Sunday, May 3, 2009

Welcome, Matt LaPorta

Recently called up Matt LaPorta, acquired in the CC Sabathia deal from Milwaukee, started immediately for Cleveland on Sunday. He struggled against Tigers starter Justin Verlander, striking out twice in three at bats while leaving four runners on base. He made the final out of the game, going 0-4.

Verlander did strike out 11 batters in seven innings, so it wasn't just LaPorta who struggled to see the ball.

Fantasy Impact: It's not an ideal debut for the 24-year-old LaPorta. He was hitting .333 with five home runs in Triple-A. He's potentially here to stay, but LaPorta is a part time player to start with.

Ziegler out with flu

It turns out that A's closer Brad Ziegler's medical condition was simply a bout with the flu. It kept him out of action again on Saturday.

Michael Wuertz pitched again in the closer role for the Oakland A's, notching his second save of the year in a 3-2 victory over Seattle. Wuertz may be getting the save opportunities because Santiago Casilla is on the DL with a strained right knee ligament.

Fantasy Impact: We believe it's safe to say that Ziegler is the closer the moment he returns. With Casilla out, Wuertz is the top candidate for stray saves.