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)
Angels (Joel Pineiro - R) at Rays (James Shields - R), 1:10 PM
Mets (Jonathon Niese - L) at Phillies (Roy Halladay - R), 1:10 PM
Cardinals (Jake Westbrook - R) at Braves (Brandon Beachy - R), 1:10 PM
Giants (Jonathan Sanchez - L) at Nationals (John Lannan - L), 4:05 PM
Rangers (Colby Lewis - R) at A's (Brett Anderson - L), 4:05 PM
Blue Jays (Kyle Drabek - R) at Yankees (A.J. Burnett - R), 4:05 PM
Tigers (Rick Porcello - R) at Indians (Alex White - R), 6:05 PM
Brewers (Randy Wolf - L) at Astros (Wandy Rodriguez - L), 7:05 PM
Orioles (Chris Tillman - R) at White Sox (Philip Humber - R), 7:10 PM
Marlins (Josh Johnson - R) at Reds (Edinson Volquez - R), 7:10 PM
Twins (Brian Duensing - L) at Royals (Sean O'Sullivan - R), 7:10 PM
Mariners (Doug Fister - R) at Red Sox (John Lackey - R), 7:10 PM
Cubs (Matt Garza - R) at Diamondbacks (Ian Kennedy - R), 8:10 PM
Pirates (Paul Maholm - L) at Rockies (Jason Hammel - R), 8:10 PM
Padres (Tim Stauffer - R) at Dodgers (Hiroki Kuroda - R), 10:10 PM
Day game after a night game: LAA, TB, NYM, PHI, STL, ATL, SF, WAS, TEX, OAK, TOR, NYY
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)
Mark Teixeira, 1B, NYY - (Shoulder) Returned to the lineup Friday
Kevin Youkilis, 1B, BOS - (Hip) Started Friday despite leaving Thursday's game early
Alex Rios, OF, CEW - (Toe) Did not start Friday
Jack Wilson, 2B, SEA - (Eye) Did not start Friday
Chris Coghlan, OF, FLA - (Shoulder) Did not start Friday
Ryan Theriot, SS, STL - (Rib) Returned to the lineup Friday
Jim Thome, DH, MIN - (Oblique) May be placed on DL if unable to play in the next couple days
Travis Hafner, DH, CLE - (Ankle) Did not start Friday
Players on the DL
Kevin Slowey, P, MIN - (Shoulder) Being stretched out for possible starting spot
Scott Rolen, 3B, CIN - (Shoulder) Expected to be activated when first eligible May 6
Juan Francisco, 3B, CIN - (Calf) Expected to be activated when first eligible May 12
Takashi Saito, RP, MIL - (Hamstring) Removed from rehab outing with left oblique strain
Wilton Lopez, RP, HOU - (Elbow) Threw bullpen session Thursday
Aaron Heilman, P, AZ - (Shoulder) Might return following upcoming simulated game
Phil Hughes, SP, NYY - (Arm) Still waiting for results of blood tests
Domonic Brown, OF, PHI - (Wrist) Homered in second rehab game Thursday
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)
Joe Blanton, SP, PHI
Activated from DL
Rajai Davis, OF, TOR
Kurt Suzuki, C, OAK (paternity leave)
Clint Barmes, SS, HOU
Scott Downs, RP, LAA
Ronny Paulino, C, NYM
Francisco Cervelli, C, NYY
Called Up
David Cooper, 1B, TOR
Alex Burnett, P, MIN
Vance Worley, P, PHI
Alfredo Amezaga, OF, COL
Dane Sardinha, C, PHI
Sent Down
Travis Snider, OF, TOR
Chris Woodward, 3B, TOR
Jason Donald, SS, CLE
Anthony Swarzak, P, MIN
Josh Donaldson, C, OAK
Mike Nickeas, C, NYM
Mike Zagurski, RP, PHI
Gustavo Molina, C, NYY
Clayton Mortensen, P, COL
Designated For Assignment
Joe Inglett, 2B, HOU
Alan Johnson, P, COL
Closer Watch – A closer look at intriguing ninth-inning situations (also check out our Closer Grid)
St. Louis - Fernando Salas pitched 1.1 innings Thursday to pick up his first career save. Salas pitched to one batter in the eighth inning with a three-run lead, but after the Cardinals tacked on a run in the top of the ninth, manager Tony La Russa elected to leave him in rather than go to another pitcher in what was no longer a save situation. Salas has allowed just one run in 8.1 innings, but Mitchell Boggs has had similar success and likely remains the closer despite blowing his last opportunity Tuesday.
Toronto - Frank Francisco picked up the final out of the eighth inning, and eventually the win, in Thursday's victory over the Rangers. The Blue Jays scored three times in the ninth inning to break a 2-2 tie, but rather than go to Jon Rauch for the save, Francisco remained in the game for the final three outs. Will the Blue Jays use the dreaded closer-by-committee approach for the time being?
