Saltalamacchia not slowed down: Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia went 3 for 4 with a home run during Boston's 7-5 win over Philadelphia in an interleague matchup on Saturday night. Saltalamacchia remained in the lineup after receiving 12 stitches in his left ear after a pitch from Daniel Bard ricocheted off his ear during Friday's game. "It hurts. But as far as any kind of pain moving or hitting or anything, it doesn't bother me," he told MLB.com. (Updated 05/19/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/25/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Saltalamacchia's three-hit outing was his fourth multihit performance over his past six games to raise his batting average to .283. He now has six home runs this season and isn't expected to be affected by the ear laceration. "It was definitely scary anytime it hits you in the head like that," Saltalamacchia said. "It was pretty direct on after it hit off my arm. I went to the doctor [Friday] night, went to the hospital, and they said everything came back negative, no signs of any concussions or anything." Consider Saltalamacchia a viable option in deeper Fantasy formats for now. (Updated 05/19/2012).
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.
05/20/2012 16:44 Beckett, Red Sox manhandle Phillies
Josh Beckett pitched 7 2/3 strong innings and Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit a three-run homer to lead the Boston Red Sox to a 5-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday.
05/20/2012 02:30 The Lineup: Pair of Red Sox combine for 26 letters, 2 HRs
The Red Sox set an odd record on Saturday, as Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Will Middlebrooks both homered to set a new record for most total number of letters by teammates to homer in the same game. Meanwhile, Nationals pitcher Ross Detwiler may be looking over his shoulder in D.C.
05/19/2012 22:50 Hot bats lead Red Sox over Phillies
David Ortiz homered, singled and drove in two runs to lead the Boston Red Sox to a 7-5 win over Philadelphia, snapping the Phillies' six-game winning streak Saturday night.
Ever since arriving in the majors as a highly touted prospect in 2007, Jarrod Saltalamacchia's career has sputtered in starts and fits. He finally appeared to get his career on track in 2011, as the Red Sox handed him the starting catcher's job. Starting more than 90 games behind the plate for the first time in his career, Salty clouted 16 homers and drove in 56 runs, but he still has yet to demonstrate the strike zone judgment he showed as a minor leaguer. In fact, Saltalamacchia walked in only 6 percent of his plate appearances, which held his on-base percentage down to a paltry .288. His track record suggests he can do better, but with prospect Ryan Lavarnway close to major-league ready, Saltalamacchia may not have much time left to deliver on his promise. Assuming he can hold off Lavarnway all season long, owners can count on Salty to produce like a No. 2 Fantasy catcher. (Updated 1/27/12)