Posted on August 31, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
From Rotoworld:
Dave Roberts had four hits and stole two bases to pace the Padres to a 4-1 victory over Arizona on Wednesday. Roberts scored one, drove in two and added his 16th double. With an 8-for-14 series, Roberts is really giving the D’Backs fits. He has 36 RBI and has reached 40 steals for the third time in his career. Roberts is enjoying a real renaissance this season, probably the best of his career.
Shane Victorino continued his hot hitting Wednesday with a three-hit night. He has hit in five straight games, four of which have been multi-hit efforts. Victorino, who also scored a run, is batting .337 for the month to help solidify steady playing time.
Chuck James was solid for seven innings Wednesday as he won his third straight decision. He gave up six hits, two runs and two walks while striking out five. James, now 7-3, has only given up as many as four runs in a start once this month.
Stephen Drew is back at shortstop on Wednesday after missing two games with a sore right hand. He’s batting eighth against the Padres.
Matt Wise had to cut his Wednesday bullpen session short after feeling jolts of pain in his elbow. “It was getting me on every pitch,” said Wise. “It was like I was hitting my funny bone on every pitch. It wasn’t just a tingling in my finger like before. I threw about 25 pitches and I felt it on every one.” Wise is likely done for the season.
Although he was put back in the second spot in the order, Adam Dunn went 0-for-4 on Wednesday, leaving him with a .188 average in August. Dunn has done his best work as a No. 2 hitter this year (.352/.444/.639 in 108 AB), but manager Jerry Narron took him out of the spot a couple of weeks ago. That he’s back there now is likely a move designed to get his bat going again.
Mark Mulder is considering undergoing season-ending arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder. An MRI Wednesday reportedly revealed no tear, but Mulder has fraying around the labrum that apparently is preventing him from using the proper arm angle when throwing. He’ll get a second opinion before deciding on surgery. If he elects to keep pitching, he’s unlikely to help the Cardinals or fantasy teams.
And now, some closure: Mets acquired catcher Mike Nickeas from the Rangers for outfielder Victor Diaz. This gives the Rangers someone to battle Nelson Cruz for what could be an open outfield spot next year. A left-handed hitter might have been more ideal, but it’s still a very good trade for the Rangers. Diaz has been a major disappointment in 2006, but he’s only 24 and he has 25-homer power. He should turn into a pretty useful player as at least a part-time DH and right fielder. Nickeas, a 2004 fifth-round pick, was hitting .266/.386/.362 in 177 at-bats between Single-A Bakersfield and Double-A Frisco. He’s had injury issues, most notably a broken hand in 2005 that has sapped his power, but he’s a fine defender and could develop into a solid No. 2 catcher.