seanjweb

Two big deals in as many days involving NL East teams.  I wonder if the Cardinals will do anything to "keep pace."  On to the Game Notes!

"After the game, the Pirates announced that OF Steve Pearce will be optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis to make room for RHP Ian Snell, who will be activated from the disabled list to start Tuesday's game against the Astros."  Pearce isn't the news in this Game Note.  The return of Snell to the Pirates lineup is good news for the Bucs and Snell owners.  Snell says he's feeling "better than I have all year" while he's coming off the DL.  Caution should be used before adding him to your lineup.  Let's see how he holds up after his first start.

"Boston optioned RHP Justin Masterson to Triple-A Pawtucket earlier in the day and recalled 1B Jeff Bailey. The club plans to convert Masterson into a reliever."  I didn't see this one coming.  Masterson  has been a decent replacement for the Red Sox while their starters had a rash of injuries.  The desire to get Clay Buchholz back into the rotation left little room for Masterson.  The Sox are looking to convert him into an 8th inning set up man for Jonathan Papelbon.  The move kills Masterson's value in H2H leagues.  For roto leagues, his low ERA and WHIP still provide some value, but others middle relivers are better options.

"The Rangers announced after the game that RHP Vicente Padilla (neck strain, bruised thumb) will not make his scheduled start Wednesday. Washington said RHP Matt Harrison will be called up from Triple-A Oklahoma to start Tuesday night's game against the Angels. RHP Eric Hurley, who was scratched from a start last Saturday because of a tight left hamstring, will be given extra rest."  Padilla obviously needs the time off with his ERA ballooning following two rough starts.  Despite the increased ERA and WHIP, Padilla's K to BBI ratio makes him a viable fantasy pitcher because he wins.  Keep him reserved until after the All Star break.

"Marlins RHP Josh Johnson, who hasn't pitched in the big leagues since July 4, 2007, will be activated on Thursday and start against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He underwent reconstructive elbow surgery on Aug. 3."  I think he will do well for the Marlins.  Most pitchers coming off Tommy John surgery begin to see success - if they have any - about 12 months after the surgery. I would counsel patience before you use a waiver wire pick up on him. The only exception would be if you are in a deep league or an NL-only league.

"The Mariners plan to push LHP Erik Bedard's next start back and Riggleman acknowledged the team is considering shelving their ace until after the All-Star break. Bedard (4-5) has won his last two starts but has been bothered by tightness in his pitching shoulder."  There are no surpises here.  Bedard has not pitched to his reputation or his contract.  The irony of leaving Baltimore for a "contender" has to be killing him.  Bedard owners already have him shelved while they wait for him to get out of his funk. It looks like they will keep him sidelined a few more.

Streakers! "Damion Easley extended his hitting streak to nine with an RBI single in the first...Ryan Howard singled in the second, upping his hitting streak to a season-high 10...Holliday extended his hitting streak to 11 games."

DL Updates: "Red Sox DH David Ortiz, on the DL since May 31 because of a partial tear of the sheath that surrounds the tendon in his left wrist, took his first live batting practice before the game and said he felt "good."..A's DH Frank Thomas underwent an MRI on Monday but the results were not immediately available. Thomas is on the DL with a right quadriceps injury...Seattle expects closer J.J. Putz to make at least two rehab appearances before coming off the DL following the All-Star break."