Opening Time: Ryan Kalish goes deep, deserves attention
On Friday night at Yankee Stadium, Ryan Kalish(notes) hit the first home run of his big league career, whereupon David Ortiz(notes) took the rookie into his bosom (pictured). It's not a full celebration without Papi's warm embrace.
Kalish has been in the majors for only a week, but the 22-year-old has already put together a decent highlight reel. You'll find the clip of Friday's homer here via MLB.com. Kalish's name has been penciled into the starting lineup every day since he was called up, and he's batting .429 (9-for-21).
From a fantasy perspective, there's a lot to like here. Baseball America rated Kalish the No. 5 prospect in Boston's system entering the season, and he hit .294/.382/.502 with 13 homers and 25 steals across two levels before earning the promotion. With Mike Cameron(notes) currently on the 15-day disabled list (like most other Red Sox vets), Kalish has a relatively clear path to playing time. Give him a look. He's a legit power/speed threat, and his team ranks second in the majors in runs-scored.
• Here's hoping you didn't get Lindstrom'd on Friday. Houston's closer was handed a three-run lead in the ninth with the bottom-third of Milwaukee's batting order due up, yet he somehow managed to blow the save. Here's the carnage…
…and here's video of the walk-off single. A few of us really could have used the W from Wandy Rodriguez(notes), who deserved a fate better than a no-decision (6.1 IP, 8 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7K). Wandy has been terrific over his last eight starts, believe it or not. Lindstrom hadn't allowed a run in his previous 10 appearances, so he's in no immediate danger.
• Matt LaPorta(notes) snapped a month-long home run drought by launching this game-winner off Minnesota's Matt Guerrier(notes). He's raised his average 40 points since he was recalled in late-June, and he seems this close to mixed league relevance. Tribe closer Chris Perez(notes) picked up a junk win after recording his fourth blown save of the year. Lucky dog.
• Florida first baseman Gaby Sanchez(notes) is dealing with a tight hamstring, and it may keep him out of Saturday's matchup against Jake Westbrook(notes). Sanchez is considered day-to-day; he's reportedly available to pinch-hit.
• Our long nightmare is at its end, America: Stephen Strasburg(notes) is expected to start for the Nationals on Tuesday against the Marlins, in the opener of a six-game homestand. He'll get a two-start week, assuming his shoulder remains stiffness-free.
• Brett Cecil(notes)? Yup, still great, still not owned in enough leagues. He outdueled Matt Garza(notes) on Friday, striking out nine Rays over seven innings. The lefty has held opponents to three runs or less in each of his last six starts, lowering his ERA to 3.62 and his WHIP to 1.17. Cecil has also totaled 88 Ks in 119.1 innings. He'll get the Red Sox next, then Oakland.
• So Daniel Hudson(notes) seems to be enjoying his new league. The 23-year-old righty was terrific in his second start for the Diamondbacks, earning a win over the first-place Padres. In each of his appearances for Arizona, Hudson has limited the opposition to three hits and one run while striking out four. He delivered an excellent K-rate in Triple-A this season (10.4 K/9), so there's fantasy upside here. Hudson will get the Brewers next week, then he should be a two-start pitcher in Week 20.
• Tampa Bay has placed first baseman Carlos Pena(notes) on the 15-day disabled list due to a "slightly torn ligament" in his right foot. In his absence, Dan Johnson(notes) should get at-bats against right-handed pitchers. The 30-year-old is basically a lock for the Quad-A Hall of Fame; Johnson hit .303 with 30 homers, 95 RBIs and a 1.053 OPS at Durham earlier this year. He's hit 100 career homers at Triple-A, 44 in the big leagues, and 24 in Japan.
• Bobby Jenks(notes) is pretty much the A.L. version of Brad Lidge(notes). White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen is sticking with his closer, despite the fact that Jenks has allowed nine earned runs in his last nine appearances. Bobby's ERA jumped to 5.13 as a result of Thursday's blown save.
• Alfredo Simon(notes) tossed two zesty innings at home against Chicago on Friday, picking up his third win on the season. The splitter was vicious, and Simon reached 97 mph with his fastball. Mike Gonzalez won't have an easy time reclaiming the Baltimore closing gig, not if Simon brings Friday's stuff to the park each day.
• Boston is apparently kicking the tires on 38-year-old free agent Carlos Delgado(notes), as are various other teams. Delgado is recovering from hip surgery, but he hit .271 with 38 homers in his last full season ('08).
• This is, without question, my favorite injury-related news blurb of all time:
A case of claustrophobia caused Manny Ramirez(notes) to postpone an MRI he was supposed to undergo on Friday. Ramirez continues to receive treatment for his strained calf in Arizona, according to the Dodgers.
Has there ever been an update that so perfectly captures the essence of a player? No, indeed there has not. Kudos, LA Times.
• Longtime reader Drew Storen(notes) recorded his first major league save. Well done, sir. Gamers, please offer your congratulations to Jillian and/or Drew in comments…
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Strasburg photo via US Presswire
