Volstad dropped from rotation: A day after his latest poor performance, Cubs starting pitcher Chris Volstad (0-6) was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Friday, according to MLB.com. Volstad lasted just two innings -- his shortest outing of the season -- and permitted four runs and six hits during Chicago's 8-7 loss to Philadelphia. He also walked three batters and struck out two -- the third straight game he's finished with more walks than strikeouts. The Cubs selected the contract of catcher Blake Lalli from Iowa to take Volstad's spot on the roster. (Updated 05/18/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/23/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Volstad has flopped since being obtained from the Marlins in the offseason in exchange for Carlos Zambrano. The right-hander, once considered a top prospect with Miami, is winless in eight starts this season and owns a woeful 7.46 ERA. He has surrendered at least three runs in every start this season as his ERA has not dropped below 4.91. Chicago did not indicate who would take Volstad's rotation spot for Tuesday's game against Houston, but Travis Wood is the likely candidate. Volstad should not be owned in any Fantasy format for now. (Updated 05/18/2012).
05/17/2012 23:22 Phils hang on, Halladay's drought ends
Roy Halladay threw eight strong innings for his first win in a month and the Philadelphia Phillies held on for an 8-7 victory against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday night.
05/13/2012 00:31 The Lineup: David Wright is doing all right
We all know what Josh Hamilton is doing, but he's not the only one hitting better than .400, as David Wright had four hits on Saturday to push his average to .402. While Jose Bautista started slow, he's heating up, thanks to his return to Minnesota.
05/12/2012 17:08 Maysonet's first slam boosts Brewers
Shaun Marcum pitched seven strong innings and Edwin Maysonet hit his first career grand slam Saturday to lead the Milwaukee Brewers to a 8-2 win over the Chicago Cubs.
05/05/2012 16:19 Capuano boosts Dodgers with ball, bat
Chris Capuano threw seven shutout innings and drove in two runs to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 5-1 win over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday.
Following four years of inconsistent production, the Marlins dealt starting pitcher Chris Volstad to the Cubs in exchange for Carlos Zambrano during the offseason. It was an abrupt end to a disappointing era for the former top prospect in Miami as he failed to produce after his quality rookie season. Volstad registered a sharp 2.88 ERA in 15 appearances (14 starts) during his first major league campaign in 2008 but was unable to follow up that showing and consistently frustrated Fantasy owners. The young right-hander has failed to record an ERA lower than 4.58 in each of the past three seasons as he compiled an unimpressive 26-35 record in 88 starts during that span. Volstad has been hampered repeatedly by home runs and was taken deep a staggering 69 times over the past three years. Now, he faces a difficult task pitching at blustery Wrigley Field and is not assured of a spot in the starting rotation. Fantasy owners should consider him an option in the later rounds of NL-only formats if he secures a starting role. (Updated 2/21/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
= probable start