This article is part of our The Lineup Card series.
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Projected Starters - A look at Saturday's matchups (all times Eastern)
Marlins (Anibal Sanchez - R) at Nationals (Livan Hernandez - R), 1:05 PM
Mariners (Erik Bedard - L) at Indians (Alex White - R), 1:05 PM
Phillies (Joe Blanton - R) at Braves (Jair Jurrjens - R), 1:10 PM
Padres (Aaron Harang - R) at Rockies (Jhoulys Chacin - R), 3:10 PM
White Sox (Gavin Floyd - R) at A's (Tyson Ross - R), 4:05 PM
Mets (R.A. Dickey - R) at Astros (J.A. Happ - L), 4:05 PM
Angels (Dan Haren - R) at Rangers (Derek Holland - L), 4:10 PM
Orioles (Brad Bergesen - R) at Rays (Wade Davis - R), 4:10 PM
Royals (Jeff Francis - L) at Tigers (Brad Penny - R), 4:10 PM
Pirates (Jeff Karstens - R) at Brewers (Chris Narveson - L), 4:10 PM
Cardinals (Kyle McClellan - R) at Reds (Johnny Cueto - R), 4:10 PM
Blue Jays (Jo-Jo Reyes - L) at Twins (Nick Blackburn - R), 4:10 PM
Diamondbacks (Josh Collmenter - R) at Dodgers (Chad Billingsley - R), 7:10 PM
Red Sox (Josh Beckett - R) at Yankees (CC Sabathia - L), 7:10 PM
Giants (Ryan Vogelsong - R) at Cubs (Doug Davis - L), 7:10 PM
Day game after a night game: FLA, WAS, SEA, CLE, PHI, ATL, SD, COL, CWS, OAK, NYM, HOU, LAA, TEX, BAL, TB, KC, DET, PIT, MIL, STL, CIN, TOR, MIN
Injuries - A brief look at players who have been missing time with minor ailments and their expected returns
Day-to-Day (includes players expected to make their return from the DL)
Ryan Braun, OF, MIL - (Ankle) Started Friday's game
Jason Heyward, OF, ATL - (Shoulder) Feeling better but will likely not return until Monday
Grady Sizemore, OF, CLE - (Knee) Did not start Friday, but team is not considering a DL stint at this time
Jed Lowrie, SS, BOS - (Illness) Returned to the lineup Friday
Rafael Soriano, RP, NYY - (Elbow) Available out of the bullpen for Friday's game
Dexter Fowler, OF, COL - (Knee) Did not start Friday; remains day-to-day
Ryan Theriot, SS, STL - (Oblique) Did not start Friday; remains day-to-day
Trevor Plouffe, SS, MIN - (Hamstring) Returned to the lineup Friday
Brandon Kintzler, RP, MIL - (Triceps) Unavailable Friday and could be placed on the DL
Brandon Beachy, SP, ATL - Left Friday's start with a strained oblique
Players on the DL
Josh Hamilton, OF, TEX - (Shoulder) Could begin rehab assignment next week
Chase Utley, 2B, PHI - (Knee) Went 2-for-4 in rehab game Friday
Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, WAS - (Hamstring) Ran Friday for first time since surgery
Roy Oswalt, SP, PHI - (Back) On track to return Tuesday
Rafael Furcal, SS, LAD - (Thumb) Will begin rehab assignment Saturday
Pablo Sandoval, 3B, SF - (Hand) Expects to begin light workouts next week
David Aardsma, RP, SEA - (Elbow) Will opt for rest and rehab instead of surgery
Angel Pagan, OF, NYM - (Oblique) Still yet to resume baseball activities
Orlando Hudson, 2B, SD - (Hamstring) Will play rehab games Monday and Tuesday
Brian Matusz, SP, BAL - (Back) Will throw four innings in rehab outing Monday
Bruce Chen, SP, KC - (Back) Expected to miss at least three weeks
Randy Wells, SP, CHC - (Forearm) Will make first rehab start Tuesday
Andrew Cashner, SP, CHC - (Shoulder) Threw two simulated innings Thursday
Eric Chavez, 3B, NYY - (Foot) May be dealing with a bruise and not a fracture
Rick Ankiel, OF, WAS - (Wrist) Unlikely to be activated when first eligible Wednesday
Tommy Hunter, SP, TEX - (Groin) Played catch Friday for first time since setback May 9
Justin Duchscherer, SP, BAL - (Hip) Threw two-inning simulated game Friday
Zach Braddock, RP, MIL - (Sleep disorder) Struck out five over 1.2 IP in rehab outing Thursday
Dan Wheeler, RP, BOS - (Calf) Threw a scoreless inning in rehab appearance Thursday
Bobby Parnell, RP, NYM - (Finger) Rehab assignment will continue for a short period
Chad Gaudin, RP, WAS - (Shoulder) Will play catch Sunday
Transactions - Players who have been demoted, called up, traded , released, you name it. We'll cover it here.
