News: Veteran OF/DH Wily Mo Pena signed a two-year contract with the Softbank Hawks in Japan on Friday, according to SI.com. Pena recorded seven homers and a .204 batting average while playing between Arizona and Seattle last season.
Analysis: Pena surged to the majors with the Diamondbacks after a torrid power stretch in the minor leagues. However, he was unable to sustain that production and was eventually released before being picked up by the Mariners. Fantasy owners should continue to ignore him in 2012 drafts.
News: Free agent OF/DH Wily Mo Pena is close to signing a multi-year contract with the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks in Japan, according to MLBTradeRumors.com. Pena played for the Mariners and Diamondbacks this past season, batting .204 with seven home runs in 39 games.
Analysis: If Pena were ever to nail down a starting job in the majors, he would be a great source of power and run production, but it appears that it won't happen for several years now, since he is heading to Japan. He can be dropped or ignored in all leagues.
News: Seattle OF Wily Mo Pena had two walks all season entering Monday's game in Cleveland. Pena managed to walk three times on Monday in a rain-shortened win over the Indians. He finished 1 for 1 in the game with two runs scored and an RBI. Pena is batting .250 for the year.
Analysis: Pena has three hits in his last two games and is all of a sudden taking his pitches and being patient. Only, we don't expect that to continue. Pena is nothing more than a low-end AL-only Fantasy option.
News: Seattle DH Wily Mo Pena missed his third consecutive game on Saturday against Oakland. MLB.com reports that Pena has been out due to the birth of his child. He is expected back on Sunday.
Analysis: Pena has gone 1 for 10 in his last three games for the Mariners and hasn't played yet in September. He has little Fantasy value as a DH and pinch-hit option for the Mariners.
News:Wily Mo Pena drove in four runs and the Mariners chased Cleveland starter Josh Tomlin before the sixth inning for the first time Wednesday in a 9-2 rout that left the Indians' playoff hopes flickering. Pena hit a two-run homer in the fourth and his two-run double in the fifth was the final blow for Tomlin, who pitched at least five innings in each of his first 37 career starts. Pena finished 3 for 3 with one walk. "He's just so strong," manager Eric Wedge said of Pena, as reported by the Seattle Times. "He hits that line drive to center field and I don't think he even got all of it. And I don't think you're going to hit a ball much harder than the double to left field ... You know when he steps up there he can impact a baseball and change the game."
Analysis: Pena has homered in two of his last three games for the Mariners. If he keeps on hitting, then the team will find regular at-bats for him at DH. But since he is not very good in the field, then his PT could be limited. Pena has always hit the ball a mile. But he struggles to make consistent contact and strikes out a lot. Leave Pena for AL-only Fantasy formats.
News:Wily Mo Pena hit his first home run with the Mariners in Sunday's series finale against the Rays. He launched a game-tying, two-run shot off starter James Shields in the eighth inning and finished 2 for 4 in the 8-7 loss. He also had an infield single. Since being recalled from Triple-A Tacoma, Pena has gone 4 for 16 (.250).
Analysis: Pena now has six homers in 62 at-bats in the majors this season but is still hitting just .210. While the raw power is there, the 29-year-old does not show enough consistency to remain a viable option in Fantasy. Continue to view Pena as more of a Fantasy OF for AL-only formats at this point.
News: The Mariners placed 1B Justin Smoak on the 15-day disabled list on Saturday due to a broken nose. Wily Mo Pena was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma to take his spot on the roster. He immediately got in the lineup, playing DH and batting fifth on Saturday night against the Red Sox. Pena batted .196 with five homers and seven RBI in 17 games earlier in the year with the Diamondbacks.
Analysis: Pena was batting .333 with four homers and 14 RBI in 13 games at Triple-A Tacoma and should see some time at DH while he's up in the majors. The 29-year-old obviously has some big time power potential so keep an eye on how he does early on. But since he has underachieved most of his career, owners in AL-only formats should be the only ones considering Pena at this point.
News: Seattle signed OF Wily Mo Pena to a minor-league contract on Wednesday. He was released by Arizona earlier in July.
Analysis: Pena's value plummeted the second interleague play ended, so now that he's with an American League team his stock may rise. He's not worth adding to any of those rosters yet, but is worth monitoring in AL-only leagues in case he makes it to the majors as the Mariners DH.
News: Arizona OF Wily Mo Pena, who was designated for assignment earlier in July, was given his outright release by the Diamondbacks on Sunday.
Analysis: Pena's value plummeted the second interleague play ended. Pena cannot field and will not catch on with another team. He has little to no Fantasy value at this time.
News: Multiple sources report that the Diamondbacks made some moves on Thursday, designating Wily Mo Pena for assignment and outrighting Juan Miranda down to Triple-A Reno. In return, the team activated Geoff Blum and promoted Brandon Allen. Pena hit just .196 on the year in 17 games, though he had five homers and seven RBI in his short time in the big leagues.
Analysis: Pena hit some towering home runs for Arizona, but Blum is healthy after his knee injury and Allen sports a .427 OBP in the minors -- warranting the promotion. Fantasy owners should not expect Pena to be back any time soon, though his power is always somewhat of a desire to roll-the-dice on. Still, Pena didn't do much else for the team while he was on the field, so he should probably be dropped in all formats for now though he may garner some attention from other teams. Stay tuned.
News: Diamondbacks OF Wily Mo Pena hit his fifth homer Monday against the Brewers, a pinch-hit, solo blast off Shaun Marcum in the fifth inning. Pena has three homers in his last six games.
Analysis: While Pena has been a great source of power for Arizona since his recall in late June, he continues to hit for a low average and strike out a lot -- two things that plagued him as a major leaguer in the past. Even with interleague play over, Arizona seems content for now to keep Pena on the bench as a power bat, but they still haven't trusted him enough to play the field. Pena continues to have limited Fantasy appeal.
News: Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson was asked after Wednesday's game against the Indians if OF Wily Mo Pena will be sticking around despite not playing the field since being called up on June 21, but the skipper did his best to be vague about the topic. "We've got a ways to go, but he's done everything we've asked," Gibson told reporters. "What he did (Tuesday) shows you he has a demeanor. He has the experience and the mindset to do that and he's certainly a weapon. He pounds the ball. If he gets a hold of it, my gosh. The thing he has to deal with is not trying to do that every pitch. He wasn't trying to do it (Tuesday) night, and it happened. You try to do it and you tend to get outside of who you are."
Analysis: Pena hit a pinch-hit, walk-off, two-run homer on Tuesday, which certainly earned him some brownie points with the Diamondbacks. He is going to stick around through the weekend since the Diamondbacks finish interleague play at Oakland, so Pena can DH. While Pena has three homers in nine games, he is batting just .231 and has struck out 12 times. The same issues that plagued Pena and banished him to the minors is still following the veteran slugger. He can hit the ball a mile, but he strikes out too much, doesn't hit consistently and the Diamondbacks don't have faith to play him in the outfield. Pena still has marginal Fantasy appeal.
News:Wily Mo Pena did not start Tuesday's game against the Indians, but he did end it. He hit a pinch-hit, two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to give Arizona a 6-4 win over Cleveland. "The guy can swing the bat," said Arizona's Ryan Roberts. "He hits homers and he hits the ball a long way."
Analysis: Out of the big leagues for more than two years before being called up on June 21, Pena had hit a couple of mammoth home runs, including one that went an estimated 454 feet against Detroit last week. But with the home runs have come some wild swings, mostly on breaking pitches, leading to 11 strikeouts in 24 at-bats. That has been the problem with him and the reason his career has never taken off despite his massive power potential. Pena was recalled for the interleague schedule, but has been limited to pinch hitting while the D-Backs are at home under National League rules. He may not stick around once interleague is over, but his power potential makes him worth a low-risk flier in deeper formats while he is up in the big leagues. There is no doubt he can hit the ball hard when he plays.
News: As expected, manager Kurt Gibson said he will continue to use DH Wily Mo Pena as strictly a pinch hitter while the Diamondbacks are at home over the next two days. Pena, who was recalled from Triple-A Reno last week, was 4 for 23 with two home runs and three RBI in his first six games with the club serving while serving as the designated hitter. "I'm not planning on playing him" in the field, Gibson said of Pena. "That's not his strength. I'm pretty much going to let him hit while he's here. He will be a pinch hitter right now." Pena came on as a pinch hitter during Monday night's contest against Cleveland, and singled in his lone at-bat.
Analysis: The Diamondbacks wrap up interleague play with a three-game series in Oakland over the weekend and Pena is expected to be the DH once again. However, the team will then have to make a tough decision on how to structure their roster. Geoff Blum could be ready to come off the disabled list by then, which would force Arizona to have to make a tough call. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on how things play out once interleague play is over this weekend. IF Pena does end up sticking around, his value will continue to be primarily in NL-only formats.
News: Arizona OF Wily Mo Pena, who has homered twice in five games since being called up to DH in interleague play at American League parks, will go back to the bench -- or worse -- when interleague play is over and the Diamiondbacks return to NL parks, reports MLB.com on Sunday. "I don't know if I can see him in the outfield," manager Kirk Gibson said. "Right now he's pretty much going to be the designated hitter for us. He's certainly imposing and dangerous."
Analysis: This news shouldn't surprise anyone, even though Pena has brought a nice bat with him from the minors. He's done exactly what the Diamondbacks were hoping he'd do in American League parks. Still, it isn't like he's hot outside the homers as he's batting just .211 with 10 strikeouts in the five games. Pena doesn't have much, if any, Fantasy value, especially after interleague play ends.
News: Diamondbacks DH Wily Mo Pena hit the go-ahead home run during Friday night's 7-6 win over the Tigers. Pena hit the towering shot in the eighth inning off reliever David Purcey to put Arizona up for good. It traveled an estimated 454 feet over the left-field fence -- the third-longest homer at Comerica Park since it opened in 2000. "As soon as I hit it, I knew that ball was out," Pena said. He also added a RBI single and finished 2 for 4 with a pair of RBI in the victory.
Analysis: Pena now has two homers in the four games he has appeared in with Arizona and should continue to see a few at-bats while the club keeps playing at American League Parks. While he was absolutely racking down in Triple-A, it remains to be seen how long he will remain with the club once interleague play is over. Pena could play himself into a more permanent role if he produces when given a chance, so Fantasy owners should continue to monitor how things play out moving forward. In the meantime, consider Pena a possible sleeper candidate in NL-only formats heading into Fantasy Week 13 (June 27- July 3).
News: The Diamondbacks purchased the contract of Wily Mo Pena and recalled him to the major-league roster prior to Tuesday's series opener in Kansas City. He got the start at DH in his first game up with the club and immediately proved the D-backs smart for making the move. Pena, who was hitting .363 with 21 home runs and 63 RBI in 63 games for Triple-A Reno, homered in the fifth inning with two outs off starter Luke Hochevar. It was his first home run since 2008.
Analysis: Pena has always been a power hitter but has struggled with consistency at the major-league level. He has a lifetime .253 major league batting average with terrible numbers in strikeouts, on-base percentage and OPS. However, given his improvement in those areas at Triple-A this season, he's worth a low-risk/high-reward flier in deeper formats in the hope he may have finally figured things out at age 29. He will get a couple series' worth of DH at-bats while the D-Backs travel to AL parks this week and could sneak his way into a more permanent role if he plays his cards right. It remains a long shot, but Pena should at the very least be on your radar.
News: Diamondbacks 3B Sean Burroughs was outrighted to Triple-A Reno following Sunday's 8-2 loss to the White Sox. According to multiple reports, the team is expected to purchase the contract of Wily Mo Pena, who is currently playing for Reno in the Pacific Coast League. Pena is batting .362 with 21 home runs and 62 RBI for the Aces.
Analysis: While nothing has been made official, the club is expected to promote Pena over the next day or so. With Arizona playing nine of the next 12 games at American League parks, the team wants an extra bat with pop in the lineup to serve as the designated hitter. Pena should be able to provide that, as he has been tearing the cover off the ball down in Triple-A. Fantasy owners should continue to monitor the situation moving forward. If Pena is called up, his run producing ability makes him a possible sleeper candidate in NL-only formats heading into Fantasy Week 12 (June 20-26). Stay tuned.
News:The Boston Globe reports the Diamondbacks are considering promoting former Red Sox OF Wily Mo Pena, who is tearing it up at Triple-A Reno, for interleague play in Week 12 (June 20-26). The Diamondbacks have six road games against AL teams next week, so the DH rule will be in effect.
Analysis: Pena has been crushing the ball in the PCL. He is batting .356 with a .431 OBP, .739 slugging percentage and 1.170 OPS. He also has 21 homers and 62 RBI in 59 games. He has struck out just 45 times and perhaps is finally learning how to hit a breaking ball. Although, Pena is somewhat of a defensive liability as well, which has contributed to him remaining in the minors despite monster offensive numbers. During interleague play, Pena can be used in the DH role in AL parks. Pena might be a sleeper start in NL-only formats for Week 12 (June 20-26), if he is indeed recalled for the DH role.
News: OF Wily Mo Pena entered Thursday batting .366 with 13 home runs and 34 RBI for Triple-A Reno through his first 29 games. General Manager Kevin Towers told the Arizona Republic that the Diamondbacks have taken notice his his hot hitting, but his defensive limitations and right-handed bat are factors as to why he is still in the minors. "Other than Russell (Branyan), we don't have any left-handed options," Towers said. "Certainly if there's a need for a right-handed bat, he's a guy that we'll look at."
Analysis: Pena has all the power in the world but he has been mostly a disappointment in his time in the majors, while bouncing around from four different teams. He has always crushed minor-league pitching so the Diamondbacks are right to be hesitant with the 29-year-old. Still, Pena is just one injury away from being called up, and should be in the majors at some point this season. Keep tabs on his progress down on the farm but leave him on waivers as long as he is not in the majors.
News: Diamondbacks OF Wily Mo Pena is off to a scorching start in Triple-A. Through 11 games, Pena is hitting .439 with a PCL-leading six home runs and 16 RBI.
Analysis: Pena was close to making Arizona's roster out of spring training, but lost out to Xavier Nady for the final outfield spot. Pena could well be up soon if he keeps hitting like this and Nady and Gerardo Parra continue to underwhelm. Pena has shown flashes of potential in the past, but shouldn't really be owned in Fantasy play for the time being.
