Coast-to-Coast

Matt Garza, S

2012-02-03

Garza, Cubs come to terms: The Cubs and SP Matt Garza agreed to a one-year, $9.5 million deal with performance bonuses on Friday, avoiding arbitration. Garza, who has been the subject of trade rumors this offseason with the team's new front office in place, went 10-10 with a career-best 3.32 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in his first season with the Cubs last year. (Updated 02/03/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Garza also averaged a strikeout per inning last season, giving him his highest rate of his career. He didn't have the best luck pitching for a non-contending team, but otherwise, he fared well in his transition to the National League. Because he looks like he's staying put for now, you can't count on Garza for many wins, but his other traits make him worth drafting as a No. 3 Fantasy SP. (Updated 02/03/2012).

James Loney, 1B

2012-02-01

Loney won't face charges: Dodgers 1B James Loney, who was arrested in November on suspicion of DUI, will not face criminal charges, according to the Los Angeles Times. Prosecutors said Wednesday that they didn't have enough evidence to bring charges and that all of Loney's drug tests came back negative. (Updated 02/01/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Loney's reputation might still take a hit with his offseason arrest, but at least now the situation is behind him. After four straight seasons with less than 15 homers, Fantasy owners know not to rely on him for power, but he can still hit for a high enough batting average and drive in enough runs to factor in mixed leagues. If you draft him, make sure it's in the last round or two. (Updated 02/01/2012).

Placido Polanco, 3B

2012-01-31

Polanco to be monitored in spring: Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said at Monday's Philadelphia Sports Writers' Association banquet that 3B Placido Polanco, who is recovering from sports hernia surgery, is expected to be 100 percent or close to it in spring training. "We have to keep an eye on his health and monitor him and make sure we're cautious in how we handle him," Amaro said. "We have to make sure he stays fresh for the season and don't put any unwanted strain on him." (Updated 01/31/2012)

Fantasy Analysis The Phillies brought in Ty Wigginton this offseason to help spell Polanco at times, which could help keep him off the DL. Polanco played through hernia and back issues last season, but it took its toll on the veteran infielder. Polanco got off to a great start by hitting .321 through the first two months, but he hit just .241 over his last 68 games. We know what a healthy Polanco brings to the table, but injuries have limited him to less than 140 games the last two seasons and he still lacks power for a corner infielder. Consider Polanco more of a late-round Fantasy option on Draft Day. (Updated 01/31/2012).

Dustin Moseley, S

2012-01-31

Moseley avoids arbitration with Padres: The Padres and SP Dustin Moseley avoided arbitration on Tuesday by agreeing on a one-year, $2.0125 million deal. The right-hander went 3-10 with a 3.30 ERA in 20 starts last season before undergoing surgery on his left shoulder in August. (Updated 01/31/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Moseley enjoyed one of the finest campaigns of his career in 2011 but failed to win many games as the offense in San Diego did him no favors. His injury was to his non-throwing shoulder and he is expected to be ready for the start of spring training. He is not guaranteed a spot in the rotation, however, so keep an eye on his progress during spring training. If he ends up starting again for the Padres, consider Moseley a viable option in NL-only formats. (Updated 01/31/2012).

Chris Johnson, 3B

2012-01-30

3B Johnson 'ready to break out': MLB.com reports Astros 3B Chris Johnson is focused on putting behind him a disappointing 2011 season and showing up at spring training ready to compete with Jimmy Paredes for the starting third-base job. "That's all I ask for, is an opportunity," Johnson said. "I'm an athlete, so I'm open to competition. That's something I thrive on. We're all on the same team, so we're going to be helping each other. I'm going to help Jimmy as much as I can, and hopefully he has things he knows he can talk to me about. We're all in the same organization, but I'm definitely going in there trying to win a job. (2011) was my sophomore year, and guys still go through struggles. Now I'm ready to break out." (Updated 01/30/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Johnson arrived on the scene in 2010 and turned in a solid rookie campaign. He came to camp last year as the team's starting 3B, but his offense suffered and he eventually lost his job to Paredes. Johnson admits that he was battling a mental game in 2011 when he started to struggle at the plate and the frustrations mounted. Now that he has to fight for PT again he seems refocused. Fantasy owners can leave Johnson on waivers in most formats until he proves during the regular season to be a reliable option again. (Updated 01/30/2012).

