The Lineup Card: Power Rangers

Projected Starters – A look at Saturday's matchups:

Phillies (Cole Hamels - L) at Cubs (Randy Wells - R), 1:05
Tigers (Justin Verlander - R) at Indians (Fausto Carmona - R), 1:05
Tigers (Rick Porcello - R) at Indians (Mitch Talbot - R), 7:05 (DH)
Dodgers (Hiroki Kuroda - R) at Cardinals (Adam Wainwright - R), 4:10
Rays (Jeff Niemann - R) at Yankees (A.J. Burnett - R), 4:10
Astros (Bud Norris - R) at Pirates (Ross Ohlendorf - R), 7:05
Blue Jays (Brandon Morrow - R) at Orioles (Jeremy Guthrie - R), 7:05
Rockies (Jorge De La Rosa - L) at Reds (Edinson Volquez - R), 7:10
Brewers (Chris Narveson - L) at Braves (Tim Hudson - R), 7:10
Nationals (Livan Hernandez - R) at Marlins (Josh Johnson - R), 7:10
White Sox (Mark Buehrle - L) at Twins (Carl Pavano - R), 7:10
A's (Trevor Cahill - R) at Royals (Bruce Chen - L), 7:10
Rangers (Cliff Lee - L) at Red Sox (John Lackey - R), 7:10
Diamondbacks (Rodrigo Lopez - R) at Padres (Clayton Richard - L), 8:35
Mets (Hisanori Takahashi - L) at Giants (Matt Cain - R), 9:05
Mariners (Ryan Rowland-Smith - L) at Angels (Joe Saunders - L), 9:05

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)

Adrian Beltre, 3B, BOS - (Hamstring) Returned to the lineup on Friday
Scott Baker, SP, MIN - (Elbow) Threw a bullpen session on Friday and will likely start on Monday
Milton Bradley, OF/DH, SEA - (Knee) Did not start on Friday
David Eckstein, 2B, SD - (Calf) Returned to the lineup on Friday
Tony Gwynn Jr., OF, SD - (Heel) Returned to the lineup on Friday
Carlos Quentin, OF, CHA - (Wrist) Scratched from Friday's lineup. Considered day-to-day
Jose Reyes, SS, NYN - (Oblique) Did not start on Friday for the second straight day. Unlikely to play on Saturday but could return on Sunday
Ryan Sweeney, OF, OAK - (Knee) Did not play on Friday night. His status for Saturday has yet to be determined
Brian Duensing, RP, MIN - (Illness) Felt better on Friday after being ill on Thursday. Consider him available if necessary
Mike Pelfrey, SP, NYN - (Neck) Scratched from Saturday's start and is now scheduled to pitch on Monday
Manny Ramirez, OF, LAD - Removed from Friday's game with right calf tightness. Considered day-to-day
Freddy Sanchez, 2B, SF - Scratched from Friday's lineup due to an illness

