Friday, July 17, 2009

Buchholz cruises

Making his first start in almost a full calendar year, Clay Buchholz looks solid in a 4-1 victory over the Blue Jays. While he gives up just one run on four hits, Buchholz doesn't not earn a quality start as he works 5 2/3 innings, throwing 104 pitches.

Fantasy Impact: Buchholz has dominated at the minor league level for the past two seasons, but he needs to put it together for the Red Sox. Right now it looks like Boston is going with a six-man rotation, and Buchholz's performance could force a trade. That means he's got a legitimate shot of sticking. He's worth a flier, but expect mixed results for the interim.

Berkman out a night

Lance Berkman sits out the night after suffering a mild calf strain. It doesn't sound like a problem, although Berkman is thinking about the injury.
"It's just tight and sore," he said. "It's probably a small pulled muscle or something like that. I'm just worried about a lingering issue, which I obviously don't want, especially going into a pretty important stretch for us here in the first part of the second half."
Fantasy Impact: Lingering injuries are never a good thing. They not only keep players out of the lineup now and again, they also impact statlines. Berkman might need to be benched until he gets back in the game.