Danny Valencia, 3B

2012-01-30

Valencia: 'You'll see a different me': The Star-Tribune reports Twins 3B Danny Valencia has made a slight change to his approach at the plate. Valencia, who saw his batting average sink to .246 and his OBP drop to .294 in 2011, studied video of his at-bats and that led to a subtle change with his hands. He said he would trap his hands toward his body last year, forcing a longer loop before his swing. He is now bringing his hands straight back, which is giving him a straighter path to the ball. "I started trying to do too much, trying to drive the ball out of the park," said Valencia, who hit 15 home runs. "I've never been under .300 in on-base percentage. You'll see a different me this year." (Updated 01/30/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Valencia hit .311 with a .351 OBP as a rookie in 2010. If he gets back to that level, then he will be a much more productive Fantasy option. Valencia doesn't have elite power for a corner infielder, but he always made solid contact and got on base in the minors. He also found the gaps and drove in runs. Valencia will head into 2012 as a low-end corner infielder, but if he gets back on track, then he could end up as a sleeper in deeper formats. (Updated 01/30/2012).

Jemile Weeks, 2B

2012-01-29

A's like Weeks as leadoff hitter: A's manager Bob Melvin told reporters Sunday that he has written out several lineups for the 2012 season and he likes Jemile Weeks in the leadoff spot. Melvin also likes the combo of having Weeks bat first followed by Coco Crisp, but he also realizes that it might be more beneficial to the team to bat Crisp third. (Updated 01/29/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Crisp hit leadoff for Oakland until Weeks was promoted to the majors. Weeks did well offensively for his first taste of the majors, especially in the leadoff spot. But his greatest asset to the A's is his speed atop the lineup. Weeks had 22 stolen bases in 97 games last season. He is a guy with potential to steal 30-plus bases, but Weeks remains more of a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy 2B. He definitely could turn into a Draft Day steal, but leave him for the mid-to-late rounds on Draft Day. He has slightly higher Fantasy appeal in Rotisserie formats. (Updated 01/29/2012).

Brennan Boesch, RF

2012-01-28

Boesch should see Prince-ly benefits: Detroit OF Brennan Boesch should benefit the most from Prince Fielder joining the Tigers organization, reports MLive.com on Saturday. That is because manager Jim Leyland plans on hitting Boesch directly in front of Fielder and Miguel Cabrera. He should see some of the best pitches to hit in the majors from that spot in the order. (Updated 01/28/2012)

Fantasy Analysis While this is a nice note, Leyland did use 127 different lineup combinations last year. There is no guarantee that Boesch will remain in front of Fielder and Cabrera for an extended period of time. Still, his prospects are exciting in that lineup if he does bat in front of the two studs. Boesch could be primed for a monster season. Fantasy owners should target Boesch during the middle rounds of most mixed-league drafts for the upcoming season. (Updated 01/28/2012).

Raul Ibanez, LF

2012-01-27

Yankees interested in Ibanez: Newsday reported last week that free agent OF Raul Ibanez is interested in filling the Yankees' DH opening, and according to theNew York Post, the Yankees are interested back. Ibanez spent some time working with hitting guru Rudy Jaramillo this offseason and feels like he has corrected a flaw in his swing. He hit .245 with 20 homers in 535 at-bats last season. (Updated 01/27/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Ibanez showed an inability to hit left-handed pitchers last season, which isn't surprising considering he's 39 years old, so he would probably be just a platoon player for the Yankees. He was also much better at home than on the road, which isn't surprising considering the Phillies play in such a homer-friendly park, but then again, few parks are more geared toward left-handed power hitters than Yankee Stadium. This move would be a good one for Ibanez, but it still probably wouldn't salvage his value in standard mixed leagues. (Updated 01/27/2012).

Austin Kearns, LF

2012-01-25

Kearns signs on with Marlins: The Marlins signed OF Austin Kearns to a minor league deal with a spring training invite on Wednesday. He spent the 2011 season with the Indians and hit .200 in 57 games. (Updated 01/25/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Kearns will compete for a reserve outfielder spot in Miami. If he makes the club, he will likely be used sparingly, having minimal value for owners in NL-only leagues. (Updated 01/25/2012).

