Long balls burn Garza for second loss: Cubs pitcher Matt Garza endured his worst outing of the year in Monday's series opener against the Astros. He allowed seven runs on five hits with two walks over three innings of work in the 8-4 loss. The right-hander surrendered a three-run homer to Jason Castro in the second. Then in the third, he gave up an RBI single to Carlos Lee before Brian Bogusevic hit a three-run shot off Garza. He was done after throwing 72 pitches, 42 for strikes. Garza also struck out two while taking his second loss of the season. ''That was not Matt Garza pitching,'' manager Dale Sveum said. ''I don't know; it was strange. It's not the Matt Garza I've seen. It seems like he got out of whack somehow.'' (Updated 05/21/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/22/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Garza had gone 1-0 with a 1.75 ERA over his last four starts but he could not keep many runs off the board Monday. He has taken the loss in both of the outings he has given up more than two earned runs but a lack of run support has left the 28-year-old with just two wins. Garza posted a career high in strikeouts in his first campaign in the National League and should approach those numbers again this season so keep him active in most Fantasy formats heading into his second start of Week 8 (May 21-27). He is scheduled to pitch again on Sunday against the Pirates. In two starts against Pittsburgh a year ago, Garza went 1-0 with a 1.93 ERA. (Updated 05/21/2012).
05/20/2012 22:47 The Lineup: Lucroy explodes, Yu vs. King Felix on tap for Monday
3 Up, 3 Down; On Deck; Pepper. It's The Lineup. Today's version gives some love to Jonathan Lucroy, Ryan Cook and Scott Van Slyke. We also look ahead to Yu Darvish vs. Felix Hernandez and have a video of an instant replay FAIL in Japan.
05/20/2012 19:47 Hit Parade for Week 8
Some catchers have been bitten by the injury bug in recent days, leaving some owners scrambling. Our Scott White shares some recommendations and helps set your lineups for Week 8 in his Hit Parade.
05/20/2012 08:36 Top 70 starters for Week 8
A lot to take into consideration before setting your pitching staffs for Fantasy Week 8. Our Al Melchior runs through his Top 70 starting options and has all the matchups.
05/13/2012 09:41 Top 70 starters for Week 7
A full slate of games in Fantasy Week 7, with seven games on tap for each team. Our Al Melchior breaks down the interleague implications and helps set your rotations in his SHuffling the Rotations.
05/12/2012 01:46 Hart lifts Brewers over Cubs in 13th
Corey Hart hit an RBI single in the 13th inning to give the Milwaukee Brewers an 8-7 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Friday.
Despite being involved in many trade rumors this offseason, Matt Garza will be a part of the Cubs' rotation in 2012 and will look to build upon a successful first season in the National League. After being acquired from the Rays in the previous offseason, the right-hander posted a 3.32 ERA in 32 starts and struck out a career-high 197 in 198 innings. He also walked just 63 batters for the second straight year and recorded a 1.26 WHIP. A lack of run support left him with just 10 wins and with the way the Cubs' offense looks heading into this season, that could be a common theme for Garza. Still, his ability to strike out nearly a batter per inning with a respectable ERA will made him a commodity on Draft Day so target Garza in the middle rounds of mixed leagues. Keep in mind that the 28-year-old could be dealt as the trade deadline nears, however. (Updated 1/30/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
= probable start