Beyond the Boxscore–Fantasy MLB News and Notes 8/27-8/28/08
Uh, oh Red Sox Nation! After Josh Beckett has had his start pushed back a couple of times, the worst possible news came down on Thursday. The three words that no fantasy player ever wants to hear…….Doctor James Andrews! Beckett’s next start was postponed again, and he will be going to see Dr. Andrews to evaluate his elbow. Stay tuned for the result of this visit, but it is usually horrible news when a pitcher goes to Alabama to see the good Doctor. At this point, you have to expect the worst.
Troy Percival has been activated off the disabled list again, but he did not collect the save on Thursday night. Dan Wheeler got his 10th save of the season. If you own Percival, get him activated right away. However, if you also have Dan Wheeler, I would hold on to him right now. It appears that the Rays might want to ease him back into the role, much like the Cubs did with Kerry Wood. Given his injury filled season, this might be a good idea, but I do expect Percival to be back closing games within a week or so.
Young Blue Jays pitcher David Purcey had a whale of a game on Wednesday. Purcey took the loss against the Rays. Purcey threw an eight inning complete game, allowed just a Carlos Pena solo homer, and struck out 11. Purcey is one of the better pitching prospects for the Jays, but has been pretty awful in this call up, as his ERA is still over 5.50 even with this great game. Keep an eye on Purcey’s next start if you have a need for some pitching, he does have some talent.
Josh Johnson ran his season record to 4-0, after another pretty good performance on Wednesday. Johnson threw a complete game, allowed just one run and struck out eight. Johnson has been a great second half story in baseball, as he returned in just ten months from Tommy John Surgery and pitching very good. Continue to start him with confidence for the rest of 2008.
Aaron Harang had another good start, but it wasn’t enough for him to avoid taking another loss. Harang threw seven innings, allowed two runs and struck out nine. More importantly, Harang didn’t walk a batter. He has been doing much better of late, and might be worth a roster spot for the rest of the year.
Clayton Kershaw, on the other hand, had a much worse day on Thursday. Not only did Kershaw get bombed in a loss to the lowly Nationals, but after the game, Kershaw was returned to Triple-A Las Vegas. Kershaw only lasted 2.1 innings, allowed five runs and struck out two. Kershaw was doing great in his latest call up, but has struggled the last few times out. If the Dodgers do hang around in the NL West race, Kershaw might not see another start in 2008.
Brandon Wood has been recalled by the Angels, but I really don’t see him getting much playing time. And to be honest with you, even if he does, I think his chances of being effective are slim. Wood has no plate discipline, and he has a hard time with major league pitchers. I would need to see a couple of weeks of production from Wood to consider adding him.
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