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Jose Bautista, 3B, Toronto Blue JaysFriday 5/2, 11:26 PM CT
Jose Bautista homered twice and drove in four runs as the Pirates defeated Washington 11-4 on Friday night.

Our View: The Pittsburgh third baseman now has three home runs on the season along with 12 RBI, 12 runs scored and a stolen base.
Carlos Villanueva, P, Milwaukee BrewersFriday 5/2, 11:19 PM CT
Carlos Villanueva retired the first 11 batters in Friday night's game against Houston, but suffered his third loss of the season in a 7-4 defeat at the hands of the Astros. The Brewers' right-hander allowed six runs on nine hits, walked none and struck out four in five innings of work.

Our View: Close to losing his rotation spot when Yovani Gallardo returned from a spring training knee injury, Villanueva did little to help himself in tonight's loss. His ERA rose to 5.56 over his six '08 starts.
Ian Desmond, SS, Washington NationalsFriday 5/2, 11:09 PM CT
Ian Desmond went 2-for-4 with his fourth home run of the season for Double-A Harrisburg on Friday.

Our View: Desmond was one of Washington’s best position prospects entering this season, but he has not handled the bat well at Double-A. He is hitting just .217, though his four home runs and four steals do show some fantasy upside if he can improve his approach.
Nathan Panther, OF, Cleveland IndiansFriday 5/2, 11:09 PM CT
Nathan Panther went 2-for-3 with his second home run of the season for Double-A Akron on Friday.

Our View: Panther is more than just a great name. The outfielder is old for Double-A at age 26, but he is showing outstanding on-base skills for the second straight season (.393 OBP). Panther has shown some pop, so he could still have a career as a backup outfielder.
Ty Wigginton, 3B, Houston AstrosFriday 5/2, 11:04 PM CT
Ty Wigginton returned to Houston's lineup Friday night after missing 22 games with a fractured thumb. The versatile infielder was 1-for-4 with one strikeout.

Our View: Wigginton, considered a sleeper candidate in NL-only formats, has played in only six total games.
Hunter Pence, RF, Houston AstrosFriday 5/2, 11:02 PM CT
Hunter Pence enters May just like the Texas weather, warming up. The Houston outfielder hit a pair of home runs, one in the fifth inning and another in the eighth, helping the Astros beat the Brewers 7-4 in a come from behind victory.

Our View: Pence now has three home runs on the season along with his 14 runs scored, 13 RBI and one stolen base.
Carlos Gomez, CF, Minnesota TwinsFriday 5/2, 10:59 PM CT
Carlos Gomez left Friday's win over the Tigers in the fifth inning after being hit in the head by a throw from Ivan Rodriguez while stealing second.

Our View: After being examined by the team trainers Gomez was ruled healthy and is expected to be available on Saturday.
Livan Hernandez, P, Colorado RockiesFriday 5/2, 10:57 PM CT
Livan Hernandez did something not too many pitchers have done recently by shutting down the Detroit offense. The veteran gave up just one run on eight hits to bounce back from a poor performance against Texas.

Our View: Hernandez struck out four and walked two lowering his ERA to 4.43 in the 11-1 win over the Tigers.
Mike Jacobs, 1B, Florida MarlinsFriday 5/2, 10:41 PM CT
Florida's Mike Jacobs, nursing a sprained middle finger on his right hand, started at first base in Friday's game. The slugger was 0-for-4 on the night with one strikeout.

Our View: The Florida first baseman has 17 RBI, 13 runs, one stolen base and seven home runs so far this season.
Mark Hendrickson, P, Florida MarlinsFriday 5/2, 10:36 PM CT
Mark Hendrickson allowed three runs on five hits in a 6-4 win over San Diego. The win helped the Fish end a three-game losing streak. The Marlins left-hander walked one and struck out two in seven solid innings of work.

Our View: Surprisingly, Hendrickson is now 5-1 on the season with a 3.68 ERA and 1.23 WHIP.
Erik Bedard, P, Seattle MarinersFriday 5/2, 10:08 PM CT
Erik Bedard was the victim of poor glove work by his infielders, and in his second start since returning from a hip injury, was outstanding. He allowed four hits in seven innings, none after the second, and struck out six and walked one, retiring his final 14 batters.

