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Colorado Rockies

8/16/2006

Matt Holliday, col

Holliday was out of the lineup Tuesday, but received good news on his left wrist. "He has a deep bruise and that made everybody's day," manager Clint Hurdle said. Holliday was hit by a pitch from Arizona starter Claudio Vargas. "It beats the heck out of the alternative of being down for any length of time," Hurdle said.

8/15/2006

Matt Holliday, col

Rockies left fielder Holliday left Monday night's game with the Arizona Diamondbacks with a bruised wrist. Holliday was hit on the left wrist with a 1-0 pitch from Arizona starter Claudio Vargas that loaded the bases with two outs in the third. Holliday remained in the game as Brad Hawpe flied out to right to end the inning, but did not take the field in the fourth. He was listed as day to day.

8/9/2006

Omar Quintanilla, col

The Colorado Rockies activated Quintanilla from the DL on Aug. 4 and optioned him to Triple-A Colorado Springs.

7/31/2006

Jeremy Affeldt, col

The Royals traded Affeldt to the Colorado Rockies on Monday.

Denny Bautista, col

The Royals traded Bautista to the Colorado Rockies on Monday.

7/19/2006

Vinny Castilla, col

Castilla was released by the San Diego Padres on Wednesday to make room on the roster for right-hander Mike Thompson. Castilla played solid defense at third base this season, but was hitting .232 with four homers and 23 RBIs in 72 games. "It doesn't get more difficult than that, the respect you have for Vinny," Padres manager Bruce Bochy said. "It's been a pleasure and an honor to manage Vinny. That part of the game is always the hardest part."

7/18/2006

Omar Quintanilla, col

Quintanilla was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right shin contusion on Monday. The Rockies' shortstop took a foul ball off his shin in Saturday's 3-2 loss to Cincinnati.

7/4/2006

Ryan Spilborghs, col

Spilborghs was sent to Triple-A Colorado Springs on Monday when the Rockies recalled infielder Luis Gonzalez.

7/3/2006

Brian Fuentes, col

Fuentes was selected to his second All-Star team Sunday as one of the four relief pitchers on the National League roster. He is 2-1 with 15 saves and a 2.16 ERA this season.

Matt Holliday, col

Holliday was selected to his first All-Star team Sunday and will be a reserve outfielder for the National League. He is hitting .345 with 15 homers and 55 RBIs this season.

7/1/2006

Josh Fogg, col

Fogg pitched a two-hitter for his first career shutout in the Rockies' 2-0 win over the Seattle Mariners on Friday. The game took 1 hour, 52 minutes, the fastest in club history and the quickest in the seven years the Mariners have been playing at Safeco Field.

6/15/2006

Josh Fogg, col

Fogg is questionable for his next start for the Rockies on Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals due to an aggrevated left achilles tendon.

6/14/2006

Garrett Atkins, col

Atkins extended his hitting streak to 12 games when he went 2-for-3 with a double in a 9-2 Rockies' win over the Washington Nationals on Tuesday. The third baseman has gone 17-for-43 (.395) with five doubles, one homer, nine RBIs and seven runs during the streak. He is four games shy of his career-best 16-game hitting streak set from Aug. 25-Sept. 11, 2005.

6/13/2006

Jamey Carroll, col

Carroll went 3-for-5 with a double and an RBI for the Rockies in a 4-3 win over the Washington Nationals on Monday. The second baseman has gone 14-for-29 (.483) with three doubles, two triples, a homer, five RBIs and six runs in the last six games.

6/11/2006

Mike DeJean, col

DeJean is expected to have season-ending arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder that would keep him sidelined for six to eight months. The Colorado Rockies reliever may have the surgery as soon as Wednesday after treatment that began after he was placed on the 15-day disabled list on April 12 failed to help. DeJean was 1-0 and did not allow any runs in 1 2-3 innings in two appearances this year.

6/8/2006

Jamey Carroll, col

Carroll went 4-for-6 with a double and a triple and one RBI in a 16-9 Rockies' win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday. The second baseman has gone 8-for-10 (.800) with a home run, two RBIs and four runs in the last two games.

5/9/2006

Matt Holliday, col

Holliday hit a pair of solo homers and scored three runs to spark the Colorado Rockies to a 6-2 win over St. Louis Monday night. Both home runs came off Cardinals right-hander Jason Marquis as the Rockies won their fourth straight game.

5/3/2006

Todd Helton, col

Helton, who hasn't played since he was hospitalized for an inflamed intestine on April 21, is back on the field. The Rocky Mountain News reports that the Colorado first baseman went 1-for-3 for Triple-A Colorado Springs Tuesday in a 4-2 win over Tacoma. According to the newspaper, Helton is scheduled to play nine innings for the Sky Sox Wednesday morning and will rejoin the Rockies on Thursday to be re-evaluated by the team's medical staff.

4/30/2006

Byung-Hyun Kim, col

Kim struck out a career-high nine in his first start following a month on the disabled list in the Rockies' 3-1 win over the Florida Marlins on Sunday to complete a three-game sweep. "I just wanted to go out there and attack the hitters," Kim said. "I threw a lot of strikes."

4/28/2006

Jose Mesa, col

Mesa was suspended four games Friday for intentionally throwing at San Francisco shortstop Omar Vizquel last Saturday. The Rockies' reliever appealed the suspension and will be available for this weekend's series against the Florida Marlins.

4/24/2006

Todd Helton, col

Helton seems to be improving, but the Colorado Rockies are still puzzled about the stomach ailment that landed their first baseman in a Denver hospital Friday. Helton, who was placed on the disabled list Friday, was released from Rose Medical Center on Monday. The exact cause of the severe lower abdominal pain and fever hasn't been determined, though doctors have assured the Rockies that the ailment is not life-threatening.

4/22/2006

Todd Helton, col

Helton was placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Rockies on Saturday with a stomach ailment. The Colorado first baseman has been hospitalized at Rose Medical Center since Friday after experiencing stomach discomfort. He will remain there until all testing is completed. To replace Helton, the team purchased the contract of outfielder Ryan Spilborghs from Triple-A Colorado Springs and designated right-hander Eduardo Sierra for assignment.

4/20/2006

Kazuo Matsui, col

Matsui was activated from the 15-day disabled list before Thursday night's series opener against the Padres, and the Mets' second baseman homered in his first at-bat of the season for a third straight year. He hit an inside-the-park home run Thursday night, lofting a ball to right that glanced off the glove of retreating right fielder Brian Giles, bounced off a sign on the fence and rolled along the fence toward the right-center gap.

4/12/2006

Mike DeJean, col

DeJean was placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Rockies on Tuesday with discomfort in his right shoulder. DeJean will have an MRI on Wednesday in Denver, manager Clint Hurdle said. The 35-year-old Colorado reliever is 1-0 in two appearances this season and 30-33 with a 4.30 ERA in his 10-year career.

4/9/2006

Cory Sullivan, col

Sullivan tied a major league record by hitting two triples in the same inning of Sunday's 10-4 win over the Padres. The Rockies' leadoff hitter was the first player to reach the milestone since Gil Coan of the Washington Senators did it on April 21, 1951. It was the 11th time a major leaguer hit two triples in an inning.

4/2/2006

Byung-Hyun Kim, col

Colorado placed Kim on the 15-day disabled list on Saturday, retroactive to Wednesday with a strained right hamstring. Kim went 5-12 with a 4.86 ERA last season for the Rockies, the first season in Colorado for the 27-year-old right-hander.

Yorvit Torrealba, col

The Rockies placed Torrealba on the 15-day disabled list on Sunday, retroactive to March 24 with a strained right shoulder. Torrealba was obtained in a trade on Dec. 7 from Seattle, where he hit .234 with three homers and 15 RBIs in 76 games for the Mariners and San Francisco last season.

3/28/2006

Kazuo Matsui, col

Mets manager Willie Randolph said Matsui definitely will start the season on the disabled list, according to the New York Daily News. The report said the Mets may take advantage of the rule that allows a DL stint to be backdated 10 days, so it's possible Matsui could return for the first weekend of the new season. The Mets' second baseman has been sidelined nearly two weeks with a knee injury he sustained sliding in a spring game.

3/25/2006

Chin-hui Tsao, col

Tsao threw 25 pitches off a mound Friday in his first bullpen session this spring. He underwent rotator cuff surgery early last season.

3/17/2006

Kazuo Matsui, col

Matsui injured his right knee while sliding in the first inning of the Mets' exhibition game against Atlanta Thursday night. The Mets' second baseman will not take part in baseball activities for three weeks and is expected to miss opening day.