News: The Diamondbacks made some roster moves on Monday. Catcher Konrad Schmidt was optioned to Triple-A Reno, while fellow catcher John Hester was outrighted to Reno. Micah Owings, Brian Sweeney and Wily Mo Pena were reassigned to minor-league camp.
Analysis: Owings and Pena are the most notable names on this list. They have had past success in the majors, but are now trying to claw their way back onto a roster. All of these players are organizational depth and can be ignored in Fantasy.
News: Arizona OF Wily Mo Pena seemed like a long shot to make the opening day roster, but he along with Russell Branyan lead the team with three homers this spring. "We've got two guys in looking at our team," Gibson told MLB.com. "The closers in our division are right-handed. That would maybe lend well to a guy like Russell, but Wily Mo Pena, I mean my gosh, he's been outstanding. That's a possibility that we would have a guy on our club kind of like that. A veteran guy that can influence the game when we're behind or we need someone to drive the ball even early in the game." Neither are known for their defense, but the way they are connecting at the plate could make all the difference. "Wily has worked on a lot of stuff," Gibson said. "[Friday] he laid off a couple of breaking balls, then he got a ball he could pop. Where before he was thinking more pull and he would pull off those balls."
Analysis: It's been a few years since Pena saw action in the majors. That was in 2008 with the Nationals. If the 29-year-old can keep up his production at the plate he may get a look by the Diamondbacks. If so he'd be able to add onto his 77 career homers. Unless that happens, Pena has no Fantasy appeal.
News: The Arizona Republic reports that outfielder Wily Mo Pena put on an impressive power display during batting practice on Sunday. Diamondbacks second baseman Kelly Johnson said Pena hit eight home runs for every nine swings.
Analysis: The 29-year-old Pena has not sniffed the majors since 2008 with the Nationals. Until he learns how hit a curveball, he won't be adding to his 77 career home-run total anytime soon. He has no Fantasy appeal at this time.
News: OF Wily Mo Pena signed a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training with the Diamondbacks on Wednesday, according to WEEI.com. Pena did not play in the majors in 2010, but he hit .324 with nine home runs in 40 games with the Padres' Triple-A affiliate in Portland. He last played in the majors for Washington in 2008.
Analysis: Pena is still just 28, and he showed good power early in his major league career. He is still a long-shot to make Arizona's opening day roster, but his progress bears watching in NL-only leagues.
News: The Padres signed OF Wily Mo Pena to a minor-league contract on Monday. Pena, who hasn't played in the majors since 2008, had been playing with the Bridgeport Bluefish of the Atlantic Independent League. "We've been keeping tabs on him for awhile," Randy Smith, the Padres director of player development, told MLB.com. "He's in good shape and still has power and can throw."
Analysis: Pena hit .310 with eight homers and 34 RBI in 40 games for the Bridgeport Bluefish. Not sure what his timetable is to make it back to the majors but Fantasy owners shouldn't concern themselves with him at this point. Continue to ignore him in all formats while he's down on the farm.
News: Outfielder Wily Mo Pena signed with the Bridgeport Bluefish of the Atlantic Independent League.
Analysis: Pena is nothing more than organizational depth at this point in his career. Ignore him in all Fantasy leagues.
News: The Mets released OF Wily Mo Pena and INF Javier Valentin on Monday. Both were in Triple-A.
Analysis: Pena might find his way on to another squad somewhere, but it's doubtful he'll ever be a Fantasy contributor again. Valentin will likely retire. Continue to ignore them both.
News: The New York Mets signed outfielder Wily Mo Pena to a minor league contract on Monday. Pena, who was released by the Washington Nationals on March 28, hit .205 with two homers and 10 RBIS last season before his season ended with a torn labrum on July 18. The 27-year-old will report to extended spring training in Port St. Luice before joining Triple-A Buffalo.
Analysis: Pena is a career .253 hitter with his best season coming in 2004 with the Reds when he hit 26 homers and drove in 66 runs. Pena may never see the majors this season and is not someone you should care about in Fantasy at the moment.
News: The Nationals have released outfielder Wily Mo Pena. He had been placed on waivers, but he went unclaimed.
Analysis: Pena, a favorite of Nationals general manager Jim Bowden, got every chance to succeed last year, but a shoulder injury proved too much for him to overcome. He ended up having surgery on it in July. Power hitters like Pena sometimes have difficult returning from shoulder injuries, and Pena now has to find a home. He had 30-homer potential when at his best, but he looks like no more than organizational depth.
News: Washington placed outfielder Wily Mo Pena on waivers on Saturday.
Analysis: Pena hit .276 this spring in 29 at bats with no home runs and just one RBI. Even he catches one elsewhere, he's not going to make a big enough impact to warrant owning him in Fantasy.
News: OF Wily Mo Pena, who has been sidelined with a right shoulder problem, served as the Nationals' designated hitter Monday against the Astros and went 1-for-5. "He's ready to swing the bat, but he's not ready to play in the field yet. We don't have a timetable for that yet," manager Manny Acta said. "As soon as he's ready to be in the field, he'll be in the field."
Analysis: Pena strikes out like crazy and has never gotten more than 336 at-bats in a season, but he has 30-homer potential if he gets to play full time. He most likely will have to come off the bench, though, so consider him a low-end sleeper better left for NL-only leagues.
News: Nationals OF Wily Mo Pena, who had season-ending shoulder surgery last July, played in Wednesday's spring opener against the Astros. Pena went 1-for-3 with a strikeout.
Analysis: Pena strikes out like crazy and has never gotten more than 336 at-bats in a season, but he has 30-homer potential if he gets to play full time. He most likely will have to come off the bench, though, so consider him a low-end sleeper better left for NL-only leagues.
News: Nationals OF Wily Mo Pena, recovering from left rotator cuff surgery, took batting practice Tuesday and reported no pain after, according to the Washington Post. Pena, known for his power, will have to fight for a roster spot this spring after hitting .205 in 195 at-bats last season. "Thing is, I didn't want to say (anything about the injury) because I wanted to play," Pena said. "But the more I played, the more my shoulder was going bad. So one day they decided to talk to me about it, and I told them my shoulder was messed up."
Analysis: Pena strikes out like crazy and has never gotten more than 336 at-bats in a season, but he has 30-homer potential if he gets to play full time. He most likely will have to come off the bench, though, so consider him a low-end sleeper better left for NL-only leagues.
News: There is a glut in the Nationals' outfield, even if newly acquired free agent Adam Dunn ends up playing at first base instead of left field. That includes Josh Willingham (part of the trade that also brought left-handed starter Scott Olsen from Florida) and Austin Kearns (.217, seven homers, 32 RBI in 2008, when he landed on the DL with elbow and foot injuries), along with Lastings Milledge (team-high 61 RBI last season), Elijah Dukes (13 HRs, 44 RBI in 276 at-bats), Wily Mo Pena and Willie Harris. "That's the most glaring competition that we have out there," Acta said. "Options, options, options - always good - and competition."
Analysis: The way the Nationals' outfield currently looks, Adam Dunn would be in left, Lastings Milledge would start in center and Elijah Dukes would play right. Assuming Dunn plays at first base, that would move Josh Willingham into the starting role in left field and push the injured Nick Johnson out of the starting role at first. Wily Mo Pena and Willie Harris will remain reserves no matter what happens with Dunn. These players all obviously have different levels of skill and Fantasy value and should be treated accordingly.
News: The Nationals rejected their $5 million club option for 2009 on outfielder Wily Mo Pena, but he exercised his $2 million option.
Analysis: Pena hit .205 with only two homers and 10 RBIs in 195 at-bats this season before having an operation on his left shoulder in July. He has pop in his bat, which didn't really show last season amid his shoulder woes. His 30-homer potential could return next season, but we think he will be a low-end option in the deepest of leagues next spring.
News: According to The Sports Xchange notes: OF Wily Mo Pena (right shoulder surgery) has begun physical therapy. Pena won't, however, play winter ball in an attempt to get back some the at-bats he missed during the second half of this season. Instead, the Nationals want the outfielder to work on getting himself into shape and reporting healthy to spring training.
Analysis: Pena has pop in his bat, which didn't really show this season amid his shoulder woes. His 30-homer potential could return next season, but we think he will be a low-end option in the deepest of leagues next spring.
News: The Nationals transferred OF Wily Mo Pena from the 15-day to the 60-day DL on Monday. Pena was placed on the DL on July 18 and underwent surgery on his left shoulder July 22.
Analysis: Pena has power, but he struggles with consistency and couldn't secure an everyday job even with the Nationals. He's out for the season, so ignore him in Fantasy.
News: According to The Sports Xchange notes: LF Wily Mo Pena said he has been playing through left shoulder pain for two years, concealing an injury from the team much of this season. Pena, who had surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff earlier this season and will miss the rest of the year, said GM Jim Bowden asked him several times if he was hurt during the year. "He'd always ask me, and I told him, 'No, no, I'm good, I'm good.' They know something was happening. They said, 'You're hurt,'" Pena said. "And I was like, 'No.' I keep everything (to) myself, just trying to play, trying to do something for the team."
Analysis: Well, Pena has a scapegoat for his back-to-back awful seasons now. He has pop in his bat, which didn't really show this season amid his shoulder woes. His 30-homer potential could return next season, but we think he will be a low-end option in the deepest of leagues next spring. He is not worth owning in any Fantasy league right now.
News: The Nationals say outfielder Wily Mo Pena has had surgery on his left shoulder and will miss the remainder of the season. The team says the surgery was performed Tuesday in Cincinnati to repair a partial tear of Pena's rotator cuff and a tear of his labrum. Pena, who batted .205 with two home runs and 10 RBI, had been on the 15-day DL since July 18. The shoulder will be placed in a sling for three weeks before Pena begins rehabilitation. He is expected to be ready for next season's spring training. Pena was acquired by the Nationals from Boston in August 2007.
Analysis: Pena has pop in his bat, which didn't really show this season amid his shoulder woes. His 30-homer potential could return next season, but we think he will be a low-end option in the deepest of leagues next spring. He is not worth owning in any Fantasy league right now.
News:The Sports Xchange reports that Nationals OF Wily Mo Pena will have surgery on his left shoulder Tuesday with Cincinnati Reds medical specialist Dr. Tim Kremchek. The Nationals placed Pena on the disabled list Friday after an enhanced MRI on July 14 revealed he had a small tear in his rotator cuff.
Analysis: Pena is making his second trip to the DL in 2008, after missing 12 games at the start of the season with a strained side muscle. He had only three hits in his last 26 at-bats. Pena is really not worth holding on to, except in the deepest of NL-only keeper leagues.
News: Nationals outfielder Wily Mo Pena went on the 15-day disabled list Friday because of an injured left shoulder that will require surgery. He was hitting .205 with two homers and 10 RBI.
Analysis: Pena is making his second trip to the DL in 2008, after missing 12 games at the start of the season with a strained side muscle. He had only three hits in his last 26 at-bats. Pena is really not worth holding on to, except in the deepest of NL-only keeper leagues.
News: Washington Nationals OF Wily Mo Pena will have surgery on his left shoulder and is done for the rest of the season. Pena has a small tear in his left rotator cuff and fraying of the labrum in his left shoulder. He was examined Monday by Nationals team doctor Ben Shaffer and is expected to have the operation within seven to 10 days.
Analysis: Pena was hitting .205 with two homers and 10 RBIs in 195 at-bats this season for the Nationals and had only three hits in his last 26 at-bats. Pena is really not worth holding on to, except in the deepest of NL-only keeper leagues.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Nationals LF Wily Mo Pena has been battling a nagging shoulder injury and might have tests done on it during the All-Star break, manager Manny Acta said. The left fielder is batting just .209, and would not confirm that he will have tests done on his shoulder. "I'm going home during the break," he said before declining to comment further.
Analysis: Pena clearly has failed on his power potential. Consider him nothing more than a low-end option for the deepest of NL-only leagues at this point in his career, when healthy. There is the potential for a hot streak, but waiting for it to come has been a fruitless endeavor.
News: According to The Sports Xchange notes: OF Wily Mo Pena could be the biggest beneficiary of OF Elijah Dukes' knee injury. Pena had been banished to the bench in recent weeks but now will likely resume duties as Washington's regular left fielder while Dukes recovers from a meniscus tear and a partially torn patellar tendon. Pena has endured a miserable season, with a .214 average, two homers and 10 RBI in 182 at-bats.
Analysis: Pena clearly has failed on his power potential. Consider him nothing more than a low-end option for the deepest of NL-only leagues at this point in his career. There is the potential for a hot streak, but waiting for it to come has been a fruitless endeavor.
News: According to The Sports Xchange notes: OF Elijah Dukes will bat third and likely get the majority of the starts in left field once Austin Kearns comes off the DL, manager Manny Acta said Sunday. Dukes has started 36 games in right field while Kearns recovers from right elbow surgery, and entered Saturday night's game boasting a .310 average in his past 32 contests. Wily Mo Pena could be out of a full-time job once Kearns is ready next weekend.
Analysis: Pena has power potential and is a streaky slugger who can put together a tear that makes him useful in any format from time to time, but his inconsistency will frustrate you. The fact he is headed to the bench for the lowly Nats makes him nothing more than an NL-only flier at this point in his disappointing career.
News: Nationals right fielder Wily Mo Pena went 1-for-3 in Tuesday's loss to the Angels. Pena hit his second home run of the year in the game.
Analysis: Pena has been nothing but a disappointment since he arrived in the big leagues. He has great power, but he just isn't very consistent at all. He should continue to get playing time, but for now he remains only an NL-only Fantasy option, at best.
News: Washington Nationals RF Wily Mo Pena is slumping, big time. Pena entered Saturday's game against the San Francisco Giants with a .200 batting average and did nothing to better that. Pena went 0-for-3 to drop down to .195 on the year.
Analysis: Pena is now just one for his last 18 with just one walk and zero RBI. That's not that good for a guy who is supposed to be a run producer. Pena has immense power potential and will continue to get playing time, but you have to wonder how long the Nationals can keep his slumping bat in the lineup. Consider him in NL-only formats. He is a streaky hitter who can go on a homer tear for your Fantasy team.
