News: Boston reliever Vicente Padilla did an excellent job in helping preserve the Red Sox beleaguered bullpen on Monday night in Kansas City. Padilla earned his first save of the season as he pitched the final 2 2/3 innings taking over for Felix Doubront. Padilla allowed just three hits in his 2 2/3 scoreless frames. He struck out one and needed just 39 pitches. His ERA is at 6.08 on the year.
Analysis: Padilla did an excellent job on Monday when the Red Sox needed it most as the team was coming off losing a 17-inning game to the Orioles. He was able to help the team avoid going deep into the bullpen once again and earned his first save in the process. Still, he's mostly just a middle reliever for Boston and has low-end Fantasy value in that role.
News: The Red Sox purchased the contract of pitcher Vicente Padilla from Triple-A Pawtucket on Wednesday. Padilla allowed five runs over 13 2/3 innings this spring with an 11-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Analysis: Padilla lost out on the battle for a rotation spot but can serve in many roles out of the bullpen for Boston. He will not have a ton of value in Fantasy to start 2012 but the right-hander could be become a viable option in deeper formats as the season goes on.
News: Red Sox relief pitcher Vicente Padilla hurled a perfect inning of relief during Boston's 10-5 loss to Philadelphia in a Grapefruit League contest on Saturday. Padilla, who missed some playing time with a hamstring issue, was the fifth pitcher used and did not record a strikeout or walk.
Analysis: Padilla should continue to grow comfortable in a relief role as he was dropped from consideration for the last remaining spot in Boston's starting rotation. The veteran right-hander shaved his ERA to 4.09 this spring with the spotless outing, but is a marginal Fantasy option.
News: After missing some playing time with a hamstring injury, Boston pitcher Vicente Padilla was dropped from the running for the starting rotation, according to the Providence Journal. Padilla was competing for one of the two remaining spots in the Red Sox rotation, but has not started a game in four Grapefruit League appearances this spring. He suffered the hamstring injury in the team's weight room last Monday.
Analysis: Padilla, who signed a minor-league contract with Boston during the offseason, still has an opportunity to make the opening day roster as a member of the bullpen. The veteran right-hander has surrendered five runs and 13 hits in 10 innings this spring for a 4.50 ERA. Fantasy owners should no longer consider him a viable option and skip over him in upcoming drafts.
News: Boston starting candidate Vicente Padilla, who suffered a slightly strained hamstring on Monday in the weight room, will have his next outing pushed back, reports WEEI.com Wednesday. Padilla is day to day and the injury is considered minor.
Analysis: Padilla has been so-so this spring in his quest to land a rotation spot with the Red Sox. He seems like an extreme long shot, however, with Boston likely going with Felix Doubront, Aaron Cook or Alfredo Aceves. Padilla still has an outside shot, but would be just an AL-only Fantasy option in that role.
News: Boston starting candidate Vicente Padilla suffered a slightly strained hamstring on Monday, reports the Providence Journal. Padilla was hurt in the weight room. The Red Sox have not said how severe the injury is. Padilla is day to day.
Analysis: Padilla has been so-so this spring in his quest to land a rotation spot with the Red Sox. He seems like an extreme long shot, however, with Boston likely going with Felix Doubront, Aaron Cook or Alfredo Aceves. Padilla still has an outside shot, but would be just an AL-only Fantasy option in that role.
News: Boston starting rotation candidate Vicente Padilla earned the save on Sunday in Grapefruit League action against Tampa Bay. Padilla pitched the final three innings in the game and allowed just one earned run on five hits and a walk. Padilla struck out three batters and lowered his spring ERA to 4.50. Padilla is one of 10 healthy pitchers currently vying for a rotation spot for the Red Sox.
Analysis: Padilla has been so-so this spring in his quest to land a rotation spot with the Red Sox. He seems like an extreme long shot, however, with Boston likely going with Felix Doubront, Aaron Cook or Alfredo Aceves. Padilla still has an outside shot, but would be just an AL-only Fantasy option in that role.
News: Boston pitcher Vicente Padilla pitched three scoreless innings against New York on Tuesday. He struck out four batters and picked up the win as the Red Sox beat the Yankees, 1-0.
Analysis: Padilla got roughed up in his last appearance for Boston, so this was definitely a step in the right direction. Padilla is vying for a spot in the rotation, but he remains a long shot. He was limited to nine appearances last season due to a bulging disc in his neck. If he is able to secure a spot in the rotation, Padilla could be worth taking a flier on in AL-only formats on Draft Day. If he can't land a starting role and goes to the bullpen, Padilla won't have much Fantasy appeal at all.
News: Red Sox pitcher Vicente Padilla pitched two innings on Friday, but was roughed up by the Pirates. He allowed four earned runs off five hits during his time on the mound. Pittsburgh would go on to win the game, 7-4. Just a few days earlier, Padilla tossed two scoreless innings for the Sox. "I don't know that, for my money, his arm speed was what it was last time or the last couple of times," manager Bobby Valentine told MLB.com. "It was pretty good. His location was decent. He was executing early. He just didn't execute late, from what I saw. I know he had the slow curveball the one time and he went to throw the cutter away, and it looked like the ball was on the plate."
Analysis: Padilla is vying for a spot in the rotation, but this outing didn't help his cause. Padilla was limited to nine appearances last season due to a bulging disc in his neck, so he has a lot to prove this spring. If he is able to secure a spot in the rotation, Padilla could be worth taking a flier on in AL-only formats. Otherwise he could give Boston some long relief in the bullpen, but he wouldn't have much value as a reliever.
News: Red Sox pitcher Vicente Padilla made his spring debut on Monday against the Twins. He pitched two scoreless innings, giving up three hits while striking out two. Padilla was limited to nine appearances last season due to a bulging disc in his neck. Padilla moves the ball back and forth and up and down, obviously knows what hed doing on the mound, manager Bobby Valentine told the Boston Herald. He hit a few bats that werent quite enough at the end or the handle and they blooped them in. He knew what he was doing.
Analysis: Padilla is competing for a spot in the rotation this spring and got off to a solid start on Monday. He has the ability to chance speeds drastically and can be a serviceable starter for a club with a potent lineup. Keep an eye on the right-hander throughout the spring to see if he will be a starter in 2012. If he is, Padilla will be worth owning in AL-only formats.
News: After receiving offers from several teams during the offseason, Vicente Padilla said he chose to sign with Boston in the hopes of landing a starting position. Padilla is in the mix for the fifth spot in the Red Sox rotation during spring training. "This is a great opportunity to be a starter," Padilla, a 13-year major league veteran, told WEEI.com on Friday. "I like starting. Ive started for a long time."
Analysis: Padilla was held to just nine appearances out of the bullpen for the Dodgers last season as he dealt with a troublesome bulging disc in his neck. He did manage 16 starts for Los Angeles in 2010 and posted a 6-5 record with a 4.07 ERA. "Now Im working as a starter," the right-hander said. "I think my arm is good." Fantasy owners should consider Padilla a possible late-round option in deeper AL-only formats if he earns a starting role.
News: Boston pitcher Vicente Padilla arrived at camp on time on Sunday, despite reports suggesting he'd be late due to legal issues. Padilla dealt with an issue in Nicaragua a few weeks back regarding a child support case. The problem has apparently been resolved as Padilla showed up for work Sunday. Padilla might be a favorite to land the No. 5 spot in the rotation for Boston in the spring.
Analysis: Padilla joins a long list of pitchers attempting to win the last spot in the Red Sox rotation behind Jon Lester, Josh Beckett, Clay Buchholz and Alfredo Aceves. Consider Padilla a long shot to be a starter and an equally long shot to contribute to any Fantasy format this season.
News: WEEI.com reports that Red Sox pitcher Vicente Padilla may not be able to report to spring training on time, as he is embroiled in a dispute over child support in Nicaragua. Padilla had failed to show up for a court hearing, and an arrest warrant had been issued and subsequently revoked. However, Padilla may not be able to leave Nicaragua until the issue is resolved. The team has looked into Padilla's situation, though, and they believe he will be able to report to spring training on schedule.
Analysis: Padilla, who had been signed by Boston just over two weeks ago, now has something to overcome in addition to his recovery from neck surgery. He already has plenty of competition for a rotation spot, and this latest development will not help him to get a leg up. Consider Padilla a long shot to be a starter and an equally long shot to contribute to any Fantasy format this season.
News: Veteran RP Vicente Padilla has agreed to a minor-league deal with Boston. Padilla spent the past two-plus seasons with the Dodgers, but was limited to only nine games last year after dealing with a bulging disk in his neck. It's unclear if he'll be ready for spring training.
Analysis: Padilla had surgery on his neck last June after mustering just 8 2/3 innings of work during the 2011 season. A former starter, he is expected to pitch as a reliever for the Red Sox, but could compete for the team's fifth spot in the rotation. The right-hander carries a career 4.31 ERA while pitching for four different teams during his major league career. He should not be considered a worthwhile option in 2012 Fantasy drafts.
News: The Dodgers moved Vicente Padilla, who underwent season-ending surgery in June to repair a bulging disk in his neck, to the 60-day DL on Tuesday. This move was to create roster space for 40-man roster additions.
Analysis: Padilla, who will be a free agent this winter, was not going to return this season anyway. Keep an eye on his progress going forward but Fantasy owners in all formats should feel free to drop the 33-year-old at this point. He will have low-end value heading into next year.
News: Dodgers manager Don Mattingly told MLB.com on Friday that he does not expect SP Vicente Padilla to return this season. Padilla, who has not pitched since May 13, underwent microsurgery on his neck Thursday to fuse vertebrae in his neck.
Analysis: Mattingly added that he has heard of few pitchers that have returned from this type of surgery but Padilla was convinced that it would be the only way for him to pitch again. He had been filling in as closer before his most recent injury, going a perfect 3 for 3 in save chances, but it looks as though his 2011 campaign is done. Keep an eye on his progress going forward but Fantasy owners in all formats should feel free to drop the 33-year-old at this point.
News: Dodgers manager Don Mattingly sounded less optimistic Tuesday about Vicente Padilla, who is set for neck surgery on Thursday, returning this season than he did on Monday, when Mattingly wouldn't rule out the reliever for the rest of the season. On Tuesday, Mattingly said it is looking more likely that this injury could cost Padilla the rest of the season.
Analysis: Padilla has spent more time on the DL this season than he has on the field. That's been the case since last season and maybe his body just can't handle the rigors of playing baseball anymore. Even if he is not out for the year, this is going to be a lengthy recovery and Padilla probably isn't worth stashing in Fantasy because we wouldn't know what role he would return to once active.
News: The Dodgers announced on Monday that SP Vicente Padilla, on the 15-day disabled list, will undergo surgery on his neck Thursday. He is expected to be out for an "extended period of time" according to the team. The right-hander posted a 4.15 ERA in nine appearances this season, including going a perfect 3 for 3 in save chances. "It doesn't sound like good news," Dodgers manager Don Mattingly told ESPN.com. "They tried to treat it conservatively, and that didn't work. It's the same thing he had last year."
Analysis: Padilla, who was initially on the DL because of forearm stiffness, will be out for awhile after undergoing this procedure so Fantasy owners should keep an eye out for a timetable. He was seeing looks as closer before landing on the shelf but he has become pretty injury-prone at age 33 and might not be as effective once healthy. Fantasy owners in deeper formats should clear up a DL spot for Padilla as he should be able to return sometime this season.
News: Dodgers RP Vicente Padilla is dealing with inflammation in the disk in his neck, reports the Los Angeles Times on Tuesday. This is the same disk that was bulging last year. The Dodgers have no timetable for his return. He is currently on the disabled list.
Analysis: Padilla, who was initially on the DL because of forearm stiffness, was getting some looks at closer before the injury. Now, his status is completely up in the air. He's no guarantee to occupy any particular role in the bullpen when he does finally come off the DL, and considering he seemed like an odd choice to close anyway, you shouldn't have particularly high hopes for him in Fantasy. He is worth stashing in leagues where saves are especially scarce, though.
News: Dodgers RP Vicente Padilla, who was scratched from his scheduled outing at Class A Rancho Cucamonga on Friday, is still on the DL because he developed a sore neck during his rehab assignment. According to the Los Angeles Times, the injury is similar to the one that sidelined him for the final month last season.
Analysis: Padilla, who was initially on the DL because of forearm stiffness, was getting some looks at closer before the injury. Now, his status is completely up in the air. He's no guarantee to occupy any particular role in the bullpen when he does finally come off the DL, and considering he seemed like an odd choice to close anyway, you shouldn't have particularly high hopes for him in Fantasy. He is worth stashing in leagues where saves are especially scarce, though.
News: Dodgers RP Vicente Padilla didn't pitch in Class A Rancho Cucamonga's outing on Friday night. ESPN.com reported on Friday that Padilla could come off the 15-day disabled list once Jon Garland goes on it. Padilla is on the shelf with a forearm injury.
Analysis: Padilla will give the Dodgers one arm back in the bullpen as five relievers are currently on the shelf. It is unclear how Padilla will factor back into the mix in the 'pen. This situation is definitely worth watching. He has three saves and nine strikeouts over his 8 2/3 innings this year. Continue to monitor his status heading into Week 10 (June 6-12).
News:Vicente Padilla fired two perfect innings in his second rehab outing for Class A Rancho Cucamonga on Tuesday, putting him one step closer to returning to the Dodgers' bullpen. "It seems like he's pain free as far as the elbow," manager Don Mattingly said. "Now it's just a matter of him trying to strengthen."
Analysis: The Dodgers hope that Padilla will be ready for activation at the start of Friday's series against the Reds. The team could use him after putting Kenley Jansen on the DL earlier this week and now have no one player in the closer's role. Padilla will likely take over that role when healthy, so now is the time to start adding him as we get ready for Week 10 (June 6-12).
News: MLB.com reports that injured Dodgers SP/RP Vicente Padilla (forearm) took part in his first rehab game since going on the DL on Sunday. Pitching at the Class A level, he threw two scoreless innings despite giving up a hit and hitting a batter. Padilla struck one batter out and induced another into a double play. He has been on the shelf since May 19 with irritation in the radial nerve that was operated on in February
Analysis: Padilla was the team's closer when he was injured, replacing another injured reliever in Jonathan Broxton. He has been replaced by a committee, though the job currently is tiled towards Matt Guerrier. Padilla is one step closer to a return, though there remains to be no official timetable for the next step. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on his progress even though the right-hander is a low-end option when healthy.
News: Dodgers SP/RP Vicente Padilla, who is on the 15-day disabled list with rritation in the radial nerve that was operated on in February, will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Rancho Cucamonga, reports MLB.com. Padilla has a 4.15 ERA and three saves while serving as closer in RP Jonathan Broxton's absence.
Analysis: Padilla will test out his forearm injury down in Double-A but the team has not yet announced how many innings he will work down there, so Fantasy owners will have to continue to keep tabs on his progress. The veteran can't seem to stay healthy at this point in his career as he has already been on the DL twice this season. Still, he is likely to regain the closers role when he returns, so owners in NL-only formats should continue to stash him, if you have the room.
News: The Dodgers placed SP/RP Vicente Padilla on the 15-day disabled list Thursday with stiffness in his forearm. The team recalled RP Ramon Troncoso from Triple-A Albuquerque to take his place on the roster. Padilla has been dealing with the stiffness over the last week and was unavailable to pitch in Los Angeles' games on Tuesday and Wednesday. Padilla had been serving as closer in RP Jonathan Broxton's absence. "It just makes sense for us to give him a chance to get healthy and try to get him for the long term," Dodgers manager Don Mattingly told MLB.com.
Analysis: Padilla can't seem to stay healthy at this point in his career and started the season on the disabled list. He was effective out of the bullpen despite running into constant trouble and recorded three saves in place of Broxton -- his latest coming on May 11 at Pittsburgh. Mattingly has yet to name a successor to Padilla, but Matt Guerrier and Kenley Jansen are the likely candidates to close. Padilla is worth stashing in NL-only Fantasy formats.
News: Dodgers RP Vicente Padilla said Wednesday he still feels pain in his forearm, but doesn't think the issue will keep him out of the lineup very long, according to the Los Angeles Times. Padilla was unavailable to pitch in Tuesday's game against Milwaukee, and Los Angeles manager Don Mattingly said he was also unable to pitch in Wednesday's series opener against San Francisco. Padilla is also expected to see a doctor Wednesday.
Analysis: Padilla spent the beginning of the season on the disabled list while recovering from surgery on the same forearm. The Dodgers are also not worried about the right-hander missing an extended period of time, but Fantasy owners might want to keep open the possibility of adding relievers Matt Guerrier or Kenley Jansen. Keep an on eye on Padilla's status as he makes for a decent RP option for saves.
News: The Los Angeles Times reports Dodgers pitcher Vicente Padilla was unavailable for Tuesday's game against Brewers due to forearm stiffness. Matt Guerrier was used to close out the 3-0 win. Manager Don Mattingly said that Padilla could be able to pitch in Wednesday's series opener against the Giants.
Analysis: Padilla has gone 3 for 3 in save chances since being put in that role so hopefully he does not miss much time with this injury. He spent the beginning of the year on the DL with an elbow issue so Fantasy owners should keep an eye on his status in the coming days. There have been rumors that he could keep the closer's role once Jonathan Broxton returns, but Kenley Jansen and Guerrier could push for save chances as well. Padilla is only a viable option in deeper Fantasy formats if he is seeing save chances so make sure he is healthy before getting him active.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla is not available for Saturday's game against the Diamondbacks after throwing 32 pitches and being pulled from a save situation on Friday night, reports ESPN.com. Padilla remains the Dodgers closer and he's not injured.
Analysis: Padilla, the interim closer with Jonathan Broxton out, has three saves to his credit and still was credited with the hold on Friday despite being tagged for two runs and two hits in 2/3 of an inning during Los Angeles' 4-3 victory over Arizona. For now, Padilla remains the one to get the ball in the ninth inning. Still, Kenley Jansen, who is known for having a strong fastball and got the save Friday, could factor into the ninth inning also. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on the situation and be ready to pounce if Los Angeles manager Don Mattingly makes a change with his closer.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla was tagged for two runs and two hits in 2/3 of an inning during Los Angeles' 4-3 victory over Arizona on Friday night. Padilla, who was named the Dodgers' main closer in Jonathan Broxton's absence earlier this week, yielded two walks and struck out one batter. He allowed a two-run single to pinch-hitter Miguel Montero before walking Chris Young with a runner on and two outs in the ninth. The right-hander was then lifted for RP Kenley Jansen, who recorded the last out for his first save.
Analysis: Padilla ran into trouble again during the ninth inning and surrendered at least one run for the second time in his last three save opportunities. He has still posted three saves this season, but could see those chances decrease if he continues to struggle. Jansen, who is known for having a strong fastball, could factor into the ninth inning also. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on the situation and be ready to pounce if Los Angeles manager Don Mattingly makes a change with his closer.
News: Dodgers pitcher Vicente Padilla entered Wednesday's game against the Pirates in the ninth inning with a two-run lead. He retired the first two batters in order before giving up a two-out single to Pedro Alvarez, but the right-hander was able to strike out Brandon Wood to secure the 2-0 win. Padilla, who struck out two in total, picked up his third save of the season while lowering his ERA to 2.25.
Analysis: Padilla has gone a perfect 3 for 3 in save chances thus far and looks comfortable pitching at the end of games after working out of the rotation for most of his career. With Jonathan Broxton and now Hong-Chih Kuo both on the disabled list, the 33-year-old should continue to be run out in the ninth inning. Fantasy owners in larger formats that are in need of some saves might want to scoop up Padilla.
News:Vicente Padilla gave up an RBI triple to Jose Reyes in the ninth inning Sunday before finishing for his fourth career save and second of the season during a 4-2 win against the Mets. Padilla, who is closing games while Jonathan Broxton is sidelined with an ailing right elbow, allowed two hits and struck out one.
Analysis: Manager Don Mattingly likes what Padilla brings to his bullpen, but he isn't giving him a big leash in the closer's role with Hong-Chih Kuo also a viable option. Thus far, he hasn't hurt his chances to get a good amount of saves with Broxton on the DL, so continue to roll with Padilla in larger Fantasy formats.
News: With Dodgers closer Johnathan Broxton on the DL, the team was utilizing a closer-by-committee scheme at the end of games between Vicente Padilla and Hong-Chih Kuo. But on Friday, manager Don Mattingly said that Padilla was his closer, though he is not expected to have a long leash with Kuo waiting in the wings.
Analysis: Padilla has recorded a save this season to go along with four holds, and he has not allowed even a hit over his last four outings. He has just one run charged to him in six combined innings of work since coming off of the DL in late April with after nursing an elbow injury. Padilla is not an experienced closer, but he will have his share of chanced in the short term. Fantasy owners should give him a look if they need some saves. Keep in mind that the gig is his only for a short time, and if he doesn't produce, Kuo will take on the role. Padilla is a low-end option at best moving forward even with the job.
News: MLB.com reports that Dodgers closer Johnathan Broxton has been shut down due to pain in his right (throwing) elbow. Manager Don Mattingly said prior to Wednesday's game against the Cubs that he would go with a closer-by-committee approach in Broxton's absence, including using Vicente Padilla and Hong-Chih Kuo. Mattingly, however, said that he would stay away from using Padilla on back-to-back days because he only recently came off the disabled list. Kuo inherited the closer job from Broxton last year, but he's had the yips and Mattingly said Kuo is "not throwing the way he's capable yet." Mattingly also mentioned other possible alternatives. "I'm going to deal with what we have," Mattingly said. "We have [Matt] Guerrier, [Blake] Hawksworth, [Mike] MacDougal. If Kenley [Jansen] comes back, we have him."
Analysis: Padilla picked up a save on April 27 in Florida and will at least be in the mix for save opportunities in the short term. Kuo had 12 save opportunities in place of Broxton last season. Padilla remains worthy of a flier in any league where saves are rewarded, though his long-term appeal is limited and the fact that he might not be used on back-to-back nights would cap his overall appeal.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla, filling in for usual closer Jonathan Broxton, claimed his third career save Wednesday in a 5-4 win over the Marlins. Padilla didn't allow a hit or walk anyone.
Analysis: Padilla is only a few days removed from a DL stint, but looked just fine on Wednesday as his fastball reached the lower 90s and had plenty of movement on it. While Broxton is still the team's closer for the time being, Padilla could well grab the odd save here and there and is worth owning in deeper NL-only leagues.
News: Dodgers RHP Vicente Padilla, who returned from a DL stint for an elbow injury Friday, could see some save opportunities over the next few weeks "until [Jonathan] Broxton gets his confidence back," general manager Ned Colletti suggested 790 KABC Los Angeles on Tuesday. Padilla and Hong-Chih Kuo (when he returns from the DL) could become part of a closing committee with Broxton, who blew his first save Monday at Florida. Of course, reports have also surfaced that manager Don Mattingly is standing by Broxton as his closer.
Analysis: Broxton has struggled so far this season, with his fastball velocity down like it was the second half last season, but Monday's blown save was technically his first. You'd think the Dodgers would give their All-Star closer a longer leash than that, and apparently, Mattingly wants to. Colletti may have been speaking in hypothetical terms here, but if you see Padilla trot out to pitch the ninth inning the next time the Dodgers have a save situation, you'll know why. He has no experience in the role, having spent most of his major-league career as a starting pitcher, so you'd have to think he'd be the last of the three choices for saves if the Dodgers went to a committee. Still, if you're desperate for saves or play in an NL-only league, this report obviously makes him worth a look.
News: The Dodgers activated RP Vicente Padilla from the 15-day DL on Friday. He will pitch out of the bullpen for now.
Analysis: Padilla has spent most of his career as a starter, but there's no room for him in the solid Dodgers rotation at the moment, so he's likely to pitch in long relief until he's needed for a spot start or something. For now, Padilla isn't really worth worrying about in Fantasy play.
News: The Los Angeles Times reports that the Dodgers have activated SP Vicente Padilla. He's expected to serve as a long reliever and might pitch as soon as Friday.
Analysis: Padilla saw 1 1/3 innings of work in his latest rehab outing, and he struck out three batters in the process. That was enough to see, according to Dodgers manager Don Mattingly. He could make his season debut Friday against the Cubs and is expected to be used as a long reliever. Fantasy owners shouldn't consider owning him in the majority of formats at this time.
News: Expected to return for Friday's game against the Cubs, the L.A. Times reports that Dodgers pitcher Vicente Padilla will be activated from the 15-day DL. In anticipation of the activation, the team sent down Ramon Troncoso back to Triple-A Albuquerque. Padilla said he felt "good" after a rehab appearance Tuesday.
Analysis: Padilla saw 1 1/3 innings of work in his latest rehab outing, and he struck out three batters in the process. That was enough to see, according to Dodgers manager Don Mattingly. Padilla was said to have had a shot at being activated Thursday, but it never materialized. He will instead make his season debut Friday against the Cubs and is expected to be used as a long reliever. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on Padilla's progress, but he is not worth owning in the majority of formats at this time.
News: MLB.com reports Dodgers pitcher Vicente Padilla, still dealing with an elbow injury, came out fairly well in his Minor League rehab outing at Class A Rancho Cucamonga on Tuesday. He is in "good" shape and could be activated on Thursday at the earliest, according to manager Don Mattingly. In the outing, Padilla struck out three batters in 1 1/3 innings of work. The Dodgers host the Braves in a day game on Thursday, and is he's ready, he may get to see his first action of the season. Other wise, then Friday against the Cubs becomes the likely return date for Padilla.
Analysis: Padilla seems to be on track for a return after pitching in his second rehab start, after undergoing surgery on February 24 to free an entrapped radial nerve in his right forearm. He is expected to see some middle relief action once off of the DL, so he is not a hot Fantasy commodity outside of leagues that reward middlemen.
News: MLB.com reports Dodgers pitcher Vicente Padilla (elbow) could be ready to come off the DL depending on how his second rehab outing Tuesday goes. "(Tuesday) tells us a lot," manager Don Mattingly said.
Analysis: The Dodgers are hoping Padilla will be available in the bullpen by the end of the week, but he still has one last hurdle to clear. The Dodgers are excited about Padilla's versatility in the bullpen, but we expect he will still work mostly in middle relief. He is merely a Fantasy RP in leagues that use true middle men.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla began his rehab assignment for Class A Rancho Cucamonga on Sunday. He pitched one inning, allowing one run on two hits with a walk and a strikeout. Padilla is on the 15-day DL as he continues to recover from offseason surgery. Manager Don Mattingly told MLB.com that the right-hander will likely take a day off on Monday before throwing again on Tuesday.
Analysis: Padilla is expected to pitch out of the bullpen once healthy, which should save some strain on his arm, and will be used as a situational reliever. "We always looked at him as being a guy that could give you some length out of the bullpen," Mattingly said. "But [he] also has the versatility that if guys are down in the eighth, your eighth inning guy is down, or [closer Jonathan Broxton] needs a day. Any time during the game you trust him because this guy throws strikes, locates the fastball." Continue to ignore Padilla in all but the deepest of NL-only formats, even when he returns.
News: MLB.com reports that Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment with Class A Rancho Cucamonga on Sunday. If all goes well, he could rejoin the team on their next road trip, which begins Friday at Chicago.
Analysis: Padilla threw off of a mound with no issue on both Thursday and Friday so it looks as though he is nearing his return. He is expected to pitch out of the bullpen once healthy which should save some strain on his arm, but it will hinder his Fantasy value. Continue to ignore the right-hander in all but the deepest of NL-only formats while he is on the shelf.
News: MLB.com reports that Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla (elbow) threw off of a mound for the second straight day on Friday and is expected to begin a minor league rehab assignment within the next week. He could need as few as two appearances before being ready to be activated.
Analysis: Padilla is expected to pitch out of the bullpen once healthy which should save some strain on his arm, but it will hinder his Fantasy value. Continue to ignore the right-hander in all but the deepest of NL-only formats while he is on the shelf.
News: The L.A. Daily News reports that Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla (elbow) is throwing and could be back in action later this month. "He's not that far from pitching in a rehab game and being ready to go," manager Don Mattingly said.
Analysis: Barring an injury to a starter, Padilla will pitch out of the bullpen when healthy for the Dodgers. He will have very minimal appeal in deeper NL-only leagues.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla rejoined the team and will continue rehabbing over the next couple days, reports MLB.com. Padilla suffered a setback in his return from arm surgery because he threw a high amount of pitches.
Analysis: Padilla is no longer a starter for Los Angeles, but the Dodgers view Padilla as a valuable bullpen arm. He should be monitored, but Fantasy owners don't really need to worry about him outside leagues that value middle men.
News: Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said Tuesday that starter Vicente Padilla reported some soreness after throwing. His rehab will be slowed a bit for precaution sake. He's currently ahead of schedule, however. "He's had some soreness after that 60[-pitch session] the other day, so we're going to slow him down a little bit," Mattingly said. "He's still really ahead of schedule for us and what we thought, but we just want to be careful and not push him too fast."
Analysis: Padilla is no longer a starter for Los Angeles, but the Dodgers view Padilla as a valuable bullpen arm. "We look at him as a guy who can give you a couple innings if need be," Mattingly said. "He's also a guy if Brox [closer Jonathan Broxton] was down and needed a day, he's the guy you'd close with. He throws strikes, he locates his fastball, he's not afraid, and he's got something for everybody. The only time he walks somebody is really when he wants to. He can pitch in all different areas in the 'pen, and that's why we really like him there." While Mattingly feels Padilla can close games, we doubt he'll get a ton of chances to make it worth your while to hold onto him in Fantasy at this time.
News: Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said Sunday that RP Vicente Padilla (elbow) threw four innings in a simulated game and could be close to returning.
Analysis: If Padilla was still a starter, then the Dodgers wouldn't rush him back from surgery to repair a radial nerve. But since he is setting up to be a reliever, then the stress on his elbow might not be as severe. Regardless, his new role means Padilla has minimal Fantasy appeal.
News: MLB.com reports that Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla (elbow) was placed on the 15-day DL on Thursday. The right-hander threw 45 pitches during a simulated game on Tuesday and is expected to throw 60 pitches his next time out. Manager Don Mattingly said he plans on using Padilla as a reliever, once healthy. "He feels he needs to build arm strength and we want him healthy when he comes here," Mattingly said. "No, I don't want him to start. I see him as a multi-use guy. He can pitch. When he's healthy, he's a nice guy to have. He's fearless."
Analysis: Padilla has made just one relief appearance in the majors since 2002 but it looks as though that will be his role once he returns. He is 7-9 with a 4.15 ERA in 84 career relief appearances, but first he has to get healthy enough to pitch in a game. Continue to monitor his progress over the next few weeks but since his new role will limit his Fantasy appeal, ignore Padilla in most formats.
News: Dodgers pitcher Vicente Padilla faced hitters Sunday for the first time since having forearm surgery on Feb. 24. Manager Don Mattingly said Padilla made it through the 25-pitch session and looked good. "His ball's got a little life to it and guys are still having trouble getting to it," the manager said.
Analysis: The Dodgers still don't have a timetable for Padilla's return since not many pitchers have had surgery to free an entrapped radial nerve. The best guess is that Padilla could be back by late April since he'll work in relief as opposed to starting. Padilla was once a viable Fantasy SP, but now that he'll pitch out of the bullpen, he has marginal Fantasy appeal. Ignore him in most formats until further notice.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla tossed a bullpen session Thursday and is slated to pitch batting practice on Sunday, according to MLB.com. Padilla, who is recovering from surgery he had in late February to free an entrapped radial nerve in his right forearm, threw mainly fastballs Thursday and reached the high 80s with his pitches. He also threw some off-speed pitches among his 28 total pitches.
Analysis: Padilla could make a minor-league appearance shortly as long as he is healthy following Thursday's outing and the scheduled batting practice. He will be used in a relief role this season when he does return to the Dodgers, but his Fantasy value is certainly limited after the surgery. Padilla finished 6-5 with a 4.07 ERA last season, but should not be considered an option in 2011 Fantasy drafts.
News: MLB.com reports Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla (elbow) felt good enough after playing catch on Sunday that he attempted a 10-pitch bullpen session on Monday. "He felt better yesterday and was good today," Dodgers pitching coach Rick Honeycutt said.
Analysis: While Padilla is making good progress following Feb. 24 surgery to free an entrapped radial nerve in his throwing forearm, there is still no timetable for his recovery. The only other pitcher that has had this surgery, Jeff D'Amico, missed two months of the season while recovering. Padilla is headed for a bullpen role when healthy. Although, he could make some spot starts. Still, it's not enough to consider Padilla more than an NL-only Fantasy option in leagues that use true middle men.