2/2/2006

Sunny Kim, col

As decided in the first salary arbitration case of the year, Kim will receive $600,000 next season as opposed to the $800,000 he had asked for from the Colorado Rockies. The 28-year-old right-hander went 6-3 with a 4.90 ERA in 10 starts and 14 relief appearances last season for the Nationals and the Rockies.

Yorvit Torrealba, col

Torrealba and the Colorado Rockies agreed to an $850,000, one-year contract Thursday, avoiding an arbitration hearing. The catcher, obtained from the Seattle Mariners on Dec. 7, hit .234 with three homers and 15 RBIs in 76 games with San Francisco and Seattle last season.

Ryan Speier, col

Speier underwent surgery Wednesday for a torn labrum in his right shoulder. The injury could sideline the Rockies' right-hander for the season.

1/24/2006

Todd Helton, col

Helton successfully underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow Monday and expects to fully recover in time for spring training. The Rockies' first baseman, who bats and throws left-handed, injured his elbow last week during a workout. Colorado is labeling the surgery as a "minor procedure."

1/17/2006

Jeremy Affeldt, col

Affeldt agreed to a one-year deal with Kansas City on Tuesday, avoiding salary arbitration. Financial terms were not disclosed. The lefty spent 2005 in the bullpen, going 0-2 wit a 5.26 ERA in 49 games. He is the only AL pitcher to make at least 25 starts and 120 total appearances over the past three seasons.

1/6/2006

Jamey Carroll, col

Carroll agreed to a one-year, $700,000 contract to continue playing for the Washington Nationals. The utility infielder, who avoids salary arbitration with the deal, played in 113 games for the Nationals last season, hitting .251 with 22 RBIs.

12/21/2005

Jose Acevedo, col

Acevedo agreed to a minor league contract with the Rockies on Wednesday and will be invited to spring training. The right-hander was 2-4 with a 6.47 ERA in 36 games for Colorado last season after being acquired from Cincinnati in an April trade.

12/20/2005

Brian Fuentes, col

Fuentes and the Colorado Rockies agreed to a two-year, $5.5 million contract Monday. The Rockies' All-Star left-hander went 2-5 with 31 saves and a 2.91 ERA in 78 appearances last season. He became the team's closer in May after Chin-hui Tsao was sidelined with a shoulder injury.

12/8/2005

Jose Mesa, col

Mesa agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the Colorado Rockies on Thursday. The 39-year-old left-hander was 2-8 with a 4.76 ERA and 27 saves with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2005.

Ray King, col

King was traded by the Cardinals to the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday for second baseman Aaron Miles and outfielder Larry Bigbie. The left-handed reliever went 4-4 with a 3.38 ERA in 77 appearances for St. Louis in 2005, but did not pitch the playoffs.

11/3/2005

Vinny Castilla, col

The first trade of the offseason went down on Thursday night, as the Washington Nationals traded Castilla to the San Diego Padres for right-hander Brian Lawrence and cash. Appearing in 142 games, the 38-year-old third baseman batted .253 with 12 home runs and 66 RBIs in the Nationals' inaugural season in Washington.

10/27/2005

Mike DeJean, col

DeJean will return to the Colorado Rockies next season, agreeing to a one-year contract with a mutual option for the 2007 campaign. The 35-year-old veteran posted a 3.19 ERA in 38 games for the Rockies as closer Brian Fuentes' primary setup man. He joined Colorado in early July, after posting a 6.31 ERA in 28 games for the Mets and getting released in late June.

10/25/2005

Jose Mesa, col

The Pittsburgh Pirates will not pick up their $4 million option on Mesa for 2006, instead paying him a $500,000 buyout. The 39-year-old righthander, who gave up closer duties to Salomon Torres and Mike Gonzalez late in the season, was 2-8 with a 4.76 ERA in 55 games. He recorded 27 saves and blew seven save chances. Opponents batted .302 and slugged .479 against him after the All-Star break.

10/21/2005

Mike DeJean, col

DeJean is close to re-signing with the Colorado Rockies for 2006. The righthanded reliever has agreed to a one-year deal that is expected to pay him $1.15 million in base salary with incentives. The 35-year-old veteran posted a 3.19 ERA in 38 games for the Rockies as closer Brian Fuentes' primary setup man. He joined Colorado in early July, after posting a 6.31 ERA in 28 games for the Mets and getting released in late June.

10/18/2005

Keiichi Yabu, col

The Oakland Athletics have decided not exercise their 2006 option on Yabu, who arrived from Japan after signing with the A's before the 2005 season. In his first major league season in North America, the 37-year-old righthander went 4-0 with a 4.50 ERA in 40 relief appearances. Hitters batted .287 and slugged .439 off him.

9/29/2005

Jeff Francis, col

It wasn't pretty, but Francis completed five innings and allowed four runs to secure the "W" in Colorado's 10-5 win over Atlanta on Wednesday. The victory gave the rookie lefthander a 14-12 record for the season, and no rookie hurler will post as many wins in 2005. In 33 starts, the 24-year-old Francis posted a 5.68 ERA.

9/25/2005

Sunny Kim, col

Kim pitched his first career shutout Saturday against the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field, a three-hit gem in which he walked one and struck out three.

9/22/2005

Kazuo Matsui, col

There's good new and bad news concerning Matsui. The Mets' struggling second baseman has a 12-game hitting streak dating back to September 2. He's a .391 hitter during his 12-game run, with three doubles, three triples and eight runs scored. Unfortunately, Matsui is nursing a hamstring injury, and he has a history of being a slow healer. He hasn't played since last Friday.

9/21/2005

Matt Holliday, col

Holliday had a career-high eight RBI against the San Diego Padres on Tuesday, which included a couple of three-run home runs. His second home run came off Padres third baseman Sean Burroughs. The RBI total was the most by a player in the National League this year and tied the Rockies' franchise record.

9/20/2005

Mike Esposito, col

The Colorado Rockies have recalled Esposito to start in place of injured righthander Zach Day on Wednesday. The 24-year-old Esposito was 8-9 with a 5.49 ERA in 27 starts for Triple-A Colorado Springs this season. The righthander will be making his major league debut in Denver against San Diego.

9/19/2005

Byung-Hyun Kim, col

Kim tweaked his right hip Wednesday night during his start in Los Angeles, and the hip flexor injury has persisted. The 26-year-old righthander will miss his scheduled start Tuesday night against the Padres, and Jamey Wright will step in and take his turn.

Cory Sullivan, col

Sullivan went 3-for-5 with a double and two runs scored Sunday, sparking Colorado to a 7-1 win over Arizona. The rookie center fielder also has a pair of four-hit games in his last 13 contests, dating back to September 4. In that 13-game span, the 26-year-old Sullivan is a .404 hitter (21-for-52) with 14 runs scored.

9/16/2005

Kazuo Matsui, col

With a single in five trips to the plate on Thursday, Matsui extended his hitting streak to 11 games. Over his 11-game run, the Mets' second baseman is hitting .395 (17-for-43) with three doubles, three triples and eight runs scored.

9/15/2005

Cory Sullivan, col

With a perfect 4-for-4 night on Wednesday -- marking his second four-hit performance in 10 days -- Sullivan now has gone 20-for-51 (.392) over his last 13 contests. During his red-hot 13-game run, the Colorado outfielder has generated three doubles, two triples, two home runs and 14 runs scored. He also has six walks over this stretch, good for a .448 on-base percentage.

9/13/2005

Garrett Atkins, col

Atkin's career-best 16-game hitting streak stalled on Monday, when the Colorado third baseman went 0-for-2 and was hit by a pitch in the Rockies' 7-0 loss to Los Angeles. Dodgers righthander Jeff Weaver threw a three-hit shutout against Colorado at Dodger Stadium. Atkins' 16-game run ties Juan Pierre's club rookie record, set in 2000.

9/12/2005

Josh Fogg, col

After leaving his start last Thursday when he was struck by a liner on his pitching hand, Fogg will take a turn Tuesday against the St. Louis Cardinals. The swelling in Fogg's bruised right hand has gone down enough that the righthander will be ready to face St. Louis Tuesday in place of injured southpaw Zach Duke.

Garrett Atkins, col

Atkins has a 16-game hitting streak after collecting two hits in Colorado's win over Arizona Sunday. The third baseman's 16-game run is the longest Rockies streak of 2005 and ties Juan Pierre's club rookie record, set in 2000. During his streak, Atkins is 21-for-60 (.350) with six doubles, two homers and 11 RBI.