Washington - Drew Storen pitched a scoreless ninth inning Thursday to pick up his fourth save. Storen has not allowed an earned run since April 2, giving him plenty of security in the closer's spot.
Key Matchups
Hot
Dan Johnson v. Joel Pineiro - 4-for-13 (.308), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (1.026 OPS)
Bobby Abreu v. James Shields - 8-for-24 (.333), 1 HR, 6 RBI, 2:8 BB:K (1.010 OPS)
Howie Kendrick v. James Shields - 9-for-15 (.600), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:5 BB:K (1.533 OPS)
Carlos Beltran v. Roy Halladay - 12-for-38 (.316), 2 HR, 9 RBI, 3:10 BB:K (.857 OPS)
Jason Bay v. Roy Halladay - 6-for-21 (.286), 2 HR, 4 RBI, 1:6 BB:K (.967 OPS)
Jose Reyes v. Roy Halladay - 10-for-22 (.455), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:3 BB:K (1.251 OPS)
Josh Thole v. Roy Halladay - 7-for-12 (.583), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (1.250 OPS)
Eric Hinske v. Jake Westbrook - 5-for-12 (.417), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 2:0 BB:K (1.083 OPS)
Adam LaRoche v. Jonathan Sanchez - 4-for-8 (.500), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1:3 BB:K (1.556 OPS)
Hideki Matsui v. Colby Lewis - 5-for-10 (.500), 2 HR, 5 RBI, 2:0 BB:K (1.783 OPS)
Adrian Beltre v. Brett Anderson - 4-for-13 (.308), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 4:3 BB:K (1.009 OPS)
Michael Young v. Brett Anderson - 5-for-10 (.500), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 2:1 BB:K (1.283 OPS)
Jose Bautista v. A.J. Burnett - 5-for-11 (.455), 3 HR, 7 RBI, 3:2 BB:K (1.935 OPS)
Edwin Encarnacion v. A.J. Burnett - 5-for-11 (.455), 2 HR, 4 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (1.591 OPS)
Travis Hafner v. Rick Porcello - 4-for-14 (.286), 2 HR, 4 RBI, 0:1 BB:K (1.000 OPS) *check lineup
Humberto Quintero v. Randy Wolf - 5-for-14 (.357), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1:3 BB:K (1.043 OPS)
Corey Hart v. Wandy Rodriguez - 15-for-38 (.395), 0 HR, 3 RBI, 3:5 BB:K (.860 OPS)
Rickie Weeks v. Wandy Rodriguez - 11-for-30 (.367), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 5:6 BB:K (1.053 OPS)
Ryan Braun v. Wandy Rodriguez - 10-for-29 (.345), 3 HR, 5 RBI, 2:6 BB:K (1.146 OPS)
Casey McGehee v. Wandy Rodriguez - 7-for-19 (.368), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 3:2 BB:K (.928 OPS)
Wilson Betemit v. Brian Duensing - 5-for-10 (.500), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 0:1 BB:K (1.400 OPS)
Jim Thome v. Sean O'Sullivan - 3-for-4 (.750), 2 HR, 3 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (3.300 OPS)
Jack Cust v. John Lackey - 9-for-30 (.300), 3 HR, 7 RBI, 2:7 BB:K (.944 OPS)
Kosuke Fukudome v. Ian Kennedy - 3-for-7 (.429), 2 HR, 5 RBI, 0:1 BB:K (1.714 OPS)
Troy Tulowitzki v. Paul Maholm - 10-for-18 (.556), 2 HR, 5 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (1.661 OPS)
Dexter Fowler v. Paul Maholm - 9-for-17 (.529), 0 HR, 4 RBI, 2:1 BB:K (1.285 OPS)
Carlos Gonzalez v. Paul Maholm - 4-for-11 (.364), 2 HR, 5 RBI, 0:1 BB:K (1.364 OPS)
Chase Headley v. Hiroki Kuroda - 8-for-22 (.364), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2:6 B:K (.917 OPS)
Will Venable v. Hiroki Kuroda - 7-for-20 (.350), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1:5 BB:K (.931 OPS)
Brad Hawpe v. Hiroki Kuroda - 7-for-16 (.438), 1 HR, 5 RBI, 0:3 BB:K (1.099 OPS)
Randy Wolf v. Astros - Current Astros have combined for just a .233/.298/.349 slash line in 142 plate appearances against the Brewers lefty, which includes just seven extra-base hits and seven RBI. Additionally, Wolf has pitched well in Houston, putting up a 6-2 record and 3.07 record in 11 starts at Minute Paid Park. Wolf has won three straight starts, allowing just one earned run over 20.2 innings in the process. The numbers indicate he has a great shot at making it four straight Saturday.
