July 21^st 2013:

Hitting Injuries News and Notes:

It’s official, St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with the hamstring injury that has been bothering him for a week or so. This comes as a surprise somewhat, as just yesterday it was speculated by MLB.com’s Jennifer Langosch that Holliday was possibly available off the bench. This is why we didn’t include such a speculative report in the Daily Notes yesterday, as Holliday is now on the DL.

It is expected that Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp returns to the lineup today.

Oakland Athletics outfielder and HR Derby winner Yoenis Cespedes was held out of the lineup on Saturday with wrist soreness. He claims it was not a result of his participation in the HR Derby but we shall see going forward as more information is revealed. He is unlikely to start on Sunday.

Atlanta Braves outfielder Jason Heyward expects to return to the lineup today.

Chicago White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko may return to the lineup as soon as Monday, according to ESPN Chicago.

Kansas City Royals second baseman Chris Getz left Saturday’s game with a “left medial knee sprain” according to Joel Goldberg of Fox Sports Kansas City. For deep leaguers and AL-Only only, this means that Johnny Giavotella becomes relevant again if Getz heads to the disabled list.

Pitching Injuries News and Notes:

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Paul Maholm left Saturday’s game with a wrist injury after getting slaughtered by the Chicago White Sox. Paul Maholm was on our “Leave-Em” list yesterday. He responded in kind by allowing seven earned runs on seven hits, three walks and no strikeouts in just three innings.

Colorado Rockies closer Rafael Betancourt had appendectomy surgery on Friday night, and was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Saturday. Rex Brothers will close for the time being.

Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber left his start on Saturday with tightness in his left hip, this according to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com. Kluber had just given up three hits, striking out seven and walking just two in five innings of shutout ball.

Three Up:

Chad Gaudin of the San Francisco Giants tossed seven strong innings of three hit shutout ball, striking out eight and walking none. He has been excellent in his past four starts. He has given up one earned run or fewer since a start on July 15^th against the Braves in which he gave up four earned runs.

Hisashi Iwakuma pitched seven strong innings against the Astros, allowing just two earned runs and seven hits. He struck out seven and walked just two. It was his first start not allowing a home run since July 16^th @ Oakland

C.J. Wilson of the Los Angeles Angels was magnificent Saturday against the Athletics. I pick on C.J. so darn much that I really have to acknowledge when he is good. And CJ has been good the past four starts, giving up just two runs in his last 29 innings pitched (four starts). Over that span he has struck out 29 and walked just seven.

Three Down:

Carl Crawford did collect a hit yesterday, but he hasn’t been mentioned in three-down yet this year. Carl is 3-32 since July 5^th. This is particularly unsettling for Crawford’s owners since Crawford looked great to start the season.

Gerardo Parra looked like a promising fifth outfielder option for a good portion of the season, but he continues to struggle of late. Since July 7^th, Parra is 2-28, lowering his batting average to .282. He hasn’t stolen a base since June 17^th nor has he attempted a steal since June 19^th.

The Entire New York Yankees infield: The other day I noticed that the Yankees infield consisted of three DH’s. Lyle Overbay, Eduardo Nunez and Brent Lillibridge. Boy are they awful or what?

Stream-Em:

Wily Peralta vs. MIA

Tyler Chatwood vs. CHC

Randall Delgado vs. SF

Leave-Em:

Jeff Locke @ CIN