MLB Weekly Report: Giants Closer Brian Wilson May Need Surgery [VIDEO]
While the Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Dodgers continue to be early season surprises in Major League Baseball, other teams are scrambling to replace injured stars who were counted on to make them contenders. Here’s what’s happening in Major League Baseball this week:
Brian Wilson Likely Headed For Surgery
Best known for his bushy beard and nasty slider, San Francisco Giants’ closer Brian Wilson has structural issues in his right elbow. While the team is seeking various medical opinions, the consensus thus far is that Wilson will have to undergo surgery and miss the remainder of the year. Wilson’s loss would be a crushing blow to the Giants’ bullpen, who would look to replace him with a committee of Santiago Casilla, Sergio Romo and Javier Lopez.
Washington Nationals Stretch Win Streak to 5
After Edwin Jackson’s complete game gem over the Reds on Saturday, the Washington Nationals (7-2) notched their fifth straight victory. The win allowed the Nationals to stay a half-game ahead of the Mets atop the National League East. Washington has received consistently good pitching from both its rotation and the bullpen during the win streak. After a terrible 2011, outfielder Jayson Werth is now hitting .333 through nine games.
Play of the Week: Dayan Viciedo, Chicago White Sox
White Sox outfielder Dayan Viciedo robbed Andy Dirks of a base hit with this nice diving catch.
Upcoming Series To Watch: Washington Nationals at Los Angeles Dodgers
Two surprising teams currently leading their respective division will start a three-game series at Dodger Stadium on Friday. Washington (7-2) will need to be careful in pitching to Dodgers’ superstars Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier, while Adam LaRoche and Jayson Werth lead the Nationals’ attack. This series could come down to which team’s bullpen is best able to close out the games.
Best Reason to Love Baseball This Week: Vendor Catches Ball And Gives It To Fan
A vendor in Oakland makes a great catch on a Josh Reddick foul ball and then hands it over to a young fan nearby.
Fantasy Pick-Up of the Week: Zack Cozart, Cincinnati Reds
Every fantasy team – or real-life team, for that matter – wants a middle infielder who can hit for extra bases. Cincinnati shortstop Zack Cozart’s on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) is hovering near 1.000, as he’s already racked up two doubles, two triples and a home run. Cozart may have flown under the radar in some leagues. Time to add him.
Fantasy Drop of the Week: Jacoby Ellsbury, Boston Red Sox
After dislocating his right shoulder in a collision at second base on Friday, Boston Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury was placed on the 15-day disabled list by the team. While Ellsbury will be out 6-8 weeks, it may take a much longer time for him to regain his power stroke. Until Ellsbury returns, drop him and try to find someone who can approximate his solid power and speed numbers.