Yankees catcher Jorge Posada was hit in the knee with a pitch from Orioles starter Jeremy Guthrie in the second inning yesterday and had to come out of the game after he felt numbness while running the bases. There is no long-term damage done to Posada, but he will probably have to sit at least a day according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.

Here’s a look at some unheralded players who played well yesterday.

David Eckstein, San Diego Padres

Eckstein went 1-for-5 with a run and three RBI. He’s hitting .274 but isn’t much of a fantasy factor.

Chris Young, Arizona Diamondbacks (pictured)

Young continued his impressive 2010 campaign by going 2-for-4 with a HR (five) and five RBI. He’s hitting .298 with 21 RBI.

Dexter Fowler, Colorado Rockies

The worm is turning.  New York's most beloved franchise is in first place, one-half game ahead of the defending National League champion Philadelphia Phillies. 

Watching the Atlanta Braves these days is like pulling teeth...no pun intended.

As I recover from mouth surgery this week and try to figure out just what has happened to the Braves, I can’t help but remain flabbergasted by their sudden and shocking downward spiral.

After experiencing one of the most exhilarating wins in franchise history over the Phillies on April 20, the Braves now find themselves in the midst of a seven-game losing streak, in which their offense has plummeted to new, disturbing lows.

Jeff Karstens started his career as a Pittsburgh Pirate with six innings of shutout ball and a 3-0 victory against the Chicago Cubs in Wrigley Field in August 2008. Last night, he did much of the same with a two-run 6.2 inning quality start against Milwaukee that ended in a 7-3 Pirates victory.

In Miller Park.

For the fourth time this season, Livan Hernandez put the Nationals on his back and carried them late into the game.

By doing that, he gave them a chance to earn a victory.

With early run support, Washington was able to do just that as they defeated the Cubs 3-1 and nipped a one game losing streak in the bud.

Throughout baseball, the aces of pitching staff's are called stoppers.

They are the pitchers who managers, general managers and fans feel comfortable putting in every fifth day to make sure that no losing streak gets out of control.

Looking at the image with this article, you see that Marcus Thames has great hitting mechanics. Hips opening for power, a stiff front leg, elbow tucked near the hip to keep the swing short and the bat rotating through the zone.

A good hitter who, on occasion, can really mash left handed pitching.

A number of major pieces from the New York Yankees' World Series championship team are gone to other franchises. I thought it would be interesting to see how they are doing with about 20 games gone in the new season.

Johnny Damon left as a free agent. He was offered a two-year deal with the Yanks at a reported $14 million and he turned it down thinking he could get a longer deal. He ended up signing with the Detroit Tigers for two years at a reported $12 million.

Curt Schilling criticized Javier Vasquez publicly on ESPN Radio for his slow start this season as a member of the Yankees.

He might have already proved himself as a pitcher, but he shouldn't be saying that as a future HOF. When's the last time you saw a loved HOF criticize someone when they can't even do it themselves anymore? Never? Not anymore, thanks to Schilling.

Unlike division-foe Mike Leake , Pirates pitcher Charlie Morton is not a pitcher.

Morton, who has allowed at least five runs per start this season, lacks the mental toughness needed to pitch in Major League Baseball.