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Todd Zolecki from MLB.com posted a blog post with updates on Ryan Howard and Chase Utley yesterday and here is the update on Howard:
He visited a wound specialist at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital today. "His wound is still healing," Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "He’s doing well. We’re continuing the same deal." There is no timetable for Howard’s return. "The biggest challenge was for the wound to get to the skin from how deep it was," Amaro said. "It’s getting there. It’s getting pretty close. … The question is when does he start doing stuff so it doesn’t compromise the healing process? We’re still on hold as far as that is concerned. Hopefully we’ll know more in the next couple of days.
Howard doesn't sound like he is anywhere close to returning. He only has value in NL-only keeper leagues at this point.
I just picked up Rockies outfielder Tyler Colvin in one of my NL-only redraft leagues today. Thus far in 2012, he is hitting .313-.353-.625 with a HR and 4 RBI. With Dexter Fowler struggling and Todd Helton with a history of back problems, he could see 2-3 starts per week, and more if manager Jim Tracy sours on Fowler like he did last season.
I was listening to the SiriusXM Fantasy channel on my drive home last night, and they played an interview they did with Astros GM Jeff Luhnow earlier in the day. Luhnow indicated that manager Brad Mills likes to give the team the green light on the basepaths, so expect more stolen bases from the likes of Jordan Schafer, Jed Lowrie, Jose Altuve and even Chris Johnson, who stole his second base of the season last night.
More Roto Roundup after the jump:
The Red Sox and Rays played in yesterday's Patriots Day game and it was highlighted by two things: James Shields coming within two outs of a complete game shutout, and Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine criticizing Kevin Youkilis in the a radio interview. It didn't take him long to bash one of his players in the press.
Shields shutout the Red Sox for 8.1 innings, giving up just 4 hits, 2 walks and striking out 5 to win his second game of the year. Shields got 25 outs, 15 via the ground ball.
Red Sox starter Daniel Bard looked decent in his first major league start last week, but his second start didn't go as well. He final line looks good until you run into that big fat 7 in the "BB" column. He gave up just one run on 4 hits in 6.2 innings, striking out 7 and walking 7. He induced 9 ground ball outs, so he keeps the ball on the ground and strikes out more than a batter per nine. He has been a bit unlucky, but has to work on his control before making the next step as a starter. Many young starters have similar control issues, and I think he can stick as a starter. It's only two starts, but I can see him improving as the season goes on.
Giants starter Tim Lincecum struggled in the first inning last night, giving up 4 runs on 4 hits, a walk and a strikeout. He was all over the place and his fastball was barely over 90 mph. Here is what Dan Brooks from Brooks Baseball tweeted last night:
But since people are asking, no, Tim Lincecum has not broken 92mph tonight.
His first three pitches to Roy Halladay were fastball and the stadium gun hit 90 mph just once.
Twins DH/first baseman Justin Morneau went 2-5 with his second home run of the season, and is now hitting .231-.286-.436. Manager Ron Gardenhire announced yesterday that Morneau would see more time at first base during the team's road trip. I imagine they want to take it slow with him to make sure he doesn't not have a setback in his recovery from post concussion syndrome.
Nationals reliever Henry Rodriguez earned his second save of the season last night, walking one and striking out one in his inning of work. Brad Lidge was unavailable last night as he had pitched in 3 of the last 4 games. It will be telling to see who manager Davey Johnson sends out there if there is a save opportunity tonight.
Tigers starter Justin Verlander won his first game of the season last night, as he went the distance, holding the Royals to 2 runs on 7 hits, 2 walks and 9 strikeouts. He got 12 ground ball outs to go along with his 9 strikeouts, and 17 of his 85 strikes thrown were of the swinging variety. His last pitch of the game, his 131st!!, was thrown at 100 mph. Amazing performance, but I want to see how he performs in his next start, as I wonder if the 131 pitches will affect him in his next start.
White Sox closer Hector Santiago gave up two solo HRs to blow his first save of the season. It's just his first blown save, but fantasy owners will be asking the question whether he will lose the closer job. I say he gets a few more sae opportunities before Robin Ventura makes a switch. But who is the next in line? I will go with Matt Thornton.
How soon before Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez makes his way to AAA again? He has started the season hitting .050-.050-.200 with 12 strikeouts in his 20 at bats. Wow.
Orioles catcher Matt Wieters was one of my 10 players to target this season, and he had a monster game last night. He went 3-4 with 2 HRs, one a grand slam, and 5 RBI. He is now hitting .344-.462-.750 with 4 HRs and 9 RBI thus far.