Wednesday Lineup Card: Hamilton Hurt

Projected Starters - A look at Wednesday's matchups (all times Eastern)

Rangers (David Bush - R) at Tigers (Max Scherzer - R), 1:05
Royals (Kyle Davies - R) at Twins (Francisco Liriano - L), 1:10
Athletics (Brett Anderson - L) at White Sox (John Danks - L), 2:10
Blue Jays (Kyle Drabek - R) at Mariners (Jason Vargas - L), 3:40
Reds (Travis Wood - L) at Padres (Tim Stauffer - R), 6:35
Indians (Carlos Carrasco - R) at Angels (Ervin Santana - R), 7:05
Orioles (Chris Tillman - R) at Yankees (A.J. Burnett - R), 7:05
Phillies (Roy Halladay - R) at Nationals (John Lannan - L), 7:05
Brewers (Shaun Marcum - R) at Pirates (Kevin Correia - R), 7:05
Rays (James Shields - R) at Red Sox (John Lackey - R), 7:10
Marlins (Josh Johnson - R) at Braves (Tim Hudson - R), 7:10
Rockies (Esmil Rogers - R) at Mets (Jonathon Niese - L), 7:10
Cubs (Carlos Zambrano - R) at Astros (Wandy Rodriguez - L), 8:05
Cardinals (Jake Westbrook - R) at Diamondbacks (Ian Kennedy - R), 9:40
Dodgers (Ted Lilly - L) at Giants (Jonathan Sanchez - L), 10:15

Day game after a night game: KC, MIN, OAK, CHW, TOR, SEA

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)
Edinson Volquez, P, CIN – (Toe) Left Monday's start but expects to be OK for his next outing
Kosuke Fukudome, OF, CHC – (Hamstring) Feels better, but DL still a possibility
Casey Blake, 3B, LAD – (Thigh) Held out of Monday's game
Gerardo Parra, OF, AZ – (Personal) Was not in Tuesday's lineup
Adam LaRoche, 1B, WAS – (Groin) Was not in Tuesday's lineup
Mike Morse, OF, WAS – (Flu) Held out of Tuesday's lineup
Andres Torres, OF, SF – (Achilles) Likely out until at least Friday
Jason Bartlett, SS, SD – (Back) Out of the lineup again Tuesday
J.J. Hardy, SS, BAL – (Oblique) Not officially on the DL, but expected to miss two to three weeks
Alexi Ogando, P, TEX – (Finger) Expected to make his next scheduled start
Magglio Ordonez, OF, DET – (Ankle) Expected to miss at least two games
Chone Figgins, 2B, SEA – (Thumb) Not in Tuesday's lineup

Players on the DL
Henry Alberto Rodriguez, P, WAS – (Neck) Pitching well on rehab assignment and could be activated soon
Takashi Saito, P, MIL – (Hamstring) Placed on the DL on Monday
Johnny Cueto, P, CIN – (Shoulder) Scheduled to begin rehab assignment Saturday
Cody Ross, OF, SF – (Calf) Could get some at-bats at extended spring training this weekend
Jair Jurrjens, P, ATL – (Oblique) Expected to come off the DL on Saturday
Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, WAS – (Abdomen) Expected to miss at least three weeks
Clint Barmes, 2B, HOU – (Hand) Still sore when taking swings
Jeff Keppinger, 2B, HOU – (Foot) Could take batting practice this week
Jon Garland, P, LAD – (Oblique) Expected to start Friday
Jason Bay, OF, NYM – (Ribcage) Could be out until at least April 26
Rafael Furcal, SS, LAD – (Thumb) Expected to miss four to six weeks
Zack Greinke, P, MIL – (Rib) Threw in simulated game, hoping for late April return
Corey Hart, OF, MIL – (Oblique) Targeting April 22 return
Josh Hamilton, OF, TEX – (Arm) Expected to miss up to eight weeks
Franklin Gutierrez, OF, SEA – (Illness) Has lost over 15 pounds
Grady Sizemore, OF, CLE – (Knee) Still targeting late April return
Jason Donald, SS, CLE – (Finger) Played in rehab game Monday, but not guaranteed a roster spot even when healthy
Brandon Morrow, P, TOR – (Elbow) Targeting return near the end of next week
Frank Francisco, P, TOR – (Chest) Expected to make around three more rehab appearances
Kendrys Morales, 1B, LAA – (Ankle) Will try to run on field in next couple of days
Andrew Bailey, P, OAK – (Forearm) Hopes to return by the end of April
Brandon Webb, P, TEX – (Shoulder) Felt very good after Tuesday's bullpen session, but still at least four weeks away
Joel Zumaya, P, DET – (Elbow) Will undergo test next week to check possible nerve problems
Ryan Perry, P, DET – (Eye) Expected to return April 20
Pedro Feliciano, P, NYY – (Shoulder) Played catch Tuesday but still no timetable
Brian Matusz, P, BAL – (Back) Threw Tuesday with no discomfort
Michael Wuertz, P, OAK – (Hamstring) Expected to throw simulated game Thursday