Philip Hughes, S

2012-01-16

No arbitration for Hughes: Yankees SP Phil Hughes agreed to a one-year, $3.2 million deal on Monday in order to avoid salary arbitration, according to reports. Hughes, who made $2.7 million last season, also has performance-based bonuses in his new contract. Hughes went 5-5 with a 5.79 ERA in 17 appearances (14 starts) last year. (Updated 01/16/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Hughes is expected to compete for the fifth spot in New York's starting rotation during the spring after the team added SPs Michael Pineda and Hiroki Kuroda last week. A shoulder injury severely hindered Hughes last season, but he showed he can be a capable starter when he finished 18-8 during the 2010 campaign. Fantasy owners should monitor his status as he could be a rebound candidate if he lands a starting position. (Updated 01/16/2012).

Brett Cecil, S

2012-01-05

Cecil motivated to bounce back: The Sports Xchange reports Blue Jays SP Brett Cecil has impressed teammate Ricky Romero with his attitude during the offseason. "I don't think I've ever seen Cecil as motivated as he is right now -- just talking with him, his demeanor, just the stuff that he has been telling me," Romero said. "Not too long ago, I received a tweet that he was coming after me this year. That pumps me up. This guy wants it, and that shows a lot." (Updated 01/05/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Cecil is trying to come back from a disappointing season in which he was 4-11 with a 4.73 ERA in 20 big-league starts. He also spent time in the minors. In 2010, he was 15-7 with a 4.22 ERA in 28 major league starts. Cecil did have his struggles after returning from the minors last season and actually lost his last seven decisions. But you have to be encouraged by the fact he seems overly motivated to right the ship. Consider Cecil at best a late-round Fantasy option on Draft Day. (Updated 01/05/2012).

Jesse Crain, R

2012-01-04

Crain a dark-horse option to close?: The White Sox appear to be in no hurry to pick a closer for the 2012 season in the wake of Sergio Santos being traded to Toronto. In an interview with Comcast SportsNet in Chicago, White Sox pitching coaching Don Cooper hinted the team might not pick a closer until the end of spring training. Addison Reed, Matt Thornton and Jesse Crain are believed to be front-runners for the job. “It’s going to be wide open,” Cooper said of the closer situation. “It’s too early. We don’t know. We’ve got to sit down and talk about it. In spring training, we’ll see how it shapes up. I’m a big believer in this: that they’ll show you.” (Updated 01/04/2012)

Fantasy Analysis Crain was lights out in his first year with the White Sox, posting an 8-3 record, 2.62 ERA and 9.6 strikeouts per nine innings. However, he seems better fitted for a setup role. Crain had just one save last season and four in his career. Why mess with success? But it does seem like Crain could be a dark-horse candidate to close games for the White Sox. He is going to be nothing more than a late-round Fantasy flier on Draft Day. (Updated 01/04/2012).

Cameron Maybin, CF

2011-12-26

Extension talks starting soon for Maybin: The North County Times reports that the Padres and OF Cameron Maybin will resume their discussions regarding a long-term contract next month. Talks started back in September, but the two sides could not come close to an agreement, though both parties have expressed an interest in getting a multi-year deal done. Maybin had a breakthrough year in 2011, hitting .264 with 82 runs scored and 40 stolen bases in 137 games. (Updated 12/26/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Maybin improved his ability to make contact last season, and playing for run-happy Padres manager Bud Black has helped to enhance his value as well. While a long-term stay in San Diego won't do much for Maybin's home run power, he still offers enough to Fantasy owners to be worth a late-round pick in standard mixed league drafts. (Updated 12/26/2011).

Felix Pie, LF

2011-12-16

Indians, Pie agree on contract: Outfielder Felix Pie was signed to a minor league contract by the Cleveland Indians for 2012. He was invited to spring training. Pie has played with Baltimore and the Chicago Cubs. (Updated 12/16/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Pie didn't exactly light it up with the Orioles last season, hitting just .220 in 85 games. Over the past three years, Pie started 176 games for Baltimore, but hasn't produced after showing a glimmer of promise in 2009. Fantasy owners should ignore him on Draft Day. (Updated 12/16/2011).

