News: The Astros acquired RP Dennis Sarfate from the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday for cash. Sarfate was expected to join the Astros on Wednesday. To make room for Sarfate on the 40-man roster, the club designated right-hander Miguel Asencio for assignment.
Analysis: Sarfate was 2-7 with four saves and a 4.52 ERA in 45 games, including one start, for Triple-A Nashville this year. He appeared in eight games for the Brewers in 2006, striking out 11 hitters in 8 1-3 innings. He posted no decisions and had a 4.32 ERA. Asencio was 1-3 with a 7.43 ERA in 28 games for Triple-A Round Rock this season. Neither reliever has value outside of the deepest Fantasy leagues that use true middle men.
News: Before the game, the Astros optioned right-hander Miguel Ascencio to Triple-A Round Rock and reassigned left-hander Scott Sauerbeck to minor league camp. After the game, Houston reassigned RHP Paul Estrada and C Lou Santangelo, while optioning Brooks Conrad to Round Rock.
Analysis: Asencio was 1-0 with a 4.70 ERA in three games with the Rockies last season and 8-7 with a 5.03 ERA in 16 starts and 22 relief appearances at Triple-A. He has repeatedly been sidelined over the past three seasons because of multiple operations on his right elbow. There is no need to hold onto him at this stage while he is back in the minors. Conrad is a decent long-term prospect and could be the heir apparent to Craig Biggio at second base. The other players have little to no Fantasy value in Fantasy leagues at this time.
News: Houston acquired Jason Jennings and pitcher Miguel Asencio from the Rockies on Tuesday for outfielder Willy Taveras and pitchers Taylor Buchholz and Jason Hirsh.
Analysis: Asencio was 1-0 with a 4.70 ERA in three games with the Rockies last season and 8-7 with a 5.03 ERA in 16 starts and 22 relief appearances at Triple-A. He has repeatedly been sidelined over the past three seasons because of multiple operations on his right elbow. Consider Asencio nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of NL-only leagues at this point in his career.
News: Rockies RHP Miguel Asencio has been moved into the bullpen at Triple-A Colorado Springs. "(Asencio) won't start anymore just to see how he performs there to maybe give us an option," manager Clint Hurdle said. "And again, we've got two pitchers down there in (Nate) Field and (Steve) Colyer, and even (Zach) McClellan, who are pitching pretty well down there in their various roles."
Analysis: Asencio might be back at some point, but he is not a useful Fantasy option in most formats.
News: Miguel Asencio was optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs on Sunday, as the team activated Byung-Hung Kim (strained right hamstring).
Analysis: Asencio might be back at some point, but he is not a useful Fantasy option in most formats.
News: The Colorado Rockies will activate right-hander Byung-Hyun Kim from the disabled list in time to start Sunday against the Florida Marlins. Right-hander Miguel Asencio, who earned the win in Saturday night's 8-7 victory over Florida, will be sent to Triple-A Colorado Springs. "We really like his arm, we like him as a starter," Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said. "He needs to be in a regular rotation. He needs to pitch."
Analysis: Asencio was 1-0 with a 4.70 ERA in three games (one start) this season. His win on Saturday was his first since May 2, 2003, with Kansas City. Asencio has come back from multiple operations on his right elbow the previous three seasons. At this point, Asencio should only owned in deeper NL formats and long term keeper leagues.
News: RHP Miguel Asencio will return to Colorado Springs once RHP Byung-Hyun Kim is activated from the disabled list. The Rockies want Asencio to start on a regular basis, building up arm strength.
Analysis: Asencio allowed six runs -- two earned -- and seven hits in just 3 2/3 innings on Tuesday at Philadelphia in a spot start. He also allow two walks and four strikeouts in what is likely his only start before heading back to Triple-A Colorado Springs.
News: Miguel Asencio allowed six runs -- two earned -- and seven hits in just 3 2/3 innings on Tuesday at Philadelphia in a spot start. He also allow two walks and four strikeouts in what is likely his only start before heading back to Triple-A Colorado Springs.
Analysis: Asencio was making his first start in three years since he pitched for the Kansas City Royals, as he bounced back from multiple operations on his right elbow. He is not someone you should consider in any Fantasy league.
News: RHP Miguel Asencio most likely will return to Triple-A Colorado Springs after Tuesday's start in Philadelphia.
Analysis: He has minimal Fantasy appeal in deeper NL-only formats.
