Posted on June 11, 2010 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches – June 11th, 2010
Josh Johnson fired eight shutout innings on Thursday as the Marlins topped the Phillies 2-0. Johnson improved to 7-3 on the year while out-dueling the best pitcher in the National League: Roy Halladay. He struck out five batters and allowed only one hit while keeping a talented Phillies lineup to three hits. Leo Nunez earned his 13th save of the season with a nearly spotless ninth inning. (Rotoworld)
Tyler Clippard struck out a pair of batters in a scoreless ninth inning to notch the first save of his career on Thursday. Matt Capps has been used heavily lately, so Clippard was given the opportunity to close it out on Thursday. It’s interesting to note that prized rookie Drew Storen did not get the ball in the ninth inning, but rather Clippard. (Rotowire)
Jose Tabata (hamstring) was back in the Pirates’ lineup Thursday. Tabata collected his first career RBI with an opposite field double against Livan Hernandez Thursday night. Tabata hustled on his double and ran hard down the first base line on an infield groundout. It looks like the Bucs dodged a bullet with Tabata, but the promising rookie has dealt with a history of hamstring injuries throughout his minor league career. The rookie was lifted from Wednesday’s game with a cramp, but clearly it was just a precautionary measure. Tabata hit .308/.373/.423 for Triple-A Indianapolis before getting promoted to the big leagues earlier this week and is expected to bring a spark to the Pirates’ starting lineup. (Rotowire)
Madison Bumgarner has been fined and suspended three games for his actions in a Triple-A game on Monday. Bumgarner melted down after a runner was called safe after a pickoff attempt at first base. With Todd Wellemeyer likely headed to the disabled list before his next start, this could make Bumgarner less likely to be called up to take his place. Still, his suspension, which will cost him a start in Triple-A, keeps him eligible to be join the Giants before Wellemeyer’s next scheduled start. (Rotoworld)
Brandon Phillips went 4-for-5 with a two-run triple as part of an eighth-inning rally in the Reds’ 7-6 win over the Giants on Thursday. After Phillips’ triple tied the game at six, Joey Votto singled the second baseman in for the go-ahead run. Phillips had his big game while hitting leadoff for the first time since April 13, 2007 and just the 12th time in his career. He’s actually done quite well in those games, hitting .280 with three homers, seven RBI, nine runs scored and six walks. (Rotoworld)
Mat Latos allowed two runs and two hits over six innings Thursday as the Padres beat the Mets 4-2 in the first game of a doubleheader. He struck out eight in outdueling Johan Santana. Latos retired the final 13 batters he faced, but the Padres still chose to take him out after 99 pitches. Of course, that was an easier call with their bullpen. Luke Gregerson, Mike Adams and Heath Bell all pitched perfect innings after Latos left. He improved to 6-4 with the victory, bouncing back from a shaky outing against the Phillies in his last road start. Earlier this season, it looked like Latos would have to be streamed for his home starts, but he’s looking like a viable option even in shallow mixed leagues for most of his matchups thanks to a 64:20 K:BB ratio in 72.1 innings. (Rotoworld, Rotowire)
It now appears the vacant fifth starter’s job is in the hands of Mat Latos, North County Times reports. With Tim Stauffer, Sean Gallagher and Wade LeBlanc all providing positives this spring, Latos has been the standout. “If Mat Latos continues to pitch well, you’ll see him on the team,” manager Bud Black said. While that is not a ringing endorsement, Black has stated the organization’s plan is for Latos to throw between 150-190 innings this season and where better then the back end of San Diego’s rotation. Don’t expect a decision anytime soon, however. “But we still have two weeks before we have to make final decisions, and we may use all that time,” Black said. We’ll keep you posted. (Rotowire)