Beckham played shortstop in college and as a prospect, but he has never done so in the majors. Of course, Alexei Ramirez is in the second year of a four-year, $32.5 million contract, so there would have to be an injury or a trade for him to get a look there with the big club. Still, it's an interesting development. Beckham is hitting .462 (6-for-13) with one double and two RBI over three rehab games and should be activated this weekend.
Beckham playing shortstop on rehab stint
Gordon Beckham | CWS
(May 21, 2013 9:10 AM EDT)
Gordon Beckham (hand) started at shortstop Monday in his third rehab game with Triple-A Charlotte.
Source:
Chicago Tribune
Rangers activate C A.J. Pierzynski from DL
A.J. Pierzynski | TEX
(May 21, 2013 8:57 AM EDT)
Rangers activated C A.J. Pierzynski from the 15-day disabled list.
Pierzynski went 1-for-6 with a strikeout in two rehab games with Double-A Frisco and didn't have any issues with his oblique. The 36-year-old backstop returns to a .263/.297/.411 batting line to go along with four home runs and 11 RBI in 26 games.
Nats call up LHP Abad from Triple-A
Fernando Abad | WAS
(May 21, 2013 8:51 AM EDT)
Nationals purchased the contract of LHP Fernando Abad from Triple-A Syracuse.
Abad, 27, had a 1.06 ERA and 12/2 K/BB ratio in 17 innings over 17 appearances in Triple-A. The Nationals are lacking a true left-handed specialist, so there's a chance that he could stick around. However, Abad owns a 5.10 ERA in 88 appearances in the majors.
Nats recall RHP Maya from Triple-A
Yunesky Maya | WAS
(May 21, 2013 8:47 AM EDT)
Nationals recalled RHP Yunesky Maya from Triple-A Syracuse.
Maya has an ugly 5.07 ERA and 34/17 K/BB ratio in 49 2/3 innings over eight starts this season in Triple-A, but the Nationals need a fresh arm for their bullpen. This will be his first stint in the majors since 2011.
Nationals option OF Eury Perez to Triple-A
Eury Perez | WAS
(May 21, 2013 8:43 AM EDT)
Nationals optioned OF Eury Perez to Triple-A Syracuse.
Perez was sent down so that the Nationals could add some bullpen help. The 22-year-old speedster went 0-for-5 in five games during his brief stint with the big club.
Nats place Mattheus on DL with broken hand
Ryan Mattheus | WAS
(May 21, 2013 8:40 AM EDT)
Nationals placed RHP Ryan Mattheus on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 20, with a fractured right hand.
Mattheus suffered the injury Sunday after he gave up five runs on four hits and two walks over one inning against the Padres and punched his locker in frustration. No word yet on how long he'll be sidelined, but he's obviously facing an extended absence. The Nationals are calling up Yunesky Maya and Fernando Abad for some bullpen insurance.
Lindstrom in a rut for the Pale Hose
Matt Lindstrom | CWS
(May 21, 2013 5:41 AM EDT)
Matt Lindstrom has allowed an earned run in three of his last five relief appearances.
The streaky Idahoan didn't allow a run through April 20, then gave up six in his next four appearances, then was perfect in May until the 10th, when his newest batch of concerns cropped up. The 32-year-old reliever, signed to a one-year, $2.8 million contract over the winter, holds a 4.76 ERA over 17 innings. Lindstrom will continue operating out of a middle relief role.
Neshek has a 2.81 ERA over 18 appearances
Pat Neshek | OAK
(May 21, 2013 5:33 AM EDT)
Pat Neshek owns a 2.81 ERA over 18 appearances.
Born and bred in Minnesota, Neshek has been a decent middle reliever since he was unceremoniously waived by the Twins prior to the 2011 season. Over the last two seasons in Oakland, he's posted a 2.02 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 27/14 K/BB ratio over 42 appearances.
Herrera batting .283 in limited playing time
Jonathan Herrera | COL
(May 21, 2013 5:22 AM EDT)
Jonathan Herrera is batting .283/.327/.370 through 49 plate appearances.
If his slash numbers hold, Herrera will finish with the best offensive season of his career, topping the .694 OPS he mustered in 2010. Unfortunately, the utility infielder has scuffled in the field recently, recording three errors in his last 12 games.
Wright sitting at 2.95 ERA over 21 appearance
Wesley Wright | HOU
(May 21, 2013 5:10 AM EDT)
Wesley Wright holds a 2.95 ERA over 21 appearances.
Wright broke out in 2012, putting up a 3.27 ERA while striking out over a batter per inning. Over his first three seasons, batters teed off to the tune of a 5.33 ERA and 1.55 WHIP over 134 games. In the last three years, Wright has turned into a fine LOOGY, posting a 2.94 ERA and 8.4/2.9 K/BB/9 rate. Owners in deep AL-only formats should note that Wright's WHIP this year (1.53) sits right around where it did during the dark years of his career. He's walking fewer batters then he ever has, but has surrendered 23 hits over 18 1/3 frames.