Jed Lowrie, SS

2011-12-14

Lowrie gets fresh start with Astros: The Red Sox traded SS Jed Lowrie and SP Kyle Weiland to the Astros on Wednesday for RP Mark Melancon. Lowrie, who hit .252 with a .685 OPS as a part-time shortstop for the Red Sox last season, figures to take over as the everyday shortstop for the Astros following the departure of Clint Barmes. (Updated 12/14/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Lowrie is capable of playing anywhere on the infield, so the Astros could always stick him at third base if they decide they want a better fielder at shortstop. You have to believe they acquired him to play him, though. Lowrie has the upside to be one of the better offensive shortstops in the game, as he showed by producing a .907 OPS during a shortened 2010 season. He got off to a great start last season as well but struggled as he attempted to play through a shoulder injury that he suffered in late May. His propensity for injury makes him less than a sure thing in Fantasy, but with this trade, Lowrie is back to being an excellent late-round sleeper in mixed leagues. (Updated 12/14/2011).

Humberto Quintero, C

2011-12-12

Quintero signs deal with Astros: Houston C Humberto Quintero avoided arbitration on Monday by agreeing to a one-year, $1 million contract. (Updated 12/12/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Quintero hit just .240 last year with two homers, 25 RBI and a .575 OPS. Quintero becomes important for the Astros if Jason Castro can't return from his own injuries in time to begin the season. Otherwise, Quintero would be Castro's backup and a low-end Fantasy option left for NL-only leagues. (Updated 12/12/2011).

Matt Albers, R

2011-12-12

Albers gets deal with Red Sox: The Red Sox avoided arbitration with RP Matt Albers on Monday. Boston and Albers agreed to a one-year, $1.075 million contract. (Updated 12/12/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Albers posted a 4.73 ERA over 64 2/3 innings for Boston last year in relief. Albers is nothing more than a middle-relief Fantasy option for leagues that care about them. (Updated 12/12/2011).

Bruce Chen, S

2011-11-23

Chen re-signs with Royals: SI.com reported on Wednesday that the Royals have re-signed SP Bruce Chen to a two-year deal worth $9 million with a $1 million roster bonus and up to $1 million in incentives. The left-hander went 12-8 with a 3.77 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in 155 innings last season. (Updated 11/23/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Chen has become a reliable starter over the last two seasons for the Royals and will be in their rotation again in 2012. While he does not post any eye-popping stats, he is an effective starter that has a career 4.52 ERA. Target Chen in in deeper Fantasy drafts on Draft Day and only in the later rounds. (Updated 11/23/2011).

Matt Treanor, C

2011-11-15

Treanor signs with Dodgers: ESPN.com reports that C Matt Treanor has signed a one-year deal with the Dodgers. Treanor hit .214 with the Rangers and Royals this season. (Updated 11/15/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Treanor will probably be the backup to A.J. Ellis to begin the season. He is not likely to play enough to be a factor in Fantasy, and he is not much of an offensive force to begin with. He can be ignored in practically all formats. (Updated 11/15/2011).

Matt Davidson, 3b

2011-10-18

Davidson solidified at third base: Diamondbacks prospect Matt Davidson, who split his time between first and third base at Class A Visalia in 2011, will be a full-time third baseman at Double-A Mobile in 2012 with Bobby Borchering moving to the outfield. And according to the Arizona Republic, he couldn't be more excited about it. "My defense skyrocketed," he said of his last opportunity to play third base every day in 2010. "I was making plays left and right that I didn’t think I could make because I was seeing the (same) flight of the ball toward me instead of a different angle (at first base) or taking days off DHing. I'm really excited to take that workload every day, and it’s going to be a lot of fun." (Updated 10/18/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Davidson hit .277 with 20 homers and 106 RBI at Visalia in 2011, further establishing himself as one of the organization's best position prospects. With Ryan Roberts less than a proven commodity at the major-league level, Davidson could arrive at some point in 2012 if he proves he can hit outside of the hitter-friendly California League. More likely, though, the soon-to-be 21-year-old will remain in the minors until some point in 2013. He's a better pick in long-term keeper leagues than in seasonal formats. (Updated 10/18/2011).