News: MLB.com reports that Dodgers reliever Vicente Padilla played catch on Sunday, two days after he pitched off a mound for the first time since having surgery on his elbow in February. Padilla reported that he felt better on Sunday than he did on Saturday, which was an off day after his 30-pitch bullpen session on Friday.
Analysis: All appears to be going well for Padilla, though he will not be ready for opening day. At this rate, though, he shouldn't miss much time, and he is a viable draft option in deeper formats that use middle relievers.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla threw a 30-pitch bullpen session Friday, his first time on the mound since he surgery on his pitching elbow February 24. While Padilla is progressing as planned, he likely will begin the season on the disabled list.
Analysis: The veteran right-hander signed a one-year deal with the Dodgers in the offseason and posting a 6-5 record with a 4.07 ERA in 16 starts last year. He should be considered a low-end option in NL-only Fantasy formats.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla played long toss for the first time since having elbow surgery in February and is hoping to throw a bullpen session in the next two weeks, according to MLB.com. Padilla had surgery to free a nerve that was entrapped in a muscle and causing soreness. "I'm good," he told MLB.com. "I'm just going to keep doing what they tell me to do." There is no timetable for him to pitch in a Cactus League -- or regular-season -- game.
Analysis: Padilla was Los Angeles' opening day starter last year, but will certainly not claim that distinction again this season. The veteran right-hander signed a one-year deal with the Dodgers in the offseason and posting a 6-5 record with a 4.07 ERA in 16 starts last year. He will likely face a long rehab schedule when he is able to return and should be considered a low-end option in NL-only Fantasy formats.
News: The Los Angeles Times reports on Saturday that Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla said he can resume throwing in 3-4 weeks following his recent elbow surgery. Padilla guessed he would need an additional 3-4 weeks after that to get into game shape. If everything goes well, I can be pitching in two months, he said. I should be able to come back 100%.
Analysis: Padilla has a long road ahead of him, especially considering he wasn't expected to make the Dodgers rotation out of spring, so even without this health issue, he would not have much Fantasy value in most formats. Padilla should still be useful for owners in deeper NL-only leagues as a swingman who can rack up relief innings and make occasional starts.
News: The L.A. Times reports that Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla's elbow surgery went well. The veteran could resume throwing in 3-4 weeks. "Sounds like it went well," manager Don Mattingly said. "The best-case scenario for us is that he will be tossing the baseball a little bit by the time we leave here. We'll see where we go from there."
Analysis: Padilla wasn't expected to make the Dodgers rotation out of spring, so even without this health issue, he would not have much Fantasy value in most formats. Padilla should still be useful for owners in deeper NL-only leagues as a swingman who can rack up relief innings and make occasional starts.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla will have surgery on his forearm on Thursday, according to MLB.com. The procedure is being done to free a nerve that is entrapped in a muscle and causing soreness. His timetable for a return will be determined after the surgery.
Analysis: Padilla is not expected to make the rotation, so even without this health issue, he would not have much Fantasy value in most formats. Unless he misses significant time due to his recovery, Padilla should still be useful for owners in deeper NL-only leagues as a swingman who can rack up relief innings and make occasional starts.
News: The Dodgers announced Tuesday that SP Vicente Padilla has been sent back to Los Angeles to have MRI on his right elbow. Padilla is having similar pains as last year, when he missed two months with an irritated nerve.
Analysis: Padilla was going to have to show some serious stuff this spring if he was going to compete for any kind of starting role this season, and this isn't a great start to his spring. Fantasy owners should stay well clear of Padilla for the time being.
News: MLB.com reports that Dodgers manager Don Mattingly will use Vicente Padilla as a starter this spring and also try him in back-to-back relief appearances to see how his arm rebounds. "That will dictate how we'll use him," Mattingly said. "To me, Vicente can pitch with one pitch -- that fastball. He can locate, do what he wants with it. The guy's fearless. I could see if Broxt [Jonathan Broxton] saves three in a row and [Hong-Chih] Kuo's been used, who do you throw in the ninth? He's a guy you'd be confident to throw out there. He has a chance to be really versatile."
Analysis: There isn't room for Padilla in the Dodgers rotation right now, so the best scenario for the veteran is being a middle reliever who might get the odd spot start or save opportunity here and there. That equals close to zero Fantasy value to begin the season, so even NL-only owners shouldn't worry too much about Padilla at this point.
News: SP Vicente Padilla finalized a $2 million, one-year deal Thursday to return to the Dodgers. General manager Ned Colletti said Thursday that Padilla's flexibility and willingness to fill whatever role the team needs him in was an important part of sealing the deal. Padilla had a 6-5 record with a 4.07 ERA in 16 starts during an injury-shortened 2010 season, his first full one with the Dodgers. The 33-year-old right-hander was the club's opening-day starter last season.
Analysis: Padilla went 4-2 with a 1.61 ERA in six home starts at Dodger Stadium. He tossed his fourth career shutout on Aug. 4 against San Diego. He had his best season in years, relying more on a looping curveball, but health problems still put a damper on his final stats. With the Dodgers' rotation already full, they will use Padilla sparingly as a starter, but he should get plenty of work in middle relief. That's not a great development for Fantasy owners, but Padilla should still have value in NL-only leagues.
News: The Dodgers reached an agreement with SP Vicente Padilla on a one-year, $2 million contract on Tuesday, as reported by ESPN.com. Padilla made 16 starts for the Dodgers this season, going 6-5 with a 4.07 ERA. His season ended in early September due to a bulging disc in his neck.
Analysis: Padilla had his best season in years, relying more on a looping curveball, but health problems still put a damper on his final stats. With the Dodgers' rotation already full, they will use Padilla sparingly as a starter, but he should get plenty of work in middle relief. That's not a great development for Fantasy owners, but Padilla should still have value in NL-only leagues.
News: MLB.com reports that the Dodgers will shut SP Vicente Padilla down for the remainder of the season. He missed his scheduled start on Sunday at Houston due to a bulging disc in his neck. Padilla, who was reinstated from the disabled list on Sept. 3, lasted just four innings while giving up three runs in his previous outing.
Analysis: Padilla finished 2010 with a 6-5 record and a 4.07 ERA in 16 starts. Though it was an abbreviated season, it was a nice turnaround for the 32-year-old, who wore out his welcome with the Rangers just over a year ago. Owners will now have to find a replacement for Padilla for Fantasy Week 24 (Sept. 13-19), and it is now safe to drop him from rosters in all formats.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla will miss his next scheduled start due to a bulging disc in his neck. Carlos Monasterios will take Padilla's spot on Sunday against the Astros. Padilla, who was reinstated from the disabled list Sept. 3, lasted just four innings while giving up three runs in his previous outing. Manager Joe Torre said Saturday "I don't see him pitching in the foreseeable future."
Analysis: Padilla's neck was the reason he landed on the DL a couple of weeks ago and it looks as though it is still not 100 percent. He has not lasted more than five innings in an outing since Aug. 13 and will be a risky play for the upcoming scoring period. Fantasy owners in deeper mixed leagues should check back to see when the right-hander might pitch again, but look for more reliable options for Fantasy Week 24 (Sept. 13-19).
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla threw just 59 pitches in Monday's 4-2 loss to the Padres. Padilla allowed three runs on five hits in four innings. He surrendered a solo homer to Nick Hundley in the third inning and allowed two more in the fourth. He walked one and struck out while falling to 6-5 on the season.
Analysis: Padilla, who was making his first start since coming off the disabled list with a bulging disk in his neck, looked a little rusty Monday. This is the second straight start he has failed to reach five innings, but the Dodgers made a move for a pinch hitter in the fifth because they were trailing. Keep him active in all formats when he is healthy. Padilla is scheduled to make his next start Saturday at Houston. He is 2-4 with a 4.44 ERA in his career against the Astros.
News: Pitcher Vicente Padilla was reinstated from the disabled list on Friday by the Dodgers, according to the Los Angeles Times. The veteran thew a bullpen session earlier in the week and is expected to start for L.A. on Monday in San Diego. Padilla was on the DL with a neck injury.
Analysis: Padilla is 6-4 with a 3.96 ERA in 15 starts for the Dodgers this year. He pitched three scoreless innings in his rehab start on Monday for Class A Inland Empire. If the Dodgers go with the veteran on Monday, he'll be eligible for two starts in Week 23 (Sept. 6-12), making him a decent option in deeper mixed Fantasy leagues.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla, who threw a bullpen session on Wednesday, is expected to start for L.A. on Monday in San Diego, reports MLB.com. If Padilla does not make that start, for whatever reason, it will go to Carlos Monasterios for another spot start.
Analysis: Padilla pitched three scoreless innings, allowing two hits and striking out one, on Monday for Class A Inland Empire. This story should be followed through the weekend. If Padilla returns to start on Monday in San Diego, he would pitch twice in Week 23 (Sept. 6-12), immediately making himself an option in some deeper mixed Fantasy leagues.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla threw 33 pitches in his first rehab start for A Inland Empire Monday. He pitched three scoreless innings, allowing two hits and striking out one.
Analysis: Padilla threw a 35-pitch bullpen session on Friday and will most likely need one more rehab start before he is activated. The right-hander is 6-4 with a 3.96 ERA in 15 starts this season but did not fare well in his previous two outings before landing on the DL. Fantasy owners should continue to monitor his progress to see when he will rejoin the rotation. When healthy, Padilla is a viable option in deeper mixed leagues.
News: Dodgers pitching coach Rick Honeycutt told MLB.com on Saturday that SP Vicente Padilla, on the 15-day disabled list with a bulging disk in his neck, will need to throw a simulated game before being able to be activated. Padilla threw a 35-pitch bullpen session on Friday and might pitch his simulated game Tuesday. Carlos Monasterios will continue to fill in for the injured Padilla in the Dodgers rotation.
Analysis: Padilla did not suffer any setbacks in his bullpen session so he should be able to come off the DL if everything goes well in his simulated game. The right-hander is 6-4 with a 3.96 ERA in 15 starts this season but did not fare well in his previous two outings before landing on the DL. Fantasy owners should continue to monitor his progress to see when he will rejoin the rotation. When healthy, Padilla is a viable option in deeper mixed leagues.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla, on the 15-day disabled list with a bulging disk in his neck, took another step in his recovery Friday by throwing a bullpen session.
Analysis: Padilla is trying to work his way back for a September return. The Dodgers will wait until Saturday to see how he feels before deciding on the next step in his recovery. Padilla is 6-4 with a 3.96 ERA on the season and is a viable option in mixed leagues, when healthy.
News: MLB.com reports that Dodgers starter Vicente Padilla took a step forward in his recovery on Wednesday. "He threw out to 120 feet today," said Dodgers manager Joe Torre. "He had a good workout. I think he said he had about 40 throws. It was good."
Analysis: Padilla was placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday with the neck injury, something that had affected him over his last two starts. Following the workout, Padilla did not report any discomfort, Torre said. As for Padilla's next step, Torre said he thought it would be getting the veteran right-hander on the mound for a bullpen session. Padilla went 1-1 with an 11.57 ERA in his last two starts and this injury now explains his recent struggles. He had been a hot pitcher since the beginning of June, posting a 1.80 ERA over nine starts.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Thursday because of a bulging disk in his neck. This is the second time that Padilla is on the DL this year. He missed eight weeks early in the season with a sore right elbow. Dodgers manager Joe Torre says Padilla has been bothered by the neck ailment for his past two starts. Torre isn't sure when Padilla will pitch again. The 33-year-old Padilla is 6-4 with a 3.96 ERA in 15 starts this year. Carlos Monasterios will start on Friday, in lieu of Padilla's injury, and Travis Schlichting was recalled from the minors to fill up the roster spot.
Analysis: Padilla went 1-1 with an 11.57 ERA in his last two starts and this injury now explains his recent struggles. He had been a hot pitcher since the beginning of June, posting a 1.80 ERA over nine starts. Hopefully he can come back strong from this stint on the DL. Fantasy owners in deeper mixed leagues should free up a DL spot for Padilla.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla has no physical problems that would have caused his last two poor outings, reports MLB.com on Monday. Padilla gave up eight hits and a season-high eight earned runs in 4 1/3 innings against the Braves on Sunday and allowed four runs over five frames against the Phillies in the start prior. "His arm is fine," said skipper Joe Torre. "He's just had a couple flat spots," Torre said. "His location has been so good, that when he doesn't hit it, bad things happen. He'll still be out there four days from now. I still have confidence in him."
Analysis: Padilla has been absolutely horrendous in his last two starts. Three starts back, he shut out the Padres. He's been so bad in his last two, it caused the Dodgers to ask questions about his health. Fantasy owners should continue to view the 32-year-old starter as a viable option in deeper mixed leagues heading into Fantasy Week 20 (Aug. 16-22). His next start is scheduled for Friday against the Reds. In one start against Cincinnati this season, Padilla gave up four runs, two earned, over six innings while earning the no-decision.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla gave up eight hits and a season-high eight earned runs in 4 1/3 innings against the Braves on Sunday. The right-hander gave up four in the third and four in the fifth, capped by a Troy Glaus three-run homer. Padilla struck out two and walked two while picking up his first loss since July 23. His ERA rose from 3.32 to 3.96 in the outing.
Analysis: Padilla had been cruising along in June and July but has given up 12 earned runs over his last two starts. The journeyman was having one of his best seasons but finally came back down to earth on Sunday. Too early to tell if this is just a fluke or a trend so Fantasy owners should continue to view the 32-year-old as a viable option in deeper mixed leagues heading into Fantasy Week 20 (Aug. 16-22). His next start is scheduled for Friday against the Reds. In one start against Cincinnati this season, Padilla gave up four runs, two earned, over six innings while earning the no-decision.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla did just enough in Tuesday's 15-9 win over the Phillies. Padilla allowed four runs on six hits in five innings. He cruised through the first three innings before faltering a bit in the fifth inning. He allowed three runs in the fifth, including a two-run homer by Ross Gload and was pulled after throwing just 83 pitches. Padilla walked and struck out two while improving to 6-3 on the season.
Analysis: Padilla allowed more runs on Tuesday than he had in his last five starts combined. He started off the game looking very sharp, but seemed to tire a bit on a 91-degree night. Still, he has been very good since the All-Star break allowing just seven earned runs over his last 31 innings pitched and should be starting most mixed leagues while he is pitching so well. He is scheduled to make his second start of Fantasy Week 19 (Aug. 9-15) on Sunday at Atlanta. Padilla is 6-8 with a 3.54 ERA in his career against the Braves.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla (5-3) took a no-hit bid into the seventh inning on Wednesday against the Padres. He finished with his fourth career shutout, pitching the Los Angeles Dodgers past the San Diego Padres, 9-0. He walked two -- one intentional -- and struck out nine as the veteran had an extra day's rest after SP Ted Lilly joined the rotation. "Padilla pitched really well and he battled," Padres catcher Yorvit Torrealba said. "He kept the ball down. He was pounding the strike zone down and away to righties, and got a ground ball whenever he needed one. He was throwing that slow breaking ball that kept you off-balance big-time. I mean, you're expecting a low-90s fastball with break to it, not a 53-mile-an-hour breaking ball." Padilla set down the Padres in order over the final two innings for his fourth complete game in 234 career starts. In nine starts since his return from the disabled list, he is 4-2 with 1.80 ERA.
Analysis: This was Padilla's first win since July 11. With this win Padilla lowered his ERA to 3.09. In his 13 starts this year, he has a 75-to-19 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Padilla deserves to be starting in more than 37 percent of Fantasy leagues. His Week 19 (Aug. 9-15) start is scheduled for Tuesday at Philadelphia. He should get a second start at Atlanta to wrap up the week. Padilla is 0-1 with a 10.50 ERA in one start versus the Phillies.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla lasted just four innings on Thursday against the Padres, allowing two runs and four hits. The right-hander gave up a run in the first and another in the fourth, which would be his last inning of work. He struck out five and walked two while throwing 90 pitches. Padilla took the no-decision and is 4-3 on the year with a 3.47 ERA.
Analysis: Padilla labored on Thursday but only allowed two runs and avoided the loss. He has allowed two earned runs or less in each of his last seven starts while posting a 3-2 record over that span. He has a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 66-to-17 and remains a low-end option in mixed leagues while he's pitching well. His next start is scheduled for Wednesday against the Padres again.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla (4-3) allowed two runs -- one earned -- and six hits in seven innings on Friday against the Mets, but he couldn't outduel Johan Santana, who allowed one run in a 6-1 victory for New York. Padilla struck out six and walked none as he failed to win for a second straight start. Padilla gave up both runs in the first two innings, including a solo home run to Ike Davis. "I imagine it's frustrating for a pitcher when you pitch like that and don't get a 'W,"' catcher Russell Martin said. "But there's certain things you can's control when you're not in the game anymore. Santana threw the ball well and they made some nice plays for him, especially in the outfield."
Analysis: Padilla has allowed just one earned run in his last two starts (13 innings) and has no wins to show for it. Talk about tough luck. Padilla has been pretty good since coming off the DL in June. He has allowed more than two runs in just once in seven starts. It seems Padilla's early-season struggles were related to his injury. Consider adding Padilla and starting him in mixed leagues. His next scheduled start is for Thursday at San Diego. Padilla is 2-1 with a 3.23 ERA in his career against San Diego.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla pitched six shutout innings against the Cardinals on Sunday, allowing just one hit. Padilla, who pitched eight scoreless innings in his previous start, walked five and struck out one. He left in line for his fifth win of the year, but the bullpen couldn't hold on in the 5-4 loss. Padilla lowered his ERA to 3.65 in the no-decision.
Analysis: Padilla has pitched 14 straight scoreless innings and has lowered his ERA from 4.72 to 3.65 over his last two starts. He has not allowed more than two earned runs since June 19 and is 3-1 in his last five starts. His strikeout-to-walk ratio is 55-to-15 and Padilla can be a viable option for Fantasy owners in mixed leagues that are looking for some help. His next start is scheduled for Friday against the Mets. Padilla is 10-3 with a 3.54 ERA in 21 appearances (12 starts) in his career against the Metropolitans.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla was mixing his pitches and speeds, blissfully unaware he had a no-hitter going through five innings. It didn't last, but Padilla's form sure held up. He threw eight innings of two-hit ball in a victory at the Dodgers on Sunday, issuing one walk and recording six strikeouts. He improved to 3-0 with a 1.25 ERA in his last three starts, artfully mixing 55-mph curveballs with fastballs clocked at 95 mph to baffle the Cubs lineup. "Guys don't seem to be able to put the fat part of the bat on it and you get quick outs," catcher Russell Martin said of Padilla's slow pitch. "I don't know how he throws it for strikes."
Analysis: Padilla has been dominant ever since returning from a groin injury in late June, and that extra-slow curveball may be part of the reason why. His strikeout rate is up and his WHIP is way down in his first full year with the Dodgers after 3 1/2 mediocre years with the Rangers, making him well worth using in mixed leagues. He seems to have gotten a second wind at age 32. His next start is scheduled for Sunday at St. Louis, meaning he will get an opportunity to contribute in Fantasy Week 15 (July 15-18).
News: Dodgers SP Clayton Kershaw will likely head the rotation following the All-Star break, reports MLB.com. He will be followed by Hiroki Kuroda, Chad Billingsley, Vicente Padilla and rookie John Ely.
Analysis: Padilla was shaky before going on the DL, but has looked much better since he returned. He will make the final start of the first half of the season on Sunday against the Cubs. Padilla is a viable Fantasy option in the deepest of mixed leagues.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla won for the second straight start Tuesday against the Marlins, allowing two runs on six hits with no walks and nine strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings. The Dodgers' opening day starter, who missed more than eight weeks because of an inflamed nerve in his arm, is 2-1 with a 3.12 ERA in four outings since returning from the disabled list on June 19. "I had a lot better control before I went on the DL, but I don't think I'm forcing anything." Padilla said through a translator. "I don't want to make any excuses. But with the condition that I had before, I was still able to win games. Whatever condition you're in, you're supposed to win. And when you get a lead like I had tonight, you're able to pitch with a lot more confidence than in tight games."
Analysis: Padilla was shaky before going on the DL, but since returning, he has looked more like the guy who posted a 3.20 ERA in eight appearances, including seven starts, for the Dodgers last year. He's striking out batters at a surprisingly high rate and exhibiting excellent control. Even though he has been a mediocre Fantasy option for much of his career, he's worth a flier now. His next start and second of Fantasy Week 14 (July 5-11) is scheduled for Sunday against the Cubs.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla (2-2) threw 98 pitches over seven innings of work and allowed the Giants to get just three hits on Wednesday. He allowed one earned run, struck out five and walked one en route to his second win of the year. The Dodgers beat the Giants, 8-2.
Analysis: This was Padilla's first win since coming off the DL on June 19 and hasn't pitched poorly in any of them -- the first two were against the Red Sox and Yankees, respectively. He's allowed seven earned runs on 14 hits and struck out 16. His ERA is still 5.05, so until he can put together a few more nice outings like Wednesday, he'll only be a viable Fantasy option in the deepest of mixed leagues. His Week 14 (July 5-11) start is scheduled for Wednesday against Florida. In 18 games -- 12 starts -- against the Marlins, Padilla is 4-5 with a 3.22 ERA.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla held the Yankees to a pair of earned runs on Friday but was out-dueled by CC Sabathia in a 2-1 loss. In seven innings, Padilla gave up six hits, including a solo home run by Alex Rodriguez. He walked one while striking out seven.
Analysis: Padilla hasn't embarrassed himself in his two outings since coming off the disabled list. However, what is disturbing is the fact he's been taken yard in each of his six starts, and a total of eight times on the year. Until he can keep the ball in the park, he'll remain a viable Fantasy option for only the deepest of mixed formats. His next start is scheduled for Wednesday at San Francisco. He's 4-1 with a 2.80 ERA in his career at AT&T Park.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla returned to the mound for the first time in almost two months Saturday and struggled in a no-decision against the Red Sox. Padilla gave up four runs on five hits over 5 1/3 innings with four strikeouts and one walk.
Analysis: This matchup against the Red Sox would be a tough matchup for any pitcher, let alone a guy trying to shake off a couple of months of rust. Padilla didn't do horribly, with three of his four runs coming on two homers, but his ERA only went from 6.65 to 6.67, which tells you how average his pitching was before he got hurt. Things won't get any easier in Fantasy Week 12 (June 21-27), as Padilla will get one start against the Yankees at home. You're better off just avoiding him in even NL-only formats for that contest.
News: The Los Angeles Dodgers placed right-hander Carlos Monasterios on the 15-day disabled list with injuries to fingers on his pitching hand. Vicente Padilla was activated before starting Saturday's game against the Red Sox.
Analysis: Padilla was on the DL since April 23 because of an inflamed nerve in his right arm. He will be a risk coming off the DL in Fantasy Week 11 (June 14-20), but track his progress Saturday before considering him for Fantasy Week 12 (June 21-27). It is possible he pitches well enough to be considered advisable for deeper leagues, mostly NL-only formats.
News:Vicente Padilla (forearm) is due to come off the DL on Saturday for a start at Boston after the Los Angeles Dodgers put pitcher Chad Billingsley on the disabled list because of a groin injury. Billingsley hurt himself during his last inning on Friday against the Angels, manager Joe Torre said. The rotation will be juggled, with John Ely moving up a day to start Thursday's series finale in Cincinnati. Carlos Monasterios will start Friday in Boston and Padilla will be activated from the disabled list to start Saturday, Torre said.
Analysis: Padilla will be a risk coming off the DL in Fantasy Week 11 (June 14-20), but track his progress through the weekend before considering him for Fantasy Week 12 (June 21-27). It is possible he pitches well enough to be considered advisable for deeper leagues, mostly NL-only formats.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla (forearm) was roughed up in his final rehab start with Triple-A Albuquerque on Sunday. He went 5 2/3 innings and was charged with six runs (four earned) on eight hits, four of them for extra bases. Padilla is scheduled to join the Dodgers in Cincinnati on Tuesday. "We'll talk to him Tuesday in Cincinnati," manager Joe Torre told MLB.com. "He has a bullpen Wednesday and he's scheduled to go on Saturday. We have to be cautious and make sure he's honest. We don't want him to be almost there."
Analysis: Padilla has been on the disabled list since April 23 with an inflamed radial nerve in his throwing arm. He had made two impressive starts for Class A Inland Empire before his outing in Triple-A. He is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Wednesday and then start on Saturday against the Red Sox, barring any setbacks. Fantasy owners should continue to monitor the situation over the next couple of days to make sure there are no changes to the schedule. Padilla is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy flier when healthy.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla, on the 15-day disabled list with an inflamed nerve in his forearm, could start June 19 against the Red Sox, according to MLB.com. He will make his third rehab start for Triple-A Albuquerque on Sunday. If he experiences no setbacks, he's expected to rejoin the Dodgers Monday in Cincinnati.
Analysis: While Padilla wasn't pitching well prior to the injury, on a contending team with an excellent closer, he could be a solid contributor. Continue to stash him in NL-only Fantasy leagues.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla threw 61 pitches in 4 2/3 innings during his second rehab start with Class A Inland Empire on Tuesday. He allowed one earned run on three hits and one walk, striking out four.
Analysis: Padilla is expected to make one last rehab start for Triple-A Albuquerque, which would set him up for his targeted June 18 return barring any setbacks. He wasn't pitching well prior to the injury, but on a contending team with an excellent reliever he could be a solid contributor. Continue to stash him in NL-only Fantasy leagues.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla expects to be ready for his targeted June 18 return, according to MLB.com. He experienced no setbacks after his first minor-league rehab start on Thursday. Everything is good," Padilla said. "No pain. I just want to feel secure when I get back to the big leagues." He is expected to make another start for Class A Inland Empire before moving to Triple-A Albuquerque for one final tuneup.
Analysis: In four starts for the Dodgers this season, Padilla is 1-1 with 23 strikeouts and a 6.65 ERA. It's unlikely he'll be activated before Fantasy Week 10 (June 7-13), so continue to stash him in NL-only formats.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla, on the 15-day disabled list with an inflamed nerve in his forearm, pitched a rehab start for Class A Inland Empire on Thursday. He tossed three innings, allowing one hit while striking out five batters.
Analysis: In four starts for the Dodgers this season, Padilla is 1-1 with 23 strikeouts and a 6.65 ERA. It's unlikely he'll be activated before Fantasy Week 10 (June 7-13), so continue to stash him in NL-only formats.
News: According to the Los Angeles Times, Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla (forearm) is scheduled to pitch three innings for Class A Inland Empire on Thursday.
Analysis: Padilla just completed a simulated game on Saturday where he threw 45 pitches in three innings. He has been nursing a inflamed nerve in his forearm since April 23. Continue to monitor the situation over the week. Padilla is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy flier when healthy.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla (forearm) was willing to talk about the bizarre incident that happened to him on Saturday. According to MLB.com, Padilla was not arrested after a friend called the police and accused Padilla of domestic violence on Saturday. "Nothing happened," said Padilla. "If anything happened, I'd be arrested." Padilla described the women as a friend and said he did not know why she called the police. "I didn't do anything. Why would they arrest me if I didn't do anything?" he said.
Analysis: Instead of being interviewed by police on Saturday, Padilla pitched his simulated game. Manager Joe Torrre said he has not decided if Padilla will throw another simulated game before beginning a rehab assignment in the minors. Fantasy owners should continue to monitor both situations over the next couple of days. Padilla is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy flier when healthy.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla, on the 15-day disabled list with an inflamed nerve in his forearm, pitched a simulated game on Saturday, according to MLB.com. He tossed a total of 45 pitches in three innings. "He didn't like his command, the sinker wasn't real good, but he threw breaking balls and splits," pitching coach Rick Honeycutt said. "He'll take two days off, throw a bullpen at home and we'll look at a rehab start at San Bernardino Thursday. He'll probably need three of those."
Analysis: Dodgers manager Joe Torre was encouraged by Padilla's performance. "I thought the ball came out of his hand fine," Torre said. "I didn't see any problem." Padilla will likely be out till mid-June. He wasn't pitching well prior to the injury, going 1-1 with a 6.65 ERA. Continue to stash him in NL-only Fantasy leagues.
News: According to MLB.com, Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla (forearm) will pitch a simulated game on Saturday at Coors Field. Padilla has been throwing regular bullpen sessions, but has felt some minor sensations in his lower arm. The Dodgers believe it is from the therapy, not the original injury. If the simulated game goes well, Padilla will likely make three minor-league rehab starts before he is ready to return to the Dodgers rotation.
Analysis: Padilla will probably be out till mid-June. He has struggled this year going 1-1 with a 6.65 ERA in 21 2/3 innings pitched. He is not worth stashing outside of NL-only leagues at this point.
News: Dodgers right-hander Vicente Padilla is feeling good after his 45-pitch bullpen on Wednesday, reports MLB.com. He threw breaking balls off a mound for the first time since landing on the disabled list a month ago with his inflamed radial nerve. "He feels it a little bit here and there, and we have to interpret that," said trainer Stan Conte. "He's right on target with what we want. He'll have a simulated game in Colorado Saturday, and if he comes out of it OK, the next step after that will be a [Minor League] rehab start."
Analysis: Padilla is likely to need about three rehab starts to build his arm strength to starter level and is not likely to return until the middle of June at the earliest. "We stepped up slowly with the number of pitches and the type of pitches," said Conte. "Today he threw the four-seam, curveball, two-seam and splitter." Padilla has struggled this year going 1-1 with a 6.65 ERA in 21 2/3 innings pitched. He is not worth stashing outside of NL-only leagues at this point.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla (forearm), who has been on the disabled list since April 23, is almost ready to begin a minor-league rehab assignment that would include three starts, reports MLB.com. Padilla will pitch in a simulated game on Saturday with teammate Andre Ethier. If all goes well Padilla could begin his assignment next week.
Analysis: Padilla has struggled this year going 1-1 with a 6.65 ERA in 21 2/3 innings pitched. He is not worth stashing outside of NL-only leagues at this point.
News: MLB.com reports Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla (forearm) had another bullpen session on Thursday and manager Joe Torre is targeting a mid-June return for the veteran hurler. "He's been good," Torre said. "Again, he's just throwing fastballs, so we still have a ways to go like throwing his slider and his sinker."
Analysis: Padilla is going to need at least three rehab outings once he is able to throw all of his pitches in bullpen sessions. Now that we have a timetable for Padilla's return, we don't have to speculate anymore. He wasn't particularly impressive before the injury and will likely finish with an ERA well over 4.00, so don't bother stashing him outside of NL-only leagues.
News: According to MLB.com, Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla, on the DL with an inflamed radial nerve, bounced back from his Tuesday mound session well enough to play long toss Wednesday and has another mound session scheduled for Thursday.
Analysis: Padilla has to make two or three minor-league appearances before he can return to the big-league rotation, so you shouldn't expect him back before June. He wasn't particularly impressive before the injury and will likely finish with an ERA well over 4.00, so don't bother stashing him outside of NL-only leagues.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla, working his way back from an inflamed radial nerve, threw 20 pitches off a mound Tuesday and reported no discomfort afterward, according to MLB.com. Trainer Stan Conte said the injury is unusual for pitchers, so the Dodgers will take their time with him.
Analysis: Padilla has to make two or three minor-league appearances before he can return to the big-league rotation, so you shouldn't expect him back before June. He wasn't particularly impressive before the injury and will likely finish with an ERA well over 4.00, so don't bother stashing him outside of NL-only leagues.
News: Dodgers pitching coach Rick Honeycutt liked what he saw from SP Vicente Padilla after the injured right-hander worked on back-to-back days Saturday and Sunday, according to MLB.com. Padilla, on the DL with an inflamed radial nerve, will have a mound session in a couple days that will determine the timetable for his return.
Analysis: If Padilla doesn't suffer any setbacks, he has a good chance of returning by early June. Keep in mind, though, he'll likely have to make three minor-league appearances before returning to the majors. He wasn't particularly impressive before the injury and will likely finish with an ERA well over 4.00, so don't bother stashing him outside of NL-only leagues.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla, on the DL with an inflamed radial nerve, has been able to play catch off flat ground on back-to-back days, according to MLB.com. He'll need to throw off the mound a few times before beginning a minor-league rehab assignment, which will likely last three games. The report says he would likely need at least three weeks return, barring a setback.
Analysis: This timetable beats manager Joe Torre's recent projection of early July, but keep in mind it's being especially optimistic. Padilla could suffer a setback at any one of those stages. He wasn't particularly impressive before the injury and will likely finish with an ERA well over 4.00, so don't bother stashing him outside of NL-only leagues.