Placed on the DL (15-day DL unless otherwise noted)
Magglio Ordonez, OF, DET
Hector Gimenez, C, LAD - transferred to 60-day DL
Activated from DL
Delmon Young OF, MIN
Scott Rolen, 3B, CIN
Javier Vazquez, SP, FLA
Ty Wigginton, 3B, COL
Carlos Ruiz, C, PHI
Jason Michaels, OF, HOU
Called Up
Juan Castro, SS, LAD
Andy Dirks, OF, DET
Hector Noesi, RP, NYY
Sent Down
Ian Stewart, 3B, COL
Rene Tosoni, OF, MIN
Ivan De Jesus, SS, LAD
Chris Valaika, 3B, CIN
Buddy Carlyle, RP, NYY
Claimed off Waivers
Jeff Gray, RP, SEA
Closer Watch - A closer look at intriguing ninth-inning situations (also check out our Closer Grid)
Atlanta - Craig Kimbrel entered Thursday's game in the top of the 10th inning and struck out three in a perfect outing. He later picked up the win when the Braves won in walk-off fashion in the bottom of the frame. Kimbrel has not been automatic the last couple weeks, but he was lights out in Thursday's appearance and now has a 28:8 K:BB ratio in 17.2 innings.
San Francisco - With Brian Wilson unavailable after pitching seven of the previous nine days (and picking up four saves and three wins in the process), Javier Lopez was called upon to shut the door Thursday. Lopez gave up a hit, but he did not give up a run and picked up the save in the Giants' 3-2 victory. After taking the day off, expect Wilson to be available next time the Giants need to hang onto a lead in the ninth.
Seattle - Brandon League blew his second straight save opportunity Thursday and took the loss for the third time in five days. League entered the week with a 2.08 ERA, but after giving up seven runs over his last 2.1 innings, that mark now sits at 5.87. League remains the best option to close in the Seattle bullpen, but after his recent rough patch, don't be surprised if Jamey Wright or David Pauley gets the ball next time the Mariners are in a save situation.
Key Matchups
Hot
Hanley Ramirez v. Livan Hernandez - 11-for-31 (.355), 3 HR, 7 RBI, 4:3 BB:K (1.138 OPS)
Wes Helms v. Livan Hernandez - 6-for-19 (.316), 1 HR, 5 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.855 OPS)
Chris Coghlan v. Livan Hernandez - 7-for-14 (.500), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (1.105 OPS)
Gaby Sanchez v. Livan Hernandez - 5-for-9 (.555), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 3:0 BB:K (1.778 OPS)
Brian McCann v. Joe Blanton - 8-for-20 (.400), 2 HR, 6 RBI, 3:0 BB:K (1.200 OPS)
Chipper Jones v. Joe Blanton - 6-for-17 (.353), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2:3 BB:K (.950 OPS)
Martin Prado v. Joe Blanton - 6-for-16 (.375), 2 HR, 3 RBI, 0:1 BB:K (1.125 OPS)
Carlos Lee v. R.A. Dickey - 7-for-18 (.389), 1 HR, 5 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (1.111 OPS)
Carlos Beltran v. J.A. Happ - 4-for-13 (.308), 2 HR, 4 RBI, 0:3 BB:K (1.077 OPS)
David Wright v. J.A. Happ - 6-for-11 (.545), 3 HR, 6 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (2.129 OPS)
Adrian Beltre v. Dan Haren - 19-for-43 (.442), 2 HR, 7 RBI, 6:8 BB:K (1.278 OPS)
Erick Aybar v. Derek Holland - 5-for-15 (.33), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (.933 OPS)
Johnny Damon v. Brad Bergesen - 4-for-12 (.333), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:0 BB:K (.833 OPS)
B.J. Upton v. Brad Bergesen - 7-for-13 (.538), 1 HR, 8 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (1.385 OPS)
Evan Longoria v. Brad Bergesen - 3-for-9 (.333), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2:2 BB:K (1.232 OPS)
Matt Wieters v. Wade Davis - 6-for-15 (.400), 0 HR, 3 RBI, 0:3 BB:K (.867 OPS)
Cesar Izturis v. Wade Davis - 4-for-10 (.400), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (1.000 OPS)
Jeff Francoeur v. Brad Penny - 3-for-9 (.333), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 0:1 BB:K (1.067 OPS)
Ryan Braun v. Jeff Karstens - 6-for-16 (.375), 2 HR, 3 RBI, 2:2 BB:K (1.411 OPS)
Andrew McCutchen v. Chris Narveson - 4-for-10 (.400), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (1.200 OPS)
