Sunday Lineup Card: Athletic Allen

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Projected Starters – A look at Sunday's matchups (all times Eastern)

Twins (Kevin Slowey – R) at Indians (David Huff – L), 1:05
Rays (James Shields – R) at Yankees (Freddy Garcia – R), 1:05
Angels (Dan Haren – R) at Blue Jays (Brett Cecil – L), 1:07
Giants (Ryan Vogelsong – R) at Marlins (Chris Volstad – R), 1:10
Padres (Wade LeBlanc – L) at Reds (Dontrelle Willis – L), 1:10
Nationals (Chien-Ming Wang – R) at Phillies (Roy Halladay – R), 1:35
Cubs (Matt Garza – R) at Braves (Brandon Beachy – R), 1:35
Tigers (Doug Fister – R) at Orioles (Jo-Jo Reyes – R), 1:35
Pirates (Charlie Morton – R) at Brewers (Shaun Marcum – R), 2:10
Royals (Jeff Francis – L) at White Sox (John Danks – L), 2:10
Rangers (Matt Harrison – L) at Athletics (Rich Harden – R), 4:05
Astros (Jordan Lyles – R) at Dodgers (Hiroki Kuroda – R), 4:10
Mets (Chris Capuano – L) at Diamondbacks (Jason Marquis – R), 4:10
Red Sox (Tim Wakefield – R) at Mariners (Charlie Furbush – L), 4:10
Rockies (Esmil Rogers – R) at Cardinals (Edwin Jackson – R), 8:05

Day game after a night game: WAS, PHI, SF, FLA, CHC, ATL, SD, CIN, NYM, AZ, HOU, LAD, DET, BAL, MIN, CLE, KC, CHW, BOS, 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)
Xavier Nady, OF, AZ – (Hand) Broke his hand when hit by a pitch Friday. A trip to the DL is probably on tap.
Tommy Hanson, SP, ATL – (Shoulder) Should make his next start Tuesday.
Placido Polanco, 3B, PHI – (Hip) Will soon decide whether or not to undergo surgery.
Brennan Boesch, OF, DET – (Thumb) Sat out Friday. Remains day-to-day.
Marco Scutaro, SS, BOS – (Back) Scratched from Friday’s lineup with a stiff back.
Alexi Casilla, 2B, MIN – (Hamstring) Removed as a precaution after his hamstring tightened up Friday.
Michael Brantley, OF, CLE – (Wrist) He’s not expected to go on the DL.
Justin Smoak, 1B, SEA – (Nose) Suffered a broken nose in Friday’s game.
Brandon McCarthy, SP, OAK – (Knee) Left with a knee bruise after being hit in the leg by a line drive.
Coco Crisp, OF, OAK – (Calf) Is not expected to go on the DL.
Kevin Youkilis, 3B, BOS – (Back) Hopes to play Saturday after sitting out Friday with a stiff back.
A.J. Pierzynski, C, CHW – (Wrist) Doubtful to play Saturday with a sore wrist.
Michael Cuddyer, OF, MIN – (Neck) Could return to the lineup Sunday.

Players on the DL
Stephen Strasburg, SP, WAS – (Elbow) Threw three scoreless innings in his second rehab start Friday.
Dee Gordon, SS, LAD – (Shoulder) Placed on the 15-day DL Friday.
Brain McCann, C, ATL – (Oblique) Could return Sunday, but no earlier.
Hanley Ramirez, SS, FLA – (Shoulder) Should be ready to play when eligible to return from the DL Aug 18.
Derrek Lee, 1B, PIT – (Wrist) Could miss 2¬-4 weeks.
Al Alburquerque, RP, DET – (Head) Placed on the 7-day DL.
Carlos Villanueva, RP, TOR – (Elbow) Would return in a relief role if he’s able to return this season.
J.D. Drew, OF, BOS – (Shoulder) Took batting practice Friday.
Bobby Jenks, RP, BOS – (Back) Will throw a bullpen session Tuesday, but a return date hasn’t been set.
Alex Rodriguez, 3B, NYY – (Knee) On track to return to the Yankees’ lineup Thursday.

Transactions – Players who 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)
Derrek Lee, 1B, PIT
Al Alburquerque, RP, DET (7-day, concussion)

Activated from DL
NA

Called Up
Josh Harrison, 3B, PIT
Ryan Perry, RP, DET
Bruce Billings, RP, OAK
Brandon Allen, 1B, OAK

Sent Down
Adam Rosales, 3B/2B, OAK
Jordan Norberto, RP, OAK


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

Colorado – Huston Street went on the DL with tightness in his triceps. He could return immediately following the mandatory 15 days of inactivity. With Matt Lindstrom (arm) also on the DL, Rafael Betancourt has been announced as the team’s interim closer. Grab him if you need saves, he’s done well this season.

Kansas City – Greg Holland picked up his second save of the season Friday. He came into the game in a save situation, but the Royals stacked on three more runs to their lead in the top of the ninth to erase the need to bring on Joakim Soria for the traditional save. Therefore, Holland stayed in the game to close it out. Soria’s still the undisputed closer.

KEY MATCHUPS: HOT
Hot Batter Matchups			At-Bats	AVG	HR	XBH	RBI	BB	K	SLG	OBP	OPS
Travis Hafner - DH	CLE vs MIN 8/14 1:05 PM	Kevin Slowey	7-22	.318	2	4	3	0	6	.682	.318	1.000
Joe Mauer - C	MIN @ CLE 8/14 1:05 PM	David Huff	7-16	.438	1	2	4	2	1	.688	.500	1.188
Justin Morneau - 1B	MIN @ CLE 8/14 1:05 PM	David Huff	6-16	.375	0	4	2	2	0	.625	.444	1.069
Denard Span - OF	MIN @ CLE 8/14 1:05 PM	David Huff	6-15	.400	0	0	4	3	2	.400	.500	.900
Delmon Young - OF	MIN @ CLE 8/14 1:05 PM	David Huff	5-14	.357	1	1	1	2	3	.571	.438	1.009
Robinson Cano - 2B	NYY vs TB 8/14 1:05 PM	James Shields	16-41	.390	3	9	8	1	9	.805	.405	1.210
Jorge Posada - C	NYY vs TB 8/14 1:05 PM	James Shields	8-27	.296	1	4	4	4	3	.519	.406	.925
Nick Swisher - OF	NYY vs TB 8/14 1:05 PM	James Shields	5-23	.217	3	3	8	1	8	.609	.250	.859
Johnny Damon - OF	TB @ NYY 8/14 1:05 PM	Freddy Garcia	10-36	.278	3	5	5	1	7	.611	.297	.908
Edwin Encarnacion - 3B	TOR vs LAA 8/14 1:07 PM	Dan Haren	5-11	.455	2	2	2	0	2	1.000	.455	1.455
Orlando Hudson - 2B	SD @ CIN 8/14 1:10 PM	Dontrelle Willis	5-15	.333	1	1	4	1	1	.533	.375	.908
Mike Fontenot - 2B	SF @ FLA 8/14 1:10 PM	Chris Volstad	5-14	.357	1	3	3	1	1	.714	.400	1.114
Juan Pierre - OF	CWS vs KC 8/14 2:10 PM	Jeff Francis	15-33	.455	0	2	1	1	3	.515	.471	.986
Carlos Lee - OF	HOU @ LAD 8/14 4:10 PM	Hiroki Kuroda	5-14	.357	1	1	4	1	1	.571	.400	.971
Jason Bay - OF	NYM @ ARI 8/14 4:10 PM	Jason Marquis	16-43	.372	5	10	11	5	6	.860	.429	1.289
David Wright - 3B	NYM @ ARI 8/14 4:10 PM	Jason Marquis	13-32	.406	2	4	9	1	1	.656	.412	1.068
Miguel Olivo - C	SEA vs BOS 8/14 4:10 PM	Tim Wakefield	4-15	.267	1	2	3	1	4	.533	.353	.886
Jason Giambi - 1B	COL @ STL 8/14 8:05 PM	Edwin Jackson	5-16	.313	1	2	5	4	2	.563	.450	1.013
Todd Helton - 1B	COL @ STL 8/14 8:05 PM	Edwin Jackson	4-10	.400	0	2	4	2	0	.600	.500	1.100
Hot Pitcher Matchups			At-Bats	Opp AVG	HR Allow	XBH Allow	RBI Allow	BB	K	Opp SLG	Opp OBP	Opp OPS
Kevin Slowey	MIN @ CLE 8/14 1:05 PM	Indians Batters	25-96	.261	3	9	7	2	31	.413	.276	.689
Roy Halladay	PHI vs WAS 8/14 1:35 PM	Nationals Batters	28-133	.210	2	8	10	6	29	.310	.247	.558

 

KEY MATCHUPS: COLD
Cold Batter Matchups			At-Bats	AVG	HR	XBH	RBI	BB	K	SLG	OBP	OPS
Shin-Soo Choo - OF	CLE vs MIN 8/14 1:05 PM	Kevin Slowey	4-24	.167	1	2	2	1	11	.333	.200	.533
Michael Cuddyer - OF	MIN @ CLE 8/14 1:05 PM	David Huff	2-12	.167	1	1	1	2	0	.417	.286	.703
Jason Kubel - OF	MIN @ CLE 8/14 1:05 PM	David Huff	2-11	.182	1	1	1	3	3	.455	.357	.812
Brett Gardner - OF	NYY vs TB 8/14 1:05 PM	James Shields	1-11	.091	0	0	0	1	3	.091	.167	.258
Curtis Granderson - OF	NYY vs TB 8/14 1:05 PM	James Shields	3-31	.097	0	2	2	1	8	.194	.125	.319
Mark Teixeira - 1B	NYY vs TB 8/14 1:05 PM	James Shields	6-33	.182	0	0	0	2	13	.182	.250	.432
Mark Teahen - 3B	TOR vs LAA 8/14 1:07 PM	Dan Haren	2-14	.143	0	1	0	3	4	.214	.294	.508
Julio Lugo - SS	ATL vs CHC 8/14 1:35 PM	Matt Garza	1-11	.091	0	0	1	1	1	.091	.167	.258
Alex Cora - SS	WAS @ PHI 8/14 1:35 PM	Roy Halladay	4-29	.138	1	1	2	1	3	.241	.167	.408
Ian Desmond - SS	WAS @ PHI 8/14 1:35 PM	Roy Halladay	2-14	.143	0	0	1	2	5	.143	.235	.378
Danny Espinosa - 2B	WAS @ PHI 8/14 1:35 PM	Roy Halladay	1-10	.100	0	0	1	0	3	.100	.100	.200
Carlos Quentin - OF	CWS vs KC 8/14 2:10 PM	Jeff Francis	1-11	.091	0	0	0	1	2	.091	.167	.258
Alex Gordon - OF	KC @ CWS 8/14 2:10 PM	John Danks	1-13	.077	0	1	0	3	1	.154	.294	.448
Willie Harris - OF	NYM @ ARI 8/14 4:10 PM	Jason Marquis	2-10	.200	0	0	0	1	3	.200	.273	.473
Angel Pagan - OF	NYM @ ARI 8/14 4:10 PM	Jason Marquis	3-13	.231	0	0	2	0	4	.231	.231	.462
Ronny Paulino - C	NYM @ ARI 8/14 4:10 PM	Jason Marquis	1-10	.100	0	0	1	0	1	.100	.100	.200
Franklin Gutierrez - OF	SEA vs BOS 8/14 4:10 PM	Tim Wakefield	2-12	.167	0	0	0	1	1	.167	.231	.398
Adam Kennedy - 2B	SEA vs BOS 8/14 4:10 PM	Tim Wakefield	6-23	.261	1	2	2	1	7	.435	.292	.727
Cold Pitcher Matchups			At-Bats	Opp AVG	HR Allow	XBH Allow	RBI Allow	BB	K	Opp SLG	Opp OBP	Opp OPS
Freddy Garcia	NYY vs TB 8/14 1:05 PM	Rays Batters	18-64	.281	3	9	9	5	11	.552	.333	.885
David Huff	CLE vs Min 8/14 1:05 PM	Twins Batters	34-96	.354	6	12	16	16	11	.612	.446	1.058
Dan Haren	LAA @ Tor 8/14 1:07 PM	Blue Jays Batters	29-102	.284	6	12	8	7	22	.539	.330	.870
Jeff Francis	KC @ CWS 8/14 2:10 PM	White Sox Batters	32-105	.305	0	5	5	8	14	.347	.354	.701
Jason Marquis	ARI vs NYM 8/14 4:10 PM	Mets Batters	37-123	.301	7	14	23	8	18	.543	.337	.880

Recommended Pickup

Brandon Allen, 1B/OF, OAK – Allen has been featured here in the past, but he was since traded and demoted to Triple-A. Now that his new team’s front office staff, the Athletics, have taken their collective heads out of the sand and called him up to the majors, we could see Allen finally get a chance to play every day. You’ll want to probably wait and see how much he’s being used before adding Allen, but this is the flag being waved to let you know he’s back in the majors. Through 345 at-bats at Triple-A this season, Allen hit 21 home runs. He has legit, but he also strikes out at a prodigious rate. There’s a chance he could get put in a time share at first base, hitting only against righties, but if he gets the everyday job, Allen could help post big power numbers for fantasy teams down the stretch.

Other recent recommendations: Rafael Betancourt, J.D. Martinez, Robinson Chirinos, Kyle Blanks, Garrett Jones


Draft Street Competition

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Be sure to come back to RotoWire's Daily Lineup Card every day for all the analysis you need to dominate the competition and take home cash on DraftStreet.

Draft Street Lineup

C Victor Martinez (DET-C) $7,758
1B Paul Goldschmidt (ARI-1B) $6,163
2B Jason Kipnis (CLE-2B) $8,804
3B Emilio Bonifacio (FLA-3B) $4,510
SS Troy Tulowitzki (COL-SS) $9,228
OF Vernon Wells (LAA-OF) $4,271
OF B.J. Upton (TB-OF) $4,620
OF Delmon Young (MIN-OF) $4,669
U Chris Young (ARI-OF) $5,882
U Mike Stanton (FLA-OF) $5,953
OF Vernon Wells (LAA-OF) $4,271
OF B.J. Upton (TB-OF) $4,620
OF Delmon Young (MIN-OF) $4,669
U Chris Young (ARI-OF) $5,882
U Mike Stanton (FLA-OF) $5,953

Total: $99,786