Ted Lilly

Since Ted Lilly joined the Dodgers at the trade deadline from the Cubs, the conversation surrounding the Dodgers has been less than positive. The focus has been on the Dodgers dwindling chances to make the playoffs. Dodger fans have questioned trading Blake DeWitt and not about the positive effect Lilly could have in stabilizing the Dodger rotation. Trading DeWitt may come back to haunt the Dodgers for years to come, but for one night, Lilly looked like much more than a fifth starter. Lilly was brilliant in his Dodgers debut as the Dodgers edged the Padres, 2-1, Tuesday and snap their six-game losing streak.

After giving up a first inning run on a Miguel Tejada home run and a single to Adrien Gonzalez, Lilly never allowed another baserunner. Lilly retired the next 20 batters he faced before giving way to Hong-Chih Kuo and Jonathan Broxton who promptly shut down the Padres. Lilly went seven innings while allowing one run on two hits and five strikeouts in the Dodger victory. Despite a 4-8 record this season, Lilly is a top starter in NL Only and mixed-leagues and should be started by all owners when he makes his next start against the Nationals.

In other fantasy news from Tuesday…..

• Kevin Youkilis’ injury appears to be more serious than first expected. The Red Sox are saying that if the injury is not treated that Youkilis could tear the muscle in his thumb.
• Ryan Howard was placed on the disabled list after the injury to his ankle. Howard is eligible to come off the DL on August 17th.
• The Nationals have placed Adam Dunn on waivers, but he will most likely not be traded. The Nationals want alot for Dunn and they did not get it before the July 31st deadline and don’t expect to get what they want now.
• Jose Bautista hit another one. It was his major league leading 33rd home run. Bautista’s name was involved in trade rumors, but since the deadline has passed those rumors have dwindled.
• Ricky Romero went the distance against the Yankees. He gave up just two hits and two earned runs, a walk and struck out four to improve to 9-7. He’ll face the Red Sox in his next start.
• Jonathan Broxton looked good in earning his 21st save of the season. Broxton has struggled of late giving up runs in four of his last seven outings.