Home runs cost Samardzija: Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija (4-2) surrendered three runs and six hits in 7 1/3 innings during a 3-2 loss to the White Sox in an interleague matchup on Friday. Samardzija struck out eight batters and walked two as he suffered his first loss in his past five games. All of his runs allowed came on a pair of homers -- the first time he's been taken deep multiple time this year -- as he yielded his most runs since April 19 at Miami (five). (Updated 05/18/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/23/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Samardzija had been a model of consistency for the Cubs entering Friday's game as he had not allowed more than one run in his previous four starts to shave his ERA to 2.89. The right-hander has also been strong with his strikeout totals and fanned at least six batters over that four-game stretch. Armed with an explosive fastball, Samardzija is ranked fourth in the National League with 53 total strikeouts in 51 innings. Fantasy owners should keep him active for his next scheduled start Wednesday at Houston. He is 2-1 with a 5.06 ERA in four road starts this season. (Updated 05/18/2012).
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.
05/18/2012 17:26 Beckham's HR the difference for Sox
Gordon Beckham hit a tie-breaking homer in the eighth inning Friday and the Chicago White Sox overcame the loss of star Paul Konerko to beat the Chicago Cubs 3-2 in what was likely Kerry Wood's final major league game.
05/18/2012 16:49 Kerry Wood ends his career with a K
Cubs reliever Kerry Wood struck out the only batter he faced, Dayan Viciedo, in his last appearance in the big leagues in Friday's game against the White Sox. It was reported before the game that Wood would retire following the game.
05/18/2012 16:22 David DeJesus called out after Gordon Beckham's tackle
Cubs outfielder David DeJesus was called out after White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham pushed him off the bag at second during Friday's game at Wrigley Field.
After spending most of his major-league career in the bullpen, Jeff Samardzija will be given a chance to start in 2012 and will compete for a spot in the rotation during the spring. He posted a 2.97 ERA in 75 appearances as a reliever a year ago, and struck out 87 in 88 innings pitched. While he also walked 50 over that span, the right-hander gave up just 64 hits and won a career-high eight games. Samardzija spent most of his college and minor-league career as a starter so getting stretched out for his new role should not be an issue. And with the way the back end of the Cubs' rotation is shaping up, he has a decent shot at becoming the fourth or fifth starter. Keep an eye on how he does during camp and consider Samardzija a worthwhile option in NL-only formats on Draft Day. (Updated 2/14/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
= probable start