AL News & Notes

Texas – Milton Bradley left Tuesday’s game early with left knee soreness. He returned Last Night to the lineup with no day off, and went 2-for-3 with a Home Run.  Bradley’s OPS on the season is over 1.00, if he can stay healthy, he should be a big contributor to your home stretch.

Baltimore – Adam Jones was cleared to walk without a boot on Wednesday.  Prior to his injury, Jones had a .725 OPS, 0.21 BB/K rate, and a mediocre 76.9 contact%, which fits well with his mediocre .279 batting average.  Jones is mostly a groundball (46.3%) hitter, but the balls that he manages to get in the air, do not fly out of the ballpark with just a 6.2 HR/FB% and a 14.2 IFFB%. If Jones can come back soon enough, he will be a nice shot in the arm for Baltimore, and your team.

Cleveland – Travis Hafner and Victor Martinez both started Rehab Assignments this week with AAA Buffalo.  They have both hit well in their games, Hafner, in 5 AB vs. LHP succeeded in his efforts, getting 3 hits, 2 of them doubles, compiling a 1.66 OPS, walking once.  Martinez is has 1 hit in 2 AB with buffalo, picking up 2 RBI, and scoring once, evening out his OPS at 1.00, he also walked once.  These 2 guys can and will be main contributors down the stretch, if they are available in your league(s), pick them up while you can.

Minnesota – Alexi Casilla was activated from the DL on Wednesday, after being on the DL since July 29th with a torn tendon in his right thumb, some speculated he might miss the rest of the season.  In 2 rehab games, 4-7, 2 BB, 1 K, 1.238 OPS.  Prior to his injury, Casilla had a .775 OPS, 0.64 BB/K rate, and a high 89.7 contact% to go along with his high .313 batting average.  Casilla should be available in some leagues, at a weak position, he is definitely worth a roster spot.