J.J. Putz, C

2011-10-07

Putz ends year with loss: Arizona closer J.J. Putz helped the Diamondbacks get to Game 5 of the NLDS on Friday night, but he he would be the last pitcher to throw a pitch in 2011. He allowed one run on two hits in the bottom of the 10th inning against the Brewers and would get tagged for the loss as Milwaukee beat Arizona, 3-2. (Updated 10/07/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Even though he ends the year on a low point, Putz put together a strong campaign in 2011. He was a huge part of Arizona's bullpen as he finished with 45 saves. Putz posted a 2-2 record and 2.17 ERA during the regular season as well, which definitely helped the Diamondbacks make the postseason. Over his previous three seasons between the Mariners, Mets and White Sox Putz recorded just 20 saves combined, so one could say Putz's career took a nice U-turn. As long as he's closing out games for the Diamondbacks Fantasy owners should view him as a top-10 RP option on Draft Day in 2012. (Updated 10/07/2011).

Conor Jackson, 1B

2011-09-27

No sign of Jackson in lineup: Red Sox OF Conor Jackson (knee) was not in the starting lineup posted for Tuesday's game in Baltimore. Jackson, who missed some time earlier in September with a knee injury, was unavailable for the second game of a doubleheader Sunday at the Yankees because of renewed swelling in the knee. He is day to day with one game left in the regular season. (Updated 09/27/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Jackson doesn't get regular playing time for the Red Sox, so this injury doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of things. Though a former top prospect, Jackson is no longer a good source of batting average and has never been a good source of power. He's just a last resort in AL-only leagues and will likely go undrafted in Fantasy drafts this upcoming spring. (Updated 09/27/2011).

Tommy Hunter, S

2011-09-26

Hunter looks good in final start: Orioles SP Tommy Hunter looked sharp in his final start of the year on Monday against the Red Sox. He pitched five innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on seven hits. The right-hander gave up an unearned run in the second before surrendering a solo homer to Jed Lowrie in the fourth. He was done after throwing 90 pitches, 54 for strikes, and left with the game tied at 2-2. Hunter also struck out two and walked three in the no-decision. (Updated 09/26/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Hunter, who tweaked his groin in his previous outing, won his 2011 finale and ended the campaign winning each of his last two decisions. He went 4-3 with a 5.06 ERA in his 12 appearances (11 starts) since coming over from the Rangers and will definitely be in the conversation for a spot in the 2012 rotation. But given his inconsistencies, consider Hunter as more of a late-round pick on Draft Day. (Updated 09/26/2011).

Mike Trout, RF

2011-09-20

Trout gets back in the lineup: Angels OF Mike Trout was listed as the starting right fielder for Tuesday's game at Toronto. He sat out Monday's game due to soreness in his left leg. Trout went 0 for 4 with a strikeout on Tuesday in a win at Toronto. He's batting .209 on the year. (Updated 09/20/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Trout has been starting mostly against lefties lately, and he'll face another one on Tuesday in Brett Cecil. While he is a top target for owners in long-term keeper leagues, the 20-year-old isn't playing enough to be a factor in most Fantasy leagues right now. Only owners in deeper AL-only leagues should be starting Trout in the season's final week. (Updated 09/20/2011).

Casey Kelly, rhp

2011-09-19

Kelly recalled on Monday : The Padres recalled SP Casey Kelly from Double-A San Antonio on Monday. Kelly went 11-6 with a 3.96 ERA over 27 starts down in the minors. (Updated 09/19/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Kelly was recalled on Monday, as manager Bud Black wanted to take a look at prospect before the end of the season. However, it doesn't appear he will make a start at this point and will likely be used out of the bullpen. Continue to view the 22-year-old as a long-term keeper option at this point in the season. (Updated 09/19/2011).