Players on the DL

Troy Tulowitzki, SS, COL - (Wrist) Could begin a rehab assignment next week
Gil Meche, SP, KC - (Shoulder) Threw a simulated game on Friday and will throw two more before beginning a rehab assignment
Dallas Braden, SP, OAK - (Elbow) Likely to return to the rotation on Tuesday
Scott Olsen, SP, WAS - (Shoulder) Will make a rehab start on Saturday
Dustin Pedroia, 2B, BOS - (Foot) Will wear a protective boot for about two weeks, unlikely to return before August
Joe Nathan, RP, MIN - (Elbow) Will throw on Saturday for the first time since Tommy John surgery, but will still be out until next season
Brett Anderson, SP, OAK - (Elbow) Threw four innings in a rehab start on Thursday, likely to make at least one more rehab start before returning
Brian Roberts, 2B, BAL - (Back) Will be moved up to Double-A Bowie next week as part of rehab assignment
Jim Johnson, RP, BAL - (Elbow) Hopes to throw off a mound next week
Kevin Millwood, SP, BAL - (Forearm) Could return to the rotation late next week
Mike Gonzalez, RP, BAL - (Shoulder) Pitched for Triple-A Norfolk on Friday and could be activated early next week
Matt Wieters, C, BAL - (Hamstring) Expected to miss only the minimum 15 days. Will likely be activated on July 25
Chris Dickerson, OF, CIN - (Wrist) Began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville on Friday
Placido Polanco, 3B, PHI - (Elbow) Played in a rehab game on Friday and could return to action on Saturday, though he won't be 100 percent
Ryan Ludwick, OF, STL - (Calf) Expected to return in about 10 days
Adam Ottavino, p, STL - (Shoulder) Will require surgery and is unlikely to return this season
Brad Penny, SP, STL - (Back) Target return date remains uncertain
Sean Green, RP, NYN - (Ribs) Made a rehab appearance on Thursday, will likely pitch a couple more times in the minors
Yovani Gallardo, SP, MIL - (Oblique) Threw off a mound on Friday and is on track to be activated on Tuesday
LaTroy Hawkins, RP, MIL - (Shoulder) Made a rehab appearance on Thursday and could be activated in the next week or two
Matt Tolbert, 2B, MIN - (Finger) Will remain on the disabled list for at least a couple more days
Clay Condrey, RP, MIN - (Elbow) Suffered a setback on Thursday and will be examined by Twins team doctors
Asdrubal Cabrera, SS, CLE - (Arm) Continued rehab assignment on Thursday, will probably play a couple more games before returning
Derek Holland, SP, TEX - (Knee/Shoulder) Won't begin a rehab assignment for at least another week
Rich Harden, SP, TEX - (Lower Body) Made his second rehab start on Friday, will pitch at least once more in the minors
Chase Utley, 2B, PHI - (Thumb) Had cast removed on Wednesday. Will miss at least a couple more weeks
Jeremy Hermida, OF, BOS - (Ribs) Began a rehab assignment on Thursday and is on track to return late next week
Victor Martinez, C, BOS - (Thumb) Feeling better but the injury is still too painful to play through at this point
Manny Delcarmen, RP, BOS - (Forearm) Will be activated on Saturday

Transactions - Players that 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)
Justin Morneau, 1B, MIN (retroactive to July 8)
Mat Latos, SP, SD (retroactive to July 9)
Doug Davis, SP, MIL (retroactive to July 10)
Chris Jakubauskas, RP, PIT (transferred to 60-day DL)
Mike Adams, RP, SD
Josh Beckett, SP, BOS (transferred to 60-day DL)

Called Up
Erik Kratz, C, PIT
Josh Bell, 3B, BAL
Jeff Manship, RP, MIN
Lorenzo Cain, OF, MIL
Ernesto Frieri, RP, SD
Luis Durango, OF, SD
Juan Miranda, DH, NYA
Jhan Marinez, RP, FLA
Fernando Cabrera, RP, BOS

Sent Down
Kevin Russo, 3B, NYA
Robert Manuel, RP, BOS

Released
Mike Redmond, C, CLE

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

Chicago (NL) - Carlos Marmol struck out the side on Friday to record his 17th save. He now has a ridiculous 81 strikeouts in 42.2 innings pitched.

Houston - Matt Lindstrom pitched a perfect ninth inning in the Astros' victory over the Pirates on Friday. He has settled down nicely of late, allowing just two hits and two walks over his last six outings.

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

Ryan Theriot v. Cole Hamels - 5-for-14 (.357), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1:3 BB:K (.400 OBP)
Travis Hafner v. Justin Verlander - 11-for-36 (.306), 2 HR, 10 RBI, 7:8 BB:K (.409 OBP)
Miguel Cabrera v. Fausto Carmona - 9-for-26 (.346), 3 HR, 6 RBI, 1:6 BB:K (.357 OBP)
Magglio Ordonez v. Mitch Talbot - 4-for-6 (.667), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 1:0 BB:K (.714 OBP) *small sample size but 2.214 OPS
Matt Holliday v. Hiroki Kuroda - 7-for-17 (.412), 1 HR, 6 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (.444 OBP)
Andre Ethier v. Adam Wainwright - 7-for-20 (.350), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1:4 BB:K (.381 OBP)
Rafael Furcal v. Adam Wainwright - 7-for-19 (.368), 0 HR, 3 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (.400 OBP)
Russell Martin v. Adam Wainwright - 8-for-16 (.500), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 2:0 BB:K (.579 OBP)
James Loney v. Adam Wainwright - 7-for-17 (.412), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (.412 OBP)
Carl Crawford v. A.J. Burnett - 17-for-50 (.340), 1 HR, 5 RBI, 3:6 BB:K(.382 OBP)
Evan Longoria v. A.J. Burnett - 11-for-30 (.367), 1 HR, 5 RBI, 1:9 BB:K (.375 OBP)
Lance Berkman v. Ross Ohlendorf - 8-for-16 (.500), 3 HR, 7 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.529 OBP)
Lyle Overbay v. Jeremy Guthrie - 10-for-29 (.345), 2 HR, 5 RBI, 3:2 BB:K (.406 OBP)
Vernon Wells v. Jeremy Guthrie - 8-for-26 (.308), 2 HR, 7 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (.357 OBP)
Jose Bautista v. Jeremy Guthrie - 4-for-12 (.333), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2:4 BB:K (.429 OBP) *career cycle
Jim Edmonds v. Tim Hudson - 10-for-23 (.435), 1 HR, 5 RBI, 5:5 BB:K (.517 OBP)
Hanley Ramirez v. Livan Hernandez - 7-for-19 (.368), 3 HR, 5 RBI, 3:1 BB:K (.455 OBP)
Mike Lamb v. Livan Hernandez - 8-for-22 (.364), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1:0 BB:K (.391 OBP) *check lineup
Wes Helms v. Livan Hernandez - 6-for-19 (.316), 1 HR, 5 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.381 OBP) *check lineup
Michael Cuddyer v. Mark Buehrle - 28-for-86 (.326), 2 HR, 9 RBI, 3:16 BB:K (.356 OBP)
Denard Span v. Mark Buehrle - 11-for-24 (.458), 2 HR, 5 RBI, 2:0 BB:K (.500 OBP)
Delmon Young v. Mark Buehrle - 8-for-24 (.333), 2 HR, 2 RBI, 2:3 BB:K (.385 OBP)
A.J. Pierzynski v. Carl Pavano - 7-for-16 (.438), 0 HR, 3 RBI, 0:1 BB:K (.438 OBP)
Michael Young v. John Lackey - 31-for-83 (.373), 2 HR, 15 RBI, 6:10 BB:K (.416 OBP)
Ian Kinsler v. John Lackey - 8-for-20 (.400), 2 HR, 6 RBI, 3:1 BB:K (.480 OBP)
Josh Hamilton v. John Lackey - 7-for-18 (.389), 3 HR, 5 RBI, 2:3 BB:K (.476 OBP)
Chris Davis v. John Lackey - 5-for-12 (.417), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1:4 BB:K (.462 OBP)
Matt Stairs v. Rodrigo Lopez - 6-for-19 (.316), 2 HR, 8 RBI, 2:4 BB:K (.381 OBP) *check lineup
David Wright v. Matt Cain - 8-for-18 (.444), 0 HR, 3 RBI, 1:3 BB:K (.524 OBP)
Ichiro Suzuki v. Joe Saunders - 12-for-36 (.333), 0 HR, 4 RBI, 2:3 BB:K (.368 OBP)

Josh Johnson v. Nationals - Johnson's 3.55 ERA against the Nationals is about a half run higher than his career average, but he is 6-0 against them in 12 career starts. And, current Nationals are hitting just .203 against him with a slugging percentage of just .294. You weren't going to sit Johnson anyways, but these numbers suggest you should certainly expect a victory.

Carl Pavano v. White Sox - Pavano has only faced the White Sox six times in his career, but he has pitched two shutouts against them and has a 31:5 K:BB ratio. Current White Sox are hitting just .231 against him with two home runs in 130 at-bats. Pavano beat the White Sox earlier this season and he'll have a good shot of doing so again on Saturday.

Joe Saunders v. Mariners - The Mariners tagged Saunders for seven earned runs in a start earlier this season, but he's typically fared very well against them. In 13 career starts Saunders has an impressive 8-1 record, and the Mariners as a team have hit just one home run lifetime off Saunders. Saunders has had an up-and-down season, but the stats suggest his start on Saturday will be in the "up" category.

