Coast-to-Coast

Werth , Jayson, RF

2010-09-03

Werth steps up with three hits: Phillies OF Jayson Werth, who entered the game batting .118 (2 for 17) over his previous six, went 3 for 5 with a home run and three runs scored Thursday at Colorado. The homer was his third in nine games after hitting just one over his previous 22. (Updated 09/03/2010)

Just when Werth got his power turned around, his batting average started to go in the tank. He may have gotten both on track with Thursday's performance, which is obviously good news for his Fantasy owners. Though he hasn't been much of a base-stealer this season, he has offered plus production in every other category, making him a must-start still. (Updated 09/03/2010).

Ethier , Andre, LF

2010-09-01

Ethier hitless in last 2 games: Dodgers OF Andre Ethier went 0 for 4 on Wednesday during a loss to the Phillies. He struck out twice and is batting .294 on the year. Ethier has gone 0 for 8 in his last two games. (Updated 09/01/2010)

Fantasy owners shouldn't worry about this slightly cold stretch. He still hit .305 in August over 105 at-bats with four homers and 12 RBI. He struck out 30 times in 27 games in August. While that is too many strikeouts, Ethier remains a solid start in all mixed Fantasy leagues thanks to his power potential. (Updated 09/01/2010).

Overbay , Lyle, 1B

2010-09-01

Overbay remains out of lineup: Blue Jays 1B Lyle Overbay, who is suffering from concussion-type symptoms even though he didn't suffer a concussion, remained out of the starting lineup Wednesday at Tampa Bay. He is considered day to day. (Updated 09/01/2010)

Overbay is getting better and should return to action this weekend against the Yankees. While the veteran's numbers are mostly down a little from last season, he does enough when healthy to be worth using in AL-only and some deeper mixed leagues. (Updated 09/01/2010).

Phillips , Brandon, 2B

2010-09-01

Phillips misses sixth straight: Reds 2B Brandon Phillips (hand) was out of the starting lineup for a sixth straight game Wednesday as Cincinnati finished up their series with Milwaukee. "It's getting better," manager Dusty Baker told MLB.com. "The swelling's going down. I could actually see veins." Phillips scored as he went in to pinch run for Ramon Hernandez. (Updated 09/01/2010)

Phillips is considered day-to-day, so a return in this weekend's series against the Cardinals is certainly a possibility. While his RBI total is down dramatically this season (50 vs. 98 in '09), Phillips is a must-start Fantasy 2B when healthy. (Updated 09/01/2010).

Uribe , Juan, 3B

2010-09-01

Uribe will keep starting at SS: Even though Edgar Renteria returned from a strained left biceps on Wednesday, Giants manager Bruce Bochy told MLB.com that Juan Uribe will get the majority of the starts at shortstop the rest of the way. Uribe, who is 2 for 16 (.125) over his last five games, was out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rockies, however. He was replaced by Mike Fontenot. "We pushed him pretty hard," Bochy said of Uribe. "He's been out there, for the most part, every day, and it looks like he's getting more starts than ever, so he needs a day." (Updated 09/01/2010)

Uribe isn't the most consistent hitter in the world, but with 17 home runs on the season, he has more power potential than most shortstop-eligible players. His versatility gives him some low-end appeal in mixed leagues, especially if you need help in the power categories. (Updated 09/01/2010).

Young, Eric, 2B

2010-09-01

Young making most of his speed: Rockies 2B Eric Young went 0 for 3 with a walk Wednesday at San Francisco, but he stole his 13th base of the season and his ninth since returning from the minors Aug. 14. He entered the day with more steals than anyone in the big leagues during that stretch, and according to MLB.com, it'll likely continue. "We have helped him eliminate some of the peripheral information and give him a key, and he's able to focus on the key right away," first-base coach Glenallen Hill said. "He's trying to see the game within the game. He's very excited to get any information and look for an edge, and he is ready to go." (Updated 09/01/2010)

Young is batting just .087 (2 for 23) over his last six games, so he's stealing all these bases even though he's hardly getting on base. Imagine what he'll do when he starts hitting. He has more or less replaced Clint Barmes as the team's starting second baseman, so if you need to make up ground in the steals category, give him a look off the waiver wire. (Updated 09/01/2010).

Dickerson, Chris, CF

2010-08-31

Dickerson singles against former team: Brewers OF Chris Dickerson singled to shallow left field on Tuesday against the Reds, his former team. Dickerson did not get credit for an RBI, however, as there was an error on the play that allowed a run to score. Dickerson got the start against Cincinnati and went 1 for 4 with a strikeout. He's batting .244 on the year. (Updated 08/31/2010)

Dickerson started for the ninth time since joining the Brewers. He has gone 11 for 38 (.289) with five RBI in 16 games for Milwaukee. He's not an everyday player, which hurts his Fantasy value. He should be viewed as an NL-only option at this time. (Updated 08/31/2010).

Borbon, Julio, CF

2010-08-30

Borbon will still provide speed: Texas OFs David Murphy and Julio Borbon will both continue to play now that Nelson Cruz has been activated off the DL, reports MLB.com Monday. The duo will alternate for manager Ron Washington. Murphy started on Monday and Borbon was on the bench but Washington made it clear that both will get starts. "I need some run producers out there, guys who can drive in runs," Washington said. "Murphy can drive in runs. I have four pretty good outfielders. I'm going to give them all time so they are all engaged. I feel comfortable with all of them out there." (Updated 08/30/2010)

Murphy gives the Rangers more run-producing ability but Borbon offers incredible speed. That said, Murphy has been hot with the bat and has the greater Fantasy value. Borbon has been great on the bases and on defense but his hitting has not been that solid as the summer has progressed. Hitting just .222 over his last 42 games, Borbon really only has AL-only Fantasy value at this time. (Updated 08/30/2010).

Hairston , Jerry, LF

2010-08-28

Hairston placed on disabled list: The Padres placed shortstop Jerry Hairston on the disabled list on Saturday, reports the San Diego Union-Tribune. Hairston went on the DL due to a strained ligament in his right elbow. Hairston entered Friday's game against the Phillies in the ninth inning as a pinch runner and scored the game-tying run when closer Brad Lidge balked with two outs and the bases loaded. Hairston is batting .240 in August with three homers and 10 RBI. The Padres recalled Everth Cabrera and Luis Perdomo. (Updated 08/28/2010)

Hairston is having a career season for the first-place Padres but he will have to attempt to return from this elbow injury now. He will miss at least the entirety of Week 22 (Aug. 30-Sept. 5). Hairston has played in 115 games this season but does not have a starting job and is more of an NL-only option, when healthy. (Updated 08/28/2010).

Freese, David, 3B

2010-08-15

Cardinals' Freese moved to 60-day DL: The Cardinals moved third baseman David Freese (ankle) to the 60-day DL. He has already been ruled out for the season. He had surgery to fix the tendon damage in his right ankle. (Updated 08/15/2010)

Freese hit .296 on the season with four homers and 36 RBI over 70 games. He figures to open spring 2011 healthy and a candidate to be the everyday third baseman for the Cardinals. His past two injury-plagued years make him more of an NL-only option on Draft Day, though. (Updated 08/15/2010).

Doumit , Ryan, C

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

Doumit has been platooning at catcher and in right field for Pittsburgh, which gives him plenty of at-bats, although manager John Russell had said he'd like his switch-hitting catcher to start hitting better off left-handed pitchers. Over his last 10 games he's batting .281 (9 for 32) with three homers, three RBI and five runs scored. He's starting to hit the long ball, which adds to his Fantasy value. Being dual eligible gives owners some versatility, especially at a relatively weak catcher's position. He remains a viable option in deeper mixed leagues. (Updated 08/30/2010).

Feliz , Pedro, 3B

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

During his hit streak, Feliz is batting .355 (11 for 31) with two RBI and seven runs scored. Since joining the Cards he's raised his average to .234 and is chipping in despite his team's struggles. Unfortunately the light-hitting infielder doesn't bring much to the Fantasy table. He'll get plenty of at-bats for St. Louis down the stretch, but it's unlikely he'll do enough to give him value outside of NL-only formats. (Updated 08/27/2010).