Our View: Bedard is traditionally a slow starter but his last two starts offer plenty of evidence he's healthy and ready to help the Mariners win games this summer.
Edinson Volquez, P, Cincinnati RedsFriday 5/2, 9:40 PM CT
Edinson Volquez failed to win his fifth straight game in a 2-0 loss to the Braves on Friday night. The right-hander allowed two runs on five hits in six innings of work. He struck out nine and walked two.

Our View: One of the runs Volquez allowed was unearned and he finished the Friday loss with a 1.27 ERA. A very good outing for the Reds' rookie, but without any run support he was never in a position to receive a win.
Brian McCann, C, Atlanta BravesFriday 5/2, 9:30 PM CT
Brian McCann hit his sixth homer of the season in Friday's 2-0 win over the Reds and Edinson Volquez.

Our View: McCann had a terrific April -- and his .275 average, 15 runs scored and 14 RBI so far this year -- makes him the top fantasy catcher in the league.
Tim Hudson, P, Atlanta BravesFriday 5/2, 9:23 PM CT
Tim Hudson pitched his 11th career shutout as the Atlanta Braves ended a season-high four-game losing streak with a 2-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night.

Our View: His shutout comes on the heels of allowing opponents to hit nearly .400 against him over the last three games, and leaving his last start in the third inning in a loss to the Mets.
Chien-Ming Wang, P, New York YankeesFriday 5/2, 9:19 PM CT
Chien-Ming Wang became the American League's first six-game winner, ending the Yankees' three-game losing streak with a 5-1 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Friday night.

Our View: Wang threw six scoreless innings before giving the ball to Kyle Farnsworth, Joba Chamberlain and Mariano Rivera to complete the Yankees victory. Wang is now 7-0 in his career against the Mariners.
Mark Buehrle, P, Chicago White SoxFriday 5/2, 9:14 PM CT
Mark Buehrle gave up two unearned runs and allowed only five hits in eight innings of work on Friday night, but still suffered a 2-0 loss to the Blue Jays.

Our View: When things are going bad, games like this seem to follow a pitcher around. The White Sox right-hander hasn't won since April 6 at Detroit, a span of four starts.
Luis Gonzalez, 2B, Colorado RockiesFriday 5/2, 8:53 PM CT
Luis Gonzalez hit his third home run of the season in Friday's 6-4 win over the Padres.

Our View: Gonzalez, who is filling in for the injured Josh Willingham, will see the bulk of the playing time and the at-bats filling in for the Marlins starting left fielder, Willingham, until he returns from the disabled list.
Dan Uggla, 2B, Florida MarlinsFriday 5/2, 8:50 PM CT
Dan Uggla hit two home runs and the Marlins defeated the San Diego Padres 6-4 on Friday night.

Our View: Uggla's second homer was a three-run shot off Justin Germano that traveled over the left-field scoreboard.
Scott Downs, P, Toronto Blue JaysFriday 5/2, 8:44 PM CT
Scott Downs picked up his second save of the season in Friday's 2-0 win over the White Sox. The Jays right-hander pitched two-thirds of an inning to help Shawn Marcum earn his third victory of the year.

Our View: Downs, Jeremy Accardo, Jess Carson and Shawn Camp combined for 2.1 innings of work to help in the win. B.J. Ryan worked the ninth inning in Thursday's win over Boston, and was not available for tonight's save. Ryan has not been cleared to pitch on back-to-back days as he continues to recover from his 2007 TJ surgery.
Shaun Marcum, P, Toronto Blue JaysFriday 5/2, 8:39 PM CT
Shaun Marcum struck out nine and lowered his ERA to 2.70 in Friday night's 2-0 win over the White Sox. The Blue Jays right-hander allowed just two hits and walked three in his third win of the year.

Our View: The Jays rotation is pitching lights out. After shutting down the Red Sox in the three-game series at Fenway, they begin a home stand by shutting down the Sox.
Mike Hampton, P, Atlanta BravesFriday 5/2, 8:23 PM CT
MLB.com reports that those who predicted that Mike Hampton wouldn't throw a pitch for the Braves this season are moving closer to being correct. When Hampton exited Wednesday afternoon's Minor League rehab start with Triple-A Richmond because of more discomfort in his left pectoral muscle, the Braves knew the news wasn't good. After they had a chance to talk to the 35-year-old hurler, they came to understand that his exit wasn't simply a precautionary action. "I did it worse than before," said Hampton, who originally strained the left pectoral muscle approximately 10 minutes before making his scheduled April 3 start against the Pirates. "I don't know what kind of timetable there is for this. All I know is it's pretty bad."

