Here’s a look at the unheralded players who played well yesterday.
Houston Astros at Philadelphia Phillies
Wilson Valdez, playing for Chase Utley, went 2-for-4 with the game-tying RBI. He’s no Utley, but it’s a nice start. Shortstop Angel Sanchez batted second for the Astros, going 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI. Neither is good fantasy option.
Ryan Madson pitched a scoreless eighth inning for the Phillies with two strikeouts. The rough start for closers continued with Brandon Lyon giving up three in the ninth to blow the lead and lose the game.
Pittsburgh Pirates at Chicago Cubs
Neil Walker went two for four with a grand slam for the Bucs. He’s in a nice spot hitting behind Jose Tabata and in front of Andrew McCutchen. Evan Meek struck out a pair in a scoreless inning of relief. Kevin Correia gave up two earned runs in six innings for the win.
Kosuke Fukudome went 2-for-4 with an RBI in the leadoff spot. Darwin Barney picked up a couple of hits in four at bats, but he figures to platoon.
Chicago White Sox at Cleveland Indians
Gordon Beckham got off to a good start, going 3-for-4 with three runs. A.J. Pierzynski went 2-for-5 with a run and two RBI. For the Tribe, Asdrubal Cabrera went 3-for-5 with two runs. Jack Hannahan went 3-for-5 with three runs and a home run. Vinnie Pestano struck out three in a scoreless inning of relief.
Arizona Diamondback at Colorado Rockies
Willie Bloomquist led off for the D-Backs and went 3-for-6 with a run and a stolen base. Aaron Heilman struck out three in a scoreless inning of relief. Seth Smith went 3-for-6 for the Rockies with a run and an RBI. Matt Lindstrom struck out three in a scoreless inning of relief.
Baltimore Orioles at Tampa Bay Rays
Jeremy Guthrie, yesterday’s streaming pitcher option, earned the win with eight scoreless innings. He struck out six and gave up just three hits and one walk.
Minnesota Twins at Toronto Blue Jays
J.P. Arencibia went 3-for-5 for the Jays with a pair of home runs and five RBI.
New York Mets at Florida Marlins
John Buck went 2-for-4 with a grand slam for the Marlins. It wasn’t a save opportunity for Leo Nunez, but he pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Kansas City Royals
Jeff Francis got a no-decision, but he held the Angels to one run on five hits over seven innings. Jordan Walden struck out two in a scoreless inning for the Halos.
Seattle Mariners at Oakland A’s
Miguel Olivo went 2-for-5 with a run and an RBI for the M’s. Michael Wuertz struck out two in a scoreless inning of relief for the A’s.
San Francisco Giants at Los Angeles Dodgers
Brandon Belt went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run. Andres Torres went 2-for-5 for the Giants. Rod Barajas went 2-for-3 with a run for the Dodgers. Blake Hawksworth struck out two in a scoreless inning of relief.
Click here to see today’s streaming pitcher option.
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