Joe Saunders : August 28th, 2008, 2:40 am est
News: Angels All-Star Joe Saunders (14-7) had his second rough outing in a row, throwing 49 pitches over 1 1/3 innings and allowing six runs on eight hits during Wednesday's 6-5 loss to the A's. Rajai Davis opened the game by beating out a single to Howie Kendrick after his one-hopper to the right side of the mound deflected off Saunders' bare hand. Manager Mike Scioscia and trainer Ned Bergert went out to check on him and decided to let Saunders stay in after a couple of warmup pitches. But it all went downhill from there. Davis stole second and scored on Emil Brown's single before the A's blew it open with a five-run second inning. Eric Patterson singled home a run, Bobby Crosby added a two-run double and Brown chased Saunders with a two-run homer to left-center, his 13th.
Analysis: Saunders walked one and struck out one before calling it a night. He has allowed 12 runs in his last two starts -- both losses. He ususally struggles in the second half, but has been pretty strong up until his last two starts. Maybe now he is finally starting to break down. Give Saunders a few more outings before bailing on him in Fantasy. He is considered probable for his next start Tuesday against the Tigers because he did stay in after the injury. If anything changes, we will let you know. Saunders is on track to be a two-start pitcher Fantasy Week 23 (Sept. 1-7) with his second start coming against the White Sox
