This article is part of our The Lineup Card series.
Projected Starters - A look at Saturday's matchups (all times Eastern):
Indians (Jake Westbrook - R) at Blue Jays (Brett Cecil - L), 1:07
Dodgers (Chad Billingsley - R) at Giants (Barry Zito – L), 4:10
Tigers (Max Scherzer - R) at Red Sox (Daisuke Matsuzaka - R), 4:10
Braves (Jair Jurrjens - R) at Reds (Bronson Arroyo - R), 4:10
Phillies (Joe Blanton - R) at Nationals (Ross Detwiler - L), 7:05
Athletics (Dallas Braden - L) at White Sox (John Danks - L), 7:05
Brewers (David Bush - R) at Astros (Wandy Rodriguez - L), 7:05
Mariners (Felix Hernandez - R) at Twins (Kevin Slowey - R), 7:10
Diamondbacks (Barry Enright - R) at Mets (Hisanori Takahashi - L), 7:10
Orioles (Bradley Bergesen - L) at Royals (Zack Greinke - R), 7:10
Yankees (Javier Vazquez - R) at Rays (Matt Garza - R), 7:10
Pirates (Brad Lincoln - R) at Cardinals (Jeff Suppan - R), 7:15
Cubs (Tom Gorzelanny - L) at Rockies (Jason Hammel - R), 8:10
Marlins (Ricky Nolasco - R) at Padres (Kevin Correia - R), 8:35
Rangers (Rich Harden - R) at Angels (Dan Haren - R), 9:05
Day game following a night game: CLE @ TOR, LAD @ SF, DET @ BOS, ATL @ CIN
Day-to-Day (includes players expceted to make their return from the DL)
Andrew McCutchen, OF, PIT – (Shoulder) In the Pirates' lineup Friday after Thursday's scratch
Corey Hart, OF, MIL – (Wrist) Returned to the lineup after five misses
Alex Gonzalez, SS, ATL – (Illness) Missed Thursday, out Friday
Ross Ohlendorf, P, PIT – (Head) Manager believes he can start Monday
Chris Iannetta, C, COL – (Personal) Attending to the birth of his daughter Thursday
Jimmy Rollins, SS, PHI – (Foot) Returned to the Phillies' lineup Friday
Albert Pujols, 1B, STL – (Calf) Played through some calf tightness Wednesday and went 0-for-4 Thursday
Jim Edmonds, OF, MIL – (Achilles) Sat Tuesday and Wednesday
Jeff Keppinger, 3B, HOU – (Back) Left Tuesday's game after two at-bats and DNP Wednesday, Astros had off Thursday
Travis Hafner, DH, CLE – (Shoulder) Sat Friday and will not play Saturday
Ben Zobrist, 2B, TB – (Back) Missed Thursday and Friday
B.J. Upton, OF, TB – (Ankle) Back Friday after leaving Tuesday's contest
J.D. Drew, OF, BOS – (Hamstring) Was supposed to come back Friday after two misses, but he was a late scratch
Brett Anderson, P, OAK – (Elbow) Came off the DL Friday to start against White Sox
Jose Lopez, 2B, SEA – (Hamstring) Has not played since leaving Tuesday's game
Players on the DL
Homer Bailey, P, CIN – (Shoulder) Will make a rehab start at Triple-A Louisville Saturday
Jason Bay, OF, NY-N – (Concussion) Placed on DL Friday, retroactive to July 26
Jesus Flores, C, WAS – (Shoulder) Little progress since spring training
Jamie Moyer, P, PHI – (Elbow) May not have UCL surgery, hopes to make a comeback in 2011
Mike Adams, P, SD – (Oblique) No pain in Thursday's bullpen session
Todd Helton, 1B, COL - (Back) Will start a rehab assignment Friday, could be back in COL by Monday
Brandon Webb, P, AZ – (Shoulder) Bullpen session canned, 2010 return in doubt
Stephen Strasburg, P, WAS – (Shoulder) Landed on DL Thursday
Mitch Talbot, P, CLE – (Back) Landed on DL Friday
Nick Punto, SS, MIN – (Hamstring) Destined for the DL Friday
Rich Harden, P, TEX – (Glute) Could start Saturday, but uncertain
Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, BOS – (Ribs) Will report to Triple-A Pawtucket Saturday
Mike Lowell, 3B, BOS – (Hip) Should be activated soon, traded soon after?
