James McDonald

James McDonald shut down the Rockies on Thursday, permitting just four hits, a walk and eight strikeouts over six shutout innings to earn his first victory of the season. McDonald was acquired Saturday from Los Angeles in the Octavio Dotel trade, and he turned in his strongest performance this season.

McDonald did more in six innings with the Pirates than he did in four appearances this season with the Dodgers. More importantly, he injected some enthusiasm and energy into a lifeless team. He hit 94 mph on the radar gun and did a nice job keeping the Rockies guessing throughout the game. His eight strikeouts were all swing and a miss strikeouts and each looked different. Fantasy owners can be encouraged with McDonald’s outing, but should give see what he does in his next start against the Padres. He is worth a flier in NL-Only leagues

In other fantasy news from Thursday…..

• Kris Medlen was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. Its quite possible that Medlen could end up needing Tommy John surgery. The Braves are calling up Mike Minor from Triple A Gwinnett. Minor, the seventh overall pick of the 2009 draft, has been impressive in five starts at Gwinnett, going 4-1 with a 1.99 ERA and 35 strikeouts. Minor may not be up very long with Braves, but he is one to keep an eye on.
• Jhoulys Chacin appears to be headed back to the Rockies rotation with the injury to Aaron Cook. Chacin will start Sunday. 
• Kevin Youkilis and Carlos Santana are in fact out for the year. What a costly game for both teams to play. The Youkilis injury is especially hard to swallow given he was a top twenty player before he got hurt. They are both expected to be ready for 2011.
• Tim Lincecum pitched well in a losing effort against the Braves. He gave up six hits and three earned runs. Lincecum did have seven strikeouts. Lincecum has not had the type of season fantasy owners were hoping he would have in 2010. He is 11-5 and its probably too late to try and trade him. Lets hope for a better result in his next start against the Cubs.
• Sergio Santos earned his first career victory in a relief appearance for the White Sox. Santos has had a strong rookie season posting a 1.53 ERA in 39 appearances. Santos also has a couple saves and is a good option in AL-Only leagues if you are in need of relief help.
• Ryan Zimmerman hit two. The beat goes on for Zimmerman who has 21 home runs on the season. He has four home runs in his past six games.
• Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times writes that the Dodgers don’t expect Russell Martin to return this season and he may be through in blue.