News: According to MLB.com, Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla has been throwing off flat ground and has not experienced any discomfort from the inflamed radial nerve that sent him to the DL. He has yet to throw off the mound yet but will need several bullpen sessions and at least three minor-league rehab starts before returning to the rotation.
Analysis: Manager Joe Torre said Padilla remains on schedule to return sometime in July. He was 1-1 with a 6.65 ERA in four starts this year before being placed on the DL. Padilla is a risky starter that is best left for NL-only leagues once healthy. Keep him stashed only in the deepest of formats for the next few weeks.
News: MLB.com reports Dodgers trainer Stan Conte said SP Vicente Padilla, who has been on the 15-day DL since April 23, had a second MRI on the radial nerve in his right arm. The MRI was "totally normal. The nerve has completely calmed down."
Analysis: Padilla played catch on Wednesday for the second time in three days. Still, the Dodgers don't expect him back until June. Padilla is a risky starter best left for NL-only leagues once healthy in June. Keep him stashed only in the deepest of formats for the next few weeks.
News: Dodgers opening day starter Vicente Padilla did light throwing Sunday at Dodger Stadium but is not expected back until June, Dodgers manager Joe Torre told MLB.com.
Analysis: Padilla is a risky starter best left for NL-only leagues once healthy in June. Keep him stashed only in the deepest of formats for the next few weeks.
News: From The Sports Xchange notes: RHP Vicente Padilla, on the DL since April 25 with right elbow soreness, is expected to be out of action through the month of May, according to manager Joe Torre. Padilla was 1-1 with a 7.06 ERA before he went on the DL. He was the Dodgers' opening day starter.
Analysis: Padilla is a risky starter, when healthy, so don't feel compelled to keep him reserved in all but the deepest of leagues with DL spots available. He won't return until June, if not later that month.
News: From The Sports Xchange notes: RHP Vicente Padilla, on the DL due to a sore right forearm, had an MRI that revealed nerve irritation, MLB.com reported. Dodgers manager Joe Torre said Padilla won't throw for at least a week to 10 days, and that there is no timetable for his return.
Analysis: Padilla won't be back before the end of Fantasy Week 5 (May 3-9), and isn't likely to see the mound for L.A. until next month. When healthy, he is a risky option in mixed leagues.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla, who went on the DL on Saturday because his upper right forearm muscle was bothering him, was to see Mets medical director Dr. David Altchek on Monday. "Hopefully, the results will show nothing structural," manager Joe Torre said.
Analysis: Padilla, the Dodgers' opening day starter, said his arm bothered him in spring training, felt better, then the problem returned last week. He probably will need more than the expected 15 days before returning. Padilla was 1-1 with a 7.06 ERA in four starts this year. Fantasy owners in NL-only leagues might want to stash him away until he is healthy.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla has been put on the 15-day disabled list because his upper right forearm muscle is bothering him. Manager Joe Torre did not say who will take Padilla's spot in the rotation Tuesday against the Mets. He said the team would be calling up right-hander Jon Link from Triple-A Albuquerque before Sunday's game against the Nationals. Padilla, the Dodgers' opening day starter, said his arm bothered him in spring training, felt better, then the problem returned Thursday.
Analysis: Padilla was 1-1 with a 7.06 ERA in four starts this year. Fantasy owners in NL-only leagues might want to stash him away until he is healthy.
News: Dodgers Opening Day starter Vicente Padilla was placed on the 15-day disabled list after Saturday's 4-3 win over the Nationals with continued right forearm soreness. "I can't even throw right now," Padilla told MLB.com.
Analysis: Padilla was 1-1 with a 7.06 ERA in four starts this year. Fantasy owners in NL-only leagues might want to stash him away until he is healthy.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla went six innings on Thursday and allowed four runs on eight hits against the Reds. In the sixth inning, he allowed a two-run home run to Jay Bruce to give the Reds a 4-3 lead. Padilla also struck out eight without walking a batter while earning the no-decision.
Analysis: Padilla struck out a season-high eight batters on Thursday but did not factor into the decision. He has pitched pretty well in his last two starts after giving up 11 runs in his first two outings. His next start is scheduled for Tuesday against the Mets. Padilla is 10-3 with a 3.54 ERA in his career against New York. Padilla is at best a low-end Fantasy SP in larger formats.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla allowed three runs and four hits over seven innings and struck out seven on Friday Night, after his teammates staked him to a 7-0 lead. The only runs Padilla allowed came in the fifth, off a Juan Uribe two-run single, and a Pablo Sandoval solo shot in the sixth inning. It was his first win in three starts on the year.
Analysis: First good start for Padilla of 2010. He had allowed 11 runs in his first two starts before the strong outing on Friday. Padilla's next start is scheduled for Thursday against the Reds. The Reds aren't a bad matchup for him so Fantasy owners might want to give him a chance for Fantasy Week 3 (April 19-25). He remains a viable Fantasy option in just NL-only formats.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla struggled for the second straight start Saturday against the Marlins. He allowed four earned runs on eight hits in 4 1/3 innings, the big blow a three-run homer by Gaby Sanchez. He walked one and struck out six. Padilla has yielded 11 earned runs in 8 2/3 innings so far this season.
Analysis: Padilla's off to a forgettable start in 2010, 0-1 with a 11.42 ERA. This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone; after all, this is a guy who hasn't posted an ERA less than 4.46 the last six seasons. He remains a viable Fantasy option in just NL-only formats. Padilla's next start comes Friday at home against San Francisco. He's 4-3 with a 3.00 ERA in his career against the Giants.
News: Dodgers opening day starter Vicente Padilla will get a second start ahead of No. 5 Charlie Haeger despite being roughed up in his first outing. Dodgers manager Joe Torre said the right-handed Padilla (0-1) will start Saturday night at Florida. Haeger, a knuckleballer with 39 strikeouts and 33 walks in 53 big league innings over parts of four seasons, will start Sunday against the Marlins.
Analysis: Padilla, expected to be the No. 4 starter when spring training began, gave up seven runs and six hits and walked three in 4 1/3 innings of the Dodgers' 11-5 loss to the Pirates on Monday. Padilla was a league-average pitcher during his time with the Rangers, but he seemed to benefit from the move to the NL last year, posting a 3.20 ERA in eight appearances, including seven starts. Still, he's not overpowering and likely won't finish with an ERA below 4.00 over a full season. Treat him as nothing more than a matchups type in mixed leagues.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla, who came to camp expecting to be the No. 4 starter, pitched like one in the season opener Monday at Pittsburgh. He gave up seven runs and six hits in 4 1/3 innings, walking three and striking out two to take the loss -- his first in a Dodgers uniform. He went 4-0 down the stretch last season after being picked up from Texas.
Analysis: Padilla was a league-average pitcher during his time with the Rangers, but he seemed to benefit from the move to the NL last year, posting a 3.20 ERA in eight appearances, including seven starts. Still, he's not overpowering and likely won't finish with an ERA below 4.00 over a full season. Treat him as nothing more than a matchups type in mixed leagues. His next start -- and second of Fantasy Week 1 (April 4-11) -- is scheduled for Sunday at Florida.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla pitched his final spring tuneup against the Giants on Wednesday before starting the season-opener Monday at Pittsburgh. He went three innings, giving up three runs (one earned) on four hits while striking out a pair. Padilla finished with a 5.71 ERA and 15 strikeouts in 17 1/3 innings.
Analysis: Padilla wasn't exactly impressive in Grapefruit League action, but that shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone, as last season's 4.46 ERA was the lowest he's posted in six seasons. Padilla remains a viable Fantasy starter in NL-only leagues, and has extra value in Fantasy Week 1 (April 4-11) since he will be making two starts.
News:Vicente Padilla, the Dodgers' opening-day starter, gave up five runs and eight hits in 4 1/3 innings during Friday's spring start against the Royals. The right-hander struck out four and walked one. "My ball was moving, but I kept missing," he said. Manager Joe Torre didn't see Padilla pitch because he was on a back field watching catcher Russell Martin in a minor league game. "(Brad) Ausmus told me his sinker was really dynamite," Torre said.
Analysis: Torre said Thursday that Padilla's performance in the playoffs last season helped land him the opening-day nod. The right-hander allowed just one earned run over 14 1/3 innings in his first two career playoff appearances for the Dodgers before losing Game 5 of the NL championship series to Philadelphia. While Padilla is getting the Dodgers' first start, Fantasy owners should not consider him an ace. He is likely to be a two-start pitcher in Fantasy Week 1 (April 4-11). However, Padilla remains a late-round flier in deeper mixed leagues.
News:Vicente Padilla will be the starter for the Dodgers when they open the season April 5 at Pittsburgh. Manager Joe Torre said Thursday that Padilla's performance in the playoffs last season helped land him the spot. The right-hander allowed just one earned run over 14 1/3 innings in his first two career playoff appearances for the Dodgers before losing Game 5 of the NL championship series to Philadelphia. "We just had to pick somebody and he was the one," Torre said. "Am I going to say he's better than the other guys? I can't do that. We just decided to line them up that way." Padilla got a one-year deal worth more than $5 million with the Dodgers in January after being signed as a free agent late last season. He went 4-0 with a 3.20 ERA in seven starts, bolstering the NL West champions' inconsistent roster.
Analysis: Padilla might be one of the rare available opening-day starters in Fantasy, which will make him a two-start pitcher in Fantasy Week 1 (April 4-11). The matchups at Pittsburgh and Florida are not real imposing. It is reason enough to take a late flier on Padilla in mixed leagues at this point.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla allowed four runs on seven hits over five innings Saturday in a loss to the Padres. Padilla struck out five and didn't issue a walk. "He had one bad inning," Dodgers manager Joe Torre said of Padilla. "He threw fastballs and they hit fastballs. He had a good sinker but when he got the ball up he got waxed."
Analysis: Padilla was having a great spring until this outing and has garnered plenty of attention in AL-only formats with his performance in the Cactus League. He might even have some value in deeper mixed leagues right now.
News: The Dodgers pitched two guys with designs of making the starting rotation this spring on Wednesday against the Diamondbacks. Vicente Padilla got the start in the game and he was solid over three frames, giving up one run on four hits and a walk. Padilla added four strikeouts. He was relieved by Ramon Ortiz, who has an outside shot at the No. 5 spot, who was excellent as he did not allow a run on just one hit and two walks over three innings with three strikeouts.
Analysis: Padilla has an ERA of 1.80 on the spring after his outing on Wednesday. In his first appearance of the spring season, he went two perfect innings. Padilla is vying for the No. 4 spot in the rotation and will likely break camp as a starter in the big leagues. Padilla pitched for Texas and the Dodgers last season, coming to L.A. late in the year. He went a combined 12-6 but was at his best once he came tot he National League. He went 4-0 in seven starts for the Dodgers with a 3.20 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 39 1/3 innings. He's outside the top 100 Fantasy starters right now, but Padilla has the ability to have some appeal in the deepest of mixed Fantasy leagues. He's a solid starter for NL-only formats.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla will start in the team's March 5 spring training opener against the White Sox, according to MLB.com. Padilla, who suffered an accidental gunshot wound to the leg in November, has not been limited during camp, and is vying for a spot in the starting rotation.
Analysis: Padilla was 12-6 with a 4.46 ERA in 26 starts for the Dodgers and Rangers in 2010. Consider him merely a late-round option in mixed leagues.
News: Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Vicente Padilla can laugh now about a gunshot wound that almost ended his career. Padilla talked about his injury Sunday, saying he was practicing with a small handgun on Nov. 3 in his native Nicaragua when the weapon jammed. He said a friend was trying to fix the problem when the gun accidentally fired. The bullet went into Padilla's upper right thigh and came out through the back of his leg. Padilla took part in the Dodgers' first workout of the spring and didn't show any effects of the injury. He said he feels 100 percent healthy with no restrictions. Just over three months after the accident, Padilla had a sense of humor about the accident. He gave no more specifics on the weapon, offering, "that's my story and I'm sticking to it," and breaking into a grin. "When it happened, I thought it was going to be serious because I was bleeding a lot," Padilla said through a translator. "But when I went to the hospital, the doctor told me it wasn't serious."
Analysis: Padilla, signed as a free agent late last season, got a one-year deal with the Dodgers in January. With only three secure options for the rotation, the Dodgers agreed to a one-year deal worth more than $5 million. Padilla went 4-0 with a 3.20 ERA for the Dodgers the final two months of the regular season. He allowed one run in 7 1/3 innings in Game 2 of the NL Championship Series, but was battered for six runs in three innings in a season-ending loss to the Phillies. Consider him merely a late-round option in mixed leagues.
News: The Los Angeles Dodgers have re-signed right-hander Vicente Padilla to a one-year contract after his outstanding performance down the stretch last season. The Dodgers picked up Padilla last Aug. 19 after the Texas Rangers abruptly released their No. 2 starter. Padilla went 4-0 with a 3.20 ERA in seven starts for Los Angeles, bolstering the NL West champions' inconsistent rotation. Padilla then allowed just one earned run over 14 1-3 innings in his first two career playoff appearances for the Dodgers before losing Game 5 of the NL championship series to Philadelphia. The Nicaraguan pitcher is 98-85 with a 4.03 ERA in his 11-year career with Arizona, Philadelphia, Texas and Los Angeles.
Analysis: Padilla went 4-0 with a 3.20 ERA for the Dodgers the final two months of the regular season. He allowed one run in 7 1/3 innings in Game 2 of the NL Championship Series, but was battered for six runs in three innings in a season-ending loss to the Phillies. Consider him merely a late-round option in mixed leagues -- and that is only if he settles in with a top contender like the Dodgers.
News: Dodgers pitcher Vicente Padilla is recovering from a bullet wound in his leg after a target shooting instructor accidentally shot him. Dr. Eduardo Reguera said Padilla, who signed with the Dodgers in August, didn't need surgery after spending time at Managua's Metropolitan Hospital. Police spokesman Vilma Reyes said Wednesday that Padilla's pistol apparently jammed during a target shooting session late Tuesday. Padilla handed the pistol to a shooting instructor, a former police captain, who didn't realize there was a bullet in the chamber and shot himself in his hand, Padilla's legal adviser Roberto Calderon told The Associated Press. The bullet also grazed Padilla's leg. The account contradicts Padilla's agent, Adam Katz, who told The Los Angeles Times it was a "hunting accident."
Analysis: Padilla went 4-0 with a 3.20 ERA for the Dodgers the final two months of the regular season. He allowed one run in 7 1/3 innings in Game 2 of the NL Championship Series, but was battered for six runs in three innings in a season-ending loss to the Phillies. Consider him merely a late-round option in mixed leagues -- and that is only if he settles in with a top contender like the Dodgers.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla, the former Phillie who was excellent in his first two playoff starts, lasted just three-plus innings and gave up six runs to lose the deciding Game 5 of the NLCS at Philadelphia on Wednesday. He allowed four hits and two walks, recording three strikeouts.
Analysis: Padilla posted a 3.20 ERA in eight appearances -- seven starts -- with the Dodgers, earning back some respectability after the Rangers unceremoniously dumped him. He has a limited ceiling, but as long as he pitches for a winner, he has a shot at winning 12-15 games. He'll be a late-round pick again in 2010.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla pitched brilliantly for 7 1/3 innings and the Los Angeles bullpen did the rest, beating the Phillies 2-1 in Game 2 of the NLCS on Friday. Padilla allowed one run and four hits, struck out six and walked one. He exited to a standing ovation from the sellout crowd of 56,000, tipping his cap as he walked off. "It's my first time playing in front of a big crowd like this in a game that's more important than I've ever pitched in my life, and I was very emotional," Padilla said through a translator.
Analysis: Padilla got dumped by Texas in August then signed with the Dodgers two days later, excelled in their drive to a second consecutive NL West title and pitched well against St. Louis in the first round. Padilla has earned a potential rotation spot with a contender next season, perhaps. Consider him outside of the top 100 starters to target on Draft Day, though.
News:Clayton Kershaw will start for the Dodgers on Thursday in a matchup of left-handers. At 21 years and 209 days, Kershaw will be the third-youngest Game 1 starter in postseason history and the eighth-youngest starter overall, according to STATS LLC. The youngest Game 1 pitcher was Fernando Valenzuela, who was 20 years and 339 days when he started for the Dodgers in the 1981 division series. "I've grown up a lot since last year," said Kershaw, who worked out of the bullpen in last year's NLCS. "It's not obviously the same starting Game 1 of a series or anything like that, but just to have the experience to get out there and pitch against them a little bit is definitely going to help me out." The rest of the Dodgers' rotation will be Vicente Padilla, Hiroki Kuroda and Randy Wolf, who would pitch Game 4 against his old team in Philadelphia. Chad Billingsley is out of the NLCS rotation right now.
Analysis: Manager Joe Torre went with Kershaw because he came up big in the Dodgers' division-clinching win against Colorado on Oct. 3. He pitched six scoreless innings in that game, striking out his first five batters and retiring his first 11 in a row. Consider Kershaw a burgeoning ace among the top 30 starting pitchers to target on Draft Day. Padilla is a low-end mixed league option, while Wolf and Kuroda are sleepers in those formats. Billingsley had a awful finish to the season, but you should be targeting him among the top 40 starters again next year.
News: Unemployed in August and a star for the Dodgers in October. Once Vicente Padilla got out of the first inning, he slammed the door on the Cardinals' season. The second-chance pitcher kept Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday quiet in a 5-1 victory Saturday night that gave Los Angeles a second straight trip to the National League Championship Series.
Analysis: Padilla, designated for assignment by the Rangers in early August, was 4-0 the final month with the Dodgers before shutting down the Cardinals on four hits over seven innings in his first career postseason appearance. After escaping a bases-loaded jam in the first inning he was dominant, retiring 19 of 21 hitters against a team he last faced in 2003. Padilla has earned a potential rotation spot with a contender next season, perhaps. Consider him outside of the top 100 starters to target on Draft Day, though.
News:Vicente Padilla struck out 10 in five innings, and NL West champion Los Angeles finished the regular season with another win Sunday over wild card Colorado, 5-3.
Analysis: Padilla has earned a potential rotation spot with a contender next season, perhaps. Consider him outside of the top 100 starters to target on Draft Day, though.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla worked a shaky five innings and came away with a no decision against the Nationals. Padilla allowed four earned runs on five hits and three walks. He struck out six in the game as his ERA went up to 4.62 on the season with the performance.
Analysis: Padilla has come back to earth in his past two starts after getting off to a great start with four solid outings. He is not yet scheduled to make another start for the Dodgers but could get one in Week 26 (Sept. 28-Oct. 4) if the Dodgers wrap up the NL West. He is a low-end option that can be started in the upcoming scoring period if word comes down that he will get a start.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla, who had a 2.02 ERA in his first four starts after coming over from the Rangers, struggled Friday in a no-decision against the Giants. He allowed four runs on eight hits in five innings, issuing one walk and recording three strikeouts.
Analysis: Padilla obviously isn't as good as he looked in his first four starts, so you had to expect a performance like this sooner or later. Still, with the Dodgers trying to wrap up the division title, he has a good opportunity to earn a couple wins over the final two weeks. He's worth a look in mixed leagues. His next start is scheduled for Thursday at Washington.
News: Slumping Chad Billingsley will not pitch until Wednesday at Washington, according to MLB.com. Vicente Padilla pitches Friday against San Francisco, followed by Jon Garland and Randy Wolf.
Analysis: Wolf, Padilla and Garland figure to be one-start options in Fantasy Week 25 (Sept. 21-27). Wolf and Garland are likely advisable options, while Padilla is more of a sleeper at this point. A potential return of Clayton Kershaw (shoulder) could affect Padilla, though.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla (11-6) won for the third time in four starts since coming over to L.A. when he allowed one unearned run on three hits over six innings Saturday in a 9-1 victory over the Giants. Padilla struck out five and walked three.
Analysis: Padilla might be a bit of a head case on occasion, but he's proved at times this season that he can pitch pretty well. He is now 3-0 with a 2.02 ERA in four starts with the Dodgers, who must be glad they took a flier on the veteran. In Fantasy Week 24 (Sept. 14-20), Padilla will get one start vs. the Giants again. Start him in deeper mixed leagues if you need some pitching help.
News: Dodgers LHP Randy Wolf will miss his scheduled Friday start at San Francisco with elbow irritation. Hiroki Kuroda will take Wolf's turn. Vicente Padilla will likely start Saturday, while ace Chad Billingsley will go Sunday on regular rest.
Analysis: Padilla is a sleeper for deeper leagues as the Dodgers' de facto No. 6 starter in their six-man rotation, which is skipping Clayton Kershaw and Randy Wolf this week. Padilla might not get a start in Fantasy Week 24 (Sept. 14-20), so track his progress through the weekend before considering him.
News: Los Angeles LHP Randy Wolf is the apparent starter Friday. Wolf threw a bullpen session Tuesday, and "that would line him up for Friday," Torre said. The Dodgers needed a replacement when LHP Clayton Kershaw (right shoulder) collided with a field-level scoreboard at Dodger Stadium while shagging fly balls in batting practice Sunday. RHPs Hiroki Kuroda and Vicente Padilla are being considered for the Saturday start, Torre said.
Analysis: We have Kuroda listed right and expect him to make the start at this point. Track his progress through the weekend before considering him for Fantasy Week 24 (Sept. 14-20). Padilla is more of a questionable option at this point.
News: Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla earned his second victory with Los Angeles on Monday in a win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Padilla (2-0, 10-6 overall) allowed just two runs on six hits over six solid innings. He walked one and had three strikeouts. His ERA is 2.76 with the Dodgers.
Analysis: Padilla has now made three starts with the Dodgers and is 2-0 with a very nice ERA. He hasn't been going very deep in the games but he's limited the damage and put up decent strikeout totals. Padilla makes up a 6-man rotation for the Dodgers and that limits his Fantasy value because he'll get fewer starts. Padilla is mainly a lower-end mixed league option because of his potential to be skipped and moved back from start to start. He won't get another start in Week 23 (Sept. 7-13) and it is not yet known when that next start will come.
News: From The Sports Xchange: With the return of Hiroki Kuroda (concussion) on Sunday, the first order of business will be to add one or two days between starts for Clayton Kershaw, a 21-year-old who has thrown 153 innings this season after throwing a combined 169 last year. The Dodgers ideally would want Chad Billingsley and Randy Wolf, their potential one-two punch in the playoffs, to stay on a normal schedule of pitching every five days. Vicente Padilla, Jon Garland and Kuroda will have to pick up starts where they can. "I think all the guys who are starters for us, with all the off days they have given us on the back end, will have to take an extra day whether they like it or not," manager Joe Torre said.
Analysis: Padilla is not going to get his second start before Fantasy Week 23 (Sept. 7-13) now. It is that time of the year. Padilla will be a lower-end mixed league option because of his potential to be skipped and moved back from start to start. We have his next start at Arizona, but that is subject to change at this point.
News: SP Vicente Padilla, who won his first start with the Dodgers by pitching five strong innings, was arguably better in his second start Tuesday against the Diamondbacks, but he didn't factor in the decision. He allowed one run on four hits with two walks and five strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings.
Analysis: Padilla got up to 97 pitches Tuesday, which justified the short hook despite his poor performance. He should fare better with the Dodgers than he did in Texas, if for no other reason than the ballpark, but he's still just a low-end Fantasy option until he proves consistently effective. His next start and second of Fantasy Week 22 (Aug. 31-Sept. 6) is scheduled for Sunday against the Padres.
News: SP Vicente Padilla, who the Dodgers just signed Wednesday after the Rangers released him earlier in the season, made his first start for his new team Thursday at Colorado. He recorded the victory, allowing two runs on six hits with one walk and four strikeouts in five innings.
Analysis: Manager Joe Torre was eager to see if Padilla could help down the stretch, especially with the uncertainty surrounding right-hander Hiroki Kuroda, who went on the disabled list after being hit in the head by a line drive Aug. 15. Pitching for a contender, Padilla has enough opportunities to win games that he's a must-own in NL-only leagues. He wasn't always the most consistent pitcher for the Rangers, though. His next start is scheduled for Tuesday at Arizona, making him a two-start pitcher in Fantasy Week 22 (Aug. 31-Sept. 6).
News: Dodgers manager Joe Torre says the club has signed free agent pitcher Vicente Padilla, two days after the right-hander was released by Texas. Torre said before Wednesday night's series finale against St. Louis that Padilla will pitch Saturday at Triple-A Albuquerque before joining the Dodgers. Padilla's first scheduled start for his new team will be Aug. 27 at Colorado.
Analysis: The Rangers put Padilla on unconditional waivers Monday. He cleared waivers and became a free agent on Wednesday. Padilla was 8-6 with a 4.92 ERA in 18 starts for Texas this season. Originally acquired in December 2005 in a trade with Philadelphia, Padilla was 43-34 with a 4.90 ERA over the last four seasons with the Rangers. He would immediately be a viable NL-only Fantasy starter with the contending Dodgers.
News: The Texas Rangers are cutting their ties with pitcher Vicente Padilla. The Rangers put the right-hander on unconditional waivers Monday for the purpose of releasing him. The Rangers say he is expected to clear waivers and become a free agent Wednesday. The Rangers designated Padilla for assignment Aug. 7, beginning a 10-day period in which the club could trade or release him, or assign him outright to the minor leagues.
Analysis: Padilla was 8-6 with a 4.92 ERA in 18 starts for Texas this season. Originally acquired in December 2005 in a trade with Philadelphia, Padilla was 43-34 with a 4.90 ERA over the last four seasons with the Rangers. A team like the Dodgers could pick up Padilla and start him immediately, but track his news in the coming days at this point.
News: The Texas Rangers have designated right-hander Vicente Padilla for assignment, likely ending his tenure with the club. The Rangers have 10 days to trade, release or outright Padilla to the minors.
Analysis: Padilla, the Rangers' No. 2 starter when the year began, is 8-6 with a 4.92 ERA this season, his fourth with Texas. He lost to Oakland in his last start on Wednesday, his second outing after a bout of swine flu. Padilla won 43 games in four years with Texas, but already has been put on waivers this season. He angered the organization earlier this year by throwing at hitters, including two incidents involving former teammate Mark Teixeira. Padilla could very well be added by a contender, but until we see what his future holds, he is a bit of a risky Fantasy flier.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla had a poor outing on Wednesday against the Athletics. He allowed six earned runs on seven hits, taking a 7-5 loss. He struck out four and walked two, allowing three home runs.
Analysis: Padilla continued his trend of winning a game then losing the next one on Wednesday. He has gone back and forth that way in his past six starts, going 3-3 during that span. He has made two starts since missing two weeks with the swine flu and tossed a total of 13 innings, so his health seems to be fine. Get him active in AL-only formats. He is slated for two starts in Fantasy Week 19 (Aug. 10-16) with starts at Cleveland and against Boston.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla (8-5) allowed three runs and six hits in six innings on Friday against the Rangers in his first appearance since July 17, his last start before he was diagnosed with swine flu. He struck out three and walked one, allowing a home run.
Analysis: Padilla was scratched from a start on Tuesday night because he was still weak from the illness, and he missed a scheduled start July 22 due to flulike symptoms. Subsequent lab tests revealed that Padilla had H1NI influenza A. He has been decent of late and is worth having active in AL-only formats. His next start is scheduled for Wednesday at Oakland.
News: Rangers pitcher Vicente Padilla is listed as the probable starting pitcher for Friday's game against Seattle. It will be his first start in two weeks after being sidelined due to the swine flu.
Analysis: Padilla was weakened by the flu but is expected to be ready enough to go Friday. Fantasy owners in daily lineup leagues should start him at their own peril. He is mainly just an AL-only Fantasy SP when healthy.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla is on track to make his first start in two weeks after being sidelined by the swine flu. Padilla, scratched from Tuesday night's game because he was still weak from his illness, is scheduled to start Friday night against Seattle. "He's feeling strong enough. That's why he's taking the ball tomorrow," manager Ron Washington said Thursday. "I expect him to go out and do what he always does." Asked if he was sure Padilla (7-5, 4.67 ERA) would start, Washington responded, "As sure as I can be. He hasn't told me anything different."
Analysis: Hopefully Padilla will in fact be able to take the hill on Friday, signaling that he is pretty much over the swine flu. He is just an AL-only Fantasy SP when healthy and is now safe to use in daily leagues Friday.
News: Rangers pitcher Vicente Padilla was still weak from the swine flu and was therefore scratched from Tuesday night's start against the Tigers. The Rangers made the announcement 3 1/2 hours before gametime. Padilla was diagnosed with the illness last week and missed a start against Boston. The team thought he had recovered and was ready to return to the rotation. Doug Mathis, normally a long reliever, pitched in place of Padilla.
Analysis: Padilla goes from a two-start pitcher to a potential no-start pitcher with the news. We have to figure he will make a start before Fantasy Week 18 (Aug. 3-9), though. Track his progress through the weekend.
News: Rangers pitcher Vicente Padilla is still weak from the swine flu and has been scratched from Tuesday night's start against the Tigers. The Rangers made the announcement 3 1/2 hours before gametime. Padilla was diagnosed with the illness last week and missed a start against Boston. The team thought he had recovered and was ready to return to the rotation. Doug Mathis, normally a long reliever, will pitch in place of Padilla.
Analysis: Padilla goes from a two-start pitcher to a potential no-start pitcher. We have to figure he will make a start before Fantasy Week 18 (Aug. 3-9), though. Track his progress through the weekend.
News: The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that Vicente Padilla, who was diagnosed with the Swine Flu, has been participating in team workouts and remains on target to make his next scheduled start Tuesday against Detroit.
Analysis: Padilla is in line to be a two-start pitcher in Fantasy Week 17 (July 27 - August 2). Those two starts will come against Detroit and Seattle and Fantasy owners should still consider him merely a risky AL-only start for the upcoming scoring period.
News: Rangers pitcher Vicente Padilla has tested positive for swine flu, though his symptoms are subsiding and he's expected to make his next start. Padilla was scratched from his start Wednesday against Boston due to flulike symptoms, and lab reports Friday indicated he had H1N1 Type A influenza. Several Rangers players have been hit with the flu this week, causing the team to delay its flight to Kansas City from Thursday to Friday morning in order to provide additional recovery time. Texas catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia was scratched from Friday night's game due to the flu.
Analysis: Padilla has responded well to medication and threw a bullpen session in Kansas City on Friday. He's expected to start Tuesday against Detroit and is in line to be a two-start pitcher in Fantasy Week 17 (July 27 - August 2).
News: Rangers right-hander Vicente Padilla has been scratched from his start because of flu-like symptoms. Padilla was scheduled to start Wednesday night when Texas went for a three-game series sweep of the Boston Red Sox. The Rangers replaced Padilla (7-5) with right-hander Dustin Nippert (1-0), who has made two relief appearances since being removed from the starting rotation.
Analysis: Padilla could get a start this weekend, but otherwise consider him a two-start pitcher candidate for Fantasy Week 17 (July 27-Aug. 2). Track his progress through the weekend before considering him.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla (7-5), who had been dealing with an injured hand, took a 5-3 loss on Friday against the Twins. He tossed seven innings, allowing five earned runs on 11 hits. He struck out three and walked none, allowing a tiebreaking home run to Jason Kubel.
Analysis: Padilla had pretty good career numbers against the Twins coming into Friday's game, but they tagged him for 11 hits and five earned runs. He is not exactly an intimidating Fantasy option, but he does enough to be worth using in AL-only formats. His next start is scheduled for Wednesday against Boston.
News: Rangers pitcher Vicente Padilla (hand) is expected to start Friday's game against Minnesota and is listed as the probable starter for the game. Padilla tried to grab a ground ball in his last start and had to leave in the seventh with a bruised right palm. "It is OK," he said. "It just hurts a little."
Analysis: Padilla was originally scheduled to pitch four days earlier against Tampa Bay but his start was pushed back due to inflammation in his right shoulder. He is 3-2 with a 2.63 ERA in six starts against Minnesota. When healthy, he's a decent AL-only option.
News: The Rangers have almost cemented their rotation for after the All-Star break. SPs Vicente Padilla, Scott Feldman and Tommy Hunter will pitch in Fantasy Week 15 (July 16-19) against Minnesota. SP Kevin Millwood will open Fantasy Week 16 (July 20-26) against Boston, while a fifth starter has yet to be named.
Analysis: Millwood, the best Fantasy option on the Rangers staff, will obviously have to be benched in all Fantasy leagues for Fantasy Week 15 (July 16-19), along with the leading candidate for the No. 5 spot, Derek Holland. Padilla, Feldman and Hunter should all just be AL-only options for the upcoming scoring period.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla (7-4) struck out four and gave up one run in six-plus innings before leaving the game because of a bruised right palm. Pitching on eight days rest, Padilla gave up seven hits against the short-handed Angels, who were missing center fielder Torii Hunter and slugger Vladimir Guerrero because of injuries. Padilla struck out four and walked one before exiting the game.