Andrew Bailey, P, OAK – (Rib) Placed on DL Friday
Ian Kinsler, 2B, TEX – (Groin) Landed on DL Thursday
Travis Buck, OF, OAK – (Leg) Activated from DL, optioned to Triple-A Sacramento
Justin Morneau, 1B, MIN – (Concussion) Took some swings Friday, still no timetable
Geoff Blum, 3B, HOU – (Elbow) Will head out on a rehab assignment this weekend in hopes of returning to the Astros next week
Transactions
Placed on the DL (15-day unless otherwise noted)
Nick Punto, SS, MIN
Andrew Bailey, P, OAK
Mitch Talbot, P, CLE
Jason Bay, OF, NYM
Eric O'Flaherty, P, ATL
Stephen Strasburg, P, WAS
Ryan Sweeney, OF, OAK (transferred from 15-day DL to 60-day)
Activated from the DL
Travis Buck, OF, OAK
Brett Anderson, P, OAK
Carlos Zambrano, P, CHI-N (activated from restricted list)
Called Up
Trevor Plouffe, OF, MIN
Lucas Harrell, P, CHW
Jeff Frazier, OF, DET
Hector Luna, 2B, FLA
Josh Bell, 3B, BAL
Travis Snider, OF, TOR
Jensen Lewis, P, CLE
Justin Germano, P, CLE
Sent Down
Travis Buck, OF, OAK
Nick Blackburn, P, MIN
Chris Davis, 1B, TEX
Jess Todd, P, CLE
Designated for Assignment
Jeff Larish, 1B, DET
Traded (Be sure to check out Rotowire.com all day Saturday for deadline deals)
Dan Hudson, P, CHW to AZ (for Edwin Jackson)
Edwin Jackson, P, AZ to CHW (for Dan Hudson and David Holmberg)
Matt Capps, P, WAS to MIN (for Wilson Ramos and Joe Testa)
Cristian Guzman, SS, WAS to TEX (for Ryan Tatusko and Tanner Roark)
Mike Jacobs, 1B, NYM to TOR (for player to be named)
Miguel Tejada, SS, BAL to SD (for Wynn Pelzer)
Jorge Cantu, 3B, FLA to TEX (for Omar Poveda and Evan Reed)
Lance Berkman, 1B, HOU to NYY
Closer Watch - A closer look at intriguing ninth-inning situations (check out Dave Regan's Closer Grid with the link to the left)
Minnesota – The Twins acquired Matt Capps from the Nationals Thursday night, and his presence will force Jon Rauch, who had served as the team's main closer for the entire season, into a setup role.
Oakland – Regular guy Andrew Bailey landed on the DL Friday with a strained intercoastal muscle. There is no logical succesor in Oakland's bullpen, but it looks like Michael Wuertz could be option No. 1. Craig Breslow and Brad Ziegler could also factor into ninth-inning decisions.
Cleveland – Kerry Wood should be back from a blister injury in a couple of days, and he should temporarily retake his closer role from Chris Perez. I say "temporarily" because there is a decent chance the Indians try to waiver trade Wood after the July 31 non-waiver deadline.