News: Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said he was looking forward to RHP Miguel Asencio's first start against the Phillies on Wednesday. Asencio (0-0, 0.00 ERA) started his career in the Phillies organization until the Kansas City Royals selected him the Rule 5 draft in 2001. Asencio was 2-0 with a 3.06 ERA in spring training. "He showed us there was some substance to his pitching in spring training," Hurdle said.
Analysis: He has minimal Fantasy appeal in deeper NL-only formats.
News: The Colorado Rockies designated right-hander Zach Day for assignment Friday and called up Miguel Asencio from Triple-A Colorado Springs.
Analysis: Asencio, 25, also a right-hander, is 0-2 with a 4.70 ERA at Colorado Springs. He has minimal Fantasy appeal as a middle-reliever in deeper NL-only formats.
News: The Colorado Rockies optioned C J.D. Closser, OF Jeff Baker to their minor league camp Tuesday. They also assigned RHP Jose Acevedo, RHP Miguel Asencio, INF Carlos Rivera and INF Ian Stewart to their minor league camp.
Analysis: Asencio has been sidelined the past two seasons with elbow trouble, but he's still a young (25) pitcher. Avoid him on Draft Day.
News: Miguel Asencio worked five strong innings to lead the Colorado Rockies to a 3-2 win over the Texas Rangers on Saturday. Asencio allowed one run and two hits. He struck out three and walked two. The 25-year-old has been out with multiple surgeries to his right elbow, keeping him sidelined since his last major league appearance in May 2003 with the Royals. If Asencio's elbow holds up, he could be one of the first starters called up from Triple-A Colorado Springs if a Rockies starter goes down. "This is the longest outing I've had in three years," Asencio said, "but the strikes felt even better near the end. I don't know where I'll start the season. I just know I have to finish every start strong."
Analysis: Asencio has been sidelined the past two seasons with elbow trouble, but he's still a young (25) pitcher. Unfortunately, he's a middle reliever with the Rockies and Coors Field makes him someone to avoid in Fantasy play.
News: Miguel Asencio gave up three runs (two earned) on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings against San Diego Thursday.
Analysis: Asencio has been sidelined the past two seasons with elbow trouble, but he's still a young (25) pitcher. Unfortunately, he's a middle reliever with the Rockies and Coors Field makes him someone to avoid in Fantasy play.
News: Right-hander Miguel Asencio reached the majors at age 21, and he pitched two seasons for Kansas City before he was sidelined the past two years by right elbow surgery. He worked with a physical therapist and saw limited winter action with Estrellas, which is where Rockies scouts saw him and decided to sign him. First impressions were good. Asencio pitched three shutout innings, striking out four, on Tuesday against the Royals in Surprise, Ariz. "We're just going to let him pitch," manager Clint Hurdle said of plans for Asencio. "Health is the big issue. We saw him (three years ago in spring training) and couldn't get a tick off him, so we know what could be."
Analysis: Asencio is still working his way back from Tommy John surgery. Even when healthy, he's nothing more than a middle reliever in the deepest of NL-only leagues. Coors Field makes him even more worthless.
News: The Rockies agreed to terms with RHP Miguel Asencio on a minor-league contract.
Analysis: Asencio is still working his way back from Tommy John surgery. Even when healthy, he's nothing more than a middle reliever in the deepest of NL-only leagues. Coors Field makes him even more worthless.
News: The Padres placed Miguel Asencio (elbow surgery) on waivers for the purpose of giving him his unconditional release on Monday.
Analysis: Asencio has struggled to return from Tommy John surgery, suffering a setback at the end of June.
News: The San Diego Padres agreed to terms with RHP Miguel Asencio on a one-year contract.
Analysis: Asencio will try to work his way back into the big leagues after not pitching last season. Avoid him until he proves healthy and productive.
News: Miguel Asencio was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday.
Analysis: Asencio, who has "Tommy John" surgery on March 29, will miss the season.
News: Miguel Asencio underwent reconstructive elbow surgery on Monday in Los Angeles, according to the Kansas City Star. He will require 12 to 18 months of rehabilitation.
Analysis: Asencio could return sometime in 2005, but he's not worth retaining on a keeper-league roster.
News: The club announced Miguel Asencio (elbow) will have "Tommy John" surgery and is expected to miss the 2004 season.
Analysis: Asencio has been dealing with elbow problems since May 2003 and is not expected to return to the mound until the 2005 season.
