The Lineup Card: Labor Day Edition

Projected Starters – A look at Monday's matchups:

Marlins (Adalberto Mendez - R) at Phillies (Vance Worley - R), 1:05
Mets (Mike Pelfrey - R) at Nationals (Jordan Zimmermann - R), 1:05
Orioles (Brian Matusz - R) at Yankees (A.J. Burnett - R), 1:05
White Sox (Edwin Jackson - R) at Tigers (Max Scherzer - R), 1:05
Rangers (Tommy Hunter - R) at Blue Jays (Ricky Romero - L), 1:07
Braves (Tommy Hanson - R) at Pirates (Brian Burres - L), 1:35
Cardinals (Jake Westbrook - R) at Brewers (Yovani Gallardo - R), 2:10
Royals (Sean O'Sullivan - R) at Twins (Kevin Slowey - R), 2:10
Astros (Wandy Rodriguez - L) at Cubs (Casey Coleman - R), 2:20
Reds (Aaron Harang - R) at Rockies (Ubaldo Jimenez - R), 3:10
Mariners (Jason Vargas - L) at A's (Brett Anderson - L), 4:05
Giants (Madison Bumgarner - L) at Diamondbacks (Ian Kennedy - R), 4:10
Marlins (Anibal Sanchez - R) at Phillies (Roy Oswalt - R), 10:15 (DH)
Rays (Jeff Niemann - R) at Red Sox (Jon Lester - L), 7:10
Indians (Carlos Carrasco - R) at Angels (Dan Haren - R), 9:05
Dodgers (Vicente Padilla - R) at Padres (Mat Latos - R), 10:05

Day game following night game: None

Injuries – A brief look at players that have been missing time with minor ailments and their expected returns

Day-to-Day (includes players expected to make their return from the DL)

Cliff Lee, SP, TEX - (Back) Scratched from scheduled start on Tuesday but unlikely to be placed on DL
Josh Hamilton, OF, TEX - (Ribs) Could be out at least a week
Jose Reyes, SS, NYM – (Oblique) Did not play on Sunday. Remains day-to-day
Justin Upton, OF, ARI – (Shoulder)Did not play on Sunday. Remains day-to-day
Johan Santana, SP, NYM – (Chest) Scratched from scheduled start on Tuesday
Adam Dunn, 1B, WAS - (Hamstring) Returned to the lineup on Sunday
Nick Swisher, OF, NYY – (Knee) Did not start on Sunday but was used as a pinch hitter. Remains day-to-day
Elvis Andrus, SS, TEX – (Hamstring) Expected to remain out of the lineup until at least Wednesday
Pablo Sandoval, 3B, SF - (Hip) Returned to the lineup on Sunday
Derek Lowe, SP, ATL - (Elbow) Expected to make his scheduled start on Wednesday
Jason Kubel, OF, MIN - (Wrist) Returned to the lineup on Sunday
Evan Meek, RP, PIT – (Hand) Was not called upon to pitch on Sunday but should return early this week
Danny Valencia, 3B, MIN – (Hamstring) Did not play on Sunday and could miss more time
Paul Konerko, 1B, CWS - Will not play Monday due to a stiff lower back
Ryan Raburn, OF, DET - Scratched from Sunday's lineup with an illness. Considered day-to-day
Marco Scutaro, SS, BOS - Did not start on Sunday due to a sore shoulder but entered as a pinch hitter. Will undergo an MRI soon
Kevin Kouzmanoff, 3B, OAK - Left Sunday's game with back spasms. Considered day-to-day
Austin Kearns, OF, NYY - Dealing with a sore thumb and is not ready to hit yet
Jeffrey Karstens, P, PIT - Will not make his scheduled start on Monday due to a sore shoulder

Players on the DL

Andy Pettitte, SP, NYY - (Groin) Will throw a bullpen session on Monday and face live hitters on Wednesday
Nick Punto, 3B, MIN - (Hamstring) Could be activated to serve in special situations, but won't be ready to play the field for about a week
Felipe Paulino, SP, HOU - (Shoulder) Still hopes to return at some point this month
Damaso Marte, RP, NYY - (Shoulder) Will make a decision on potential surgery sometime in the next two weeks

Transactions - Players that have been demoted, called up, traded, released, you name it. We'll cover it here.

Activated from DL
Alex Rodriguez, 3B, NYY

Called Up
Rommie Lewis, RP, TOR
Josh Roenicke, RP, TOR
Ben Revere, OF, MIN
Robert Coello, RP, BOS
Chris Tillman, SP, BAL
Cesar Ramos, RP, SD
Collin Balester, P, WAS
Jarrett Hoffpauir, 3B, TOR
Scott Mathieson, RP, PHI
Joe Martinez, P, PIT
Nick Evans, 1B, NYM
Chin-Lung Hu, SS, LAD
Jon Link, RP, LAD
John Ely, P, LAD
Raul Lopez, RP, NYM

Designated For Assignment
Matt Fox, RP, MIN

Closer Watch - A closer look at intriguing ninth-inning situations (check out Dave Regan's Closer Grid with the link to the left).

