This article is part of our The Lineup Card series.
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Projected Starters - A look at Wednesday's matchups (all times Eastern)
Dodgers (Chad Billingsley - R) at Marlins (Anibal Sanchez - R), 12:10
Reds (Sam LeCure - R) at Brewers (Yovani Gallardo - R), 1:10
Rockies (Jhoulys Chacin - R) at Cubs (Casey Coleman - R), 2:20
Braves (Tommy Hanson - R) at Padres (Mat Latos - R), 3:35
Phillies (Cole Hamels - L) at Diamondbacks (Joe Saunders - L), 3:40
Red Sox (Josh Beckett - R) at Orioles (Jeremy Guthrie - R), 7:05
Athletics (Tyson Ross - R) at Angels (Dan Haren - R), 7:05
Royals (Jeff Francis - L) at Indians (Josh Tomlin - R), 7:05
Mariners (Erik Bedard - L) at Tigers (Justin Verlander - R), 7:05
White Sox (Mark Buehrle - L) at Yankees (Bartolo Colon - R), 7:05
Mets (R.A. Dickey - R) at Nationals (Tom Gorzelanny - L), 7:05
Giants (Madison Bumgarner - L) at Pirates (James McDonald - R), 7:05
Blue Jays (Jo-Jo Reyes - L) at Rangers (Derek Holland - L), 8:05
Cardinals (Kyle Lohse - R) at Astros (J.A. Happ - L), 8:05
Rays (Jeff Niemann - R) at Twins (Francisco Liriano - L), 8:10
Day game after a night game: LAD, FLA, CIN, MIL, COL, CHC, ATL, SD, PHI, ARI
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)
Juan Uribe, 2B, LA – (Thigh) Not in Tuesday's lineup
Casey Blake, 3B, LA – (Elbow) Not in Tuesday's lineup
Albert Pujols, 1B, STL – (Hamstring) Not in Tuesday's lineup
Casey McGehee, 3B, MIL – (Thumb) Not in Tuesday's lineup
Melvin Mora, 3B, ARI – (Foot) Not in Tuesday's lineup
Nick Blackburn, P, MIN – (Back) Expected to start Thursday
Maicer Izturis, 3B, LAA – (Hamstring) Team doesn't think injury is serious
Darren O'Day, P, TEX – (Hip) Used just twice in last 12 days
Josh Willingham, OF, OAK – (Back) Not in Tuesday's lineup
Carlos Carrasco, P, CLE – (Elbow) Still hoping to start Saturday
Edwin Encarnacion, 3B, TOR – (Wrist) Not in Tuesday's lineup
Players on the DL
Homer Bailey, P, CIN – (Shoulder) Will make another rehab start April 30
Johan Santana, P, NYM – (Shoulder) Throwing from 100 feet on flat ground
Takashi Saito, P, MIL – (Hamstring) Could be activated this week
Jose Contreras, P, PHI – (Elbow) Injury not as severe as expected
Chase Utley, 2B, PHI – (Knee) Ran, hit and fielded grounders Monday
Corey Hart, OF, MIL – (Oblique) Likely to be activated very soon
Barry Zito, P, SF – (Foot) Will see specialist Wednesday
Aaron Cook, P, COL – (Shoulder) Threw a 60-pitch bullpen session and could begin rehab assignment soon
Peter Moylan, P, ATL – (Back) Still likely a week or two away
Francisco Cervelli, C, NYY – (Foot) Could return this week
Kendrys Morales, 1B, LAA – (Ankle) Has yet to run at full speed
Rajai Davis, OF, TOR – (Ankle) Could return as early as Wednesday
Josh Hamilton, OF, TEX – (Shoulder) Took part in outfield drills but remains a month away
Joe Mauer, C, MIN – (Leg) Unlikely to return Thursday and still no timetable
Tsuyoshi Nishioka, 2B, MIN – (Leg) Ahead of schedule
Evan Longoria, 3B, TB – (Oblique) Will begin rehab assignment Thursday
Brian Matusz, P, BAL – (Back) Felt great during Tuesday's throwing session
Chris Jakubauskas, P, BAL – (Groin) Could begin rehab assignment soon
Victor Martinez, C, DET – (Groin) Worked out Tuesday for the first time since going on the DL
Transactions - Players who have been demoted, called up, traded, released, you name it. We'll cover it here.