News:Wily Mo Pena hit his first home run of the season Friday against Milwaukee. Pena, part of a Nationals outfield corps that has been incredibly unproductive offensively, offered some rare pop from the bottom tier of the lineup with a line drive that sailed into the second row of the left-field bleachers in the second inning. It was his first homer since Sept. 12 of last season, a span of 144 at-bats. "A lot of relief for him because everybody associates him with home runs, he's so big and so strong," manager Manny Acta said. "And the fact that he hadn't hit one yet, he took a lot of weight off his shoulders."
Analysis: Pena has immense power potential and will get a full-time look in the coming weeks. Consider him in NL-only formats. He is a streaky hitter who can go on a homer tear for your Fantasy team.
News:Austin Kearns has a sore right elbow and Thursday was placed on the 15-day DL. Right now it is sink or swim with three struggling youngsters in the Nationals outfield: Wily Mo Pena is only 25, while both Lastings Milledge and Elijah Dukes are 23. "Everybody's going through it," said Lastings Milledge, whose .241 average might be respectable if it weren't for the fact he's homered only once and has just 16 RBI. "The whole outfield's struggling. You can't single anybody out." After Milledge, there's Wily Mo Pena (.220, 0 HR, 5 RBI), Austin Kearns (.187, 3 HR, 16 RBI) and Dukes (0 HR, 1 RBI). Acta also plays utility men Rob Mackowiak (.171, 1 HR, 4 RBI) and Willie Harris (.170, 1 HR, 4 RBI) in the outfield, but it's hardly worth the bother with those numbers.
Analysis: Pena has immense power potential and will get a full-time look in the coming weeks. Consider him a sleeper in deeper leagues, especially NL-only formats. He is a streaky hitter who can go on a homer tear for your Fantasy team. Milledge is more of a deeper Rotisserie option for his steals potential, while Mackowiak and Harris are nothing more than a low-end reserves for the Nats and the deepest of NL-only leagues.
News: According to The Sports Xchange notes: LF Wily Mo Pena doubled in the eighth inning of Tuesday's game with the Phillies after sitting out the previous two games. Manager Manny Acta met with Pena in Baltimore last weekend and tried to reassure the left fielder, who is hitting .215, to stay patient and not worry about boosting his home run total immediately. "He's not going to hit three home runs in one at-bat," Acta said. "I told him about (the Cubs' Alfonso) Soriano. In a week, Soriano went from struggling a little bit to having 10 home runs. He's that type of guy. He's strong enough that he can have a couple good games and have his power numbers back up."
Analysis: Pena has streaky power potential for mixed leagues when he is going well, but his free-swinging ways will frustrate you to no end. Consider him nothing more than an NL-only option right now, but watch him for a hot streak.
News: Nationals OF Wily Mo Pena didn't start for the second straight game Monday against the Phillies. He is batting only .214 without a single home run in 84 at-bats.
Analysis: Pena's main contribution is power, so the Nationals don't have much room for him if he doesn't provided any. He's having to split time with Elijah Dukes and Willie Harris in left field, making him a low-end NL-only option.
News: Pinch-hitter Wily Mo Pena's double off the left-field fence made it 5-1 in the eighth Sunday.
Analysis: Pena has power potential but it is clouded by injury woes, tons of strikeouts and general inconsistency. Consider Pena nothing more than an NL-only option at this point, but he certainly has the potential to get hot enough to use in mixed leagues.
News: MLB.com notes that Nationals left fielder Wily Mo Pena was given Tuesday night off after going 3-for-30 in his first eight games of the season. Manager Manny Acta felt Pena needed a day off to work on his offense with hitting coach Lenny Harris.
Analysis: After going 0-for-4 against the Braves on Monday, Pena was crying in the clubhouse. Acta told Pena it was too early to start worrying about his hitting. "I told him it was OK. It's early," Acta said. "He is going to be back to his old self. It's only a game. There are more important things in life. It's a baseball game. I want to win and we are concerned about [losing]. At least [Pena] showed some compassion for it." Pena has always had decent power in his bat dating back to his days with the Reds, but he has struggled for consistency at the dish. When healthy, consider him a NL-only and larger mixed-league Fantasy option. Keep in mind he might not have a full-time role when Elijah Dukes comes off the DL.
News: Nationals OF Wily Mo Pena -- on the 15-day disabled list since spring training because of a side muscle injury -- had an awful season debut Sunday against the Braves. He hit into a bases-loaded double play and struck out three times.
Analysis: Pena has always had decent power in his bat dating back to his days with the Reds, but he has struggled for consistency at the dish. When healthy, consider him a NL-only and larger mixed-league Fantasy option. Keep in mind he might not have a full-time role when Elijah Dukes comes off the DL.
News: Hoping to add a spark to the lineup, the Washington Nationals activated OF Wily Mo Pena off the 15-day disabled list before Sunday's game against the Atlanta Braves. The Nationals, losers of nine games in a row entering Sunday, optioned C Jesus Flores to Triple-A Columbus.
Analysis: Pena always had decent power in his bat dating back to his days with the Reds, but struggled for consistency at the dish. He is still a slightly risky start for Fantasy Week 3 (April 14-20), but he might get back in the Nationals lineup by the end of it. When healthy, consider him a NL-only and larger mixed-league Fantasy option. Flores should continue to be ignored in all formats.
News: Washington plans to reactivate OF Wily Mo Pena from the 15-day disabled list on Sunday. He's been out with a strained left side muscle.
Analysis: Pena always had decent power in his bat dating back to his days with the Reds, but struggled for consistency at the dish. He is still a risky start for Fantasy Week 3 (April 14-20), but he might get back in the Nationals lineup by the end of it. When healthy, consider him a NL-only and larger mixed-league Fantasy option.
News: Nationals OF Wily Mo Pena, on the 15-day DL with an oblique strain, when 1-for-4 in extended spring training Friday, according to the Washington Times. He played seven innings in left field. He'll report to Triple-A Columbus to begin his rehab assignment there Saturday.
Analysis: Pena always had decent power in his bat dating back to his days with the Reds, but struggled for consistency at the dish. He is still a risky start for Fantasy Week 3 (April 14-20), but he might get back in the Nationals lineup by the end of it. When healthy, consider him a NL-only and larger mixed-league Fantasy option.
News: Nationals OF Wily Mo Pena (oblique) went 3-for-3 with a double and homer at extended spring training Thursday. He'll play at Triple-A Columbus on Saturday. "We'll take it day by day, but I'm hoping at least by next weekend he's playing (for Washington) -- and maybe earlier," general manager Jim Bowden said.
Analysis: Pena continues to progress ahead of schedule. He started extended spring almost a week before he was ticketed for Florida, and now will play at Columbus a few days before he was expected. Pena always had decent power in his bat dating back to his days with the Reds, but struggled for consistency at the dish. He is still a risky start for Fantasy Week 3 (April 14-20), but he is on the comeback trail. When healthy, consider him a NL-only and larger mixed league Fantasy option.
News: Nationals OF Wily Mo Pena (15-day DL, oblique) played three innings at extended spring training Tuesday in Florida. He went 0-for-1 with a strikeout, a walk and a run scored at the plate, and did not have any opportunities in left field.
Analysis: The Nationals are itching to get Pena back in the lineup, especially since they lost Elijah Dukes (hamstring) in Game 1. In 2007, Washington averaged five runs per game when Pena was in the lineup and 3.9 before he joined the team in a trade that sent him from Boston to Washington. Pena always had decent power in his bat dating back to his days with the Reds, but struggled for consistency at the dish. He is still a risky start for Fantasy Week 3 (April 14-20), but he is on the comeback trail. When healthy, consider him a NL-only and larger mixed league Fantasy option.
News: MLB.com reports Nationals OF Wily Mo Pena continues to feel better as he recovers from a left oblique strain. The left fielder will play three innings Tuesday during an extended spring game. The team is hoping he will be able to play nine innings by Saturday. If all goes to plan, Pena could begin a rehab assignment April 14.
Analysis: The Nationals are itching to get Pena back in the lineup, especially since they lost Elijah Dukes (hamstring) in Game 1. In 2007, Washington averaged five runs per game when Pena was in the lineup and 3.9 before he joined the team in a trade that sent him from Boston to Washington. Pena always had decent power in his bat dating back to his days with the Reds, but struggled for consistency at the dish. He is still a risky start for Fantasy Week 3 (April 14-20), but he is on the comeback trail. When healthy, consider him a NL-only and larger mixed league Fantasy option.
News: MLB.com reports Nationals OF Wily Mo Pena's strained left oblique is improving, and he could be back on the field sooner than expected. Pena was expected to accompany the team to D.C. Sunday for the season opener against the Braves, but turned it down to continue rehabbing. Pena hopes to start taking batting practice and fielding drills in the coming week. "I'm ready," Pena said. "I'm happy and I'm working hard. It's coming back. They can't believe that I'm coming back this quickly."
Analysis: Pena has been out since March 12 when he was injured taking batting practice. Pena was expected to miss four-plus weeks at the time. "Things are going better than expected," manager Manny Acta said. "(Pena) is healing quicker than what we thought." We still expect Pena to be out until mid-April at the earliest. Pena always had decent power in his bat dating back to his days with the Reds. He had a chance to open as the Nationals' left fielder, but those plans are now delayed. He is nothing more than a DL stashee until further notice.
News: The Nationals purchased the contract of left-hander Odalis Perez, and put right-hander Shawn Hill (right forearm), outfielder Wily Mo Pena (left side muscle) and reliever Ryan Wagner (right shoulder) on the 15-day DL on Thursday.
Analysis: Pena will miss most, if not all, of April with a tear his left oblique. No doubt, at the tender age of 26 this spring, we have yet to see the best of Pena, but he is nothing more than a DL stashee for the first month of the season at this point. He has 30-homer potential, but losing time at the start of the season could keep him from that goal.
News: Nationals outfielder Wily Mo Pena will miss about four weeks because of a tear in his left oblique muscle. An MRI revealed a significant muscle tear. Team officials said Friday that Pena could require a month to recover. In order to allow him to heal, Pena will be kept at a very low level of activity while working his way back. He hurt himself Wednesday during batting practice. The 26-year-old outfielder was projected to be the starting left fielder for the Nationals. Elijah Dukes becomes the likely starter in place of Pena, but Alex Escobar and Ryan Langerhans also will receive consideration.
Analysis: Last season Pena split the season with the Red Sox and the Nationals. In 73 games with the Red Sox, Pena hit .218 with five home runs and 17 RBI, but in 37 games with the Nationals, he hit .293 with eight homers and 22 RBI. This spring, Pena was hitting .226 with one homer and four RBI in 31 at-bats. No doubt, at the tender age of 26 this spring, we have yet to see the best of Pena, but he is nothing more than a DL stashee for the first month of the season at this point.
News: The Nationals agreed to deals with outfielder Wily Mo Pena and Ryan Langerhans on one-year contracts to avoid arbitration.
Analysis: Pena caught a break late in 2007: the Red Sox traded him to the Nationals. In Washington, he assumed an everyday role and made the most of it, hitting .319 with four homers. The guy whiffs like crazy and doesn't know the meaning of "walk," but he has oodles of power to spare and could make the most of it in the Nats' new, less pitcher-friendly ballpark. No doubt, at the tender age of 26 this spring, we have yet to see the best of Pena. Consider him a great sleeper for homers in deeper leagues, but be wary of him being stuck in a lefty-righty platoon.
News: LF Wily Mo Pena's run-scoring single in the third inning Tuesday gave him 20 RBI in 33 games with Washington.
Analysis: Pena is a solid option for deeper leagues. He should enter 2008 as an everyday player and will be a candidate for 30 homers, especially if the new ballpark plays smaller than RFK.
News: Nationals OF Wily Mo Pena did not start in Saturday or Sunday's games against the Phillies. He went 1-for-1 as a pinch hitter Sunday. He was hit in the right hand with a pitch by Philadelphia's Adam Eaton in the fifth inning of Friday's game and was forced to leave. He had a bruised right hand and was going to be out a few days.
Analysis: X-rays on Pena's wrist and hand were negative, and he is listed as day-to-day. Pena has really come into his own since being traded from Boston. He will be a viable start for Fantasy Week 26 (Sept. 24-30) in deeper leagues at this point.
News: Nationals OF Wily Mo Pena did not start in Saturday's game against the Phillies. He was hit in the right hand with a pitch by Philadelphia's Adam Eaton in the fifth inning of Friday's game and was forced to leave. He had a bruised right hand and might be out a few days, manager Manny Acta said.
Analysis: X-rays on Pena's wrist and hand were negative, and he is listed as day-to-day. Pena has really come into his own since being traded from Boston. However, he is still nothing more than a low-end Fantasy flier when healthy.
News: Nationals OF Wily Mo Pena left Friday's game after being hit by a pitch from Adam Eaton for the second time. Pena was struck in the first and fifth innings, the second time as he started to swing the bat. Umpire Larry Poncino initially signaled a foul ball, but he changed his ruling after manager Manny Acta showed the umpire the mark on Pena's left wrist. Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel then emerged and had a lengthy argument with Poncino before returning to the dugout.
Analysis: X-rays on Pena's wrist and hand were negative, and he will be listed as day-to-day. Pena has really come into his own since being traded from Boston. However, he is still nothing more than a low-end Fantasy flier when healthy.
News: Wily Mo Pena rewarded the Washington Nationals for giving him the chance to play regularly. Pena homered twice and Shawn Hill pitched six solid innings, leading the Nationals over the Florida Marlins 5-4 on Monday night. This was his first multi-homer game of the season and eighth of his career.
Analysis: Pena has hit seven home runs since Boston traded him to Washington on Aug. 17. He had only five homers before the deal. "I was waiting just for the opportunity to play every day," Pena said. "Now I feel comfortable and I can see the pitches much better." Keep him active in NL-only leagues.
News: OF Ryan Church is getting plenty of time on the bench while the Nationals go with Wily Mo Pena, who was acquired on Aug. 17. Church went into Friday's game hitting .265 with 11 homers and 55 RBI, compared with Pena's .226 average, 10 homers and 27 RBI.
