Earlier this week, Dodger manager Don Mattingly said that rookie OF Joc Pederson would mainly be used as a pinch runner or pinch hitter this month. After all, the Dodgers are battling for a division title, and they have plenty of veteran outfielders that need at bats.
Then, Pederson started in center field on both Tuesday and Wednesday. What gives?
On Tuesday, Mattingly said this: "The one thing about Joc that everyone in the organization is pretty much in concert with is, this guy is our best defensive center fielder." On Tuesday, Carl Crawford sat on the bench, while Matt Kemp took Wednesday off. If Mattingly places a premium on defense down the stretch, Pederson's presence could cause trouble for both veterans. Pederson still probably won't play every day, which means his mixed-league value is minimal.
Wednesday studs & duds
Stud: Indians SP Danny Salazar shut out the Tigers on eight hits, striking out nine and not walking a batter. If you've followed Salazar's season, you know the no-walk game is as unlikely as an asteroid hitting your house. But maybe he's turned a corner, as he's walked just five batters over his last 29 innings.
Stud: Astros DH Chris Carter hit his 34th and 35th home runs. He trails only Giancarlo Stanton and Nelson Cruz.
Stud: Rockies OF Corey Dickerson also hit two home runs, and has a .946 OPS for the season. Coors Field rules!
Dud: In the Nats-Dodgers game, Kenley Jansen blew a save, and Ian Desmond went 0-for-7. They get co-dud status.
News & notes
Starlin Castro's injury is a high ankle sprain, and he's probably done for the season.
Red Sox 2B Dustin Pedroia (concussion) took batting practice on Wednesday, and appears to have "turned a corner," according to the Boston Herald. Pedroia might be ready to play on Friday.
Blue Jays' rookie Aaron Sanchez got his second save in five days last night, but this one was a classic, one-inning opportunity. Manager John Gibbons said later, "He was up and hot so regardless he was going to be down the next two days anyways, so we might as well use him." However, the team's website led the game story with: "Despite previous claims to the contrary, it would appear as though the Blue Jays no longer have a full-time closer in their bullpen." This situation is confusing, and though we shouldn't write Casey Janssen off just yet, picking up Sanchez in deeper leagues seems like a worthwhile gamble.
The A's hope to get OF Coco Crisp back in the lineup on Friday.
The Rangers are "leaning toward not taking a chance" on a Yu Darvish return in 2014, according to GM Jon Daniels.
SS Jonathan Villar is back with the Astros, and figures to get plenty of playing time this month. Cheap steals, AL-only owners!
Indians OF David Murphy began a rehab assignment on Wednesday, and should be back pretty soon.
Look for rookie Cardinals OF Randal Grichuk (owned in 0.1 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) to get plenty of playing time versus lefties down the stretch.
Streaming starters
A fine outing by Royals SP Jason Vargas raised our record to 87-54 for the season. Today's original pick, Arizona's Vidal Nuno (1.4 percent owned), has been pushed back to Friday, and we'll stick with him even though he's pitching against the Dodgers. Today's options are bad, but we'll go with Seattle southpaw Roenis Elias (9.5 percent owned), only because he's pitching at Texas.
See you back here tomorrow morning.
