The Lineup Card: Remember Me?

Projected Starters - A look at Sunday's matchups:

Tigers (Andrew Oliver - L) at Indians (Jeanmar Gomez - R), 1:05
Rays (David Price - L) at Yankees (Andy Pettitte - L), 1:05
Nats (Craig Stammen - R) at Marlins (Alex Sanabia - R), 1:10
Rockies (Aaron Cook - R) at Reds (Travis Wood - L), 1:10
Astros (Roy Oswalt - R) at Pirates (Paul Maholm - L), 1:35
Rangers (C.J. Wilson - L) at Red Sox (Jon Lester - L), 1:35
Brewers (Manny Parra - L) at Braves (Derek Lowe - R), 1:35
Blue Jays (Shaun Marcum - R) at Orioles (Brian Matusz - L), 1:35
White Sox (Freddy Garcia - R) at Twins (Nick Blackburn - R), 2:10
Athletics (Vin Mazzaro - R) at Royals (Brian Bannister - R), 2:10
Dodgers (Vicente Padilla - R) at Cardinals (Jeff Suppan - R), 2:15
Mariners (Jason Vargas - L) at Angels (Ervin Santana - R), 3:35
D-Backs (Edwin Jackson - R) at Padres (Kevin Correia - R), 4:05
Mets (Johan Santana - L) at Giants (Jonathan Sanchez - L), 4:05
Phillies (Roy Halladay - R) at Cubs (Tom Gorzelanny - L), 8:05

Day Game After Night Game: DET, CLE, HOU, PIT, TOR, BAL, COL, CIN, MIL, ATL, WAS, FLA, CHW, MIN, OAK, KC, TEX, BOS, ARI, SDG, NYM, SFG, SEA, LAA

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)

A.J. Burnett, SP, NYY – (Hand) Left Saturday's start after two innings with lacerations.
Manny Ramirez, OF, LAD – (Calf) Likely out for the rest of the weekend; could return early in the week and should avoid DL.
Russell Martin, C, LAD – (Thumb) Available as a pinch-hitter on Saturday afternoon.
Chipper Jones, 3B, ATL – (Hamstring) Held out of the lineup on Saturday after leaving early on Friday night. May play Sunday.
Jose Reyes, SS, NYM – (Oblique) Was not in the lineup on Saturday; expected to return Monday.
Carlos Quentin, OF, CHW – (Hand/Wrist) Listed in the preliminary lineup for Saturday's game.
Ryan Sweeney, OF, OAK – (Knee) Did not start against the Royals on Saturday night.
Jhonny Peralta, SS, CLE – (Fever) Held out of Saturday's doubleheader against the Tigers.
Russell Branyan, 1B, SEA – (Foot) Questionable for the rest of the weekend series against the Angels.

Players on the DL

Shin-Soo Choo, OF, CLE – (Thumb) May not need a rehab assignment and could return within a week.
Brian Roberts, 2B, BAL – (Back) Headed to Double-A Bowie on Monday and may return in 7-to-10 days.
Troy Tulowitzki, SS, COL – (Wrist) Could begin his minor league rehab assignment next week.
Brandon Webb, SP, ARI – (Shoulder) Hoping to make six starts for the D-Backs this season.
Clay Buchholz, SP, BOS – (Hamstring) On track to return from the DL and start at Oakland on Saturday.
Ryan Ludwick, OF, STL – (Calf) May return to the Cards in about 10 days.
Mat Latos, SP, SDG – (Oblique) Scheduled to return from the DL on July 24.
Victor Martinez, C, BOS – (Thumb) Still not taking batting practice right-handed.
Travis Snider, OF, TOR – (Wrist) Will join the Blue Jays after his rehab assignment ends on Monday.
Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, BOS – (Ribs) Showing progress in his rehab and wants to increase the intensity of his workouts.
Mike Gonzalez, RP, BAL – (Shoulder) May be activated from the DL after one more rehab appearance.
Luke Scott, OF, BAL – (Hamstring) Eyeing mid-week return to the O's lineup.
Aaron Harang, SP, CIN – (Back) Felt stiffness after his last throwing session and will be shut down for a few days.
Felipe Paulino, SP, HOU – (Shoulder) Had a setback and will not start on Tuesday night as previously expected.
Rich Harden, SP, TEX – (Glute) Gave up four runs on eight hits along with two walks at Triple-A start on Friday.
Derek Holland, SP, TEX – (Knee/Shoulder) Was scheduled to throw a simulated game on Saturday.
Brad Penny, SP, STL – (Back) May be out for the season.
Jason Varitek, C, BOS – (Foot) Still needs to use crutches; about one month away from a return.
Homer Bailey, SP, CIN – (Shoulder) Could begin a minor league rehab assignment in about a week.
Gil Meche, SP, KAN – (Shoulder) Threw a four-inning simulated game on Friday; early or mid-August return likely.
Kyle Lohse, SP, STL – (Forearm) Threw 50 pitches during a mound session, could return in August.
Mike Sweeney, DH, SEA – (Back) Started a minor league rehab assignment on Saturday.
Scott Olsen, SP, WAS – (Shoulder) Could return before the end of July barring setbacks.
Mike Adams, RP, SDG – (Oblique) Injury hasn't gotten worse since he suffered in on Sunday.
Chris Dickerson, OF, CIN – (Wrist) Sent to Triple-A Louisville to begin rehab assignment.
Jesus Flores, C, WAS – (Shoulder) Will resume throwing program on Monday; return this season is no guarantee.
Adam Ottavino, SP, STL – (Shoulder) Scheduled for surgery to repair a SLAP tear of his labrum.

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)
Kerry Wood, RP, CLE (retroactive to July 12)
Damaso Marte, RP, NYY (retroactive to July 8)
Brian Moehler, SP, HOU

Activated from DL
Placido Polanco, 3B, PHI
Manny Delcarmen, RP, BOS

Called Up
Rick Porcello, SP, DET
Jensen Lewis, RP, CLE
Boone Logan, RP, NYY
Dusty Brown, C, BOS

Sent Down
Daniel Schlereth, RP, DET
Felix Doubront, SP, BOS
Fernando Cabrera, RP, BOS (DFA'd)
Russ Springer, RP, CIN (Triple-A)
Juan Castro, SS, PHI (released)

Closer Watch - A closer look at intriguing ninth-inning situations (check out Dave Regan's Closer Grid with the link to the left). Courtesy of the Friday Nightcap written by Carson Cistulli:

CHC – Carlos Marmol walked five and had a full-blown implosion against the Phillies on Saturday afternoon. Still, he's going to have to struggle for more than an outing or two for manager Lou Piniella to put his job security into question. Marmol continues to rack up strikeout totals that exceed a number of the starting pitchers being rostered in fantasy leagues this season. The only thing has kept him away from complete dominance and plate among the league's elite closers is his inconsistent control.

PHI – Brad Lidge benefited from Marmol's struggles to record his seventh save of the season with a scoreless ninth inning. While Lidge did walk a batter, it was an otherwise uneventful outing since the Phillies entered the bottom of the frame with a three-run lead. Since flipping the calendar to July, Lidge has held the opposition scoreless in four of his last five appearances.

CLE – With Kerry Wood going on the DL, Chris Perez was summoned to work the ninth inning in Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Tigers. Wood's injury is listed as a blister on the index finger of his pitching hand, so his absence may only last a couple of weeks, but Perez may keep the job even after Wood gets healthy if the Indians find a trade suitor (assuming their own willingness to eat a portion of his remaining salary).

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). *Check Status

Hot

Alex Rodriguez v. David Price – 4-for-13 (.308), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2:3 BB:K (.400 OBP) .769 SLG
Carlos Pena v. Andy Pettitte – 12-for-38 (.316), 5 HR, 8 RBI, 4:11 BB:K (.422 OBP)
Jason Bartlett v. Andy Pettitte – 8-for-20 (.400), 1 HR, 5 RBI, 3:1 BB:K (.478 OBP)
Ben Zobrist v. Andy Pettitte – 6-for-14 (.429), 2 HR, 4 RBI, 3:0 BB:K (.500 OBP)
Chris Coghlan v. Craig Stammen – 4-for-10 (.400), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:0 BB:K (.455 OBP)
Hanley Ramirez v. Craig Stammen – 6-for-10 (.600), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 0:0 BB:K (.600 OBP)
Brandon Phillips v. Aaron Cook – 6-for-14 (.429), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1:0 BB:K (.500 OBP)
Scott Rolen v. Aaron Cook – 5-for-14 (.357), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2:0 BB:K (.438 OBP)
Orlando Cabrera v. Aaron Cook – 5-for-12 (.417), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:0 BB:K (.462 OBP)
Adrian Beltre v. C.J. Wilson – 5-for-13 (.385), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2:3 BB:K (.467 OBP)
Michael Young v. Jon Lester – 8-for-17 (.471), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.500 OBP)
Vladimir Guerrero v. Jon Lester – 4-for-10 (.400), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:0 BB:K (.455 OBP)
Corey Hart v. Derek Lowe – 6-for-17 (.353), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (.389 OBP)
Nick Markakis v. Shaun Marcum – 9-for-23 (.391), 5 HR, 6 RBI, 6:3 BB:K (.517 OBP)
Miguel Tejada v. Shaun Marcum – 9-for-19 (.474), 3 HR, 8 RBI, 1:3 BB:K (.500 OBP)
Adam Jones v. Shaun Marcum – 5-for-15 (.333), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2:1 BB:K (.444 OBP)
Joe Mauer v. Freddy Garcia – 10-for-26 (.385), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 4:1 BB:K (.467 OBP)
A.J. Pierzynski v. Nick Blackburn – 12-for-29 (.414), 0 HR, 3 RBI, 0:3 BB:K (.419 OBP)
Alexei Ramirez v. Nick Blackburn – 9-for-22 (.409), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 4:0 BB:K (.500 OBP)
Carlos Quentin* v. Nick Blackburn – 7-for-19 (.368), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (.429 OBP)
Gabe Gross v. Brian Bannister – 5-for-10 (.500), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.545 OBP)
Randy Winn v. Vicente Padilla – 3-for-10 (.300), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 4:1 BB:K (.467 OBP)
Manny Ramirez* v. Jeff Suppan – 9-for-26 (.346), 4 HR, 9 RBI, 4:6 BB:K (.452 OBP)
Russell Martin* v. Jeff Suppan – 4-for-11 (.364), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 3:0 BB:K (.500 OBP)
Rafael Furcal v. Jeff Suppan – 5-for-11 (.455), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2:2 BB:K (.538 OBP)
Erick Aybar v. Jason Vargas – 5-for-10 (.500), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:0 BB:K (.500 OBP)
Juan Rivera v. Jason Vargas – 4-for-10 (.400), 2 HR, 3 RBI, 0:0 BB:K (.400 OBP)
Ichiro Suzuki v. Ervin Santana – 19-for-52 (.365), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 4:2 BB:K (.411 OBP)
Milton Bradley v. Ervin Santana – 6-for-16 (.375), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 5:2 BB:K (.565 OBP)
Josh Wilson v. Ervin Santana – 6-for-12 (.500), 1 HR, 5 RBI, 0:1 BB:K (.500 OBP)
Chris Young v. Kevin Correia – 8-for-32 (.250), 4 HR, 5 RBI, 5:8 BB:K (.351 OBP)
Adam LaRoche v. Kevin Correia – 5-for-13 (.385), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 3:2 BB:K (.500 OBP)
Kelly Johnson v. Kevin Correia – 4-for-12 (.333), 2 HR, 3 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.385 OBP)
Gerardo Parra v. Kevin Correia – 6-for-17 (.353), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 0:1 BB:K (.353 OBP)
Pablo Sandoval v. Johan Santana – 6-for-10 (.600), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (.583 OBP)
David Wright v. Jonathan Sanchez – 4-for-9 (.444), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 3:2 BB:K (.583 OBP)
Marlon Byrd v. Roy Halladay – 5-for-13 (.385), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 0:3 BB:K (.385 OBP)

David Price v. Yankees – The Rays have to feel good about how well Price has pitched against the Yankees to this point in his young career. Current Bombers are a combined 13-for-86 (.151) against him with just three homers. Other than Alex Rodriguez and Nick Swisher, there's been minimal success for the rest of the lineup against Price thus far.

Roy Oswalt at Pirates – The Astros' ace has dominated current Pirates hitters to the tune of a .181/.218/.229 line in a combined 111 plate appearances. Even with the youth movement in progress with Pedro Alvarez, Neil Walker and Jose Tabata becoming everyday players, the Bucs are facing a tough task at home against their familiar foe on Sunday afternoon at PNC Park.

Cold

Derek Jeter v. David Price – 2-for-14 (.143), 1 HR, 1:4 BB:K (.200 OBP)
Robinson Cano v. David Price – 2-for-11 (.182), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.250 OBP)
Jorge Posada v. David Price – 0-for-10 (.000), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:5 BB:K (.167 OBP)
Mark Teixeira v. David Price – 1-for-11 (.091), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:0 BB:K (.1567 OBP)
Evan Longoria v. Andy Pettitte – 2-for-18 (.111), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 3:10 BB:K (.238 OBP)
Willy Aybar v. Andy Pettitte – 1-for-13 (.077), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:0 BB:K (.143 OBP)
Ryan Doumit v. Roy Oswalt – 4-for-17 (.235), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:3 BB:K (.278 OBP)
Andrew McCutchen v. Roy Oswalt – 1-for-10 (.100), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.182 OBP)
Carlos Lee v. Paul Maholm – 8-for-38 (.211), 0 HR, 4 RBI, 1:3 BB:K (.231 OBP)
Lance Berkman v. Paul Maholm – 5-for-31 (.161), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 4:3 BB:K (.257 OBP)
Marco Scutaro v. C.J. Wilson – 1-for-10 (.100), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.182 OBP)
Ian Kinsler v. Jon Lester – 1-for-12 (.083), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2:2 BB:K (.214 OBP)
Prince Fielder v. Derek Lowe – 4-for-17 (.235), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 3:2 BB:K (.381 OBP)
Michael Cuddyer v. Freddy Garcia – 6-for-28 (.214), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 1:4 BB:K (.241 OBP)
Nick Punto v. Freddy Garcia – 5-for-25 (.200), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:5 BB:K (.200 OBP)
Orlando Hudson v. Freddy Garcia – 1-for-15 (.067), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:3 BB:K (.063 OBP)
Paul Konerko v. Nick Blackburn – 6-for-32 (.188), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1:4 BB:K (.212 OBP)
Andre Ethier v. Jeff Suppan – 4-for-17 (.235), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 0:3 BB:K (.235 OBP)
Bobby Abreu v. Jason Vargas – 2-for-12 (.167), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.231 OBP)
Jose Lopez v. Ervin Santana – 10-for-45 (.222), 1 HR, 6 RBI, 1:8 BB:K (.255 OBP)
Franklin Gutierrez v. Ervin Santana – 4-for-21 (.190), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 2:8 BB:K (.292 OBP)
Stephen Drew v. Kevin Correia – 7-for-38 (.184), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 1:4 BB:K (.205 OBP)
Justin Upton v. Kevin Correia – 8-for-31 (.258), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:6 BB:K (.258 OBP)
Juan Uribe v. Johan Santana – 9-for-59 (.153), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 0:19 BB:K (.153 OBP)
Jeff Francoeur v. Jonathan Sanchez – 2-for-11 (.182), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:3 BB:K (.182 OBP)
Alfonso Soriano v. Roy Halladay – 13-for-54 (.241), 1 HR, 5 RBI, 0:20 BB:K (.255 OBP)
Aramis Ramirez v. Roy Halladay – 2-for-10 (.200), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:4 BB:K (.200 OBP)

Aaron Cook at Reds – Great American Ballpark is usually enough to make fantasy owners carefully consider their alternatives when non-elite starters have to pitch there. For those in deeper leagues, Cook has a very difficult matchup against the Reds on Sunday as current Cincinnati hitters have a combined .385/.422/.628 line against him in 83 plate appearances. Other than a 1-for-6 mark against outfielder Jay Bruce, the starters have gotten the best of the Rockies' right-hander in their meetings against him.

Shaun Marcum at Orioles – As you can see from the trio of Orioles in the Hot section above, Marcum has had his fair share of struggles against current Baltimore hitters. In a combined 114 plate appearances, Baltimore hitters have knocked him around to the tune of a .330/.395/.670 line including nine homers in 103 at-bats. It may look like an excellent matchup at first glance, but there's reason to be cautious to the point of sitting him down in many leagues on Sunday afternoon.

Recommended Pickup

Chris Perez, RP, CLE – As mentioned above, Perez will handle the ninth inning for the Indians while Kerry Wood (blister) is on the 15-day DL. Even if Wood's stay on the DL is brief, Perez is worth holding onto in most formats as there's a very good chance that Wood finishes the season elsewhere. Perez tossed a scoreless ninth inning in Game 1 of a doubleheader against the Tigers on Saturday afternoon for his eighth save of the season. If he were to keep the job the rest of the way, he's a potential cheap source of another 10-15 saves over the final two-and-a-half months of the regular season.

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