Fernando Salas, C

2011-09-11

Salas no longer closing games: Cardinals RP Fernando Salas, who has served primarily as the Cardinals closer this season, recording 23 saves in the process, seems to be just a setup man now. Manager Tony La Russa recently said he would begin turning to RP Jason Motte more often in save opportunities, and he has lived up to his word, giving the right-hander a save chance for the second straight game Sunday against the Braves. Motte struck out the side in a perfect ninth inning, recording his fifth save of the season. Salas, meanwhile, has pitched the seventh or eighth inning in three of his last four appearances. (Updated 09/11/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Motte has gotten the call for each of the Cardinals' last four save opportunities and five of the last six. The only other Cardinals reliever who has gotten an opportunity during that stretch is Salas. Still, it's pretty clear Motte has overtaken him as the team's closer. Salas didn't really do anything to lose the job, compiling a 2.41 ERA and 0.95 WHIP on the year, but La Russa seems to think Motte is just a little more reliable. Given his solid peripherals, Salas is still usable in Fantasy, especially since La Russa could always have another change of heart. But for now, Salas probably isn't the best choice to start. (Updated 09/11/2011).

Miguel Tejada, 3B

2011-09-08

Tejada now a free agent: San Francisco put OF Aaron Rowand and INF Miguel Tejada on unconditional release waivers on Thursday. Both were designated for assignment at the end of August. (Updated 09/08/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Tejada batted .239 in 91 games for the Giants this year as he filled in across the diamond. Until he finds a new team, Fantasy owners should ignore Tejada in all formats. (Updated 09/08/2011).

Sergio Mitre, R

2011-08-23

Mitre avoids surgery: Yankees RP Sergio Mitre got some encouraging news from Dr. James Andrews on Tuesday. He'll avoid surgery for now, according to MLB.com. He's hoping to be healthy for spring training in 2012 for the Yankees. He has a nerve issue in his pitching shoulder, but has no structural damage. (Updated 08/23/2011)

Fantasy Analysis At one point surgery was rumored to be at 90 percent for Mitre, so this is definitely good news. But the chances he pitches again this year and is a factor for New York are very slim. Fantasy owners in all formats should continue to ignore Mitre while he's on the shelf. (Updated 08/23/2011).

Scott Cousins, RF

2011-08-10

Cousins nearing rehab assignment: The Palm Beach Post reports that injured Marlins OF Scott Cousins (back) is drawing closer and closer to a rehab assignment. He elected to not have surgery on a degenerative disc in his lower back, so he has been out since mid-June. Cousins began baseball activities on Wednesday, so he is hoping to begin the assignment on Aug. 20 or 21. (Updated 08/10/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Cousins was originally sidelined with what was though to be a minor issue, but upon further testing the severity of the injury was revealed. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on his progress going forward, though it seems as if he won't be known for much more than injuring Buster Posey this season. Cousins likely won't make an impact worthy of much value even when he returns. (Updated 08/10/2011).

Chad Jenkins, rhp

2011-06-05

Jenkins puts winless April in the past: Blue Jays SP prospect Chad Jenkins won his first June start for Class A Dunedin despite allowing four runs on 11 hits against Palm Beach. He is finally on track for Dunedin after going 0-4 in four April starts. Jenkins turned his season around in May, going 3-1 with a 2.50 ERA and holding the opposition to a .240 average in six starts. Overall, he is 4-5 with a 3.07 ERA and 1.26 WHIP. He also has 44 strikeouts to 14 walks in 67 1/3 innings. (Updated 06/05/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Jenkins, a 2009 first-round pick, went from the No. 3 prospect in the Jays' organization in 2010, according to Baseball America, to the No. 15 prospect in 2011 after he failed to impress in his first full season as a pro last year. However, he is beginning to show better promise here in '11 and might work his way back up the prospect ladder with continued development. It's clear, however, Jenkins is still a ways off from an MLB debut, so he remains just a long-term keeper. (Updated 06/05/2011).

Jeff Suppan, S

2011-06-04

Suppan not in the works right now: The Kansas City Star reports that with Sean O'Sullivan going on the disabled list, the two most possible candidates to replace him in the rotation are Vin Mazzaro and Kevin Pucetas. Manager Ned Yost said he prefers to keep Nate Adcock in the bullpen and that he won't promote Triple-A pitchers Jeff Suppan or Mike Montgomery. (Updated 06/04/2011)

Fantasy Analysis Suppan has gone 4-4 with the Omaha Storm Chasers at Triple-A this season with a 5.98 ERA. The Royals do plan to use him at some point this season, but Yost was clear now is not that time. Suppan has not lost down at Triple-A in his last five starts with a 2-0 record over that span. Still, he hasn't exactly been pitching all that well. (Updated 06/04/2011).