Analysis: Fantasy owners should understand that Church is no longer a viable Fantasy outfielder outside of the deepest of NL-only formats. Keep him reserved at this crucial stage. Pena is worth activating in NL-only formats, but only as a low-end No. 3 outfielder.
News: Wily Mo Pena hit a tiebreaking single in the seventh inning Wednesday to help Washington get past Florida 6-4 for the Nationals' fifth consecutive victory. They have won seven straight games against the Marlins.
Analysis: Pena is playing regularly with the trade to the Nationals and is hitting .294 in September. Consider him a solid option in all NL-only leagues and his power potential makes him a sleeper for deeper formats down the stretch.
News: Wily Mo Pena homered against Florida Monday afternoon. It was Pena's fifth home run since joining the Nationals on Aug. 17.
Analysis: It took Pena only 48 at-bats to hit five homers for the Nationals. He had five homers in 156 at-bats earlier this season for the Boston Red Sox. Keep him active in all NL-only formats.
News: Nationals manager Manny Acta has been impressed by the play of OF Wily Mo Pena in left field, a position he played sparingly in Boston.
Analysis: Pena has pop an potential for deeper leagues down the stretch, especially since the Nationals figure to finally make him a full-time player.
News: Nationals OF Wily Mo Pena (foot) returned to the lineup Friday against the Giants. He was hitless in four at-bats.
Analysis: Pena has had some nice games with the Nationals, but is still nothing more than a NL-only Fantasy option at this time.
News: Wily Mo Pena (foot) was unable to start for the second straight day on Wednesday in Los Angeles, two days after fouling a ball off of his foot.
Analysis: Pena remains day to day. Ryan Church, who he has been sharing starts with in the outfield, was in the lineup again in his absence on Wednesday. He'll get a scheduled travel day off on Thursday to heel before testing the injury on Friday.
News: Wily Mo Pena (foot) was unable to start Tuesday's game at L.A. Dodgers a day after hitting a home run a pitch after fouling one off of his foot.
Analysis: Pena remains day to day. Keep him reserved in all deeper NL-only Fantasy leagues which allow daily moves until he can officially return and prove his health.
News: Wily Mo Pena homered at the Dodgers Monday after fouling the ball off his left foot on the previous pitch. "I knew I was hurt, but I pretended like nothing happened. Then when I walked around, I couldn't do anything," he said. "So I stepped back in there, saw another two-seamer and I just hit it. I tried to put my foot down, but I couldn't put any weight on it, so I had to start jumping to first base because I was hurt." He winced in pain hobbling around the bases, then left in the bottom half and was replaced by Ryan Church.
Analysis: Pena was diagnosed with a contusion on his foot and is day to day. They have been sharing starts for the past couple weeks, so reserve Pena in NL-only play until he's able to return. Church is also someone to consider as a No. 5 OF in NL-only leagues.
News:The Sports Xchange notes: OF Wily Mo Pena has gotten off to an impressive start with the Nationals. Acquired Friday from the Red Sox, Pena already has five hits in 11 at-bats, with two homers and four RBI.
Analysis: Pena is someone to consider in anything NL-only play while he continues to get starts in Washington. He is in a platoon with Ryan Church, but he won't play everyday.
News: Wily Mo Pena hit a two-out solo home run in the second inning of Monday's game at Houston, his second in three games with Washington. "One swing of the bat," teammate Dmitri Young said. "He has that kind of power. Now he's getting the opportunity to play."
Analysis: Pena also had a pair of singles and a walk with a strikeout in four at-bats on Monday. He is making the most of his opportunity and is worth a look in most deeper NL-only Fantasy leagues.
News: Wily Mo Pena went deep in the fourth for his first home run since joining the Nationals on Saturday. He went 1-for-4 with a walk and two strikeouts.
Analysis: Despite the homer, Pena remains a poor option in anything but the deepest of NL-only leagues. He is in a platoon with Ryan Church and won't play everyday.
News: Wily Mo Pena went 1-for-4 with a walk and scored two runs in his Nationals debut. Pena was acquired with cash considerations from Boston on Friday for a player to be named. He will platoon with Ryan Church in left field here on out. Pena has 67 homers -- as well as 436 strikeouts -- in 459 games over six seasons with Cincinnati and Boston. "We don't score a lot of runs," GM Jim Bowden said. "We don't have a lot of depth at the higher levels right now, and he's 25 years old with power. It was an opportunity we couldn't turn down."
Analysis: Pena has potential for all NL-only leagues down the stretch. Consider taking the flier on him now, especially since he has power for a team that needs it in their lineup. He played right Sunday to spell Austin Kearns, so he should be even more than a platoon player, perhaps.
News: LF Wily Mo Pena, acquired in a trade with the Red Sox, will platoon with Ryan Church in left field once he arrives on Saturday. Pena has 67 homers - as well as 436 strikeouts - in 459 games over six seasons with Cincinnati and Boston. "We don't score a lot of runs," GM Jim Bowden said. "We don't have a lot of depth at the higher levels right now, and he's 25 years old with power. It was an opportunity we couldn't turn down."
Analysis: The Nationals are last in baseball with 82 homers this season. Pena was a backup for the AL East-leading Red Sox, batting .218 with five home runs and 17 RBI in 73 games. He will likely serve in the same role with the Nationals, but might be able to move into a more prominent position if he performs well. View him as a NL-only Fantasy option at this time.
News: The Boston Red Sox traded outfielder Wily Mo Pena and cash to the Washington Nationals on Friday for a player to be named. The deal let Boston clear a roster spot for pitcher Clay Buchholz. The Red Sox purchased his contract from Triple-A Pawtucket and the righty made his major league debut in the opener of Friday's day-night doubleheader against the Los Angeles Angels.
Analysis: Pena was a backup for the AL East-leading Red Sox, batting .218 with five home runs and 17 RBI in 73 games. He will likely serve in the same role with the Nationals, but might be able to move into a more prominent position if he performs well. View him as a NL-only Fantasy option at this time.
News: Wily Mo Pena hit a three-run homer and had four RBI in Thursday's game at Cleveland, and Jason Varitek and Mike Lowell drove in two runs apiece. Pena also had a pair of doubles, tying a career-high with four hits.
Analysis: Pena has had some trouble cracking the lineup lately, but four hits and four RBI out of the ninth spot might buy him some more playing time really soon. Despite the big night, he is still only recommended in the deepest of AL-only Fantasy leagues.
News: OF Wily Mo Pena struck out in all four at-bats against Tampa Bay Tuesday, going down looking twice. It was a career-high, exceeding his three-strikeout yield achieved 26 different times.
Analysis: Pena is a decent starter in larger mixed leagues if you need a replacement option as he'll be seeing regular at bats. Add him if he's available.
News: According to the Boston Globe, Red Sox OF Coco Crisp (thumb) is expected to miss 3-5 days. He is not expected to land on the 15-day disabled list, though. On Sunday, Dustin Pedroia hit in Crisp's leadoff spot and Wily mo Pena played center field.
Analysis: Pena is a solid start as a No. 3 OF in larger mixed leagues if you need a replacement option as he'll be seeing regular at bats. Add him if he's available.
News: According to Boston.com and the Boston Globe, David Ortiz (hamstring tightness) is out of the starting lineup for the second consecutive game on Monday against the Indians. Wily Mo Peña is getting the start in his absence.
Analysis: Ortiz is considered day to day. Peña has managed two home runs in five-career at-bats against Cleveland starter Cliff Lee, so it might not be so bad on Monday for the Red Sox without Big Papi. The team feels Ortiz's problem is due to dehydration and he might be back in the lineup on Tuesday against Jeremy Sowers. Set your daily Fantasy lineups accordingly.
News: Slumping RF J.D. Drew was not in the starting lineup in Wednesday's game at N.Y. Yankees. "We want him to take a mental health day," manager Terry Francona said. "J.D. is going to get hot." Wily Mo Peña started in right field and batted eighth in his place, finishing 2-for-4.
Analysis: Drew will likely be back in the lineup on Friday in the series opener at Texas against probable starter Brandon McCarthy in place of Peña, who remains useful only in deeper AL-only Fantasy leagues.
News: OF Wily Mo Pena set a career high by walking three times in the nightcap of Thursday's doubleheader.
Analysis: Pena is trying to emphasize driving the ball to right field so that he can wait longer on pitches. The result has helped him to raise his OBP to .353. He is worth a look in AL-only Fantasy leagues.
News: OF Wily Mo Pena stands to increase his playing time in the next few games with OF J.D. Drew dealing with a lower-back contusion.
Analysis: Pena has shown an improved approach at the plate, pulling his average up from .172 to .262 this month. He is worth a look in deeper AL-only Fantasy leagues.
News: Wily Mo Peña was scheduled to make a rare start in place of injured RF J.D. Drew (lower back) before Wednesday night's game was postponed by rain.
Analysis: Peña might still start one or both games of a doubleheader on Thursday against Mike Maroth and/or Chad Durbin. He is worth a look in deeper daily AL-only Fantasy leagues for Thursday's double dip.
News: OF Wily Mo Pena went 0-for-3 with a strikeout and committed an error in right field against Baltimore Friday. Pena has committed three errors already this year.
Analysis: Pena is a nice bat off the bench for the Red Sox, but his playing time is limited as long as the outfield starters are healthy. Continue to use Pena as an AL-only reserve.
News: Red Sox OF Wily Mo Pena went 4-for-4 with one double and one run during Thursday's game against the Mariners. It was Pena's first start since April 26 against the Orioles, when he went 2-for-4 with a grand slam.
Analysis: Pena is a nice bat off the bench for the Red Sox, but his playing time is limited as long as the outfield starters are healthy. Continue to use Pena as an AL-only reserve.
News: Wily Mo Pena was standing in the on-deck circle when an intentional walk loaded the bases. Pena had struggled all season against right-handed pitching, which did not bode well for his matchup against Baltimore closer Chris Ray. "I had to go in there and be patient, take one pitch to hit," Pena said.
Analysis: That pitch was a fastball, and Pena launched it an estimated 430 feet. The eighth-inning grand slam capped a rally that provided the Boston Red Sox with a 5-2 victory Thursday night. He'll likely get another start on Friday at N.Y. Yankees whether Coco Crisp (side) is ready to go or not.
News: CF Coco Crisp was out of the starting lineup for the second straight day on Monday against the Blue Jays with tightness in his left side. Wily Mo Peña started in his place and struck out in his first at-bat. Peña finished 1-for-4 with a run scored after 0-for-3 with three strikeouts and a walk Sunday in Crisp's absence.
Analysis: Crisp remains day to day. Continue to keep him reserved in all daily Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health. Peña is a decent temporary replacement if need an outfielder in Crisp's absence.
News: Wily Mo Peña was 0-for-3 with a walk and three strikeouts in Sunday's game against the Yankees, as he got the start in place of Coco Crisp, who was scratched after tightness in his right side.
Analysis: Peña has minimal appeal for Fantasy Week 4 (April 23-29), especially since he continues to do very little. He is still only worth using in deeper AL-only formats at this point due to sporadic playing time.
News: Wily Mo Peña was 2-for-3 with a solo home run in Tuesday's game at Toronto, posting his first homer and RBI of the season. He got the start in place of J.D. Drew, who got the night off.
Analysis: Peña has a little more appeal for Fantasy Week 3 (April 16-22) than normal because he got a couple of starts, but he is still only worth using in deeper AL-only formats at this point due to sporadic playing time.
News: OF Wily Mo Peña is expected to get his first two starts of the season on Monday against the Angels in place of CF Coco Crisp and Tuesday in Toronto when lefty Gustavo Chacin pitches. Peña bats right-handed and might give RF J.D. Drew, a lefty, a day off.
Analysis: Peña has a little more appeal for Fantasy Week 3 (April 16-22) than normal, but he is still only worth using in deeper AL-only formats at this point.
News: OF Wily Mo Pena was brought into the season opener to pinch-hit for OF J.D. Drew, part of the Red Sox's effort to ensure that the talented 25-year-old doesn't merely languish on the bench. Still, with Drew and OFs Coco Crisp and Manny Ramirez entrenched as starters, it seems likely that Pena may endure long spells of inactivity.
Analysis: Without much playing time, Pena is at best a reserve option in AL-only play. With Drew and Crisp no locks to be healthy for a full season, he should get into some regular playing time at some point.
News: In a spring game vs. Pittsburgh, BoSox OF Wily Mo Pena struck out three times. Pena is hitting .213 (10-for-47) this spring with 15 strikeouts (that's nearly one strikeout every three at-bats).
Analysis: These are typical Pena all-or-nothing swinging stats. His power potential is still there but his playing time isn't, so consider him more of an AL-only option at this point.
News: Red Sox OF Wily Mo Pena went 1-for-4 with a solo home run Thursday against the Phillies. He is now 8-for-40 (.200) with four runs, one homer, two RBI and 12 strikeouts in 14 spring games.
Analysis: Last season, Pena hit .301 with 11 homers and 42 RBI in 84 games but was hindered by a wrist injury. He will get time at all positions in the outfield this season. He's an injury-risk sleeper in deeper AL-only leagues once again this season. One year he's going to have that .300-30-100 breakthrough.
News: The Boston Herald reports Red Sox OF Wily Mo Pena is working with third base coach DeMarlo Hale on fundamentals. "We’re trying to work on his outfield skills right now," manager Terry Francona said. "Some of it’s just being young. Things like concentration, which he’s done a really good job of this spring. . . . There’s some mechanical things, footwork, things like that, getting rid of the ball. Like with a lot of young players, being out there 3 1/2 hours, you might get one ball a game, but the game may hinge on that ball."
Analysis: Last season, Pena hit .301 with 11 homers and 42 RBI in 84 games but was hindered by a wrist injury. He will get time at all positions in the outfield this season. He's an injury-risk sleeper in deeper leagues once again this season. One year he's going to have that .300-30-100 breakthrough.
News: The Red Sox and outfielder Wily Mo Pena reached agreement on a one-year contract shortly before they were to go to arbitration Friday. "We certainly weren't afraid to go" to the hearing, GM Theo Epstein said, but "both sides are satisfied." Pena, obtained from Cincinnati for pitcher Bronson Arroyo last March 20, is the fourth outfielder on Boston but can play all three positions. "There are plenty of plate appearances" for an extra outfielder that can play all the spots, Epstein said, "and Wily Mo is going to scoop all those up."
