Jamie Walker- BAL- Cold- Walker had the chance to record his first save of the month yesterday as he entered the game with 1 out in the 9th and the Orioles ahead by 3 with two men on. He retired the first batter he faced but then gave up a game-tying homer to Shelley (not to be confused with Sandy) Duncan. Walker then gave up a single to put the potential tying run on base and Chad Bradford was brought in to get the last out. The performance did not make it more likely that Walker will be handed more save opportunities in the near future.
Travis Hafner- CLE- Cold- Hafner went 1-for-3 with a bases loaded walk yesterday, but it is going to be tough for him to do much in the way of fantasy production. His injured knee and hamstring are hampering him greatly. Hafner has homered only 4 times in the month since the All Star Game and his batting average has dipped to .254 for the season. His Batting EYE of .57 since the Break is decidedly un-Pronklike. It's hard to maintain production with a double whammy of lower Batting EYE and injury.
Mariano Rivera- NYA- Cold- Pitching for the 3rd time in 4 days, Rivera was scored on again, just as in those first two games of the stretch, and ended up getting tagged with the loss in the extra inning game. He has allowed 5 runs on 9 hits while recording 2 Ks in 3-1/3 IP in the 3 games. Rivera's ERA has risen from 2.77 to 3.46. He has had stretches like this before and bounced back, but last year at about this time Rivera suffered a forearm strain, so the question of possible injury has come up. The Yankees say there is no physical problem with their closer. Do not be surprised, though, if someone else were to be called on if there is a save situation against the Tigers today. Rivera may need a day of rest after his recent workload and performance.
Shawn Marcum- TOR- Hot- After yesterday's performance (7 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 1 BB, 6 K) Marcum now owns a 6-1 record and 2.76 ERA since the All Star Break. He has become a model of consistency, only once failing to throw a complete game. He has settled into a nice productive role as a starter for the Blue Jays.
Huston Street- OAK- Rise Value- Street was back in the closer role last night, with his first save opportunity since May 6th. He couldn't do much better, throwing a perfect inning by striking out the side to record his 10th save of the season.
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