News: The Kansas City Star reports that Miguel Asencio (elbow) will get an MRI. He reported pain in his elbow after throwing two days of long toss Wednesday.
Analysis: Asencio was shelved last season after similar elbow problems.
News: Miguel Asencio reported no new soreness in his elbow after resuming throwing on Monday, according to the Kansas City Star.
Analysis: Asencio remains sidelined another two weeks. He is still in consideration for the fifth starter job if he can prove his health in the near future.
News: Miguel Asencio (elbow) continues to recover, but he is still at least two weeks from taking the mound again. "The doctor said it's OK to let him start playing toss. His symptoms are improving, but he's got a ligament in there that is a cause for concern," trainer Nick Swartz told the Kansas City Star.
Analysis: It is too risky to select Asencio in all but larger AL-only leagues.
News: Miguel Asencio (elbow) might not start throwing for another week or so. "There's been a slight improvement," trainer Nick Swartz told the Kansas City Star. "The discomfort is in a different area than his surgery. But at this point in camp, there's no reason to rush him."
Analysis: Asencio is still worth a roster spot in AL-only leagues, but due to the uncertainty of his return, consider him only for only a $1 bid or in the late-rounds on Draft Day.
News: Miguel Asencio went a second straight day without throwing on Monday after reporting tightness and stiffness in his elbow, according to the Kansas City Star. “Anytime an area that has had surgery on it has discomfort,” general manager Allard Baird said, “to me there's reason for concern. It's not the same spot. But, yeah, I'm concerned.” Asencio is taking anti-inflammatory medication but is not scheduled to undergo an MRI exam, and is unlikely to resume throwing before Friday.
Analysis: Asencio remains a leading candidate to win a rotation spot with the Royals, although this setback could become serious enough to delay the start to his season. Monitor him the next few weeks, as he won't warrant a flier in AL-only leagues if he misses significant time with elbow problems.
News: The Kansas City Star says Miguel Asencio is showing good movement on his pitches as he continues to work his way back from arm surgery. He has experienced some elbow stiffness.
Analysis: Asencio is not expected to be a factor in most Fantasy leagues.
News: The Kansas City Star reports Miguel Asencio (elbow) has been shut down for the season.
Analysis: When healthy, Asencio is not a useful Fantasy pitcher.
News: The Kansas City Star reports Miguel Asencio (elbow) will make a rehab appearance for Double-A Wichita on Sunday.
Analysis: The team expects Asencio to return before the end of the season. He has no Fantasy appeal.
News: The Kansas City Star notes that Miguel Ascencio (elbow) pitched one inning for the Royals' advanced rookie league team. "We were pleased," Royals general manager Allard Baird said. "He made 17 pitches between 86-88 mph. His fastball had pretty good life down. He had some inconsistencies in his delivery, but his arm felt really great."
Analysis: Ascencio might return later this season, but probably won't pitch enough to warrant Fantasy consideration. He was 2-1 with a 5.21 ERA before he went on the 15-day disabled list on May 15.
News: The Kansas City Star reports that Miguel Asencio threw off a mound over the weekend in Surprise, Ariz., for the first time since undergoing elbow surgery.
Analysis: Asencio has an outside chance of being activated in September, but he's highly unlikely to post any useful Fantasy stats when healthy.
News: Miguel Asencio (elbow surgery) was transferred from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list.
Analysis: Asencio might return in September, but he should not be on anyone's Fantasy roster.
News: Miguel Asencio had a bone chip removed from his right elbow Thursday in Los Angeles, according to the Kansas City Star. He remains on track for a September return. "That may very well have been a contributing factor to what he was feeling on the lateral joint of the elbow," Royals trainer Nick Swartz said. "They did go in and look at that joint. It had quite a bit of inflammation. They cleaned that end of it up. Nothing else was done."
Analysis: Asencio isn't worth keeping on a Fantasy roster awaiting his return. Even if he pitches in September, he'll be using any time he gets in to build up arm strength.
News: Miguel Asencio is unlikely to return to the Royals' rotation until September, according to the Kansas City Star. He will undergo surgery on Thursday.
Analysis: Asencio will miss a minimum of six to eight weeks.
News: According to the team's official website, Asencio will undergo elbow surgery on June 19. He is expected to miss six to eight weeks. "It's an arthrosocopic clean out of the joint on the outside of his right elbow," team trainer Nick Swartz said.
Analysis: Asencio might return in late August or early September. He should not be on anyone's Fantasy roster.