Cold

Jhonny Peralta v. Justin Verlander - 13-for-54 (.241), 1 HR, 7 RBI, 1:20 BB:K (.255 OBP)
Brandon Inge v. Fausto Carmona - 5-for-26 (.192), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 1:4 BB:K (.214 OBP)
Carlos Guillen v. Fausto Carmona - 5-for-25 (.200), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1:4 BB:K (.222 OBP)
Ramon Santiago v. Fausto Carmona - 4-for-18 (.222), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 2:1 BB:K (.364 OBP)
Gerald Laird v. Fausto Carmona - 1-for-11 (.091), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:3 BB:K (.091 OBP)
Matt Kemp v. Adam Wainwright - 2-for-11 (.182), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:1 BB:K (.308 OBP)
Carlos Pena v. A.J. Burnett - 3-for-33 (.091), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 6:13 BB:K (.268 OBP)
B.J. Upton v. A.J. Burnett - 7-for-35 (.200), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 6:15 BB:K (.317 OBP)
Jeff Keppinger v. Ross Ohlendorf - 1-for-12 (.083), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (.083 OBP)
Aaron Hill v. Jeremy Guthrie - 5-for-24 (.208), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2:4 BB:K (.259 OBP)
Adam Lind v. Jeremy Guthrie - 5-for-23 (.217), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:1 BB:K (.250 OBP)
Prince Fielder v. Tim Hudson - 4-for-18 (.222), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 3:0 BB:K (.333 OBP)
Rickie Weeks v. Tim Hudson - 0-for-15 (.000), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:4 BB:K (.063 OBP)
Dan Uggla v. Livan Hernandez - 4-for-22 (.182), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 3:4 BB:K (.269 OBP)
Ryan Zimmerman v. Josh Johnson - 5-for-23 (.217), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 5:4 BB:K (.357 OBP)
Adam Dunn v. Josh Johnson - 4-for-21 (.190), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2:9 BB:K (.261 OBP)
Andruw Jones v. Carl Pavano - 2-for-20 (.100), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 3:3 BB:K (.208 OBP)
Paul Konerko v. Carl Pavano - 4-for-19 (.211), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:5 BB:K (.211 OBP)
Alexei Ramirez v. Carl Pavano - 2-for-13 (.154), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 0:1 BB:K (.154 OBP)
Adrian Beltre v. Cliff Lee - 4-for-26 (.154), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 0:4 BB:K (.154 OBP)
David Ortiz v. Cliff Lee - 5-for-21 (.238), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:5 BB:K (.273 OBP)
Jeff Francoeur v. Matt Cain - 0-for-13 (.000), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.071 OBP)
Jose Lopez v. Joe Saunders - 8-for-35 (.229), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 3:0 BB:K (.289 OBP)
Milton Bradley v. Joe Saunders - 2-for-13 (.154), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:3 BB:K (.267 OBP)

John Lackey v. Rangers - Lackey may not be wearing an Angels uniform any longer, but that won't stop Rangers hitters from licking their chops on Saturday. The Rangers are a combined .354 against Lackey in their careers and have hit eight home runs off him. Lackey has made 32 career starts against Texas, so his 5.87 ERA and 1.57 WHIP against them are a sign that he's struggled against them for a while. It's probably best to keep Lackey on your bench on Saturday.

Meet Me in the Middle

Jim Thome v. Mark Buehrle - 4-for-20 (.200), 2 HR, 9 RBI, 2:10 BB:K (.273 OBP) - only four hits but he makes the most of his opportunities

Alfonso Soriano v. Cole Hamels - 5-for-26 (.192), 3 HR, 4 RBI, 1:6 BB:K (.222 OBP) - Four of Soriano's five hits against Hamels have gone for extra bases, including the three home runs

Kevin Youkilis v. Cliff Lee - 3-for-15 (.200), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 4:2 BB:K (.368 OBP) - all three hits have gone for extra bases, resulting in a .902 OPS

Livan Hernandez v. Mariners - The Marlins have a combined .858 OPS against Hernandez, but he is 13-8 against them in his career.

Adam Wainwright v. Dodgers - Wainwright's 3.53 ERA against the Dodgers is not terrible, but a glance at the 'Hot' section above shows you he's had his trouble against some of the better hitters in the Dodgers lineup.

Recommended Pickup

Vicente Padilla, SP, LAD - Padilla was a questionable choice as the Dodgers' Opening Day starter, and he did nothing to silence his critics by posting a 6.65 ERA in four starts before going on the DL with a forearm injury in late April. However, after being activated in mid-June, he has turned things around quite nicely. Padilla allowed four earned runs in his first start back; but over his last four outings he has averaged seven innings per start and is 3-1 with a 1.57 ERA. Padilla has an impressive 27:3 K:BB ratio over that span and looks a lot more like the pitcher who was given the Opening Day nod. Padilla has proven to be a better second-half pitcher in his career so there's a good chance he keeps it up. Padilla is available in a lot of leagues and he's a great option for those in NL-only and deeper formats.

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