AL News & Notes

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Daniel Cabrera was looked at by a team orthopedist on Monday and will get an MRI on his pitching elbow. Cabrera’s velocity has dropped into the low 90′s lately and his health has been in question after a few poor starts. After last nights game, Cabrera made some comments about how he could be hurt, causing the team to send him to the doctor. If he has been injured all year, it may explain why his K rate has suffered and his velocity has gone down.  If so, and if he gets it fixed, along with his improved BB rate, he could have some pretty good upside.

Boston Red Sox third basemen Mike Lowell is expected to be activated from the disabled list on Tuesday. After an early start to this season, Lowell has struggled with an OBP under .350 and an OPS+ just over 100. He should go back into your lineup unless you have a better option (which you probably do..)

The Chicago White Sox have activated Joe Crede from the 15 day DL and recalled right handed pitcher Lance Broadway. Crede has been pretty decent with 17 home runs and a .474 SLG, however his OBP and BA suffered after a great start to the season. He is a decent option in any league. Lance Broadway has a 1.69 ERA in 16 major league innings. The 25 year old former first round pick has dominated at AAA, lowering his walk rate while keeping up a decent strikeout rate. If he ends up getting a start he is a definite option in most formats.

Detroit Tigers infielder Carlos Guillen left Monday nights game with back spasms and is listed as day-to-day. Guillen has had back issues all year, having missed a 3 games a couple of weeks ago. Ryan Rayburn replaced Guillen Monday and might take over if anything long term were to come of this.

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Garret Anderson’s knee injury is not serious and he could be in the lineup as early as Tuesday. Outfielder Vladimir Guerrero was also out of the lineup however he was just getting a routine day off. Outfielder Reggie Willits is expected to be activated from the DL on Tuesday and should get some playing time off the bench. He doenst however seem to have much fantasy value.

The Seatle Mariners have option reliever Mark Lowe to AAA. Lowe has struggled tremendously this season posting a tRA over 5 and a K/BB rate of 46/31. Lowe isn’t even an option in deep holds leagues.

Tampa Bay Rays reliever Troy Percival played catch for the first time on Monday and plans to come off the DL as scheduled on Saturday. Rotowire speculates that the Rays will wait an extra day to activate Percival as at that time rosters will have expanded to 40. Percival will regain the closers role and should have a lot of value the last month of the season.

The Texas Rangers called up outfielder Nelson Cruz from AAA on Monday. Cruz has absolutely destroyed AAA batting .342 with 37 home runs and a 1.124 OPS. Althoug he is a few years older than the average AAA player at 28, his stats are still very impresive. If he starts getting decent playing time I would pick him up and start him.