Valencia Is A Hitting Machine

Batting 7th, Danny Valencia was 3-4 with 2 doubles (his 15th and 16th) and 1 RBI against the Tigers. Were Valencia to play a full season - at his current pace - he would wind up with 43 doubles. With 204 ABs under his belt, I don't know if we can completely write off his .328 BA.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Reds. Braun finished the month with a sterling line of .424/.496/.586.

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 0-3 with 1 BB against the Braves. Despite only hitting .250, Ike posted a .369 OBP in August.

Closing In On 100 Wins

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-5 with 1 RBI and 1 SB (his 14th) against the Reds. The SB was his 1st since July 24.

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 1-5 with 1 double (his 25th) against the Braves. Ike has hit a double in 3 consecutive games and has 4 extra-base hits in his last 6 games.

Jason Marquis picked up his 1st win of the season. He went 5 2/3 innings and gave up 3 runs on 7 hits, 3 BBs, and 1 K against the Marlins. Marquis needs just 5 more wins for 100.

Braun Finishing Strong - Hopefully

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 4-4 with 1 BB, 1 HR (his 19th), 2 RBIs, and 3 runs scored against the Pirates.

Batting 6th, Ike Davis was 1-4 with 1 double (his 24th) and 1 run scored against the Astros.

Batting 8th, Brad Ausmus was 0-3 with 2 BBs and 1 run scored against the Rockies.

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 0-3 against the Mariners.

Craig Breslow pitched 2 scoreless innings on 1 K against the Rangers.

Surprise, Surprise - Another Injured Player

Missed this one. The Rangers placed Scott Feldman on the 15-day DL, retroactive to August 22, with a bone bruise in his right knee.

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 2-3 with 1 BB and 1 double (his 23rd) against the Astros.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 2 BBs and 2 runs scored against the Pirates. He scored the game-winning run in the 11th inning.

Batting 8th, Danny Valencia was 1-3 with 1 run scored against the Mariners. He scored what turned out to be the game-winning run in the 3rd inning.

Valencia Seals The Deal

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 1-3 with 1 BB, 1 triple (his 1st), 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Mariners. Valencia's triple in the 6th inning ended up giving the Twins the game-winning run.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 1-4 with 1 double (his 34th) and 2 RBIs against the Pirates.

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 0-2 with 2 BBs and 1 run scored against the Astros.

Ausmus Fighting Father Time

Batting 8th, Brad Ausmus was 3-4 with 1 run scored against the Brewers. Ausmus hadn't had a 3-hit game since July 27, 2008; he actually had 4 hits in that game.

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 1-2 with 3 BBs (a season-high and career-high, obviously) against the Marlins.

Batting 8th, Danny Valencia was 0-3 with 1 BB against the Rangers.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 0-4 against the Dodgers.

As a pinch hitter, Jason Marquis was 0-1 against the Cardinals.

Marquis Starting To Find His Groove - Hopefully

Batting 7th, Danny Valencia was 3-4 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored against the Rangers.

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 1-4 with 1 triple (his 1st), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Marlins.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 1-4 with 1 double (his 33rd), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Dodgers.

Jason Marquis picked up his 7th loss of the season, despite pitching very well. Marquis went 7 1/3 innings and gave up 1 run on 4 hits, 3 BBs, and 2 Ks against the Cubs. He was also 1-1 at the plate with a sacrifice bunt. This was his 1st quality start of the year. Marquis has given up just 2 runs in his last 12 1/3 innings.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 scoreless inning on 1 hit and 3 Ks against the Indians.

Prognosis Positive

Ian Kinsler underwent an MRI today, which showed "significant improvement." He has been cleared for baseball activities and could go on a minor league rehab assignment later this week.

The Dodgers claimed Rod Barajas off waivers yesterday. Why is this relevant, you ask? It means Brad Ausmus will lose playing time.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 1-4 with 1 double (his 32nd) and 1 RBI against the Dodgers.

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 1-4 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Marlins. Ike scored the game-winning run in the 9th inning.

Batting 7th, Danny Valencia was 1-4 against the Rangers.

Gone In The Blink Of An Eye

The Cubs optioned Sam Fuld to AAA. He could be back up in September.

