Roto Roundup: Kevin Gausman, Miguel Cabrera, and Others

Today's Roundup will be short, as there were only five games on the MLB schedule on Thursday.

I will be out golfing with a bunch of college buddies today, so I may not get to your questions till later this evening. I am getting together with 9 college buddlies for golf, beer, and cigars at around 10:30 this morning, and I am really looking forward to seeing them, as I haven't seen a few of them since college. And that was quite a long time ago.

Kevin Gausman makes his major league debut

The much heralded Kevin Gausman was called up yesterday to make his major league debut vs the Blue Jays, and the results were mixed. Gausman rolled through the first three innings, but gave up two runs in the fourth and fifth innings, and took the loss. Gausman gave up four runs on seven hits, two walks and five strikeouts. If you see the 12-6 final score, you probably thought he got rocked. The big question for fantasy owners is how long he will be up, and I am starting to lean toward him staying in the rotation. His next start will be on the road vs the Nationals on Tuesday.

In case you missed it, here is Craig Goldstein's Waiting in the Wings piece on Gausman yesterday.

For more on Gausman's major league debut, make sure you check out Camden Chat, SB Nation's Orioles fan site.

Chase Utley placed on the 15 day DL

The Phillies placed second baseman Chase Utley on the 15 day DL with a mild oblique strain. Freddy Galvis will garner most of the starts at second base in his absence. The Phillies have struggled to score runs this season, as they are 26th in runs scored this season, so the streamers out there should target pitchers playing the Phillies.

For more about Utley's injury and the Phillies fan perspective, make sure you check out The Good Phight, SB Nation's Phillies fan site.

Miguel Cabrera: Could he hit .400 AND win the Triple Crown?

It is obvious we are watching a future Hall of Famer every time Miguel Cabrera steps up to the plate. He is probably one of the best hitters I have ever watched and some think he is in the conversation for best hitter ever. Last night, Miggy went 2-3 with 2 walks, a HR, 2 runs and 3 RBI, raising his triple slash line to .391-.467-.701 with 14 HRs, 39 runs and 55 RBI. To me, he is the only hitter in baseball capable of hitting .400 in a season. He is currently on pace to hit 50 HRs, score 140 runs and drive in 198 runs. Think about that. 198 RBI! WOW.

Round'em Up

Blue Jays first baseman Edwin Encarnacion is starting to get hot over his last 10 games. Last night, he went 1-4 with a grand slam and two runs scored. Over his last ten games, he is 13-37 with 3 HRs and 13 RBI. He is now hitting .250-.333-.500 with 13 HRs, 27 runs and 38 RBI this season, and is on pace for 45 HRs and 131 RBI.

Orioles 20 year old third baseman isn't getting the publicity that Bryce Harper did last season, but all he does is continue to flourish in his first full big league season. Machado went 3-4 with 3 doubles and 2 RBI in the Orioles 12-6 loss to the Blue Jays. Machado raised his triple slash line to .330-.362-.527 with 5 HRs, 21 doubles, 32 runs, 28 RBI and 4 stolen bases. He leads the majors in doubles, as he ages, the doubles will turn to home runs, especially playing half of his games in Camden Yards.

Twins outfielder Josh Willingham has struggled to start the season, but last night he went yard twice. He went 2-5 with 2 HRs and 4 RBI, and is now hitting .213-.371-.456 with 8 HRs, 20 runs and 23 RBI. Even with the slow start, he is on pace for 29 HRs and 85 RBI.

Closer News

Angels closer Ernesto Frieri was called upon to protect a 3 run lead in the ninth inning last night, but struggled, giving up 2 runs on 3 hits, a walk and a strikeout, while getting just two outs. Robert Coello came on to get the last out and earn the save. Frieri needed 35 pitches to get two outs, so I could see Coello getting another save chance on Friday night if the opportunity presents itself. In 7.1 innings, Coello owns a 12-0 K-BB rate.