Analysis: Padilla had some shoulder soreness on Sunday and had to have his start pushed back a day. Padilla won't likely make a start in Fantasy Week 15 considering his injury and Texas playing only three games in the upcoming scoring period. Wait until more is known on the extent of his injury before making any decisions in him. When healthy, he's a decent AL-only option.
News: From The Sports Xchange: The Rangers continue to tweak their starting rotation leading up to the All-Star break. RHP Vicente Padilla is now scheduled to pitch Wednesday and will be followed by RHP Tommy Hunter, RHP Scott Feldman, RHP Kevin Millwood and an undetermined pitcher in the Seattle series. That Sunday starter will be either skipped No. 5 Derek Holland or Tuesday's DL return Dustin Nippert.
Analysis: Millwood is a solid option in all leagues, while Feldman is a sleeper in deeper mixed formats amid his recent hot streak. Hunter and Holland are long-term prospects with potential, while Nippert is a journeyman who is a high-risk option for the Rangers and deeper AL-only leagues.
News: Rangers GM Jon Daniels said SP Vicente Padilla's scheduled start Tuesday night against the Angels will be pushed back, probably to Wednesday night. Daniels said the Rangers will promote RHP Dustin Nippert from the 60-day DL to make Tuesday night's start.
Analysis: Padilla, who was skipped from a scheduled start Saturday night, experienced right shoulder soreness during a bullpen session Sunday. Padilla is no longer in line to be a two-start pitcher in Fantasy Week 14 (July 6-12), something that certainly diminishes his Fantasy appeal some for the upcoming scoring period. When healthy, he's just an AL-only Fantasy SP to begin with.
News: The Dallas Morning News reports that Rangers SP Vicente Padilla has had his next start, originally scheduled for Saturday, pushed back to Tuesday because he is feeling some soreness in his shoulder. The team doesn't think the injury is serious.
Analysis: Padilla has pitched very well this season, but he struggled against the Angels on Monday and his shoulder might be to blame for that. Instead of getting two starts in Fantasy Week 13 (June 29-July 5), he is now scheduled for a pair in Fantasy Week 14 (July 6-12), at the Angels and the Mariners. Only consider him in AL-only formats for the time being.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla, who had pitched like a top-of-the-rotation guy after the Rangers put him on waivers June 3, posting a 2.16 ERA over his last four starts, struggled against the Angels on Monday. He took the loss, allowing five runs on 10 hits with two walks and five strikeouts in five innings.
Analysis: Padilla doesn't have ace ability, but he has one of the best offenses backing him and is effective enough to win more often than not. He's certainly not a must-own in Fantasy, but he can make a positive impact in the right matchups. His next start and second of Fantasy Week 13 (June 29-July 5) is scheduled for Sunday against the Rays.
News:Vicente Padilla pitched seven sharp innings, Taylor Teagarden and David Murphy drove in a run each and the Rangers defeated the Diamondbacks 2-1 on Wednesday night to snap a five-game losing streak. Padilla (6-3) allowed one run and six hits, walked two and struck out three.
Analysis: Padilla, who broke in with Arizona in 1999, has won five of his last six decisions. He continues to bring his ERA down to a more respectable number and is worth taking a look at in AL-only and deeper mixed league formats. He is slated to be a two-start pitcher in Fantasy Week 13 (June 29-July 5) with starts against the Angels and Rays.
News: Texas SP Vicente Padilla tossed six innings on Thursday against the Astros, taking a no decision. He allowed three earned runs on seven hits, striking out four and walking three. His ERA on the season dropped to 4.79 on the season.
Analysis: Padilla had won four of his last five starts coming into Thursday's start and didn't pitch all that bad against the Astros. He has a high WHIP of 1.49 but has been able to work out of trouble a good deal this season and has a 5-3 record. Keep thinking of him as a low-end Fantasy SP for mixed leagues. His next start is scheduled for Wednesday at Arizona against Dan Haren.
News:Vicente Padilla worked five effective innings, Hank Blalock homered and the Texas Rangers beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-0 Friday to record shutouts on consecutive nights at home for the first time in 29 seasons. After Padilla walked two batters with one out in the first, Casey Blake hit a comebacker and center fielder Marlon Byrd recovered to catch James Loney's fly ball for the final out to escape the jam. Padilla (5-3) threw 108 pitches before Jason Jennings went three innings and Jason Grilli pitched the ninth to close out Texas' fifth shutout of the season. Padilla allowed four hits while walking three and striking out two.
Analysis: Padilla has won two straight starts and four of five. He has allowed more than three earned runs just once in his last seven outings. He continues to lower his ERA after it has spiked a few times this season. Padilla might never challenge for the Cy Young at this stage in his career, but he can chew up innings when healthy and post double-digit wins. He passes as a low-end Fantasy SP. His next scheduled start is for Wednesday against the Astros.
News: MLB.com reports the Rangers have shaken up their rotation thanks to the rain out Wednesday against the Blue Jays. Wednesday's starter Kevin Millwood has been pushed back to Thursday, while Thursday's starter Derek Holland has now been moved to Sunday against the Dodgers. Doug Mathis, who was supposed to start Sunday, will go back to the bullpen. Vicente Padilla will still pitch Friday, followed by Scott Feldman on Saturday against the Dodgers.
Analysis: Holland is 0-2 with a 7.04 ERA in his three starts since joining the rotation. He is 1-1 with a 6.06 ERA in nine relief appearances. "I just need to attack the zone and keep the ball down," Holland said. "I need to stay in the game longer than I have been. I feel very confident in being able to establish all four pitches, now I just want to do my part in keeping my team in the game. My main goal is to do what I can to help the team, and I feel I haven't done enough." Holland was expected to head back to the bullpen with Matt Harrison about to come off the DL, but now that Brandon McCarthy (shoulder) is out several weeks, Holland can stay in the rotation. Still, he is more of an AL-only Fantasy SP. Whereas Millwood, Padilla and Feldman have mixed-league viability. Mathis goes back to being a AL-only Fantasy middle reliever.
News: Texas SP Vicente Padilla pitched well on Sunday against the Red Sox and defeated the team from Boston. Padilla improved to 4-3 on the season as he gave up three runs -- two earned -- on four hits over seven strong. He walked four and struck out four in the game. His ERA is 5.22 on the year.
Analysis: Padilla was coming off a horrendous performance at the Yankees in which he allowed seven runs over 3 2/3 innings. Previously to that start, however, he'd won two straight and pitched extremely well. Chalk the poor outing to aberration and continue to use Padilla in AL-only formats consistently and deeper mixed leagues with good matchups. Padilla starts next on Friday against the Dodgers.
News: The Dallas Morning News reports that Vicente Padilla cleared waivers Friday and remains on schedule to make his next start Sunday at Fenway Park.
Analysis: The Rangers tried to get rid of his $9 million contract, but nobody bit. He will remain in the rotation for the time being and his value as a low-end AL-only starter.
News: The Dallas Morning News reports that Vicente Padilla said Thursday he wants to remain with the Rangers and help them stay in contention for the club's first postseason appearance since 1999. The Rangers placed their No. 2 starter on outright waivers Wednesday, sources said. Padilla met with assistant general manager Thad Levine and pitching coach Mike Maddux after learning of the transaction, which is supposed to remain confidential.
Analysis: Padilla said he doesn't hold ill will toward the Rangers for their decision. Teams had until noon Friday to make a claim, and would have to pay the remainder of Padilla's contract for this season in excess of $8 million. He is tentatively scheduled to pitch Sunday in Boston, but don't expect that to happen at this point. This year, Padilla is 3-3 with a 5.57 ERA in nine starts and has been a low-end AL-only option anyway.
News: The Dallas Morning News reports that Vicente Padilla was placed on outright waivers Wednesday, a day after the Rangers' right-hander plunked Mark Teixeira twice in the same game. The decision has not been confirmed by the Rangers because Major League rules forbid teams from discussing whether players are or aren't placed on waivers.
Analysis: According to MLB.com, should Padilla go unclaimed, the Rangers would be allowed to attempt to send him to the minors. Padilla, 31, would hold the right to refuse the assignment and become a free agent. Padilla allowed seven runs in 3 2/3 innings and took the loss against the Yankees on Tuesday night, making his first start since going on the disabled list with a strained right shoulder in mid-May. After the game, Padilla said he is fully healthy. He is tentatively scheduled to pitch Sunday in Boston, but don't expect that to happen at this point. This year, Padilla is 3-3 with a 5.57 ERA in nine starts and has been a low-end AL-only option anyway.
News: Texas SP Vicente Padilla was back on the mound on Tuesday after coming off the disabled list. He probably wishes he waited a little bit. Padilla was blasted by the Yankees as he allowed seven earned runs on seven hits over just 3 2/3 innings. He walked four and had just one strikeout. His ERA shot up to 5.57 as he fell to 3-3 on the year.
Analysis: Padilla's ERA shot up almost a full point since his last start came on May 16, a win over the Angels. Padilla had been on a roll over his previous three outings, allowing four runs in his last 25 innings before getting hurt. Hopefully this was just rust and he bounces back in his next start which comes Sunday at Boston. Padilla should only be active in AL-only leagues right now until he proves healthy and effective again.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla will come off the DL on Tuesday and make a start at the Yankees. Derek Holland, who was initially slated to make the start, could end up starting Saturday at Boston since Matt Harrison went on the DL.
Analysis: Padilla is a two-start pitcher in Fantasy Week 9 (June 1-7), but he has less than favorable matchups at the Yankees and Red Sox. He is a sleeper for deeper formats because of all the run support he could potentially get with the Rangers' offense backing him.
News:Vicente Padilla had a pregame bullpen session Friday as he rehabs from right shoulder bursitis. The Rangers expect him to come off the 15-day disabled list and return to the rotation Tuesday night on the road against the Yankees.
Analysis: Padilla could return as a two-start pitcher if he works on Tuesday as expected. Consider him a mild risk for Fantasy Week 9 (June 1-7) as his two starts could come against the potent Yankees and Red Sox. Padilla is a sleeper for deeper formats because of the run support the Rangers can provide.
News: From The Sports Xchange: RHP Vicente Padilla, who went on the disabled list May 22 (retroactive to May 17) with a strained right shoulder, threw from 120 feet Tuesday. He could return to the Rangers rotation when the club faces the Yankees in New York next week. Rookie Derek Holland would likely head back to the bullpen.
Analysis: Padilla could return as a two-start pitcher if he works on Holland's turn, a risky one. Track his progress through the weekend before considering him for Fantasy Week 9 (June 1-7). Holland would be nothing more than a middle reliever if he gets removed from the rotation. Padilla is a sleeper for deeper formats because of the run support the Rangers can provide.
News: The Texas Rangers have activated closer Frank Francisco and sent right-handed starter Vicente Padilla to the 15-day disabled list with a shoulder injury. Francisco will be available for Friday night's interleague series opener against the Houston Astros.
Analysis: Padilla was put on the DL retroactive to Sunday with right shoulder bursitis and is eligible to return June 1. He is 3-2 with a 4.71 ERA in eight starts and is only worth stashing in deeper AL-only formats for now.
News: Rangers right-hander Vicente Padilla is headed to the disabled list because of a strained shoulder muscle, clearing the way for rookie left-hander Derek Holland to make his first major league start.
Analysis: Padilla returned to Texas to be examined by team physician Dr. Keith Meister, who determined Thursday that there is no structural damage in the pitcher's shoulder. General manager Jon Daniels says the Rangers still plan to put Padilla on the DL on Friday, when closer Frank Francisco is eligible to be activated after not pitching since May 6 because right biceps tendinitis. Padilla is only worth stashing in deeper AL-only formats for now.
News: Texas SP Vicente Padilla defeated the Angels on Saturday with eight strong innings of work. Padilla allowed three earned runs on 10 hits and three walks. He struck out two as his ERA is 4.71 on the year. Padilla is now 3-2 on the season for the Rangers.
Analysis: Padilla has now won back-to-back starts and he's allowed a total of four earned runs over his last three outings spanning 23 innings. Padilla is red hot on the mound for the Rangers of late and is deserving of Fantasy looks in deeper mixed leagues. Padilla's next scheduled start comes Friday at Houston.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla (2-2) threw his second straight one-hit outing Sunday in a 7-1 win over the White Sox. Padilla went seven innings, allowing one run, while striking out one and walking four.
Analysis: Padilla had a monster week for his owners in AL-only leagues with 15 innings pitched and only one run allowed. While he only got one win out of those two gems, Padilla's owners will be ecstatic, as he shouldn't need to pitch superbly this season to get many wins with the solid Texas offense, but he is throwing great right now. In Fantasy Week 6 (May 11-17), Padilla will get one start against the Angels and Shane Loux on Saturday. He remains an AL-only option at best for now, but mixed league owners will have to start paying attention if keeps this hot run up.
News: Texas SP Vicente Padilla was fantastic on Tuesday in a no decision against the Seattle Mariners. The game ultimately went into extra innings with the Rangers coming out on top, but Padilla was masterful allowing just one unearned run on one hit over eight innings. He walked three and had four K's. His ERA might be high at 5.71 but he didn't pitch like it on Tuesday.
Analysis: The only thing missing from Padilla's game was the win. Fantasy owners must be cursing under their breath because one of the best starts of his career was ruined by Texas' -- of all teams -- inability to score runs for him. Padilla is 1-2 on the year but seems to be improving each time he takes the hill. He was a two-start pitcher this week with his next outing coming on Sunday at the White Sox. If he does well in that start, expect him to be picked up widely across the league. If he's poor, however, he'll remain just an AL-only Fantasy option.
News:Vicente Padilla allowed three earned runs in Thursday's afternoon game against Oakland. He gave up eight hits and walked two batters in six-plus innings of work. He struck out four in his second loss of the season.
Analysis: Padilla was pulled out of Thursday's start against Oakland after loading the bases with no outs in the seventh. He had pitched into and out of trouble all game, but two of the runs scored in the seventh and that led to a loss. Padilla's ERA is now over 7.00 and it figures to remain pretty high while pitching in Arlington, but he has some measure of appeal in AL-only leagues in the upcoming scoring period as a two-start pitcher. He'll go Tuesday at Seattle and Sunday at Chicago.
News: The Oakland Athletics at Texas Rangers game Wednesday night was postponed by to rain. Scheduled Texas starter Vicente Padilla will be pushed back to Thursday's series finale and the rest of the Texas staff will be pushed back one day, reports the Dallas Morning News.
Analysis: Padilla, who has a 8.27 ERA on the year and is only a low-end option at the moment in Fantasy, will still start twice in Week 5 (May 4-10). Instead of pitching on Monday and Saturday, he'll go Tuesday at Seattle and Sunday at Chicago.
News: Texas starter Vicente Padilla allowed four runs and seven hits in 6 2/3 innings on Friday against the Orioles, but the Rangers' ninth-inning rally enabled him to avoid his second loss to Baltimore this season. Padilla had four strikeouts in the game, three walks and allowed a homer.
Analysis: Padilla is trying to figure out what has been wrong with him so far this season, and hopefully this performance was a step in the right direction for him despite allowing four earned and nearly taking the loss. His ERA sits at 8.27 on the year and is only a low-end option at the moment. His next start is scheduled for Wednesday against Oakland's Trevor Cahill.
News: While the Dallas Morning News reports that Rangers SP Vicente Padilla's velocity is down, he can't put his finger on what the issue is. "I'm not sure what is going on because last year I was throwing fast early in the season instead of the way I'm doing it right now," Padilla said. "I have to be a little concerned myself because my team is giving me a chance to win," Padilla said. "I have to support the team. They score runs and I have to go out there and pitch my best, so I'm a little concerned."
Analysis: Padilla is off to a bit of a rough start this season, and you have to be a little worried that even he can't figure out what's going on. Padilla will get one start in Fantasy Week 3 (April 27-May 3), against the Orioles. He remains a low-end Fantasy AL-only option until he starts to pitch a little more like his teammate, Kevin Millwood.
News: Texas SP Vicente Padilla tossed five innings in Sunday's 6-5 win over the Royals, allowing five earned runs on eight hits with five strikeouts and a walk. Padilla allowed homers to Mike Jacobs and David DeJesus in the game. Padilla was credited with a no decision in the game and his ERA dropped to 9.64 with the performance.
Analysis: Padilla is not off to a good start this season, which can be said of many of the pitchers in the Rangers' starting rotation. He was rocked in his previous start, allowing seven earned in 3 1/3 innings. Padilla is going to get run support with the potent Rangers offense backing him, but he will also frequently get rocked. His next start is slated for Saturday at Baltimore against Mark Hendrickson.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla, playing for a new contract, fell to 1-1 in a blowout loss against the Orioles on Monday. He allowed seven runs on 11 hits in 3 1/3 innings, issuing one walk and recording one strikeout.
Analysis: Padilla likely won't finish with impressive numbers, but he still has a good chance of recording double-digit victories for a potent offensive team. You'll just have to endure a few blowouts like this one. His next start and second of Fantasy Week 2 (April 13-19) is scheduled for Sunday against the Royals.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla, who led the team with 14 wins in 2008, picked up his first win of 2009 against the Indians on Wednesday even though he was returning from forearm stiffness at the end of spring training. He allowed three runs on four hits and three walks in 5 2/3 innings, recording five strikeouts.
Analysis: Padilla's ERA and WHIP didn't exactly support his overall number of victories last year, but since he pitches for one of the most potent offensive teams in baseball, he could win double-digit games again, provided he stays healthy. Consider him a solid but unspectacular option in AL-only leagues. His next start is scheduled for Monday against Baltimore, making him a two-start pitcher in Fantasy Week 2 (April 13-19).
News: Texas SP Vicente Padilla, who left Friday night's game after two innings with right forearm stiffness, is still on track to make his first start Wednesday against Cleveland. "We don't view that as a serious issue," Rangers assistant general manager Thad Levine said.
Analysis: Padilla, who had a team-leading 14 games last season, is set as Texas' No. 2 starter. His ERA and WHIP didn't exactly support his overall number of victories however, so consider him a beneficiary of good luck and a low-end Fantasy option. In fact, you should probably just leave him for AL-only leagues.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla left Friday night's exhibition game against the Royals after two innings because of slight stiffness in his right forearm. Padilla allowed one run and two hits in his final spring tuneup. Padilla was originally scheduled for a four-inning stint, but left as a precautionary measure. Padilla said the arm stiffness shouldn't jeopardize his start on Wednesday against Cleveland. Manager Ron Washington also expressed confidence that Padilla would make that start. "When the bell rings, he'll be ready to go," Washington said. "I don't have any concerns about that." Padilla threw seven innings in a minor league game on Monday, and he normally pitches on five days rest. Padilla thinks the lack of an extra day off might have caused the stiffness. "It had been four days and I'd been throwing a lot," Padilla said. "It feels good. I'm ready to go."
Analysis: Padilla, who had a team-leading 14 games last season, is set as Texas' No. 2 starter. His ERA and WHIP didn't exactly support his overall number of victories however, so consider him a beneficiary of good luck and a low-end Fantasy option. In fact, you should probably just leave him for AL-only leagues.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla improved on his velocity Wednesday against the Diamondbacks, allowing three runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out two in six innings. "After the first start it's been slowly gradually getting better," Padilla said. "My concern was my velocity, but it's coming back. Since I got the velocity bac, I was able to try a few other pitches and other things."
Analysis: Padilla won 14 games last season, but only four in the second half. His ERA and WHIP didn't exactly support his overall number of victories, so consider him a beneficiary of good luck and a low-end Fantasy option. In fact, you should probably just leave him for AL-only leagues.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla gave up two runs on three hits with two walks in an exhibition game on Friday against the Royals. His ERA jumped up to 5.00 with the performance.
Analysis: Padilla was a 14-game winner last season but had some injury woes. He is not going to be the top man in a well below average Texas rotation and is only a low-end Fantasy flier in larger mixed leagues.
News:Vicente Padilla got some help from the Texas defense to face the minimum 12 batters over four innings and rebounded from his poor first spring start in the Rangers' 2-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Saturday. Padilla allowed a single and walked one in a crisp outing. Last weekend, Padilla faced 12 batters in two innings and allowed four runs. "I felt a lot more confident this time around. I felt more comfortable on the mound," Padilla said through a translator. "It was the first time out the last outing and I was a little bit off."
Analysis: Padilla was so effective that even with one inning more than he was scheduled to throw he still came up about 10 pitches short of the 50-60 the Rangers planned. "His tempo was high. He threw the ball over the plate and he did more with less," manager Ron Washington said. "Keep the ball in play, good things happen. ... You want good pitching and defense, and that's what we did." It's good to see Padilla have a strong outing after a poor one, but we still have a long ways to go before the season begins. Padilla was 14-8 with a 4.74 ERA last season. He had some injury woes, but still tossed 171 innings for his most effective season since winning 15 games in 2006. Padilla was 11-3 on the road last season and just 3-5 at home -- a heavy hitter's park. For that, he remains a low-end Fantasy flier in larger mixed leagues.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla allowed four first-inning runs Sunday against the Mariners, three of them earned. He settled down in the second and struck out two in his first spring appearance. He allowed four hits and two walks.
Analysis: Padilla won 14 games last season, but only four in the second half. His ERA and WHIP didn't exactly support his overall number of victories, so consider him a beneficiary of good luck and a low-end Fantasy option. In fact, you should probably just leave him for AL-only leagues.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla allowed one run and two hits in his inning of work during Tuesday's intrasquad game. He projects as the team's No. 2 starter this season.
Analysis: Padilla won 14 games last season, but only four in the second half. His ERA and WHIP didn't exactly support his overall number of victories, so consider him a beneficiary of good luck and a low-end Fantasy option. In fact, you should probably just leave him for AL-only leagues.
News: Two days into spring training, Rangers manager Ron Washington says his rotation is set. That doesn't mean the starting pitchers won't be challenged. The Rangers deviated from their norm by having pitchers throw to hitters during batting practice on the first day of workouts Sunday. A day later, Washington indicated he was ready to roll with Kevin Millwood and Vicente Padilla, followed in no particular order by Scott Feldman, Matt Harrison and Brandon McCarthy. "The only thing that can unseat it is if one of those guys come up with an injury or something unforeseen happens," Washington said Monday. "But that's where we want to go."
Analysis: Padilla won 14 games last season, but only four in the second half. His ERA and WHIP didn't exactly support his overall number of victories, so consider him a beneficiary of good luck and a low-end Fantasy options. In fact, you should probably just leave him for AL-only leagues.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla, who began the season with a quick 12 wins through the first four months, waited to the final two to work up to 14, including one Friday at the Angels. He allowed one run on four hits and two walks in six innings, striking out eight.
Analysis: Padilla has a 4.74 ERA and is clearly an unreliable pitcher. But pitching for the Rangers gives him some Fantasy appeal just because of the run support. Still, think of him as a low-end mixed-league option entering 2009.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla, who had gone no more than 5 2/3 innings in two starts since returning from various injuries, lasted through six Saturday in a loss against the Angels. Unfortunately, he yielded five runs and seven hits in six innings, striking out five and walking three.
Analysis: Padilla has managed to win 13 games this season -- a credit mostly to the Rangers offense. He has only one win in July and clearly isn't a pitcher you can trust in mixed leagues right now. His next start is scheduled for Friday at the Angels.
News: Texas starter Vincente Padilla scattered five hits over five innings Sunday in his second start since coming off the disabled list, but was denied his 11th road win of the season. He allowed two runs, struck out four and left with a 3-2 lead before the Rangers bullpen let it slip away.
Analysis: Padilla is a sleeper for deeper leagues down the stretch, especially since the potent Rangers can get him run support and wins potential. His Fantasy Week 25 (Sept. 15-21) matchup vs. the Angels is a pretty tough one, though.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla is scheduled to pitch against the Tigers on Wednesday on seven days rest but manager Ron Washington has said that they'd like him to pitch on five days rest if possible. That would make him starting on Monday. This is contingent upon Padilla. "If we refuse to pitch him on the fifth day, there's no telling what's going to happen on the sixth days," Washington said. "If he says he is ready to pitch, he's going to get the ball."
Analysis: Basically, if Padilla wants to pitch on Monday, that's when he'll pitch. He's still slated to go on Wednesday, however. If he can not go Monday, Washington isn't sure if he'll pitch Tuesday or Wednesday at this point. This sounds convoluted, we know. You'll just have to check back to see what happens if you had visions of starting Padilla in Fantasy Week 25 (Sept. 15-21). If he can go on Monday, he'd start twice in the week and that would greatly increase his value.
News: Texas activated starter Vicente Padilla off the 15-day DL on Tuesday prior to his start against the Mariners. Padilla then won the start. He improved to 13-7 on the year as he allowed one run -- none earned -- on six hits over 5 2/3 innings. He walked one and had five K's.
Analysis: Padilla was considered a sleeper for Fantasy Week 24 (Sept. 8-14) and it looks like those who started him will be happy. His next scheduled start comes Sunday at Oakland.
News: RHP Vicente Padilla (sore neck and shoulders) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to Aug. 25. He had no trouble in a Sept. 5 bullpen session, and he will be activated to start Sept. 9.
Analysis: Padilla is a sleeper for Fantasy Week 24 (Sept. 8-14). He is getting a pair of starts against bottom-feeding AL West teams and he could get some nice run support. The fact his injury was with his leg and not his arm or shoulder suggests he won't be held to a tight pitch count.
News: The Rangers placed SP Vicente Padilla on the 15-day disabled list Saturday, retroactive to Aug. 23, because of a left hamstring strain. RP Kameron Loe was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma to fill the roster spot, a week after he was optioned to the minors.
Analysis: Padilla was originally scheduled to pitch Friday, but he could not throw his between-starts bullpen session this week. It's the third time this month Padilla's had a scheduled start pushed back by the issue. He's not much of a mixed-league starter anyway because of his high ERA and WHIP.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla is having problems with his left hamstring, which bothered him during Friday's side session a few days after he tweaked it in Kansas City during his normal sprint work. General manager Jon Daniels said he expects to put Padilla on the 15-day disabled list on Saturday.
Analysis: Padilla was originally scheduled to pitch Friday, but he could not throw his between-starts bullpen session this week. It's the third time this month Padilla's had a scheduled start pushed back by the issue. Keep him reserved until further notice.
News:The Sports Xchange notes that the Rangers will have to make a roster move Friday in order to add RHP Luis Mendoza to the roster. While they have balked at the idea previously, the Rangers may end up placing RHP Vicente Padilla on the disabled list with neck and shoulder stiffness.
Analysis: Padilla was originally scheduled to pitch Friday, but he could not throw his between-starts bullpen session this week. It's the third time this month Padilla's had a scheduled start pushed back by the issue. Keep him reserved until further notice.
News: Texas Rangers right-hander Vicente Padilla will miss his scheduled start Friday against the Los Angeles Angels with inflammation in the muscle joint between the neck and shoulder. Padilla, who leads the Rangers with 12 victories and has a 4.98 ERA in 25 starts, couldn't throw bullpen sessions Tuesday or Wednesday. "He's not going to make it Friday," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "This is frustrating. We want to win as many games as we possibly can. We'll get (Dustin) Nippert prepared for Friday.
Analysis: Washington said the Rangers are not planning to put Padilla on the disabled list, instead hoping he can make his next scheduled start Sept. 3 against Seattle. Plus, rosters can expand to 40 on Monday. Padilla was put on the disabled list in July with a stiff neck and missed an August start with the injury. Padilla continues to be just a low-end Fantasy SP when healthy.
News: Texas SP Vicente Padilla was able to strike out eight Indians on Sunday night over just five innings. Unfortunately, he was only able to secure a no decision. Padilla allowed three runs on five hits and added a walk. His ERA sits at 4.98.
Analysis: Padilla doesn't pitch enough innings for the Rangers and Fantasy owners but he does have strikeout ability. He's 0-2 over his last three starts and has allowed at least three earned runs in each of his last six starts. He faces Ervin Santana and Anaheim in Los Angeles on Friday and that makes him an AL-only starter at best in a tough matchup week.
News:Vicente Padilla (12-7), who was supposed to start Sunday but was pushed back because of an inflamed joint in his neck, gave up five runs and eight hits in six innings Tuesday in a loss to the Tigers. Padilla walked two and had four strikeouts.
Analysis: Well, Padilla looked healthy on Tuesday albeit ineffective. He's now lost consecutive starts and has been allowing too many runs of late. He does pitch twice in Fantasy Week 22 (Aug. 25-31) so that makes him someone to consider for deeper mixed Fantasy leagues. His next scheduled start comes Monday at Kansas City and he ends his week at the Angels.
News: According to The Sports Xchange notes: After twice having his scheduled start being pushed back because of soreness in the neck and chest area, RHP Vicente Padilla was able to make it through a bullpen session Sunday and will start Tuesday against Detroit. Padilla had been originally scheduled for Thursday and then Sunday.
Analysis: Padilla is on a 15-win pace and is an injury-risk sleeper down the stretch. Consider him a bit too risky for most mixed leagues at this point, but the Rangers' potent offense can make him a winner for your Fantasy team if you have a need in deeper formats.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla will miss his scheduled start Sunday because of an inflamed muscle joint in his neck. Right-hander Dustin Nippert will instead start against the Rays. Padilla (12-6), whose start had already been pushed back from Thursday, felt discomfort and could not make his scheduled bullpen session Saturday. Rangers manager Ron Washington said the right-hander will start Tuesday against Detroit if he can throw on Sunday. "If he can't go Tuesday, the disabled list is a possibility," Texas general manager Jon Daniels said.
Analysis: Padilla has 12 victories thanks for great run support, but he is nothing more than a risky starter best left for deeper Fantasy leagues at this point. He now won't make a single start in Fantasy Week 20 (Aug. 11-17) and looks somewhat risky for Fantasy Week 21 (Aug. 18-24). Don't even bother with him outside of AL-only leagues for this upcoming scoring period.
News: According to The Sports Xchange notes: Vicente Padilla suffered the return of inflammation in the joint that connects the sternum and clavicle on the right side of his chest. He left the team Monday, received a cortisone injection and is unlikely to pitch Thursday. He is most likely to be pushed back to Sunday. The Rangers had hoped to skip rookie Tommy Hunter, who has pitched more than 150 innings between the minors and majors this season, but now it looks as if he'll have to pitch against Boston on Thursday. The Rangers were also not thrilled with Kevin Millwood's rehab start on Sunday, but now it looks as if they may have to activate him without a second rehab start. Millwood would start the Tampa Bay series opener on Friday. Matt Harrison was scheduled to pitch in that spot, but he might be moved back to Saturday to accommodate Millwood and to break up the two veterans in the rotation.
Analysis: Padilla has 12 victories thanks for great run support, but he is nothing more than a risky starter best left for deeper Fantasy leagues at this point. He still stands to make one start before Fantasy Week 21 (Aug. 18-24), but track his progress through the weekend before you make a roster decision on him for the upcoming scoring period.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla, who left for his native Nicaragua on Tuesday to attend to a family matter, returned in time to start Saturday at Baltimore. He allowed six runs and eight hits in four innings, striking out four and walking three to drop his first decision in five starts since July 4, when he yielded eight runs to the Orioles. The right-hander is 0-2 with an 18.90 ERA against Baltimore and 12-4 with a 4.13 ERA against everyone else.
Analysis: Padilla has a 7.04 ERA over his last four starts and has pitched poorly as often as he has pitched well this season. He still has 12 wins, but since his ERA and WHIP might be high at times, consider Padilla more of a low-end Fantasy SP. His next start is scheduled for Friday against the Rays.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla returned to his native Nicaragua on Tuesday to attend to a family matter. Padilla is expected to rejoin the team for his scheduled start Saturday night in Baltimore.
Analysis: Padilla pitched Monday, allowing four runs in six innings. He still has 12 wins this season, but since his ERA and WHIP might be high at times, consider Padilla more of a low-end Fantasy SP.
News: Rangers starter Vicente Padilla gave up four runs and six hits in six innings during a no decision Monday against the Yankees. He left with a 5-4 lead, but the Yankees tied the game in the eighth. Padilla walked one and struck out five while allowing homers to Jason Giambi and Robinson Cano.
Analysis: Padilla has suffered two straight no decisions, but hasn't lost in four starts. Padilla has allowed four or more runs in four of his last six starts and his ERA is starting to make its way toward 5.00. He still has 12 wins this season, but since his ERA and WHIP might be high at times, consider Padilla more of a low-end Fantasy SP. His next scheduled start is for Saturday against the Orioles.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla didn't get a decision on Wednesday but held the Mariners to just three runs off 10 hits in seven solid innings. He walked one and had four strikeouts on the night.
