Fantasy Sports

BY ADAM RONIS

Matt Garza has had a few gems mixed in with some average starts. Today he was excellent and flashed the potential he has. He lost a no-hitter when he allowed a homer to Hanley Ramirez to lead off the seventh and finished with a one-hitter, walked one and struck out 10. He is 6-4 with a 3.76 ERA. He's inconsistent and he doesn't strike out many, but he should be owned in all leagues.

Evan Longoria went 3-for-5 with two doubles and his 14th homer.

Albert Pujols returned from the DL and went 4-for-4 with an RBI and walk. He's batting .358.

Curtis Granderson went 4-for-5 with two runs.

Gary Sheffield hit his fifth homer and he's worth taking a chance if he's available in your league.

Todd Wellemeyer missed his last start because of elbow soreness and went five innings against the Tigers. He allowed four hits, no runs, walked none and struck out three in a no-decision while throwing 76 pitches. He has a 3.46 ERA.

Jason Isringhausen went 2 1/3 innings and allowed two hits, no runs, no walks and struck out two and has pitched well since coming off the DL. He could return to closing very soon, especially after Ryan Franklin blew his fourth save.

Aubrey Huff, usually a slow starter, has been hot and went 4-for-5 with three runs and two RBIs.

Jason Marquis allowed seven runs in four innings and shouldn't be trusted in mixed leagues. He is 6-4 with a 4.96 ERA.

Russell Martin started at third base.

Juan Pierre stole two bases and has 32.

John Danks threw six scoreless inning and allowed four hits, walked four and struck out three to improve to 5-4 with a 2.62 ERA.

Bobby Jenks picked up save No. 17.

Clayton Kershaw is too inconsistent to wait for in mixed leagues. He went four innings and allowed six hits, two runs, walked four and struck out three. He is 0-2 with a 4.36 ERA. He struggles with his control and doesn't pitch deep into games. There should be better options in shallow mixed leagues.

Rich Harden showed how good he can be against the Phillies. He went eight scoreless innings and allowed two hits, walked one and struck out 11. He is 5-0 with a 2.15 ERA. There's no doubting his talent. It's always a health issue with him and you need to consider selling now.

Justin Morneau hasn't hit a power surge yet, but he's having a solid season. He went 3-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs. He's hitting .310 with 12 homers and 62 RBIs and with the lack of first baseman in the AL, is extremely valuable in AL-only leagues.

Scott Baker went six innings and allowed six hits, three runs, walked two and struck out three to beat the Padres. He is 4-2 with a 3.57 ERA.

Joe Nathan picked up save No. 21.

Xavier Nady made his first start in 12 days.

The Rangers recalled Chris Davis from Triple-A. He will play first base until Hank Blalock returns, if that ever happens since it has been delayed numerous times already. Davis hit .333 with 10 home runs and 31 RBIs in Triple-A.