Baltimore - Koji Uehara worked a perfect ninth inning on Sunday to record his sixth save. He remains the top closer option in the Baltimore bullpen despite giving up two home runs in an inning on Saturday.

Boston - Jonathan Papelbon blew his career-high seventh save on Sunday by allowing four earned runs over 1.1 innings. Papelbon gave up just five total earned runs between June 26 and his appearance on Sunday.

Chicago (AL) - Matt Thornton picked up his sixth save on Sunday. Expect him to see a few save opportunities over the final few weeks.

Kansas City - Joakim Soria protected a one-run lead with a clean ninth inning on Sunday to pick up his first save since August 25.

Milwaukee - John Axford pitched two innings on Sunday to record his 20th save of the season. He has not allowed an earned run over his last nine appearances and now has a 2.37 ERA.

Key Matchups – Spotlight on hitters and pitchers with favorable matchups against their opponent on a particular day (generally, individual matchups with fewer than 10 at-bats are not included).

Hot

Derek Jeter v. Brian Matusz - 6-for-14 (.429), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (.467 OBP)
Robinson Cano v. Brian Matusz - 5-for-12 (.417), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (.417 OBP)
Marcus Thames v. Brian Matusz - 5-for-12 (.417), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (.417 OBP)
Brian Roberts v. A.J. Burnett - 12-for-42 (.286), 3 HR, 8 RBI, 2:8 BB:K (.318 OBP)
Luke Scott v. A.J. Burnett - 7-for-23 (.304), 2 HR, 4 RBI, 4:5 BB:K (.429 OBP) *career cycle
Manny Ramirez v. Max Scherzer - 4-for-11 (.364), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.417 OBP) *check lineup
Vladimir Guerrero v. Ricky Romero - 6-for-10 (.600), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:1 BB:K (.600 OBP)
Albert Pujols v. Yovani Gallardo - 5-for-15 (.333), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 3:3 BB:K (.444 OBP)
Yadier Molina v. Yovani Gallardo - 3-for-10 (.300), 1 HR, 5 RBI, 4:2 BB:K (.533 OBP)
Mike Aviles v. Kevin Slowey - 5-for-13 (.385), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:1 BB:K (.385 OBP)
Geovany Soto v. Wandy Rodriguez - 5-for-12 (.417), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2:3 BB:K (.533 OBP)
Joey Votto v. Ubaldo Jimenez - 4-for-10 (.400), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2:0 BB:K (.500 OBP)
Ichiro Suzuki v. Brett Anderson - 7-for-19 (.368), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:3 BB:K (.368 OBP)
Chone Figgins v. Brett Anderson - 7-for-16 (.438), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.471 OBP)
Aubrey Huff v. Ian Kennedy - 3-for-10 (.300), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 3:0 BB:K (.462 OBP)
Ryan Howard v. Anibal Sanchez - 6-for-18 (.333), 2 HR, 4 RBI, 7:3 BB: (.520 OBP)
Chase Utley v. Anibal Sanchez - 9-for-23 (.391), 0 HR, 3 RBI, 2:3 BB:K (.440 OBP)
Jimmy Rollins v. Anibal Sanchez - 7-for-20 (.350), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2:3 BB:K (.409 OBP)
Carlos Ruiz v. Anibal Sanchez - 4-for-15 (.357), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 3:2 BB:K (.471 OBP)
Hanley Ramirez v. Roy Oswalt - 10-for-25 (.400), 2 HR, 5 RBI, 1:5 BB:K (.423 OBP)
Wes Helms v. Roy Oswalt - 7-for-21 (.333), 1 HR, 5 RBI, 2:4 BB:K (.417 OBP)
Carlos Pena v. Jon Lester - 10-for-33 (.303), 5 HR, 12 RBI, 3:10 BB:K (.375 OBP)
Jason Bartlett v. Jon Lester - 10-for-28 (.357), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 6:7 BB:K (.471 OBP)
Travis Hafner v. Dan Haren - 3-for-10 (.300), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2:2 BB:K (.417 OBP)

Edwin Jackson v. Tigers - Players usually seem a bit more motivated when facing their old team, and Jackson is no different. Jackson has made seven apperances against Detroit and has started just five games, but he is 3-0 with a 2.63 ERA in those outings. Current Tigers have hit a total of two doubles and home run against Jackson in 141 at-bats and have posted a weak .577 OPS. Jackson had a 1.47 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 45:8 K:BB ratio in five August starts; and his history against the Tigers suggests that hot streak will continue.

Brett Anderson v. Mariners - Anderson has started three games against the Mariners this season; and though he has only won one of those starts, he has allowed just one earned run over 19 innings. Russel Branyan is the only Mariner to homer off Anderson and the rest of the squad has managed just four extra-base hit (all doubles) against him. Start Anderson with confidence on Monday.

