Wheels come off for Zito: Giants starting pitcher Barry Zito has made a surprising return to Fantasy relevance in the early going this season, however he suffered through his worst start of the season on Wednesday against the Brewers, allowing six runs in the first inning and was pulled after just three innings pitched. He allowed eight runs overall -- four earned -- as the defense let him down early and he struggled with command throughout. He played a part in the defensive problems, throwing away a potential sacrifice out in the first inning that allowed a runner to move to third. Ultimately, Zito needed 83 pitches to get through three innings, allowing five hits and four walks, including two doubles and a home run, as the Giants lost 8-5 and Zito’s record fell to 3-2 on the season. (Updated 05/23/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/25/12).
Fantasy Analysis
It could have been worse for Zito, as only the four runs were charged to him, however he was every bit as bad as his line indicated. He has been a surprise this season, posting a 3.53 ERA through nine starts, however the underlying peripherals have not been promising. Zito has walked 25 in 51 innings, while striking out just 31 batters. Zito has been propped up by a career-low batting average on balls in play of .239, almost 30 points lower than his career mark. He has been serviceable so far this season despite the ugly peripherals, and he could remain a viable Fantasy option for Week 9 (May 28-June 3), as he is set to start twice. His first start comes against a Diamondbacks team on Monday that he had a quality start against earlier this season, so consider him a low-end Fantasy option for deeper mixed leagues. (Updated 05/23/2012).
05/19/2012 01:51 Giants' Zito beats former team
Barry Zito outdid his old Oakland team, Brandon Belt drove in three runs, and the San Francisco Giants beat the Oakland Athletics in the Bay Bridge Series opener 8-6 on Friday night
05/17/2012 14:59 By the Numbers: Weighing in on the Chens
Which starting pitchers have ratios that suggest a correction -- good or bad -- is in their immediate future? Our Al Melchior shares some buy-low and sell-high starting pitchers in his By the Numbers.
05/13/2012 19:05 Cabrera, Blanco carry Giants to win
Melky Cabrera singled four times to extend his hitting streak to 11 games, Gregor Blanco drove in three runs with a pair of hits and the San Francisco Giants beat Arizona 7-3 on Sunday to take two of three from the Diamondbacks.
With the trade of Jonathan Sanchez to the Royals, Barry Zito appears to have regained the rotation spot he lost during the 2011 season. Zito exited the rotation in April with a sprained foot and after a brief midseason return, he went back on the DL for another six weeks. When Zito finally came back for good in September, he was used out of the bullpen, as manager Bruce Bochy opted to stick with rookie Eric Surkamp. Fortunately for Zito, Surkamp struggled in his first big league stint, so the team plans on bringing Zito back as their fifth starter out of spring training. Perhaps due to his foot injury, Zito's already questionable command took a turn for the worse last season. He should be healthy to start the 2012 campaign, but it remains to be seen if he will improve enough to hold onto a starting role. Even with a rebound, Zito is merely an NL-only option and given his recent struggles, he should be a late-round target in those formats. (Updated 2/21/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
= probable start