Analysis: Last season, Pena hit .301 with 11 homers and 42 RBI in 84 games but was hindered by a wrist injury. He's an injury-risk sleeper in deeper leagues once again this season. One year he's going to have that .300-30-100 breakthrough.
News: OF Wily Mo Pena could see some time at first base during spring training, just as a means of exploring whether he can man the position. Even so, 1B/OF Eric Hinske is expected to serve as the primary backup to 1B/3B Kevin Youkilis at first.
Analysis: Pena, who hit .301 with 11 home runs and 42 RBI in his first season with Boston. Acquired last March from Cincinnati for pitcher Bronson Arroyo, he played in 84 games with Boston, had 276 at-bats and 90 strikeouts. He turns 25 this month and is entering his prime, but as a likely No. 4 outfielder, his Fantasy value is limited to deeper leagues on Draft Day. The Red Sox are not worried about his pitiful winter league numbers.
News: OF Wily Mo Pena and the Boston Red Sox continue to be far off in arbitration figures, according to several reports. He could be Sox GM Theo Epstein's first arbitration case.
Analysis: Pena, who hit .301 with 11 home runs and 42 RBI in his first season with Boston. Acquired last March from Cincinnati for pitcher Bronson Arroyo, he played in 84 games with Boston, had 276 at-bats and 90 strikeouts. He turns 25 this month and is entering his prime, but as a likely No. 4 outfielder, his Fantasy value is limited to deeper leagues on Draft Day. The Red Sox are not worried about his pitiful winter league numbers.
News: The Red Sox exchanged salary arbitration figures with outfielder Wily Mo Pena and recently acquired pitcher Brendan Donnelly on Tuesday. Pena made $1.25 million last year. He's asking for $2.2 million, and the Red Sox offered $1.7 million.
Analysis: Pena, who hit .301 with 11 home runs and 42 RBI in his first season with Boston. Acquired last March from Cincinnati for pitcher Bronson Arroyo, he played in 84 games with Boston, had 276 at-bats and 90 strikeouts. He turns 25 this month and is entering his prime, but as a likely No. 4 outfielder, his Fantasy value is limited to deeper leagues on Draft Day. The Red Sox are not worried about his pitiful winter league numbers.
News: Red Sox OF Wily Mo Pena (thigh) returned to the Red Sox starting lineup Friday at Toronto.
Analysis: It appears safe to activate Pena for Fantasy Week 2 (Sept. 25-Oct.1).
News: Boston OF Wily Mo Pena (thigh) was not in the starting lineup Thursday vs. Minnesota.
Analysis: Pena should be reserved until further notice, but he should be fine by the time Fantasy Week 26 (Sept. 25-Oct. 1) lineup deadlines roll around.
News: Red Sox LF Wily Mo Pena was not in the lineup Tuesday. He strained his right quadriceps while trying to get Jason Giambi's go-ahead hit in the second game Saturday night.
Analysis: Pena should be reserved until further notice, but he should be fine by the time Fantasy Week 26 (Sept. 25-Oct. 1) lineup deadlines roll around.
News: Red Sox LF Wily Mo Pena was not in the lineup on Sunday, a day after straining his right quadriceps while trying to get Jason Giambi's go-ahead hit in the second game.
Analysis: He's too risky to use for the upcoming scoring period.
News: Boston OF Wily Mo Pena left Saturday night's game against the N.Y. Yankees with an appearent right thigh injury. Pena left in the ninth afer hitting a single off Yankees reliever Kyle Farnsworth. It was the second game of a doubleheader. The Red Sox were trailing 7-5.
Analysis: Reserve Pena in all leagues until further news about the injury is made public.
News: Wily Mo Pena drove in two runs to help the Boston Red Sox snap a three-game losing streak with a 9-3 win over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.
Analysis: Pena has had his starts limited since Trot Nixon and Manny returned to health, but he's still a viable starter in deeper AL-only formats for his power potential.
News: Red Sox outfielders Manny Ramirez and Coco Crisp missed Sunday's game against the Royals with injuries. Ramirez sat with a sore right knee while Crisp was out with an injured left index finger. Both are expected to return Tuesday in Baltimore following Monday's off day. Ramirez was on the original lineup card batting fourth and playing left field, but manager Terry Francona replaced him with Wily Mo Pena three hours before the game. "He said it hurts today, so we had him in there and took him out," Francona said.
Analysis: Pena has had his starts limited since Trot Nixon and Manny returned to health, but he's still a viable starter in deeper AL-only formats for his power potential.
News: Boston manager Terry Francona said that RF Wily Mo Pena, who played for the first time Sunday after missing the previous eight games with a sore left wrist, will likely play every other day for a while.
Analysis: With Trot Nixon and Manny Ramirez back in the lineup, Pena will have to take his starts where he can get them. Coco Crisp is beat up too, so give Pena consideration in AL-only play.
News: Wily Mo Pena returned to Boston's lineup Sunday after missing eight games with a sore left wrist.
Analysis: He went 1-for-4 and it appears safe to activate him in Fantasy leagues.
News: Pena (wrist) was unable to play against the Blue Jays Saturday.
Analysis: Pena was replaced in right field by rookie David Murphy. Keep him reserved until he can return and prove he is healthy.
News: The Red Sox played again without DH David Ortiz (resting after being tested for heart palpitations), LF Manny Ramirez (knee) and OF Wily Mo Pena (wrist).
Analysis: Consider Pena a risky play for the weekend series against Toronto. With Ramirez out, Pena would have seen more at-bats had he remained healthy.
News: The Red Sox did receive some good news: OF Wily Mo Pena received a cortisone shot in his troublesome left wrist and could be ready to play in a couple of days. He missed his sixth straight game.
Analysis: Consider Pena a risky play for the weekend series against Toronto. With Manny Ramirez (knee) out, Pena would have seen more at-bats had he remained healthy.
News: Outfielder Wily Mo Pena was having his troublesome left wrist looked at by doctors Wednesday. He missed his sixth consecutive game.
Analysis: Pena had said last Sunday: "It's really sore. It'll be fine in a couple days." Well, that hasn't worked out so well for those of you who have started him this week. Consider him a risky play for the weekend series at this point, but we should know more when the Red Sox return home Thursday.
News: According to published reports, Wily Mo Peña (wrist) has been returned to Boston for further examination after missing the past three games. The club is also missing David Ortiz (illness) and Manny Ramirez (knee), who joined him in returning to Boston early.
Analysis: Peņa will not be ready to return until Thursday at the earliest, when the Red Sox return home to begin a four-game homestand against the Blue Jays. Keep him reserved in all daily Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health.
News: Wily Mo Peña (wrist) missed another game on Monday at Oakland, as he continues to rest his nagging wrist injury.
Analysis: Peņa remains day to day. Eric Hinske got a start in right field with Wily Mo Peņa resting his injury. Keep him sidelined in all daily Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health.
News: Wily Mo Peña, who had started there the previous two games, was unavailable Saturday because sore tendon in his left wrist. He strained the wrist in his final at-bat Friday. "It's really sore," he said. "It'll be fine in a couple days."
Analysis: Peņa has plus power, but his wrist could bother him even if he's able to return to action. Reserve him at least in mixed leagues for Fantasy Week 22 (Aug. 28-Sept. 3). Eventually Trot Nixon (biceps) will bump Peņa back to a platoon situation, too.
News: With Manny Ramirez still sidelined by a sore right knee and Youkilis out with the flu, OF Wily Mo Peña was the cleanup hitter on Friday at Seattle for the first time this season. He went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts.
Analysis: Peņa has plus power and is a solid start in all AL-only leagues while Nixon is out. With everyday at-bats, Peņa should even prove worthy of mixed-league consideration if you're lacking for pop in your outfield.
News: Wily Mo Pena hit his third homer in five games, and also tripled and doubled Saturday vs. Baltimore.
Analysis: Pena has plus power and is a solid start in all AL-only leagues while Nixon is out. With everyday at-bats, Pena should even prove worthy of mixed-league consideration if you're lacking for pop in your outfield.
News: Wily Mo Pena started in right field Monday and is expected to be Nixon's primary replacement. In the home opener this season, a ball went off Pena's glove for a home run in right field against Toronto. "His first day here didn't go as planned," manager Terry Francona said. "In Boston, that can be the end of the world. He'll be fine."
Analysis: Pena has plus power and is a solid start in all AL-only leagues while Nixon is out. With everyday at-bats, Pena should even prove worthy of mixed-league consideration if you're lacking for pop in your outfield.
News: Trot Nixon (oblique) reportedly will be placed on the 15-day DL. Wily Mo Pena should take over in right with regular at-bats.
Analysis: Pena has plus power and is a solid start in all AL-only leagues while Nixon is out. With everyday at-bats, Pena should even prove worthy of mixed-league consideration if you're lacking for pop in your outfield.
News: Red Sox right fielder Trot Nixon left Sunday night's game against the Angels after clutching his side when he took a wild swing in the third inning. Nixon left with a 2-2 count and was replaced by Wily Mo Pena. He swung at the first pitch to complete the strikeout that was charged to Nixon.
Analysis: Pena has been the subject of trade rumors, so he's a risky start in Fantasy Week 18 (July 31-Aug. 6) at this point. If he doesn't get dealt and Nixon hits the DL, Pena would be a candidate for regular at-bats in Boston for the first time. Track this in the coming hours before your lineup deadline.
News: Wily Mo Pena has been the subject of numerous trade rumors. Though at the time of his acquisition he seemed like a logical heir apparent to OF Trot Nixon, his defensive struggles in Fenway's massive right field raise some question about whether he will be able to crack a Sox outfield that already features OFs Manny Ramirez and Coco Crisp signed beyond next year. As such, he could emerge as the most logical chip for the Sox to deal in exchange for pitching.
Analysis: A trade could be the only thing that saves his season from a Fantasy perspective. If he gets traded, look to add him as a source of power down the stretch.
News: Manager Terry Francona went with Wily Mo Pena over Gabe Kapler in RF for the opener against the A's and lefty Barry Zito. "I went back and forth," the skipper said. "I looked at the big picture. Gabe's played a lot this week and Wily Mo can use the at-bats."
Analysis: Consider Pena a deeper AL-only outfielder until he finds regular playing time due to injury or benching.
News: Wily Mo Pena, making his first appearance since going on the disabled list on May 27 with a left wrist injury, was 2-for-3 with a two-run double on Thursday against Texas.
Analysis: Consider him a deeper AL-only outfielder until he finds regular playing time due to injury or benching.
News: The Red Sox activated outfielder Wily Mo Pena from the 15-day DL and recalled right-hander Jermaine Van Buren from Triple-A Pawtucket in time for Tuesday night's game against the Royals. Left-hander Javier Lopez was optioned to Triple-A after last night's game and infielder Willie Harris was designated for assignment.
Analysis: Pena batted .321 with four homers and 18 RBI in 35 games before going on the DL May 27 to have surgery on his left wrist. He has been hot of late in Triple-A, homering Monday, and has been playing some 1B to get some versatility. Consider him a deeper AL-only outfielder until he finds regular playing time due to injury or benching. Right now he looks like he would start vs. LH pitching only.
News: Outfielder Wily Mo Pena was batting .242 with one home run and five RBI in 33 at-bats on his Triple-A rehab assignment. "Soon," manager Francona told MLB.com. "I think he'll definitely be back soon."
Analysis: Pena's 20-day rehab stint ends by next weekend, so he should return by then. Keep him reserved for Fantasy Week 16 (July 17-23), but he can return to AL-only lineups thereafter. He could get some games at first base, like he has in Triple-A.
News: Wily Mo Peña was not at the ballpark Thursday, despite the assumption that he would be the one to take Jason Johnson's roster spot when he was optioned to Triple-A. With Peña having been hit on the hand by pitches in two games this week, according to the Providence Journal, the Pawtuckett Red Sox had given him some additional rest
Analysis: With his return to the big club still unclear, Terry Francona wanted him to get more at-bats in Triple-A over the weekend as he attempts to return from surgery to remove the hamate bone in his left wrist. "I know he's probably starting to get antsy down there, but 10, 12, 15 more at-bats will do him more good than sitting here," Francona said.
News: Wily Mo Pena, in the middle of a 20-day rehab assignment with Triple-A Pawtucket, is recovering well from surgery to remove his broken left hamate bone.
Analysis: The Red Sox are in no rush to activate the outfielder, since he is able to get regular at-bats while in Triple-A but faces a bench role when he returns to the bigs. The team has until July 21 to activate Pena.
News: Wily Mo Pena, on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained left wrist, is currently rehabbing at Triple-A Pawtucket and is getting close to returning.
Analysis: Pena could see some time this season at first base and the added eligibility would be nice for his Fantasy owners. He is someone to stash away in deeper mixed formats.
News: According to MLB.com, Terry Francona would not commit to outfielder Wily Mo Pena (left wrist surgery) being activated at the start of the second half, but he didn't rule it out either. "I think that there's a pretty good chance he'll be with us pretty soon," Francona said. "I think that what it comes down to is, we've got to balance his at-bats. He's getting consistent at-bats, which I think is huge. We've got to balance that compared to having him on the ballclub, so that's the conversation we've had and will have again. Certainly Wily Mo is deserving of being on our team, that's not the issue. It's more of him getting at-bats and needing to make a roster move that we can't outdo, so there's some things to think about."
Analysis: He's someone to stash in deeper leagues for help in the second half.
News: According to the Boston Globe, Wily Mo Pena singled in four at-bats with two strikeouts in a rehab start for Pawtucket on Sunday.
Analysis: He will eventually play some first base in Triple-A Pawtucket to offer the Sox some depth at a position where they do not have an ideal backup for Kevin Youkilis. The added flexibility makes him that much more interesting as a reserve option. Consider him out for Fantasy Week 14 (July 3-9), but he can return thereafter.
News: Wily Mo Pena, who had wrist surgery June 1, reported to Triple-A Pawtucket on Sunday.
Analysis: He will eventually play some first base in Triple-A Pawtucket to offer the Sox some depth at a position where they do not have an ideal backup for Kevin Youkilis. The added flexibility makes him that much more interesting as a reserve option. Consider him out for Fantasy Week 14 (July 3-9), but he can return thereafter.