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

Called Up
Jesus Flores, C, WAS
Brad Mills, P, TOR
Casey Janssen, P, TOR

Designated for Assignment
David Purcey, P, TOR

Placed on Disabled List
Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, WAS
Rafael Furcal, SS, LAD

Closer Watch - A closer look at intriguing ninth-inning situations (also check out our Closer Grid)

Oakland – Brian Fuentes is 4-for-4 on save opportunities, but Andrew Bailey is hoping to return before the end of the month, so Fuentes' time may be limited.

Cincinnati – Francisco Cordero closed out Monday's win over the Padres and hasn't done anything yet to put his job in jeopardy. Nick Masset's struggles help Cordero's security as well.

Key Matchups

Hot
Jim Thome v. Kyle Davies: 4-for-12 (.333), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 5:3 BB:K (.529 OBP)
Delmon Young v. Kyle Davies: 5-for-16 (.313), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2:1 BB:K (.389 OBP)
Joe Mauer v. Kyle Davies: 10-for-24 (.417), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 2:1 BB:K (.462 OBP)
Jason Kubel v. Kyle Davies: 10-for-22 (.455), 0 HR, 7 RBI, 5:3 BB:K (.556 OBP)
Daric Barton v. John Danks: 5-for-11 (.455), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 2:2 BB:K (.538 OBP)
Juan Rivera v. Jason Vargas: 6-for-19 (.316), 2 HR, 4 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (.316 OBP)
Felix Pie v. A.J. Burnett: 5-for-15 (.333), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 0:3 BB:K (.333 OBP)
Brian Roberts v. A.J. Burnett: 15-for-50 (.300), 3 HR, 10 RBI, 2:9 BB:K (.327 OBP)
Matt Stairs v. Roy Halladay: 10-for-26 (.385), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2:3 BB:K (.429 OBP)
Ivan Rodriguez v. Roy Halladay: 14-for-35 (.400), 2 HR, 5 RBI, 0:6 BB:K (.400 OBP)
Raul Ibanez v. John Lannan: 10-for-15 (.667), 2 HR, 2 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.706 OBP)
Dustin Pedroia v. James Shields: 14-for-35 (.400), 2 HR, 4 RBI, 3:2 BB:K (.462 OBP)
David Ortiz v. James Shields: 13-for-39 (.333), 3 HR, 11 RBI, 6:8 BB:K (.422 OBP)
J.D. Drew v. James Shields: 14-for-40 (.350), 2 HR, 6 RBI, 5:7 BB:K (.435 OBP)
Johnny Damon v. John Lackey: 21-for-57 (.368), 0 HR, 5 RBI, 5:4 BB:K (.419 OBP)
Chipper Jones v. Josh Johnson: 9-for-30 (.300), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 7:7 BB:K (.432 OBP)
Chris Coghlan v. Tim Hudson: 6-for-11 (.545), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:2 BB:K (.615 OBP)
Todd Helton v. Jonathon Niese: 4-for-10 (.400), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:1 BB:K (.400 OBP)
Michael Bourn v. Carlos Zambrano: 6-for-16 (.375), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 5:4 BB:K (.524 OBP)
Carlos Lee v. Carlos Zambrano: 22-for-58 (.379), 5 HR, 14 RBI, 7:7 BB:K (.446 OBP)
Jeff Baker v. Wandy Rodriguez: 5-for-11 (.455), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.500 OBP)
Geovany Soto v. Wandy Rodriguez: 5-for-14 (.357), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 3:3 BB:K (.500 OBP)
Melvin Mora v. Jake Westbrook: 7-for-19 (.368), 0 HR, 3 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (.368 OBP)
Aaron Rowand v. Ted Lilly: 10-for-26 (.385), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2:6 BB:K (.429 OBP)
Freddy Sanchez v. Ted Lilly: 10-for-29 (.345), 0 HR, 3 RBI, 2:1 BB:K (.387 OBP)
Miguel Tejada v. Ted Lilly: 15-for-54 (.278), 3 HR, 10 RBI, 4:9 BB:K (.328 OBP)
Rod Barajas v. Jonathan Sanchez: 4-for-11 (.364), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (.417 OBP)
Matt Kemp v. Jonathan Sanchez: 11-for-29 (.379), 1 HR, 8 RBI, 3:8 BB:K (.438 OBP)

Roy Halladay v. WAS: You probably could have guessed this one without looking at any numbers. Halladay has held the Nats to a .245/.281/.362 line in 172 plate appearances. This just in: he's pretty good.