Our View: Those still waiting for Hampton to return, can stop waiting.
Rich Hill, P, Chicago CubsFriday 5/2, 8:14 PM CT
Rich Hill's days in the Cubs rotation may have come to an end. The left-hander was pulled after walking four and allowing one run in the first inning of Friday night's game in St. Louis.

Our View: Either Jon Lieber or Sean Marshall are in line to fill the No. 5 slot in the rotation if Hill is send down.
Jimmy Rollins, SS, Philadelphia PhilliesFriday 5/2, 7:44 PM CT
Jimmy Rollins won't be ready for Monday's game, the first day he's eligible to be activated from the disabled list, but the Phillies shortstop is hoping to be ready for Thursday's series finale against the D-backs, this according to MLB.com. "Mother's Day is coming up," Rollins said, referring to playing next Sunday in San Francisco, where his mother and biggest fan, Gigi Rollins, will be in the stands.

Our View: Rollins ran the bases on Thursday, and did some additional running on Friday. If all goes well, Rollins will return on Thursday, Sunday at the latest.
Peter Moylan, P, Atlanta BravesFriday 5/2, 7:23 PM CT
There still hasn't been anything officially announced concerning reliever Peter Moylan's elbow, and while season-ending surgery is still a possibility, it's not a given, this according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. After two weeks of resting his elbow, in which a bone spur is growing into a ligament, Moylan has felt good enough to begin throwing again.

Our View: After three days of playing catch, he's set to throw in the bullpen Saturday to give the elbow a test. After feeling "pretty good" throwing from 120 feet Friday, Moylan is not ruling out a return this season.
Russell Martin, C, Los Angeles DodgersFriday 5/2, 7:15 PM CT
Russell Martin is starting at third base tonight as the Dodgers play Colorado at Coors Field. Gary Bennett is starting behind the plate.

Our View: It is Martin's first career start at third base.
Hanley Ramirez, SS, Florida MarlinsFriday 5/2, 7:05 PM CT
Hanley Ramirez is hitting from the No. 3 spot on Friday night. Many believe that the Marlins usual leadoff man, is a natural third-spot hitter. The switch comes in the Marlins' 29th game. Center fielder Alfredo Amezaga is hitting at the top of the order.

Our View: Manager Fredi Gonzalez had kicked around the idea for a while, but with left fielder Josh Willingham on the disabled list Ramirez is needed in the meat of the order.
Jorge Posada, C, New York YankeesFriday 5/2, 6:48 PM CT
Jorge Posada was ordered to not pick up a bat or throw a ball for at least the next two weeks, this according to MLB.com. However, the good news is that Posada will not need surgery on his injured throwing shoulder.

Our View: The understanding is that Posada won't return to active duty for at least 4-8 weeks. Jose Molina will see the majority of the playing time while Posada is out.
Casey Blake, 3B, Los Angeles DodgersFriday 5/2, 6:38 PM CT
Indians' manager Eric Wedge moved Franklin Gutierrez, who is batting .471 over his last four games, up to the No. 2 spot, and lowered Casey Blake to No. 8 slot for Friday's game against the Royals.

Our View: With a lineup full of players scuffling with the bad, Wedge who is not afraid to change his lineup card, has had to get creative this week. Travis Hafner is hitting from the No. 6 spot.
Jason Hammel, P, Tampa Bay RaysFriday 5/2, 6:30 PM CT
The Rays manager Joe Maddon made it official today that Jason Hammel is headed to the bullpen to clear a rotation spot for Scott Kazmir, this according to the Tampa Tribune.

Our View: Hammel was 2-2 with a 4.88 ERA in five starts, walking 12 and striking out 15 in 27.2 innings.
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF, Boston Red SoxFriday 5/2, 6:27 PM CT
Jacoby Ellsbury is back in the starting lineup Friday, playing center field and batting leadoff. The Boston and Tampa Bay game is currently in a rain delay.

Our View: Ellsbury has missed the last three games with a sore groin.
Paul Konerko, 1B, Chicago White SoxFriday 5/2, 6:22 PM CT
Paul Konerko (hand) will not be in the starting lineup against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday night.

Our View: Konerko will be available to pinch-hit if necessary.
Ian Kennedy, P, New York YankeesFriday 5/2, 6:18 PM CT
According to the Yankees' team website, the Yankees will only need a fifth starter three times in May so the team considered sending right-hander Ian Kennedy to Triple-A to work on his delivery. The 23-year-old allowed four runs in 4 2/3 innings in a no-decision on Thursday and is 0-2 with a 8.37 ERA through six games this year.

Our View: Kennedy stated after Thursday's start that he did not feel he would benefit from being sent to Triple-A. "I feel fine," Kennedy said. "I think it would make me more frustrated. I think it's just [helpful] to be out there more and work my situations out on the mound. This past week, I've been throwing really good bullpens, and my work has been really good."
Jose Veras, P, New York YankeesFriday 5/2, 6:05 PM CT
The Yankees finally filled their open spot on the 25-man roster by recalling right-hander Jose Veras from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Veras takes the roster spot left open by right-hander Phil Hughes, who was placed on the disabled list on Wednesday.

Our View: Veras, 27, had nine saves and a 1.38 ERA in 13 relief appearances at Triple-A, allowing eight hits while walking four and striking out 21 over 13 innings. The Yankees plan to call up right-hander Darrell Rasner from Triple-A to make Sunday's start against the Mariners meaning Veras' time with the parent club could be short.
Gregor Blanco, CF, Atlanta BravesFriday 5/2, 5:54 PM CT
Gregor Blanco is making making the start over Matt Diaz in left field on Friday night versus the Reds.

Our View: Manager Bobby Cox hasn't officially called it a platoon, but it appears that Blanco and Matt Diaz will continue to split time in left field.
Kelly Johnson, 2B, Atlanta BravesFriday 5/2, 5:52 PM CT
Kelly Johnson, who has missed the last two games due to lower back soreness, is back in the starting lineup Friday against the Reds and Edinson Volquez.

Our View: Johnson is hitting .241 with 14 runs scored, 12 RBI and three stolen bases in 23 games.
Shane Victorino, CF, Philadelphia PhilliesFriday 5/2, 5:49 PM CT
Shane Victorino is starting in center field and hitting from the leadoff spot for the second straight night.

Our View: Victorino returned from the disabled list (strained right calf) on Wednesday, but didn't return to the regular duty until Thursday.
Miguel Olivo, C, Kansas City RoyalsFriday 5/2, 5:44 PM CT
Backup catcher Miguel Olivo is filling the Royals designated hitter role on Friday night. Billy Butler is at first base and Ross Gload has the night off.

Our View: Olivo will occasionally hit from the designated hitter spot as manager Trey Hillman likes his backup catcher's bat in the lineup.
Gabe Gross, RF, Tampa Bay RaysFriday 5/2, 5:17 PM CT
Gabe Gross, recently acquired from the Brewers for right-handed pitcher Josh Butler, is starting in center field for the injured B.J. Upton.

Our View: Gross has played in 23 total games this year with the Brewers and Rays, and his hitting a soft .183 with seven runs scored, three RBI and two stolen bases.
Brandon Moss, RF, Pittsburgh PiratesFriday 5/2, 5:03 PM CT
Brandon Moss is in Friday's starting lineup as the Red Sox battle the first place Tampa Bay Rays and Edwin Jackson. The 24-year old is playing right field for the injured J.D. Drew.

Our View: Moss has played in five games this year and is hitting .235 with one run, two RBI and a home run. The recent call-up spent most of his time at first base in Triple-A Pawtucket.
Wladimir Balentien, RF, Seattle MarinersFriday 5/2, 4:59 PM CT
Wladimir Balentien is starting in right field for the third straight game as the Mariners invade the Evil Empire for the first game of a three-game set.

Our View: Balentien made a splash in his debut on Wednesday going 2-for-4 with three RBI and a home run.
Jamie Burke, C, Seattle MarinersFriday 5/2, 4:55 PM CT
Jamie Burke is in the lineup tonight against the Yankees and playing catcher. Usual starter, Kenji Johjima, is struggling at the plate and is on the bench for the second straight night.

Our View: Burke has the pleasure of facing Chien-Ming Wang, who has a 6-0 lifetime record against the Mariners, and is in the best form of his American career.
Jeff Clement, C, Seattle MarinersFriday 5/2, 4:48 PM CT
Jeff Clement is in the starting lineup for the second straight night. The left-handed hitter has a tough test tonight against Chien-Ming Wang who is in top form.