Key Matchups
Hot
Garret Anderson v Barry Zito – 21-for-64 (.328/.384/.500), 1 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 12:7 K:BB
Matt Kemp v Barry Zito – 17-for-38 (.447/.512/.526), 1 2B, 1 3B, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 8:5 K:BB
Rafael Furcal v Barry Zito – 12-for-31 (.387/.457/.613), 4 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 5:4 K:BB
Vernon Wells v Jake Westbrook – 8-for-21 (.381/.391/.476), 2 2B, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 2:1 K:BB
Chipper Jones v Bronson Arroyo – 11-for-25 (.440/.533/1.413), 2 2B, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 3:5 K:BB
Eric Hinske v Bronson Arroyo – 11-for-26 (.423/.464/.692), 4 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1:2 K:BB
Troy Glaus v Bronson Arroyo – 5-for-15 (.333/.444/.533), 0 2B, 1 HR, 3 RBI 1:3 K:BB
Brian McCann v Bronson Arroyo – 4-for-12 (.333/.500/.833), 0 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 1:3 K:BB
Ryan Zimmerman v Joe Blanton – 7-for-19 (.368/.429/.895), 2 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 4:2 K:BB
Adam Dunn v Joe Blanton – 4-for-15 (.267/.389/.667), 0 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 5:3 K:BB
Hunter Pence v David Bush – 8-for-20 (.400/.429/.550), 0 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 3:0 K:BB
Michael Bourn v David Bush – 4-for-13 (.308/.400/.385), 1 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:2 K:BB
Corey Hart v Wandy Rodriguez – 13-for-31 (.419/.471/.452), 1 2B, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 5:3 K:BB
Rickie Weeks v Wandy Rodriguez – 6-for-20 (.300/.462/.400), 2 2B, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 4:4 K:BB
Ryan Braun v Wandy Rodriguez – 7-for-19 (.368/.429/.947), 2 2B, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 2:2 K:BB
Casey McGehee v Wandy Rodriguez – 5-for-11 (.455/.500/.636), 2 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:1 K:BB
Joe Mauer v Felix Hernandez – 11-for-23 (.478/.556/.913), 4 2B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 3:4 K:BB
Jim Thome v Felix Hernandez – 7-for-13 (.538/.667/1.385), 2 2B, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 3:4 K:BB
Russell Branyan v Kevin Slowey – 6-for-15 (.400/.400/.933), 2 2B, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 3:0 K:BB
Julio Lugo v Zack Greinke – 5-for-12 (.417/.462/.667), 1 2B, 1 3B, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:1 K:BB
Nick Markakis v Zack Greinke – 4-for-13 (.308/.308/.692), 2 2B, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 3:0 K:BB
Brian Roberts v Zack Greinke – 5-for-10 (.500/.583/.800), 3 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 3:1 K:BB
Carl Crawford v Javier Vazquez – 11-for-29 (.379/.400/.621), 3 2B, 2 3B, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 3:1 K:BB
B.J. Upton v Javier Vazquez – 8-for-15 (.533/.563/.600), 1 2B, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2:1 K:BB
Alex Rodriguez v Matt Garza – 7-for-15 (.467/.500/.733), 1 2B, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1:2 K:BB
Nick Swisher v Matt Garza – 5-for-10 (.500/.615/1.200), 1 2B, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 3:3 K:BB
Hanley Ramirez v Kevin Correia – 4-for-12 (.333/.333/.583), 0 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1:0 K:BB
Wes Helms v Kevin Correia – 4-for-11 (.364/.364/.455), 1 2B, 0 HR, 4 RBI, 3:0 K:BB
Michael Young v Dan Haren – 11-for-31 (.355/.375/.516), 2 2B, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 4:1 K:BB
Vladimir Guerrero v Dan Haren – 11-for-25 (.440/.448/.760), 2 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 0:2 K:BB
Aaron Rowand v Chad Billingsley – 7-for-20 (.350/.423/.550), 1 2B, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 5:4 K:BB
Travis Ishikawa v Chad Billingsley – 6-for-16 (.375/.474/.500), 2 2B, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 6:1 K:BB
Nate Schierholtz v Chad Billingsley – 6-for-10 (.600/.636/1.000), 2 2B, 1 3B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:1 K:BB
Matt Garza v Yankees - The Yankees are generally a fantasy matchup to avoid, but Garza has historically held his own against their bats. He has yet to face them in 2010, but he posted a 2.08 in four winless starts during the 2009 campaign. Alex Rodriguez and Nick Swisher both have OPS's above 1.000 against Garza (1.233 and 1.815 repectively), but the rest of the lineup hasn't done anything out of the ordinary against him. He has only ceded four home runs over 147 plate appearances to their current crop of bats, and he struck them out 23 times in 26 innings last year. While he won't repeat Monday's no-hit performance, he has the potential to throw up another quality performance.