Ramon Hernandez v. Kyle McClellan - 3-for-10 (.300), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 0:0 BB:K (1.000 OPS)
Ryan Theriot v. Johnny Cueto - 11-for-28 (.393), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1:3 BB:K (1.005 OPS)
Lance Berkman v. Johnny Cueto - 5-for-15 (.333), 2 HR, 6 RBI, 9:6 BB:K (1.450 OPS)
Yadier Molina v. Johnny Cueto - 6-for-14 (.429), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (1.152 OPS)
Colby Rasmus v. Johnny Cueto - 5-for-14 (.357), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2:3 BB:K (1.223 OPS)
Matt Holliday v. Johnny Cueto - 5-for-11 (.455), 0 HR, 5 RBI, 2:1 BB:K (1.045 OPS)
Juan Rivera v. Nick Blackburn - 6-for-16 (.375), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:1 BB:K (.750 OPS)
Rajai Davis v. Nick Blackburn - 4-for-11 (.364), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:0 BB:K (.839 OPS)
Stephen Drew v. Chad Billingsley - 19-for-53 (.358), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 5:10 BB:K (.942 OPS) *career cycle
Miguel Montero v. Chad Billingsley - 9-for-23 (.391), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 4:5 BB:K (1.177 OPS) *5 XBH
Robinson Cano v. Josh Beckett - 20-for-59 (.339), 3 HR, 12 RBI, 5:7 BB:K (1.019 OPS)
Nick Swisher v. Josh Beckett - 10-for-35 (.286), 3 HR, 7 RBI, 5:10 BB:K (.918 OPS)
Kevin Youkilis v. CC Sabathia - 10-for-24 (.417), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 5:5 BB:K (1.242 OPS) *career cycle
Mike Cameron v. CC Sabathia - 8-for-17 (.471), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (1.409 OPS)
Aramis Ramirez v. Ryan Vogelsong - 5-for-12 (.417), 2 HR, 2 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (1.417 OPS)
Freddy Sanchez v. Doug Davis - 17-for-37 (.459), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 4:5 BB:K (1.188 OPS)
Cody Ross v. Doug Davis - 6-for-15 (.400), 1 HR, 8 RBI, 5:3 BB:K (1.283 OPS)
Anibal Sanchez
v. Nationals batters - .189/.227/.217, 0 HR, 47:6 K:BB in 154 PA
v. WAS - 6-0, 2.16 ERA, 1.21 WHIP in 15 starts
Jair Jurrjens
v. Phillies batters - .216/.284/.324, 2 HR, 20:14 K:BB in 163 PA
v. PHI - 4-3, 2.45 ERA, 1.06 WHIP in 10 starts
Gavin Floyd
v. A's batters - .167/.259/.271, 2 HR, 23:11 K:BB in 109 PA
v. OAK - 3-0, 1.32 ERA, 1.12 WHIP in six starts
Cold
Adam LaRoche v. Anibal Sanchez - 6-for-24 (.250), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:6 BB:K (.530 OPS)
Jayson Werth v. Anibal Sanchez - 2-for-22 (.091), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:15 BB:K (.227 OPS)
Roger Bernadina v. Anibal Sanchez - 1-for-16 (.063), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:6 BB:K (.229 OPS)
Ian Desmond v. Anibal Sanchez - 4-for-17 (.235), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:3 BB:K (.572 OPS)
Ivan Rodriguez v. Anibal Sanchez - 2-for-11 (.182), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:4 BB:K (.364 OPS)
Omar Infante v. Livan Hernandez - 5-for-25 (.200), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (.400 OPS)
Orlando Cabrera v. Erik Bedard - 5-for-22 (.227), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 2:2 BB:K (.655 OPS)
Grady Sizemore v. Erik Bedard - 0-for-13 (.000), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 4:6 BB:K (.278 OPS)
Dan Uggla v. Joe Blanton - 3-for-19 (.158), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 3:6 BB:K (.483 OPS)
Nate McLouth v. Joe Blanton - 2-for-12 (.167), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:3 BB:K (.481 OPS)
Jimmy Rollins v. Jair Jurrjens - 5-for-29 (.172), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 3:0 BB:K (.560 OPS)
Shane Victorino v. Jair Jurrjens - 6-for-28 (.214), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 3:5 BB:K (.540 OPS)
Todd Helton v. Aaron Harang - 2-for-12 (.167), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 2:2 BB:K (.452 OPS)
Mark Ellis v. Gavin Floyd - 1-for-12 (.083), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (.250 OPS)
Hideki Matsui v. Gavin Floyd - 1-for-10 (.100), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (.582 OPS)