Cold
Erick Aybar v. James Shields - 2-for-11 (.182), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:1 BB:K (.432 OPS)
Jeff Mathis v. James Shields - 2-for-12 (.167), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:5 BB:K (.333 OPS)
David Wright v. Roy Halladay - 2-for-18 (.111), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:9 BB:K (.389 OPS)
Jerry Hairston v. Jonathan Sanchez - 2-for-13 (.154), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 1:3 BB:K (.445 OPS)
Jayson Werth v. Jonathan Sanchez - 0-for-12 (.000), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:6 BB:K (.143 OPS)
Miguel Tejada v. John Lannan - 1-for-11 (.091), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:0 BB:K (.182 OPS)
Daric Barton v. Colby Lewis - 1-for-12 (.083), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 6:4 BB:K (.535 OPS)
Cliff Pennington v. Colby Lewis - 3-for-15 (.200), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:3 BB:K (.450 OPS)
Corey Patterson v. A.J. Burnett - 4-for-26 (.154), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2:4 BB:K (.407 OPS)
Adam Lind v. A.J. Burnett - 4-for-18 (.222), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 3:6 BB:K (.556 OPS)
Orlando Cabrera v. Rick Porcello - 1-for-15 (.067), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:0 BB:K (.133 OPS)
Carlos Lee v. Randy Wolf - 5-for-26 (.192), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 3:3 BB:K (.584 OPS)
Bill Hall v. Randy Wolf - 3-for-21 (.143), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 5:6 BB:K (.498 OPS)
Prince Fielder v. Wandy Rodriguez - 9-for-37 (.243), 0 HR, 4 RBI, 4:10 BB:K (.654 OPS)
Carlos Gomez v. Wandy Rodriguez - 3-for-13 (.231), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:7 BB:K (.462 OPS)
Edgar Renteria v. Josh Johnson - 4-for-20 (.200 ), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:3 BB:K (.438 OPS)
Brandon Phillips v. Josh Johnson - 2-for-11 (.182), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:1 BB:K (.364 OPS)
Billy Butler v. Brian Duensing - 0-for-9 (.000), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (.100 OPS)
Milton Bradley v. John Lackey - 3-for-19 (.158), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 6:6 BB:K (.623 OPS)
Miguel Olivo v. John Lackey - 3-for-20 (.150), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 0:10 BB:K (.540 OPS)
Melvin Mora v. Matt Garza - 2-for-21 (.095), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 0:1 BB:K (.190 OPS)
Carlos Pena v. Ian Kennedy - 1-for-13 (.077), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:5 BB:K (.297 OPS)
Paul Maholm v. Rockies - Maholm has posted a decent 3.90 ERA through his first five starts, but that number is in danger of rising Saturday. Maholm has really struggled in his career against Colorado, going 1-7 with a 6.84 ERA and 1.80 WHIP. Those numbers jump even higher - 7.53 ERA and 1.93 WHIP - at Coors Field, the site of Saturday's game. The Rockies have a long list of hitters that have fared well against Maholm (see above), so it's probably best to leave him on the bench Saturday.
Recommended Pickup
Jack Hannahan, 3B, CLE - Fantasy owners have been slow to add Hannahan, but now might be the time to jump on board. The Indians optioned Jason Donald to Triple-A on Friday after activating him, signaling that they plan to keep Hannahan in the starting role, at least until Lonnie Chisenhall is ready. Hannahan has certainly earned the regular role with a big first month, in which he hit .290 with four home runs, 14 RBI, and 14 runs scored. Hannahan is also currently in the midst of an eight-game hitting streak. His upside is a bit limited since he is already 31, but he is producing and will continue seeing regular playing time for the time being. Considering the lack of options at third base, it can't hurt to give Hannahan a shot.
Other recent recommendations:Darren Oliver, Vicente Padilla, Sergio Santos, Gerardo Parra, Brett Wallace
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C - Alex Avila, DET ($6,042)
1B - Adam LaRoche, WAS ($5,676)
2B - Howie Kendrick, LAA ($6,825)
3B - Adrian Beltre, TEX($7,409)
SS - Troy Tulowitzki, COL ($9,716)
OF - Ryan Braun, MIL ($10,961)
OF - Kouske Fukudome, CHC ($5,986)
OF - Jason Bay, NYM ($6,006)
UTIL - Travus Hafner, CLE ($6,214)
UTIL - Jim Thome, MIN ($6,104)
SP - Randy Wolf, MIL ($9,926)
SP - John Lackey, BOS ($9,440)
RP - Brian Wilson, SF ($2,625)
P - Rick Porcello, DET ($6,796)
Total: $99,716
