Daily Notes | Rain Impacts Zimmerman

Written by Mark Schruender on Monday, 23 April 2012 00:08.

Rain rain go away. Three games were postponed today which will lead to a double header tomorrow between the Mets and Giants for daily leagues looking to score a few extra at-bats or a cheap save out of the ordeal. Ryan Zimmerman and the Nationals were pleased by this news too. Zimmerman wasn't going to play (shoulder), but thinks he should be good to go when the Nats resume their schedule on Tuesday. Here are some other notes from Sunday:

Mark Trumbo played first while Albert Pujols was the DH for the Angels. This gave Pujols two days in a row off from being in the field which will hopefully contribute to him staying healthy all season. Pujols still doesn't have a home run and is now hitting .246.
Brandon Phillips was held out of the Reds lineup with his hamstring still bothering him. He did not do anything since it originally bothered him, but it sounds like it still hasn't healed.
Matt Kemp did not homer and in fact nobody even crossed the plate for the Dodgers against Wandy Rodriguez today. Wandy gave up just three hits in 7 scoreless frames. Since 2009 only Clayton Kershaw has a lower ERA among NL lefties. That's a stat for interested trade parties on Rodriguez who is sure to be available this summer.
Carlos Santana had the day off on Sunday, but the Indians have been encouraged by his work behind the plate. So far this season he has cut down 3 out of 7 runners trying to steal.
The Royals have lost their first 9 home games of the season to start the year. As a result that usually means it's time for changes to take place. Yuniesky Betancourt hitting leadoff on Monday is one of those changes. Betancourt has been the leadoff hitter in just two games during his career - one of those times coming Saturday.
Daniel Bard will have his turn in the rotation skipped. Look for him to be available in the bullpen perhaps and restart the controversy that he should be there all season.
Roy Oswalt is throwing bullpen sessions every other day. The leading suitors are the Red Sox and Cardinals according to Ken Rosenthal.
Randall Delgado showed his youth in today's outing with the Braves by walking Ian Kennedy to load the bases. That eventually turned into a 4-run homer. Delgado said he was trying to be too perfect. I would think that when Tim Hudson is ready in a week, Delgado gets sent down to make room.
Bryce Harper took 61 at-bats to get his first AAA home run.
Jon Jay experienced discomfort while taking batting practice today in Pittsburgh, so he was sent home to St. Louis to have his shoulder looked at.
Two players that everyone assumed would need to compete for their jobs from day one of spring training are struggling for the Giants. Despite the bad starts for Aubrey Huff and Brandon Crawford, Bruce Bochy is giving them each a vote of confidence. If only he'd do the same for Brandon Belt...
Kyle Blanks is out for the season (again) with a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder.