Fantasy owners will be without a star second baseman for awhile, as Boston's Dustin Pedroia isn't expected to play in this week's series against the Yankees due to concussion-like symptoms. Pedroia was elbowed in the head Friday night against the Rays, and hasn't played since. Manager John Farrell called it "optimistic" to think that Pedroia will play before Friday, and said the team would be "cautious" with the injury. These issues have been known to linger, so while you can hope Pedroia will be back on the field this weekend, don't count on it.
Monday's studs & duds
Stud: Miguel Cabrera had four hits - including two home runs - along with four runs scored and three RBI against the Indians. Take that, nagging knee injury!
Stud: Nationals OF Denard Span also hit two home runs. Span now has 31 career homers, which slightly trail Cabrera's 384.
Stud: Anytime a guy steals three bases without getting a hit, I'm going to salute him. Nice job, Jason Heyward.
Stud: Heyward didn't get a hit because the Phillies didn't give up any hits to the Braves. Cole Hamels threw the first six innings of the no-hitter, but was removed due to pitch count concerns. Hamels walked five batters, so don't blame the manager for his early departure. I can hear my dad now, saying, "I remember when guys threw 372 pitches every start ..."
Dud: Indians SP Corey Kluber allowed five runs and nine baserunners in two-and-two-thirds innings against the Tigers. Maybe he's not perfect, after all.
News & notes
Royals 1B Eric Hosmer had a single and a stolen base in his return from the DL on Monday. With righty Colby Lewis facing the Royals, DH Billy Butler was on the bench.
The Marlins are calling SP Henderson Alvarez day to day after he left Sunday's start with an oblique strain. I'm not a doctor and haven't seen an MRI, but I'm going to bet that Alvarez misses at least a start.
The Phillies have promoted 3B prospect Maikel Franco, who will probably play mainly against lefties. The 22-year-old Franco had 16 home runs with a .727 OPS at Triple A this season, and has improved in the second half, but he's not worth your fantasy consideration right now.
Mariners' prospect Taijuan Walker threw six strong relief innings after getting called up from the minors. Walker doesn't seem likely to get a rotation spot this month, though.
Giants 1B/OF Mike Morse was scratched from Monday's game with a hip injury, but it's apparently not serious.
The Dodgers have promoted Pacific Coast League MVP Joc Pederson, but will mostly limit him to pinch-hitting/pinch-running duties. The 22-year-old Pederson batted .303 with 33 home runs, 30 stolen bases and a 1.017 OPS at Albuquerque, but remember that PCL stats should always be viewed with skepticism, as many of the ballparks are launching pads.
The Padres called up 2B/3B Cory Spangenberg. Since they're out of the race, they started Spangenberg right away, and got a two-run single in the fifth inning. Spangenberg has speed and should hit for a good batting average, but has no power. Look for him to get plenty of playing time this month.
The D-backs have activated two-time Tommy John victim Daniel Hudson, but he'll be a reliever this month.
The Blue Jays have promoted 21-year-old southpaw Daniel Norris, who will also pitch out of the bullpen. Norris struck out 163 batters in 124 2/3 innings across three levels of the minors this season, and could compete for a rotation slot in 2015.
We pretty much knew this already, but Homer Bailey's season is officially over.
Streaming starters
Jimmy Nelson wasn't so good on Monday against the Cubs, so we're down to 85-54 for the season. Today's pick is Cleveland's Carlos Carrasco (owned in 26.7 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) versus the Tigers, while Wednesday's selection is Kansas City's Jason Vargas (33.4 percent owned) against the Rangers. Vargas isn't as good as his 3.27 ERA suggests, but the Rangers are really bad right now.
Note: On Tuesdays and Fridays for the rest of the season, this blog will be updated later in the morning than its usual 8 a.m. ET, as I'll be posting football entries first.
See you back here tomorrow morning.