Analysis: Padilla has now looked good for the Rangers in three straight starts with two wins over that span and he's 5-2 over his last eight starts total. He pitches twice in Fantasy Week 19 (Aug. 4-10) so he's a must-start over that frame. His first start will be a tough one on Monday against Joba Chamberlain and the Yankees, but he ends the week in Baltimore.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla gave up five runs on seven hits and four walks in six innings Friday at Oakland, but his team rallied behind him to give him his 12th victory. His ERA rose to 4.56.
Analysis: The Rangers score plenty of runs, allowing a mediocre pitcher like Padilla to earn a good number of victories. He remains useful in Head-to-Head leagues as a result. His next start is scheduled for Wednesday against the Mariners.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla (11-5) blanked the Twins over seven innings Sunday as he marked his return from the DL with a 1-0 victory. Padilla allowed only three hits and two walks, but did not record a strikeout.
Analysis: Padilla's strikeout total was obviously disappointing Sunday, but his quality start was more than enough reward for those Fantasy owners who took a flier on the big guy this week. Padilla is now 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA in three starts against the Twins this season. In Fantasy Week 17 (July 21-27), Padilla will get one start at Oakland on Saturday, where he is expected to face Justin Duchscherer. Consider him a nice back-of-the-staff option in mixed leagues for the period, even with that tough matchup.
News: The Texas Rangers activated SP Vicente Padilla off the DL to start against the Twins on Sunday, clearing roster room by optioning infielder German Duran to Triple-A Oklahoma. Padilla, 10-5 with a 4.70 ERA, had been on the 15-day DL with a stiff neck. Duran was hitting .225 with three home runs in 102 at-bats with the Rangers this season. The rookie was called up from the minors on April 17. He was sent back down May 29 and was called up again 10 days later. "Last time we sent him down he came back a lot better," manager Ron Washington said. "I think the next time we call him up, it'll be for good."
Analysis: Padilla has pitched very well against the Twins this season, with a 1.93 and a complete game in two starts, so we'll see if he can continue that trend on Sunday. He's not a stud pitcher by any means, but he usually pitches well enough to win with all the run support he gets in Texas. Consider him a nice back-of-the-staff option in Fantasy. As for Duran, he isn't worth holding onto except outside of the deepest keeper formats while he's in the minors.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla, on the DL since July 9, will be ready to return to the rotation on Sunday to begin his second half with a start against the Twins on the road.
Analysis: Padilla is a solid 10-5 this season with a 4.70 ERA, but really struggled in his last two starts before he got injured, as he allowed 15 earned runs in 8 2/3 innings. He has pitched very well against the Twins this season, however, with a 1.93 and a complete game in two starts. He has some value in deeper mixed leagues with this start in the short Fantasy Week 16 (July 17-20), but will need to pick things up in the second half if he wants to remain viable in more than just AL-only formats.
News: Texas put pitcher Vicente Padilla on the 15-day disabled list with a stiff neck on Wednesday, retroactive to Saturday, and recalled right-hander Wes Littleton from Triple-A Oklahoma.
Analysis: Padilla (10-5, 4.70 ERA), who last pitched Friday at Baltimore, has a neck strain and a bruised thumb. The right-hander has lost his last two starts, allowing 15 earned runs in 8 2/3 innings against Philadelphia and the Orioles. Padilla is eligible to return for the third game after the All-Star break. Keep the right-hander reserved through Fantasy Week 16 (July 14-20) at this time. When healthy, he can be a viable Fantasy SP.
News: The Rangers announced Monday that SP Vicente Padilla (neck strain, bruised thumb) will not make his scheduled start Wednesday against the Angels. Manager Ron Washington said SP Matt Harrison will be called up from Triple-A Oklahoma to start Tuesday night's game against the Angels. SP Eric Hurley, who was scratched from a start last Saturday because of a tight left hamstring, might go Wednesday in Padilla's place.
Analysis: Padilla has given up at least seven runs in his last two starts -- doing so for the first time in his career. His injury doesn't look too bad, and he might still make a start before the All-Star break, possibly Saturday against the White Sox. He's not a stud pitcher by any means, but he usually pitches well enough to win with all the run support he gets in Texas. Consider him a nice back-of-the-staff option in Fantasy.
News: The Baltimore Orioles roughed up 10-game winner Vicente Padilla in a 10-4 win over the Texas Rangers on Friday. Padilla (10-5) allowed a career-high tying eight runs and nine hits in 2 2/3 innings, his shortest outing of the season. He was pulled during a four-run third inning with a bruised right thumb. X-rays were negative.
Analysis: In his previous start, the right-hander yielded seven runs in a loss to Philadelphia. It's the first time in his career that Padilla has given up at least seven runs in successive starts. His injury doesn't look too bad and he should make his next start against the Angels on Wednesday. He's not a stud pitcher by any means, but he usually pitches well enough to win with all the run support he gets in Texas. Consider him a nice back-of-the-staff option in Fantasy.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla was denied by his former team of matching the American League lead for victories with 11. The right-hander instead took his fourth loss after going 8-1 in his previous 11 starts, including winning three in a row. He equaled his season high by allowing seven earned runs in six innings. He gave up seven hits and three walks, recording three strikeouts.
Analysis: Padilla's ERA jumped back over 4.00 with the performance. He hadn't allowed more than four earned runs in any of his last four starts. He's not a stud pitcher by any means, but he usually pitches well enough to win with all the run support he gets in Texas. Consider him a nice back-of-the-staff option in Fantasy. His next start is scheduled for Thursday at Baltimore.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla made it to 10 wins for the fourth time in his career Sunday as Texas held off the Nationals 5-3. Padilla allowed three runs on five hits, striking out five and walking three.
Analysis: Padilla has now won four of his last five decisions and continues to look like a candidate for the All-Star Game next month. Along with Josh Hamilton, Padilla is one of the main reasons the Rangers are over .500 right now. In Fantasy Week 13 (June 23-29), Padilla will get one start, against the Phillies on Saturday. He should start in deeper mixed leagues for the period and his owners in all leagues should consider starting him if he keeps things up.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla allowed two runs (one earned) and two hits in six innings during a 7-5 win Tuesday against the Braves. Padilla moved to 9-3 while allowing two walks and four strikeouts. He pitched five scoreless innings until Omar Infante led off the sixth with a solo homer. Padilla has won two straight starts.
Analysis: Padilla allowed fewer than three runs for the first time in five starts Tuesday. He has won four of his last six outings. Padilla is somehow managing to post a winning record down in Texas and can be considered a sleeper for deeper Fantasy leagues. His next scheduled start is for Sunday against the Nationals. It's on the road where Padilla is 6-1 with a 4.27 ERA this season.
News: Texas SP Vicente Padilla (8-3) picked up the victory Wednesday over Kansas City and is 6-1 in his past nine starts. He did, however, allow five runs, four earned, on seven hits in six innings. He walked three and struck out two and his ERA now stands at 3.89.
Analysis: Padilla continues to pitch relatively well for Texas and has gone at least six innings in each of his last three starts. He's been giving up runs and hits but has won five times in his last six decisions. Consider him a decent low-end Fantasy SP for mixed leagues. His next scheduled start is for Tuesday against Atlanta.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla, returning from bereavement leave in which he dealt with a family matter in Nicaragua, allowed three runs and five hits in six innings Friday against the Rays, walking two and striking out three. He lost for only the third time this season and after winning a career-best seven straight decisions.
Analysis: Padilla entered with a 6.55 ERA over his previous two starts, so he was overdue for a letdown even if he pitched pretty well Friday. His seven wins so far probably give him too much credit, but the Rangers do provide him with excellent run support. Consider him a decent low-end Fantasy SP for mixed leagues. His next start is scheduled for Thursday at Kansas City.
News: Rangers manager Ron Washington said Wednesday that right-hander Vicente Padilla will return from Nicaragua on Thursday and then start Friday against Tampa Bay. He was on bereavement leave this week while he attended to a personal family matter at his off-season home.
Analysis: Padilla lost his two-start status Fantasy Week 10 (June 2-8) when he attended to personal matters, but at least he will now make one start. Padilla is 7-2 with a 3.67 ERA. He beat Tampa Bay May 27 despite allowing five runs in six innings. He did strike out 10. Padilla remains a low-end Fantasy SP in mixed leagues.
News: The Rangers recalled LHP A.J. Murray from Triple-A Oklahoma and placed RHP Vicente Padilla on the bereavement list.
Analysis: Murray will start Tuesday, but Padilla will have to be activated with seven days, according to MLB.com. That means Padilla should be making a start this weekend vs. the Tampa Bay Rays. Consider Padilla a risky start best left for AL-only leagues. Murray is nothing more than a high-risk starter for the deepest of AL-only leagues.
News: Texas right-hander Vicente Padilla left the team Sunday, returning to his native Nicaragua to attend to what manager Ron Washington termed "a family personal matter." Padilla was scheduled to start Monday night for the Rangers against the Indians. Washington said rookie Doug Mathis will be moved up a day in the rotation to replace Padilla. Washington said he was hopeful Padilla would be back to start Tuesday night against Cleveland. If Padilla is away from the team for an extended period, Washington said left-hander A.J. Murray would be recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma to make Tuesday night's start. The Rangers probably would not have to open a roster spot for Murray because they would be given bereavement leave for Padilla, which would last from three to seven days.
Analysis: Padilla has been the Rangers' top starter with a 7-2 record and 3.67 ERA. He should get at least one start in Fantasy Week 10 (June 2-8), but you might not be able to count on him getting his two-start week. He has been a solid option for deeper leagues, but this might not be a week to take a chance on him.
News: With RHP Kevin Millwood set to rejoin the rotation Friday, manager Ron Washington outlined the rest of the rotation to the Dallas Morning News: RHP Scott Feldman will pitch Saturday, followed by RHP Sidney Ponson, RHP Vicente Padilla and LHP Kason Gabbard. Washington also said the club is considering keeping RHP Doug Mathis as a long reliever when Millwood returns. If the club keeps Mathis, it could option either RHP Kameron Loe or RHP Josh Rupe back to Triple-A Oklahoma.
Analysis: Feldman is nothing more than a high-risk starter for the deepest of AL-only leagues. Mathis, Loe and/or Rupe are nothing more than low-end middle relievers for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men, if they get to stick around. Padilla is a sleeper for deeper Fantasy leagues in the right matchups, while Ponson and Gabbard are more streaky and risky in those formats.
News:Vicente Padilla (7-2) allowed five runs and seven hits in six innings to win his fifth straight decision and stop Tampa Bay's four-game winning streak Tuesday. The right-hander walked four and struck out a season-high 10.
Analysis: Padilla hasn't suffered a loss since April 22, a span of six starts without taking a loss. He has been a pleasant surprise with a 7-2 record and respectable ERA (3.67) for a pitcher who pitches in the Rangers' hitter-friendly park. With Padilla, though, you are always waiting for the bubble to burst. Fantasy owners should continue to use him in all AL-only formats and even in larger mixed leagues while he is getting results, but don't look to acquire him or rely on him long term. His next start comes Sunday against Oakland.
News:Vicente Padilla needed 102 pitches to get through five innings Thursday afternoon at Minnesota in his latest start. He gave up seven hits and two walks while striking out three, but he left with a 4-3 lead. The game would go into extra innings and Padilla did not factor in the decision.
Analysis: Padilla hasn't suffered a loss since April 22, a span of six starts without taking a loss. He has been a pleasant surprise with a 6-2 record and very low ERA (3.33) for a pitcher who pitches in the Rangers' hitter-friendly park. With Padilla, though, you are always waiting for the bubble to burst. Fantasy owners should continue to use him in all AL-only formats and even in larger mixed leagues while he is getting results, but don't look to acquire him or rely on him long term. His next start comes May 27 at Tampa Bay.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla worked seven innings Saturday against the Astros to lift his record to 6-2 and match his victory total from last season. Padilla won his fourth consecutive decision over five starts. The right-hander allowed two runs and five hits over seven innings, striking out six and walking three. "He pitched me tougher than I've been pitched all year," said Hunter Pence, who extended his hitting streak to 15 games with a single in the eighth off a reliever. "He threw me all fastballs and located every one of them. It was moving. I wasn't very comfortable facing him."
Analysis: Padilla has an impressive 3.16 ERA, though his WHIP is relatively high. Still, he looks more like he did when he went 15-10 in 2006 and is a worthy back-of-the-rotation starter in mixed leagues. His next start is scheduled for Thursday at Minnesota.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla pitched into the sixth inning Monday against the Mariners, but a no-decision kept him from his sixth victory, which would have matched the American League lead and equaled his total for all of last season. After allowing one earned run in his previous three starts, including Wednesday when he limited Seattle to two singles over seven scoreless innings, Padilla gave up four hits and five runs -- only two of them earned after two Texas errors -- in the first inning Monday. He left after allowing six runs -- three earned -- on seven hits and one walk in five innings, striking out two.
Analysis: Padilla still has an impressive 3.23 ERA despite the poor performance, though his WHIP is relatively high. Still, he looks more like he did when he went 15-10 in 2006 and is a worthy back-of-the-rotation starter in mixed leagues. His next start is scheduled for Saturday against the Astros.
News:Vicente Padilla allowed two hits over seven innings to outpitch Erik Bedard as the Texas Rangers beat the struggling Seattle Mariners 2-0 Wednesday night. Padilla (5-2), who has won three straight starts, walked two and struck out a season-high eight. Padilla opened the game by hitting Ichiro Suzuki but he didn't allow him to advance past first. In the second, Yuniesky Betancourt had a one-out single to center but he was eliminated on a double play. The next 12 batters were retired by Padilla until Suzuki's two-out single in the sixth. But Padilla struck out Jose Lopez to end the inning. Padilla ran into trouble of his own making in the seventh, walking the first two batters Raul Ibanez and Adrian Beltre, on 3-2 counts. He then struck out Jeff Clement, Betancourt and Wladimir Balentien.
Analysis: Padilla has allowed just one run in his last three starts, spanning 21 2/3 innings. He lowered his overall ERA to 3.02. He has won three straight starts and five of seven. Padilla is well on his way to being a double-digit winner, but we just can't recommend him outside of being a No. 5 or No. 6 Fantasy SP at this time. His next scheduled start is for Monday in a rematch with the Mariners. He is on track to be a two-start pitcher Fantasy Week 7 (May 12-18) with his second start coming against the Astros.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla had one bad inning Friday against the A's, but it still didn't end up costing him the win in a 4-3 victory for Texas. Padilla pitched three scoreless innings before eight Oakland batters came to the plate in the fourth. Padilla allowed a solo home run to Jack Cust and a two-run double to Bobby Crosby, but was charged with only one earned run. He allowed five hits and four walks in 5 2/3 innings as he improved to 4-2. He also struck out a season-high six hitters.
Analysis: Padilla has won his last two starts and four of six. He has allowed just one earned runs in his last 14 2/3 innings, including a complete-game shutout of Minnesota. Padilla remains a low-end Fantasy SP in mixed leagues. His next scheduled start is for Wednesday on the road against the Mariners. Three of his four wins this season have come away from the Ballpark at Arlington.
News:Vicente Padilla did what right-handers seldom do -- throw a shutout at hitter-friendly Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Padilla pitched a seven-hitter for his third career shutout, and the Texas Rangers beat the Minnesota Twins 10-0 on Sunday. Padilla (3-2) struck out two, walked two and didn't allow a runner past second in his first shutout for Texas. The last Rangers right-hander to get a home shutout was Rick Helling, who had a four-hitter on July 29, 2001, against Tampa Bay. "I've been trying to finish a game," Padilla said through an interpreter. "Today I got a chance to get it done. It was relaxing to pitch with a big lead like that."
Analysis: n his previous start, Padilla was knocked around by the Detroit Tigers for seven runs and eight hits in three innings of a 10-2 defeat. This time, Padilla decided to make more use of his fastball to set up breaking pitches. Rangers manager Ron Washington went to Padilla in the dugout before the ninth and asked how much he had left. "He had an easy eighth. I asked him if he wanted to stay out there and he said he did," Washington said. "He was smiling, which he normally doesn't do. Then he went out in the ninth and shut them down. He was throwing 94, 95 in the ninth, so his stuff was still good." Padilla has allowed one or fewer earned runs in three of seven starts this season. Padilla remains a low-end Fantasy SP in mixed leagues. His next scheduled start is for Friday on the road against the A's. Padilla is 2-1 with a 4.70 ERA in four road starts.
News: Rangers SP Jason Jennings, who was scheduled to pitch on Thursday against the Tigers, was moved back to Saturday against the Twins. Scott Feldman, who will be recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday, will take his place. Kevin Millwood still starts Friday and Jennings will replace Kason Gabbard in the rotation on Saturday. Gabbard is expected to go on the DL with back stiffness. Vincente Padilla will round out the week when he takes the hill Sunday.
Analysis: Padilla keeps his two-start status for Fantasy Week 4 (April 21-27) and everyone else aside from Gabbard is still a one-start pitcher. Millwood has the most Fantasy value out of all the Rangers pitchers. He is more of a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy SP in mixed leagues thanks to a good start. Padilla is a low-end Fantasy SP in mixed leagues while Feldman and Jennings are more AL-only options.
News: Three homers in the third inning was enough to get Rangers SP Vicente Padilla run from Tuesday's 10-2 loss to the Tigers. Padilla pitched a scoreless first inning, but then allowed two runs in the second. The wheels came off in the third as Magglio Ordonez, Miguel Cabrera and Ramon Santiago all took Padilla deep and the Tigers scored five times. Padillia was charged with eight hits, seven runs and one walk in three innings. He struck out two as his ERA climbed from 3.12 to 4.97 ERA.
Analysis: Padilla went up in flames against a potent Tigers lineup Tuesday coming off an impressive seven-inning win against the Blue Jays. They can't all be winners for Padilla. Despite Tuesday's loss, he has made a lot of good starts for the Rangers in 2008. However, he is still just an AL-only and low-end mixed league Fantasy SP. Padilla's next scheduled start is for Sunday against the Twins. He was 1-1 with a 4.22 ERA in two starts against Minnesota last season.
News:Vicente Padilla pitched seven strong innings, and the Texas Rangers beat Toronto 4-1 on Thursday night, handing the Blue Jays their fifth straight home defeat. Padilla (2-1) allowed one run and seven hits with three walks and two strikeouts. Toronto's lone run off Padilla came in the seventh when Gregg Zaun doubled, went to third on a grounder and scored on David Eckstein's two-out single.
Analysis: Padilla has been one of the Rangers' best pitchers through the first few weeks. He hasn't allowed more than four runs in any of his four starts and has allowed one run in two outings. Padilla is flashing former shades of his 2002, 2003 and 2006 self when he won 14-15 games. Continue to view him as an AL-only and larger mixed league flier. His next scheduled start is for Tuesday against the Tigers. He is on track to be a two-start pitcher Fantasy Week 4 (April 21-27) with his second start coming against Minnesota. Padilla pitched six scoreless innings in a win against Detroit last season, and was 1-1 with a 4.22 ERA in two starts against Minnesota.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla, who went 6-10 with a 5.76 ERA last year, made his first bad start of 2008 on Friday against the Blue Jays, taking his first loss. He was perfect over the first three innings, but Toronto broke through for four runs in the fourth with four hits, a walk and some shaky Rangers defense. "(Padilla) was tough those first couple of innings," Blue Jays 1B Lyle Overbay said. "Then there was a walk and he missed some spots. It was a matter of taking advantage of it." In all, Padilla allowed five runs -- four earned -- on seven hits and three walks in six innings, striking out five.
Analysis: After struggling last season, Padilla can only go upwards in 2008, and the Rangers will be hoping he can regain the form that saw him win an average of 12 games per season between 2002 and 2006. He's certainly worth a look in AL-only leagues at this point, having posted a 3.79 ERA through three starts. He'll likely make his next start Thursday at Toronto.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla put together his second solid start to open the 2008 season Sunday at the Angels, allowing four runs -- three earned -- in seven innings to pick up the win. He allowed nine hits and struck out four. Padilla gave up one run on eight hits in six innings in his first start of the season, getting no-decision in Texas' 5-4 win at Seattle.
Analysis: After struggling last season, Padilla can only go upwards in 2008, and the Rangers will be hoping he can regain the form that saw him win an average of 12 games per season between 2002 and 2006. He's certainly worth a look in AL-only leagues at this point. He'll likely make his next start Friday against the Blue Jays.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla did allow eight hits Tuesday in a no-decision against the Mariners, but he made sure most of those runners stayed on the bases as Seattle stranded 11 and only scored once. Padilla struck out four and walked three as the Rangers won 5-4 with two runs in the ninth.
Analysis: It looks like Padilla is over his hip injury from mid-March. After struggling last season, Padilla can only go upwards in 2008 and the Rangers will be hoping he can regain the form that saw him win an average of 12 games a season between 2002 and 2006. The big man will get a second start this week, on Sunday against the Angels and Jon Garland, and then will start once in Fantasy Week 2 (April 7-13), against ace Roy Halladay and the Blue Jays. That's a very tough matchup for Padilla and the Rangers, and he should really only be used in AL-only formats next week.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla allowed five runs and 10 hits in six innings during his final spring start Wednesday against the Padres. He also walked one and struck out four. He capped the spring with a 2-0 record and 3.07 ERA in four starts spanning 14 2/3 innings.
Analysis: Padilla has pitched mostly in minor league games the last few weeks after hurting his hip in a mid-March start. It doesn't appear as though the injury will follow him into the season. Padilla said he is not using last year's 6-10 season with a 5.76 ERA as something to prove, but the Rangers hope he returns to the form that made him a 15-game winner in 2006. He also had two 14-win seasons with the Phillies in 2002 and 2003. Padilla is capable of being a solid AL pitcher. Consider him a sleeper in deeper mixed leagues. His first start is expected to come Tuesday against the Mariners. He could also be a candidate to start later in the week against the Angels, making him a two-start pitcher for Fantasy Week 1 (March 25-April 6).
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla made his second straight minor-league start Friday, according to the Fort Wort Star-Telegram. He went six innings, allowing one earned run on two walks and a hit batter. He struck out six.
Analysis: Padilla said he is not using last year's 6-10 season with a 5.76 ERA as something to prove, but the Rangers hope he returns to the form that made him a 15-game winner in 2006. He also had two 14-win seasons with the Phillies in 2002 and 2003. Padilla is capable of being a solid AL pitcher. Consider him a sleeper in deeper mixed leagues. Pitching in the Ballpark at Arlington doesn't help his chances, though.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla (strained left gluteus) threw five innings against a group of Texas minor leaguers Sunday after coming out of Tuesday's start. He's unscored upon in 8 2/3 innings this spring.
Analysis: Padilla said he is not using last year's 6-10 season with a 5.76 ERA as something to prove, but the Rangers hope he returns to the form that made him a 15-game winner in 2006. He also had two 14-win seasons with the Phillies in 2002 and 2003. Padilla is capable of being a solid AL pitcher. Consider him a sleeper in deeper mixed leagues. Pitching in the Ballpark at Arlington doesn't help his chances, though.
News: MLB.com reports Rangers pitching coach Mark Connor said injured SP Vicente Padilla was feeling much better Wednesday after coming out of his Tuesday start against the White Sox with a slightly strained hip muscle. Padilla is scheduled to make his next start Sunday against the A's. "Hopefully he won't miss that unless something drastic happens," Connor said.
Analysis: Padilla said he is not using last year's 6-10 season with a 5.76 ERA as something to prove, but the Rangers hope he returns to the form that made him a 15-game winner in 2006. He also had two 14-win seasons with the Phillies in 2002 and 2003. Padilla is capable of being a solid AL pitcher. Consider him a sleeper in deeper mixed leagues. Pitching in the Ballpark at Arlington doesn't help his chances, though.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla left Tuesday's game against the White Sox after 3 2/3 innings with a pulled muscle in his backside, but the team did not consider it serious. He allowed two unearned runs on four hits and three walks, striking out two.
Analysis: Padilla said he is not using last year's 6-10 season with a 5.76 ERA as something to prove, but the Rangers hope he returns to the form that made him a 15-game winner in 2006. He also had two 14-win seasons with the Phillies in 2002 and 2003. Padilla is capable of being a solid AL pitcher. Consider him a sleeper in deeper mixed leagues. Pitching in the Ballpark at Arlington doesn't help his chances, though.
News: The Texas Rangers are looking for a healthy, consistent starter. Vincente Padilla might be that pitcher. Padilla allowed just an unearned run in three innings Thursday, and the Rangers beat the Chicago White Sox 6-1. He walked two and struck out two. With Kevin Millwood and Brandon McCarthy nursing minor injuries, Padilla has been the Rangers' best option so far this spring. He is 2-0 and hasn't allowed an earned run in five innings. "I am happy with the way things have gone," Padilla said through an interpreter. "I'm better than last year. (My) arm feels stronger and there are fewer problems."
Analysis: Padilla missed seven weeks last season with elbow and triceps injuries. Padilla said he is not using last year's 6-10 season with a 5.76 ERA as something to prove, but the Rangers hope he returns to the form that made him a 15-game winner in 2006. He also had two 14-win seasons with the Phillies in 2002 and 2003. Padilla is capable of being a solid AL pitcher. Consider him a sleeper in deeper mixed leagues. Pitching in the Ballpark at Arlington is not very promising.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla, who missed nearly two months last season because of a triceps problem, allowed a hit and walked a batter in two scoreless innings Saturday at the Royals. "Very good outing," manager Ron Washington said. "He used his fastball pretty good, looked like he had good tempo out there and he was into it."
Analysis: Padilla rubbed some of his teammates the wrong way in a game late last year. The Rangers desperately needed innings from their starter, but 10 pitches into the game Padilla plunked A's OF Nick Swisher, causing a bench-clearing brawl. Padilla also disgusted Fantasy owners in 2007, going 6-10 with a career-worst 5.76 ERA. He did win 15 games the year before, so he does have some potential, but you don't want to target him in drafts.
News: Six months ago, SP Vicente Padilla's place with the Rangers seemed iffy, but not anymore. The finish to the worst season of his career included a tense final two weeks in which Padilla was ejected and served a seven-game suspension for throwing at Oakland's Nick Swisher. "All we ask from our teammates is to compete," SS Michael Young said. Said manager Ron Washington: "All that stuff is the P-A-S-T. We learn from experience and leave it at that. We just want him to stay healthy and pitch the way he's capable of. That usually takes care of everything."
Analysis: The puzzling incident took place Sept. 16 at Oakland. The Rangers desperately needed innings from their starter, but 10 pitches into the game Padilla plunked Swisher, causing a bench-clearing brawl. Padilla also disgusted Fantasy owners in 2007, going 6-10 with a career-worst 5.76 ERA. He did win 15 games the year before, so he does have some potential, but you don't want to target him in drafts.
News: Rangers GM Jon Daniels is shopping RHP Vicente Padilla, according to the Dallas Morning News. "I think he's going to have a better year next year than this year," Daniels told the paper. "He's had 200-inning seasons, and he's had a better-than-league-average ERA in the past."
Analysis: Padilla went 6-10 with a 5.76 ERA in the first year of a three-year, $33.75 million deal. Not exactly nice return. While he is better than he showed, the lowly Rangers don't offer much in the way of run support and he will pitch half his games in one of the better hitter's parks in baseball, barring a trade. Consider the two-time 14-game winner and one-time 15-game winner (2006) a low-end Fantasy option best left for deeper AL-only leagues on Draft Day.
News: In the season finale Sunday at the Mariners, the Rangers will start LHP A.J. Murray, who gave the team five solid innings in his first major league start Tuesday. Murray may be backed up by RHP Armando Galarraga or RHP Vicente Padilla.
Analysis: Has any more debate ever gone into three borderline worthless pitchers? Of the four, only Padilla has value in 2008 Fantasy drafts -- and his remains limited to AL-only formats. Galarraga and Murray will probably serve as middle relievers, giving them value only in Fantasy leagues that use true middle men.
News: RHP Armando Galarraga, RHP Vicente Padilla and LHP A.J. Murray are the top candidates to start the Rangers' season finale Sunday at The Mariners, reports The Sports Xchange. Even RHP Brandon McCarthy, who was scratched from Tuesday's scheduled start, might start.
Analysis: Has any more debate ever gone into four borderline worthless pitchers? Really, Fantasy owners shouldn't be waiting on pins and needles for this decision, but for those owners in AL-only leagues that allow daily lineup changes, Padilla is the only one you should consider activating for the start. McCarthy has potential down the road, but he certainly hasn't shown it this year, and Galarraga and Murray are more spot-starter types. Really, Padilla had a good stretch of starts before serving his suspension, so root for him to win the raffle.
News: Texas Rangers starting pitcher Vicente Padilla dropped the appeal of his seven-game suspension and started serving it Thursday night. Padilla was suspended Tuesday for intentionally throwing at Oakland's Nick Swisher, who then charged the mound in the first inning of Sunday's game in Oakland. Swisher was suspended three games, and has already sat out two games. Manager Ron Washington also said Padilla, who will be eligible to pitch again for the season-ending series at Seattle, isn't scheduled to start a game against the Mariners. "We might use him out of the bullpen in Seattle," Washington said. "That is the only way he will pitch if he does pitch."
Analysis: Before he dropped his appeal, Padilla started Wednesday night in a 4-2 loss at Minnesota. The right-hander pitched five innings and took the loss. Padilla (6-10, 5.76 ERA in 23 starts) was scheduled to start Monday night against the Los Angeles Angels. Manager Ron Washington said rookie Armando Galarraga, who came to Texas from Washington in the December 2005 trade that sent Alfonso Soriano to the Nationals, would likely make his first major league start in Padilla's place. Drop Padilla in all Fantasy leagues, as he has no value down the stretch.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla didn't preserve his team's first-inning 1-0 lead for long Wednesday against the Twins, walking two batters in the first before Justin Morneau's two-out single scored Jason Bartlett. Minnesota scored a run on one hit in each of the first three innings to take a 3-1 lead as Padilla struggled with his control. Padilla walked five batters -- all in the first three innings, including all three leadoff men. Padilla lasted five innings and had two strikeouts.
Analysis: Wednesday wasn't a very impressive outing for the eighth-year pitcher, who may have pitched his final game of the season. He faces a seven-game suspension after throwing at Nick Swisher in Oakland on Sunday, but was allowed to pitch Wednesday while waiting for his appeal to be resolved. If he doesn't opt to sit out seven games now, the suspension will carry over into the 2008 season. Continue to track the news surrounding Padilla, if you must use him during Fantasy Week 26 (Sept. 24-30).
News: MLB suspended Rangers SP Vicente Padilla seven games for intentionally throwing at A's OF Nick Swisher on Sunday, but Padilla has chosen to appeal the suspension. Swisher charged the mound after the beaning and received a three-game suspension -- one he chose to serve without appeal.
Analysis: By appealing, Padilla ensures that he'll make his Wednesday start at the Twins and likely won't serve his sentence until 2008. He's won three of his last five starts and remains useful in AL-only Fantasy leagues.
News: Vicente Padilla, who was ejected from Sunday's game in Oakland after hitting the second batter he faced, will start Wednesday at Minnesota in place of Kason Gabbard, who has been battling some forearm soreness. "Rather than him keep pushing it we just decided to shut him down," manager Ron Washington said. "It's nothing that is going to be following him into the spring."
Analysis: Padilla had won three of his last four starts before this ejection, owners in AL-only leagues might want to activate him. MLB.com lists Luis Mendoza as the new No. 5 starter for Friday's start against Baltimore.
News: RHP Vicente Padilla, ejected in the first inning of Sunday's game at Oakland after a fight with Nick Swisher, did not get an out in a game for the first time as a starter -- and the first time overall since July 3, 1999, in St. Louis when he walked the only batter he faced as a Philadelphia Phillies reliever.
Analysis: Considering Padilla had won three of his last four starts before this ejection, owners in AL-only leagues might want to activate him. He's expected to start against Baltimore on Friday.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla picked up his sixth win of the season Tuesday, beating the hosting Tigers 13-6 in the first game of a day-night doubleheader. Padilla allowed no runs in six innings, striking out six, to extend his scoreless streak to 12 innings. He surrendered three hits and three walks.
Analysis: Padilla has now gone 3-0 in his career against Detroit with a 2.07 ERA, but, more importantly, his scoreless streak has reached impressive proportions. Considering he's also won three of his last four starts, owners in AL-only leagues might want to activate him. He'll look to continue his hot streak Sunday at Oakland.
