Zambrano faces first struggles: Marlins starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano was roughed up for the first time this season on Wednesday against the Rockies, as he was tagged for seven runs in five innings in an 8-4 loss. Zambrano allowed five hits and three walks in the game, with all but one of his baserunners crossing the plate, while striking out just three batters. He allowed his fourth home run of the season, a three-run shot to Troy Tulowitzki in the fifth inning with two outs that broke the game open. It was just the second time in nine starts this season that Zambrano has not given the Marlins a quality start, dropping his record to 2-3 on the season. (Updated 05/23/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/25/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Zambrano has now walked eight batters over the last two starts, compared to just five walks, so this start should not have come as a surprise, even given his strong performance all season long. He has been a very pleasant surprise this season, however that are some reasons to think he might be due for some regression, as he has a career-low. Heading into Fantasy Week 9 (May 28-June 3), he is set to start twice, against the Nationals on Monday and then the Phillies on Sunday. Both teams are currently below average offenses for the National League, so consider him a viable starting option in most mixed leagues for the scoring period. (Updated 05/23/2012).
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.
05/17/2012 22:12 Beachy stops Marlins, earns first shutout
Brandon Beachy improved his major-league best ERA with a couple of career milestones and the Atlanta Braves beat the Miami Marlins 7-0 on Thursday night.
05/17/2012 17:31 Santana's single bails out Indians in 11th
Carlos Santana hit a game-ending single with one out and the bases loaded in the 11th inning, capping a two-run rally and lifting the Cleveland Indians to a 6-5 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Thursday.
05/15/2012 19:47 Dear Mr. Fantasy: What to do with Sir Albert?
Albert Pujols is a hot topic these days. Is it time to flip him for players who are actually producing? Our Scott White touches on how to approach Sir Albert and more in his latest Dear Mr. Fantasy.
05/14/2012 20:36 Zambrano is being added at a higher rate
Miami pitcher Carlos Zambrano is one of the most added players in CBSSports.com leagues. The Fantasy Baseball 360 crew has all the analysis.
Carlos Zambrano has always had a colorful personality, but when he was pitching well, the Cubs were willing to overlook his antics. Unfortunately, he doesn't pitch so well anymore. The heavy workloads early in his career have taken a toll on his arm, making him more hittable than his walk rate can survive. So when an ejection in Atlanta last August led to him cleaning out his locker and half-heartedly declaring his retirement, the Cubs weren't amused. They put him on the restricted list and basically said he wouldn't pitch in a Cubs uniform again. Fortunately, Zambrano still had a fan in new Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen, who convinced the Miami front office to bring in Zambrano at a bargain basement price. Now, pitching for a manager as prone to meltdowns as he is, Zambrano might strangely be in his comfort zone. He's not necessarily a lost cause in Fantasy, having gone 8-0 with a 1.41 ERA over his final 11 starts in 2010. Still, given his escalating WHIP over the last few years, you can't expect him to procure an ERA below 4.00. Zambrano is at best a late-rounder in mixed leagues. (Updated 2/9/12)