Homer Bailey

Homer Bailey’s return to the Cincinnati Reds rotation was a successful one on Sunday afternoon. Bailey threw six shutout innings as the Reds earned a victory over the Marlins 2-0. Bailey did not walk a batter and allowed just three hits while striking out four as he improved to 2-2.

Bailey has been on the disabled list since May 24 because of right shoulder inflammation. Bailey had really struggled with a 5.51 ERA in nine starts before his DL stint. He needed this strong return as the Reds rotation could look much different when Travis Wood, Johnny Cueto and Aaron Harang all return. The Reds are entertaining the idea of using Bailey out of the bullpen when those guys return, which limits Bailey’s fantasy value. Bailey has always had the hype surrounding him, but the consistency has not been there for him. Fantasy owners need to keep an eye on the Reds rotation over the next few weeks as this is a very fluid situation. Bailey will face the Dodgers in his next start.

In other fantasy news from Sunday…..

• Jeremy Hellickson threw another gem with six strong innings of one-run ball to a victory over the Orioles. He allowed just three hits, walking one and striking out five.
• Kevin Slowey was throwing a no-hitter through seven innings, but was removed by manager Ron Gardenhire. Even though it was not the popular thing to do, Gardenhire stood by his decision because Slowey’s just come off an elbow injury. Jon Rauch took the mound in the eighth inning and gave up a single to end the no-hit bid. Slowey walked three and struck out five.
• Derek Lee hit two. After blasting two homers, Lee was removed from the game with lower back stiffness. Consider him day-to-day.
• Carlos Delgado left the game due to tightness in his lower left back and hip area with Pawtucket. This could be a setback in Delgado’s attempt to return to the majors. Dustin Pedroia says that he is “good enough” and is ready to rejoin the Red Sox.
• Chris Johnson hit one. The home run was one of his three hits on Sunday as this was his seventh multi-hit game in August. Johnson is now hitting .360 since joining the Astros.
• Kris Medlen is going to have ligament-transplant elbow surgery this week. Recovery time is expected to be about a year.
• Tim Lincecum was pounded for five earned runs on eight hits and three walks with six strikeouts over a short outing against the Padres. Lincecum has given up 11 ER in his last two starts that have totaled 7.2 innings. Lincecum does not look anything like the Cy-Young winner of the past two years these days.