Batting 8th, Danny Valencia was 0-3 against the Rangers.

Former Hurricane Teammates Each Go Deep

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-3 with 2 BBs, 1 HR (his 18th), 3 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the Padres. Looks like he's finally starting to heat up.

Batting 8th, Danny Valencia was 1-3 with 1 HR (his 2nd), 1 RBI, and 1 run scored against the Angels. Valencia has only hit 2 HRs, but they've been loud. First, a grand slam off reigning Cy Young Award winner Zack Greinke. Now, an absolute bomb off Cy Young contender Jered Weaver. Who's next, Sabathia?

Batting 6th, Ike Davis was 2-4 against the Pirates.

Sam Fuld was 0-1 against the Braves.

Braun Homereth And Braun Taketh Away

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 1 BB, 1 HR (his 17th), 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored against the Padres. Believe it or not, this was Braun's 1st HR since July 24. Check out this spectacular play he made!

Batting 6th, Ike Davis was 1-2 with 1 BB, 1 double (his 22nd), and 1 run scored against the Pirates.

Batting 8th, Brad Ausmus was 0-3 with 1 BB and 1 RBI against the Reds.

Batting 8th, Danny Valencia was 0-4 against the Angels.

Scott Feldman pitched 1/3 of an inning on 1 hit against the Orioles.

Craig Breslow picked up his 4th loss and 2nd blown save of the season. He pitched 2/3 of an inning and gave up 3 runs on 2 hits, 1 BB, and 1 K against the Rays.

Finally! A Good All-Around Day

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-3 with 2 BBs, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored against the Padres. This was Braun's 1st game with 2 BBs since May 8.

Batting 8th, Danny Valencia was 2-4 with 1 double (his 14th) and 1 run scored against the Angels.

Batting 6th, Ike Davis was 2-4 with 1 RBI against the Pirates.

Batting 8th, Brad Ausmus was 2-3 against the Reds.

Sam Fuld was used as a late inning defensive replacement in left field.

Jason Marquis picked up his 6th loss of the season, although he pitched fairly well. Marquis went 5 innings and gave up 1 run on 4 hits, 4 BBs, and 1 K against the Phillies, sporting a nice 10/4 groundball to flyball ratio.

Craig Breslow picked up his 2nd save of the season. He pitched 1 scoreless inning on 2 Ks against the Rays.

Fuld Back In The Show

Batting 7th, Danny Valencia was 1-3 with 1 BB against the White Sox. Over his last 6 games, Valencia is 10 for 22.

Batting 8th, Brad Ausmus was 1-3 against the Rockies. Ted Lilly had his most dominant performance on the mound since 2004. Ausmus must have called a pretty good game, no?

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 0-3 with 1 BB against the Astros. His average had dipped to .240.

Sam Fuld (just called up from AAA) was 0-1 against the Padres.

Ike Wins It In Extras

Batting 8th, Danny Valencia was 1-4 with 1 RBI against the White Sox.

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 1-6 with 1 RBI against the Astros. Ike drove in the game-winning run for the Mets in the 14th inning with a sacrifice fly to right. He's been scuffling of late, but he found a way to contribute tonight.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 1-4 against the Cardinals. Hasn't been right since Tommy Hanson hit him in the elbow back in May...

Scott Feldman pitched 1 inning and gave up 1 run (0 earned) on 1 hit and 1 BB against the Rays.

Breslow Back On Track

Batting 8th, Danny Valencia was 2-4 with 2 doubles (his 12th and 13th) against the White Sox.

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 0-3 with 1 BB against the Astros.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 0-4 against the Cardinals.

Craig Breslow picked up his 11th hold of the season. He pitched 2/3 of an inning on 1 hit and 1 K against the Blue Jays. Breslow had given up a run in each of his last 4 appearances before this one. He might be a little tired; he ranks 3rd in the AL in appearances.

J-DL-MLs

The Rays placed Gabe Kapler on the 15-day DL, retroactive to August 15, with a right ankle sprain. It is no coincidence that the move comes on the heels of Carlos Pena just being activated from the DL. Kapler could still return in September.

Ike Davis was 0-0 with 1 BB (IBB) against the Astros.

