Mark Teixeira had a monster day, to say the least.  Francisco Liriano struggled for the first time this season.  Manny Ramirez & Kerry Wood returned from the DL.  Let’s look at these stories and all the rest from yesterday’s games:

Hitters:

  • Mark Teixeira (4-6, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 3 R) – We all knew the hot streak was coming, it was just a matter of time.  He’s quite possibly the most notorious slow starter in the game.  Since the calendar turned to May, however, he’s gone 12-30 with 3 HR, 11 RBI and 6 R.
  • Paul Konerko (2-3, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 R) – He missed two games, but clearly didn’t miss a beat upon his return.  He’s now hitting .284 with 13 HR and 27 RBI on the season.  He certainly hasn’t shown signs of slowing down, has he?
  • Kila Ka’aihue (0-3) – It was his first start and while he didn’t produce, he was inserted immediately in the cleanup spot.  Watch to see what the Royals do with him at this point.  If he’s going to be given an opportunity he’s likely to have plenty of value moving forward.
  • Delmon Young (3-4, 2 RBI, 2 R) – He’s not an everyday player right now, but he’s gone 9-18 with 1 HR, 4 RBI and 4 R since 5/2.  If he keeps hitting, he’s going to get more opportunities.  I know, given his history it’s impossible to trust him, but if he’s hot like this, he’s going to have value in five-outfielder formats.
  • Jody Gerut (4-6, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3 R) – He hit for the cycle and with Corey Hart struggling (.253, 3 HR, 11 RBI), you have to wonder if he will start stealing more and more playing time.
  • Manny Ramirez (1-4) – He’s back from the DL, so make sure to get him active in all formats.

Pitchers:

  • Kerry Wood (0.2 IP, 2 ER, 2 H, 2 BB, 1 K) – He actually recorded the first two outs of the seventh before the wheels completely fell off.  Clearly the Indians do not yet have faith in him reassuming closing duties and by this performance, rightfully so.  Clearly, Chris Perez still has value and should be owned in all formats for the time being.
  • Johan Santana (7.2 IP, 4 ER, 8 H, 0 BB, 6 K) – Was that a huge sigh of relief I heard from fantasy owners?  I know the final numbers were not brilliant, but he had actually allowed just 2 ER heading into the eighth inning.  You also have to like that of the 8 hits, all were singles.  Clearly, fantasy owners should once again have confidence in Santana moving forward.
  • Ben Sheets (6.1 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 8 K, W) – This may have been his best start of the season, coming against one of the better offensive teams in the league.  Am I prepared to say that he’s turned the corner and is going to be a must use for the rest of the season?  Of course not, but it’s nice to see him putting up this type of performance.  If he follows it up with a strong outing in Texas, then we’ll be talking differently.  For now, continue to consider him a risky play.
  • Francisco Liriano (6.0 IP, 5 ER, 10 H, 1 BB, 3 K) – Well, we couldn’t expect him to be tremendous every time out, could we?  Unfortunately, his next start comes in the new Yankees Stadium, meaning the potential is there for back-to-back poor outings.  Still, given his groundball rate in the early going (53.9 percent heading into yesterday’s game) and his overall success, there’s no reason to not run him out there again.
  • Jaime Garcia (6.0 IP, 1 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 7 K) – He continues to roll, but his next start does come in Cincinnati.  Then again, he had generated a 65.1 percent groundball rate prior to yesterday.  Still, with the luck he’s enjoyed, it’s almost a matter of time before he tosses up a clunker.
  • Jake Peavy (8.0 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 0 BB, 8 K, W) – That’s back-to-back strong starts and his next outing comes against the Royals.  Owners certainly should feel a bit more comfortable with him, huh?
  • Jon Garland (7.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 1 BB, 2 K, W) – He kept Felipe Paulino (7.0 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 0 BB, 11 K) winless, though you have to anticipate Garland’s luck running out sooner or later.  He’s sporting a .224 BABIP, but at the same time, he’s posted a BB/9 of 4.5 compared to a 3.0 career mark.  I wouldn’t depend on him for long.
  • Aaron Harang (6.2 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, 9 K, W) – He’s now put together three straight solid outings, allowing 7 ER over this last 18.2 innings, going 2-1 in the process.  Has he returned to must use status?  Not yet, given how bad he had been, but another good start against the Cardinals this week could change that.  I’d leave him on your bench, but he certainly is worth owning in all formats.
  • Jhoulys Chacin (7.1 IP, 0 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 7 K, W) – He’s now 2-0 with 14 Ks and a 0.00 ERA over two starts.  What’s not to like, especially with the Nationals next on the schedule?  While he may not be a must use long-term, he’s a solid option in all formats if you need a fill-in for the upcoming week.

What are your thoughts from yesterday’s games?  Which of these stories interests you most?  Did anything else catch your eye?

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