Kevin Correia v. MIL: The sample size is small (82 plate appearances), so it's up to you how much faith you put into the numbers, but Correia has held current Brewers hitters to a measly .644 OPS. Ryan Bruan and Prince Fielder are a combined 6-for-26 (.231) against him.

Josh Johnson v. ATL: Chipper Jones is just about the only Brave to have any measure of success against Johnson. As a team, they are hitting just .244/.316/.301 off him.

Wandy Rodriguez v. CHC: These intradivision rivals are very familiar, but more often than not the Cubs end up leaving these encounters frustrated. Rodriguez has held Cubs hitters to a collective line of .237/.291/.376.

Jonathan Sanchez v. LAD: Matt Kemp is the only Dodgers regular with any history of success against Sanchez. The rest of the team has been pretty miserable, hitting just .222 with an OPS of .677.

Cold
Denard Span v. Kyle Davies: 3-for-17 (.176), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 4:5 BB:K (.333 OBP)
Justin Morneau v. Kyle Davies: 2-for-19 (.105), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 5:4 BB:K (.320 OBP)
Mark Ellis v. John Danks: 1-for-13 (.077), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 3:1 BB:K (.278 OBP)
Jack Hannahan v. Ervin Santana: 3-for-14 (.214), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:6 BB:K (.313 OBP)
Asdrubal Cabrera v. Ervin Santana: 1-for-13 (.077), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 2:3 BB:K (.250 OBP)
Travis Hafner v. Ervin Santana: 4-for-20 (.200), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2:7 BB:K (.304 OBP)
Matt Wieters v. A.J. Burnett: 0-for-17 (.000), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 3:5 BB:K (.143 OBP)
Cesar Izturis v. A.J. Burnett: 6-for-27 (.222), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:5 BB:K (.276 OBP)
Jerry Hairston Jr. v. Roy Halladay: 2-for-22 (.091), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:4 BB:K (.167 OBP)
Alex Cora v. Roy Halladay: 3-for-25 (.120), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1:3 BB:K (.154 OBP)
Wilson Valdez v. John Lannan: 1-for-13 (.077), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:1 BB:K (.077 OBP)
Ryan Howard v. John Lannan: 5-for-27 (.185), 2 HR, 4 RBI, 1:11 BB:K (.267 OBP)
Jed Lowrie v. James Shields: 1-for-11 (.091), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:5 BB:K (.083 OBP)
Jacoby Ellsbury v. James Shields: 4-for-28 (.143), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:5 BB:K (.172 OBP)
Jason Varitek v. James Shields: 6-for-33 (.182), 2 HR, 6 RBI, 1:10 BB:K (.206 OBP)
Kevin Youkilis v. James Shields: 6-for-37 (.162), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 3:10 BB:K (.244 OBP)
B.J. Upton v. John Lackey: 3-for-21 (.143), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1:7 BB:K (.182 OBP)
Dan Johnson v. John Lackey: 4-for-20 (.200), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 6:3 BB:K (.385 OBP)
Gaby Sanchez v. Tim Hudson: 2-for-13 (.154), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:1 BB:K (.154 OBP)
Humberto Quintero v. Carlos Zambrano: 1-for-11 (.091), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:3 BB:K (.167 OBP)
Hunter Pence v. Carlos Zambrano: 5-for-25 (.200), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2:5 BB:K (.286 OBP)
Bill Hall v. Carlos Zambrano: 8-for-41 (.195), 0 HR, 4 RBI, 6:18 BB:K (.298 OBP)
Alfonso Soriano v. Wandy Rodriguez: 2-for-26 (.077), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 3:8 BB:K (.172 OBP)
Pat Burrell v. Ted Lilly: 1-for-13 (.077), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:4 BB:K (.200 OBP)
Aubrey Huff v. Ted Lilly: 6-for-32 (.188), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 4:0 BB:K (.278 OBP)
Casey Blake v. Jonathan Sanchez: 2-for-14 (.143), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 6:5 BB:K (.400 OBP)
Andre Ethier v. Jonathan Sanchez: 4-for-27 (.148), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 0:9 BB:K (.179 OBP)

Kyle Davies v. MIN: Davies is off to a rough start this year, currently sporting a bloated 9.00 ERA, and things likely won't get much better Wednesday. The Twins hammered him for 11 runs in two starts last season, and they are hitting .288/.406/.429 off him as a team.

John Lannan v. PHI: The Phillies have hit Lannan well, posting a .288/.335/.455 line in 173 plate appearances. He's 0-8 against them in his career, and the chances of him getting the monkey off his back against opposing starter Roy Halladay look slim.

Recommended Pickup

David Murphy, OF, TEX – With Josh Hamilton expected to miss eight weeks with a shoulder/arm fracture, Murphy is expected to get most of the at-bats in Hamilton's absence. You may want to consider sitting him against left-handers, but he can provide decent power and an adequate batting average, not to mention the occasional stolen base.