News: The Boston Red Sox sent Wily Mo Pena to Lowell of the New York-Penn league for a rehab assignment.
Analysis: According to the Red Sox, he will eventually play some first base in Triple-A Pawtucket to offer the Sox some depth at a position where they do not have an ideal backup for Kevin Youkilis. The added flexibility makes him that much more interesting as a reserve option. Consider him out for Fantasy Week 14 (July 3-9), but he can return thereafter.
News: Wily Mo Pena will hit with the Red Sox tomorrow and is expected to go to Class A Lowell for a few days before continuing his rehab at Triple-A Pawtucket. Pena had left wrist surgery June 1 and might be back with the team after the All-Star break, two weeks ahead of the original schedule.
Analysis: According to the Red Sox, he will play some first base in Triple-A Pawtucket to offer the Sox some depth at a position where they do not have an ideal backup for Kevin Youkilis. The added flexibility makes him that much more interesting as a reserve option. Consider him out for Fantasy Week 14 (July 3-9), but he can return thereafter.
News: OF Wily Mo Pena (hand) is scheduled for a minor-league rehab stint later in the week.
Analysis: According to the Red Sox, he will play some first base in Triple-A Pawtucket to offer the Sox some depth at a position where they do not have an ideal backup for Kevin Youkilis. The added flexibility makes him that much more interesting as a reserve option.
News: Boston OF Wily Mo Pena (hand) is scheduled to for a minor-league rehab stint later in the week.
Analysis: According to the Red Sox, he will play some first base in Pawtuckett to offer the Sox some depth at a position where they do not have an ideal backup for Kevin Youkilis. The added flexibility makes him that much more interesting as a reserve option.
News: Wily Mo Pena will remain with the Boston Red Sox through the duration of their current homestand, and then leave for the team's extended spring training complex in Fort Myers to continue his rehab from a procedure to remove the hamate bone in his left wrist.
Analysis: Pena will soon thereafter move to Triple-A Pawtucket on a rehab assignment, where he will play some first base to offer the Sox some depth at a position where they do not have an ideal backup for Kevin Youkilis.
News: Wily Mo Pena, on the disabled list after having his broken hamate bone removed from his left wrist, hopes to take batting practice by the end of next week.
Analysis: Pena has already begun fielding drills as well as hitting off a tee and soft toss. He hopes to return at some point in July, but no concrete return date has been set.
News: Wily Mo Pena thinks he can be back from his left hand injury in a couple weeks.
Analysis: Consider the slugger out until the All-Star break at this point and keep him stashed on injured spots. He won't return to a starting role, but his pop and situational starts vs. lefties make him worth owning in deeper leagues.
News: The Boston Globe reports Wily Mo Peña (wrist surgery) will have the stitches removed from his left hand after a surgical procedure to remove the hamate bone. "I can do everything but swing a bat right now," he added. "I hope I can come back in four weeks, maybe get some at-bats in the minor leagues, and then come back here and not worry about anything anymore."
Analysis: Peņa sounds optimistic about returning sooner than anticipated, but this is a difficult injury to bounce right back from and expect to retain the same power before the injury. Consider him out until the All-Star break at this point and keep him stashed on injured spots. He won't return to a starting role, but his pop and situational starts vs. lefties make him worth owning in deeper leagues.
News: Outfielder Wily Mo Pena, who underwent left wrist surgery June 2, visited the team before Friday's game and said he felt no soreness and can't wait to get back. He is expected to be sidelined 5-to-7 more weeks. "I want to play," he said with a smile.
Analysis: Consider Pena out until the All-Star break at this point and keep him stashed on your DL spots. He won't return to a starting role, but his pop and situational starts vs. lefties make him worth owning in deeper leagues.
News: Boston Red Sox outfielder Wily Mo Pena had surgery on his left wrist Thursday and is expected to begin rehabilitation immediately. The surgery went well, according to a brief statement by Dr. Thomas Gill, who gave no timetable for Pena's return. Boston manager Terry Francona said Pena, who had the hamate bone removed, could miss two months. Pena went on the disabled list Sunday after missing three games the previous week. In 36 games, primarily as a replacement for injured center fielder Coco Crisp, Pena batted .321 with four homers and 18 RBI. Crisp returned to action Sunday after missing 42 games because of a broken finger.
Analysis: Pena is expected to be out of action 6-8 weeks, but with Coco Crisp now back in action, Pena's value already had taken a hit. Reserve him if you have room, but cutting him at this point would not be outrageous.
News: Wily Mo Pena, currently on the disabled list due to an injured left wrist, will undergo surgery on Thursday. "He has an injury to the hamate bone in his left wrist. The plan is to perform a surgical procedure on Thursday morning to treat the injury," Red Sox medical director Dr. Thomas Gill told the Boston Globe. "Wily Mo will immediately begin rehabilitation on the wrist. He will be able to continue his throwing and conditioning programs throughout the entire post-operative period."
Analysis: Pena is expected to be out of action 6-8 weeks, but with Coco Crisp now back in action, Pena's value already had taken a hit. Reserve him if you have room, but cutting him at this point would not be outrageous.
News: Coco Crisp returned to the Boston Red Sox lineup Sunday after missing 42 games with a broken finger. Crisp was activated from the disabled list and outfielder Wily Mo Pena, who has a left wrist injury, replaced him on it. Manager Terry Francona said he originally planned to have Crisp bat sixth or seventh to ease him back and keep Kevin Youkilis in the leadoff spot, where he has done very well. Instead, Youkilis batted fourth when Francona decided to rest Manny Ramirez, with minor back and knee problems, for a second straight day.
Analysis: Pena, batting .321 while serving as Crisp's primary replacement in center field, "is hurting," Francona said. "We'll try to figure out why he's hurting and we'll do some tests Tuesday." He wasn't expected to go with the team to Toronto for Monday night's start of a 10-game road trip.
News: Pena, who missed two games earlier in the week with a sore left wrist, was in the lineup announced before Saturday's game vs. Tampa Bay but was seen walking off with trainer Jim Rowe after his batting practice session.
Analysis: Pena continues to be a bit of a Fantasy enigma this season. Stay away from him in Fantasy leagues until he can get on some sort of hot streak again. With Coco Crisp on the way back, he'll likely be returning to a platoon with Trot Nixon again.
News: Peña (wrist) was in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Yankees. He was batting seventh and starting in center field.
Analysis: It appears safe to get Peņa back into the active Fantasy lineup in all leagues which allow daily moves.
News: Wily Mo Pena missed his second straight game Tuesday because of inflammation in his left wrist. He will take batting practice on Wednesday in hopes of proving that the pain in his wrist has subsided to the point where he can swing freely.
Analysis: Barring setbacks, Pena will return to the lineup against the N.Y. Yankees and Randy Johnson on Wednesday. If he's unavailable, look for Dustan Mohr to start in center field.
News: Peña (wrist) was sidelined for the second consecutive game on Tuesday against the Yankees.
Analysis: Wily Mo Peņa is considered day to day. Keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues which allow daily moves until he can officially return and prove his health.
News: Red Sox CF Wily Mo Pena was a late scratch from the starting lineup after his sore left wrist bothered him during batting practice. Pena said pain in the wrist intensified when he made "a bad swing" Sunday in Philadelphia but thinks he may play Tuesday.
Analysis: He's questionable for May 23 vs. the N.Y. Yankees.
News: Wily Mo Pena might see his playing time cut next week with the possible return of Coco Crisp (finger) from the DL.
Analysis: Pena is a streaky slugger worth starting in any league for Fantasy Week 8 (May 22-28). After that point, you will likely have to reserve him in most mixed leagues, because his playing time will be limited to reserve at-bats behind Manny Ramirez, Coco Crisp and Trot Nixon.
News: Wily Mo Peña finished Monday's game at Baltimore with two hits, including a two-run home run, and four RBI.
Analysis: Peņa is batting .321 and should have himself a regular job instead of losing time to players of lesser ability such as Willie Harris and Dustan Mohr.
News: Willie Harris, not Wily Mo Pena, started in center field and batted eighth Wednesday in New York. Harris entered the game with a .385 hitter (5-for-13) average against Yankees starter Mike Mussina.
Analysis: Harris went 0-for-4 in the 7-3 loss to the Yankees and saw his average for the season dip to .095. Look for Pena to return to action in Thursday's series finale.
News: Wily Mo Pena hit .409 with a double and six RBI during Boston's past week at home.
Analysis: The Red Sox play at the Yankees and they host Texas this week. He's still a powerful slugger that could hit three homers in any given week. Start him in AL-only leagues for now.
News: Wily Mo Pena entered Sunday's series finale with the Baltimore Orioles on a seven-game hitting streak, hitting .429 (12-for-29) with one homer and nine RBIs over that span. He went hitless in two at-bats.
Analysis: Pena (.319 BA) has been hot in recent starts, but the return of Coco Crisp in the next week or two could decrease his plate appearances.
News: Wily Mo Pena went 3-for-4 with a double and a pair of RBIs in Wednesday's loss to Toronto to push his average to .309.
Analysis: Pena has been hot in recent starts, but the return of Coco Crisp in the next week or two could decrease his plate appearances.
News: Wily Mo Pena made his first start of the season in center field for the Boston Red Sox in Thursday's blowout loss to the Cleveland Indians. He went 2-for-4 with a double in the contest.
Analysis: Pena is now hitting .286 with a .375 on-base percentage and a .571 slugging mark. It appears he'll be the center fielder until Coco Crisp returns to action, so Pena is much more attractive across the board.
News: MLB.com reports Boston manager Terry Francona said that he's going to have Wily Mo Pena make some starts in center field before Coco Crisp returns from the disabled list. Willie Harris and Dustan Mohr have been in center for the most part.
Analysis: Francona hinted that Pena will make his first start in center in a Boston uniform in the near future. "I'm just not comfortable with him not getting at-bats right now," said Francona. "If you don't play him, you're not going to see his power."
News: MLB.com reports the Boston Red Sox have optioned Adam Stern to Triple-A Pawtucket and are expected to recall reserve infielder/outfielder Willie Harris. With Stern in the minors, Wily Mo Pena and Dustin Mohr will see more time in center field.
Analysis: Pena isn't a solid defensive option for Boston, but he does have potential as a batsman. He's hitting .292 overall and should be active as a fifth outfielder in AL formats.
News: According to the Boston Herald, Wily Mo Pena has been getting batting tips from his Dominican countryman, David Ortiz along with he team's official hitting coach Ron Jackson. "I've been very happy to have both of them," said Pena, who hit his first home run of the season in Wednesday night's loss to the Blue Jays at Fenway Park. "And Manny (Ramirez) too. Everybody here has been working with me."
Analysis: "I'm new here, and everybody wants to know me," said Pena before taking his position as the starting right fielder for a second straight game against Toronto. "And everybody here can hit. I should listen to these players. "I'm just looking to be comfortable here," Pena said. "And (Ortiz) was one of the first people to help me, and I feel good about it.. .. He's on me all the time, and I need that. And I go to the cage with Papa Jack every day and it's work, work, work. That's how (Ortiz) got better, working hard. And that's what I'm going to do." This is a great sign and is should help Wily thrive in Beantown.
News: Peña was 2-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays. It was his first home run since moving over to the American League.
Analysis: Peņa has a chance to play during the entire homestand for the Red Sox and he took advantage of his chance early. He is a decent play in Fantasy Week 3 (April 17-23) despite the expected return of Trot Nixon (groin).
News: Adam Stern was going to share time in center with Wily Mo Pena after Coco Crisp (finger) went on the DL, but now Trot Nixon (groin) is out almost a week, too. Pena will play right and Stern will play center, while Dustan Mohr comes off the bench.
Analysis: Stern is a solid option in AL-only leagues. It remains to be seen who plays center when Nixon is able to return for Fantasy Week 3 (April 17-23), because Pena is more than capable there. It has been called his best position. Pena is a viable mixed league option, while Mohr is nothing more than a temporary fill-in in the deepest of AL-only leagues.
News: Red Sox CF Coco Crisp was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday after injuring his finger sliding into third base. Manager Terry Francona expects Crisp to miss several weeks. "I wouldn't want to lose him for the whole year," Francona said. "But for the short term we should be able to handle this." Wily Mo Pena, Mohr and Adam Stern are expected to split time in center field until Crisp returns.
Analysis: Kevin Youkilis will lead off for Boston during most of Crisp's absence. Pena will likely get the most of the extra OF at-bats, giving him increased intrigue as a potential mixed league starter in Fantasy for Fantasy Week 2 (April 10-16) and Fantasy Week 3 (April 17-23).
News: Adam Stern was a candidate to get sent to Triple-A after his Rule 5 restrictions run out 17 days into this season, but Coco Crisp (broken finger) will be in a splint and out of action for at least 10 days until the April 18-20 series vs. Tampa Bay. Stern will likely stick around and share time in center field with Wily Mo Pena, who is likely to see the bulk of the duty
Analysis: Pena will likely get the most of the at-bats, giving him increased intrigue as a potential mixed league starter in Fantasy for Fantasy Week 2 (April 10-16) and Fantasy Week 3 (April 17-23). Mark Loretta could fill the leadoff role -- with Kevin Youkilis moving up to the two-hole.
News: Wily Mo Pena got his first start of the season with lefty Bruce Chen on the mound on Saturday. He went 0-for-2 with two strikeouts and stranded four runners before leaving for a pinch hitter.
Analysis: Wily Mo will see most at-bats against lefty pitching this season, but Trot Nixon has gotten off to a great start this season.
News: Wily Mo Pena started in center field Wednesday, his first appearance at the position since being traded to the Boston Red Sox. He has the natural athletic skills to play all three outfield positions but remains a defensive work in progress.
Analysis: Pena is expected to platoon in right field with Trot Nixon, though the fact that manager Terry Francona has him in center as well could mean more at-bats throughout the season. Consider him a nice fourth or fifth starter in AL formats.
News: Wily Mo Pena had a two-run homer against Shawn Chacon during a three-run fourth for Boston.