Paulino , Ronny, C

Suspension - 50-game suspension. Out for the season (Updated - 8/20/10)

Thanks to regular play and some hot hitting earlier in the year, Paulino became a staple in many mixed leagues, but now his season is over. It's an unfortunate turn of events for Paulino and his Fantasy owners, who now must find a replacement. (Updated 08/20/2010).

Theriot , Ryan, SS

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

Theriot is 15 for 43 (.349) during his hitting streak with one homer and five RBI. After batting .284 with the Cubs earlier in the season, the 30-year-old has raised his average up to .289 since joining the Dodgers. He does not offer much in power but has 18 stolen bases on the year and remains a low-end option in deeper mixed leagues while he's hitting well. (Updated 08/30/2010).

Pena, Ramiro, SS

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

Pena started for just the fifth time in August and has made 10 appearances during the month thus far. He's gone 3 for 15 (.200) with three RBI. Pena doesn't play enough to matter in mixed Fantasy leagues but he's done a serviceable job filling in for A-Rod and Derek Jeter where necessary. (Updated 08/18/2010).

Kuo, Hong-Chih, R

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

Jonathan Broxton pitched the seventh and eighth inning, giving Kou the chance for the save in the ninth. While the Dodgers still seem to be using a closer by committee approach, Kou has done an admirable job when given the opportunity. Broxton will likely return to the closers role at some point, but until he does, Kuo can be used as a stopgap in deeper formats that reward saves. (Updated 08/28/2010).

Feliciano, Pedro, R

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

Feliciano has made 68 appearances this year, going 3-6 with a 3.30 ERA and 44 strikeouts. He's on pace to make 85 appearances, would be his lowest total since 2007. Despite getting a good amount of playing time, Feliciano doesn't have much Fantasy value. He should be considered an NL-only option in leagues that utilize true middle men. (Updated 08/29/2010).

Cueto, Johnny, S

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

Cueto lasted just three innings in his first outing after the suspension. With his 3.49 ERA and 112 strikeouts, Cueto is a solid Fantasy SP option. Owners are still wary of starting him, as just 50 percent of leagues had him active this week. Heading into Week 22 (Aug. 30-Sept. 5), owners should feel more confident starting him after this outing. His next start is scheduled for Wednesday against Milwaukee. In six starts versus the Brewers, he is 2-1 with a 2.97 ERA. (Updated 08/27/2010).

Nathan, Joe, C

Elbow - 60-day DL. Out for the season (Updated - 4/14/10)

This is fantastic news for the Twins and for Nathan but Fantasy owners should still realize that he's lost for the season. Nathan won't help on the Fantasy front until the 2011 season. Nathan tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow and underwent Tommy John surgery on March 26. He remains worth holding on to in keeper formats, obviously, as he should be able to return to his elite Fantasy closer status once healthy. (Updated 07/19/2010).

Padilla, Vicente, S

Neck - 15-day DL. Out until at least early September (Updated - 8/19/10)

Padilla did not suffer any setbacks in his bullpen session so he should be able to come off the DL if everything goes well in his simulated game. The right-hander is 6-4 with a 3.96 ERA in 15 starts this season but did not fare well in his previous two outings before landing on the DL. Fantasy owners should continue to monitor his progress to see when he will rejoin the rotation. When healthy, Padilla is a viable option in deeper mixed leagues. (Updated 08/28/2010).

Perez, Oliver, S

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

There is absolutely no reason to own this lefty, who is arguably the worst pitcher on a major-league roster right now. Ignore him. (Updated 08/26/2010).

Rodney, Fernando, C

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

Rodney saved 37 games for the Tigers last year and filled in nicely when Fuentes was on the DL earlier this year. The Angels have struggled recently, but they have historically given their closers plenty of save opportunities. Rodney is worth adding in all Fantasy leagues that reward saves. He could prove to be a No. 2 Fantasy RP right away. (Updated 08/30/2010).