News: Vicente Padilla pitched two-hit shutout ball for six innings, Hank Blalock had two hits and two RBI, and the Texas Rangers hung on to beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Wednesday night. Padilla (5-9) struck out five and walked two as the Royals got only one runner as far as third base against him. He was sharp from the outset in this start, retiring nine of the first 10 batters he faced, allowing only a first-inning walk until Mark Grudzielanek singled leading off the fourth.
Analysis: Padilla began the season as the Rangers' No. 2 starter, but he lost his six of his first seven decisions and then was out from June 25 to Aug. 14 due to right triceps irritation. He has won two of his last three starts with a 10-hit, six-run outing against the Angels sandwiched in-between. Padilla remains useful only in the deepest of AL-only leagues. He once had potential, but the Rangers don't offer much in the way of support. His next scheduled start likely will come against the Tigers during Fantasy Week 24 (Sept. 10-16).
News: Rangers starter Vicente Padilla allowed six runs off 10 hits in 6 2/3 innings Friday night at the L.A. Angels. He walked one batter and struck out none.
Analysis: Padilla remains useful only in the deepest of AL-only leagues. He once had potential, but the Rangers don't offer much in the way of support.
News: Vicente Padilla (4-9), whose victory was his first since June 15 in his third start after a nearly two-month stay on the disabled list, retired 18 of 19 batters after Ichiro Suzuki's leadoff infield single in the first inning on Sunday against Seattle. The right-hander then gave up three straight singles and a run to start the seventh. "I hope he understands how good a fastball he has, especially when he puts it where he wants to," manager Ron Washington said.
Analysis: Despite the win, Padilla remains useful only in the deepest of AL-only leagues heading into Fantasy Week 22 (Aug. 27-Sept. 2). He'll face probable starter Joe Saunders and the Angels in Anaheim on Friday night in his next scheduled start.
News: Vicente Padilla (3-9) yielded six runs, seven hits and four walks in five innings of Tuesday's start at Baltimore. It was his second start after a 51-day stint on the 15-day disabled list.
Analysis: Padilla will get a second start in Fantasy Week 21 (Aug. 20-26) when he faces the Mariners and probable starter Horacio Ramirez on Saturday. His value is limited to the deepest of AL-only formats at this point.
News: The Texas Rangers pushed Monday's scheduled starter, Vicente Padilla, back to Tuesday, after their game at Baltimore was postponed due to rain. Texas manager Ron Washington was planning to limit Padilla to around 100 pitches. Padilla has started once since a 51-day stint on the 15-day disabled list with right triceps irritation.
Analysis: Washington said the extra day of rest probably won't make a difference for Padilla. The good news is that Padilla still gets two starts in Fantasy Week 21 (Aug. 20-26), but the bad news is he has to face Erik Bedard now. His appeal remains limited to deeper AL-only formats.
News: The Rangers got a strong start Wednesday against the Royals from Vicente Padilla in his return to the rotation. He struck out a season-high eight. Padilla left after five innings trailing 1-0. Padilla was activated from the 15-day disabled list before the game. He hadn't pitched since June 21 when he was shut down with right triceps inflammation, and he looked fresh when he struck out the side in the first and fifth innings. Padilla allowed one unearned run and four hits without a walk, throwing 80 pitches.
Analysis: Padilla had a fairly easy matchup against the Royals and has another favorable matchup Monday against the Orioles. But a real test will come later during Fantasy Week 21 (Aug. 20-26) when he makes a start against the Mariners. We need to see how he does against a contender before recommending him outside of larger AL-only Fantasy leagues.
News: The Rangers placed pitcher Brandon McCarthy on the 15-day DL on Wednesday and activated right-hander Vicente Padilla. Padilla, the team's scheduled starter Wednesday night against Kansas City, had not pitched for the Rangers since June 21. He was 3-8 with a 6.69 ERA.
Analysis: Padilla, who was sidelined with right triceps irritation, had a rehab start with Double-A Frisco on Friday. Texas manager Ron Washington has said Padilla would be limited to 85 pitches in his first game back. Padilla does have a favorable matchup against the Royals, but is still nothing more than an AL-only Fantasy option at this time. He once had potential, but the Rangers don't offer much in the way of support.
News: RHP Vicente Padilla is on schedule to return to the rotation Wednesday night against Kansas City. Padilla has been on the 15-day DL since June 25 with right triceps irritation.
Analysis: Padilla does have a favorable matchup against the Royals, but is still nothing more than an AL-only Fantasy option at this time. He once had potential, but the Rangers don't offer much in the way of support.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla allowed one run and three hits in 2 1/3 innings of a rehab start for Double-A Frisco on Friday night. If Padilla has no further setbacks, Rangers manager Ron Washington said Padilla would be brought off the DL for a start Wednesday against Kansas City. Washington said Padilla, who's been on the 15-day DL since June 25 with right triceps irritation, would be limited to 85 pitches in Wednesday's start.
Analysis: Everything right now looks as though Padilla will return during Fantasy Week 20 (Aug. 13-19). He does have a favorable matchup against the Royals, but is still nothing more than an AL-only Fantasy option at this time.
News: RHP Vicente Padilla made his fourth rehab start for Double-A Frisco on Sunday, allowing two runs on two hits and a walk in two innings. The Rangers expect Padilla to make at least one more start for Frisco.
Analysis: It appears the earliest Padilla might return to the rotation is mid-August. When healthy, Padilla is nothing more than a high-risk option for the deepest of AL-only leagues.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla (right triceps irritation) pitched just one inning in a rehab start at Double-A Frisco on Thursday before the game was interrupted by rain. Padilla will pitch at Frisco again on Sunday or Monday.
Analysis: When healthy, Padilla is nothing more than a high-risk option for the deepest of AL-only leagues.
News: RHP Vicente Padilla, who went on the 15-day disabled list on June 25 with right triceps irritation, made his second minor league rehab start on Saturday with Double-A Frisco, throwing two scoreless innings, allowing three hits, striking out four and walking one.
Analysis: The Sports Xchange reports the Rangers are expected to ask Padilla to make three more rehab starts of three, four and five innings before returning. Padilla is likely out until mid-August with triceps tendinitis.
News:The Sports Xchange reports the Rangers are expected to ask SP Vicente Padilla to make three more rehab starts of three, four and five innings before returning. Padilla made a two-inning start for Double-A Frisco on Tuesday. He is likely out until mid-August with triceps tendinitis.
Analysis: When healthy, Padilla is nothing more than a high-risk option for the deepest of AL-only leagues.
News: Vicente Padilla (elbow) made a rehab appearance with Double-A Frisco, working two scoreless innings and allowing just one hit.
Analysis: Padilla is about a week away from re-joining the Rangers rotation. Padilla should be reserved in all leagues through Fantasy Week 17 (July 23-29). When healthy, he is nothing more than a high-risk option for the deepest of AL-only leagues.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla will have another bullpen session Saturday as he rehabs from the right triceps inflammation that landed him on the 15-day DL on June 25. Padilla hadn't thrown off a mound since a minor league start for Double-A Frisco on July 12. If all goes well this weekend, Padilla will have a two-inning start for Frisco on Tuesday. "If we can get him through a couple of starts, we can bump the pitch count up," pitching coach Mark Connor said. "We want him to start at 30-35 pitches."
Analysis: Padilla is about 10 days away from rejoining the Rangers rotation. Padilla should be reserved in all leagues through Fantasy Week 17 (July 23-29). He is nothing more than a high-risk option for the deepest of AL-only leagues.
News: RHP Vicente Padilla wasn't able to throw a bullpen session Thursday, and his return from the disabled list is up in the air. He won't return until after he makes at least one more rehab start.
Analysis: Padilla should be reserved in all leagues through Fantasy Week 17 (July 23-29). He is nothing more than a high-risk option for the deepest of AL-only leagues.
News: According to The Sports Xchange notes: RHP Vicente Padilla (pain in right elbow) is definitely out of the picture for Sunday's start against Cleveland and is likely out of the mix to return for a doubleheader against Seattle next week. Padilla could not pitch Tuesday in a scheduled rehab start. The Rangers will re-evaluate him when they return to Texas on Thursday.
Analysis: Padilla should be reserved in all leagues through Fantasy Week 17 (July 23-29). He is nothing more than a high-risk option for the deepest of AL-only leagues.
News:The Sports Xchange notes: RHP Vicente Padilla, who left his first scheduled rehab start prematurely on Thursday, did not throw a bullpen as had been scheduled on Saturday. He reported feeling much better Sunday and the Rangers have not ruled out the possibility of him starting for Double-A Frisco on Tuesday and then possibly returning to the active roster on July 22 against Cleveland.
Analysis: Padilla was a candidate to return at the end of Fantasy Week 16 (July 16-22), but that's in doubt now. Consider him nothing more than a deeper AL-only DL stashee at this point.
News: Vicente Padilla (elbow) had soreness about his past rehab start and might not make his next start Tuesday.
Analysis: Padilla was a candidate to return at the end of Fantasy Week 16 (July 16-22), but that's in doubt now. Consider him nothing more than a deeper AL-only DL stashee at this point.
News:The Sports Xchange reports that Vicente Padilla was removed from his first rehab start for forearm tendinitis after throwing just 57 pitches Thursday, but the Rangers aren't sure if it's a setback or not. Padilla reported improvement on Friday and is expected to throw a bullpen session Saturday.
Analysis: If that goes well, he'll make another rehab start for Double-A Frisco on Tuesday and could be activated from the DL for a July 22 start against Cleveland. Stash Padilla in deeper AL-only leagues, but pitching for the lowly Rangers makes it tough to expect much help out of him in 2007.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla had another bullpen session Friday and is scheduled for his first minor league rehab outings for Double-A Frisco on July 12 and 17. Manager Ron Washington said the earliest Padilla could rejoin the rotation is July 22 against Cleveland. Padilla, who began the season as the team's No. 2 starter, has been out since June 25 due to inflammation behind his right elbow.
Analysis: Padilla is 3-8 with a 6.69 ERA this season. In his last four starts, he has allowed 42 hits and 19 earned runs over 16 2/3 innings for an ERA of 10.26. Stash Padilla in deeper AL-only leagues, but pitching for the lowly Rangers makes it tough to expect any help out of him in 2007.
News:The Sports Xchange notes: RHP Vicente Padilla threw in the bullpen Thursday and should be ready to begin a two-start rehab stint after the All-Star break.
Analysis: The Rangers would like Padilla to pitch July 12 and July 17 for Double-A Frisco. He could possibly join the rotation on July 22 against Cleveland. Stash Padilla in deeper AL-only leagues, but pitching for the lowly Rangers makes it tough to expect any help out of him in 2007.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla threw off flat ground again Wednesday as he continued rehabbing from inflammation behind his right elbow that landed him on the 15-day DL on June 25. Padilla will have another throwing session on Friday before team management and medical personnel decide on the next step, which will include a few minor league outings.
Analysis: Padilla is 3-8 with a 6.69 ERA this season. In his last four starts, he has allowed 42 hits and 19 earned runs over 16 2/3 innings for an ERA of 10.26. The Rangers don't expect him back until after the All-Star break. Stash Padilla in deeper AL-only leagues, but pitching for the lowly Rangers makes it tough to expect any help out of him in 2007.
News: Vicente Padilla, who is on the disabled list with a right triceps injury, is expected to resume throwing when the Rangers get home during the week of July 2-8.
Analysis: Padilla is 3-8 with a 6.69 ERA this season. In his last four starts, he has allowed 42 hits and 19 earned runs over 16 2/3 innings for an ERA of 10.26. The Rangers don't expect him back until after the All-Star break. Stash Padilla in deeper AL-only leagues, but pitching for the lowly Rangers makes it tough to expect any help out of him in 2007.
News: The Texas Rangers put right-hander Vicente Padilla on the 15-day disabled list and recalled Scott Feldman from Triple-A Oklahoma on Monday. Padilla told pitching coach Mark Connor on Sunday that he was still bothered by a right triceps problem that forced him to miss a start three weeks ago. Padilla had an MRI exam that showed inflammation but no serious problems, and the Rangers believe that is still the case.
Analysis: In the first year of a $33.75 million, three-year contract, Padilla is 3-8 with a 6.69 ERA. In his last four starts, he has allowed 42 hits and 19 earned runs over 16 2-3 innings for an ERA of 10.26. The Rangers don't expect him back until after the All-Star break, which is two weeks away. Stash Padilla in deeper AL-only leagues, but pitching for the lowly Rangers makes it tough to expect any help out of him in 2007.
News: Rangers right-hander Vicente Padilla is finally headed to the DL. He admitted Sunday to Texas pitching coach Mark Connor that he was still bothered by the right triceps problem that forced him to miss a start June 5. Padilla had an MRI exam then that showed inflammation but no serious problems, and the Rangers believe that is still the case. The Rangers didn't make the move immediately, but will put Padilla (3-8, 6.69 ERA) on the 15-day DL before his scheduled start Tuesday at Detroit. They don't expect him back until at least after the All-Star break in two weeks. Manager Ron Washington said he hasn't decided who will start in Padilla's place Tuesday.
Analysis: Padilla, given a new $33.75 million, three-year contract after winning 15 games for the Rangers last season, has allowed 42 hits and 19 earned runs (10.26 ERA) over 16 2/3 innings his past four starts. Padilla last pitched Thursday against the Chicago Cubs, when he was taken out after allowing six straight hits to start the fifth inning. "He told me my elbow hurts. It's good for a couple of innings and then it tightens up and he can't get anything to come out of his arm," Connor said. "I told him I'm not watching the same guy as I was last year. Last year, he was a groundball pitcher, he struck people out, and this year he's doing neither. His command is not near what it was, his velocity fluctuates." Stash Padilla in deeper AL-only leagues, but pitching for the lowly Rangers makes it tough to expect any help out of him in 2007.
News: Is he or isn't he? The Sports Xchange reports on the same day that quotes attributed to struggling Rangers SP Vicente Padilla suggested he's hurting, Padilla said he was fine and denied making the statements. He issued the denial after allowing 14 baserunners in four-plus innings Thursday, when he blew a 5-0 lead against the Cubs. An MLB.com story Thursday morning quoted Padilla saying he was having some elbow soreness. "It affects my control sometimes," Padilla was quoted as saying. "It's just a little pain, but it is enough that I notice it. I'm pitching high in the strike zone and am getting hit hard. My control is not where it was last year."
Analysis: Whatever his physical state, something is clearly not right with Padilla's pitching. In seven starts over the last five weeks, he's allowed opponents a .405 batting average and has failed to get through six innings in any of his starts. He somehow managed to shut out Chicago for four innings Thursday before running into trouble. Scouts at Thursday's game wondered why Padilla was timid about throwing his hard slider and why he couldn't get his fastball to sink. Padilla used a very slow breaking pitch and a changeup for secondary stuff Thursday. At least now there is some reason for Padilla's struggles. He is not a very attractive Fantasy option at this time and remains just a risky AL-only option. His next scheduled start is for Tuesday against the Tigers. He is also in line to make a second start later in Fantasy Week 13 (June 25-July 1) against the Red Sox.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla was removed from Thursday's start against the Cubs after just four innings. He allowed 10 hits, three walks and four earned runs in the no-decision. He also struck out five. Padilla has failed to make it to five innings in four of his last seven starts.
Analysis: Teams are teeing off left and right on Padilla. He has now allowed 10 or more hits in each of his last three outings. He is not a very attractive Fantasy option at this time and remains just a risky AL-only option. His next scheduled start is for Tuesday against the Tigers. He is also in line to make a second start later in Fantasy Week 13 (June 25-July 1) against the Red Sox.
News: It wasn't Vicente Padilla'S finest outing but he did just enough to earn his third win during Friday's start against the Reds. He allowed 12 hits, two homers and six earned runs in five innings, but a grand slam from Sammy Sosa helped propel him to the win. Padilla did strike out five. Padilla now has two wins in his last five starts. The bad new is that he has also allowed five or more earned runs in three of his last four starts.
Analysis: Padilla's 6.57 ERA should be enough reasons to scare most Fantasy owners away. However, he does have some value in deeper AL-only leagues. His next scheduled start is for Thursday against the Cubs.
News: Vicente Padilla, who missed his previous start due to an irritated right triceps, gave up 11 hits in 4 2/3 innings on Sunday's game against Milwaukee. He left with the lead, but did not last long enough to qualify for the win.
Analysis: Padilla's Fantasy value remains limited to deeper AL-only leagues heading into Fantasy Week 11 (June 11-17). He'll look to get back in the win column against the Reds in Cincinnati as interleague play continues.
News: RHP Vicente Padilla came through a 53-pitch bullpen session reporting no problems with the right triceps irritation that knocked him out of his last start. Padilla is scheduled to start Sunday night against Milwaukee.
Analysis: If Padilla is unable to go, the Rangers would call up LHP John Koronka from Triple-A Oklahoma to make the start. Consider Padilla a risky option in Fantasy play until further notice. Koronka is having trouble sticking with the Rangers and is nothing more than a stopgap AL-only option when he is in the majors.
News: Vicente Padilla, who is scheduled to pitch on Sunday after missing his Tuesday start because of arm irritation, threw in the bullpen Thursday. Pitching coach Mark Connor said he had no difficulty.
Analysis: The Rangers will re-evaluate him Saturday. If he can't pitch, he'll almost certainly be placed on the disabled list. Consider him a risky option in Fantasy play until further notice.
News: Manager Ron Washington said RHP Vicente Padilla will probably be able to make his next scheduled start Sunday night against Milwaukee. Padilla was scratched from Tuesday night's start against Detroit due to right triceps irritation.
Analysis: Padilla will have a bullpen session on Thursday to determine his readiness for Sunday's start, but Washington said: "He assured us he just needed to miss this one start." It sounds like Padilla is on schedule to start this weekend, but it might be a tough assignment against a lineup featuring 1B Prince Fielder, a player tied for the league-lead in home runs with 21.
News: Rangers replacement starter John Rheinecker got some outs, but he allowed 12 base runners (seven hits, four walks and a hit batter) and four runs in three-plus innings. "The outing stunk," said Rheinecker, activated from the DL after Vicente Padilla was scratched because of an irritated right triceps. "The fastball command was definitely not there." Padilla is currently scheduled to start Sunday against Milwaukee. The Rangers don't believe it's serious.
Analysis: Padilla is not expected to land on the 15-day disabled list. He is 1-4 with a 9.00 ERA over his past five starts and the Rangers have won only two of his 12 starts this year. Consider him more of a deeper AL-only starter option, and a risky one at that.
News: MLB.com reports that the Rangers have scratched Vicente Padilla from Tuesday's start against Detroit because of arm irritation. LHP John Rheinecker will get called up from Triple-A Oklahoma to make the start in his absence.
Analysis: Padilla is not expected to land on the 15-day disabled list. He is 1-4 with a 9.00 ERA over his past five starts and the Rangers have won only two of his 12 starts this year. Reserve him in daily formats immediately.
News: MLB.com is reporting Vicente Padilla is batting some arm irritation and might be scratched from his start on Tuesday against the Tigers. The club scratched John Rheinecker from his Triple-A start on Monday just in case, so he looks to be the option if Padilla cannot suit up.
Analysis: The team feels as if he will be able to make his start, however, so this might be just a precaution. Padilla and fellow pitcher need to pitch much better with Rheinecker and Mark Redman down at Triple-A Oklahoma making bids for the big club rotation.
News: Vicente Padilla allowed nine hits and seven runs in three innings on Thursday at Seattle, as he fell to 2-8. He has given up six or more runs in six of his 12 starts. "We've got to pitch better -- especially your No. 2 guy," manager Ron Washington said. "[Padilla] is supposed to be your No. 2 guy ... you expect him to keep you in the game."
Analysis: Padilla is scheduled to be a two-start pitcher into Fantasy Week 10 (June 4-10), facing the Tigers and Brewers at home. That is, as long as the Rangers decide not to push him back. He is only worth a look in the deepest of AL-only formats at this point.
News: At Seattle Thursday, Vicente Padilla (2-7, 5.77 ERA) will try to get Texas into the win column, something he hasn't done often this season. Padilla is 0-4 with a 7.59 ERA in four road starts and the Rangers have lost nine of his 11 appearances. The right-hander was hit hard Saturday in a 7-4 loss to Boston. He allowed six runs, five hits and three walks in 5 1-3 innings, losing for the third time in four starts.
Analysis: Padilla also has never fared well against the Mariners. That trend continued on April 14 when he gave up six runs - four earned - and six hits in six innings of an 8-3 loss at Safeco Field. Padilla is 1-4 with a 5.79 ERA in seven career games against Seattle. His Fantasy value remains limited to AL-only leagues at this time.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla allowed five hits, six runs (five earned) and three walks in 5 1/3 innings during his seventh loss of the season Saturday against the Red Sox. Padilla struck out four as he lost for the fourth time in his last six starts.
Analysis: Padilla has allowed a combined 15 earned runs in his last three starts and is having some real struggles on the mound. His 5.77 ERA and seven losses is nothing to smile about. His Fantasy value remains limited to AL-only leagues at this time. His next scheduled start is for Thursday against the Mariners.
News: Rangers starter Vicente Padilla (2-6) gave up two runs and five hits in Monday's game against the Twins before exiting with two outs in the sixth inning after Mike Redmond's line-drive single glanced off Padilla's right hand. Padilla, who struck out four and walked two, wasn't seriously injured.
Analysis: Padilla will look to pick up his second win of Fantasy Week 8 (May 21-27) over the weekend against probable starter Julian Tavarez and the Red Sox on Sunday. His Fantasy value remains limited to AL-only leagues and the deepest of mixed formats at this point.
News: Rangers SP Vincente Padilla lost his sixth game of the season Wednesday after the Devil Rays roughed him up for eight runs in four innings. He also allowed 12 hits and one walk, while striking out three. Padilla has lost three of his last four appearances, but the eight runs were the most he allowed in one start this season.
Analysis: The 2007 season has not been kind to Padilla. He now sports a 5.77 ERA and his talents lend themselves to just AL-only leagues at this time. His next scheduled start is for Monday against the Twins and he is in line to be a two-start pitcher for Fantasy Week 8 (May 21-27).
News: RHP Robinson Tejeda, who has been bothered by a bit of forearm soreness, had his start originally scheduled for Tuesday pushed back to Friday. RHP Brandon McCarthy will pitch Tuesday, RHP Vicente Padilla will pitch Wednesday and RHP Kameron Loe will pitch Thursday.
Analysis: Tejeda is a risky start in all leagues at this point. McCarthy is talented and pitching better of late, making himself a sleeper in deeper leagues, while Padilla and Loe have been pitching poorly and are nothing more than high-risk options at this point.
News: Vicente Padilla lasted seven innings Friday night vs. the Angels, allowing four runs -- three earned -- and seven hits. He struck out three and walked three and fell to 1-5 on the season. "Padilla is one guy we haven't supported very well," manager Ron Washington said after the game. "The team lost this game, not Padilla."
Analysis: Despite the early losses, he remains a good start in all AL-only Fantasy leagues and larger mixed formats. He's pitching better than his record indicates.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla (1-4) allowed two runs and six hits in seven innings during Saturday's game against the Blue Jays to win for the first time since last Sept. 23 over Cleveland. He struck out three and walked one. Padilla lost for the fourth time this season Monday against the Blue Jays, but exacted his revenge Saturday.
Analysis: Break out the champagne -- Padilla finally locks down a win. He has been less than stellar in 2007, but perhaps he is turning a corner. He has allowed just two runs in two of his last three starts. Continue to use him in just AL-only formats at this time. His next scheduled start is for Friday against the Angels.
News: Vicente Padilla gave up four runs and six hits over seven innings in Monday's start at Toronto. He walked four and struck out four. "We really haven't supported him," Washington said. "We've made some mistakes behind him that cost him some innings that were big."
Analysis: Padilla will get a chance to exact revenge over the weekend against Roy Halladay and the Blue Jays back in Arlington on Saturday, as he gets a second start in Fantasy Week 5 (April 30-May 6).
News: Vicente Padilla gave up five hits and two earned runs over four innings at Cleveland Wednesday. The right-hander walked three, hit a batter, and struck out four.
Analysis: Padilla will be a two-starter in Week 5 (April 30-May 6). Consider starting him in mixed leagues.
News: Vicente Padilla gave up five hits and two earned runs over four innings at Cleveland Wednesday. The right-hander walked three, hit a batter, and struck out four.
Analysis: Padilla will be a two-starter in Week 5 (April 30-May 6). Consider starting him in mixed leagues.
News: The Mariners and Rangers were postponed Tuesday by steady rain, the sixth game the Mariners have had postponed this season. The game will be made up when the Mariners return to Texas, July 23-25. The Rangers will push back everyone in their rotation most likely, lining up Vicente Padilla, Brandon McCarthy, Kameron Loe, Robinson Tejeda and Kevin Millwood.
Analysis: Padilla loses his second start in Fantasy Week 4 (April 23-29), but he will be a two-starter next week now. Because of a poor early April, McCarthy is a risky one-starter, like No. 5 fill-in Loe. Tejeda is hot and useful in deeper leagues when the matchup is right, while Millwood is a viable start in most leagues on a regular basis.
News: Vicente Padilla, Tuesday's rained out starter for the Rangers, will start Wednesday night's opener of a two-game series in Cleveland. Manager Ron Washington will skip Wednesday's scheduled starter, Brandon McCarthy. Kameron Loe will get the start Wednesday, with McCarthy pushed back to Sunday in Toronto. McCarthy has struggled with a 10.20 ERA in four starts, and Washington wants McCarthy to use the extra time to work on keeping the ball down. Robinson Tejeda (Thursday) and Kevin Millwood (Friday) will remain on schedule.
Analysis: Padilla loses his second start in Fantasy Week 4 (April 23-29), but he will be a two-starter next week now. Because of a poor early April, McCarthy is a risky one-starter, like No. 5 fill-in Loe. Tejeda is hot and useful in deeper leagues when the matchup is right, while Millwood is a viable start in most leagues on a regular basis.
News: Texas starter Vicente Padilla allowed three runs, four hits and six walks in 6 1/3 innings in Thursday's start at Chicago White Sox. He did not figure into the decision, but was able to lower his ERA to 6.00 on the season.
Analysis: Despite Padilla's (0-3) winless start so far, he remains a must-start in all AL-only Fantasy leagues and most deeper mixed formats. He will be a two-start pitcher in Fantasy Week 4 (April 23-29), squaring off against Jarrod Washburn and the Mariners on Tuesday before meeting the Blue Jays in Toronto on April 29.
News: Vicente Padilla (0-3) pitched six innings for Texas Saturday at Seattle but remained winless. He allowed six runs -- four earned -- off six hits and three walks. He struck out one, but also allowed Adrian Beltre's first homer of the season.
Analysis: Padilla was hurt by the Rangers' defense in the third inning. Jose Lopez opened the inning with a single, then journeyman catcher Jamie Burke picked up his first hit since Oct. 2, 2004, when he doubled down the right-field line. Ichiro Suzuki was hit on the arm to load the bases. Beltre then chopped a grounder to third that Hank Blalock misplayed, allowing Lopez to score. Jose Vidro followed with a weak grounder to second, but Ian Kinsler's right foot slipped as he planted to field the ball and it slipped past him into shallow right field. Burke and Suzuki scored on the play, and Raul Ibanez hit a sacrifice fly to score Beltre. Despite the early losses, he remains a must-start in all AL-only Fantasy leagues and most mixed formats.
News: Vicente Padilla bounced back from a shaky outing in his first start of 2007, as he allowed only four hits over seven innings on Sunday against the Red Sox. Unfortunately, he gave up two home runs to David Ortiz. He struck out four, walked one and retired the last nine batters he faced.
Analysis: Padilla (0-2) got stronger as the game went on. The Rangers re-signed Padilla this winter, giving him a three-year contract after he had a career-high 15 victories in his first season in Texas. He won his first two starts a year ago. Despite the two early losses, he remains a must-start in all AL-only Fantasy leagues and most mixed formats.
News: The Angels pounded Vicente Padilla (0-1) for six runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings in Tuesday's start at Los Angeles.
Analysis: Despite the poor start, Padilla's a solid middle-end starter in AL-only Fantasy leagues but more of a stopgap pick in mixed play so long as he has a good matchup.
News: RHP Vicente Padilla starts against the Angels on Tuesday. Padilla hit two batters last year on Aug. 15, setting the stage for a bench-clearing brawl between the teams and earning Padilla a five-game suspension. Padilla did pitch once more against the Angels last year, going 7 1/3 scoreless innings on Sept. 17.
Analysis: Assuming he can stay healthy, look for him to improve his ERA and WHIP closer to his career numbers (4.06/1.350) and be one of the unheralded winners in Fantasy. He's a solid middle-end starter in AL-only leagues but more of a stopgap pick in mixed play so long as he has a good matchup.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla's spring struggles continued on Wednesday against the Mariners. He lasted just 4 1/3 innings and allowed 10 runs -- six earned -- on 11 hits. He walked two and did not have a strikeout. Padilla has a 9.45 ERA in March, after winning 15 games last season and then signing a three-year, $33 million dollar contract. "He put a few balls in the wrong spots, but I'm not concerned," first-year Texas manager Ron Washington said.
Analysis: Padilla had not appeared in a game since March 13 because of a tender elbow, but is still expected to start Texas' second game of the season. "The key is that he said his elbow felt good," Washington said. Padilla threw 200 innings and set a career high for wins last season. Padilla struck out a career-best 156 batters last season en route to his big free-agent contract with the Rangers. It came because the 29-year-old veteran right-hander stayed healthy for more than 30 starts for the first time in three years. Assuming he can stay healthy, look for him to improve his ERA and WHIP closer to his career numbers (4.06/1.350) and be one of the unheralded winners in Fantasy.
News: Rangers SP Vicente Padilla gave up three runs and six hits in three innings Thursday against the A's. He also had one strikeout and two walks. He now has a 7.20 ERA in five innings this spring.
Analysis: Padilla threw 200 innings and set a career high for wins last season. He will pitch in the rotation behind the righty Kevin Millwood. Padilla struck out a career-best 156 batters last season en route to his big free-agent contract with the Rangers. It came because the 29-year-old veteran right-hander stayed healthy for more than 30 starts for the first time in three years. Assuming he can stay healthy, look for him to improve his ERA and WHIP closer to his career numbers (4.06/1.350) and be one of the unheralded winners in Fantasy.
News: Rangers No. 2 starter Vicente Padilla made his first start of the spring Saturday against the Royals. He allowed one run on two hits and a walk with two strikeouts in two innings.
Analysis: Padilla threw 200 innings and set a career high for wins. He will pitch in the rotation behind the righty Kevin Millwood. Padilla struck out a career-best 156 batters last season en route to his big free-agent contract with the Rangers. It came because the 29-year-old veteran right-hander stayed healthy for more than 30 starts for the first time in three years. Assuming he can stay healthy, look for him to improve his ERA and WHIP closer to his career numbers (4.06/1.350) and be one of the unheralded winners in Fantasy.
News: According to the Dallas Morning News: "The Rangers will split the Friday starts between Kameron Loe and John Koronka, though pitching coach Mark Connor said he wasn't sure who would start the 'A' game and who would start the 'B' game. Edinson Volquez will also pitch in that game. The rest of the first turn through the rotation will depend on where (Kevin) Millwood (ankle) falls. Vicente Padilla is scheduled to start Saturday, with Bruce Chen and Brandon McCarthy pitching Sunday against Kansas City. Robinson Tejeda and Josh Rupe are scheduled for Monday against Colorado. Jamey Wright, Volquez and John Rheinecker (if he's sufficiently recovered from back spasms) could pitch Tuesday vs. Seattle.
Analysis: The Rangers rotation starts with Millwood and will likely also include Padilla and McCarthy. Tejeda, Koronka, Volquez, Chen, Rupe, Loe, Wright and Rheinecker would then be competing for the final two spots. Tejeda is a heavy favorite to be No. 4, though. The back-end starters for the Rangers will be mere AL-only options on Draft Day at this point.
News: Vicente Padilla broke a long silence with the media Monday after getting a three-year, $33.75 million contract as the only major free agent to return to the Rangers. Padilla, a 15-game winner last year, said he was ready to assume a leadership role alongside No. 1 starter Kevin Millwood. "The Rangers have shown confidence in me from the beginning here, and now I feel more enthusiastic about the team," the Nicaraguan right-hander said through an interpreter. "I like this organization, I like the fans and I like (Ameriquest Field)."