Cold
Russell Martin v Barry Zito – 6-for-33 (.182, 0 2B, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 9:4 K:BB
Andre Ethier v Barry Zito – 5-for-26 (.192), 1 2B, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 5:3 K:BB
James Loney v Barry Zito – 2-for-23 (.087), 0 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 7:0 K:BB
Pablo Sandoval v Chad Billingsley – 4-for-19 (.211), 1 2B, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 2:1 K:BB
John Buck v Jake Westbrook – 1-for-11 (.091), 0 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 4:2 K:BB
Jhonny Peralta v Daisuke Matsuzaka – 0-for-11 (.000), 0 RBI, 3:1 K:BB
Omar Infante v Bronson Arroyo – 3-for-15 (.200), 3 2B, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 5:0 K:BB
Ivan Rodriguez v Joe Blanton – 2-for-11 (.182), 0 2B, 0 HR, 1 RBI 1:1 K:BB
Alex Rios v Dallas Braden – 3-for-13 (.231), 0 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 0:0 K:BB
Mark Ellis v John Danks – 1-for-11 (.091), 0 2B, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:2 K:BB
Carlos Lee v David Bush – 4-for-23 (.174), 0 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2:0 K:BB
Jeff Keppinger v David Bush – 4-for-18 (.222), 1 2B, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 2:2 K:BB
Pedro Feliz v David Bush – 3-for-17 (.176), 0 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 3:0 K:BB
Prince Fielder v Wandy Rodriguez – 6-for-27 (.222), 1 2B, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 8:4 K:BB
Michael Cuddyer v Felix Hernandez – 2-for-18 (.111), 0 2B, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 7:1 K:BB
Jason Kubel v Felix Hernandez – 3-for-17 (.176), 0 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 5:0 K:BB
Delmon Young v Felix Hernandez – 2-for-12 (.167), 0 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:0 K:BB
Chone Figgins v Kevin Slowey – 3-for-14 (.214), 0 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 3:1 K:BB
Ty Wigginton v Zack Greinke – 2-for-11 (.182), 1 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:0 K:BB
Carlos Pena v Javier Vazquez – 3-for-19 (.158), 1 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 10:1 K:BB
Willy Aybar v Javier Vazquez – 2-for-10 (.200), 0 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2:0 K:BB
Curtis Granderson v Matt Garza – 4-for-17 (.235), 2 2B, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 4:1 K:BB
Mark Teixeira v Matt Garza – 1-for-13 (.077), 0 2B, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 3:3 K:BB
Jorge Posada v Matt Garza – 3-for-13 (.231), 0 2B, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 2:1 K:BB
Andy LaRoche v Jeff Suppan – 2-for-14 (.143), 1 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:2 K:BB
Dan Uggla v Kevin Correia – 2-for-11 (.182), 0 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:1 K:BB
Bronson Arroyo v Braves – All I should really need to say is 1.042. That number represents that Braves' collective OPS over 151 plate appearances against Arroyo. That's right – they have a total .413 OBP and .629 slugging even after pitchers and scrubs are factored in. The Brave with the least career success against Arroyo has been Nate McLouth (.188/.235/.563), and he's tucked safely at Triple-A Gwinnett. Manager Bobby Cox would be nuts to keep Eric Hinske out of the lineup, as he has a 1.157 OPS in 28 plate appearances, a figure only topped by Chipper Jones' 1.413. Arroyo had a 7.11 ERA and 1.658 WHIP over 12.2 innings against the Braves in 2009, and he only made it 1.1 innings during his lone 2008 appearance against them.
Recommended Pickup
Dan Hudson, P, AZ - The trade rumors encircling Hudson finally materialized Friday afternoon when the White Sox dealt him to the Diamondbacks for Edwin Jackson. Not only does the trade get Hudson into the better pitching league, but it gets him out of an extreme-hitting home park. He leaves a good bullpen and solid offense behind in Chicago, so the wins might be a bit tougher, but Hudson has a shot of racking up more fantasy-friendly K totals in Arizona. He was only owned in three percent of Yahoo! leagues, but that number should increase with Friday's news.
Other recent recommendations:Barry Enright, Wade Davis, J.A. Happ, Madison Bumgarner
Projected Starters - A look at Saturday's matchups (all times Eastern):
Indians (Jake Westbrook - R) at Blue Jays (Brett Cecil - L), 1:07
Dodgers (Chad Billingsley - R) at Giants (Barry Zito – L), 4:10
Tigers (Max Scherzer - R) at Red Sox (Daisuke Matsuzaka - R), 4:10
Braves (Jair Jurrjens - R) at Reds (Bronson Arroyo - R), 4:10
Phillies (Joe Blanton - R) at Nationals (Ross Detwiler - L), 7:05
Athletics (Dallas Braden - L) at White Sox (John Danks - L), 7:05
Brewers (David Bush - R) at Astros (Wandy Rodriguez - L), 7:05
Mariners (Felix Hernandez - R) at Twins (Kevin Slowey - R), 7:10
Diamondbacks (Barry Enright - R) at Mets (Hisanori Takahashi - L), 7:10
Orioles (Bradley Bergesen - L) at Royals (Zack Greinke - R), 7:10
Yankees (Javier Vazquez - R) at Rays (Matt Garza - R), 7:10
Pirates (Brad Lincoln - R) at Cardinals (Jeff Suppan - R), 7:15
Cubs (Tom Gorzelanny - L) at Rockies (Jason Hammel - R), 8:10
Marlins (Ricky Nolasco - R) at Padres (Kevin Correia - R), 8:35
Rangers (Rich Harden - R) at Angels (Dan Haren - R), 9:05
Day game following a night game: CLE @ TOR, LAD @ SF, DET @ BOS, ATL @ CIN
Day-to-Day (includes players expceted to make their return from the DL)
Andrew McCutchen, OF, PIT – (Shoulder) In the Pirates' lineup Friday after Thursday's scratch
Corey Hart, OF, MIL – (Wrist) Returned to the lineup after five misses
Alex Gonzalez, SS, ATL – (Illness) Missed Thursday, out Friday
Ross Ohlendorf, P, PIT – (Head) Manager believes he can start Monday
Chris Iannetta, C, COL – (Personal) Attending to the birth of his daughter Thursday
Jimmy Rollins, SS, PHI – (Foot) Returned to the Phillies' lineup Friday
Albert Pujols, 1B, STL – (Calf) Played through some calf tightness Wednesday and went 0-for-4 Thursday
Jim Edmonds, OF, MIL – (Achilles) Sat Tuesday and Wednesday
Jeff Keppinger, 3B, HOU – (Back) Left Tuesday's game after two at-bats and DNP Wednesday, Astros had off Thursday
Travis Hafner, DH, CLE – (Shoulder) Sat Friday and will not play Saturday
Ben Zobrist, 2B, TB – (Back) Missed Thursday and Friday
B.J. Upton, OF, TB – (Ankle) Back Friday after leaving Tuesday's contest
J.D. Drew, OF, BOS – (Hamstring) Was supposed to come back Friday after two misses, but he was a late scratch
Brett Anderson, P, OAK – (Elbow) Came off the DL Friday to start against White Sox
Jose Lopez, 2B, SEA – (Hamstring) Has not played since leaving Tuesday's game
Players on the DL
Homer Bailey, P, CIN – (Shoulder) Will make a rehab start at Triple-A Louisville Saturday
Jason Bay, OF, NY-N – (Concussion) Placed on DL Friday, retroactive to July 26
Jesus Flores, C, WAS – (Shoulder) Little progress since spring training
Jamie Moyer, P, PHI – (Elbow) May not have UCL surgery, hopes to make a comeback in 2011
Mike Adams, P, SD – (Oblique) No pain in Thursday's bullpen session
Todd Helton, 1B, COL - (Back) Will start a rehab assignment Friday, could be back in COL by Monday
Brandon Webb, P, AZ – (Shoulder) Bullpen session canned, 2010 return in doubt
Stephen Strasburg, P, WAS – (Shoulder) Landed on DL Thursday
Mitch Talbot, P, CLE – (Back) Landed on DL Friday
Nick Punto, SS, MIN – (Hamstring) Destined for the DL Friday
Rich Harden, P, TEX – (Glute) Could start Saturday, but uncertain
Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, BOS – (Ribs) Will report to Triple-A Pawtucket Saturday
Mike Lowell, 3B, BOS – (Hip) Should be activated soon, traded soon after?
