Chen suffers first major league defeat: Baltimore starter Wei-Yin Chen had his worst performance in the United States on Sunday afternoon in Washington. Attempting to move to 5-0 to start his career in the majors, Chen instead suffered his first defeat as Stephen Strasburg and the Nationals took one of three from the Orioles in the series. Chen dropped to 4-1 on his career as he gave up a season-high six earned runs on eight hits and three walks over a season-low 4 1/3 innings pitched. Chen didn't have the same command he's been pitching with on Sunday as he needed 92 pitches and couldn't get out of the fifth. Chen allowed back-to-back homers to Jesus Flores and the pitcher Strasburg in the fourth, and raised his ERA to 3.35 on the year with the loss. (Updated 05/20/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/25/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Chen, who tweaked his right non-pitching wrist on a swing in the game, proved Sunday that it won't be all roses every time he takes the hill for the Orioles. This could have been assumed, but Chen definitely is human. He had not allowed more than three earned runs in any of his previous seven outings in the majors, however, and we feel he should be able to bounce back. Chen has already proven that he has the ability to get deep in games and to limit the damage done against him. Everyone is entitled to an off start and Chen can continue to be looked at in deeper mixed Fantasy leagues heading into Week 8 (May 21-27). Chen makes his next start on Saturday against Kansas City. The wrist should not be an issue. "It was just hurting, my right wrist," he said. "I'm still lucky that I can still pitch. When I swing, it hurts a little bit, but it didn't bother me throwing pitches. It's not a big deal. I just need a couple days rest. It didn't bother me at all (pitching)." (Updated 05/20/2012).
05/23/2012 12:42 Zach Britton to make rehab start Saturday
Orioles starting pitcher Zach Britton will make his first injury rehab start Saturday in Double-A, according to manager Buck Showalter (via School of Roch). He will make at least two rehab starts before the Orioles consider the next step. Britton has been on the shelf all season with a shoulder injury.
05/20/2012 18:16 Strasburg hits first HR, beats O's, Chen
Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg hit his first major league homer Sunday, connecting in the fourth inning against Baltimore left-hander Wei-Yin Chen.
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.
A 26-year-old veteran of the Japanese Central League, Taiwanese lefty Wei-Yin Chen signed with the Orioles back in January on a three-year deal worth $11.3 million. Chen is targeted for a spot in Baltimore's rotation, though he had also been used in Japan as a reliever. With a low-90s fastball, Chen is unlikely to overpower hitters, but he has a history of good control. The Orioles have a crowded pitching situation, so there is a chance that Chen could begin the season in the minors. Between his lack of a guaranteed job, mediocre strikeout potential and a challenging transition to the majors, Chen is a risky choice for owners in most mixed leagues. However, he could wind up being a useful arm for AL-only owners. (Updated 3/7/12)