Vazquez, Javier, S

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

Vazquez was among the top pitchers in the National League last season, but has struggled a lot this year. He was 9-9 with a 5.05 ERA in 23 starts and had not won in five outings. Nova is not a lock to keep Vazquez's rotation spot, but owners in mixed leagues should be wary of putting Vazquez on their active roster if he gets back to starting, especially when pitching in homer-friendly Yankee Stadium. (Updated 08/26/2010).

Wilson, C.J., C

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

Wilson spent the last four season pitching exclusively out of the bullpen. You'd think someone unaccustomed to the workload would tire down the stretch, but Wilson has only gotten stronger, improving to the point you really couldn't justify sitting him in Fantasy. His control can sometimes get him in trouble, but he makes up for it with nearly unhittable stuff. His next start is scheduled for Monday at Kansas City, making him a two-start pitcher in Fantasy Week 22 (Aug. 30-Sept. 5). (Updated 08/26/2010).

Zambrano, Carlos, S

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

Zambrano had arguably his best start of the season his last time out, allowing one run on five hits with one walk and eight strikeouts in 7 1/3 innings. He had a little extra motivation in his previous start and hopefully he can carry that with him down the stretch. Zambrano has a had an up-and-down season but can still help out some Fantasy owners in deeper mixed leagues while in the rotation. He is 11-8 with a 4.16 ERA in 29 appearances (25 starts) in his career against Pittsburgh. (Updated 08/28/2010).

Carrasco, D.J., R

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

Carrasco signed with the Pirates in the offseason believing he would get a chance to start. Instead he made 45 relief appearances before being traded. "I was just in a position last year as a free agent where that was a request I had," Carrasco said. "Obviously now the situation has changed. I'm going to be happy pitching whenever they want." The Diamondbacks wanted Carrasco in a trade because of his ability to pitch out of the bullpen. "What attracted us to him is his versatility in the bullpen," interim GM Jerry Dipoto said. "He can fill a variety of roles there and fill them well." It sounds as though Arizona might look elsewhere for starting rotation help in the offseason, so Carrasco is not even worth stashing in keeper formats. He is merely an NL-only Fantasy reliever in leagues that use true middle men. (Updated 08/06/2010).

Pavano, Carl, S

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

Pavano's ERA over his last three starts is 5.57. With a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 107-to-32, Pavano continues to be en effective pitcher, but he can't buy a win lately. He's just three wins shy of tying his career-high of 18 wins in a season, going back to when he was in Florida. Despite his recent struggles, Pavano is still a viable option in mixed Fantasy leagues. His Week 22 (Aug. 30-Sept. 5) start is scheduled for Saturday against Texas. In five starts versus the Rangers, Pavano is 1-3 with a 7.62 ERA. (Updated 08/29/2010).

Price, David, S

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

Price had a tough go of it in August despite not pitching poorly. He finished 1-1 while allowing a 3.48 ERA and ringing up 37 strikeouts. He's still very effective, and Tampa Bay figures to pick up the run production, so keep him active in all Fantasy leagues. His next start is scheduled for Wednesday at home against Toronto. He's 3-0 with a 0.39 ERA against the Blue Jays this season. (Updated 08/27/2010).

Niese, Jon, lhp

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

Niese had been particularly stingy of late, allowing one earned run in each of his previous four outings (1.38 ERA). Although he was only 1-0 during that stretch, which was no fault of his. But he's still giving you effective outings much more often than not, so continue to use him in the majority of mixed Fantasy leagues. He will make two starts in Fantasy Week 22 (Aug. 30 - Sep. 5), his next coming Tuesday at Atlanta. He's 0-0 with a 1.69 ERA against the Braves this season. (Updated 08/26/2010).

Ynoa, Michael , P

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

Ynoa is an 18-year-old with a long road to recovery ahead of him who was a long way off from the majors. He should only be stashed in long-term keeper leagues. (Updated 08/26/2010).

Sanchez, Gaby , 1b/3b

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

Sanchez is on fire right now, batting .333 with four homers and 15 RBI over his last eight games. He has had a very productive rookie season and has crept back into the Rookie of the Year discussion with his recent power surge. Fantasy owners in mixed leagues might want to think about getting Sanchez into their lineups while is on this tear. (Updated 08/28/2010).