Matt Garza

The Year of the Pitcher continues! Rays pitcher Matt Garza threw the first no-hitter in franchise history on Monday, blanking the Detroit Tigers. Garza was dominant, facing the minimum with several excellent defensive plays behind him. Garza threw nine shutout innings, walking one, and striking out six in the victory.

Garza has struggled this season, which has been frustrating for fantasy owners. Garza had given up four home runs in his last outing so it’s nice to see him rebound in this fashion. Despite the first half struggles, expect this game to propel Garza to a strong second half. Hopefully this is a sign of better things to come. He will face the Yankees he makes his next start at home. Congrats Garza!

In other fantasy news from Monday…..

• Joe Mauer went 5-for-5 with a home run, seven RBIs, and three runs in the Twins win
• Delmon Young had four more hits. In his last three games, Young has 9 hits, which include 2 HR, and 5 RBI.
• Ryan Theriot hit his first home run in 700 at-bats — a solo shot.
• Rickie Weeks hit one. It was his 21st of the season and second in two days. Weeks’ 4 RBI in the last two games are courtesy of home runs.
• Matt Wieters hit two. After a very poor first half, it would be nice to see Wieters pick up his game down the stretch.
• Troy Tulowitzki will be activated before Tuesday’s game against the Pirates. If you have him on your team, get him in your lineup.
• Dan Haren left his first start with the Angels in the fifth inning with an injury. Haren took a line drive off his right forearm by a ball hit by Kevin Youklis. We will find out more on Tuesday regarding the extent of Haren’s injury.
• Buster Posey did not play Monday night because he needed “a break” says Bruce Bochy.  No need to worry Posey owners, he will be back in there Tuesday.