Chris Johnson v. R.A. Dickey - 2-for-11 (.182), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:0 BB:K (.455 OPS)
Jose Reyes v. J.A. Happ - 1-for-10 (.100), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2:2 BB:K (.350 OPS)
Ian Kinsler v. Dan Haren - 4-for-18 (.222), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:5 BB:K (.541 OPS)
Ben Zobrist v. Brad Bergesen - 2-for-10 (.200), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.550 OPS)
Nick Markakis v. Wade Davis - 3-for-22 (.136), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.401 OPS)
Brian Roberts v. Wade Davis - 4-for-18 (.222), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 3:4 BB:K (.611 OPS)
Adam Jones v. Wade Davis - 1-for-11 (.091), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:0 BB:K (.258 OPS)
Corey Hart v. Jeff Karstens - 2-for-19 (.105), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:5 BB:K (.308 OPS)
Garrett Jones v. Chris Narveson - 1-for-10 (.100), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (.200 OPS)
Albert Pujols v. Johnny Cueto - 4-for-17 (.235), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 3:2 BB:K (.644 OPS)
Justin Upton v. Chad Billingsley - 5-for-27 (.185), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3:6 BB:K (.620 OPS)
Gerardo Parra v. Chad Billingsley - 4-for-21 (.190), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:10 BB:K (.465 OPS)
Mark Teixeira v. Josh Beckett - 7-for-36 (.194), 2 HR, 4 RBI, 8:14 BB:K (.702 OPS)
Brett Gardner v. Mark Teixeira - 6-for-26 (.231), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:8 BB:K (.528 OPS)
Curtis Granderson v. Josh Beckett - 5-for-24 (.208), 2 HR, 2 RBI, 1:11 BB:K (.782 OPS)
David Ortiz v. CC Sabathia - 9-for-38 (.237), 2 HR, 4 RBI, 3:8 BB:K (.714 OPS)
Dustin Pedroia v. CC Sabathia - 4-for-26 (.154), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:8 BB:K (.395 OPS)
J.D. Drew v. CC Sabathia - 5-for-22 (.227), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:10 BB:K (.534 OPS)
Jason Varitek v. CC Sabathia - 2-for-19 (.105), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 1:4 BB:K (.506 OPS)
Jacoby Ellsbury v. CC Sabathia - 1-for-13 (.077), 0 Hr, 0 RBI, 0:6 BB:K (.154 OPS)
Pat Burrell v. Doug Davis - 1-for-13 (.077), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (.231 OPS)
Johnny Cueto
v. Cardinals batters - .373/.458/.636, 6 HR, 18:17 K:BB in 133 PA
v. STL - 3-3, 6.44 ERA, 1.62 WHIP in nine starts
Boom or Bust
Prince Fielder v. Jeff Karstens - 3-for-14 (.214), 2 HR, 2 RBI, 4:3 BB:K (1.175 OPS)
Rickie Weeks v. Jeff Karstens - 3-for-18 (.167), 3 HR, 6 RBI, 0:4 BB:K (.833 OPS)
Chris Young v. Chad Billingsley - 10-for-42 (.238), 3 HR, 6 RBI, 4:13 BB:K (.822 OPS) *career cycle
Recommended Pickup
Rick Porcello, SP, DET - After allowing 10 ER in 10.0 IP over his first two starts, Porcello has gotten into a groove on the mound. He did not issue more than two walks in any of his last five starts, and did not allow more than two earned runs in any of those appearances either. Over that five-start stretch, Porcello went 3-0, posted a 1.99 ERA, and compiled a 21:7 K:BB ratio over 31.2 IP. He figures to make two starts next week - at home against Toronto and on the road in Pittsburgh - and is still available in plenty of leagues, so those looking to add a starter for next week's action should give him a shot.
Other recent recommendations: Mark Trumbo, Julio Borbon, Erick Aybar, Mike Fontenot, Vance Worley
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C - Brian McCann, ATL ($5,709)
1B - Mark Trumbo, LAA ($5,683)
2B - Robinson Cano, NYY ($7,135)
3B - David Wright, NYM ($6,527)
SS - Hanley Ramirez, FLA ($6,570)
OF - Ryan Braun, MIL ($7,440)
OF - Matt Holliday, STL ($9,454)
OF - B.J. Upton, TB ($7,155)
UTIL - Carl Crawford, BOS ($3,452)
UTIL - Freddy Sanchez, SF ($5,232)
SP - Gavin Floyd, CWS ($13,132)
SP - Anibal Sanchez, FLA ($11,297)
RP - Craig Kimbrel, ATL ($2,580)
P - Wade Davis, TB ($8,599)
Total: $99,965
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