CATCHER
The Rangers acquired Ivan
Rodriguez from the Astros for 3 minor leaguers. Pudge returns to Texas and can provide Taylor Teagarden with a
platoon-mate while Jarrod Saltalamacchia is on the DL. Jason Varitek sat out 4 games with a sore
neck, but was able to return at the end of the week.
FIRST
BASE
Detroit acquired Aubrey Huff
from Baltimore. Huff will see fewer at
bats as a DH and pinch hitter which will shave even more of his fantasy
value. The Orioles recalled Michael
Aubrey to take over at first base.
Justin Morneau missed 6 games after experiencing dizziness. Nick Johnson's hamstring is still hurting, a
DL trip is likely. Arizona sent Josh
Whitesell to AAA and recalled Brandon Allen.
SECOND
BASE
Freddy Sanchez has played in
less than half of the games since being dealt by Pittsburgh. He's battling a sore shoulder and the Giants
may finally opt to place him on the DL.
Martin Prado had to travel back to Atlanta to undergo more testing for
the cause of his headaches. Brandon
Phillips had to exit Thursday game early with a sore wrist.
SHORTSTOP
Ryan Theriot is back in the
lineup after missing Sunday and Monday's game with the stomach flu. Mets placed SS Alex Cora on
the 15-day disabled list with torn thumb ligaments. The multiple injuries that have plagued the Mets in 2009 are just
plain bizarre.
THIRD
BASE
David Wright landed on the DL
after being hit in the head by a Matt Cain fastball. Kansas City sent Alex Gordon back to AAA in an attempt to delay
his free agent status. Milwaukee sent
Bill Hall to Seattle for Ruben Flores.
At least Hall will get another chance to receive regular at bats. Scott Rolen returned from the 15-day DL.
OUTFIELD
The Braves placed Nate
McLouth on the 15-day DL with a strained hamstring. Carlos Gonzalez has been on fire in August hitting 5 bombs over
the last 7 contests, but he finally met his match. He cut his hand with a steak knife at home and will be sidelined
for the next several games. Travis
Snider is 6 for 18 with 2 HRs since being recalled from AAA. Cleveland placed Trevor Crowe on the DL and
recalled Matt LaPorta. Both Snider and
LaPorta have the upside to be on AL only rosters for the last part of the
season. The Reds brought speedster Drew
Stubbs up from Louisville after placing Willy Taveras on the 15-day DL. Boston waived recently acquired Chris
Duncan. Texas activated Nelson Cruz off
of the disabled list.
STARTING
PITCHER
John Smoltz had a triumphant
return to the NL by tossing 5 innings without giving up a run against the
Padres. It was San Diego, but it's a
good sign. The Dodgers signed castaway Vincente Padilla and placed Hiroki
Kuroda on the 15-day DL. The Mets
released Livan Hernandez. The Reds sent
struggling Johnny Cueto to the DL with shoulder fatigue. He's been awful and definitely needs some
time off. Justin Duchscherer is out for
the rest of the season due to clinical depression. Colorado placed Aaron Cook on the 15-day DL.
RELIEF
PITCHER
Kevin Gregg blew his 6th save
of the season forcing Lou Pinella to turn the closer duties over to Carlos
Marmol. Boston claimed Billy Wagner off
of waivers. Wagner will still have to
waive his no trade clause if a deal is consummated. George Sherrill notched his first save for the Dodgers on
Saturday. Jonathon Broxton has
repeatedly struggled throughout 2009, but his doesn't look like a permanent shift.
