produce, and it seems like all these different combinations we've used seem to produce about the same thing.

"So we'll go with a couple of young guys in the middle of the order that I know will go up there and swing the bat, and we'll see what happens. I'm not scared. I have confidence in them."

Denard Span takes a breather

Luis Valbuena expected back Wednesday

Bryce Harper held out of lineup

Tony Cingrani dealing with shoulder soreness

Scott Atchison moved to disabled list

Mets add Collin McHugh to the bullpen

Sean Gallagher catches on with Rockies

Zack Wheeler scratched from next start

"I think we're being a little conservative," Ricco said, per ESPN.

Wheeler has rebounded after a slow start. He's 2-1 with a 3.74 ERA and .242 opponents' batting average through eight starts. He also has 47 strikeouts in 43 1/3 innings.

Jimmy Rollins having worrisome start

Our Nando Di Fino pointed out during Tuesday’s broadcast of Fantasy Baseball Today that Rollins’ production increase last year coincided with teammates Chase Utley and Ryan Howard’s return to the lineup. Al Melchior said he was worried about strikeouts affecting Rollins' power.

Chris Heisey pulled off rehab stint

Picture becomes clearer for Jonathon Niese

Manager Terry Collins and others within the Mets' organization recently shed some light on the issue. To compensate for a stiff neck earlier in the season, Niese unknowingly changed his arm slot. It sounds reasonable enough. Poor mechanics lead to poor command, and poor command often leads to a shellacking.

Those earlier reports of the Mets encouraging Niese to pitch to contact still concern me a little, but seeing as he was the 30th-best pitcher in Head-to-Head leagues last year, he's worth stashing for now in the hope he irons out his mechanics in his next side session.

B.J. Upton out of lineup day after suffering injury

Upton entered play Tuesday batting .171 (6 for 35) in 11 May games. He's batting .151 through 35 games this season.

Time to drop Josh Beckett?

Beckett could be a candidate for the disabled list after injuring his groin covering first base during Monday’s game. Our Nando Di Fino and Al Melchior discussed their extremely different approaches to handling Beckett’s struggles on Tuesday’s episode of Fantasy Baseball Today. He left Monday’s game early with a groin injury.

Is Carl Crawford 'back?'

"Spare parts?" others chimed in. "How is Crawford a spare part?" The way I see it, anyone who isn't a mainstay is a spare part. So then, is the Dodgers outfielder back to being a mainstay?

The numbers say he is. He's hitting well over .300, stealing bases and showing more power than ever before. But he's also been sitting off and on with a hamstring injury. Is it one of those things that pops up for every player from time to time or a sign that Crawford's body still makes him untrustworthy?

I guess including him under the umbrella of "spare parts" is unfair, knowing what he can do if he stays healthy, but I still don't trust him entirely, ranking him 35th among outfielders.

Mike Adams not recovered from back injury

"Hopefully it kind of goes away here pretty quickly," he said. "It’s kind of weird. I’ve never had anything like it before. I threw that morning and felt fine. I went through BP and the last five minutes of BP it kind of grabbed me."

Adams is 1-3 with a 3.00 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and four holds through 17 appearances.

It's time to add Trevor Rosenthal in deeper leagues

Rosenthal started 48 of his 66 minor-league appearances. Last year, he had a 2.97 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 104 strikeouts in 109 innings. He was in the running for St. Louis' fifth starter spot for most of spring training. St. Louis has a habit of throwing its pitchers out in middle relief for a season (Adam Wainwright, Lance Lynn) before putting them in the rotation, but if things fall apart with Gast, the Cardinals may have a need to skip protocol and turn to Rosenthal.

Gast is unproven and Joe Kelly currently has a 7.71 ERA. Rosenthal's a starter by trade, he's talented, and the team may have a need. Taking a chance on Rosenthal -- owned in 21 percent of leagues -- will, at the very least, still give you a high-strikeout middle reliever. But he has the very rare dual upside of sliding in as a closer or starter before the season is through.  

David Freese trying to get started

Freese has hit safely in the team's last five games, but he hasn't produced in any other areas. Freese has yet to hit a home run this season. Through 85 at-bats, Freese is hitting just .224/.298/.259. For now, he continues to be plugged into the middle of the Cardinals' lineup. He'll hit fourth and play first Tuesday against Mets starter Dillon Gee. 

Now is the time to add Matt Garza

He's been out all this time with a strained lat muscle, but he's probably just one start away from returning to the Cubs' rotation. And once he's there, he's pretty much guaranteed to do everything you're hoping Kazmir will do.

Of course, he has to stay healthy, but prior to last year, he had been a model of good health throughout his career. He's a strikeout-per-inning guy who has seemingly found consistency in the NL. Maybe he won't be an ace pitching for the Cubs, but then again, neither will Kazmir.

Make the move on Garza now before everyone else is clued in.

Kyle Skipworth sent back to minors

He was optioned to the minors to clear a roster spot for Jeff Mathis.

Brewers want Jean Segura long-term

Segura's agent Joe Klein said the team contacted him about a long-term deal, and that the ball is in his court now. Klein admitted it's tough to figure out a fair deal for someone with a small amount of playing time. He added that it would be good if Segura and the team came to an agreement, but classified negotiations as "way on the drawing board."

Segura has certainly helped his cause this season. He's currently hitting .368/.412/.588 in 136 at-bats.

Marco Estrada feeling better indeed

His overall numbers are still uninspiring because of those two shaky starts, but he now has five quality starts in eight, only once issuing more than two walks in a game.

I don't know about you, but I still feel good about Estrada. He had a blip that he's confident he was able to correct, and his performance gives me no reason to doubt him. With his strikeout-to-walk ratio, he gets the benefit of whatever doubt I may have anyway. For me, he's back to being a more-weeks-than-not type in Fantasy.

Did Tony Cingrani tip the Reds' hand?

Now, maybe he said that because he's a young guy who has yet to learn that brutal honesty is no way to avoid controversy when addressing the media. Or maybe, and perhaps more likely, he said it because that's what the Reds have hinted to him all along.

I wish I knew for sure one way or the other, by knowing manager Dusty Baker's preference for veterans and recognizing that Mike Leake hasn't been that bad with Cueto out, I'm thinking I wouldn't be surprised either.

Shopping Cingrani in single-season leagues isn't the craziest idea if you can get something worthwhile, like Alexi Ogando or Hyun-Jin Ryu, in return.

Brian McCann's playing time his only hindrance

Now, he just needs to prove he can handle his usual workload.

If he keeps hitting like that, the Braves will realize his high-contact bat is more valuable than ever in a lineup full of free swingers, and they'll play him. That's how I see it anyway, and my rankings now reflect it. McCann is now ninth among catchers, with room to rise from there.

Jeff Mathis comes off 15-day DL

Oscar Taveras' injury not considered serious

Manager Mike Matheny said he's not concerned about the injury, and that Taveras will likely miss a few days. Every test the team performed on the injury came back clean. Taveras is currently at Triple-A Memphis, but is expected to play a role on the big league club this season.

Jonathan Lucroy gets a breather

Lucroy will receive a normal day of rest, and should return Wednesday. He'll be replaced by Martin Maldonado, who will bat eighth. Lucroy has struggled this season, and is hitting .216/.264/.333 in 111 at-bats. 

Russell Martin returns to lineup

Martin hasn't played since May 9 with neck soreness. Martin will bat seventh, and face Brewers starter Kyle Lohse. Martin is hitting .263/.358/.526 in 95 at-bats this season. 

Rickie Weeks returns to Brewers' lineup

Weeks will bat seventh for the second straight start. He received a routine day off Monday. He's struggled this season, hitting just .181/.302/.276 in 127 at-bats. 

Chase Utley gets third day off

Utley, who had a season-high four hits Sunday against the Diamondbacks, is batting .273 (12 for 44) with two home runs, three doubles, five RBI, six walks and six runs in 12 May games.

Ryan Braun back in Brewers' lineup

Braun needed a day off to rest his neck Monday, but it wasn't thought to be serious. The neck soreness hasn't impacted his production. Braun is hitting .306/.396/.579 in 121 at-bats. He'll face Pirates hurler Jeff Locke in his return.

Scott Hairston gets the nod Tuesday

With lefty Jeff Francis on the mound, Hairston gets the call. He's platooned with Nate Schierholtz most of the season. Hairston will hit fifth and play right field Tuesday. He's hitting .136/.167/.386 in 44 at-bats.

Jay Bruce not in Reds' lineup

Bruce was starting to heat up, with seven hits in his last five games. He's started 38 games for the team this season, and is likely just receiving a normal day off. Donald Lutz will start in right field and bat seventh in Bruce's absence. 

Mets GM: Zack Wheeler not a Super-2 case

"What I said before with respect to Wheeler ... there will be a time when his performance converges with our need," he told WFAN in New York. "I'm not here to say we don't need him at this point, but we have to make (sure) that we're comfortable and that he will be comfortable and that we don't set him back in his development and ultimately his career in New York."

Alderson said he would prefer to bring along the 22-year-old Wheeler in a similar fashion to Harvey, who made his MLB debut last July after dominating the Triple-A level. The promising right-hander has displayed marked improvement recently in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, allowing just three runs over his past three starts (20 innings).

"What we want to do, in Wheeler's case, is what we did with Harvey," the third-year GM said. "That is to create the right moment for him to begin his major-league career and have success from the outset, and go forward. That doesn't mean bringing him up in July. ... We want to make sure that he has the best chance to succeed and he's not viewed as the savior of the Mets."

Adam LaRoche pushes streak to 10 games

Ryan Zimmerman doing fine since DL activation

Zimmerman is batting .281 (9 for 32) with one triple, two doubles, two stolen bases, five RBI, six walks, seven runs and 10 strikeouts in nine games since being activated off the disabled list in early May.

Logan Morrison says knee is 'holding up'

"June 1 is what I’m shooting for," Morrison said. "My knee’s holding up fine. And the bat’s coming along. But I still have a ways to go."

Cardinals' starters going deeper into games

The rotation is a averaging 101.5 pitches per start. No other National League rotation has averaged over 100 pitches per start. The team's rotation has the second best FIP in baseball, with a 2.81 mark. The high pitch counts may be a result of the team's success in the rotation. It also shows the Cardinals are willing to let their starters go deeper in games if they are experiencing success. The team has already seen Adam Wainwright and Shelby Miller turn in complete games.

It's impossible to accurately predict complete games or shutouts for Fantasy purposes, but it's encouraging to know the Cardinals will let their starters throw a higher workload if things are going well.

Bryce Harper day to day with bruised shoulder, knee

"Will be sore but fine. Day to day," Rizzo said.

Adrian Gonzalez extends hitting streak in return

Gonzalez is batting .382 (13 for 34) with one double, two home runs and nine RBI during his 10-game hit streak.

Cody Ross bringing up average in May

After batting .267 in April, Ross is batting .333 (11 for 33) with one home run, two doubles, two RBI, four walks and five runs in 10 May games. Ross is batting .290 through 27 games.

Chris Johnson's numbers tailing off in May

Johnson snapped a 0-for-18 skid with a single in the third inning, the Braves' first hit. He hit a two-run homer to cap Atlanta's three-run fifth inning and added a out-out double in the sixth inning. he now has three home runs, eight doubles and 12 RBI.

Johnson is batting .143 (3 for 21) through seven May games after batting .369 in 22 April games.

Dan Uggla trying to end another cold streak

Uggla is batting .250 (11 for 44) with one double, two triples, three home runs, five RBI, six walks, 12 runs and 14 strikeouts in 12 May games.

Brian McCann having no issues since DL activation

Since coming off the disabled list May 6, McCann is batting .333 (7 for 21) with a .762 slugging percentage, three home runs and 10 RBI in six games.

Freddie Freeman yet to hit like he did this spring

However, Freeman has managed two home runs and a .402 slugging percentage in 25 games after hitting seven home runs and slugging .658 in 76 at-bats during spring training.

Wade Miley fades the deeper he pitches in games

"I was sort of messing up," Miley said. "Early in the game I was hitting spots and pitching down in the zone but then, just like that, I couldn't get it down anymore. I left pitches up and they capitalized."

Miley allowed seven runs, which were the second-most in his career. According to MLB.com, entering the game Miley had held hitters to a .178 batting average on his first 45 pitches but batters had hit .353 from his 46th pitch on.

"He didn't make the pitches he needed to make," Arizona manager Kirk Gibson said. "This team, you don't want to give them anything because you know they are going to hit a home run. That is what they do well. We put guys on and they hit home runs."

Daniel Hudson looking at late June return?

Hudson is projected to be out until the All-Star break in July, but the paper suggests Hudson might be back before the end of June.

Didi Gregorius having little trouble with transition

Gregorius said repeated repetitions during batting practice have helped him develop chemistry no matter who his double-play partner might be.

"We always take a lot of ground balls. I just talk to them and tell them where I like the ball, ask them where they want the ball, where they prefer it in this situation and that situation," Gregorius said, per The Arizona Republic. "For me, it doesn’t matter who plays second base. As long as we get good communication going, it’s good."

Manager Kirk Gibson has been impressed with Gregorius' quick transition to the majors.

"He’s very good at turning double plays out there," Gibson said. "He’s got an electric arm. We’ve turned some double plays where he’s put some turbo on it. He’s got tools, he’s got abilities, he can do a lot of things for us. It’s certainly something that we need on this team."

Paul Goldschmidt not just a threat at the plate

However, manager Kirk Gibson cautions opposing teams from doing that because Goldschmidt can not only get it done at the plate, but he has deceptive speed on the base paths.

"If they’re going to pitch around him, then one good thing about having Goldy up -- his running game’s pretty good, too," Gibson said, per The Arizona Republic. "So if they’re going to do that, then they might have to deal with him in a different regard."

Goldschmidt, who finally got his first day off Sunday, slugged his 10th home run Monday and is batting .378 (14 for 37) with five home runs and 13 RBI in 12 May games.

"Obviously, he’s a great player and a really tough out," outfielder Cody Ross said. "A lot of times, pitchers are going to pitch around him, so there definitely needs to be some protection coming out of the fourth hole."

Chris Heisey left rehab game with discomfort in hamstring

Heisey appeared to re-injure the area early in Monday's game and was taken out after just one inning. The Reds expect to know more about the setback Tuesday, according to director of media relations Jamie Ramsey. It was Heisey's first game back after injuring his hamstring in late April. 

Josh Beckett could land on DL

"I threw about 10 pitches after that," he said. "My groin hadn't been bothering me. I don't think I've ever had groin problems."

Mattingly also hinted that Beckett has been dealing with other "things," but the veteran brushed off those concerns. Still, Beckett remained winless on the season (0-5) after permitting at least two runs and two walks for the fifth consecutive start -- all while failing to exceed six innings.

"I've been healthy enough to pitch and that's what I've been telling them," he said. "If you tell them you're healthy enough to pitch, you're healthy enough to go out there and give your team a chance to win. I don't feel like I'm doing a good job of that. I've just got to make better pitches right now. I really don't feel like the mental side of that part is where I'm struggling. It really just boils down to making pitches."

John Gast is no Tony Cingrani

My point was that the Cardinals' choice to start Tuesday's agame is an overlooked minor-league pitcher putting up sub-2.00 ERA in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, much like Cingrani did in the hitter-friendly California League last year. Oh, and he's a left-hander who hides the ball well. But that's the full extent of the comparison.

As commenter "Mrbeaglesworth" points out, Gast doesn't throw nearly as hard as Cingrani and likely won't have as much staying power. I'd pick him up in deeper leagues just in case he's this year's Mike Fiers, who baffled major-leaguers for a dozen starts last year before his inferior stuff caught up to him. But that's it.

Drew Pomeranz succeeding thanks to changeup

Pomeranz has struck out 44 batters, walked 14 and has allowed three home runs through 39 2/3 innings.

"Drew has done a great job developing his changeup," Colorado Springs pitching coach Dave Schuler said, per The Denver Post. "When he pitches in the big leagues, he'll face mostly right-handed hitters, and for a left-handed pitcher, a change up is very important. He definitely has the pitches to be in the big leagues."

Pomeranz has struggled in his first two stints in the major leagues. He's 4-10 with a 5.01 ERA through 26 starts, but the Rockies are far from giving up on the left-handed hurler. Rockies director of player development Jeff Bridich said Pomeranz's struggles were because he was "rushed to the major leagues." Even Colorado Springs manager Glenallen Hill, who was a Rockies coach the last two years, sees a more confident pitcher this year.

"This year Drew has a clear understanding of who he is and where he wants to go," Hill said. "He's learned that he doesn't have to force anything."

Martin Prado looking to jump-start offense

Prado entered play Monday mired in a 3-for-20 slump in his previous six games, which dropped his average to .223. He bounced back Monday with a 2-for-2 performance, which included his sixth double and one walk.

"I was trying to make them believe in what I can do, but it wasn't working," Prado said, per MLB.com. "I was trying to be someone else."

Patrick Corbin 'maturing' into reliable arm

"Just maturing and understanding his abilities," Gibson said, per MLB.com. "He has developed his pitches and he's much better at locating them. His velocity has ticked up a bit too because he's growing into his frame. He understands game plans and executes them. He's just good at all facets. He's highly competitive and he's not intimidated by any situation."