Analysis: Padilla threw 200 innings and set a career high for wins. He will pitch in the rotation behind the righty Millwood. Padilla struck out a career-best 156 batters last season en route to his big free-agent contract with the Rangers. It came because the 29-year-old veteran right-hander stayed healthy for more than 30 starts for the first time in three years. Assuming he can stay healthy, look for him to improve his ERA and WHIP closer to his career numbers (4.06/1.350) and be one of the unheralded winners in Fantasy.
News: Pitcher Vicente Padilla is staying with the Rangers, agreeing to a $33.75 million, three-year contract Saturday that includes a $12 million club option for 2010. The signing keeps one of the top free-agent starters with a team desperate for pitching. Padilla went 15-10 with a 4.50 ERA. "It's exciting to have Vicente back in the fold for the next few years," GM Jon Daniels said. "He was a horse for us last year, and demonstrated he can pitch and win in our park."
Analysis: Padilla threw 200 innings and set a career high for wins. He will pitch in the rotation behind right-hander Kevin Millwood. Millwood went 16-12 with a 4.52 ERA last season, his first with the Rangers, after being the team's key free-agent addition. Padilla struck out a career-best 156 batters last season en route to his big free-agent contract with the Rangers. It came because the 29-year-old veteran right-hander stayed healthy for more than 30 starts for the first time in three years. Assuming he can stay healthy, look for him to improve his ERA and WHIP closer to his career numbers (4.06/1.350) and be one of the unheralded winners in Fantasy.
News: Starting pitcher Vicente Padilla and the Rangers reached a preliminary agreement on a $33 million, three-year contract Monday. The deal contains an option for 2010 and is subject to a physical, according to a source.
Analysis: Padilla won a career-high 15 games and struck out a career-best 156 batters last season en route to his big free-agent contract with the Rangers. It came because the 29-year-old veteran right-hander stayed healthy for more than 30 starts for the first time in three years. Assuming he can stay healthy, look for him to improve his ERA and WHIP closer to his career numbers (4.06/1.350) and be one of the unheralded winners in Fantasy.
News: The Rangers and Vicente Padilla have agreed to a three-year, $33 million contract with an option for a fourth year at $12 million, pending a physical, according to MLB.com. GM Jon Daniels said the deal is not done, but, "We've been talking for months, and we're getting more comfortable that we can work things out."
Analysis: Padilla won a career-high 15 games and struck out a career-best 156 batters last season en route to his big free-agent contract with the Rangers. It came because the 29-year-old veteran right-hander stayed healthy for more than 30 starts for the first time in three years. Assuming he can stay healthy, look for him to improve his ERA and WHIP closer to his career numbers (4.06/1.350) and be one of the unheralded winners in Fantasy.
News: The Rangers offered salary arbitration to RHP Vicente Padilla but not OF Eric Young and C Rod Barajas. If Padilla signs elsewhere, the Rangers will get a pick between rounds one and two in next year's draft.
Analysis: Track these free agent's offseason destinations before finalizing a judgment on their Fantasy value for 2007.
News: RHP LaTroy Hawkins, SS Alex Gonzalez, 2B Mark Loretta, 3B Aaron Boone, 2B Lou Merloni, OF Matt Stairs, C Paul Bako, 3B Tomas Perez, OF Carlos Lee, RHP Vicente Padilla, C Gregg Zaun, RHP Miguel Batista, SS Craig Counsell, SS Damion Easley, RHP Wade Miller, RHP Ryan Franklin, RHP Russ Springer, C Einar Diaz, RHP Aaron Sele, RHP Doug Brocail, RHP Woody Williams, C Robert Fick, OF Jose Guillen, LHP Bruce Chen, SS Alex Cora, RHP Jeff Nelson, LHP Ron Villone, OF Brian Jordan, 1B John Mabry, 3B Rich Aurilia, LHP Eddie Guardado, LHP Scott Schoeneweis, 2B Kaz Matsui, LHP Darren Oliver, SS Jose Hernandez and RHP Chan Ho Park.
Analysis: A total of 143 players have filed for free agency, and about 50 more are potentially eligible to file by the Nov. 11 deadline. These players have varying degrees of pertinence in Fantasy leagues, but a lot of it is contingent on their status and roles for 2007. Track their offseason destinations before finalizing a judgment on their Fantasy value.
News: The Rangers have some significant free agents: outfielders Gary Matthews Jr. and Carlos Lee, catcher Rod Barajas, infielder Mark DeRosa and starting pitchers Vicente Padilla and Adam Eaton.
Analysis: Track their offseason destinations before finalizing a judgment on their Fantasy value. All of them will be viable additions in mixed leagues, with the slugger Lee certainly being an early rounder.
News: Vicente Padilla got his career-high 15th win Friday vs. Seattle. Padilla (15-10) pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing four runs and seven hits in winning for the second time in six September starts.
Analysis: Padilla teased and flustered some Seattle batters with off-speed floaters as slow as 61 mph, only to throw 94 mph fastballs on the next pitch. He struggled with control at times walking four, but struck out six and allowed only three hits after the first inning. He was pulled after giving up Ichiro Suzuki's ninth triple of the season with one out in the sixth on his season-high 118th pitch. Padilla isn't a great option to hold over in keeper leagues, but he'll be a great middle-round pick in drafts next season.
News: Texas SP Vicente Padilla (14-10) gave up six runs and eight hits in five innings Saturday, striking out five and walking three. He struggled against the Indians for the second time this month. On Sept. 1, Cleveland had six runs and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings off Padilla in a 7-2 victory.
Analysis: Keep Padilla active in all AL-only formats and continue to start him in mixed leagues based on matchup.
News: Vicente Padilla allowed seven hits over 7 1/3 scoreless innings in a victory over the Angels on Sunday.
Analysis: Keep him active in all AL-only formats and continue to start him in mixed leagues based on matchup.
News: Padilla allowed two runs and five hits in seven innings in Tuesday's start at Detroit. He got out of a two-on, no out jam in the fourth, with an inning-ending double play.
Analysis: Padilla gave up six earned runs in each of his past two starts, so he bounced back nicely with the quality start against a difficult opponent on the road. Keep him active in all AL-only formats and continue to start him in mixed Fantasy leagues.
News: Vicente Padilla allowed six runs on nine hits with four Ks over 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision on Wednesday at Oakland.
Analysis: Padilla has been an above average Fantasy pitcher in his first season with Texas. Keep him active in all AL-only formats and continue to start him in mixed leagues based on matchup despite the poor game.
News: Vicente Padilla threw 112 pitches in 5 1/3 innings Friday vs. Cleveland, allowing six runs and eight hits in a losing effort. He struck out five and walked three.
Analysis: Padilla has been an above average Fantasy pitcher in his first season with Texas. Keep him active in all AL-only formats and continue to start him in mixed leagues based on matchup.
News: Vicente Padilla (13-8) improved to 3-1 in his six starts against Oakland this season, striking out eight on Sunday night to match his season-high and walking four.
Analysis: Padilla's 64 career wins are second among major league pitchers born in Nicaragua behind Dennis Martinez's 245. Consider Padilla a viable starter in deeper Fantasy leagues.
News: Vicente Padilla, making his first start after serving a five-game suspension for hitting Juan Rivera of the Los Angeles Angels with a pitch on Aug. 15, gave up four runs and 10 hits in 6 2.3 innings in a loss on Tuesday at Tampa Bay.
Analysis: Consider Padilla a viable starter in deeper Fantasy leagues.
News: Vicente Padilla (suspension) returns in time for a two-start week, pushing No. 5 Edinson Volquez back. Volquez still gets a start, as does John Koronka, who got the call for Kip Wells (15-day DL: foot, shoulder).
Analysis: Consider Padilla a viable starter in deeper Fantasy leagues because of the double starts.
News: Texas manager Buck Showalter, and pitchers Vicente Padilla and Scott Feldman were suspended for their role in Wednesday night's on-field altercation with the Los Angeles Angels. Showalter was handed a four-game suspension, which began with Thursday night's game. Padilla will sit for five games, also starting Thursday, and Feldman received a six-game suspension, which will start when Padilla returns. Bench coach Don Wakamatsu is managing in Showalter's absence
Analysis: Padilla will probably just have a start pushed back a day or two, but reserve him until the Rangers announce the changes to their rotation.
News: Vicente Padilla allowed six earned runs and eight hits in just 3 2/3 innings on Tuesday against the Angels. He plunked two batters and nearly hit a third when he was ejected by home plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt. "Anytime Padilla's on the mound, we feel we have a chance to win," teammate Michael Young said. "When he gets thrown out, you're facing an uphill battle."
Analysis: Padilla had won six of his past eight decisions. L.A. Angels' manager Mike Scioscia said that he thought "It's warranted" when asked if Padilla should be suspended for his actions. Let's see if the Major League Baseball office agrees.
News: Vicente Padilla (12-7) cruised for the Rangers, allowing six hits -- all singles -- to win for the sixth time in eight starts on Wednesday at Oakland.
Analysis: Padilla remains a must-start in all AL-only leagues and some mixed formats.
News: Vicente Padilla (11-7) allowed three runs and seven hits over seven innings at L.A. Angels. The right-hander struck out five and walked none in the quality start.
Analysis: Padilla remains a must-start in all AL-only leagues and some mixed formats.
News: The Texas Rangers said they would "reserve judgment" on the drunken driving arrest of pitcher Vicente Padilla, who will continue to play until his case is resolved. Padilla was arrested July 7 in Dallas County, according to court records. He has made four starts since, winning two, and is scheduled to take the mound Friday against the Los Angeles Angels. "After consultation with MLB, and recognizing it is an open criminal matter, the organization will reserve judgment until such time as that process concludes," Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said in a statement. Daniels first heard about the arrest Monday, according to newspaper reports. "The Rangers absolutely do not condone drinking and driving and take the issue very seriously," he told The Dallas Morning News. "I'm working to understand the facts and can't address the situation appropriately until then."
Analysis: Padilla was pulled over after a Dallas police officer spotted him running a red light and driving erratically, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported. Padilla does not normally speak with the media. Ron Conover, his attorney, did not immediately return a call from the Associated Press seeking comment. It appears safe to leave him active in Fantasy leagues until the Rangers take some type of action.
News: Vicente Padilla allowed seven earned runs and nine hits in 3 2/3 innings on Friday night against Kansas City, as he took the loss and fell to 10-7. He allowed one walk and struck out just one batter.
Analysis: Despite the poor performance, Padilla remains a decent play in all AL-only leagues and some mixed formats when the matchup is favorable or he faces multiple starts in a scoring period.
News: The Dallas Morning News reports that John Rheinecker will start Wednesday's game against the Yankees. The Rangers then have an off day on Thursday, so they'll skip their fifth starter John Wasdin and Vicente Padilla will start on Friday against the Royals.
Analysis: It's a possibility that Wes Littleton or John Koronka will be demoted to the minors. Wasdin would then stay with the team and likely be available for long relief innings this week Wasdin is worth holding onto in larger AL-only formats, but feel free to cut Littleton or Koronka if they do get sent down. Padilla has been pretty good and should be used in AL-only formats. Mixed leaguers that really need innings can start him against favorable opponents.
News: Vicente Padilla, 5-1 in his previous eight starts, allowed four runs (one earned), struck out eight and walked one in seven innings in a losing effort Sunday at the Chicago White Sox. And he was embroiled in another controversy with Chicago. Padilla (10-6) hit A.J. Pierzynski in his first two at-bats on June 14. This time, things became heated after Rob Mackowiak led off the third with an infield single. Padilla's next pitch hit Cintron in the thigh, and an angry Ozzie Guillen threw down a towel and took a step out of the dugout.
Analysis: Despite the loss on Sunday, he pitched well. He's been pretty good and should be used in AL-only formats. Mixed leaguers that really need innings can start him against favorable opponents.
News: Vicente Padilla allowed just two earned runs and seven hits in seven strong innings on Tuesday at Toronto to earn his 10th win of the season against just five losses. He also allowed just one walk while striking out three.
Analysis: He's been pretty good and should be used in AL-only formats. Mixed leaguers that really need innings can start him against favorable opponents.
News: Vicente Padilla (9-5) gave up one run and four hits in seven innings to win his third straight start on Thursday at Baltimore. The right-hander struck out three and walked three.
Analysis: He's been pretty good and should be used in AL-only formats. Mixed leaguers that really need innings can start him against favorable opponents.
News: Vicente Padilla (8-5, 4.44 ERA), who starts Thursday at Baltimore, is tied for the Texas team lead with eight victories, although most of that success has come at home, where he's 6-2. The right-hander is 0-2 with a 7.16 ERA in his last three road starts. He's lost twice in as many career starts at Camden Yards, posting a 7.45 ERA while with Philadelphia.
Analysis: Padilla, though, is 3-1 with a 3.07 ERA in his last six starts overall. "Vinny pitching well has been a real need for us," Rangers manager Buck Showalter said. Padilla will face Daniel Cabrera in the contest.
News: Vicente Padilla will start Thursday the Rangers announced Friday, the team's first game after the All-Star break.
Analysis: He's been pretty good and should be used in AL-only formats. Mixed leaguers that really need innings can start him against favorable opponents.
News: Vicente Padilla became the first Rangers pitcher to record double-figures in strikeouts since Juan Dominguez on August 13, 2005. He fanned 10 Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Padilla's 6 2/3-inning, three-run outing against the Jays was the sixth quality start in the Rangers' last seven games. He should be active across the board.
News: Vicente Padilla struck out a season-high 10 to lead the Rangers to a 9-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday night. Padilla (8-5) gave up three runs, six hits and one walk in 6 2/3 innings to match Kevin Millwood for the team lead in victories.
Analysis: He's been pretty good and should be used in AL-only formats. Mixed leaguers that really need innings can start him against favorable opponents.
News: Padilla allowed one earned run and four hits in eight strong innings of work in Friday's start against the Astros to improve to 7-5. He walked once and struck out five batters to improve his ERA to 4.47.
Analysis: Padilla finished the month of June with a 2-2 record and 4.30 ERA in six starts. That's about what you can expect the rest of the season, as he is neither great or poor from a Fantasy perspective.
News: Vicente Padilla allowed three runs on six hits in six innings in a loss on Sunday at Colorado. Padilla (6-5) is tied with Florida's Dontrelle Willis for the major league lead in hit batters with 11.
Analysis: He's been pretty good and should be used in AL-only formats. Mixed leaguers that really need innings can start him against favorable opponents.
News: Vicente Padilla allowed four runs on seven hits with six Ks over 5 1/3 innings in a no-decision on Tuesday vs. the Padres.
Analysis: He's been pretty good and should be used in AL-only formats. Mixed leaguers that really need innings can start him against favorable opponents.
News: Vicente Padilla (6-4) struck out seven and allowed only three singles over eight shutout innings in a win on Wednesday against the White Sox.
Analysis: He's a decent back-end starter in AL only formats, but his value in mixed formats is limited.
News: Vicente Padilla pitched seven solid innings in Friday's loss to the Red Sox, allowing nine hits and three earned runs while striking out six.
Analysis: Padilla's next scheduled start in June 14 vs. the White Sox. He's a decent back-end starter in AL only formats, but his value in mixed formats is limited.
News: Vicente Padilla lasted 3 1/3 innings, giving up seven hits and seven earned runs in a loss on Saturday at Chicago.
Analysis: He's been inconsistent and is a mediocre option at best outside of deep AL-only leagues.
News: Vicente Padilla (5-3) allowed three runs and five hits over six innings Sunday night vs. Oakland. He struck out four and walked three, including two who led off innings and then scored. The game was tied when the right-hander threw his last pitch, but the Rangers led before Scott Feldman relieved to start the seventh.
Analysis: John Rheinecker had originally been slated to start Sunday against Oakland, but Rangers manager Buck Showalter decided right-hander Vicente Padilla would instead pitch on his normal day against the Athletics. His ankle appears to be fine and Fantasy owners should not let that affect their decision to activate him for the upcoming scoring period.
News: John Rheinecker had originally been slated to start Sunday against Oakland, but Rangers manager Buck Showalter said right-hander Vicente Padilla will instead pitch on his normal day against the Athletics. Padilla (4-3, 4.58) has a sore ankle, but said after a work session Friday that he felt good and was ready to go. "Vinny was very adamant today about how he felt," Showalter said.
Analysis: Padilla had one start in the rotation essentially skipped earlier this month due to the problem. Barring setbacks, it appears safe to keep him active.
News: Vicente Padilla, who has been bothered by right ankle tendinitis, is having his next scheduled start pushed back an extra day to Monday.
Analysis: Padilla had one start in the rotation essentially skipped earlier this month due to the problem. Barring setbacks, it appears safe to keep him active. He'll face Seattle's Jarrod Washburn.
News: Rangers starter Vicente Padilla left after throwing 92 pitches in five innings on Tuesday vs. the Angels. He allowed four runs and 11 hits, struck out four and didn't issue a walk in the no-decision.
Analysis: Despite the mediocre performance, he's a viable mixed-league starter when the matchups are right. The Rangers promise to give him ample run support if he can put more quality starts together.
News: Vicente Padilla pitched into the seventh inning to lift the Texas Rangers over the New York Yankees 6-2 Thursday. Padilla (4-3) allowed two runs and three hits in 6 2/3 innings while striking out six and walking three.
Analysis: He's a viable mixed-league starter when the matchups are right. The Rangers promise to give him ample run support if he can put more quality starts together. We think he can be a 15-game-winner.
News: MLB.com reports Vicente Padilla tested his sore right ankle with some outfield running on Tuesday and had no problems. He is expected to start Thursday against the Yankees with Robinson Tejeda following him on Friday against the Houston Astros.
Analysis: Padilla should be fine to make the start. "Everything went well," Texas manager Buck Showalter said of Padilla. "He's ready to go. We've been cautious to a borderline fault and he's ready to go." Fantasy Baseballers in daily leagues should be able to activate him.
News: RHP Vicente Padilla is slated to start Thursday against the Yankees. Padilla had his outing pushed back this week because of tendinitis in his right ankle and he threw about 35 pitches during a bullpen session Monday. "I think we're at the point where we've been cautious to a fault," manager Buck Showalter said. "He's ready to go."
Analysis: Padilla is a risky start for that matchup, but he's a viable mixed-league starter when the matchups are right. The Rangers promise to give him ample run support if he can put more quality starts together. We think he can be a 15-game-winner.
News: Vicente Padilla, who has been pushed back in the Texas rotiation because of a sore right ankle, will be able to make a start either Thursday or Friday. He threw in the bullpen Monday and will test the ankle again Tuesday.
Analysis: If Padilla can pitch Thursday against the N.Y. Yankees, then Robinson Tejeda will pitch Friday in Houston. Tejeda, who is currently on option to Triple-A Oklahoma, would pitch Thursday if Padilla needs an additional day of rest.
News: Vicente Padilla threw about 35 pitches during a bullpen session and is expected to start Thursday or Friday. RHP Robinson Tejeda probably will be called up from Triple-A to start on the other day. Padilla had his outing pushed back this week because of tendinitis in his right ankle.
Analysis: Padilla would likely have had to be moved back due to injury, so the rainouts were fortunate for the Rangers. Only consider Padilla in AL Fantasy leagues for until he is able to prove that he is healthy.
News: Sunday's game between the Red Sox and Rangers was postponed by rain, the second consecutive washout in the series. Kevin Millwood starts Monday, followed by rookie John Koronka on Tuesday, Kameron Loe on Wednesday, Vicente Padilla (sprained ankle) on Thursday and then Robinson Tejeda or John Rheinecker from Triple-A on Friday.
Analysis: Padilla would likely have had to be moved back due to injury, so the rainouts were fortunate for the Rangers. Because of the injury and it's a solo start against the potent Yankees, only consider Padilla in AL Fantasy leagues for Fantasy Week 7 (May 15-21). Start someone else if you have healthier and more promising options.
News: Vicente Padilla allowed three earned runs, three hits and three walks in six innings against the Twins on Wednesday to fall to 3-3. He also struck out five batters in the quality start to drop his ERA to 4.57.
Analysis: Padilla will be a two-start pitcher in Fantasy Week 7 (May 15-21), facing Mike Mussina on Monday at N.Y. Yankees and at Houston. Over the past three seasons when he was with the Phillies, Padilla posted an 0-2 record against the Astros with a 5.91 ERA in four starts. He is 0-1 with a 3.46 ERA in two starts at Minute Maid Park.
News: The Rangers sent Robinson Tejeda to Triple-A and don't need a No. 5 starter in Fantasy Week 6 (May 8-14), so they will go with a four-man rotation. Kevin Millwood -- not Vicente Padilla as we originally erroneously reported -- picks up a second start this week in most Fantasy leagues (at N.Y. Yankees).
Analysis: We apologize for the error. Padilla will be a two-start pitcher in Fantasy Week 7 (May 15-21) and not Fantasy Week 6 (May 8-14). Consider Padilla a decent option in AL-only leagues this week.
News: The Rangers sent Robinson Tejeda to Triple-A and don't need a No. 5 starter in Fantasy Week 6 (May 8-14), so they will go with a four-man rotation. Vicente Padilla picks up a second start this week in most Fantasy leagues (at N.Y. Yankees).
Analysis: Consider Padilla a decent two-start option for AL-only leagues. Mixed leagues desperate for starts could use him, too.
News: Vicente Padilla (3-2) gave up consecutive singles to Damon and Jeter to start a 39-pitch first inning on Friday vs. the Yankees. The right-hander walked three in the frame, including Jorge Posada with the bases loaded for a 2-0 lead after Rodriguez reached on a fielder's choice that drove in a run. Padilla retired seven in a row after walking Posada, needing only 26 total pitches to get through the second and third. But the Yankees batted around against Padilla in the fourth before he was finally pulled. His final numbers were ugly -- Seven runs, four earned on six hits and five walks in 3 2/3 innings.
Analysis: He was off to a decent start, until this, and is a must-start in all AL-only leagues and most mixed formats when the matchup is favorable or he faces multiple matchups in a scoring period.
News: Vicente Padilla allowed four earned runs, two walks and six hits in six innings on Sunday at Cleveland. He looked well on his way to a loss before the Texas offense exploded for six runs in the top of the seventh to chase Cleveland starter Jake Westbrook and stake Padilla to a win. This time the bullpen did not blow it for him, either.
Analysis: Padilla is 3-1 with a serviceable 4.05 ERA for an American League starter. He is off to a decent start and is a must-start in all AL-only leagues and most mixed formats when the matchup is favorable or he faces multiple matchups in a scoring period.
News: Rangers starter Vicente Padilla allowed three runs and six hits in 5 2/3 innings Tuesday. He struck out three and walked four. In his previous start against Oakland on April 15, Padilla became the first pitcher in major league history to allow homers on three consecutive pitches when Eric Chavez, Thomas and Milton Bradley all went deep in the sixth inning of the A's 5-4 victory.
Analysis: Padilla is off to a decent start in Texas. Consider him a viable mixed league option when the matchups are right. He has a respectable 3.64 ERA right now and the Rangers' lineup promises to give him ample run support. Padilla is a sleeper for 15 victories.
News: Vicente Padilla allowed just one earned run, three hits and three walks in Thursday's start at Seattle while striking out seven, but he did not figure into the decision despite the quality start.
Analysis: Padilla failed to win his third game for the second consecutive start, but he has been pretty impressive for the Rangers so far this season. He remains a must-start in all AL-only leagues and some mixed formats.
News: Vicente Padilla (2-1) was trying to win his first three outings for the first time in his career as a starter on Saturday at Oakland. He seemed headed that way until being doomed by his 86th, 87th and 88th pitches of the game -- all home runs allowed. Padilla went five innings, allowed hit hits and five earned runs while striking out four and allowing four home runs.
Analysis: Still, the 28-year-old right-hander is making quite the impression in his first season for the Rangers and his initial campaign in the AL after spending his first seven seasons with Arizona and Philadelphia.
News: Vicente Padilla (2-0) wasn't as sharp as he'd been in his Texas debut, but was able to get enough outs to avoid the fourth 1-6 start in franchise history on Sunday vs. the Tigers. He gave up three runs and seven hits over six innings, walking three and striking out three. Acquired from Philadelphia during the winter for the since-released Ricardo Rodriguez, Padilla has both of the Rangers' wins thus far. "Padilla was effectively wild," Leyland said.
Analysis: He's a decent option in Al-only leagues but mixed leaguers can do much better.
News: Vicente Padilla allowed only one run and four hits over six innings in his AL debut in a victory over Boston on Tuesday. Acquired from Philadelphia in an offseason trade, he struck out five and walked two.
Analysis: He's a decent option in Al-only leagues but mixed leaguers can do much better.
News: Vicente Padilla has slid up to the second spot in the rotation in place of Adam Eaton (finger), who will open the season on the 15-day disabled list. Padilla will work on Tuesday against the Red Sox.
Analysis: At this rate, Padilla will be a two-start pitcher for the second scoring period. He is a decent start in all AL-only leagues for the first week of the season, but avoid him in mixed formats after a less than stellar spring.
News: Vicente Padilla gave up four earned runs on eight hits in six innings against the Royals Thursday.
Analysis: Padilla dropped to 0-2 in four starts and his move to Texas can't help his ERA much. But he should still be good for 12-15 wins and has some sleeper potential in his first season in the American League. He's a nice option for owners in AL and some mixed formats in the first week of the season.
News: With Adam Eaton (finger) expected to miss some time, Vincente Padilla could move to second in the Texas rotation behind Kevin Millwood. Kameron Loe would move to third, R.A. Dickey to fourth and either Juan Dominguez or Edinson Volquez into the fifth spot.
Analysis: Padilla should be good for 12-15 wins and has some sleeper potential in his first season in the American League. He's a nice option for owners in AL and some mixed formats in the first week of the season.
News: Rangers starter Vicente Padilla allowed eight hits and three earned runs in 5 2/3 innings. He walked two and struck out two on Saturday vs. the Rockies.
Analysis: Padilla should be good for 12-15 wins and has some sleeper potential in his first season in the American League. He is well worth a middle- to late-round selection in AL formats. He was the 215th overall selection (eighteenth round) in the 2006 CBS SportsLine.com AL experts league. He recorded a 9-12 record with a 4.71 ERA and 103 strikeouts in 147 innings in 2005.
News: MLB.com reports Vicente Padilla did not allow a hit in two innings and walked one in his initial spring start. "I was happy with Padilla," pitching coach Billy Connor said. "He got through two innings, no problem. He threw strikes for the most part. His mechanics were a little off, but he still got through it. It is the first time out for these guys."
Analysis: Padilla should be good for 12-15 wins and has some sleeper potential in his first season in the American League. He is well worth a middle- to late-round selection in AL formats. He was the 215th overall selection (eighteenth round) in the 2006 CBS SportsLine.com AL experts league. He recorded a 9-12 record with a 4.71 ERA and 103 strikeouts in 147 innings in 2005.
News: Right-hander Vicente Padilla, the former NL All-Star the Rangers acquired from Philadelphia in an offseason trade, allowed a run and three hits over two innings in the intrasquad game Wednesday.
Analysis: Padilla should be good for 12-15 wins and has some sleeper potential in his first season in the American League. He is well worth a middle- to late-round selection in AL formats. He was the 215th overall selection (eighteenth round) in the 2006 CBS SportsLine.com AL experts league. He recorded a 9-12 record with a 4.71 ERA and 103 strikeouts in 147 innings in 2005.
News: MLB.com reports Adam Eaton and Rick Bauer are scheduled to be the Rangers' starting pitchers in Tuesday's intrasquad game. On Wednesday, Vicente Padilla and Kameron Loe will battle in the second intrasquad game. Josh Rupe starts Thursday against the Kansas City Royals and Kevin Millwood will pitch in an intrasquad game on Friday. The Rangers play the Royals again that day and could use Jose Silva as a starter.
Analysis: Padilla should be good for 12-15 wins and has some sleeper potential in his first season in the American League. He is well worth a middle- to late-round selection in AL formats. He was the 215th overall selection (eighteenth round) in the 2006 CBS SportsLine.com AL experts league. He recorded a 9-12 record with a 4.71 ERA and 103 strikeouts in 147 innings in 2005.
News: Pitchers Kevin Millwood and Adam Eaton went through stretching, throwing and fielding drills during the Rangers' first official workout -- but Vicente Padilla was missing. Padilla, the third new starter the Rangers added during the offseason, missed a connecting flight from Houston to Arizona after initially being delayed leaving Nicaragua. GM Jon Daniels said Padilla, a former NL All-Star acquired in a trade from Philadelphia, was expected in camp in time for Friday's workout.
Analysis: Padilla should be good for 12-15 wins and has some sleeper potential in his first season in the American League. He is well worth a middle- to late-round selection in AL formats. He was the 215th overall selection (eighteenth round) in the 2006 CBS SportsLine.com AL experts league. He recorded a 9-12 record with a 4.71 ERA and 103 strikeouts in 147 innings in 2005.
News: Vicente Padilla was the 215th overall selection (eighteenth round) in the 2006 CBS SportsLine.com AL Experts League. He recorded a 9-12 record with a 4.71 ERA and 103 strikeouts in 147.0 IP in 2005.
Analysis: Padilla should be good for 12-15 wins and has some sleeper potential in his first season in the American League. He is well worth a middle- to late-round selection in AL formats.
News: Right-hander Vicente Padilla and outfielder Gary Matthews agreed Friday to one-year deals with the Rangers, and free-agent pitcher Antonio Alfonseca agreed to a minor-league contract.
Analysis: Padilla will be a decent sleeper this season in his first season in the AL. The league doesn't know him too well and Texas' home ballpark is actually an upgrade on the bandbox in Philly. The Rangers' offense promises to give him plenty of run support, if he can stay healthy. He has always had talent, but his 2005 was plagued by injury (triceps and back). He has also had shoulder woes in the past, but he looked healthy in the second half, going 5-4 with a 3.63 ERA. Not bad for a pitcher's park. He's viable reserve starter in mixed leagues for use when the matchups are right.
News: The Phillies dealt right-hander Vicente Padilla to the Rangers for a player to be named, pending a physical, MLB.com reported Monday. Padilla, 28, went 9-12 with a 4.71 earned run average in 27 starts last season and is 49-45 in his career -- his best season being 2002 (14-11 with a 3.28 ERA).
Analysis: Ordinarily, getting dealt to the Rangers is a warning sign for a pitcher who has struggled with the longball and a bloated ERA, but Padilla's offseason trade might be a blessing for him. He heads from one hitter's park and top offensive team to another, so he could still sneak up for 12-15 wins in 2006. Padilla has always had talent, but his 2005 was plagued by injury (triceps and back). He has also had shoulder woes in the past, but he looked healthy in the second half, going 5-4 with a 3.63 ERA. Not bad for a pitcher's park. He's viable reserve starter in mixed leagues for use when the matchups are right.
News: Cory Lidle, Brett Myers and Jon Lieber are the scheduled starters for the series with the Braves, and Vicente Padilla will open the series with Cincinnati Reds. Eude Brito might work Friday as the No. 5 starter. "It's just that I haven't made up my mind yet," manager Charlie Manuel told MLB.com. "We'll talk about it."
Analysis: Padilla is a decent option for Fantasy Week 25 (Sept. 19-25) and could be a two-start pitcher for the final week of the regular season. The Phillies might even skip Brito and pitch their top four starters on short rest.
News: Vicente Padilla (ribcage) allowed four hits in seven scoreless innings at the Marlins Saturday. He did not factor into the decision.
Analysis: Padilla is 3-1 in his past six starts. He's been erratic at times, but he deserves to be starting in NL-only leagues.
News: RHP Vicente Padilla, who hasn't pitched since Sept. 7 because of an injured ribcage, is scheduled to start at Florida on Saturday night. Padilla had been the Phillies' most consistent starter in the second half.
Analysis: Padilla should be fine to put back in active lineups. Monitor how he comes out of his start Saturday before making a Fantasy Week 25 (Sept. 19-25) roster decision on him. The Phillies offense gives him ample run support and can make him a winner down the stretch.
News: Manager Charlie Manuel said RHP Vicente Padilla would start again before the end of the season. Padilla has been the Phillies' most consistent starter in the second half. Manuel said he hadn't considered sending Padilla to the bullpen, but would stick rookie RHP Robinson Tejeda in the 'pen. Tejeda hasn't pitched since Aug. 30 and was feeling pain in his throwing shoulder.
Analysis: Padilla looks like he will be a risk in any Fantasy league at this point. Let him return before you consider activating him.
News: Vicente Padilla, the Philadelphia Phillies' most consistent starter in the second half, will miss his next scheduled start with a strained ribcage. Gavin Floyd will take Padilla's turn in the rotation on Tuesday against NL-leading Atlanta. The Phillies entered Saturday night's game against Florida 1 1/2 games behind Houston in the wild-card race.
