Atomic RoadRunners

Problems abound with the Roadrunners’ second basemen.  First, Jon Weisman has a write-up in Dodger Thoughts on Kent’s miserable April:

How bad has it been for Jeff Kent? Last month was the second-worst of Kent’s career in OPS.  In the past, Kent has usually recovered from bad months. Only in June-July 1994 has he had consecutive months with an OPS below .750.  I wish I could tell you whether his current slump is due to age, health or just one of those things. (Despite a consistent line-drive percentage, Kent’s batting average on balls in play this season is .211, compared to .298 in 2005 and .309 in 2004.) But if it continues past May, that’ll be a first for him.

And then, as feared:

Reds placed infielder Rich Aurilia on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right groin. A tough break for Aurilia, who had been off to a great start. The Reds will have to decide whether to make Scott Hatteberg a full-time first baseman or to go with Adam Dunn at first against lefties, opening up left field for Chris Denorfia now and Ryan Freel after Ken Griffey Jr. returns. We like the second option better.  (Via RotoWorld)

From RotoWorld and RotoTimes:

Mark Mulder has been dealing with back tightness much of the last two weeks. The injury doesn’t seem to be serious, but Mulder will be examined by team orthopedist Dr. George Paletta as a precaution, who cleared him to continue pitching. The Cardinals expect Mulder to make his next scheduled start, which is slated for Saturday against the Marlins.

Rich Aurilia had to leave Wednesday’s game in the sixth inning after straining his hamstring. The team’s medical staff with re-evaluate Aurila before tonight’s game, and a stint on the DL is possible. Scott Hatteberg came into the game when Aurilia was injured and should receive the bulk of the playing time if Aurilia is out for awhile. If Aurilia is going to miss some time, the Reds could play Adam Dunn at first base against lefties and free up some outfield starts for Chris Denorfia.

Kerry Wood (shoulder) will throw 75-80 pitches for Single-A Peoria on Sunday. This will be the first of what will be two minor league rehab starts. If Sunday’s start goes well Triple-A Iowa should be his next stop and he will increase his pitch count to around 90 pitches.

Mark Bellhorn started over Adrian Gonzalez on Wednesday night and hit a three-run homer against the Dodgers. Bellhorn is likely a bigger upgrade over Vinny Castilla than Gonzalez. What matters is that he stays in the lineup while riding his hot streak. Mixed leaguers should still probably pass on him. Although he’s playing well at the moment, Petco Park really limits his upside.

Matt Herges left the Marlins on Wednesday to go back home due to his newborn son’s health problems. If Herges is placed on the bereavement list, the Marlins could recall Chris Resop.

Moises Alou, who missed two starts with a sore left hip, is starting in right field on Wednesday night. Steve Finley returns to the bench.

Standings: 7th Place - 64 points
18.5 out of first
GOK 82.5 / C0 79.5 / X 72 / Pi 72 / SJ 70.5 / 10PK 65.5

HR   AVG   RBI   R   SB    W   ERA   WHIP   K'S   S
--   ---   ---  ---  ---  ---  ----  -----  ---  ---
42  .2604  183  175  27   13   3.85  1.369  155   8
T-5  9TH   1ST  3RD  2ND  T-7  4TH   7TH    9TH  7TH

BOX SCORE FOR 05.03
Atomic Roadrunners            ab  r  h  bi | bb so    avg
---------------------------------------------------------
Johnny Estrada       Ari  C    3  0  1   1 |  0  1   .299
Mike Lieberthal      Phi  C    4  0  2   0 |  0  1   .306
Prince Fielder       Mil 1B    4  0  0   0 |  0  2   .330
Rich Aurilia         Cin 2B    3  0  1   0 |  0  0   .295
Ryan Zimmerman       Was 3B    4  0  2   0 |  1  2   .243
Jose Reyes           NYM SS    6  0  1   1 |  0  1   .243
Adrian Gonzalez       SD 1B    1  0  0   0 |  0  0   .232
Khalil Greene         SD SS    4  0  1   0 |  1  1   .209
Adam Dunn            Cin OF    2  0  0   0 |  2  0   .258
Moises Alou           SF OF    2  1  0   0 |  0  0   .351
Dave Roberts          SD OF    4  1  2   0 |  2  0   .256
J.J. Hardy           Mil SS    4  0  0   0 |  0  0   .267
---------------------------------------------------------
Totals                        41  2 10   2 |  6  8   .244
---------------------------------------------------------
RBI: JEstrada 1(14), JReyes 1(13)
2B: MLieberthal 1(7), RAurilia 1(5)
3B: JReyes 1(4)
GIDP: AGonzalez 1(4)
SB: DRoberts 1(6)
ERRORS: RAurilia 1(1)

PITCHING                          ip  h  r er bb ibb so bf    era whip
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Aaron Heilman     Ho(6)          2.0  0  0  0  0   0  2  6    0.00 0.00
Danys Baez                       1.0  5  2  2  0   0  0  7   18.00 5.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals                           3.0  5  2  2  0   0  2 13   6.00 1.67
----------------------------------------------------------------------

RESERVE HITTING               ab  r  h  bi | bb so    avg
---------------------------------------------------------
Jeff Kent            LAD 2B    3  0  0   0 |  1  0   .183
Ben Johnson           SD OF    0  1  0   0 |  0  0   .226
---------------------------------------------------------
Totals                         3  1  0   0 |  1  0   .000
---------------------------------------------------------

RESERVE PITCHING                  ip  h  r er bb ibb so bf    era whip
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Gary Majewski                    1.0  0  0  0  1   0  0  4    0.00 1.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals                           1.0  0  0  0  1   0  0  4    0.00 1.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------