Andrew Bailey, P, OAK – (Rib) Placed on DL Friday
Ian Kinsler, 2B, TEX – (Groin) Landed on DL Thursday
Travis Buck, OF, OAK – (Leg) Activated from DL, optioned to Triple-A Sacramento
Justin Morneau, 1B, MIN – (Concussion) Took some swings Friday, still no timetable
Geoff Blum, 3B, HOU – (Elbow) Will head out on a rehab assignment this weekend in hopes of returning to the Astros next week
Transactions
Placed on the DL (15-day unless otherwise noted)
Nick Punto, SS, MIN
Andrew Bailey, P, OAK
Mitch Talbot, P, CLE
Jason Bay, OF, NYM
Eric O'Flaherty, P, ATL
Stephen Strasburg, P, WAS
Ryan Sweeney, OF, OAK (transferred from 15-day DL to 60-day)
Activated from the DL
Travis Buck, OF, OAK
Brett Anderson, P, OAK
Carlos Zambrano, P, CHI-N (activated from restricted list)
Called Up
Trevor Plouffe, OF, MIN
Lucas Harrell, P, CHW
Jeff Frazier, OF, DET
Hector Luna, 2B, FLA
Josh Bell, 3B, BAL
Travis Snider, OF, TOR
Jensen Lewis, P, CLE
Justin Germano, P, CLE
Sent Down
Travis Buck, OF, OAK
Nick Blackburn, P, MIN
Chris Davis, 1B, TEX
Jess Todd, P, CLE
Designated for Assignment
Jeff Larish, 1B, DET
Traded (Be sure to check out Rotowire.com all day Saturday for deadline deals)
Dan Hudson, P, CHW to AZ (for Edwin Jackson)
Edwin Jackson, P, AZ to CHW (for Dan Hudson and David Holmberg)
Matt Capps, P, WAS to MIN (for Wilson Ramos and Joe Testa)
Cristian Guzman, SS, WAS to TEX (for Ryan Tatusko and Tanner Roark)
Mike Jacobs, 1B, NYM to TOR (for player to be named)
Miguel Tejada, SS, BAL to SD (for Wynn Pelzer)
Jorge Cantu, 3B, FLA to TEX (for Omar Poveda and Evan Reed)
Lance Berkman, 1B, HOU to NYY
Closer Watch - A closer look at intriguing ninth-inning situations (check out Dave Regan's Closer Grid with the link to the left)
Minnesota – The Twins acquired Matt Capps from the Nationals Thursday night, and his presence will force Jon Rauch, who had served as the team's main closer for the entire season, into a setup role.
Oakland – Regular guy Andrew Bailey landed on the DL Friday with a strained intercoastal muscle. There is no logical succesor in Oakland's bullpen, but it looks like Michael Wuertz could be option No. 1. Craig Breslow and Brad Ziegler could also factor into ninth-inning decisions.
Cleveland – Kerry Wood should be back from a blister injury in a couple of days, and he should temporarily retake his closer role from Chris Perez. I say "temporarily" because there is a decent chance the Indians try to waiver trade Wood after the July 31 non-waiver deadline.
Key Matchups
Hot
Garret Anderson v Barry Zito – 21-for-64 (.328/.384/.500), 1 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 12:7 K:BB
Matt Kemp v Barry Zito – 17-for-38 (.447/.512/.526), 1 2B, 1 3B, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 8:5 K:BB
Rafael Furcal v Barry Zito – 12-for-31 (.387/.457/.613), 4 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 5:4 K:BB
Vernon Wells v Jake Westbrook – 8-for-21 (.381/.391/.476), 2 2B, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 2:1 K:BB
Chipper Jones v Bronson Arroyo – 11-for-25 (.440/.533/1.413), 2 2B, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 3:5 K:BB
Eric Hinske v Bronson Arroyo – 11-for-26 (.423/.464/.692), 4 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1:2 K:BB
Troy Glaus v Bronson Arroyo – 5-for-15 (.333/.444/.533), 0 2B, 1 HR, 3 RBI 1:3 K:BB
Brian McCann v Bronson Arroyo – 4-for-12 (.333/.500/.833), 0 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 1:3 K:BB
Ryan Zimmerman v Joe Blanton – 7-for-19 (.368/.429/.895), 2 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 4:2 K:BB
Adam Dunn v Joe Blanton – 4-for-15 (.267/.389/.667), 0 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 5:3 K:BB
Hunter Pence v David Bush – 8-for-20 (.400/.429/.550), 0 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 3:0 K:BB
Michael Bourn v David Bush – 4-for-13 (.308/.400/.385), 1 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:2 K:BB
Corey Hart v Wandy Rodriguez – 13-for-31 (.419/.471/.452), 1 2B, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 5:3 K:BB
Rickie Weeks v Wandy Rodriguez – 6-for-20 (.300/.462/.400), 2 2B, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 4:4 K:BB
Ryan Braun v Wandy Rodriguez – 7-for-19 (.368/.429/.947), 2 2B, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 2:2 K:BB
Casey McGehee v Wandy Rodriguez – 5-for-11 (.455/.500/.636), 2 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:1 K:BB
Joe Mauer v Felix Hernandez – 11-for-23 (.478/.556/.913), 4 2B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 3:4 K:BB
Jim Thome v Felix Hernandez – 7-for-13 (.538/.667/1.385), 2 2B, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 3:4 K:BB
Russell Branyan v Kevin Slowey – 6-for-15 (.400/.400/.933), 2 2B, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 3:0 K:BB
Julio Lugo v Zack Greinke – 5-for-12 (.417/.462/.667), 1 2B, 1 3B, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:1 K:BB
Nick Markakis v Zack Greinke – 4-for-13 (.308/.308/.692), 2 2B, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 3:0 K:BB
Brian Roberts v Zack Greinke – 5-for-10 (.500/.583/.800), 3 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 3:1 K:BB
Carl Crawford v Javier Vazquez – 11-for-29 (.379/.400/.621), 3 2B, 2 3B, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 3:1 K:BB
B.J. Upton v Javier Vazquez – 8-for-15 (.533/.563/.600), 1 2B, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2:1 K:BB
Alex Rodriguez v Matt Garza – 7-for-15 (.467/.500/.733), 1 2B, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1:2 K:BB
Nick Swisher v Matt Garza – 5-for-10 (.500/.615/1.200), 1 2B, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 3:3 K:BB
Hanley Ramirez v Kevin Correia – 4-for-12 (.333/.333/.583), 0 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1:0 K:BB
Wes Helms v Kevin Correia – 4-for-11 (.364/.364/.455), 1 2B, 0 HR, 4 RBI, 3:0 K:BB
Michael Young v Dan Haren – 11-for-31 (.355/.375/.516), 2 2B, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 4:1 K:BB
Vladimir Guerrero v Dan Haren – 11-for-25 (.440/.448/.760), 2 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 0:2 K:BB
Aaron Rowand v Chad Billingsley – 7-for-20 (.350/.423/.550), 1 2B, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 5:4 K:BB
Travis Ishikawa v Chad Billingsley – 6-for-16 (.375/.474/.500), 2 2B, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 6:1 K:BB
Nate Schierholtz v Chad Billingsley – 6-for-10 (.600/.636/1.000), 2 2B, 1 3B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:1 K:BB
Matt Garza v Yankees - The Yankees are generally a fantasy matchup to avoid, but Garza has historically held his own against their bats. He has yet to face them in 2010, but he posted a 2.08 in four winless starts during the 2009 campaign. Alex Rodriguez and Nick Swisher both have OPS's above 1.000 against Garza (1.233 and 1.815 repectively), but the rest of the lineup hasn't done anything out of the ordinary against him. He has only ceded four home runs over 147 plate appearances to their current crop of bats, and he struck them out 23 times in 26 innings last year. While he won't repeat Monday's no-hit performance, he has the potential to throw up another quality performance.