Analysis: Padilla allowed five runs and seven hits in 5 1-3 innings against the Astros on Wednesday. It was one of his poorest outings since the All-Star break. Since nearly being pulled from the rotation and almost losing his roster spot after starting 3-8 with a 6.69 ERA, Padilla was 5-4 with a 2.60 ERA in his previous 11 starts.
News: Vicente Padilla allowed only one earned run on six hits to beat Washington Thursday.
Analysis: Padilla has a 1.89 ERA in his last eight starts and won for the first time since July 17.
News: Vicente Padilla turned in another quality start on Sunday against Milwaukee, allowing only two earned runs and four hits over seven innings, but he took another undeserved loss.
Analysis: Padilla is 2-3 with a 2.89 ERA over his past six starts, posting quality starts in all six games, but the Philadelphia offense has been non-existent during his past three outings. The Phillies have managed only three runs of support over his past three games.
News: Manager Charlie Manuel doesn't see any substance to trade talk involving RHP Vicente Padilla. "Who could we get that was better?" Manuel said. "And you have to get a good one when you trade for pitchers."
Analysis: Padilla is 2-1 in his past four starts with a 2.16 ERA in 25 innings. He has 17 strikeouts in that span and has re-emerged into a useful Fantasy pitcher in NL-only leagues.
News: The fan club of Vicente Padilla might be getting back together again if the veteran continues to pitch as well as he did on Sunday. He worked seven scoreless innings, allowing two hits and two walks to improve to 5-8.
Analysis: The pride of Nicaragua has not given up a run since his July 1 start against the Braves. We are not saying he is back quite yet, but he is now worth using in all NL-only leagues for his next scheduled start against the Padres next weekend.
News: With manager Charlie Manuel and GM Ed Wade scheduled to reevaluate the pitching staff during the All-Star break, Vicente Padilla's start Wednesday in Pittsburgh could be a key one. Padilla is 3-8 with a 6.96 ERA, and is in danger of being replaced as a starter. He has lost his past three decisions, giving up 25 hits and 12 runs in 12 1/3 innings. Manuel said, "We've been trying to get Vicente untracked, so he could give us some consistent outings. ... It seems like every one of his games is different. He hasn't gotten to the point where he can take you deep into a game."
Analysis: Padilla should be considered an NL-only Fantasy option at this point, and a risky one at that.
News: General mananger Ed Wade told the Philadelphia Inquirer that he is losing patience with Vicente Padilla and could replace him in the starting rotation unless there is some improvement. "At this point in his career, he's not a rookie anymore," Wade said. "I think we're very supportive of all our players. But the reality is that we need better production. At times he hasn't gotten good run support. At times plays have not been made behind him. He has to be able to pitch around that."
Analysis: Padilla came out throwing 94 mph in his start against the Red Sox on Saturday after his turn was moved back 3 days because of inflammation on the left side of his neck. Every indication was that he had excellent stuff. And yet, he lasted just 2 2/3 innings while allowing five runs and throwing a staggering 80 pitches. For the season he's 3-7 with a 6.79 earned run average.
News: Vicente Padilla (neck) gave up five runs and eight hits -- five doubles -- in 2 2/3 innings. A former All-Star, Padilla has struggled since winning 14 games in both 2002 and 2003.
Analysis: Padilla has a 6.79 ERA and hasn't pitched more than six innings in any of 11 starts this season. At this point, even NL-only owners have to be cautious with Padilla.
News: Padilla was scratched from Wednesday's start against the Mets due to an inflamed muscle in his neck.
Analysis: Padilla will start Saturday's game against the Red Sox, with Robinson Tejeda getting the nod on Wednesday night. Keep him reserved in all daily Fantasy leagues for his more difficult matchup.
News: Vicente Padilla (3-5) beat Texas by allowing four runs and four hits in five innings to win his second straight start.
Analysis: Padilla is 3-1 with a 3.32 ERA in his past four starts. He is safe to start in larger mixed leagues again.
News: Vicente Padilla (back) allowed only three hits and one earned run in five innings against Arizona Saturday for his second win of the season. Manuel was cautious with Padilla, pulling the righty after giving up only three hits and a run on 86 pitches through five innings.
Analysis: Padilla, who started the season on the disabled list while recovering from right triceps tendinitis, missed his last two starts because of a strained back. He still hasn't lasted longer than six innings in any of his eight starts, but he deserves a spot in your NL-only team's rotation.
News: The Phillies-Diamondbacks game Friday was postponed until Saturday due to rain.
Analysis: Padilla will face Javier Vazquez in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader.
News: RHP Vicente Padilla, who missed his last start because of a strained back, threw in the bullpen before the game Tuesday night. Manager Charlie Manuel said he could start Friday or Saturday. "He was throwing pretty good down there," Manuel said. "He said it felt good."
Analysis: Padilla is a risky option in anything but the deepest of NL-only leagues at this point. Let him prove healthy and productive again before you insert him into your active lineup.
News: Vicente Padilla, scratched from his last start Saturday with a strained back, is a question mark for his June 4 start vs. Arizona (Russ Ortiz). "He's getting treatment, running, doing his work," manager Charlie Manuel told MLB.com. "He missed his turn this time and we haven't decided on his next one."
Analysis: Padilla (1-5, 7.03 ERA) needs to sit in Fantasy leagues with or without the injury. Consider him out for Week 9 (May 30-June 5), and evaluate him after his possible Saturday start for the ensuing lineup deadline.
News: The Philadelphia Daily News reports Vicente Padilla (back) will miss at least one start. The ailment is not related to the right triceps tendinitis that cost him a dozen starts last season and kept him out until April 19 this season.
Analysis: Padilla is 1-5 with a 7.03 ERA in seven starts, with only one quality start (at least six innings pitched, three earned runs or fewer).
News: Padilla will not pitch on Friday due to a strained back.
Analysis: Padilla will likely work on Tuesday against San Francisco. He has no Fantasy appeal.
News: Vicente Padilla tossed six scoreless innings in Sunday's game against the Reds to pick up his first win of the season and send his fan club home happy after four losing decisions.
Analysis: Padilla walked an alarming six batters in Sunday's start, so all was not entirely well. He has walked at least three batters in four of his past five starts. Until he rectifies his control problems, he is not a recommended Fantasy starter in anything but the largest of NL-only leagues.
News: Vicente Padilla allowed eight hits and four runs in 4 1/3 innings Thursday against the Mets. He struck out three and walked four in his fourth straight ineffective start.
Analysis: Padilla remains winless on the season, spanning four games. He'll get the nod against the Brewers on Tuesday in Week 6.
News: Vicente Padilla (0-3, 11.45 ERA) will make his fourth start of the season Thursday. He is 9-2 lifetime against the Mets, including a 16-4 loss on April 19, when he allowed a career-high five of New York's team-record seven homers.
Analysis: Padilla has not made it past the fifth inning this season. He's scheduled to face the Brewers in his following start.
News: RHP Vicente Padilla (0-2, 18.00) will make his third start Saturday since returning from a triceps injury. Padilla is 3-4 against Florida.
Analysis: Padilla doesn't appear to be 100 percent just yet. Wait until he proves consistently healthy and productive again before you count on him in anything but the deepest of NL-only leagues right now.
News: Vicente Padilla allowed four earned runs, four hits and four walks in only three innings on Sunday at Atlanta to fall to 0-2.
Analysis: Padilla has not been effective or efficient in either of his two starts so far this season. Avoid using him in all Fantasy leagues until he is able to prove he is 100 percent healthy and start pitching more consistently.
News: Padilla (triceps) allowed eight earned runs and eight hits in three innings in his season debut against the Mets to take the loss.
Analysis: Padilla resembled a batting practice pitcher, serving up five home runs. Keep him reserved until he can get his velocity up and command back before inserting him into your active Fantasy lineup.
News: The Phillies activated Vicente Padilla (triceps) from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday. He will start against the Mets in his season debut on a strict pitch count.
Analysis: Padilla will be limited to 90 pitches in his initial outing. He replaces Gavin Floyd in the rotation and Pedro Liriano on the active roster.
News: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Padilla (triceps) will be limited to throwing around 90 pitches in his first start Tuesday against the Mets.
Analysis: Padilla's Fantasy owners should start him at their own risk. While he is in line for two starts, the triceps injury could affect his delivery making him a shaky Fantasy starter.
News: RHP Vicente Padilla, out with triceps tendinitis, is expected to come off the disabled list and start Tuesday in Philadelphia vs. the New York Mets. Rookie Gavin Floyd is expected to be removed from the rotation.
Analysis: Padilla is a nice two-start pitcher option off DL, but it might be wiser to see him pitch in the big leagues before activating him in Fantasy leagues.
News: The Philadelphia Daily News reports Vicente Padilla (elbow) will play catch Friday and throw a side session this weekend.How he throws will determine where the Phillies slot him into their rotation.
Analysis: Padilla is expected to start sometime between April 17-20, so keep tabs on his status.
News: Vicente Padilla (right triceps tendinitis) continues to progress in his rehab, allowing two runs and six hits on Tuesday at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Analysis: Padilla remains on target for a return to the Phillies on April 20 against the Rockies, although it remains to be seen whether he will be inserted back into the rotation or work from the pen for a while.
News: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Padilla (right triceps tendinitis) remains on schedule to start April 20 against Colorado.
Analysis: Padilla had a nice outing Thursday when he allowed four hits, one run and one walk in five innings for Class A Clearwater.
News: Vicente Padilla (triceps) allowed one run and four hits in five innings for Class A Clearwater on Thursday. He also walked one while striking out three.
Analysis: Padilla is expected to make one more start before rejoining the rotation for the Phillies. Keep him reserved until he can officially return and make consecutive appearances without any lingering effects of the injury.
News: RHP Vicente Padilla, sidelined with triceps tendinitis, is scheduled to start the season opener for Class A Clearwater on Thursday. Padilla is eligible to come off the disabled list April 9.
Analysis: If all goes well, Padilla could be useful in Week 2 perhaps. We suggest holding out until Week 3, though, because of the uncertainty right now.
News: Padilla (right triceps tendinitis) threw four shutout innings in a rehab start for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Saturday. He allowed one hit and struck out five. He threw 48 pitches in the outing.
Analysis: Padilla could come back a couple weeks into the season. Gavin Floyd will start in his place in the rotation.
News: The Phillies placed Padilla (triceps tendinitis) on the 15-day disabled list Friday, retroactive to March 25.
Analysis: Padilla is set to pitch in the minors on Saturday, and if all goes well, in another minor-league game Thursday before being re-evaluated. Gavin Floyd starts in his place.
News: The Phillies placed Vicente Padilla on the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday due to triceps tendintis.
Analysis: Padilla is expected to miss only one or two starts. Prospect Gavin Floyd is expected to take his spot in the rotation in his absence.
News: Vicente Padilla (triceps) retired the first eight batters he faced in a minor-league game on Tuesday before walking two batters and leaving the game. "He lost his delivery for a while," pitching coach Rich Dubee told the Philadelphia Daily News. "He might have lost his concentration for a little bit. He felt good. There were a lot of positive signs. He was very happy."
Analysis: Padilla topped out at 93 miles per hour on the radar gun. Despite the positive signs, the veteran is still not expected to start the season in the team's rotation.
News: Vicente Padilla (triceps) tossed 40 pitches in a Class A game on Monday.
Analysis: Padilla might work in another minor-league game on Saturday, but he is not expected to begin the season in Philadelphia's rotation.
News: Phillies RHP Vicente Padilla will pitch in a Class-A game Monday. He has been sidelined with triceps tendinitis all spring.
Analysis: Track his progress the coming weeks. He is a decent sleeper if healthy, but he has proven to be anything consistent in that regard throughout his young career.
News: Vicente Padilla, who hasn't pitched this spring because of triceps tendinitis, is doing well and experiencing no pain. He's scheduled to pitch in a minor-league game Monday and could be ready to rejoin the Phillies in mid-April.
Analysis: Gavin Floyd will take Padilla's spot in the rotation. Floyd is a big-time prospect th Phillies expected to send to Triple-A to open the season, if Floyd pitches well, Padilla might take a rotation spot from struggling youngster Brett Myers or veteran Cory Lidle, who would be useful in long relief.
News: Phillies right-hander Vicente Padilla, who has not pitched in a game this spring due to right triceps tendinitis, threw 20 batting practice pitches at the minor-league complex in Clearwater.
Analysis: Padilla is expected to miss the start of the season, replaced by Gavin Floyd in the rotation. His chronic triceps tendinitis makes his value drop some, but grabbing him as a back-end starter in your mixed leagues is advised.
News: Padilla (triceps) will throw batting practice for the Phillies on Sunday.
Analysis: Padilla is expected to miss the start of the season, replaced by Gavin Floyd in the rotation. His chronic triceps tendinitis makes his value drop some, but grabbing him as a back-end starter in your mixed leagues is advised.
News: RHP Vicente Padilla, who has missed the entire Grapefruit League season with triceps tendinitis, threw 35 pitches from the mound. It will be at least another week before he faces hitters.
Analysis: Track his progress once he gets into games. Gavin Floyd's solid spring might buy Padilla some time to return a little more slowly than usual. Padilla is a solid sleeper because of his age, but be wary of his injury risk.
News: Padilla will be sidelined for at least two weeks after an MRI confirmed that he had triceps tendinitis. "If he needs more time, then we're going to make an adjustment," said manager Charlie Manuel. "We want to make sure he's pain-free when he throws."
Analysis: Padilla was set to enter the season as the team's No. 2 starter, but this injury kept him off the mound for two months last year. Gavin Floyd would likely take his spot in the rotation if he can't go.
News: Padilla was diagnosed with triceps tendinitis on his pitching elbow after receiving an MRI Monday.
Analysis: Padilla missed around 12 starts last year because of tendinitis in his elbow and triceps.
News: The Phillies signed Padilla to a one-year deal on Tuesday.
Analysis: Padilla was troubled by injuries last year, but when healthy, he is considered a solid starter in mixed Fantasy leagues.
News: Vicente Padilla allowed four hits in 6 2/3 scoreless innings Sunday against the Mets. He struck out five and walked one, while improving to 6-7 on the year.
Analysis: Padilla is 2-1 with a 2.55 ERA in his past four starts. He'll face Montreal next week and should be active in all Fantasy formats for that matchup.
News: Vicente Padilla (elbow) was activated from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday. He allowed one earned run and three hits while striking out five over five innings. He did not factor into the decision.
Analysis: It appears safe to get Padilla back into the active lineup in all Fantasy leagues. He will move into the rotation spot vacated by Paul Abbott, who was designated for assignment Tuesday.
News: Vicente Padilla (elbow) allowed five earned runs and two hits in only 3 2/3 innings in a rehab start for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Thursday.
Analysis: Despite the spanking, Padilla might be recalled out of necessity if Kevin Millwood's elbow injury forces him to the 15-day disabled list. Padilla is expected to rejoin the team on Tuesday.
News: Vicente Padilla (shoulder) allowed two runs and three hits in two innings for Class A Clearwater on Saturday.
Analysis: Padilla will likely pitch again for Clearwater on Thursday. He might return on August 10 against the Rockies.
News: Vicente Padilla (shoulder) had his rehab start for Class A Clearwater postponed due to rain on Thursday.
Analysis: Padilla will now make his next scheduled appearance on Saturday night for Clearwater.
News: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Padilla (shoulder) said he can return in two weeks. He threw a simulated game Monday and will pitch a simulated game for Class A Clearwater Thursday.
Analysis: The team remains cautious on setting a return date for Padilla.
News: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Padilla was scheduled to throw a simulated a game Thursday, but instead, will throw on Friday. Since the team has a night game on Friday, it was just easier to schedule his session as such.
Analysis: Padilla remains out of the rotation until Aug. 12 at the earliest.
News: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Vicente Padilla (triceps tendinitis) is on schedule for three mound sessions every other day starting Friday. He will get three rehab starts with a possible return date of Aug. 11 at the earliest.
Analysis: Padilla is worth starting in all leagues once he is healthy. Despite only four wins, he has consistently pitched deep into most games and provides pretty good strikeout numbers.
News: Manager Larry Bowa told the Philadelphia Inquirer that Padilla (triceps) will begin a rehab assignment July 28 with Class A Clearwater. "He'll go two innings and 20 pitches, and then we'll see how things are," Bowa said.
Analysis: Barring any setbacks, Padilla might be set to return to the rotation in mid-August.
News: Vicente Padilla (elbow) played catch again on Tuesday, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Phillies manager Larry Bowa estimated that Padilla will need at least four weeks from the first time he throws off a mound before he can return to the rotation.
Analysis: Based upon that timetable, Padilla probably won't be back in the Phillies' rotation until at least mid-August. There's still a chance he might not return this season.
News: Vicente Padilla (biceps) played catch on Monday and reported no discomfort. He will throw again Tuesday.
Analysis: There is no timetable for Padilla's return. Expect him to make a rehab start or two in the minors before joining the Phillies rotation.
News: The Burlington County Times says Vicente Padilla has nothing more than a bone bruise on his right elbow.
Analysis: Larry Bowa said Padilla might not be ready to pitch again until August.
News: Vicente Padilla received MRI results on his ailing pitching arm on Tuesday, which revealed no damage to his elbow ligament. The tests did reveal a bone bruise on the elbow where the triceps attaches to the bone, however, and he has been told not to throw for at least two weeks and then might need another two to three weeks to work himself back into shape. Padilla will undergo a bone scan on Wednesday.
Analysis: Padilla's return to the Phillies now appears unlikely until at least the All-Star break, if not longer. Paul Abbott could continue to start in his absence, but the team is also considering calling up prospect Gavin Floyd.
News: Vicente Padilla will be sidelined indefinitely with biceps tendinitis and elbow inflammation in his pitching arm. Team officials said Monday that Padilla will have an MRI on Tuesday and a bone scan Wednesday.
Analysis: Padillia left in the second inning of a rehab start Sunday night for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
News: Vicente Padilla (elbow) left his rehabilitation start for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Sunday after just 33 pitches with elbow soreness, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. He allowed two runs on four hits and a walk in an inning of work. Padilla will be evaluated on Monday.
Analysis: Padilla was tentatively scheduled to return to the Philadelphia rotation Friday at Boston, but it's now highly unlikely he'll be activated for that start.
News: The Burlington County Times says Padilla (elbow) will make a start at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Sunday.
Analysis: Padilla is expected to start on June 25 at Boston.
News: The Burlington County Times says Vicente Padilla (elbow) pitched in a simulated game on Tuesday and reported no problems.
Analysis: Padilla has been cleared to throw in a minor-league game Friday or Saturday, and he might start on June 24 at Montreal.
News: The Burlington County Times notes Vicente Padilla (elbow) threw in the bullpen on Thursday.
Analysis: Padilla might make two minor-league starts before returning on June 28.
News: The Burlington County Times notes Padilla threw off a mound on Tuesday.
Analysis: Padilla is eligible to come off the DL on Monday, which seems unlikely. "It's too early to tell," pitching coach Joe Kerrigan said. "He's not even throwing breaking balls yet."
News: After Josh Hancock was hit hard on Thursday, it is unclear who will take Vicente Padilla's next turn in the rotation. Padilla is on the DL with elbow tendinitis.
Analysis: Brian Powell, who is on a rehab assignment, could be an option, as is Elizardo Ramirez. The Phillies can opt to dip into the minor leagues for another starter.
News: The Phillies placed Vicente Padilla (elbow tendinitis) on the 15-day disabled list Saturday. He allowed four earned runs on five hits in five innings against Atlanta Saturday.
Analysis: Padilla's spot in the rotation is up for grabs. Geoff Geary replaced him on the roster.
News: Vicente Padilla will start on Saturday against the Braves.
Analysis: Padilla has been bothered by elbow soreness, but is not expected to miss any playing time.
News: The Burlington County Times says Padilla, who recently had elbow soreness, will throw off flat ground on Wednesday.
Analysis: If Padilla has no issues, he will not miss any playing time.
News: Vicente Padilla allowed only one earned run on eight hits in six innings against San Diego Sunday. He was able to work through elbow soreness.
Analysis: Padilla has won four straight games with a 3.16 ERA.
News: Padilla allowed one earned run and nine hits in 6 2/3 innings at San Francisco on Thursday to pick up his second win.
Analysis: Padilla has posted five quality starts in his seven games this season but has only a 2-4 record to show for his efforts.
News: Padilla allowed only one earned run on five hits in six innings at Arizona Friday for his first win of the season. He also had five strikeouts.
Analysis: Padilla has gone more than five innings in every start this season while never allowing more than four earned runs per start. He has been much more consistent than he has shown in the past and should be starting in all leagues.
News: Vicente Padilla was examined during the past week and was given a clean bill of health, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. He was in an automobile accident earlier this month, and was initially reported to have suffered a broken collarbone.
Analysis: Padilla should reprise his role as one of the Phillies' starters in 2004. This accident won't have any impact on his Fantasy value.
News: Padilla broke his collarbone and a finger on his right hand and bruised his right shoulder in a car accident Thursday in which his driver died. He was treated at a hospital in Nicaragua and released the same night.
Analysis: Padilla should be fully recovered in time for spring training.
News: Vicente Padilla pitched eight scoreless innings on Tuesday in a game with postseason implications against Florida. He improved to 14-10.
Analysis: Padilla is 3-1 with a 1.50 ERA over his past four starts dating back to Aug. 31.
News: Vicente Padilla allowed no runs on six hits, in eight innings against the Mets on Friday. He got his 13th win largely in part to his season-high 10 strikeouts.
Analysis: Padilla has allowed only one run in his last two starts, totaling 16 innings.
News: Vicente Padilla allowed one earned run and two hits in eight innings on Sunday at N.Y. Mets.
Analysis: Over his past 10 starts dating back to July 5, Padilla has won five of his past six decisions.
News: Vicente Padilla's fan club went home happy after Tuesday's dominant performance against Los Angeles. Their hero tossed eight scoreless innings, allowing only three hits, as he improved to 10-8 and kept the Phillies one-game ahead of the Marlins for the National League wild card spot.
Analysis: Padilla has won six of his past seven decisions dating back to June 4. He has re-emerged as an above-average Fantasy starter in NL-only leagues.
News: According to published reports, Padilla will face Livan Hernandez at Montreal on Saturday. Randy Wolf will pitch Friday night at Montreal. The two were switched in the rotation.
Analysis: Padilla should be starting in all formats.
News: Padilla allowed two earned runs and seven hits on Thursday, as he evened his record at 8-8.
Analysis: Padilla is 4-1 with a 2.62 ERA over his past six starts.
News: Vicente Padilla gave up two solo homers, but not much more in 7 1/3 innings Thursday against Atlanta. He did not factor into the decision. "Padilla threw great," Phillies manager Larry Bowa said. "The first home run was a mistake. The second was a nasty [low fastball]."
Analysis: Padilla has pitched well in three of his last four starts after a horrible 0-5 stretch earlier this year. He is a safe start again in all mixed leagues.
News: The Trenton Times reports that Vicente Padilla is tentatively set to start Thursday's game against Atlanta. Sunday's rainout pushed him back.
Analysis: Padilla is a solid start in all leagues. Randy Wolf will be pushed back to start on Friday against Boston.
News: Vicente Padilla threw one inning on Sunday at Cincinnati before the game was cancelled due to rain.
Analysis: Padilla will start Thursday's game against Atlanta. Consider reserving him until he has a more favorable matchup.
News: Vicente Padilla held Anaheim to five hits in seven scoreless innings on Monday. That was his second strong start in his last three games. He has also pitched into at least the sixth inning in each of his last five starts.
Analysis: Padilla has had mixed results lately but looks good once again. He's a solid starter in all leagues at this point. Make sure you take advantage of any favorable matchups.
News: Vicente Padilla, who had lost his last five decisions, held the Mets to one run on three hits. "I felt very solid with my mechanics," he told the Philadelphia Inquirer through an interpreter.
Analysis: Padilla threw his slider well, according to the Inquirer after a stretch in which he relied too much on his fastball and might have been tipping his pitches.
News: The Philadelphia Inquirer says one reason for Padilla's problems is he has been tipping his pitches. The Phillies have identified the problem and shown Padilla the film. Larry Bowa estimates Padilla has thrown fsatballs 80 percent of the time in his past six starts. "I wouldn't say it's obvious," said Mets outfielder Cliff Floyd. "I haven't seen anything."
Analysis: Padilla has been a disappointment so far this season. His performance against the Mets on Wednesday might indicate if the examination of his mechanics was useful.
News: Larry Bowa told the Philadelphia Inquirer Vicente Padilla, who has struugled recently, threw well in a side session on Tuesday. Padilla has indicated he is not pitching with confidence, and might have mechanical issues. "I don't see anything physical there," Bowa said. "Mentally, he's got to get good pitches right from the start."
Analysis: The Inquirer notes Padilla has lost four consecutive decisions and has a 10.13 earned run average in his last three starts.
News: Vicente Padilla was sensational on Saturday night at Atlanta. He tossed a four-hit, complete game shutout. He faced only three batters over the minimum, did not issue a walk and struck out four. He improved to 3-1 on the season.
Analysis: Padilla's bruised left forearm did not appear to be an issue. It is safe to get him back in the active lineup.
News: Vicente Padilla (bruised left forearm) was able to make his scheduled start Saturday at Atlanta.
Analysis: It appears safe to leave him in the active lineup.
News: Phillies manager Larry Bowa told the Philadelphia Inquirer he expects Vicente Padilla (bruised left forearm) to pitch Saturday in Atlanta.
Analysis: It appears safe to keep Padilla active in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Vicente Padilla (forearm) said through an interpreter that he was unsure whether he will be able to start Saturday's game in Atlanta, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. He said his left forearm remains sore and swollen.
Analysis: Continue to monitor Padilla's status before deciding whether to use him on Saturday in a daily league.
News: Vicente Padilla was forced to leave Monday's game against Florida two batters into the sixth inning with a forearm injury, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. He was hit on the left forearm by an A.J. Burnett pitch in the fourth inning, but tried to pitch with the injury for two more innings. "I thought it was broken," Padilla said. X-rays showed no break, and the right-hander is expected to make his next start Saturday in Atlanta.
Analysis: Padilla looks safe to keep active for his next start, although you should monitor his progress the remainder of the week. The Braves represent a subpar matchup, so Padilla will need to be 100 percent to warrant using him in that game.
News: Vicente Padilla pitched seven innings on Wednesday, allowing two earned runs and 10 hits to notch his first victory of the season against Greg Maddux and Atlanta.
Analysis: Padilla evened his record at 1-1 with the effort and lowered his ERA to 3.46. He is an above-average Fantasy starter in NL-only leagues.
News: Although Padilla is not the probable starter for Thursday's game, the Montreal Gazette reports that he might start. Brandon Duckworth is the probable pitcher for the contest. Keep Padilla reserved in your daily lineup until his start date becomes definite.
Analysis:
News: Padilla, recently bothered by fatigue and a back injury, struggled once again on Wednesday. He gave up five runs on 10 hits over 5 1/3 innings. "I was missing my spots," Padilla said. "I was constantly falling behind in the count. When I wanted to throw a strike, they hit it." It might be necessary to reserve him in your roster. Monitor his performances in his next few starts before making roster adjustments. Padilla is 1-2 with a 4.42 ERA in six starts since the All-Star break. He was 10-5 with a 3.05 ERA before the All-Star break.
Analysis:
News: Padilla allowed only one earned run in six innings Sunday to pick up the win. Phillies' manager Larry Bowa said his pitcher wasn't 100 percent. "His arm was loose the first three innings, but he was stiff. It's his back," Bowa said. "He did a good job competing and playing in adverse conditions." Monitor Padilla's status in the next few weeks before starting him.
Analysis:
News:The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Padilla might be skipped for a start if his signs of stiffness and fatigue persist. He will also be given an extra day of rest when the schedule allows, especially since he has thrown one of the largest innings totals in his professional career this season. Padilla is still scheduled to pitch again July 28, so he's safe to keep active for now.
Analysis:
News: Padilla, whose stiff arm was a big reason the All-Star game ended in a tie, looked fine against the Mets Saturday. He allowed four runs and nine hits in 7 1/3 innings and also had an RBI. "I felt good today," Padilla said through an interpreter. "In the All-Star game my arm felt tight. A couple of days off helped me feel better."
Analysis:
News: According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Padilla threw in a bullpen session on Thursday and is expected to be able to make his next scheduled start on Saturday. He had trouble getting loose for his All-Star Game appearance on Tuesday.
Analysis:
News: After pitching two innings in Tuesday's All-Star Game Padilla will likely make his next start on July 13. Randy Wolf is scheduled to start Thursday's game.
Analysis:
News: Padilla was removed as a precaution after being hit in the arm by a pitch on Monday night. He left the game with a big lead and won his tenth game of the season. His right arm was bruised and he is considered day to day. He will be re-evaluated Tuesday and is not expected to miss his next start.
Analysis:
News: It appears that Padilla's shoulder is fine. He reported stiffness in the joint Sunday but pitched 7 2/3 innings of no-hit ball on Friday. Padilla allowed a hit in the eighth inning but finished the rest of the game, pitching a two-hit shutout to raise his record to 5-2.
Analysis:
News:The Philadelphia Inquirer says Padilla, who experienced minor shoulder stiffness on Sunday, reported no problems in a bullpen workout on Wednesday and will pitch on Friday. David Coggin will pitch on Saturday.
Analysis:
News: Padilla, who complained of a stiff arm after his start Sunday, might have his next start pushed back to Saturday. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that he will start Friday as scheduled if everything goes well during his bullpen session on Wednesday. Dave Coggin will start Friday if Padilla is unable to pitch.
Analysis:
News:The Philadelphia Inquirer says Padilla has been complaining of stiffness in his pitching arm. His next start will likely be pushed back from Friday to Saturday.
Analysis:
News: Padilla, who has pitched well during the spring, will start Philadelphia's second game of the year in place of the injured Randy Wolf, and he should remain in the rotation as a fifth starter. He is certainly worth a look in NL-only leagues.
Analysis:
News: With Nelson Figueroa and Cliff Politte now in the Phillies' bullpen, Padilla and David Coggin are the top candidates for the fifth starter's job. Coggin is the more experienced starter, but Padilla has pitched well this spring. Padilla has a leg up, so pick him if you have to make a choice on the two right now.
Analysis:
News: Padilla appears to have the edge in the race for Philadelphia's fifth starter spot. He has a 1.13 spring ERA, and has an edge on David Coggin, Nelson Figueroa and Cliff Politte right now. Padilla is worth a look in NL-only leagues.
Analysis:
News: Padilla was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre by the Phillies on Monday. If you were holding onto him in hopes he might eventually figure into the saves mix, it is now time to cut him.
Analysis:
News: Padilla was activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday. The reliever had been on the shelf for just under two weeks due to a sprained left ankle. Padilla, who was 3-1 with a 2.97 ERA before the injury, has only minimal value as a Fantasy player.
Analysis:
News: Padilla made his first appearance for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre on Tuesday, throwing one inning of scoreless releif. Padilla, who is rehabbing a sprained left ankle, was 1-1 with a 4.35 ERA in nine appearances for the Phillies before sustaining the injury.
Analysis:
News: Padilla, who is on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained left ankle, will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday. Padilla was 1-1 with a 4.35 ERA in nine appearances for the Phillies before sustaining the injury.
Analysis:
News: Padilla injured his left ankle during batting practice, and will be placed on the 15-day DL. The reliever has no real value to Fantasy owners at this point.
Analysis:
News: Earned his first major-league save on Wednesday night. Padilla remains the primary setup man to closer Jeff Brantley, but pitched in a closing situation Wednesday because Brantley had appeared in the last two games. Padilla should get some more opportunities to close the rest of the year. It makes little sense for the Phillies to keep Brantley as their closer for the remainder of the year. Padilla has been given the sometimes notorious label of "future closer", and the team should give him some shots the rest of the year to see if he is possibly up to the task.
Analysis:
News: Traded to Philadelphia from Arizona as part of the Curt Schilling deal. Padilla will be inserted into the Phillies bullpen, and there has even been speculation that he could close for PHI. Padilla does have potential closer-worthy numbers. In 35 IP this year, he has yet to allow a HR.
Analysis:
News: RHP Kip Wells, acquired Monday from Pittsburgh, is expected to start Wednesday. "We want to keep him on schedule," said manager Buck Showalter, who added RHP Vicente Padilla, originally scheduled to start Wednesday, would start Friday in Los Angeles.
Analysis: Padilla loses his potential two-start Fantasy Week 19 (Aug. 6-13), but he remains a decent AL-only option because of the run support the Rangers can provide him.