9/7/2005

Josh Fogg, col

Fogg will start Thursday for Pittsburgh against Arizona. The righthander will take the place of Dave Williams, who is battling a ribcage injury and a tired arm. Fogg is 6-10 with a 4.97 ERA in 27 starts this season.

9/6/2005

Josh Wilson, col

The Florida Marlins recalled Wilson from Triple-A Albuquerque Tuesday. The 24-year-old shortstop prospect batted .257 with 31 doubles, 17 home runs and 82 RBI in 143 games for Albuquerque.

9/2/2005

Denny Bautista, col

Bautista made a minor league rehab start for Triple-A Omaha on Thursday, working 2.2 pain-free and hitless innings. The 25-year-old righthander, who hasn't pitched for the Royals since mid-May because of shoulder tendinitis, will work Omaha's final game of the minor league season on Monday.

Omar Quintanilla, col

After a quick start in late July, Quintanilla has struggled with the Colorado Rockies, and the shortstop prospect has seen his average drop to .245. None of his hitting percentages top the .300 mark. Despite his promise, Quintanilla will lose his starting job at short now that rookie Clint Barmes has returned from his collarbone injury.

9/1/2005

Clint Barmes, col

Barmes, who broke a collarbone in a fall at home in early June, was activated from the disabled list Thursday by the Colorado Rockies. The 26-year-old shortstop looked like a runaway for National League Rookie of the Year honors when he was injured. At the time, he led the rookie class in runs (40), hits (74), doubles (16), homers (8), RBI (34) and all three hitting percentages (.329/.371/.516).

Brad Hawpe, col

Hawpe, out since mid-July with a hamstring injury, was activated from the disabled list Thursday by the Colorado Rockies. The power prospect was hitting .295 with eight doubles, eight homers, 39 RBI and a .368 on-base percentage in 75 games when he was injured.

8/26/2005

Luis Gonzalez, col

Gonzalez was absent from the Colorado Rockies' starting lineup for the second consecutive night, but came in as a defensive replacement late in Thursday's meeting with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The infielder has missed two starts after suffering a bruised right index finger when he was hit by a pitch on Tuesday.

8/24/2005

Luis Gonzalez, col

Gonzalez suffered a bruised left arm when he was hit by a pitch in the third inning of Tuesday's loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Rockies' infielder remained in the game for a couple innings after getting plunked, but left for good in the fifth. Precautionary X-rays were negative, and he is not expected to miss much time.

Jorge Piedra, col

Piedra went 1-for-3 in Tuesday's loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, belting his third home run in as many games. The Rockies' outfielder, who also drew a walk and scored two runs, has hit safely in his last seven games, improving his season batting average from .273 to .308 over that span.

8/23/2005

Choo Freeman, col

Freeman has been recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs by the Colorado Rockies, filling the roster spot if injured outfielder Larry Bigbie. In 97 games with the minor league club this season, Freeman has batted .280 with 10 home runs and 59 RBI.

8/18/2005

Clint Barmes, col

Barmes continues to work his way back to the Colorado Rockies' lineup, as he is slated to begin a minor league rehab assignment with Double-A Tusla on Monday. The rookie shortstop was forced to undergo surgery after breaking his collarbone when he fell while carrying groceries up a flight of stairs on June 5 and has been sidelined since. Barring any setbacks, he should be back in the majors around the beginning of September.

8/17/2005

Ryan Speier, col

Speier was optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs to make room for catcher Todd Greene, who was activated from the 60-day disabled list on Tuesday. Speier appeared in three games during his most recent stint with the Rockies, throwing 5.2 scoreless innings and giving up only two hits. Overall for the season he is 1-1 with a 5.54 ERA in 13 appearances.

8/16/2005

Jose Acevedo, col

With two days off in their next 10-game span, the Rockies will switch to a four-man rotation temporarily, moving Acevedo to the bullpen. The righthander, who will pitch in long relief, is 2-3 with a 6.60 ERA in 23 appearances this season, including five starts.

Brad Hawpe, col

Hawpe tried to run the bases at about 70 percent speed on Monday and felt some minor discomfort in his strained left hamstring. The Rockies' outfielder, who has been sidelined since July 9 with the injury, will receive more treatment on Tuesday before testing things out again on Wednesday. Prior to his stint on the disabled list, Hawpe was batting .295 with eight home runs, 39 RBI and two stolen bases in 75 games this season.

8/12/2005

Jeff Francis, col

The Pittsburgh Pirates touched Francis for nine runs -- eight earned -- on 13 hits in just 3.1 innings on Thursday, marking the lefthander's shortest outing of the 2005 campaign. With the loss, Francis dropped to 11-8 on the season, while his ERA jumped from 5.37 to 5.77.

8/11/2005

Todd Helton, col

After missing more than two weeks with a strained left calf muscle, Helton was activated from the 15-day disabled list and was in the Colorado Rockies' lineup for Wednesday's meeting with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The first baseman was solid in his return, going 2-for-5 with a pair of doubles, an RBI and two runs scored.

Matt Holliday, col

Holliday extended his current hitting streak to eight games, going 2-for-4 with a three-run homer and four RBI in Wednesday's victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Over that span, the Rockies' outfielder is 13-for-33 (.394) with three doubles, two homers and nine RBI.

8/10/2005

Kazuo Matsui, col

Matsui saw his first major league action in nearly two months, getting a pinch-hit single and scoring a run in Tuesday night's loss to the San Diego Padres. The infielder, who had been sidelined with a deep bruise in his left knee, was activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Mets earlier in the day, taking the roster spot of injured first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz.

8/9/2005

Todd Helton, col

Helton is eligible to be activated from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday, but he'll spend at least one more day on a minor league rehab assignment before the Colorado Rockies consider adding him to the 25-man roster. The first baseman has been sidelined since July 25 with a strained left calf.

Ryan Speier, col

Speier has been recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs by the Colorado Rockies, supplying the club with some help in the bullpen. The 26-year-old righthander began the 2005 campaign in the Rockies' bullpen, but was demoted after going 1-1 with a 9.82 ERA in 10 relief appearances.

8/5/2005

Kazuo Matsui, col

Matsui is expected to join Double-A Binghamton on a minor league rehab assignment as he continues to work his way back from a deep bruise in his left knee. The infielder, who has missed nearly two months with the injury, should be back with the Mets early next week, barring any setbacks.

8/3/2005

Todd Helton, col

Placed on the disabled list last week, Helton is scheduled to make his first minor league rehab start this Sunday at Double-A Tulsa. If all goes well, he is eligible to rejoin the Rockies next Tuesday, August 9.

7/31/2005

Omar Quintanilla, col

The promising infield prospect, who was dealt from Oakland to Colorado in the July 13 trade that brought Joe Kennedy and Jay Witasick to the A's, has been recalled by the Colorado Rockies. The 24-year-old Quintanilla ripped it up after joining the Rockies' Triple-A affiliate at Colorado Springs, batting .346 with six extra-base hits and 14 runs scored in 13 games.

7/30/2005

Todd Helton, col

For the first time in his career, Todd Helton has landed on the disabled list. The Rockies placed him on the 15-day DL Saturday with a left calf strain. The first baseman, who had gotten off to an extremely slow start at the plate this season, had heated up this month, batting an even .400 with five home runs and 12 RBI in July. On the season, he is hitting .294 with 11 homers and 43 RBI.

Yorvit Torrealba, col

The San Francisco Giants on Saturday traded Torrealba and pitcher Jesse Foppert to the Seattle Mariners for veteran outfielder Randy Winn. As the backup catcher, Torrealba batted just .226 with a homer and 18 runs scored in 34 games for the Giants this season.

7/29/2005

Aaron Cook, col

Cook will make his first major league appearance since August 7 of last year when he starts on the mound against the Philadelphia Phillies this Saturday. This culminates his comeback from a pulmonary embolism that required surgery last September, including the removal of a rib to relieve pressure on a vein in his pitching shoulder.

7/26/2005

Todd Helton, col

Helton was forced to leave Monday's game against the New York Mets after aggravating his strained left calf muscle, an injury that reportedly has been bothering him for about 10 days. The first baseman, who pulled up while running the bases in the seventh inning, said he'll likely sit out a couple of days, but does not expect to miss an extended period. Luis Gonzalez took over at first base in Helton's absence.

Clint Barmes, col

Barmes continues to rehab his left shoulder, and barring any setbacks, he hopes to be back in the Rockies' lineup by September. The rookie shortstop was forced to undergo surgery after breaking his collarbone when he fell while carrying groceries up a flight of stairs on June 5. He is batting .329 with eight home runs, 34 RBI and four stolen bases in 54 games this season.

