Fantasy Baseball: Thursday News and Notes

(Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

• A day after being removed from the game with what looked like a sprained knee, Adrian Gonzalez was back in the lineup for the Padres. Gonzalez did not record a hit, but his at-bats signal that he is certainly healthy enough to remain in lineups.
• Mark DeRosa is likely to miss through the weekend. The Cardinals' player has a strained tendon in his wrist, suffered during a swing on Tuesday night. DeRosa sounded optimistic regarding his wrist after initially being concerned that a trip to the DL was going to be needed. Keep him reserved this weekend, but look to him to start next week.
• For those remaining owners of Brandon Webb, it is likely time to cut the cord. While it was announced that Webb will not need surgery, he is not slated to throw again for another two to four weeks. Conservatively, his timeline is likely September. It is possible that he could help in fantasy playoffs, but equally as likely that he could burn a team that starts him. Color me pessimistic.
• Jimmy Rollins is now hitless in his last 27 at-bats, spanning seven games. As pointed out above, the Phillies simply have no other long-term options right now. To say that he is probably the biggest bust of the early rounds is an understatement. All owners can do is keep him reserved, as he cannot be dropped in most formats that employ a "no-cut list."
• If it is possible to buy low on a superstar, Jason Bay is that example. Bay went down by way of the K five times yesterday (we really need a good nickname for this). Owners looking to grab him need to harp on his .250 average in June, the 2-for-30 in his last seven games, and his slumping numbers in general. He is a solid guy to buy now and enjoy the run the rest of the way. June has been his worst month the last three season, as shown by the .230 average.
• Yovani Gallardo was stellar yesterday, striking out 12 and allowing just one earned run. Oddly enough, he was just out-pitched by Mike Pelfrey. Stranger things have happened. The Mets offense scratched together the one run, and continued to show ineptitude at the plate. The Brewers just happened to have an off day. Pelfrey's win was just his second in his last ten starts.
• Ricky Romero carried his June success to the beginning of July yesterday. Romero went eight shutout innings, giving up only four hits. Some of it was luck, as he did need to work out of trouble and was helped by the double-play ball a few times. Still, he has not allowed more than three runs in a start since May 31. At home, he is dominant, allowing batters to hit just .209 against him.
• Brad Bergesen was robbed yesterday. His bullpen completely blew the game for him, costing the young starter a win. Bergesen was dominant for eight innings yesterday, and the Orioles had a 5-1 lead heading into the ninth inning. They had a two run lead with two outs. When a young pitcher is throwing well, and the Red Sox have not seen him, this is what they do. Leverage it.
• Two returns to anticipate. Obviously, the biggest one is Manny Ramirez. Ramirez has finished serving his 42-game suspension (since he got the luxury of playing in the minors) and will rejoin the Dodgers tonight. Josh Hamilton is still on track to join the Rangers this weekend as well. Finally,

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?