Offense blossoming for S-Rod: Rays infielder Sean Rodriguez has been making some impressive defensive stops at third base since replacing the injured Evan Longoria, which included a backhanded stop of a David Ross grounder Sunday against the Braves. However, Rodriguez's shift in offense is what has impressed manager Joe Maddon. Rodriguez has hit safely in 16 of his last 18 games, producing a .322 average, three homers, four doubles, eight RBI and nine runs in that span. "He's just good, very athletic,'' Maddon said, as reported by the Tampa Tribune. "It looked like (Ross' ball) was beyond him, but what Sean does never surprises me. The difference is he's having much better at-bats. He's playing at a very high level.'' (Updated 05/21/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/25/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Rodriguez is finally showing the type of offensive potential many have envisioned from him for years. He usually has strong springs to only disappoint during the regular season. But people might not know but Rodriguez was a pretty good offensive player in the minors. Rodriguez had a career .501 slugging percentage in the minors and had a .620 slugging percentage in 175 games at the Triple-A level. His MLB track record has been suspect, which is why Fantasy owners have been hesitant to jump on the bandwagon. But if you are looking for infield help, then consider taking a flier on Rodriguez. You might as well ride the hot hand. (Updated 05/21/2012).
05/23/2012 14:54 Setting the Trends: Injuries creating unlikely scenarios
Dayan Viciedo, Sean Rodriguez and Felipe Paulino are drawing the attention of Fantasy owners these days. Our Nando Di Fino breaks down the players you are scooping up in his Setting the Trends.
05/22/2012 18:21 Rodriguez is being added at a high rate
Rays shortstop Sean Rodriguez is one of the most added players in CBSSports.com leagues. The Fantasy Baseball 360 crew has all the analysis.
05/20/2012 19:47 Hit Parade for Week 8
Some catchers have been bitten by the injury bug in recent days, leaving some owners scrambling. Our Scott White shares some recommendations and helps set your lineups for Week 8 in his Hit Parade.
05/19/2012 19:27 Joyce's slam boosts Cobb, Rays
Alex Cobb won his first start of the season, Matt Joyce hit a grand slam and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Atlanta Braves 5-2 on Saturday.
05/15/2012 21:56 Rays battle back to beat Blue Jays
David Price won for the fifth time in six starts, Sean Rodriguez homered and the Tampa Bay Rays rallied from a 3-0 deficit to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 4-3 Tuesday night.
After a career campaign in 2010, Sean Rodriguez took a step back last season while seeing his most extensive playing time in the majors. He batted just .223 with a .308 on-base percentage in the first half and ended the year hitting with the same average. While he was able to hit eight home runs with 36 RBI in a career-high 131 games, it did not match up to the nine home runs and .251 average he posted the year before. Rodriguez enters this season with a chance to be the everyday shortstop in Tampa Bay but he will have to beat out Reid Brignac to do so. The Rays have been high on the 26-year-old for some time but he has yet to break out the way Fantasy owners thought he would. Keep an eye on how he does during the spring as he would be worth a look in deeper mixed leagues if playing every day. But as a backup infielder or serving in a platoon role, Rodriguez will hold value solely in AL-only formats. (Updated 2/8/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