Analysis: Pena is in a solid hitter's park -- especially for a right-hander -- but he loses his everyday role, since he will platoon with Trot Nixon, and that limits his overall value. Still, he's worth consideration in all AL drafts and could be worth a flier in some mixed formats. If he makes good on his big power potential, he could steal the majority of at-bats over Nixon by the second half.
News: The Boston Herald reports that Wily Mo Pena took batting practice and impressed spectators with mammoth shots to a neighboring practice field. Against the Devil Rays, Pena sent a line drive to the opposite field for a single and he drew a walk later in the game.
Analysis: Pena is in a solid hitter's park -- especially for a right-hander -- but he loses his everyday role, since he will platoon with Trot Nixon, and that limits his overall value. Still, he's worth consideration in all AL drafts and could be worth a flier in some mixed formats. It's good to see him draw walks though, since he drew only 20 last year and needs to show more plate discipline.
News: Wily Mo Pena, obtained Monday from Cincinnati for pitcher Bronson Arroyo, replaced Trot Nixon in right field in the sixth Tuesday in his Red Sox debut. Pena singled to left in the seventh and walked in the ninth. During batting practice, the right-handed slugger belted balls onto the practice field beyond the left-field fence. "It's fun to watch," manager Terry Francona said. "He doesn't have to hit a ball that far to hit a home run."
Analysis: Pena is in a solid hitter's park -- especially for a right-hander -- but he loses his everyday role and that limits his overall value. He is expected to platoon with Trot Nixon in right and play vs. all left-handers. Pena hit .291 with seven homers in 110 at-bats against lefties last season, and his presence could mean the end of Dustin Mohr's chances to make the roster. Pena is worth consideration in all AL drafts and could be worth a flier in some mixed formats.
News: Wily Mo Pena, who was dealt from the Reds to the Red Sox for Bronson Arroyo and cash, is expected to platoon with Trot Nixon. Pena hit .291 with seven homers in 110 at-bats against lefties last season, and his presence could mean the end of Dustin Mohr's chances to make the roster.
Analysis: Pena is in a solid hitter's park -- especially for a right-hander -- but he loses his everyday role and that limits his overall value. Still, he's worth consideration in all AL drafts and could be worth a flier in some mixed formats.
News: The Red Sox traded pitcher Bronson Arroyo and cash to the Reds for outfielder Wily Mo Pena, who can't be a free agent until after the 2008 season. Pena batted .254 with 19 homers and 51 RBI last season and struck out 116 times with 20 walks. In the past four seasons, he batted .248 with 51 homers and 134 RBI with the Reds. Pena played for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic and had four singles in 10 at-bats in three games "He's 24 years old. He's just a baby," said Red Sox DH David Ortiz, who played with Pena on the Dominican team. "You know this game. It's a learning process."
Analysis: The 24-year-old right-handed hitter could play right field instead of lefty Trot Nixon when left-handers pitch against Boston. Pena, who was going to play everyday with the Reds, said he was surprised by the deal. He is still considered a raw talent but has outstanding power. "Players with this kind of power usually develop a better walk rate as they go forward into their mid- to late-20s," Red Sox GM Theo Epstein said. Pena still remains in a solid hitter's park -- especially for a right-hander -- but he loses his everyday job at this point, which would limit his value to AL-only leagues. Mixed league owners should stash Pena away if they can afford to, because he could become an everyday slugger in a great lineup at some point.
News: The Red Sox have traded pitcher Bronson Arroyo and cash to the Reds for outfielder Wily Mo Pena.
Analysis: Ouch. Pena still remains in a solid hitter's park -- especially for a right-hander -- but he loses his everyday job at this point. Pena will share time in right field with Trot Nixon, apparently, which would limit his value to AL-only leagues. Mixed league owners should stash Pena away if they can afford to, because he could become an everyday slugger in a great lineup at some point.
News: Sources told the Boston Herald, the Red Sox have had serious discussions with the Reds about outfielder Wily Mo Pena, 24. The 6-foot-3, 245-pound right-handed hitter could complement lefty Trot Nixon in the middle of the batting order. The Red Sox have been dangling David Wells, Bronson Arroyo and perhaps Matt Clement this spring.
Analysis: Pena will finally be an unquestioned starter for the Reds, who dealt Sean Casey and are moving Adam Dunn to first base. Pena will likely play left, with Austin Kearns in right, but the position won't matter as much as the everyday status does in Fantasy leagues. Pena becomes a potential .270-30-100 Fantasy outfielder you can get in the middle- to late rounds in mixed leagues. A great park and solid lineup work in favor for the burly right-handed slugger. The move to Boston would hurt, though, because he would move back to being a part-time outfielder.
News: In CBS SportsLine.com's NL-only experts 5x5 Rotisserie draft, Reds OF Wily Mo Pena was selected at the top of the ninth round (97th overall).
Analysis: Pena will finally be an unquestioned starter for the Reds, who dealt Sean Casey and are moving Adam Dunn to first base. Pena will likely play left, with Austin Kearns in right, but the position won't matter as much as the everyday status does in Fantasy leagues. Pena becomes a potential .270-30-100 Fantasy outfielder you can get in the middle- to late rounds in mixed leagues. A great park and solid lineup work in favor for the burly right-handed slugger.
News: The Reds agreed to a one-year contract with outfielder Wily Mo Pena, who batted .254 with 19 home runs and 51 RBI in 99 games for the Reds last season.
Analysis: Pena will finally be an unquestioned starter for the Reds, who dealt Sean Casey and are moving Adam Dunn to first base. Pena will likely play left, with Austin Kearns in right, but the position won't matter as much as the everyday status does in Fantasy leagues. Pena becomes a potential .270-30-100 Fantasy outfielder you can get in the middle- to late rounds in mixed leagues. A great park and solid lineup work in favor for the burly right-handed slugger.
News: The Reds reached a preliminary agreement to send first baseman Sean Casey to the Pirates for left-hander Dave Williams, a deal subject to physicals. This means Adam Dunn and his 45-homer potential can remain in Cincinatti, which will still have Wily Mo Pena, Ken Griffey and Austin Kearns as their potent outfield. Dunn is likely going to move to the first-base position full time.
Analysis: Cincy is one of the best hitter havens in baseball, so view Pena as a potential huge run producer in Fantasy leagues. Just watch your bids on him in leagues that penalize strikeouts and a low batting average heavily. Pena could post numbers on the level of .260-35-100-80-10.
News: Reds center fielder Wily Mo Pena hyperextended his lower back when he crashed into the wall Wednesday. Reds officials said he would be re-evaluated on Thursday. Interim manager Jerry Narron said he was unsure if Pena would play again this season. "He's going to be sore for a couple of days, but he will be OK," he said. "It scared me a little bit when he first hit the wall with his shoulder and his head."
Analysis: Pena is too risky to start the remainder of the season. His status as a Reds starter for 2006 is contingent on the Reds dealing one of Sean Casey, Adam Dunn, Austin Kearns or Ken Griffey. Because Pena is young, cheap and promising, he is unlikely to get dealt.
News: 1B Sean Casey will not play the rest of the season, interim manager Jerry Narron confirmed Saturday. "With one week to go, putting it at risk isn't the smartest thing to do," Casey said. If the Reds were in contention? "I probably wouldn't tell anybody (about the dizziness)," Casey said.
Analysis: Adam Dunn is getting starts at first base in his absence. Dunn should remain active in all leagues, while Casey will have to sit in all leagues. Wily Mo Pena, Ryan Freel and Austin Kearns will be the outfielders here on out.
News: CF Wily Mo Pena batted eighth Tuesday for the first time this season. He was then the No. 6 hitter Wednesday vs. the Brewers.
Analysis: With Ken Griffey (foot) banged up, Pena has been seeing regular duty of late. Consider him a viable NL-only outfield starter at this point.
News: Wily Mo Peña was 2-for-3 with a pair of home runs and six RBI in Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks. He also drew a pair of walks.
Analysis: After failing to find the seats in seven games in the month of August, Peņa has connected for three home runs over his past two starts.
News: Peña (wrist) was able to start Wednesday's game against San Francisco. He was hitless in three at-bats with a strikeout.
Analysis: Despite the poor night at the plate, it appears safe to get Peņa back into the active Fantasy lineup in all daily leagues.
News: Peña (wrist) did not start Tuesday's game against the Giants, but he came on in the second inning for Sean Casey (shoulder) after the first baseman suffered an injury. Peña was 2-for-4 with a run scored in the game.
Analysis: Peņa is expected to return to the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against San Francisco. It appears safe to get him back into the active Fantasy lineup in all daily leagues.
News: Peña (wrist) did not start again on Monday night against San Francisco, but he was able to draw a walk appearing as a pinch hitter.
Analysis: Peņa is not expected to return to the starting lineup until at least Wednesday's game, so keep him reserved in all daily Fantasy leagues.
News: Wily Mo Peña (wrist) was available for Sunday's game at Milwaukee, but he did not play for the third straight game.
Analysis: Peņa remains day to day. He has played in only two of the past 10 games and is an extremely risky play for the upcoming scoring period. Start him at your own risk.
News: Pena (wrist) was out of the lineup at Milwaukee Friday.
Analysis: Pena is considered day to day. Austin Kearns, Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn started in the outfield.
News: Peña aggravated his left wrist injury on a check-swing in WEdnesday's game at Chicago Cubs. He will fly to Cincinnati on Thursday to be evaluated.
Analysis: The Reds have a scheduled off day on Thursday, so if he checks out all right, he might be back in the lineup on Friday at Milwaukee without any time missed. For now, consider him day to day.
News: Wily Mo Pena went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts. He has two hits in his past 21 at-bats (.095) and six in his past 47 (.128).
Analysis: Pena is a candidate to sit in Fantasy lineups right now -- not only because of his slump, but Austin Kearns is back in the big leagues and ripping. Kearns is likely going to see more time than Pena in the coming days.
News: Wily Mo Pena struck out in the second inning for the sixth time in his first eight at-bats in the three-game series.
Analysis: Pena is still trying to get his swing back after returning from a knee injury. Stick with him.
News: Peña (knee) is back in the starting lineup for Monday's game at Boston.
Analysis: Peņa is batting fifth and starting in right field. It appears safe to get him back into the active Fantasy lineup in all daily leagues.
News: OF Wily Mo Pena was out of the lineup with a sore knee. Jacob Cruz made his third and fourth starts in the outfield over the weekend.
Analysis: Pena should be fine to start in all leagues for Fantasy Week 11 (June 13-19). With the Reds able to use the DH for three games -- they're also getting seven games this week -- Pena should get plenty of at-bats in the Reds' Austin Kearns-less outfield. If the Reds were not confident about Pena's healthy, they would not have sent Kearns down.
News: Peña was held out of the starting lineup for the second straight game on Sunday against Baltimore due to soreness in his right knee. He did strike out in a pinch-hitting appearance.
Analysis: Peņa is considered day to day. Manager Dave Miley might elect to use him as the team's designated hitter when the Reds open a three-game set at Boston on Monday.
News: With the Reds demoting struggling Austin Kearns to Triple-A on Sunday, Wily Mo Pena has finally being handed a non-injury-related everyday job in the Reds' power-laden outfield.
Analysis: Pick up Pena immediately in all leagues in which he is eligible and available on the waiver wire. He is finally healthy and playing every day, so he can display some immense run-production potential. He has 30-plus homer power in one of the best hitter's parks in baseball at the Great American Bandbox.
News: At long last, Wily Mo Pena is off the DL. The Reds on Tuesday activated the powerful outfielder Tuesday. He was batting .313 with six home runs and 12 RBI in 19 games for the Reds when he went on the DL on May 9 with a strained left quadriceps muscle. Pena, who batted .292 in seven rehabilitation stints for Triple-A Louisville, will be in the lineup for Tuesday's interleague game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
Analysis: Pena will likely steal time from struggling ex-prospect Austin Kearns, who has been a bust thus far this season. Pena's power potential can be intriguing in every Fantasy format, especially if he steals an everyday job. The Reds are struggling and ready to make changes, so Pena might be a way to do so. Pick him immediately.
News: The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that Pena (strained quadriceps) will likely be activated Tuesday against Tampa Bay.
Analysis: With Austin Kearns in a 3-for-21 slump, Pena is expected to see plenty of at-bats. Start him in NL-only leagues. He is hitting .333 with a homer and four RBI for Triple-A Louisville.
News: Wily Mo Pena expects to finish his rehab from a strained left quadriceps muscle Monday. Pena, currently with the Triple-A Louisville Bats, said his recovery since going on the disabled list May 19 is nearly complete. "The first game I played I was worried and a little scared to put weight on my leg, but now it feels 100 percent," Pena said Saturday.
Analysis: Pena is batting .385 (5-13) with one home run and four RBIs in four games with Louisville. He will likely get worked back into the lineup for intermittent starts, just like before his injury. He is a solid power hitter and once he's healthy and starting, he is a solid Fantasy player.
News: Wily Mo Pena had a setback in the third game of his rehabilitation assignment at Triple-A Louisville when he strained his left quad muscle Friday.
Analysis: Pena is a strong Fantasy player when healthy and at-bats are available.
News: OF Wily Mo Pena will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville on Monday. Pena has been on the DL since May 9 with a strained left quadriceps muscle.
Analysis: Pena will not need long before returning to the Reds, which could happen before the weekend series June 3-4 at Colorado. Pena is a promising option in Coors Field, perhaps, but he is too risky of an option to activate in Fantasy leagues at this point. Track his progress this week before making your Fantasy Week 10 decision (June 6-12).
News: The Cincinnati Inquirer reports there is no news on Wily Mo Pena's (left quadriceps) condition. "He's progressing," Mann said. "We've got to get him where he can sprint comfortably."
Analysis: It was one month ago Tuesday that Pena injured his quadriceps. He still has no timetable for his return.
News: The Cincinnati Inquirer reports Wily Mo Pena ran and did some work on the field at Great American Ball Park Monday. He reported no pain in the left quadriceps, a strain of which put him on the DL. Today is a key day. "We'll see how he responds," trainer Mark Mann said. "In the past, he's had some pain the next day."
Analysis: Wily Mo Pena is eligible to come off the disabled list Friday. He's definitely worth starting in all leagues when healthy. He's got impressive power.