News: The Kansas City Star reports that Miguel Asencio received a cortisone injection Tuesday to help with his sore right elbow. "The biggest thing is trying to eliminate the last of the swelling," Royals trainer Nick Swartz said. "We'll go from there." Asencio won't resume playing catch for another day or two, and surgery is possible if this treatment is unsuccessful.
Analysis: Asencio is still not out of the woods yet, and if he has surgery, he might miss a substantial part or all of the season. He doesn't warrant attention in Fantasy leagues right now.
News: The Kansas City Star reports that Miguel Asencio (elbow) will get a second opinion from Dr. Lewis Yocum in Los Angeles this week. Royals general manager Allard Baird said that Asencio's inflammation has subsided somewhat, but the right-hander has still not been cleared to throw.
Analysis: There remains no timetable for Asencio's return to the rotation. He might still miss considerable time pending results of the examination.
News: The Kansas City Star reports that Miguel Asencio (elbow inflammation) has noticed no change in his injury. He is uncertain when he will test his arm again.
Analysis: Asencio is out indefinitely. He's no longer useful in Fantasy leagues.
News: The Kansas City Star reports that Miguel Asencio (elbow) is likely to throw a long-toss workout prior to Tuesday's game against Seattle.
Analysis: There remains no timetable for Asencio's return to the Royals' rotation.
News: Miguel Asencio was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to right elbow inflammation. The move is retroactive to May 16. The Kansas City Star says he will miss at least two starts.
Analysis: Kyle Snyder is expected to pitch on Friday in his absence. Asencio has minimal Fantasy appeal when healthy.
News: Miguel Asencio's next start will be pushed back to Friday. He will have had eight days in between starts.
Analysis: Unless the matchup is favorable, Asencio has minimal value as a Fantasy player.
News: The Kansas City Star reports that Miguel Asencio will pitch on six days' rest Thursday against Minnesota. Runelvys Hernandez has been moved up and will start on Wednesday.
Analysis: Asencio is a risky Fantasy starter, and this isn't a favorable matchup for those with daily transactions.
News: Miguel Asencio allowed eight earned runs, 10 hits and two walks in six innings on Friday.
Analysis: Asencio did not pitch as poorly as the numbers indicate, but that does not matter in Fantasy. Friday was Asencio's worst start of the season. He has pitched at least six innings in each of his past five starts.
News: Thursday's game between Baltimore and Kansas City was postponed due to rain. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Friday.
Analysis: Rick Helling and Sidney Ponson will face Miguel Asencio and Runelvys Hernandez in the twinbill.
News: Miguel Asencio pitched his first-career complete game Friday at Baltimore to halt Kansas City's season-high four game losing streak. He allowed two earned runs, seven hits and three walks. He also struck out six batters to improve to 2-0.
Analysis: Despite the impressive performance, Asencio still only has minimal Fantasy appeal in AL-only leagues.
News: Miguel Asencio might start Thursday's game at Boston or Friday's game at Baltimore. He has been getting lit up in the first inning this season. According to the Kansas City Star, he will work a simulated inning in the bullpen prior to his start.
Analysis: Opponents are batting .458 against Asencio in the first inning and .299 overall. He is not a useful Fantasy starter in AL-only leagues.
News: The Kansas City Star says Miguel Ascenio will likely open the season as the Royals' third starter. "If we broke camp right now," Tony Pena said, "Asencio would be my third starter. The fourth and fifth, we're still talking about."
Analysis: Ascencio won't be a quality Fantasy starter in 2003.
News: Asencio was shelled on Friday night, allowing five earned runs, two hits and issuing five walks. He was able to record only two outs in the first inning before leaving the game. He had missed his previous start because of fatigue. It does not appear he is fully healthy and should be reserved or dropped, as he may be optioned to Triple-A Omaha or relegated to the bullpen.
Analysis:
News: Asencio will have his scheduled start on Wednesday skipped because of fatigue. Mac Suzuki will start in his place. It hasn't been determined when Suzuki will make his next start.
Analysis:
News: Asencio, who pitched well in his last start, will start on Sunday against St. Louis, according to The Kansas City Star. Unless he has a few more solid starts, however, picking up Asencio is not advised.
Analysis:
News: Asencio will return to the Royals' bullpen and The Kansas City Star reports that he will be used as a long reliever. Asencio allowed only four earned runs in 11 innings in two starts. However, he will be useless in his new role.
Analysis:
