This article is part of our The Lineup Card series.
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Projected Starters -A look at Tuesday's matchups (all times Eastern)
Astros (Aneury Rodriguez - R) at Reds (Travis Wood - L), 12:35
Twins (Nick Blackburn - R) at White Sox (John Danks - L), 2:10
Cubs (Carlos Zambrano - R) at Dodgers (Ted Lilly - L), 3:10
Pirates (Kevin Correia - R) at Padres (Clayton Richard - L), 6:35
Blue Jays (Brandon Morrow - R) at Rays (Jeremy Hellickson - R), 6:40
Yankees (Freddy Garcia - R) at Tigers (Max Scherzer - R), 7:05
Nationals (Jason Marquis - R) at Phillies (Vance Worley - R), 7:05
Angels (Ervin Santana - R) at Red Sox (Josh Beckett - R), 7:10
Brewers (Zack Greinke - R) at Braves (Tim Hudson - R), 7:10
Giants (Tim Lincecum - R) at Mets (Chris Capuano - L), 7:10
Orioles (Jake Arrieta - R) at Royals (Kyle Davies - R), 8:10
Marlins (Javier Vazquez - R) at Cardinals (Chris Carpenter - R), 8:15
Rockies (Jhoulys Chacin - R) at Diamondbacks (Barry Enright - R), 9:40
Indians (Josh Tomlin - R) at Athletics (Trevor Cahill - R), 10:05
Rangers (C.J. Wilson - L) at Mariners (Michael Pineda - R), 10:10
Day game after a night game: HOU, CIN, MIN, CHW, CHC, LAD
Injuries -A brief look at players who have been missing time with minor ailments and their expected returns.
Day-to-Day (includes players who are expected to make their return from the DL)
NL
Carlos Ruiz, C, PHI -(Back) Took some swings Tuesday for the first time since last Wednesday
Jeff Baker, 2B, CHC -(Shoulder) Not in Tuesday's lineup
Jose Tabata, OF, PIT -(Hamstring) Not in Tuesday's lineup
Carlos Lee, OF, HOU -(Ribs) Not in Tuesday's lineup
Rick Ankiel, OF, WAS -(Hand) Not in Tuesday's lineup
Jason Bay, OF, NYM -(Personal) Placed on the paternity list and could miss three days
Miguel Cairo, 3B, CIN -(General) Still a little sore
Roy Oswalt, P, PHI -(Personal) Will rejoin the team Thursday
Nick Punto, SS, STL -(Hamstring) Left Sunday's game early
Zack Greinke, P, MIL -(Ribs) Will make his debut Wednesday
AL
Victor Martinez, C, DET -(Groin) Expected to come off the DL on Wednesday
Milton Bradley, OF, SEA -(Suspension) Will return from suspension Wednesday
Jim Thome, DH, MIN -(Oblique) Late scratch from Tuesday's lineup
Clay Buchholz, P, BOS -(Finger) Has a blister, but will likely pitch through it
Travis Hafner, DH, CLE -(Foot) Won't start Tuesday but could return Wednesday
Kevin Youkilis, 1B, BOS -(Illness) Scratched from Tuesday's lineup
Brian Roberts, 2B, BAL -(Tooth) Not in Tuesday's lineup
Jose Bautista, 3B, TOR -(Neck) Expected to be out until the weekend
Shin-Soo Choo, OF, CLE -(Personal) Status uncertain after DUI arrest
Daisuke Matsuzaka, P, BOS -(Elbow) Remains on track to start Friday
Jarrod Dyson, OF, KC -(Ankle) Sprained his ankle in Sunday's game
Tony Pena, P, CHW -(Elbow) Won't be available for several days
Zach Britton, P, BAL -(Finger) Callus on pitching hand, but not expected to be serious
Players on the DL
NL
Barry Zito, P, SF -(Foot) Estimates he could throw from a mound in a week
Mark DeRosa, OF, SF -(Wrist) Expected to start swinging a bat Tuesday
Johan Santana, P, NYM -(Shoulder) Throwing from 150 feet, the last step before throwing from a mound
Skip Schumaker, 2B, STL -(Elbow) Out 2-4 more weeks
Brian Tallet, P, STL -(Wrist) Is throwing, but can't catch yet
David Freese, 3B, STL -(Hand) Could miss 9-12 weeks
Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, WAS -(Abdomen) Underwent surgery, out 6 weeks
Juan Francisco, 3B, CIN -(Calf) Could begin rehab assignment this week
Chase Utley, 2B, PHI -(Knee) Tuesday workouts went well, but still no timetable
Aaron Heilman, P, AZ -(Shoulder) Could return to bullpen after another simulated game
Pablo Sandoval, 3B, SF -(Hand) Tuesday surgery went well; out 4-7 weeks
Joe Thatcher, P, SD -(Shoulder) Expected to return in August or September
Joe Blanton, P, PHI -(Elbow) Thinks he'll be ready to return when eligible
Willie Bloomquist, OF, AZ -(Hamstring) Hoping to be activated Saturday
Aaron Cook, P, COL -(Shoulder) Could be nearing a rehab assignment
Ross Ohlendorf, P, PIT -(Shoulder) Threw living batting practice Tuesday
AL
Kendrys Morales, 1B, LAA -(Ankle) Stopped taking BP for unknown reason
Tsuyoshi Nishioka, 2B, MIN -(Leg) Remains at least 10 days away
Aaron Hill, 2B, TOR -(Hamstring) Could return to action Monday
Josh Hamilton, OF, TEX -(Shoulder) Will swing a bat Wednesday for the first time since the injury
Joe Mauer, C, MIN -(Legs) Will resume hitting and throwing Wednesday
J.J. Hardy, SS, BAL -(Oblique) Rehab assignment set for Friday
Brian Matusz, P, BAL -(Back) Will make an extended spring start Saturday
David Aardsma, P, SEA -(Hip) Shut down for a few days due to arm soreness
Franklin Gutierrez, OF, SEA -(Stomach) May only be a few days away
Kevin Slowey, P, MIN -(Shoulder) Will rejoin the team this weekend
Transactions -Players who have been demoted, called up, traded, released, you name it. We'll cover it here.
Called Up
Scott Sizemore, 2B, DET
Brandon Gomes, P, TB
Ian Stewart, 3B, COL
Lucas Duda, OF, NYM
Sent Down
Will Rhymes, 2B, DET
Felipe Lopez, 3B, TB (designated for assignment)
Brian Bocock, SS, PHI
Chris Jakubauskas, P, BAL
Freddy Dolsi, P, CHW
Jose Valdez, P, HOU
Signed
Matthew Cusick, 2B, LAD
Activated from DL
Evan Longoria, 3B, TB
Nyjer Morgan, OF, MIL
Jay Gibbons, OF, LAD
Placed on DL
Zach Braddock, P, MIL
Donnie Murphy, 3B, FLA
Marcus Thames, OF, LAD
Ty Wigginton, 3B, COL
Closer Watch -A closer look at intriguing ninth-inning situations (also check out our Closer Grid)
White Sox: Sergio Santos picked up an easy save Monday, recording just one out in a four-run game. He now has three saves in his last four appearances and is gradually entrenching himself as the closer.
Key Matchups
Hot
Gordon Beckham v. Nick Blackburn: 6-for-15 (.400), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (.400 OBP)
Carlos Quentin v. Nick Blackburn: 9-for-22 (.409), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (.458 OBP)
Alexei Ramirez v. Nick Blackburn: 10-for-23 (.435), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 4:0 BB:K (.536 OBP)
A.J. Pierzynski v. Nick Blackburn: 12-for-29 (.414), 0 HR, 3 RBI, 0:3 BB:K (.419 OBP)
Jim Thome v. John Danks: 4-for-12 (.333), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:4 BB:K (.333 OBP)
Justin Morneau v. John Danks: 11-for-31 (.355), 3 HR, 10 RBI, 10:8 BB:K (.512 OBP)
Denard Span v. John Danks: 12-for-37 (.324), 0 HR, 3 RBI, 6:4 BB:K (.419 OBP)
Michael Cuddyer v. John Danks: 22-for-48 (.458), 5 HR, 12 RBI, 3:6 BB:K (.490 OBP)
Tony Gwynn Jr. v. Carlos Zambrano: 5-for-12 (.417), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (.462 OBP)
Matt Kemp v. Carlos Zambrano: 5-for-12 (.417), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 1:6 BB:K (.500 OBP)
James Loney v. Carlos Zambrano: 5-for-16 (.313), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 1:0 BB:K (.389 OBP)
Andre Ethier v. Carlos Zambrano: 8-for-18 (.444), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2:3 BB:K (.500 OBP)
Marlon Byrd v. Ted Lilly: 7-for-14 (.500), 0 HR, 5 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (.500 OBP)
Alfonso Soriano v. Ted Lilly: 4-for-12 (.333), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 5:4 BB:K (.529 OBP)
Brennan Boesch v. Freddy Garcia: 4-for-12 (.333), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1:0 BB:K (.385 OBP)
Miguel Cabrera v. Freddy Garcia: 8-for-20 (.400), 3 HR, 5 RBI, 5:4 BB:K (.520 OBP)
Magglio Ordonez v. Freddy Garcia: 15-for-49 (.306), 0 HR, 4 RBI, 7:5 BB:K (.393 OBP)
Ryan Howard v. Jason Marquis: 7-for-19 (.368), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 5:3 BB:K (.500 OBP)
Kevin Youkilis v. Ervin Santana: 4-for-12 (.333), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2:4 BB:K (.429 OBP)
Jacoby Ellsbury v. Ervin Santana: 5-for-16 (.313), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (.313 OBP)
David Ortiz v. Ervin Santana: 8-for-26 (.308), 2 HR, 4 RBI, 4:11 BB:K (.419 OBP)
Carl Crawford v. Ervin Santana: 10-for-31 (.323), 0 HR, 3 RBI, 1:7 BB:K (.344 OBP)
Erick Aybar v. Josh Beckett: 6-for-20 (.300), 0 HR, 5 RBI, 0:1 BB:K (.300 OBP)
Torii Hunter v. Josh Beckett: 9-for-27 (.333), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 1:4 BB:K (.345 OBP)
Howie Kendrick v. Josh Beckett: 12-for-34 (.353), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1:8 BB:K (.371 OBP)
Vernon Wells v. Josh Beckett: 12-for-41 (.293), 5 HR, 8 RBI, 5:7 BB:K (.383 OBP)
Ryan Braun v. Tim Hudson: 5-for-13 (.385), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (.429 OBP)
Corey Hart v. Tim Hudson: 7-for-22 (.318), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2:4 BB:K (.375 OBP)
Willie Harris v. Tim Lincecum: 3-for-10 (.300), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (.300 OBP)
Carlos Beltran v. Tim Lincecum: 5-for-11 (.455), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3:1 BB:K (.571 OBP)
Freddy Sanchez v. Chris Capuano: 9-for-21 (.429), 0 HR, 3 RBI, 0:0 BB:K (.409 OBP)
Ryan Theriot v. Javier Vazquez: 5-for-16 (.313), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:0 BB:K (.313 OBP)
Albert Pujols v. Javier Vazquez: 8-for-21 (.381), 1 HR, 5 RBI, 0:5 BB:K (.381 OBP)
Stephen Drew v. Jhoulys Chacin: 4-for-12 (.333), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:1 BB:K (.333 OBP)
Jack Cust v. C.J. Wilson: 5-for-11 (.455), 0 HR, 3 RBI, 0:5 BB:K (.385 OBP)
Brandon Morrow v. Rays: Morrow has a 16:3 K:BB ratio in his first two starts and may be able to keep his success rolling against Tampa Bay. Rays hitters have hit just .188/.301/.288 against him, including a whopping 34 strikeouts in 93 plate appearances.
Jason Marquis v. Phillies: Marquis still has a lot of doubters (us included) despite his 2.62 ERA and 24:5 K:BB ratio, but his string of luck could continue against a Phillies lineup that has hit just .183/.284/.240 off him in 203 plate appearances.
Javier Vazquez v. Cardinals: We don't actually have a lot of faith that Vazquez will be able to stymie the Cardinals, but he has historically fared well against their hitters, holding them to a .234/.252/.359 line. However, he's not the same pitcher he was when many of those meetings occurred, and his 14:19 K:BB ratio this season suggests you may want to stay away despite the strong historical numbers.
Cold
Mark Teahen v. Nick Blackburn: 3-for-18 (.167), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:1 BB:K (.167 OBP)
Paul Konerko v. Nick Blackburn: 7-for-35 (.200), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1:4 BB:K (.222 OBP)
Alexi Casilla v. John Danks: 2-for-15 (.133), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (.188 OBP)
Juan Uribe v. Carlos Zambrano: 6-for-28 (.214), 1 HR, 5 RBI, 2:8 BB:K (.290 OBP)
Orlando Hudson v. Kevin Correia: 1-for-14 (.071), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:4 BB:K (.133 OBP)
John Jaso v. Brandon Morrow: 2-for-10 (.200), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (.200 OBP)
Reid Brignac v. Brandon Morrow: 0-for-10 (.000), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:7 BB:K (.091 OBP)
B.J. Upton v. Brandon Morrow: 1-for-10 (.100), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 3:6 BB:K (.308 OBP)
Ben Zobrist v. Brandon Morrow: 2-for-13 (.154), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:4 BB:K (.267 OBP)
Brandon Inge v. Freddy Garcia: 11-for-55 (.200), 2 HR, 3 RBI, 5:16 BB:K (.267 OBP)
Russell Martin v. Max Scherzer: 3-for-15 (.200), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (.250 OBP)
Brian Schneider v. Jason Marquis: 1-for-24 (.042), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:5 BB:K (.077 OBP)
Jimmy Rollins v. Jason Marquis: 6-for-41 (.146), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 6:5 BB:K (.255 OBP)
Jason Varitek v. Ervin Santana: 2-for-20 (.100), 0 HR, 1 HR, 1:6 BB:K (.143 OBP)
Dustin Pedroia v. Ervin Santana: 3-for-19 (.158), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:2 BB:K (.238 OBP)
J.D. Drew v. Ervin Santana: 4-for-23 (.174), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2:7 BB:K (.240 OBP)
Jeff Mathis v. Josh Beckett: 2-for-10 (.200), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:4 BB:K (.200 OBP)
Alberto Callaspo v. Josh Beckett: 3-for-17 (.176), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:4 BB:K (.222 OBP)
Bobby Abreu v. Josh Beckett: 15-for-80 (.188), 2 HR, 7 RBI, 21:25 BB:K (.356 OBP)
Eric Hinske v. Zack Greinke: 3-for-15 (.200), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:5 BB:K (.200 OBP)
Rickie Weeks v. Tim Hudson: 1-for-18 (.056), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2:4 BB:K (150 OBP)
David Wright v. Tim Lincecum: 2-for-15 (.133), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:9 BB:K (.188 OBP)
Lance Berkman v. Javier Vazquez: 5-for-27 (.185), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1:7 BB:K (.214 OBP)
Chris Young v. Jhoulys Chacin: 2-for-10 (.200), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:1 BB:K (.333 OBP)
Milton Bradley v. C.J. Wilson: 2-for-10 (.200), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (.273 OBP)
Nick Blackburn v. White Sox: After posting a 0.77 ERA in his first two starts, Blackburn has been shelled for five earned runs in three straight starts. He'll struggle to turn things around against the White Sox, a team whose hitters have hammered him for a .307/.341/.416 line in 177 plate appearances.
John Danks v. Twins: Danks has pitched better than his 0-4 record would indicate, posting a 3.92 ERA and 36:11 K:BB ratio in 39 innings. However, he got rattled around by the Orioles his last time out and has a very poor track record against Minnesota, allowing Twins hitters to compile a .315/.383/.552 line in 227 plate appearances.
Recommended Pickup
Tom Gorzelanny, P, WAS -Gorzelanny fired eight shutout innings against the Giants on Monday to lower his ERA to 2.93 and his WHIP to a sparkling 0.910. He doesn't have overpowering stuff, but he posted a 7.9 K/9IP last season, so he'll give you a decent number of strikeouts. The biggest downsides are his lack of wins playing for the Nats and the fact that he's probably bound to revert to the 4.59 career ERA pitcher that he is, but in deep leagues or for those looking for streaming options, he's a great play right now in the right matchup.
Other recent recommendations:Justin Smoak, Michael Brantley, Alex White, Jack Hannahan, Darren Oliver
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C - A.J. Pierzynski, CHW, $4,880
1B - Justin Morneau, MIN, $5,990
2B - Freddy Sanchez, SF, $5,242
3B - Ryan Roberts, ARI, $3,442
SS - Alexei Ramirez, CHW, $5,032
OF - Ryan Braun, MIL, $11,303
OF - Carlos Beltran, NYM, $6,723
OF - Vernon Wells, LAA, $3,745
U - Michael Cuddyer, MIN, $5,447
U - Howie Kendrick, LAA, $8,238
SP - Brandon Morrow, TOR, $13,698
SP - Jason Marquis, WAS, $7,368
RP - Heath Bell, SD, $2,341
P - Jhoulys Chacin, COL, $11,308
Total: $99,757
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