Batting 8th, Brad Ausmus was 0-3 against the Braves.

Swinging A Semi-Hot Bat

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 3-5 with 1 double (his 31st) and 1 run scored against the Rockies. Braun is hitting .458 (22 for 48) this month but has no HRs.

Batting 7th, Danny Valencia was 3-4 with 1 double (his 11th) against the A's.

Batting 8th, Brad Ausmus was 0-3 against the Braves.

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 0-4 against the Phillies.

Braun Ignites Victory

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 3-5 with 2 doubles (his 29th and 30th) and 1 run scored against the Rockies. Braun led off the 10th inning with a double and ended up scoring the game-winning run.

Batting 9th, Gabe Kapler was 1-2 against the Orioles.

Batting 8th, Danny Valencia was 1-3 against the A's.

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 0-4 against the Phillies.

Jason Marquis picked up his 5th loss of the season. He went 4 innings and gave up 5 runs on 7 hits, 2 BBs, and 2 Ks against the Diamondbacks. Marquis has 5 starts under his belt, and he has yet to complete 5 innings in a game. Hopefully, he can turn things around soon...

Craig Breslow pitched 1 inning and gave up 1 run on 2 hits and 1 K against the Twins.

Ike Starting To Get Platooned

Batting 7th, Danny Valencia was 2-4 with 1 double (his 10th), 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored against the A's.

Batting cleanup, Ryan Braun was 1-3 with 1 BB, 1 double (his 28th), and 1 run scored against the Rockies.

Gabe Kapler was 0-1 against the Orioles.

Brad Ausmus was 0-2 against the Braves.

Ike Davis had the night off. It looks like Jerry Manuel is starting to platoon Ike against lefties, even though he has held his own against them (.749 OPS).

Scott Feldman pitched 2 2/3 innings and gave up 4 runs (2 earned) on 4 hits and 2 BBs (1 IBB) against the Red Sox.

And Another One Bites The Dust

John Grabow was about to begin a rehab assignment when he felt a "pop" in his knee on Monday. He has been diagnosed with a torn medial collateral ligament and will miss the rest of the season.

Batting cleanup, Ike Davis was 1-4 with 1 double (his 21st) against the Rockies.

Batting 8th, Brad Ausmus was 1-4 with 1 BB (IBB) against the Phillies.

Batting 8th, Danny Valencia was 0-4 against the White Sox. Check out this great snag the rookie made.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 0-5 against the Diamondbacks.

A Whole Lotta Nothing

Batting 7th, Danny Valencia was 0-4 against the White Sox.

Ryan Braun was 0-1 against the Diamondbacks.

Ike Davis had the night off.

Kinsler Slowly Recovering

Ian Kinsler underwent an MRI today which showed improvement, but he still had some inflammation. The best-case scenario is that he's back before the end of the month, but the Rangers' GM suggested he might not return until September.

Batting 8th, Danny Valencia was 1-4 with 1 RBI against the White Sox.

Batting 8th, Brad Ausmus was 1-5 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Phillies.

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 0-3 with 1 BB against the Rockies.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 inning and gave up 1 run on 3 hits against the Mariners. He has struggled in his last 3 appearances.

The Bad News Brewers

Ryan Braun was not in the starting lineup tonight. Instead, he underwent X-rays and was diagnosed with a left wrist strain and contusion. Braun is considered day-to-day. A trip to the DL could be forthcoming. As always, I'll keep you posted.

I Feel The Need... The Need To Read

Dave Cohen has written an excellent book called Matzoh Balls and Baseballs which features interviews with 17 former Jewish MLB players. Check it out!

Marquis Gets A Rude Welcome

Batting cleanup, Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 1 BB, 2 RBIs, and 3 runs scored against the Astros.

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 1-4 with 1 RBI against the Phillies.

Batting 8th, Danny Valencia was 0-4 against the Indians.

Jason Marquis picked up his 4th loss of the season. He pitched 4 innings and gave up 5 runs (2 earned) on 5 hits, 2 BBs, and 3 Ks against the Dodgers. After a nightmarish 1st inning, Marquis settled down a bit and only gave up 1 run in the subsequent 3 innings.

