National Baseball Report

Surgery not necessary for Strasburg

Washington Nationals' overall number one draft pick Stephen Strasburg will not need surgery on his knee.  Strasburg twisted his left knee in a workout on Thursday.  Strasburg will have to rest the knee, ice it and undergo therapy.  In five Arizona Fall League starts, Strasburg went 4-1 with a 4.26 ERA and struck out 26 batters in 19 innings.

Source: Bill Ladson - MLB.com

Blue Jays contact Cubs about Halladay

The Toronto Blue Jays contacted the Chicago Cubs about a trade for pitcher Roy Halladay.  However, Halladay is owed $15.75 million in 2010 and the Blue Jays are also asking for some of the Cubs' top prospects, which probably includes Arizona Fall League standout Starlin Castro.  The Cubs would have to trade some players, notably Milton Bradley, to clear enough salary space for Halladay.

Source: Carrie Muskat - MLB.com

Strasburg injures knee

Washington Nationals prospect Stephen Strasburg has injured his left knee during a workout and will miss the Arizona Fall League championship game Saturday.  Strasburg twisted his left knee and an MRI show inflammation in the knee.  He will be examined on Friday in Los Angeles.  The injury is not considered serious.

Source: Associated Press - Sports Illustrated

Astros stop prospect Castro's AFL season

Zachary Levine reports that the Houston Astros have sent catching prospect Jason Castro home for the season.  The Astros want him to get some rest before spring training starts next year.  Castro played 119 between Single-A and Double-A this year along with playing for Team USA in the World Cup and for the Peoria Saguaros in the Arizona Fall Leage.

"We thought it was the best choice to start to recoup and look forward to next season."

AFL Rising Stars game tonight

Jonathan Mayo reports on tonight's Arizona Fall League Rising Stars game.  The game is tonight at 8:15 p.m. ET/ 7:15 p.m. CT and will be shown on the MLB Network.  The game features the top prospects in the minor league, many of whom will be appearing in the major leagues in 2010.

Strasburg scratched from Rising Stars game

The Associated Press reports that Stephen Strasburg will not participate in the Arizona Fall League's Rising Stars game Saturday night.  Strasburg strained a neck muscle and it is not known if he will miss his next AFL start.  The Washington Nationals selected Strasburg with the number one pick in the MLB draft in June.

Jordan Danks Could Fill Opening For White Sox

Tom Carkeek reports that Jordan Danks, younger brother of White Sox pitcher John Danks, is tearing up the Arizona Fall League with a .500 on-base percentage.  This White Sox are not expected to keep Jermaine Dye which could open a spot for Danks in the outfield.

Braves Prospects Performing Well in the Arizona Fall League

David O'Brien reports that although Jason Heyward's AFL season was cut short with a strained back, other Atlanta Braves prospects are doing well in the league.  O'Brien points out the left-handed pitcher Mike Minor is 1-0 with a 1.04 ERA in four starts.

"He really knows how to pitch," Wren said. "Outstanding change-up, velocity in low 90s -- your classic left-hander. A lot of people compare him to Cole Hamels. He's not Cole Hamels today, but he has that kind of ability."

Cubs' Castro makes heads turn in Arizona Fall League

Tom Carkeek reports that shortstop prospect Starlin Castro is really impressing the Chicago Cubs.  He started in high Class-A ball in 2009, made the All-Star team and was promoted to Double-A in August.  Castro is batting .419 in the Arizona Fall League.  He is the second youngest player in the league.  Castro is also currently working at second base.  He hopes to be playing in Chicago in 2010 but the Cubs are not sure about that.

MLB Network to air two AFL games

MLB Network will be broadcasting two games from the Arizona Fall League in November.  The Rising Stars Game will be shown on November 7 at 8p.m. ET and the Championship game will be shown on November 21 at 2:30p.m. ET.  The games will also be shown online at MLB.com.