Denny Bautista, col

With his return anticipated no earlier than September, Bautista was transferred from the 15- to the 60-day disabled list.

7/23/2005

Randy Williams, col

The Colorado Rockies purchased Williams' contract from Triple-A Colorado Springs on Saturday. The pitcher had been claimed off of waivers from San Diego in mid-May.

7/22/2005

Jason Jennings, col

After being forced to leave Wednesday's game against the Nationals after injuring the middle finger on his pitching hand, Jennings will now be forced to miss the rest of the season with what has now been diagnosed as a fractured right finger. Jennings was 6-9 this season with a 5.02 ERA through 20 games this season. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Saturday.

Jeff Francis, col

Francis turned in one of his worst performances of the 2005 campaign, giving up seven runs on 11 hits over five innings in Thursday's 8-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. After winning three consecutive games, the Rockies' lefthander has gone 0-2 over his last three starts, allowing 18 runs in 14 innings of work. His ERA has jumped from 4.74 to 5.57 over that span.

7/21/2005

Jason Jennings, col

Jennings was forced to leave Wednesday's game against the Washington Nationals after spraining the middle finger on his pitching hand while sliding into second base in the sixth inning. The Rockies' righthander, who allowed two runs on four hits in five innings prior to his departure, will undergo X-rays on Thursday to determine the extent of the injury, but more than likely, he'll be forced to miss at least one start.

Denny Bautista, col

Bautista, who had been shut down recently following a setback in his rehab for right shoulder tendinitis, is set to begin a new rehab program. The Royals' righthander won't begin to throw until August, but the current plan has him returning in September if all goes well.

7/20/2005

Vinny Castilla, col

Castilla, who has been battling lingering tendinitis in his left knee all season, said he likely will take the next 4-5 days off in hopes of giving his leg some time to rest and recover. Carlos Baerga got the starting nod at third base for the Nationals in Castilla's absence on Tuesday.

7/19/2005

Matt Holliday, col

Holliday has been activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Colorado Rockies and is expected to be available for Tuesday's game against the Washington Nationals. The outfielder, who has missed more than a month with a broken right pinkie finger, fills the roster spot of the demoted Ryan Spilborghs.

Ryan Spilborghs, col

Making room for fellow outfielder Matt Holliday, who was activated from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday, Spilborghs has been optioned back to Triple-A Colorado Springs by the Colorado Rockies. He was recalled earlier this week when the injured Brad Hawpe landed on the DL, and made his major league debut by going 2-for-4 in a loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday.

7/18/2005

Jose Acevedo, col

Acevedo will be activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Colorado Rockies in time for their three-game series against the Nationals, which begins in Washington on Monday. The righthander, who has been sidelined since late May with a strained right groin, fills the roster spot of demoted lefty Bobby Seay.

7/14/2005

J.J. Davis, col

The Washington Nationals on Wednesday dealt Davis, righthander Zach Day and a player to be named or cash considerations to the Colorado Rockies for Preston Wilson and cash considerations. Davis started the year with the Nationals as a reserve player, but had problems hitting breaking balls and was demoted to Triple-A New Orleans in early May. He was 6-for-26 (.231) for Washington, and he departs New Orleans with a .282 average, 12 home runs and 31 RBI.

Brad Hawpe, col

The Colorado Rockies placed Hawpe on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday with a strained left hamstring he suffered on Saturday. The move was retroactive to July 10. The rookie outfielder was batting .295 with eight home runs and 39 RBI in 75 games this season.

Ryan Spilborghs, col

The Colorado Rockies placed Brad Hawpe on the 15-day disabled list and recalled Spilborghs on Wednesday. The 25-year-old outfielder was batting .355 in 15 games at Triple-A Colorado Springs after hitting .341 in 71 games for Double-A Tulsa. The righthanded hitter will be making his big league debut.

7/13/2005

Denny Bautista, col

Bautista has experienced a setback in his rehab for right shoulder tendinitis, and the Kansas City Royals have shut down the righthander. The 24-year-old hurler will join lefthander Brian Anderson in visiting Los Angeles specialist Lewis Yocum for an evaluation of his injury.

7/12/2005

Byung-Hyun Kim, col

When they resume play after the All-Star break, the Colorado Rockies will move the struggling Joe Kennedy to the bullpen, thus leaving Kim in the starting rotation for the time being. In 26 appearances this season, including eight starts, Kim is 2-7 with a 5.46 ERA.

7/11/2005

Matt Holliday, col

Holliday has been sent to Double-A Tulsa to begin a minor league rehab assignment. Barring any setbacks, the Rockies' outfielder, who has missed more than a month with a broken right pinkie finger, will be activated from the 15-day disabled list shortly after the All-Star break.

7/10/2005

Brad Hawpe, col

Hawpe suffered a strained left hamstring in the fifth inning of Saturday's game against the Padres, and was forced out of the game.

7/7/2005

Mike DeJean, col

DeJean has found a new home, signing a one-year contract with the Colorado Rockies, joining his fifth team in four seasons. The veteran righthander began the 2005 campaign with the New York Mets, but was released last month after going 3-1 with a 6.31 ERA in 28 relief appearances. Righthander David Cortes was optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs to open a roster spot.

Todd Helton, col

With an upper-deck bomb in the sixth inning of Thursday's comeback victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, Helton notched the 259th homer of his major league career, eclipsing Larry Walker's franchise record. The Rockies' first baseman wasn't done there, as he added a three-run home run an inning later to record the 24th multihomer game of his career and first in nearly two years.

David Cortes, col

Cortes has been optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs by the Colorado Rockies, opening a spot on the roster for fellow righthander Mike DeJean, who signed a one-year contract with the team on Thursday. In 21 relief appearances for Colorado this season, Cortes is 1-0 with a 5.31 ERA.

Jeremy Affeldt, col

Affeldt has been activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Kansas City Royals, and he will be in the bullpen for the start of a four-game series against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday. The lefthander has been limited to just 12 appearances this season, due to a nagging left groin strain. He takes the roster spot of the demoted Jonah Bayliss.

7/5/2005

Jason Smith, col

To make room for Justin Verlander, Detroit's starter in Game 2 of Monday's doubleheader with Cleveland, the Tigers designated Smith for assignment. It marked the second time the 27-year-old veteran was designated for assignment by Detroit in the last three weeks. In 27 games with the Tigers, Smith was 11-for-58 (.190) with two triples and two RBI.

7/1/2005

Jeff Francis, col

Francis silenced the St. Louis Cardinals' potent offense on Thursday, allowing just three hits over six shutout innings. The Rockies' 24-year-old lefthander, who finished the 7-0 victory with six strikeouts and two walks, notched his second win in a row. He also contributed at the plate, getting two hits and scoring twice.

6/29/2005

Garrett Atkins, col

Atkins found the center-field seats on a 1-2 pitch from Russ Springer in the eighth inning of Tuesday's win over the Houston Astros, notching the first grand slam of his major league career. Over his last six games, the Rockies' third baseman is 14-for-25 with three doubles, one home run and nine RBI.

6/27/2005

Garrett Atkins, col

Atkins notched a career-high four hits -- including two doubles -- and finished with three RBI in Sunday's victory over the Kansas City Royals. Over his last four games, the Rockies' third baseman is 10-for-18 (.556) iwth three doubles, five RBI and five runs scored.

6/24/2005

Denny Bautista, col

Bautista, who has been out for more than a month with right shoulder tendinitis, made his first minor league rehab appearance on Wednesday for Triple-A Omaha. The Royals' righthander worked an inning and allowed a hit, two walks and a run. He threw in the mid-90s, but his command was off after sitting out more than a month.

6/21/2005

Mike DeJean, col

DeJean has been released by the New York Mets, opening a spot on the roster for fellow reliever Dae-Sung Koo, who was activated from the 15-day disabled list on Monday. The struggling righthander had surrendered seven runs on eight hits in his last 3.2 innings of work.

Jeremy Affeldt, col

The Kansas City Royals placed both Affeldt and Ambiorix Burgos on the 15-day disabled list Monday. Affeldt reaggravated a left groin strain that put him on the DL from April 16 to June 3. The 26-year-old lefthander has pitched in just 12 games this season, posting a 3.86 ERA in 11.2 innings.

Kazuo Matsui, col

An MRI on Matsui's ailing left knee has revealed a deep bruise, and the Mets have placed the second baseman on the 15-day disabled list. Matsui, who suffered the injury while turning a game-ending double play against the Oakland A's last Thursday, will be replaced on the roster by outfielder Gerald Williams.