A Tradeoff

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 2-4 with 1 run scored against the Astros. Braun is 13 for 25 so far in August. However, he has 0 extra-base hits.

Batting 7th, Danny Valencia was 1-4 with 1 double (his 9th) and 1 RBI against the Indians.

Gabe Kapler was 1-2 with 1 double (his 4th) and 1 RBI against the Blue Jays.

Batting 8th, Brad Ausmus was 1-4 against the Nationals.

Ike Davis was 0-0 with 1 BB against the Phillies.

Scott Feldman pitched 4 2/3 innings and gave up 3 runs on 3 hits, 1 BB, and 2 Ks against the A's. Not too bad considering the Rangers needed Feldman to eat up innings in middle relief because his replacement in the rotation, Rich Harden, couldn't get through the 3rd inning.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 inning and gave up 1 run on 1 hit, 1 BB, and 1 K against the Rangers.

Marquis On The Mend

On Sunday, Jason Marquis will make his 1st start since April 18 and just his 4th start of the season against the Dodgers.

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 2-4 with 1 run scored against the Phillies. This was Ike's 1st multi-hit game since July 18.

Batting 7th, Danny Valencia was 1-3 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Indians.

Batting cleanup, Ryan Braun was 1-4 against the Astros.

Batting 8th, Brad Ausmus was 0-3 against the Nationals.

Batting 8th, Gabe Kapler was 0-3 against the Blue Jays.

Youk To Have Season-Ending Surgery

The title says it all. Presently, Youk ranks 3rd in the AL in OBP, 4th in runs scored and HBP, 5th in OPS, 6th in triples, 7th in extra-base hits, 8th in SLG, and 10th in total bases. What a bummer...

Batting 7th, Danny Valencia was 0-5 against the Rays.

Feldman Earns A Win From The Pen

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 2-5 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Rays.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 1-3 with 1 BB against the Cubs.

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 1-3 with 1 BB against the Braves.

Brad Ausmus was 0-3 with 1 HBP and 1 run scored against the Padres. With Russell Martin on the DL, Ausmus will be getting more playing time behind the dish.

Gabe Kapler was 0-1 against the Twins.

Scott Feldman picked up his 6th win of the season. He pitched 2 innings and gave up 1 run on 2 hits, 1 BB, and 2 Ks against the Mariners. This was Feldman's 1st appearance out of the bullpen since April 22, 2009.

Craig Breslow picked up his 10th hold of the season. He pitched 1 inning and gave up 1 run on 1 hit against the Royals.

Prognosis Negative

The Red Sox have placed Kevin Youkilis on the 15-day DL with a torn abductor muscle in his right thumb. The injury is said to be rare, and Youk will seek a second opinion before deciding if surgery is necessary. Should it come to that, he could very well be out for the remainder of the season.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 3-4 with 1 BB and 1 run scored against the Cubs.

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 1-3 with 1 BB against the Braves.

Batting 7th, Danny Valencia was 0-4 against the Rays.

Gabe Kapler was 0-2 against the Twins.

Brad Ausmus was used as a late inning defensive replacement against the Padres.

Craig Breslow picked up his 3rd loss of the season. He pitched 1 inning and gave up 1 run (0 earned) on 1 BB (IBB), and 1 K against the Royals.

Thumbs Down To Injuries

Kevin Youkilis was 0-1 against the Indians. Youk was removed from the game before the start of the 3rd inning after he jammed his right thumb lining out to short in his 1st AB. X-rays were negative, but he will undergo an MRI tomorrow.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 5-7 with 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored against the Cubs. This was Braun's 2nd career 5-hit game. Turning point? Let's hope so.

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 1-3 with 1 BB against the Braves.

Batting 7th, Danny Valencia was 0-4 against the Rays.

The Dog Days Of August

Batting 6th, Danny Valencia was 2-4 with 1 double (his 8th) and 1 RBI against the Mariners.

Batting 5th, Ike Davis was 1-3 with 1 RBI against the Diamondbacks.

Batting cleanup, Ryan Braun was 1-3 with 1 BB against the Astros.

Batting 3rd, Kevin Youkilis was 1-4 with 1 run scored against the Tigers.

Gabe Kapler was 0-2 with 1 BB against the Yankees.