Chuck

James

James was 9-1 with a 2.09 ERA, 62 H and 104/18 K/BB in 86 IP for Double-A Mississippi. With Atlanta’s rotation getting healthier, there’s little chance that James will be needed as a starter this year. It’s possible that he’ll join the team’s bullpen next month.

Fausto Carmona was the loser of the pitcher’s duel. James has a 0.71 ERA in two starts for Richmond, but he’s still no higher than eighth on Atlanta’s SP depth chart.

James only gave up two hits, but he also walked three and one of the hits was a two-run homer to Royce Clayton. This start is still an improvement over his last outing in which he was rocked for seven runs, but James isn’t looking like an every week option in NL-only formats. He’s a mediocre play against the Phillies next time out.

James struck out six before leaving with a 3-1 lead. Unfortunately, four Braves relievers combined to give up eight runs in the seventh, preventing James from winning for the first time since July 16. James will get Washington and Florida next week, so he’ll have to be active in NL-only leagues. Mixed leaguers could consider picking him up for the week.

Good thing the Braves traded for Danys Baez, who did an excellent job of keeping the deficit at three runs by pitching a scoreless eighth today. The loss means the Braves were swept by the Mets this weekend, the first time that’s happened in a series of three or more games since 1985. Considering that the Braves usually dominate the Mets and that Atlanta is now 16 games out in the NL East, this series could be seen as the definitive moment in which the Braves’ amazing run finally ends.

There wasn’t any room for James right now. He could join the rotation later on if Jorge Sosa struggles or another pitcher gets hurt, making him a sleeper in NL-only leagues.

James threw seven innings and allowed eight hits and three runs in a Sunday’s start for Triple-A Richmond against Pawtucket. He notched the no-decision, but is 1-0 with a 2.67 ERA in seven games (six starts) in the minors. There’s a chance he’ll start Saturday against the Devil Rays.

James has added an inning with each rehab appearance and has allowed three runs in 10 innings overall. He’ll be a candidate to join the Braves’ rotation next month, but with Horacio Ramirez back and Jorge Sosa pitching better, it looks like he might be optioned to the minors after his rehab is complete.

James has made five appearances on his rehab assignment, giving up six runs in 15 innings. The Braves don’t have an opening in their rotation for him at the moment, so it’s possible that they’ll leave him at Triple-A after his rehab is over. The alternative would be to return him to their bullpen.

James is 2-0 with a 1.89 ERA over his last three starts. He’ll likely be a solid play in NL-only leagues throughout the remainder of the season.