6/17/2005

Kazuo Matsui, col

Matsui injured his left knee on the game-ending double play that secured a 9-6 Mets win over Oakland Thursday. A's catcher Jason Kendall ran into Matsui's knee during a violent collision, and the Mets' second baseman had to be helped off the field by trainer Mike Herbst.

6/14/2005

Jason Smith, col

Roughly two weeks after being designated for assignment, Smith was promoted again by the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday. The 27-year-old infielder was recalled when Carlos Guillen was forced onto the 15-day disabled list with a hamstring injury.

6/13/2005

Sunny Kim, col

Kim fared well in his first start of 2005, stepping in for the traded Tomo Ohka on Friday. Recalled on May 26, Kim worked five innings and allowed five hit and two runs in Washington's 9-3 Friday night victory over Seattle. In three appearances since his recall, the 27-year-old righthander is 1-0 with a 1.93 ERA in 9.1 innings.

6/10/2005

Sunny Kim, col

Roughly two weeks after joining the Washington Nationals from Triple-A New Orleans, Kim will pick up a start. The 27-year-old righthander draws the Friday night assignment against Seattle, after the Nationals traded the scheduled starter, Tomo Ohka, to Milwaukee for second baseman Junior Spivey. In a pair of relief appearances since his recall, Kim is 1-0 without allowing a run. He has worked four innnings, giving up four hits and a walk while fanning four.

Jamey Carroll, col

Carroll has been bothered by a sore left ankle lately. The Washington infielder said he'd be ready to go this weekend against Seattle, but manager Frank Robinson said Carroll could be out the rest of the week. Of course, it's the skipper's call, and Robinson has a tendency to be cautious with injuries.

Jamey Carroll, col

Whether Carroll or Carlos Baerga start at second base for Washington on Friday, there aren't many starts left for them at the position. On Friday, the Washington Nationals acquired second baseman Junior Spivey from the Milwaukee Brewers, in exchange for righthander Tomo Ohka. Spivey will be taking over at second, at least until Jose Vidro returns from the disabled list after the All-Star break.

Matt Holliday, col

The Colorado Rockies placed Holliday on the 15-day disabled list Friday, retroactive to Thursday, with a broken right pinky finger. The injury originally was thought to be a sprain, but the 25-year-old outfielder will sit out at least two weeks with a fracture. He was hitting .291 with four home runs and 23 RBI.

Jorge Piedra, col

With left fielder Matt Holliday headed for the disabled list with a broken finger, the Colorado Rockies recalled Piedra from Triple-A Colorado Springs on Friday. The 26-year-old outfielder, one of five major leaguers suspended this season for violating baseball's policy on performing-enhancing drugs, was batting .312 with six homers and 45 RBI for Colorado Springs. He had a single in his only big league at-bat on April 6, which came shortly before his suspension.

6/6/2005

Danny Ardoin, col

Ardoin has been recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs by the Colorado Rockies. The catcher, who was batting .338 with six home runs and 24 RBI in 44 games with the minor league club this season, replaces the injured Todd Greene on the Rockies' roster.

Clint Barmes, col

Barmes, the Colorado shortstop who leads the rookie class in runs, hits, doubles, homers, RBI and all three hitting percentages, will miss at least three months after breaking his left collarbone in a fall at home. The 26-year-old rookie faces surgery on Tuesday. He fell Sunday night while carrying groceries up a flight of stairs.

Clint Barmes, col

Barmes, the Colorado shortstop who leads the rookie class in runs, hits, doubles, homers, RBI and all three hitting percentages, will miss at least three months after breaking his left collarbone in a fall at home. The 26-year-old rookie, who has been placed on the 60-day disabled list, faces surgery on Tuesday. He fell Sunday night while carrying groceries up a flight of stairs.

Matt Holliday, col

As a precautionary measure, the Rockies decided to give Holliday the day off Sunday, due to a sprained pinkie finger. However, the injury is considered minor, and the outfielder should resume regular duties within the next couple of days. Cory Sullivan got the starting nod in Holliday's stead. For the season, Holliday is batting .305 with four home runs, 23 RBI and six stolen bases in 51 contests.

6/4/2005

Todd Helton, col

Helton was a late scratch from the Colorado lineup on Friday, sitting out with flu-like symptoms. Helton, a career .335 hitter, has been mired in a 4-for-36 slump that has dropped his batting average to .257.

Jeremy Affeldt, col

Affeldt allowed one run and struck out three in 1.1 innings against the Texas Rangers Saturday after being activated off the disabled list earlier in the day.

6/3/2005

Matt Holliday, col

Holliday notched his third multihit game in as many days, going 3-for-3 with a double, two home runs, two RBI, two walks and two runs scored in Thursday's comeback victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. The Rockies' third baseman has hit safely in 13 of his last 14 games, including seven straight. Over that span, he is batting .400 with three home runs, five RBI and three stolen bases.

6/2/2005

Jeremy Affeldt, col

Out with a left groin strain since mid-April, Affeldt has made four relief appearances at Triple-A Omaha as part of his minor league rehab assignment. The lefthanded reliever is expected to return to the Royals' bullpen soon.

6/1/2005

Jason Smith, col

The Detroit Tigers designated Smith for assignment on Wednesday and recalled top infield prospect Tony Giarratano to take Smith's place on the roster. Smith had hit .200 (9-for-45) with two runs scored and an RBI in 21 games for Detroit.

Jason Jennings, col

Jennings notched his 25th win at Coors Field in Tuesday's victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, becoming the winningest pitcher in the 10-year history of the park. The Rockies' righthander allowed just one run on six hits over seven innings, striking out four and walking three.

Aaron Cook, col

Working his way back to the major leagues after recovering from a pulmonary embolism, Cook made a minor league rehab start on Tuesday. However, the righthander was removed from the game after just three innings of work, due to some discomfort in his pitching shoulder. He will be re-evaluated over the next couple of days to determine the extent of the injury. In 16 starts with the Rockies last season, Cook went 6-4 with a 4.28 ERA and one complete game.

5/31/2005

Jose Acevedo, col

Nursing a strained right groin, Acevedo has been placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Colorado Rockies. Matt Anderson, the top overall pick in the 1997 Draft, was recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs to fill the void on the roster and in the bullpen.

5/30/2005

Todd Helton, col

Helton collected a rare hit on Sunday in the midst of a lengthy slump. The Colorado first baseman has only three hits in his last 46 at-bats, an .065 slide that has dropped his average for the season to .265.

5/27/2005

Todd Helton, col

Helton has been in a rare slump over the last couple of weeks. Going into Friday's meeting with the Chicago Cubs, the Rockies' first baseman had notched just two hits in his last 34 at-bats, including 11 strikeouts. Over that span, Helton has seen his batting average drop from .339 to its current .278.

Jaime Cerda, col

Cerda proved dependable in the Kansas City bullpen in 2004, but the 26-year-old lefthander has struggled this season. On Thursday, the Royals recalled reliever Steve Stemle and optioned Cerda to Triple-A Omaha. Cerda was 1-4 with a 6.63 ERA in 20 relief appearances for the Royals.

5/26/2005

Sunny Kim, col

The Washington Nationals have purchased Kim's contract from Triple-A New Orleans, replacing the struggling Claudio Vargas on the roster. In nine starts with the minor league club this season, Kim went 4-2 with a 2.76 ERA.

Chin-hui Tsao, col

As scheduled, Tsao underwent arthroscopic surgery on Wednesday to repair a labrum tear in his pitching shoulder. The Rockies' righthander, who will be sidelined indefinitely, has been transferred from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day DL. The club will turn to Brian Fuentes in the majority of save situations going forward.

5/24/2005

Vinny Castilla, col

Despite battling lingering soreness in his troublesome left knee, Castilla was back in the Nationals' starting lineup for Monday's meeting with the Cincinnati Reds, going 1-for-4. The veteran third baseman, who departed in the third inning of Sunday's contest, hopes to avoid missing any time going forward, but to do so, he will be forced to play through pain.

5/23/2005

Vinny Castilla, col

Castilla was forced to leave in the third inning of Sunday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays, due to soreness in his troublesome left knee. The veteran third baseman, who was replaced in the lineup by Tony Blanco, said the injury is not serious, and he is day-to-day. He will be re-evaluated on Monday. In 42 games this season, Castilla is batting .290 with four home runs, 24 RBI and three stolen bases.

5/22/2005

Kazuo Matsui, col

After leaving Saturday's game with a strained right trapezius muscle in his neck, Matsui is not in the Mets' lineup for the finale between the Mets and Yankees on Sunday. The 29-year-old second baseman said he slept funny on Friday night and woke up sore. He doesn't expect to miss much time. He's day-to-day.

5/21/2005

Bret Prinz, col

In order to make room on the 40-man roster for the newly-recalled Curtis Pride, the Angels moved prinz from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list on Saturday. Prinz has been sidelined since April 11 with a strained right shoulder.

Bret Prinz, col

In order to make room on the 40-man roster for the newly recalled Curtis Pride, the Angels moved Prinz from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list on Saturday. Prinz has been sidelined since April 11 with a strained right shoulder.

Kazuo Matsui, col

In the Mets' win over the Yankees on Saturday, Matsui left in the sixth inning with a strained right trapezius muscle in his neck. The extent of his injury is unknown, and the Mets have listed him as day-to-day.

5/20/2005

Chin-hui Tsao, col

The Colorado Rockies announced on Friday that Tsao will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder. The surgery to repair a labrum tear has been scheduled for Wednesday. The 23-year-old righthander began the year on the disabled list because of shoulder inflammation, and his shoulder woes returned this month.

5/19/2005

Chin-hui Tsao, col

After seeking two opinions, Tsao has been diagnosed with a possible tear in the labrum of his pitching shoulder. The Rockies' closer will discuss his options with the team's medical staff over the next couple of days before making a final decision on his next step. Surgery has not been ruled out. In 10 relief appearances this season, Tsao is 1-0 with a 6.55 ERA and three saves.

5/18/2005

Jose Mesa, col

Mesa blew his second save in as many games, allowing two runs on two hits and two walks in the ninth inning of Wednesday's loss to the Chicago Cubs. Prior to his struggles over the last two days, the Pirates' veteran closer had converted his last 23 save opportunities dating back to last season.

Brian Fuentes, col

With Chin-hui Tsao sidelined indefintely with a shoulder injury, the Colorado Rockies will turn to Fuentes in the majority of save situations going forward, according to manager Clint Hurdle. The lefthander has made 22 relief appearances so far this season, going 0-2 with a 2.65 ERA. He has struck out 12 and walked nine in 17 innings of work.

5/17/2005

Keiichi Yabu, col

Yabu was scheduled to make his first start for Oakland on Wednesday, but that plan may have changed after the 36-year-old righthander had to work two innings in relief in Monday's 6-4 victory over Boston. Yabu earned the win, but had to throw 43 pitches. It's possible that Seth Etherton will make the Wednesday start for Oakland instead.

The A's bullpen is thin because of injuries to Kiko Calero and Justin Duchscherer. Either Yabu or Etherton will start on Wednesday while the other gets some innings in the pen.

5/16/2005

Clint Barmes, col

Barmes struck out twice in five at-bats in Sunday's loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, but notched a single and extended his current hitting streak to a career-high 11 games. Over that span, the Rockies' shortstop has six multihit games and is batting .358 with three doubles, one triple, three home runs and 10 RBI

Despite the hit streak, Barmes has actually seen his season batting average drop a bit recently. For the year, he is hitting .386 with seven home runs, 24 RBI, 32 runs scored and three stolen bases.

Keiichi Yabu, col

After working effectively in 11 relief appearances for Oakland, Yabu will make his first major league start in North America on Wednesday against Boston. The 36-year-old righthander, who is 2-0 with a 2.55 ERA for Oakland this season, will start in place of injured righthander Rich Harden.

5/15/2005

Denny Bautista, col

The Royals placed Bautista on the 15-day disabled list on Saturday with tendinitis in his right shoulder. Bautista left during the third inning of his last start on Wednesday, and will now be out at least two weeks while on the DL.

With other Kansas City starters Brian Anderson already on the DL, and Runelvys Hernandez ailing from his last start, the Royals rotation is getting extremely thin. Even we're curious as to who will take the mound for the team next week.

5/14/2005

Keiichi Yabu, col

Yabu could move into the Oakland starting rotation if Rich Harden is sidelined by a strained oblique muscle. Yabu is 2-0 with a 2.55 ERA in 11 games so far this season, his first in the majors after spending the previous 11 seasons with the Hanshin Tigers in Japan.

5/13/2005

Chin-hui Tsao, col

Tsao is headed back to the disabled list, as the Rockies placed him on the 15-day DL with an inflammation in his right shoulder. Tsao returned to the team just over a month ago after sitting out the first two weeks of the season with the same injury. There is some suspiscion that Tsao has at least a partial tear of his right labrum. The three-year veteran pitched in 10 games this season going 1-0 and posting a 6.55 ERA while saving three games.

A few possible options that the Rockies have to take over the closer role for Tsao are newly acquired Blaine Neal, or possibly even Byung-Hyun Kim, Shawn Chacon, and Jose Acevedo, all who have former closing experience.The Rockies are hoping a strengthening program will help the muscles in the shoulder enough so that Tsao can avoid surgery.

Denny Bautista, col

The Kansas City Royals believe that Bautista's shoulder stiffness is a bone issue and not a muscle problem. The 24-year-old righthander may miss his next start early next week. He left during the third inning of his Wednesday outing against Toronto.

Look for an update before Bautista's next scheduled start on Tuesday, when he would face his old team, the Baltimore Orioles, in Kansas City.

5/12/2005

Denny Bautista, col

Bautista left during the third inning of his Wednesday start because of stiffness in his right shoulder. After the game, Kansas City interim manager Bob Schaefer said he didn't believe Bautista's stiffness was a serious matter. For the season, the 24-year-old righthander is 2-2 with a 5.80 ERA in seven starts.

That very well may be true, but it's good to be aware of Bautista's early departure. It may turn out to be nothing, but keep an eye open for further developments.

5/11/2005

Byung-Hyun Kim, col

Although he did not figure into the decision, Kim was solid in his spot start against the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday, replacing the ailing Joe Kennedy. The righthander, who has battled all sorts of control problems this season, allowed just one run on three hits over five innings. He struck out five and walked four.

Kennedy is expected to be ready for his next turn in the rotation, so Kim will return to a relief role for Colorado. In 18 innings of work this season, Kim has walked 19, thrown five wild pitches and hit three batters.

Randy Williams, col

Williams, who was designated for assignment by the San Diego Padres earlier this week, has been claimed off waivers by the Colorado Rockies. In two appearances in his short stint with the Padres this season, Williams went 1-0 and posted a 12.46 ERA.

5/10/2005

David Cortes, col

The Colorado Rockies have purchased Cortes' contract from Triple-A Colorado Springs. The righthander, who was one of the last demotions during spring training, has gone 1-0 with a 4.30 ERA and one save in 11 relief appearances with the minor league club this season. He takes the roster spot of outfielder Michael Restovich.

It probably isn't a good move to have any Rockies pitchers on your fantasy squad, let alone a middle reliever. No need to consider picking up Cortes.

Jamey Carroll, col

Since taking over for the injured Jose Vidro at second base for the Washington Nationals, Carroll is 9-for-18 (.500) with three walks, one RBI and a stolen base over his last four games. The infielder will remain in the lineup on a daily basis, as Vidro will be sidelined at least the next two weeks with a sprained ankle and shortstop Christian Guzman could miss 5-7 days with a hamstring injury.

Carlos Baerga is expected to step in at second base, while Carroll will shift to short. Henry Mateo will serve as the primary backup. All but one of Carroll's hits this season have been singles. For the year, he is bating .405 with three RBI, one steal and nine runs scored in 15 games. He should hit for average, but don't expect much power out of him.

Randy Williams, col

Williams' stay in the Padres' bullpen was short-lived, as the lefthander was designated for assignment on Monday, less than a week after being recalled from Triple-A Portland. In two appearances, Williams went 1-0 and posted a 12.46 ERA. The team will have 10 days to trade Williams, release him or send him outright to the minor leagues.

Filling the hole on the roster and in the bullpen will be Brian Falkenborg, who was recalled from the minor league club.

5/9/2005

Jesse Garcia, col

Opening a spot on the roster for starting shortstop Khalil Greene, the San Diego Padres have optioned Garica to Triple-A Portland. The infielder helped fill in at short during Greene's absence, but batted just .167 with two home runs and four RBI in 16 games. He struck out 11 times in 36 at-bats.

With Geoff Blum still sidelined, veteran Damian Jackson will serve as Greene's primary backup going forward.

J.J. Davis, col

The Washington Nationals have sent Davis outright to Triple-A New Orleans, opening a roster spot for infielder Henry Mateo, who will be activated from the 15-day disabled list in time for Monday's meeting with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Davis has seen limited action as a backup in the Nationals' outfield this season, going 6-for-26 (.231) with two RBI and a stolen base in 14 games.

The Nationals are fairly stocked in the outfield at this point, even with Terrmel Sledge sidelined. As a result, Davis likely won't be back with the major league club until late in the season, unless they are hit with another injury.

5/4/2005

Randy Williams, col

Williams has been recalled from Triple-A Portland by the San Diego Padres. The lefthander, who was 1-1 with a 6.39 ERA in 12 appearances with the minor league club this season, takes the roster spot of injured starter Woody Williams.

Darrell May will move into the starting rotation during Woody Williams' absence, while Randy Williams will supply the Padres with another arm in the bullpen.

4/29/2005

Bret Prinz, col

Prinz, battling a right shoulder strain that put him on the disabled list on April 11, threw from a mound for the second time since he was sidelined. Manager Mike Scioscia said the righthanded reliever could be headed to Arizona for extended spring training as early as the weekend.

4/28/2005

Josh Fogg, col

For the third time in less than a week, Fogg's scheduled start has been bumped. The Pirates' righthander first was moved from Sunday to Tuesday, because of an ear infection, but Tuesday's game was rained out, and his next outing was penciled in for Friday. However, the team has decided to give Fogg a little more time to recover from his ailment and now will send him to the mound against the Houston Astros on Monday.

In three games this season, Fogg is 1-1 with a 2.45 ERA, but he has not seen game action since April 19.

Ryan Speier, col

The Colorado Rockies have optioned Speier to Triple-A Colorado Springs to give him some time to work on his command. The 25-year-old righthander, who made his major league debut earlier this month, has struggled in 10 relief appearances, going 1-1 with a 9.82 ERA and one blown save.

To fill the void on the roster, the Rockies activated outfielder Dustan Mohr from the 15-day disabled list.

4/27/2005

Josh Fogg, col

With Tuesday's game being rained out, the Pittsburgh Pirates have been forced to adjust their starting rotation. Josh Fogg was slated to pitch on Wednesday, but will be pushed back to Friday against the San Francisco Giants, allowing Kip Wells to face the Andy Pettitte and the Houston Astros.

Fogg was scheduled to take the mound against the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, but was scratched because of an ear infection. In three games this season, he is 1-1 with a 2.45 ERA.

Jeff Baker, col

Baker has been optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs by the Colorado Rockies, opening a spot on the roster for Garrett Atkins, who was activated from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday. Atkins was slated to be the Rockies' Opening Day third baseman this season, but a strained hamstring forced the team to turn to Baker for the first couple of weeks.

Baker and Desi Relaford split time at the hot corner in Atkins' absence. In 12 games this season, Baker is batting .211 with one home run and four RBI, but he's fanned 12 times in 38 at-bats.

4/26/2005

Jose Mesa, col

Even though he will turn 39 next month, Mesa continues to thrive as the closer for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The veteran righthander, whose fastball still tops out in the mid-90s, has notched seven saves in seven relief appearances this season. Over that span, he has allowed just one run on seven hits, striking out nine and walking two.

The Pirates view Mike Gonzalez as their closer of the future, but if Mesa continues to produce, a change won't be made any time soon.

Garrett Atkins, col

The Rockies have activated Atkins from the disabled list on Tuesday, and optioned rookie Jeff Baker to Triple-A Colorado Springs. Atkins was shelved with strained hamstring for the first three weeks of the season, after he was slated to be the team's opening day third baseman.

Before long, Atkins should be able to make it back into the starting lineup to replace sub Desi Relaford.

Garrett Atkins, col

The Rockies have activated Atkins from the disabled list, and optioned rookie Jeff Baker to Triple-A Colorado Springs. Atkins, who was slated to be the team's Opening Day third baseman, was shelved with strained hamstring for the first three weeks of the season.

Atkins is expected to take over as the Rockies' everyday starter at the hot corner, but might split time with veteran Desi Relaford for the time being.

4/25/2005

Vinny Castilla, col

Castilla got the day off on Saturday after notching just one hit in his previous 13 at-bats and seeing his batting average drop from .436 to .346. The Nationals' third baseman, who has been battling a sore shoulder and bruised shin recently, got back on track in Sunday's meeting with the New York Mets, going 4-for-5 with a double, RBI and two stolen bases.

Two steals in one game definitely is a surprise for Castilla, who had 29 stolen bases in 1,641 career contests going into Sunday's matchup. For the season, he is batting .386 with three home runs, six doubles and 12 RBI.

Brad Hawpe, col

While Dustan Mohr is due back soon from a stint on the disabled list for a calf strain, Hawpe has heated up and will make it difficult to pull him from the Rockies' lineup in right field. The 25-year-old rookie has batted .474 (9-for-19) in his last six games, delivering a double and three homers, good for six runs scored and six RBI.

Hawpe begins the new week with a six-game hitting streak and a .366 average in 17 contests. He has collected 10 RBI on the season.

4/24/2005

Josh Fogg, col

An ear infection has put Fogg out of action for his scheduled start today against the Chicago Cubs. Dave Williams, who was slated to start Sunday, will be pushed up one day to take Fogg's place in Pittsburgh's rotation. Fogg is now slated to take the mound on Wednesday against the Astros.

With a lifetime ERA of 6.08 against Chicago, this may be a blessing in disguise for Fogg, whom the Cubs have hammered for 13 home runs -- more than any other team -- over 71 career innings.

Nate Field, col

Field was sent down to Triple-A Omaha after posting a 9.45 ERA in seven appearances for the Royals. Ambiorix Burgos was recalled from Double-A Wichita to take his place in the Kansas City bullpen.

4/20/2005

Vinny Castilla, col

Castilla was pulled from the Nationals' lineup as a precautionary measure after fouling a ball off his leg in the sixth inning of Tuesday's game against the Florida Marlins. The veteran third baseman initially was diagnosed with a bruised left shin, but he's scheduled to be re-evaluated on Wednesday to determine his status. Castilla, who has battled shoulder problems this season as well, hopes to be in the lineup for the team's next contest.

Carlos Baerga took over at the hot corner after Castilla's departure on Tuesday. He and Jamey Carroll likely will see time there if Castilla is forced to miss any more time. Although he went 0-for-3 on Tuesday, Castilla still is batting .405 with three home runs, five doubles and 11 RBI in 13 games this season.

Clint Barmes, col

The pressure of being an everyday player in the major leagues has yet to get to Barmes. The Rockies' 26-year-old shortstop has torn out of the gates to start the 2005 campaign, hitting safely in 10 of his 13 contests, including six multihit games. For the year, he is batting .429 with four home runs, 10 RBI, three doubles and two stolen bases.

Barmes had played in just 32 major league games coming into the 2005 season. He likely won't keep up the torrid pace all year, but you could do a lot worse at shortstop.

Matt Holliday, col

Holliday turned in his best peformance of the young 2005 campaign in Tuesday's victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks, going a perfect 4-for-4 with a triple, walk, three RBI and a run scored. The Rockies' outfielder also extended his current hitting streak to five contests and notched his fourth multihit game of the season.

Although he has yet to find the seats, Holliday is off to a strong start, batting .321 with nine RBI and two stolen bases in 13 games.

Jeff Francis, col

Francis helped the Colorado Rockies notch a much-needed win on Tuesday, pitching the best game of his young career. The 24-year-old lefthander scattered four hits and allowed just one run over 7.2 innings in an 8-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. He struck out four and walked three. The thin air at Coors Field has not been a bother for Francis, as he's posted a 3-0 record and 1.93 ERA in three home starts dating back to last season.

Francis, who was named the Minor League Player of the Year by Baseball America in 2004, has made just 10 starts in his major league career. He has had some control problems so far this season, allowing 12 walks in 16.2 innings.

4/19/2005

Jose Acevedo, col

Acevedo has been recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs by the Colorado Rockies. The righthander, who was acquired from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for fellow pitcher Allan Simpson just over a week ago, fills the roster spot of injured lefthander Bobby Seay.

Acevedo struggled in spring training, posting an 11.70 ERA. He'll pitch in long relief with the Rockies, but could be called upon to make a spot start or two, if needed. In 39 appearances with Cincinnati last season, including 27 starts, the righthander went 5-12 with a 5.94 ERA.