Activated from DL
Chris Young, P, NYM
Placed on DL
Jason Michaels, OF, HOU
Scott Olsen, P, PIT (transferred to 60-day DL)
Called Up
Brian Bogusevic, OF, HOU
Rogearvin Bernadina, OF, WAS
Claimed off Waivers
Xavier Paul, OF, PIT (from LAD)
Closer Watch - A closer look at intriguing ninth-inning situations (also check out our Closer Grid)
Dodgers: Manager Don Mattingly told Jonathan Broxton on Tuesday that the big right-hander is still the team's closer, but general manager Ned Colletti said earlier in the day that he was going to remove Broxton from the role until the pitcher got his confidence back. Ultimately, we imagine this will be the manager's decision, but clearly there's some uncertainty here. Hey, the team's ownership picture is a mess, so why not the ninth-inning picture as well.
White Sox: Sergio Santos earned his first save of the season Monday against the Yankees, allowing two hits in 1.1 innings. He has now thrown 11 scoreless innings this season with 14 strikeouts and five walks, and although manager Ozzie Guillen may still be considering some type of committee, Santos seems like he will get the first chance at locking down the role. He's certainly worth owning in many formats.
Blue Jays: Jon Rauch earned his fourth save Monday against the Rangers despite surrendering a home run. The job is still his for now, though Frank Francisco is going to start getting some opportunities eventually and may seize the job outright sooner rather than later.
Key Matchups
Hot
Drew Stubbs v. Yovani Gallardo: 3-for-9 (.333), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 3:4 BB:K (.500 OBP)
Jay Bruce v. Yovani Gallardo: 6-for-11 (.545), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.615 OBP)
Joey Votto v. Yovani Gallardo: 6-for-17 (.353), 0 HR, 7 RBI, 2:1 BB:K (.400 OBP)
Brandon Phillips v. Yovani Gallardo: 7-for-19 (.368), 1 HR, 5 RBI, 2:1 BB:K (.455 OBP)
Stephen Drew v. Cole Hamels: 4-for-13 (.308), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (.357 OBP)
Placido Polanco v. Joe Saunders: 6-for-20 (.300), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.364 OBP)
Raul Ibanez v. Joe Saunders: 8-for-23 (.348), 2 HR, 6 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.375 OBP)
Luke Scott v. Josh Beckett: 9-for-20 (.450), 2 HR, 5 RBI, 5:5 BB:K (.560 OBP)
Brian Roberts v. Josh Beckett: 12-for-40 (.300), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3:9 BB:K (.349 OBP)
Nick Markakis v. Josh Beckett: 12-for-39 (.308), 1 HR, 5 RBI, 5:11 BB:K (.386 OBP)
Vladimir Guerrero v. Josh Beckett: 14-for-47 (.298), 2 HR, 6 RBI, 7:7 BB:K (.411 OBP)
Jacoby Ellsbury v. Jeremy Guthrie: 11-for-28 (.393), 1 HR, 5 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.414 OBP)
J.D. Drew v. Jeremy Guthrie: 8-for-27 (.296), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 5:3 BB:K (.394 OBP)
David Ortiz v. Jeremy Guthrie: 10-for-31 (.323), 3 HR, 8 RBI, 4:6 BB:K (.405 OBP)
Dustin Pedroia v. Jeremy Guthrie: 10-for-33 (.303), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 5:3 BB:K (.395 OBP)