J.R. Graham leaves Double-A start

Graham is hopeful he will make his next start this weekend.

"It feels good," Graham said. "I had a little discomfort and was pulled for precautionary reasons. I went back with the trainer and tested it out and it was fine. Just something didn't feel right when I was throwing, nothing specific ... just while I was warming up. There was no prior discomfort."

Braves general manager Frank Wren said Graham was pulled for "precautionary" reasons and he "tested well." 

"I will get it checked out and hopefully I'll be ready for my next start," Graham said. "My trainer said my strength and flexibility and range of motion were fine. I'll wait until (Tuesday) and ... just see how it goes."

Graham, who entered the season as the Braves' fourth-best prospect by MLB.com, is 1-3 with a 4.04 ERA and .283 opponents' batting average through eight starts.

Christian Yelich has 'chance to be a great player'

"His day is coming, when it's going to be I'm not sure. He had a great spring and he's a great player, special player," Redmond said. "He's got a chance to be a great player, part of the youth movement and he'll be here at some point."

Manager expects Logan Morrison to return around June 1

"LoMo is just starting to play some (extended spring) games," Redmond said. "This week, he's going to start playing defense. He's available right around June 1."

Matt Carpenter reaches base three times

Carpenter hit two singles and walked during the game. He scored and drove in two runs. Carpenter is hitting .294/.373/.449 in 136 at-bats. Jon Jay had a brief run in the leadoff spot, but the team has gone back to Carpenter recently, so he should continue to get a lot of at-bats. 

Matt Holliday hits sixth home run

Holliday took a Scott Atchison slider out to left field in the bottom of the seventh inning for a two-run homer. He added a single earlier in the game, and scored two total runs. He's hitting .271/.369/.450 in 129 at-bats.

Jean Segura swipes three bags

Segura singled in his first three plate appearances of the night, and swiped second after each hit. Though he was on base three times, Segura did not score any runs. He's hitting .368/.412/.588 in 136 at-bats. 

Norichika Aoki collects three hits

Aoki doubled in the first and fifth inning, and came around to score both times. He later singled in a run in the ninth inning. Aoki also reached base on an error, and managed to steal two bases, giving him six on the season. He's now hitting .299/.377/.445 in 137 at-bats.

Bryce Harper gets 11 stitches

Jordan Zimmermann racking up wins

B.J. Upton doubts he'll play Tuesday

Josh Beckett not getting it done

Justin Upton has big day against former team

Mike Minor pitching well in May

Wade Miley lets it get away

Alfonso Soriano showing his power

Jeremy Hefner quality in no-decision

B.J. Upton leaves with shoulder contusion

Bryce Harper leaves after colliding with wall

Jenrry Mejia yet to begin rehab stint

Scott Atchison likely headed to DL

No discipline for Kurt Suzuki

Chris Heisey leaves rehab game early

Jayson Werth almost ready for rehab stint

Manny Parra pitches at Double-A

Jason Heyward could be activated Friday

Travis Wood lowers ERA to 2.03

Josh Rutledge helps Rockies avoid shutout

With Colorado down 9-0 in the top of the ninth and Carlos Marmol on for the Cubs, Rutledge hit a solo homer to put the Rockies on the board. The homer was his fifth of the season and his 11th RBI. 

Rutledge went 1 for 3 with a walk in the game. He's batting .241. Rutledge has two homers and two RBI over his last 10 games. 

Juan Nicasio suffers first losing decision

Mark Ellis almost ready for rehab assignment

The infielder continues to progress from his strained right quad injury, though he has not yet run at full speed. He will travel with the club to Atlanta for a three-game series beginning Friday. 

Jerry Hairston almost ready to rehab

Hairston has been working out in Arizona at the Dodgers' spring training facility. He'll join the rest of the club in Atlanta and could start his rehab assignment with Mark Ellis at Double-A Chattanooga. 

Ted Lilly nearing rehab assignment

Lilly threw a bullpen session Saturday for the first time since receiving an injection in his right rib cage April 30. 

"I think Teddy's feeling pretty good," manager Don Mattingly said before Monday's game against the Nationals. "He's not feeling anything with his neck or his side right now. So we're moving where we want to go with him."

A.J. Burnett Ks six but takes loss

Jim Henderson sporting 1.13 ERA

Marco Estrada gets back in win column

Neil Walker posts 0-fer in return

Carlos Gomez productive in return

Edward Mujica reaches double-digit saves