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No Hits, Just Homer
Reds' starter Homer Bailey tossed the 2013 season’s first no-hitter on Tuesday. It was Bailey who tossed the seventh and final no-hitter of the 2012 season, during which it seemed every week we were on no-hitter alert. Bailey was perfect until a leadoff walk to Gregor Blanco in the seventh inning; Blanco would be the lone Giants batter to work his way onto the base paths. The no-no was the first by a Cincinnati pitcher at home since 1988. Bailey’s 3.56 ERA and 1.06 WHIP with 111 K through 111 IP are encouraging signs for the promising hurler, as he’s been improving every season since 2009. At the still fairly tender age of 27 years old, Bailey may finally be figuring out how to actually pitch and use his stuff at the same time. He could be a very strong asset for a second half run in roto leagues, and he could be working his way into the upper echelon of pitching talent in the majors leagues.
Me Likey the Lackey
Ever since his injury-shortened start during his season debut in Toronto, John Lackey has steadily improved. He got his first win on April 28, and then following a string of three straight losses in May, he has been on a path of retribution. He’s dropped weight and appears to be in the best physical shape he’s been in years. Last night, Lackey looked like he did back in his days in Anaheim, going eight strong innings and surrendering just one earned run on a solo shot to Jesus Guzman. Lackey walked one and struck out six while earning the win at Fenway. Look for a strong second half from Lackey, as his peripheral stats all but fully support the sub-3.00 ERA and diminished baserunners. Pitching in front of a competitive offense, Lackey could be the four-category shot in the arm that you're looking for to propel your staff into the money.
AL Hot Shots
- Desmond Jennings went 3-for-5 with a towering homer and four RBI in the Rays clobbering of the Astros on Tuesday. Jennings now has 10 homers and 10 SB on the season.
- Adam Dunn hit a moon-shot for his 22nd homerun of the season. The all-or-nothing slugger still owns an ugly .199 average with 95 strikeouts in 272 at-bats.
- David Price was filthy on Tuesday, going seven shutout innings with 10 K against the Astros. He looks to be back on track now that he’s healthy.
- Chris Perez has nailed down three scoreless appearances since coming off the DL, he seems to be a trusted source for saves from here on out.
- Josh Willingham will have arthroscopic surgery on his left knee which will open up playing time for Oswaldo Arcia and Chris Parmelee in the corner outfield spots. Both could be worth a look in deeper mixed leagues.
- Michael Pineda may pitch out of the bullpen for the Yankees in the second half. He’s better left on waivers for now.
- Brian Roberts hit his first homer of the season in a 1-for-4 effort against the White Sox. He’s healthy today but make sure you have a handcuff if you own him.
- Alex Gordon hit a game-tying grand slam on Tuesday, it was his eighth home run on the season and he’s driven in 46 RBI mostly from the leadoff spot which is quite remarkable in itself.
- Joaquin Benoit ended a perfect ninth for his sixth save. He now owns a sparkling 1.83 ERA and 1.02 WHIP. He should hold down the job.
NL Hot Shots
- Alfonso Soriano cranked a three-run homer in a loss to the A’s on Tuesday. He’s heating up lately and is worth a look in mixed leagues.
- Brandon Phillips laced a two-run homer over the left field wall in support of Homer Bailey’s no hitter. It was his 12th on the year to0 go along with 63 RBI, and he now is hitting .348 with two HR and five RBI in his last six games.
- Ryan Howard finished 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored (from first base); he had been mired in an 0-for-22 slump.
- Carlos Villanueva will be stretched back out to be inserted into the Cubs rotation once again following the trade of Scott Feldman to the Orioles. Villanueva is of use in NL-only leagues, but he's more of a sit and wait type for mixed leagues.
- Wily Peralta was throwing his best game of the season before he had to be removed during an at-bat in the sixth inning. He had allowed only three hits through 5.1 scoreless innings to that point.
- Ricky Nolasco’s most interested suitor seems to be the Dodgers, according to sources.
- Carlos Marmol was not DFA’d but actually has agreed to a minor league assignment following his trade to the Dodgers.
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Follow Shawn Caswell on Twitter, or don’t: @CasKnowsRoto