Kevin Youkilis v. Jeremy Guthrie: 11-for-37 (.297), 3 HR, 6 RBI, 5:7 BB:K (.381 OBP)
Carl Crawford v. Jeremy Guthrie: 15-for-41 (.366), 0 HR, 3 RBI, 1:3 BB:K (.381 OBP)
Coco Crisp v. Dan Haren: 5-for-14 (.357), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:3 BB:K (.357 OBP)
Kevin Kouzmanoff v. Dan Haren: 8-for-25 (.320), 3 HR, 5 RBI, 1:4 BB:K (.333 OBP)
Wilson Betemit v. Josh Tomlin: 5-for-10 (.500), 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2:2 BB:K (.538 OBP)
Brandon Inge v. Erik Bedard: 5-for-10 (.500), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2:2 BB:K (.583 OBP)
Jhonny Peralta v. Erik Bedard: 6-for-20 (.300), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2:5 BB:K (.364 OBP)
Milton Bradley v. Justin Verlander: 7-for-17 (.412), 2 HR, 7 RBI, 5:6 BB:K (.545 OBP)
Ichiro Suzuki v. Justin Verlander: 15-for-41 (.366), 1 HR, 5 RBI, 1:7 BB:K (.395 OBP)
Robinson Cano v. Mark Buehrle: 5-for-11 (.455), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1:0 BB:K (.500 OBP)
Nick Swisher v. Mark Buehrle: 10-for-22 (.455), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 6:2 BB:K (.571 OBP)
Derek Jeter v. Mark Buehrle: 13-for-35 (.371), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 0:3 BB:K (.371 OBP)
Mark Teixeira v. Mark Buehrle: 14-for-41 (.341), 1 HR, 7 RBI, 2:9 BB:K (.372 OBP)
Omar Vizquel v. Bartolo Colon: 8-for-17 (.471), 1 HR, 5 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (.471 OBP)
Paul Konerko v. Bartolo Colon: 12-for-41 (.293), 2 HR, 6 RBI, 5:9 BB:K (.352 OBP)
Hunter Pence v. Kyle Lohse: 11-for-31 (.355), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 2:5 BB:K (.394 OBP)
Carlos Lee v. Kyle Lohse: 20-for-64 (.313), 5 HR, 9 RBI, 5:7 BB:K (.366 OBP)
Albert Pujols v. J.A. Happ: 4-for-10 (.400), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1:0 BB:K (.455 OBP)
Delmon Young v. Jeff Niemann: 4-for-10 (.400), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1:0 BB:K (.455 OBP)
Michael Cuddyer v. Jeff Niemann: 3-for-10 (.300), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2:3 BB:K (.417 OBP)
Denard Span v. Jeff Niemann: 7-for-15 (.467), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:3 BB:K (.467 OBP)
B.J. Upton v. Francisco Liriano: 4-for-11 (.364), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:3 BB:K (.462 OBP)
Cole Hamels v. Diamondbacks: Hamels is coming off a dominant outing against the Padres last week (eight shutout innings) and has been very strong in all three starts since his shaky season debut back in the beginning of April. In 95 plate appearances against him, Diamondbacks hitters have posted a .230/.287/.322 line with 19 strikeouts against just six walks.
Josh Tomlin v. Royals: His 15:7 K:BB ratio is indicative of his lack of great stuff, but Tomlin has managed to post an impressive 2.33 ERA and 0.889 WHIP through four starts. Royals hitters have hit just .187/.262/.333 off him, though keep in mind that the sample size is fairly small (84 plate appearances).