Our View: Clement has only three official at-bats in his first two games with one hit and a walk to his credit.
Alberto Gonzalez, SS, Washington NationalsFriday 5/2, 4:44 PM CT
Alberto Gonzalez is starting at second base on Friday night and hitting ninth against Seattle southpaw Erik Bedard.

Our View: Gonzalez is giving starter Robinson Cano the night off. Cano is hitting a puny .151 and manager Joe Girardi is trying to cut back on his left-handed heavy lineup against M's starter Bedard.
Shelley Duncan, 1B, New York YankeesFriday 5/2, 4:39 PM CT
Shelley Duncan is batting fourth and starting at first base tonight when the Yankees host Seattle and starter Erik Bedard in the first of a three-game set.

Our View: Duncan hit cleanup on Thursday night when the Tigers sent Nate Robertson to the mound. Currently Yanks skipper Joe Girardi is hogtied when trying to sport a lineup to throw at opposing left-handers.
Josh Willingham, LF, Florida MarlinsFriday 5/2, 4:18 PM CT
The Marlins placed outfielder Josh Willingham on the 15-day disabled list Friday with a back injury. The move is retroactive to April 18.

Our View: Willingham was hitting .341 with a terrific OBP of .406. Luis Gonzalez will receive the bulk of the at-bats while he's is out.
Brian Buscher, 3B, Minnesota TwinsFriday 5/2, 4:00 PM CT
The Twins optioned Brian Buscher to Triple-A Rochester Friday. Buscher picked up two hits in eight at-bats in his time with the team.
Adam Everett, SS, Minnesota TwinsFriday 5/2, 3:59 PM CT
The Twins activated Adam Everett from the DL Friday. He has been out since a shoulder strain. To make room on the roster, Brian Buscher was sent to Triple-A Rochester.

Our View: Everett isn't going to hit enough to help out your fantasy squad.
Brett Carroll, RF, Florida MarlinsFriday 5/2, 3:49 PM CT
Brett Carroll is expected to be recalled by the Marlins to replace the injured Josh Willingham on the roster, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Caroll had a triple in eight at-bats earlier this year with the Fish. He was hitting .418 with nine homers and 23 RBI in 67 at-bats with Triple-A Albuquerque.

Our View: Carroll could get some playing time in left against southpaws. He may be worth a flyer in NL-only play.
Josh Willingham, LF, Florida MarlinsFriday 5/2, 3:45 PM CT
Josh Willingham appears headed to the DL due to his neck injury, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. The outfielder hasn't played since Sunday because of the injury. Brett Carroll is expected to be recalled.

Our View: Tough break for Willingham owners, as Josh was off to a blistering start. He'll be eligible to come back on the 13th.
Lance Cormier, P, Baltimore OriolesFriday 5/2, 3:39 PM CT
The Orioles purchased the contract of Lance Cormier from Triple-A Norfolk Friday. He's posted a 0.96 ERA in nine games with Norfolk this season.

Our View: Cormier pitched in relief at Triple-A, but he's also been a starter in the past. It's possible he could get a spot start somewhere down the road.
Randor Bierd, P, Baltimore OriolesFriday 5/2, 3:37 PM CT
The Orioles placed Randor Bierd on the DL Friday with a shoulder impingement. The Rule 5 pick boasts a 2.03 ERA in nine games this year. Lance Cormier had his contract purchased from Triple-A Norfolk to replace him on the roster.

Our View: Bierd has pretty much already earned a roster spot for the entire season. It's not clear when he'll ready for activation.
Kurt Birkins, P, Tampa Bay RaysFriday 5/2, 3:33 PM CT
Kurt Birkins will stick around for at least a few more days, though he could be sent down on Sunday when Scott Kazmir is activated, according to the Tampa Tribune. Birkins holds a 1.50 ERA in four games this year.
Al Reyes, P, New York MetsFriday 5/2, 3:31 PM CT
Al Reyes isn't quite ready to be activated from the DL, according to the Tampa Tribune. The veteran is coming back from a shoulder impingement.

Our View: It's not clear when Reyes will return, but he appears close.
Jason Hammel, P, Tampa Bay RaysFriday 5/2, 3:27 PM CT
The Tampa Tribune speculates that Jason Hammel is likely to be demoted to the bullpen when Scott Kazmir returns to the rotation on Sunday.

Our View: Hammel had pitched pretty well before his last start, in which he gave up three runs on on six hits and four walks over just 2 2/3 innings. He's out of options, so the Rays can't send him down without passing him through waivers first.
Justin Ruggiano, RF, Tampa Bay RaysFriday 5/2, 3:17 PM CT
The Rays recalled Justin Ruggiano from Triple-A Durham Friday. He had three hits in 10 at-bats earlier this year with Tampa.

Our View: Ruggiano was brought up as insurance with B.J. Upton banged up. His stay figures to be a short one.
Gary Glover, P, Detroit TigersFriday 5/2, 3:16 PM CT
The Rays placed Gary Glover on the DL Friday with right shoulder tendinitis, according to the Tampa Tribune. Outfielder Justin Ruggiano replaces Glover on the roster.

Our View: Glover has somehow managed to post a 1.69 ERA in nine games despite a 4/7 K/BB rate. He'll likely be replaced in the bullpen by Jason Hammel, who is expected to be moved to relief when Scott Kazmir is activated Sunday.
Kevin Hart, P, Chicago CubsFriday 5/2, 2:59 PM CT
The Cubs optioned Kevin Hart to Triple-A Iowa Friday. He posted a 5.06 ERA in 10 games but did strike out 13 in 16 innings. Veteran Chad Fox replaced him on the roster.

Our View: We're not sure why the Cubs think Fox is a better option than Hart.
Chad Fox, P, Chicago CubsFriday 5/2, 2:58 PM CT
The Cubs purchased the contract of reliever Chad Fox from Double-A Tennessee Friday. The 37-year-old hasn't pitched in the majors since 2005 and gave up four runs in his lone appearance for Tennessee. He did throw four scoreless innings at High-A Daytona. Fox replaces Kevin Hart on the roster.
Dave Bush, P, Milwaukee BrewersFriday 5/2, 2:41 PM CT
Dave Bush has been recalled from Triple-A Nashville to replace the injured Yovani Gallardo on the roster. The right-hander held a 6.75 ERA in four starts with the Brewers last month. He allowed one run and struck out seven over six innings in his lone start at Triple-A.

Our View: Bush earned his spot back by default, but he should remain in the rotation for the foreseeable future.
Adam Russell, P, Chicago White SoxFriday 5/2, 2:12 PM CT
The White Sox recalled Adam Russell from Triple-A Charlotte Friday to take Alexei Ramirez's spot on the roster. The reliever posted a 3.27 ERA with 11 Ks in 11 innings for Charlotte.

Our View: Russell will likely be with the team only four days while until Ramirez comes off the restricted list.
Alexei Ramirez, 2B, Chicago White SoxFriday 5/2, 2:10 PM CT
The White Sox have placed Alexei Ramirez on the restricted list while the Cuban defector deals with visa problems. Ramirez is unable to travel with the team north of the border to Toronto. Reliever Adam Russell was recalled to take Ramirez's spot on the roster.

Our View: Ramirez figures to be activated on Tuesday when the team hosts the Twins in Chicago.
John Lackey, P, Los Angeles AngelsFriday 5/2, 2:05 PM CT
John Lackey is scheduled to make his third rehab start on Sunday with Class-A Rancho Cucamonga, according to the Orange County Register. His fourth rehab outing will likely come in extended spring training, and if he doesn't have any setbacks he'll return to the Angels rotation around May 14.

Our View: Lackey has looked good thus far, giving up two runs in five innings with seven Ks. Keep a watchful eye on his return date, because you'll probably want to activate him right away.
Yovani Gallardo, P, Milwaukee BrewersFriday 5/2, 1:51 PM CT
Yovani Gallardo appeared to have escaped serious injury in a collision at first base in Thursday's game, as he was able to stay in the game. It turns out that's not the case, as an exam Friday morning revealed Gallardo suffered a torn ACL, an injury that could sideline the hurler for the rest of the season, according to MLB.com. No decision will be made on surgery until the swelling subsides. He has been placed on the DL, with Dave Bush replacing him on the roster.

