Fantasy Baseball

BY ADAM RONIS

Joey Votto has taken over the full-time first base job after entering the season in a platoon with Scott Hatterberg. Votto has earned the job and went 3-for-4 with three home runs and four RBIs against the Cubs. The Reds hit seven home runs.

Jon Lieber made his first start of the season and lasted just two innings. He have up five runs and allowed seven hits. He's been pitching in relief, so it might take some time for him to get adjusted and by that time Rich Hill could be back. Lieber is an option depending on the matchup in NL-only leagues. Hill made his first start in Triple-A yesterday and allowed two runs in five innings. He walked one and struck out five. He could have value when he returns if he can harness his control.

Edinson Volquez had another strong outing despite walking six. He threw seven scoreless innings, allowing four hits and struck out 10. He is 5-1 with a 1.06 ERA. He has walked at least two in each of his seven starts, but he has struck out 52 in 42 1/3 innings and has allowed just 28 hits and one home run pitching his home games in a hitters' ballpark. He threw 118 pitches in a lopsided game, which is a little surprising.

The Mets finally had a starter go past seven innings. John Maine lasted 8 1/3 innings, allowing four hits, one run, two walks and struck out four. He is 4-2 with a 3.00 ERA and has looked much better after struggling with his control early.

Ryan Church remains one of the Mets' best weapons now. He went 3-for-4 with his sixth homer and is hitting .328. He appears like he might be one of the top draft day values.

Brad Penny was hammered, allowing 10 runs in 4 2/3 innings to raise his ERA to 4.79. Penny is usually good in the first half and awful in the second half.

Manny Acosta was removed from a save situation in his last appearance, but he recorded his third save by getting the last two outs tonight.

Barry Zito returned to the rotation and had one of his better starts, but he still fell to 0-7. He went five innings, allowing five hits, two runs, two walks and struck out five.

Alex Rodriguez could play in an extended spring training game beginning on Monday.

Rich Harden will come off the DL and start for the A's on Sunday. Chad Gaudin will be sent to the bullpen. Harden threw six scoreless innings and struck out nine yesterday in a Single-A rehab start. He walked one and allowed three hits.

The Blue Jays sent Adam Lind back to Triple-A. He went 1-for-19 in his brief stint with the Blue Jays.

Mark Redman was demoted to the bullpen. If you own him, please seek help.

Howie Kendrick is still experiencing soreness in his hamstring. He is expected to return next week.

Mike O'Connor will take the place of Matt Chico in the Nationals' starting rotation.

Chad Tracy went 0-for-4 for yesterday for Triple-A Tuscon. He should be in the minors for a week or two and could see time at third base if Mark Reynolds continues to struggle and strike out incessantly.

The Twins placed Scott Baker on the 15-day DL retroactive to May 4 with a right groin strain. Kevin Slowey was activated from the DL and will start tomorrow.