Cold
Kelly Johnson v. Cole Hamels: 4-for-23 (.174), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2:6 BB:K (.240 OBP)
Cesar Izturis v. Josh Beckett: 3-for-17 (.176), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:4 BB:K (.263 OBP)
Jason Varitek v. Jeremy Guthrie: 5-for-22 (.227), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2:4 BB:K (.292 OBP)
David DeJesus v. Dan Haren: 1-for-16 (.063), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 1:5 BB:K (.118 OBP)
Austin Kearns v. Jeff Francis: 3-for-14 (.214), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (.214 OBP)
Kila Ka'aihue v. Josh Tomlin: 0-for-11 (.000), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (.083 OBP)
Adam Kennedy v. Justin Verlander: 2-for-12 (.167), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.231 OBP)
Chone Figgins v. Justin Verlander: 4-for-25 (.160), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 4:12 BB:K (.267 OBP)
Jorge Posada v. Mark Buehrle: 4-for-21 (.190), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1:0 BB:K (.182 OBP)
Curtis Granderson v. Mark Buehrle: 5-for-23 (.217), 1 HR, 5 RBI, 2:5 BB:K (.280 OBP)
Alex Rodriguez v. Mark Buehrle: 7-for-31 (.226), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 4:5 BB:K (.314 OBP)
A.J. Pierzynski v. Bartolo Colon: 6-for-33 (.182), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2:4 BB:K (.250 OBP)
Jose Reyes v. Tom Gorzelanny: 2-for-12 (.167), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 4:0 BB:K (.375 OBP)
Juan Rivera v. Derek Holland: 3-for-15 (.200), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.250 OBP)
Bill Hall v. Kyle Lohse: 1-for-15 (.067), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:3 BB:K (.067 OBP)
Michael Bourn v. Kyle Lohse: 4-for-24 (.167), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.200 OBP)
Jason Kubel v. Jeff Niemann: 2-for-12 (.167), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 0:1 BB:K (.167 OBP)
Yovani Gallardo v. Reds: Since tossing a shutout against the Braves on April 5, Gallardo has allowed 15 runs in his last 16.1 innings. He's hoping to turn things around Wednesday, but the Reds are far from an ideal opponent. Gallardo posted a 9.22 ERA against Cincy last year, and Reds hitters boast a .333/.419/.550 career line off him (134 plate appearances).
Josh Beckett v. Orioles: Beckett has been dominant this season, posting a 1.93 ERA with 28 strikeouts and nine walks in 28 innings. He could very well keep the ball rolling against the Orioles, but his career numbers against Baltimore hitters give us some pause. Led by Luke Scott (1.310 OPS), Brian Roberts (.849) and Nick Markakis (.848), the Orioles have hit .300/.374/.484 against him in 238 plate appearances.
Jeremy Guthrie v. Red Sox: Guthrie has always struggled against the Red Sox, and the numbers help explain why. Up and down the lineup, Boston hitters simply mash against him, hitting .312/.369/.508 in 287 plate appearances.
Mark Buehrle v. Yankees: Phil Humber stymied the Yankees on Monday night, but Buehrle is unlikely to duplicate the feat Wednesday against the likes of Mark Teixeira (.884 career OPS against Buehrle), Derek Jeter (.914), Nick Swisher (1.071) and Robinson Cano (1.409).
Recommended Pickup
Sergio Santos, P, CHW – The White Sox have had a hell of a time attempting to close out games this season, but Santos passed his first audition with flying colors, earning the save in Monday's win over the Yankees. As mentioned above, he hasn't allowed a run in 11 innings this season and seems to be (at least at the moment) manager Ozzie Guillen's first choice in the ninth inning. His role is hardly set in stone, but he's still worth a pickup in many formats, and he's available in over 75 percent of ESPN leagues.
Other recent recommendations:Gerardo Parra, Brett Wallace, Darren O'Day, Arthur Rhodes, Mitchell Boggs
C – Matt Wieters, BAL ($6,234)
1B – Paul Konerko, CHW ($7,477)
2B – Brian Roberts, BAL ($6,891)
3B – Kevin Kouzmanoff, OAK ($5,077)
SS – Jhonny Peralta, DET ($5,973)
OF – Drew Stubbs, CIN ($8,151)
OF – Carl Crawford, BOS ($7,147)
OF – Jay Bruce, CIN ($6,316)
UTIL – David Ortiz, BOS ($7,762)
UTIL – Brandon Inge, DET ($4,170)
SP – Cole Hamels, PHI ($14,035)
SP – Josh Tomlin, CLE ($9,396)
RP – Joel Hanrahan, PIT ($2,348)
P – Kyle Lohse, STL ($8,752)
Total: $99,729
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