Wilson

Valdez

The 26-year-old shortstop, who hit .299 in 69 games at Class AAA, will start against left-handed pitching for the rest of the season. Jose Valentin will now be a platoon player, starting at shortstop only against right-handers. Valdez doesn’t have much pop, but does have some speed on the basepaths.

Jose Valentin was unavailable due to a sore right elbow and knee as was Roberto Alomar (bad back) and manager Ozzie Guillen did not want to start left-handed hitting Willie Harris against left-hander Kenny Rogers. Juan Uribe started at shortstop and Valdez became the team’s second baseman last night. He grounded out in all three of his plate appearances.

He will take at-bats away from Jose Valentin. Valdez, who has some speed, is an average hitting infielder at best. There should be no rush to pick up the 26-year-old shortstop.

Jesse Garcia had seven RBI for Portland yesterday, but the Padres chose Valdez to act as Damian Jackson’s backup while Khalil Greene is on the DL. Both are defensive specialists, so it doesn’t really matter. Valdez won’t be worth owning in NL-only leagues.

It’s just a routine day off for Cozart, who is hitting .288/.356/.470 with eight extra-base hits (one homer) and three RBI through his first 74 plate appearances. Wilson Valdez will start in his place at shortstop Wednesday and bat second against Giants southpaw Barry Zito.

It’s the third straight game that he’s missed since exiting Monday’s tilt against the Cardinals with hamstring cramps. Phillips, who recently signed a six-year, $72.5 million contract extension with the Reds, should be back in action at some point this weekend. Wilson Valdez is starting at second base Thursday in the nation’s capital.

Not a surprise after Reds manager Dusty Baker said Tuesday that Phillips will likely be out for 3-4 days. There’s a chance he could be ready to return during the upcoming four-game series against the Nationals. Wilson Valdez will fill in Wednesday.

He’s likely getting the day off with the early start time. Wilson Valdez will make the start at the hot corner and bat seventh against right-hander Zack Greinke.

Valdez is 8-for-29 with three RBI in 14 games for the White Sox.

Wilson Valdez is starting at shortstop in a matinee against the Cubs. Cozart is getting a routine day of rest.