Our View: What a huge blow to the Brewers and fantasy owners alike. Bush will replace Gallardo in the rotation.
Jeff Baker, 2B, Colorado RockiesFriday 5/2, 1:46 PM CT
With the injury to Troy Tulowitzki, Clint Barmes will be the regular shortstop, and GM Dan O'Dowd has said he'd like to "finally see what we have in Jeff" at second base. The Jeff he's referring to is Jeff Baker, who got a crash course at second base over the offseason and in spring training after playing mostly in the outfield and at first base in his first three years in the league. However, Baker is currently dealing with a broken blood vessel in his right middle finger, and it's not clear when he'll be ready to return.

Our View: Baker is an intriguing fantasy option at second base, because he can swing the bat with some pop. He's already played five games at second this year and shouldn't have a problem gaining eligibility there in nearly all leagues.
Juan Castro, SS, Baltimore OriolesFriday 5/2, 1:35 PM CT
The Rockies have agreed in principle on a minor-league deal with Juan Castro, Castro's agent told the Denver Post. "We are going to Colorado," agent Oscar Suarez said. Castro, who designated for assignment by the Reds last month, is likely to report to Triple-A Colorado Springs to get some at-bats.

Our View: Depending on how Jeff Baker, Omar Quintanilla and Jonathan Herrera fare at second base, Castro could be up with the big club soon, playing either short or second.
Kelvim Escobar, P, Los Angeles AngelsFriday 5/2, 1:27 PM CT
Manager Mike Scioscia has received an encouraging report from athletic trainer Ned Bergert on injured starter Kelvim Escobar. "He feels great -- that's the word I just got from Ned," Scioscia said in the LA Times. "Not that he's throwing his split-fingered fastball and slider at full bore, but he feels much different than he did when he started to throw [in mid-March]." Escobar is in the second week of his throwing program and is tossing from nearly 90 feet. He had been shut down in March after throwing just three times from 45 feet.

Our View: We still have our doubts that Escobar will amount to anything for fantasy owners this year, but this is a positive step for him.
Shelley Duncan, 1B, New York YankeesFriday 5/2, 1:09 PM CT
How have injuries affected the Yankees in the last couple of weeks? Shelley Duncan was the cleanup hitter on Thursday night. With Alex Rodriguez sidelined for at least two weeks with a Grade 2 strain of his right quadriceps, Duncan assumed duties batting fourth in the Yankees' lineup.

Our View: This could be the case again tonight as Seattle will hand the ball to Erik Bedard for the first tilt of the three-game series. Skipper Joe Girardi has tried to be creative with his club as his lineup has struggled against left-handers.
Shane Victorino, CF, Philadelphia PhilliesFriday 5/2, 1:00 PM CT
Shane Victorino played center field and batted in the leadoff position on Thursday night, his first start since he went on the disabled list with a strained right calf, notes the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Our View: Victorino has played in 15 games this season and has only scored five runs. But despite the recent roster shuffle and key injuries, the Phillies find themselves in first place. At this point Philadelphia has to be considered the team to beat in the NL East.
Brett Myers, P, Philadelphia PhilliesFriday 5/2, 12:56 PM CT
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Brett Myers is working to rediscover his fastball. The right-handed opening day starter for the Phils has been long-tossing, as pitching coach Rich Dubee had suggested. This, in the attempt to build arm strength. He also has looked at film. Myers, who will start tomorrow night against the San Francisco Giants at Citizens Bank Park, recently looked at film from starts last season against the Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros. He thinks his lack of velocity has more to do with his legs than his arm. "I wasn't using my legs as much as I thought I was," Myers said. "In my last start [in Pittsburgh], my leg was straight and I wasn't getting any drive off of it."

Our View: Myers (2-2, 5.11 ERA) has also been working on improving his conditioning. There's a reason why guys can throw the ball hard, and most of the time conditioning plays a big part in it. Look for Myers to improve his numbers as spring passes and summer approaches.
Eric Gagne, P, Milwaukee BrewersFriday 5/2, 12:48 PM CT
With all the talk of Eric Gagne's lack of consistency this April, and the carry over from his dismal performance with the Red Sox last September, the Brewers' closer registered his ninth save of the season (tied for 3rd in the ML) on Thursday night.

Our View: With the release of Turnbow on Friday, and barring a a complete melt down or injury, Gagne is assured of being the teams ninth inning option for the rest of the season. Sure, his 5.27 ERA and 1.46 WHIP are ugly, but don't be surprised to see the former All Star approach 40-45 saves this year.