In 2009, Jason Werth separated himself as an elite fantasy outfield option in all formats. Werth posted strong numbers last year with 36 HR and 99 RBI. There was no reason to expect Werth to fall into the current slump that he and the entire Philadelphia Phillies offense has been going through the past few weeks.

Werth got off to a fast start this season as he hit .359 with 6 HR and 24 RBI through May 7th. Since then Werth has gone through a slump that fantasy owners are hoping ends soon. In his last ten games, Werth has 1 HR, 4 RBI, and a .091 BA. During that same ten game stretch, Werth has 15 strikeouts while speculation is growing as to whether his current contract situation is weighing on his mind. It would be hard for the status of his contract not to be weighing on his mind as he has watched the Phillies extend several of the core player’s contracts including Ryan Howard to a record setting extension. Werth will get his contract. Whether or not it is in Philadelphia is another issue. But, whatever team he plays for he will hit.

The Phillies and Werth will come out of this slump. Werth’s fantasy owners need to show patience with him and be be prepared for GMs in your league that try to get you to sell low. Keep the faith.

In other fantasy news:

• Nate McLouth collided in the outfield with Jason Heyward on Wednesday night and is being tested for a possible concussion. McLouth could be headed to the DL as David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
• Miguel Montero could be back in the Arizona Diamondbacks lineup this weekend.
• Scouts are impressed with Aaron Harang this season as he has posted a 5-2 record and a 3.93 era in his first nine starts.
• Jeff Suppan, who was recently released by the Milwaukee Brewers, signed with the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday. He will join the Cardinals in Arizona for their series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
• Todd Helton moved to second in the Rockies batting order. He has been stuck in a 3-38 slump.