MLB Musings

Brandon Belt (2-for-4, 2R, 2RBI), who was just called up from Fresno (AAA), hit two solo homers. It was quite a return for the struggling first baseman. He increased his slash line from .218/.315/333 to .232/.330/.415 with this performance. He could see regular playing time if Carlos Beltran is placed on the DL, which would shift Aubrey Huff from first base to the outfield.

Cody Ross (2-for-5, 1R, 2RBI) hit a solo HR off of Chris Volstad. It was only his 9th homer of the year.

Mike Stanton (1-for-4, 1R, 1RBI) hit is 26th HR of the season.

Ryan Vogelson (7.2IP, 4H, 2ER, 2BB, 8K) raised his record to 10-2. One of the complete surprises of the year, Vogelsong boasts an impressive 2.47 ERA. The win followed one of his worst outings of the year.

Chris Volstad (6.0IP, 7H, 4ER, 2BB, 7K) took the loss against the Giants. The right-hander allowed three solo homers and saw his ERA balloon to 5.60.

Jo-Jo Reyes (6.0IP, 4H, 1ER, 2BB, 4K) picked up a rare victory. It was his third win in 10 starts since June 17th.

Kevin Gregg (0.0IP,4H, 4R, 4ER, 2BB) failed to retire any of the six batters he faced in the 9th. His ERA soared from 3.40 to 4.20 after his miserable showing. Jim Johnson bailed the O's out and picked up the save.

Doug Fister (5.2IP, 12H, 8R, 6ER, 1BB, 5K) did not fare well in his third start with the Tigers. Fister saw his ERA rise from 3.31 to 3.59.

Nick Markakis (3-for5, 2R,4RBI) had a great day at the plate. He hit his 12th round-tripper of the year and drove in his 55th RBI. He is now batting .284/.335/.400, good in fantasy circles as a 4th outfielder.

Dan Uggla (0-for-3, 1RBI) had his 33 game hitting streak broken. He did, however, hit an RBI sacrifice fly.

Jose Constanza (1-for-2, 2R, 2SB) remained white hot. His slash line now stands at an unsustainable .382/.414/.545. Those in rotisserie should ride him until he cools down.

Brandon Beachy (5.1IP, 6H, 2R, 0BB, 8K) pitched well but was not involved in the decision.

Matt Garza (5.0IP, 6H, 4R, 2ER, 1B, 5K) did not have his best outing but was not involved in the decision.

Carlos Pena (1-for-4, 1R, 3RBI) hit a two-run game winning homer in the 7th off of Eric O'Flaherty. It was Pena's 23rd HR and 65th RBI of the year.

Erick Aybar went hitless again today and has only 3 hits in his last 49AB since July 31. He has seen his batting average plummet to .259 from .286 during this time.

Jose Bautista (3-for4, 1R, 1RBI) belted his 34th homer and now sports an exceptional .311/.448.636 slash line.

Brett Lawrie (1-for-4, 1RBI) doubled home the winning run in the bottom of the tenth. The rookie is now batting .355 since being called up to the Jays.

Dan Haren (7.0IP, 5H, 3ER, 0BB, 5K) pitched well but took a no-decision.

Brett Cecil (7.0IP, 5H, 5ER, 0BB, 3K) pitched a fine game but took a no-decision.