4/16/2005

Jeremy Affeldt, col

The Royals have placed Affeldt on the 15-day disabled list on Saturday with a left groin strain. Slated as the team's closer at the start of the season, Affeldt has not had a save opportunity, and will be replaced for the time being by Mike MacDougal. Affeldt was pulled from the game on Friday night after complaining of soreness, and he underwent an MRI exam on Saturday.

Although Affeldt wasn't a premier closer, fantasy owners should get him out of their lineups as soon as possible. If MacDougal is available in your league, he may be worth the risk as a replacement for Affeldt.

4/15/2005

Vinny Castilla, col

After being limited by pain in the back of his shoulder over the previous several days, Castilla returned to the Washington Nationals' lineup for Thursday's home opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The veteran third baseman finished the contest a perfect 3-for-3 with four RBI and finished just a single shy of hitting for the cycle. He also was hit by a pitch in his final plate appearance.

Castilla doesn't have any problems at the plate, but reports discomfort on his throws. He hopes to play through the pain. In nine games this season, he is batting .393 with two homers, three doubles and seven RBI.

Tom Martin, col

Martin has been released by the Atlanta Braves after allowing five runs on six hits and two walks in just 2.1 innings this season. The lefthander, who was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers midway through the 2004 campaign, will be replaced in the bullpen by John Foster.

Martin has appeared in 76 or more games each of the past two seasons, so he should land with another club. However, he has no fantasy value.

Jeremy Affeldt, col

Affeldt had some minor discomfort in his groin during his appearance on Wednesday, but after a bullpen session on Thursday, he reported no major problems. The Royals' closer, who has battled groin problems in the recent past -- including a strained abductor muscle in mid-March -- does not expect to miss any time going forward.

Affeldt's injury appears minor, but it might be something to keep an eye on. He has allowed two runs on four hits in four innings this season and has yet to notch a save.

Kazuo Matsui, col

Matsui is nursing a scratched left cornea, and the ailment forced him to miss Thursday's game against the Houston Astros. However, the injury is considered minor, and the second baseman should be back in the Mets' lineup within the next couple of days. Until that time, Miguel Cairo likely will get the nod.

Matsui has hit safely in six of seven games this season and is batting .267 with one home run, six RBI and two stolen bases. He doesn't possess extreme power -- seven homers in 460 at-bats last season -- but should be a good source of steals and runs in 2005.

4/13/2005

Vinny Castilla, col

Bothered by pain in the back of his shoulder on Monday, Castilla didn't start Washington's 4-3 come-from-behind win over Atlanta on Tuesday. While he did make a pinch-hitting appearance, the Nationals' third baseman is not expected to be in the starting lineup again on Wednesday in the series finale against Atlanta. Jamey Carroll likely will get the nod in his absence.

Castilla, who is 8-for-25 (.320) this season, said he feels pain when he throws a baseball, but has no problem swinging a bat. He is expected to play in Washington's home opener on Thursday against Arizona.

Jamey Carroll, col

Carroll received his first start of the new season on Tuesday, playing in place of injured third baseman Vinny Castilla in Washington's 4-3 come-from-behind win over Atlanta. The utility player went 0-for-3 and is now 2-for-6 (.333) on the season.

Carroll could get another start at third against Atlanta on Wednesday, but that probably would end his starting gig. Castilla is expected back for Washington's home opener against Arizona on Thursday.

Garrett Atkins, col

Atkins' strained right hamstring has improved enough for him to resume taking grounders and swinging a bat, but the Rockies plan to work him back slowly. Reportedly, the third baseman will remain on the 15-day disabled list for at least another couple of weeks. In his absence, Jeff Baker and Desi Relaford, who was activated earlier this week, will handle the hot-corner duties for Colorado.

Atkins turned in a solid spring prior to his injury, batting .397 with two home runs and eight RBI in 22 games. At Triple-A Colorado Springs in 2004, he hit .366 with 15 homers and 94 RBI. He should be a solid fantasy option at third base once healthy, especially playing in the thin air of Coors Field.

4/12/2005

Bret Prinz, col

Prinz, acquired by the Angels from the Yankees at the end of March, has beeen placed on the 15-day disabled list. The righthanded reliever has been bothered by what feels like a knot near his right shoulder blade. While no tests have revealed any major damage, the Angels couldn't afford to carry a pitcher who wouldn't be able to pitch for a few days.

Righthander Chris Bootcheck was recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake to take Prinz' spot in the Angels' pen. Prinz expects to return by the end of April.

Chin-hui Tsao, col

As anticipated, Tsao has been activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Colorado Rockies and will be available for Tuesday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The righthander, who has been sidelined since late in spring training with tendinitis and inflammation in the rotator cuff in his pitching shoulder, will reclaim the closer duties, according to manager Clint Hurdle.

Lefthanded reliever Javier Lopez was optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs to open a spot on the active roster. In 10 relief appearances last season, Tsao posted a 3.86 ERA, notched one save and struck out 11 batters in 9.1 innings.

4/11/2005

Chin-hui Tsao, col

Tsao had no problems in a minor league rehab appearance over the weekend, and the Rockies plan to activate the righthander in time for Tuesday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Tsao, who has been sidelined since late in spring training with tendinitis in the rotator cuff in his pitching shoulder, will reclaim the closer duties, according to manager Clint Hurdle.

In 10 relief appearances last season, Tsao posted a 3.86 ERA, notched one save and struck out 11 batters in 9.1 innings.

Clint Barmes, col

After going 2-for-4 in Colorado's 11-4 loss in San Francisco Sunday, Barmes has at least two hits in three of five games this season. The Rockies' rookie shortstop, who was 4-for-6 with a game-winning walk-off home run on Opening Day, now is 9-for-23 (.391) with two doubles, two longballs and six runs scored on the young season.

Jorge Piedra, col

Piedra has been suspended for 10 days for violating the league's new drug policy concerning performance-enhancing substances. The Rockies' outfielder, who singled in his only at-bat of the season, will begin serving the penalty on Monday.

Piedra, currently with Triple-A Colorado Springs, will be eligible to return to action on April 21.

4/6/2005

Jorge Piedra, col

Piedra, who lost out to Cory Sullivan for the final spot on Colorado's Opening Day roster this season, has been recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs by the Rockies. With Dustan Mohr out for at least two weeks with a strained calf muscle, Piedra will serve as a backup in the Colorado outfield.

Piedra appeared in 38 games with the Rockies last season, batting .297 with three home runs and 10 RBI in 91 at-bats.

4/5/2005

Jeff Baker, col

As anticipated, Baker got the starting nod at third base for the Colorado Rockies in Monday's Opening Day battle with the San Diego Padres, making his major league debut. The infielder, who was recalled from Double-A Tulsa to fill in for the injured Garrett Atkins, went 2-for-5 in the game, including a two-run home run in the third inning.

Baker should get most of the starts at the hot corner until Atkins can return, which will be at least a couple of weeks from now. Baker split last season between Class-A and Double-A, hitting a combined .318 with 15 home runs and 84 RBI in 97 games.

Clint Barmes, col

Barmes was the hero for the Colorado Rockies in Monday's Opening Day victory over the San Diego Padres, connecting for a two-run walk-off homer in the bottom of the ninth off veteran closer Trevor Hoffman. The rookie shortstop finished the game 4-for-6 with a double, three RBI and two runs scored.

Barmes becamed the first Rockies rookie to hit a game-ending home run. If his spring totals are any indication of what he will do in the regular season, Barmes will be in for a big year. In 22 exhibition games, he hit .333 with three home runs, two doubles, 12 RBI and three stolen bases.

4/4/2005

Jeff Baker, col

Baker has been recalled from Double-A Tulsa by the Colorado Rockies. The infielder, who is expected to split time with Alfredo Amezaga at third base over the next couple of weeks in Garrett Atkins' absence, batted .395 with one home run and seven RBI in 38 at-bats this spring.

Baker split last season between Class-A and Double-A, hitting a combined .318 with 15 home runs and 84 RBI in 97 games.

Garrett Atkins, col

Atkins suffered a strained right hamstring over the weekend, and the injury has landed him on the Colorado Rockies' 15-day disabled list. The 25-year-old infielder, who was slated to serve as the club's everyday third baseman this season, will be forced to miss at least a couple of weeks. In his absence, Jeff Baker and Alfredo Amezaga likely will split time at the hot corner.

Atkins turned in a solid spring prior to his injury, batting .397 with two home runs and eight RBI in 22 games. At Triple-A Colorado Springs in 2004, he hit .366 with 15 homers and 94 RBI. He should be a solid fantasy option at third base once healthy, especially playing in the thin air of Coors Field.