Cold

Adam Dunn v. Mike Pelfrey - 5-for-22 (.227), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 5:2 BB:K (.357 OBP)
Nyjer Morgan v. Mike Pelfrey - 2-for-12 (.167), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (.231 OBP)
Nick Swisher v. Brian Matusz - 0-for-12 (.000), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (.077 OBP)
Ty Wigginton v. A.J. Burnett - 7-for-32 (.219), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3:6 BB:K (.297 OBP)
Adam Jones v. A.J. Burnett - 8-for-33 (.242), 1 HR, 6 RBI, 0:11 BB:K (.242 OBP)
Cesar Izturis v. A.J. Burnett - 3-for-23 (.130), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:4 BB:K (.167 OBP)
Corey Patterson v. A.J. Burnett - 2-for-21 (.095), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:4 BB:K (.136 OBP)
Julio Lugo v. A.J. Burnett - 3-for-17 (.176), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2:1 BB:K (.263 OBP)
Matt Wieters v. A.J. Burnett - 0-for-14 (.000), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:4 BB:K (.067 OBP)
Johnny Damon v. Edwin Jackson - 6-for-33 (.182), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 3:4 BB:K (.250 OBP)
Jhonny Peralta v. Edwin Jackson -5-for-24 (.217), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2:4 BB:K (.280 OBP)
Brennan Boesch v. Edwin Jackson - 1-for-10 (.100), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:6 BB:K (.100 OBP)
Melky Cabrera v. Brian Burres - 4-for-17 (.235), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:1 BB:K (.350 OBP)
Randy Winn v. Yovani Gallardo - 3-for-15 (.200), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 1:5 BB:K (.250 OBP)
Skip Schumaker v. Yovani Gallardo - 2-for-11 (.182), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (.250 OBP)
Billy Butler v. Kevin Slowey - 1-for-14 (.071), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (.071 OBP)
Alfonso Soriano v. Wandy Rodriguez - 2-for-23 (.087), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 3:8 BB:K (.192 OBP)
Marlon Byrd v. Wandy Rodriguez - 4-for-19 (.211), 0 HR, 3 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.250 OBP)
Xavier Nady v. Wandy Rodriguez - 2-for-14 (.143), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1:4 BB:K (.294 OBP)
Todd Helton v. Aaron Harang - 2-for-11 (.182), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (.250 OBP)
Brandon Phillips v. Ubaldo Jimenez - 2-for-10 (.200), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:0 BB:K (.333 OBP)
Franklin Gutierrez v. Brett Anderson - 4-for-20 (.200), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 3:2 BB:K (.304 OBP)
Jose Lopez v. Brett Anderson - 5-for-22 (.227), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:3 BB:K (.261 OBP)
Andres Torres v. Ian Kennedy - 2-for-11 (.182), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:4 BB:K (.182 OBP)
Jayson Werth v. Anibal Sanchez - 2-for-19 (.105), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:13 BB:K (.105 OBP)
Chad Tracy v. Roy Oswalt - 4-for-25 (.160), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:2 BB:K (.222 OBP)
Dan Uggla v. Roy Oswalt - 2-for-17 (.118), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 4:6 BB:K (.286 OBP)
Marco Scutaro v. Jeff Niemann - 3-for-16 (.188), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 2:3 BB:K (.278 OBP)
Adrian Beltre v. Jeff Niemann - 3-for-13 (.231), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:0 BB:K (.286 OBP)
B.J. Upton v. Jon Lester - 6-for-36 (.167), 2 HR, 4 RBI, 3:7 BB:K (.231 OBP)
Ben Zobrist v. Jon Lester - 4-for-18 (.222), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 4:9 BB:K (.364 OBP)
Willy Aybar v. Jon Lester - 4-for-21 (.190), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:9 BB:K (.190 OBP)
Adrian Gonzalez v. Vicente Padilla - 2-for-10 (.200), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (.200 OBP)
Yorvit Torrealba v. Vicente Padilla - 1-for-10 (.100), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 0:1 BB:K (.100 OBP)

Yovani Gallardo v. Cardinals - Gallardo has faced the Cardinals six times in his career; and besides an eight-inning, 0 ER performance against them on Memorial Day in 2009, the results have not been pretty: Gallardo is 0-4 with a 6.32 ERA and 1.50 WHIP lifetime against the Cardinals. Gallardo has struggled lately as it is, posting a 7.75 ERA and 1.63 in six August starts; and with his track record against the Cardinals, it's probably best to avoid using him on Monday unless you need the innings.

Recommended Pickup

David Murphy, OF, TEX - Josh Hamilton hurt his ribs in Saturday's game against the Twins; and though he has arguably been the AL MVP up to this point, the Rangers will be in no hurry to rush him back thanks to their healthy lead in the AL West. The Rangers just traded for Jeff Francoeur, but it was Murphy who got the start - and batted third - in Hamilton's place on Sunday. Murphy has hit .340 with four home runs and five stolen bases in 27 games since August 4, so he's providing good numbers in multiple categories. A similar injury cost Hamilton a week last year; so Murphy could play a key role in helping your team get to, or advance in, the playoffs this week. Francoeur could steal a start or two early in the week against a left-handed starter, but expect the Rangers to continue riding Murphy's hot bat while Hamilton is out. Murphy is available in about 80 percent of fantasy leagues right now; so take a shot on him if you are in a deeper league and need some outfield assistance.

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