Cold
Russell Martin v Barry Zito – 6-for-33 (.182, 0 2B, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 9:4 K:BB
Andre Ethier v Barry Zito – 5-for-26 (.192), 1 2B, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 5:3 K:BB
James Loney v Barry Zito – 2-for-23 (.087), 0 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 7:0 K:BB
Pablo Sandoval v Chad Billingsley – 4-for-19 (.211), 1 2B, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 2:1 K:BB
John Buck v Jake Westbrook – 1-for-11 (.091), 0 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 4:2 K:BB
Jhonny Peralta v Daisuke Matsuzaka – 0-for-11 (.000), 0 RBI, 3:1 K:BB
Omar Infante v Bronson Arroyo – 3-for-15 (.200), 3 2B, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 5:0 K:BB
Ivan Rodriguez v Joe Blanton – 2-for-11 (.182), 0 2B, 0 HR, 1 RBI 1:1 K:BB
Alex Rios v Dallas Braden – 3-for-13 (.231), 0 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 0:0 K:BB
Mark Ellis v John Danks – 1-for-11 (.091), 0 2B, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:2 K:BB
Carlos Lee v David Bush – 4-for-23 (.174), 0 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2:0 K:BB
Jeff Keppinger v David Bush – 4-for-18 (.222), 1 2B, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 2:2 K:BB
Pedro Feliz v David Bush – 3-for-17 (.176), 0 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 3:0 K:BB
Prince Fielder v Wandy Rodriguez – 6-for-27 (.222), 1 2B, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 8:4 K:BB
Michael Cuddyer v Felix Hernandez – 2-for-18 (.111), 0 2B, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 7:1 K:BB
Jason Kubel v Felix Hernandez – 3-for-17 (.176), 0 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 5:0 K:BB
Delmon Young v Felix Hernandez – 2-for-12 (.167), 0 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:0 K:BB
Chone Figgins v Kevin Slowey – 3-for-14 (.214), 0 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 3:1 K:BB
Ty Wigginton v Zack Greinke – 2-for-11 (.182), 1 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:0 K:BB
Carlos Pena v Javier Vazquez – 3-for-19 (.158), 1 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 10:1 K:BB
Willy Aybar v Javier Vazquez – 2-for-10 (.200), 0 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2:0 K:BB
Curtis Granderson v Matt Garza – 4-for-17 (.235), 2 2B, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 4:1 K:BB
Mark Teixeira v Matt Garza – 1-for-13 (.077), 0 2B, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 3:3 K:BB
Jorge Posada v Matt Garza – 3-for-13 (.231), 0 2B, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 2:1 K:BB
Andy LaRoche v Jeff Suppan – 2-for-14 (.143), 1 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:2 K:BB
Dan Uggla v Kevin Correia – 2-for-11 (.182), 0 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:1 K:BB
Bronson Arroyo v Braves – All I should really need to say is 1.042. That number represents that Braves' collective OPS over 151 plate appearances against Arroyo. That's right – they have a total .413 OBP and .629 slugging even after pitchers and scrubs are factored in. The Brave with the least career success against Arroyo has been Nate McLouth (.188/.235/.563), and he's tucked safely at Triple-A Gwinnett. Manager Bobby Cox would be nuts to keep Eric Hinske out of the lineup, as he has a 1.157 OPS in 28 plate appearances, a figure only topped by Chipper Jones' 1.413. Arroyo had a 7.11 ERA and 1.658 WHIP over 12.2 innings against the Braves in 2009, and he only made it 1.1 innings during his lone 2008 appearance against them.
Recommended Pickup
Dan Hudson, P, AZ - The trade rumors encircling Hudson finally materialized Friday afternoon when the White Sox dealt him to the Diamondbacks for Edwin Jackson. Not only does the trade get Hudson into the better pitching league, but it gets him out of an extreme-hitting home park. He leaves a good bullpen and solid offense behind in Chicago, so the wins might be a bit tougher, but Hudson has a shot of racking up more fantasy-friendly K totals in Arizona. He was only owned in three percent of Yahoo! leagues, but that number should increase with Friday's news.
Other recent recommendations:Barry Enright, Wade Davis, J.A. Happ, Madison Bumgarner