News: The Reds put outfielder Wily Mo Pena on the 15-day DL on Monday for the start of a three-game series against San Diego. Pena was one of the Reds' best hitters before he strained his left thigh April 23. He was limited to pinch-hitting for a week, returned to the lineup and developed soreness in the thigh again.
Analysis: Pena should be ruled out for Fantasy Week 6 and Week 7, but he should be available to return once his 15-day stint is up May 18. The could put him on track to return to lineups in Week 8.
News: OF Wily Mo Pena, sidelined by a sore left thigh, ran on a treadmill Sunday. He did not play, but that was expected against a right-hander.
Analysis: The true test for Pena's health will come once the Reds face a left-hander again, which figures to be Wednesday (Darrell May) and Saturday (Randy Wolf). Keep Pena reserved in everything but NL-only leagues right now.
News: Pena (quadriceps) was out of the lineup against the Dodgers on Saturday.
Analysis: Adam Dunn, Ken Griffey and Austin Kearns started in the Reds outfield. Pena has now missed four straight games.
News: Wily Mo Pena (quadriceps) is not in the starting lineup Friday against the Dodgers.
Analysis: Pena has missed the previous three games now. Ryan Freel started in right field in his absence.
News: Peña was unable to play for the second straight game on Wednesday due to his sore left quadriceps.
Analysis: Peņa is considered day to day. Austin Kearns got another start in right field in his absence.
News: The Cincinnati Enquirer notes that Pena (strained quadriceps), despite missing a week's worth of starts, has been cleared to play. "Once they're all right, I usually give them one more day to make sure," said manager Dave Miley. "But he's all right to go out an play in the field."
Analysis: Pena is hitting .269 (7-for-26) with two homers and five RBI in his past seven games. He hit a pinch-hit 445-foot homer on Sunday. He eats up left-handed pitching (.500, three homers and four RBI in 16 at-bats) and his return will likely cost Austin Kearns a few at-bats. He is worth starting in NL-only leagues because of his power.
News: The Reds' Wily Mo Pena hit a pinch-hit, fifth-inning homer Sunday off left-hander Doug Davis. He was unable to start vs. the lefty because of a quadriceps problem he has been dealing with.
Analysis: Pena is not a starter -- and a banged-up reserve at that. The fact he was unable to start vs. a left-hander -- he wears LHPs out -- is not promising for his prospects of getting playing time in Fantasy Week 5. He is best reserved in everything but the deepest NL-only leagues right now.
News: The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that Pena (quadriceps) ran before Friday's game and will probably start Sunday at Milwaukee.
Analysis: Pena's owners should confirm his health before starting him in the next scoring period.
News: Pena (quadriceps) did not start or pinch hit at Milwaukee Friday.
Analysis: Pena is a risky Fantasy starter heading into the next scoring period.
News: Wily Mo Peña (quadriceps) was unable to start for the fourth straight game on Wednesday at Chicago Cubs.
Analysis: Peņa, who was able to pinch hit in Tuesday's game, remains day to day.
News: Wily Mo Peña (quadriceps) did not start for the third straight game on Tuesday at Chicago Cubs. He struck out as a pinch-hitter in his only at-bat.
Analysis: Austin Kearns was patrolling right field for the third consecutive game in his absence. Peņa remains day to day.
News: Peña missed his second consecutive game on Monday at Chicago Cubs due to his quadriceps injury.
Analysis: Peņa remains day to day. Austin Kearns got another start in his absence.
News: Peña (quadriceps) was available as a pinch hitter on Sunday, but he did not get into the game.
Analysis: Austin Kearns got the start in right field in his absence. Consider Peņa day to day.
News: Pena left Saturday's contest in the third inning at Florida with a stiff left quadriceps.
Analysis: Pena has played well when given the opportunity. The injury shouldn't keep him out of too much action, but a healthier alternative might be a better move for the next scoring period.
News: Peña was 0-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout in Friday's game at Florida.
Analysis: Peņa had hit safely in seven of his past eight games, with multi-hit efforts in four of those contests.
News: Peña was 2-for-4 with a pair of home runs and three RBI in Wednesday's game against Pittsburgh.
Analysis: Peņa has hit safely in his past five games, going 8-for-21 (.381) with three home runs and eight RBI.
News: The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that Pena is playing so well, he is making it difficult for manager Dave Miley to remove him from the lineup. "He's done everything when he's been called upon," said Miley. "We said at the outset, everybody is going to get some time. Just try to keep everybody fresh."
Analysis: Wily Mo is still the odd man out as far as starts are concerned -- has has five, while the other three Reds outfield stars have nine starts apiece. He is hitting .421 with three doubles, three home runs and seven RBI as a starter this year.
News: Wily Mo Pena got into the lineup for the first time because manager Dave Miley decided to rest Ken Griffey Jr., who had surgery to reattach his right hamstring last August. Pregame rain left the outfield wet. Pena homered off lefty Kaz Ishii in the game.
Analysis: Griffey figures to sit against some lefties, particularly in the early going, because of the presence of Pena, who could also spell lefty-swining Adam Dunn vs. some tough lefties. Pena's time will be limited right now, so his value is likely restricted to NL-only leagues.
News: The Washington Post reports that the Nationals have been scouting Pena extensively this spring. The Reds have sent scouts to the Nationals' minor league camp to see if they might find someone worthy of trading for.
Analysis: Pena would join the Nats in a much better Fantasy situation than he has in Cincinnati. He would essentially be handed a starting job at the expense of Terrmel Sledge and Endy Chavez.
News: Peña was hitless in three at-bats in Thursday's spring game against the Devil Rays.
Analysis: Peņa had a breakout season and likely played himself into an everyday role with the Reds in 2005. With the brittle Ken Griffey and Austin Kearns on the roster, at-bats will be plentiful for a player of Peņa's caliber.
News: The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that Wily Mo Pena's injured hamstring will keep him out for the remainder of the season.
Analysis: Pena is scheduled to play winter ball in the Dominican Republic. This was a breakout season for him and he should be drafted in the middle rounds next year.
News: Pena (right hamstring) had an MRI which revealed a mild strain on Wednesday. He could miss the remainder of the season with the injury.
Analysis: Pena will be re-examined in seven to 10 days. Reserve him in all leagues at this point.
News: Wily Mo Pena went 2-for-4 with two home runs and three RBI on Saturday against the Cubs.
Analysis: Pena now has 26 long balls in just 332 at-bats. That's a home run every 12.8 at-bats.
News: Wily Mo Pena (chest) returned to the starting lineup Thursday against Milwaukee. He hit a home run in his first at-bat.
Analysis: Pena remains a quality option in all Fantasy leagues when healthy. He should get the majority of starts in center field the remainder of the year.
News: Peña (chest) was out of the lineup again on Wednesday at Houston.
Analysis: Peņa remains day to day. Ryan Freel got another start in center field in his absence.
News: Peña (chest) remained sidelined for Tuesday's game at Houston.
Analysis: Peņa is still considered day to day. Keep him reserved in all daily Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and play consecutive games without any lingering effects of the injury.
News: Pena (chest) did not play in Monday's game against Houston.
Analysis: Pena has missed nine of the prior 14 games now. He remains listed as day to day on the injury report.
News: Wily Mo Pena was unable to take batting practice on Sunday due to his bruised chest, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. "I want to but I can't," he said. "It hurts too much."
Analysis: The Reds continue to use an outfield of Adam Dunn, Ryan Freel and Austin Kearns in Pena's absence. Pena's Fantasy owners should consider playing it safe and keeping him reserved this week.
News: Wily Mo Pena (chest) did not play in Sunday's game against Milwaukee.
Analysis: Pena has missed eight of the previous 13 games because of injuries. He remains listed as day to day. Start him at your own risk next week.
News: Peña (chest) was unable to play in Wednesday's game against Houston after suffering an injury in Tuesday's game.
Analysis: Peņa remains day to day. Darren Bragg and Ryan Freel will cover center field until he is able to return.
News: Peña (wrist) is back in the starting lineup on Friday against the Diamondbacks.
Analysis: It appears safe to get Peņa back into the active lineup in all daily leagues. He is starting in center field and batting sixth.
News: Pena (wrist) remained out of the starting lineup Thursday against St. Louis. He has missed the past three games.
Analysis: Pena is 2-for-18 in his past six games. With Austin Kearns returning from an injury and the emergence of Darren Bragg, Pena is likely to platoon in the outfield again. With his superior power, he is still worth considering in all Fantasy formats though.
News: Pena (wrist) was unable to start Wednesday's game against the Cardinals.
Analysis: Pena remains day to day. Austin Kearns made his second consecutive start in right field.
News: Pena (thumb) missed another game on Tuesday night against the Cardinals.
Analysis: Pena remains day to day. Austin Kearns (thumb) was activated from the 60-day disabled list and started in right field. Pena might see a slight decrease in at-bats with Kearns' return.
News: Wily Mo Pena (wrist) was not in the starting lineup Saturday against Arizona. He entered the game as a pinch runner, but did not stay in to play in the field.
Analysis: Pena will not play on Sunday, but could return Tuesday against the Cardinals. Darren Bragg will likely get the start in his place on Sunday.
News: Wily Mo Pena went 2-for-5 with two home runs and four RBI on Saturday against San Diego. It was his second multi-home run game of the season.
Analysis: Pena has 14 home runs and 33 RBI in July and August. He warrants starting consideration in all Fantasy formats for the remainder of the year.
News: Wily Mo Pena went 2-for-4 with his 19th home run Thursday against the Dodogers. He has three home runs and eight RBI in his last five games now.
Analysis: In his last 28 games, Pena is batting .280 (30-for-107) with 13 home runs and 28 RBI. He is a solid option in all Fantasy formats now that Griffey will be sidelined for the remainder of the year.
News: Peña (dehydration) was back in the starting lineup for the Reds on Tuesday night.
Analysis: He was batting fifth and starting in center field with Ken Griffey (hamstring) still sidelined.
News: Wily Mo Pena left Sunday's game against Colorado in the sixth inning because of cramps and dehydration. He went 3-for-4 with a home run and a career-high five RBI before exiting.
Analysis: Jacob Cruz replaced Pena in the outfield. Pena is listed as day to day and should not miss any more time.
News: Peña was 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Wednesday's game at Chicago Cubs.
Analysis: Peņa is 15-for-26 (.577) with two doubles, six home runs and 13 RBI over his seven-game hitting streak.
News: Peña was 3-for-4 with a double, home run and three RBI in Monday's game against Milwaukee.
Analysis: Peņa is 14-for-23 (.609) with two doubles, five home runs and 12 RBI during his current six-game hitting streak. For his efforts last week, Pena was named National League player of the week.
News: Pena smacked a double and two singles Thursday against the Cardinals. He played right field and should continue to get solid at-bats while Ken Griffey remains sidelined.
Analysis: Pena is Fantasy's No. 1 free agent pickup since Griffey hobbled off the field with another hamstring injury. He should produce solid power numbers and warrants starting consideration in all Fantasy leagues at this point.
News: Pena will see increased at-bats with the hamstring injury to Ken Griffey Jr. likely sidelining him for at least one month. He went 4-for-5 with a pair of home runs and three RBI in Sunday's win against the Brewers.
Analysis: Pena might emerge as a solid Fantasy outfielder over the next month with regular at-bats. He and Ryan Freel have played well when given the opportunity and both will see plenty of playing time until Griffey or Austin Kearns (thumb) is able to return.
News: Pena came through with a pinch-hit grand-slam home run in the seventh inning of Friday's victory against Pittsburgh.
Analysis: Pena has some value in NL-only Fantasy formats while Austin Kearns remains out with an injury, but Pena will return to the bench once Kearns does come back.
News: Pena connected for a first inning grand slam on Sunday against the Indians. It was his first of his career. He finished the game 1-for-3.
Analysis: Pena has minimal value in NL-only leagues. He will get much less time when Austin Kearns returns from an injury.
News: The Cincinnati Post reports Wily Mo Pena hit just .182 with one homer in the Dominican Winter League. "We had a number of our Dominican staff members observe him over the course of the Winter League season," Reds GM Dan O'Brien said. "His timing, for whatever reason, seemed to be off. He struggled to make good contact. He had a few too many swings and misses." In the spring, he will likely have to battle Reggie Taylor to make the team as a backup outfielder.
Analysis: Pena has never lived up to his considerable potential, and he should not be drafted in most Fantasy leagues.
News: Pena (hamstring) was activated from the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday.
Analysis: Pena batted .373 with four home runs in 14 games during a rehab assigned with Triple-A Louisville. If he can carry that momentum over to the majors, he might be worth a roster spot, especially with the departure of Jose Guillen opening up a spot in the outfield.
News: Pena (hamstring) was assigned to Triple-A Louisville to begin a minor-league rehab assignment on Thursday.
Analysis: Pena should not be considered for a Fantasy spot in any leagues when he is healthy.
News: Wily Mo Pena suffered a hamstring injury in the seventh inning against the Mets on Friday.
Analysis: Pena is considered day to day. He is not a useful Fantasy player when healthy.
News: The team will move Pena from the outfield to first base, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. "(Pena's) shown pretty good aptitude at first," manager Bob Boone said. Pena is expected to start at first base for the Red's exhibition opener Thursday at N.Y. Yankees.
Analysis: Pena is expected to make the team, but it is doubtful he will have much Fantasy value in 2003. He is worth a look in keeper leagues.
News: The Cincinnati Enquirer says Reds GM Jim Bowden has all but guaranteed Wily Mo Pena a roster spot. He is out of options, and must be on the 25-man roster or be exposed to waivers. "He has too much potential," Bowden said. Pena, who is on the road back from offseason hamstring surgery, has been cleared to play.
Analysis: Pena won't make an impact with the big club this year. He should only be used in keeper leagues.
News: Pena, who suffered a strained hamstring in the Arizona Fall League, told the Cincinnati Enquirer he is ready for spring workouts.
Analysis: Pena only has value in keeper leagues.
News: Pena is expected to undergo surgery Friday to repair a torn left hamstring he suffered while playing in the Arizona Fall League. He is expected to need four to six months of rehabilitation, hurting his chances of making the Opening Day roster next season. Pena is out of minor-league options, so you'll need to monitor his progress closely when spring training opens before deciding on drafting him.
Analysis:
