Projected Starters - A look at Saturday's matchups (all times Eastern):
Indians (Jake Westbrook - R) at Blue Jays (Brett Cecil - L), 1:07Dodgers (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 scratchCorey Hart, OF, MIL – (Wrist) Returned to the lineup after five misses Alex Gonzalez, SS, ATL – (Illness) Missed Thursday, out FridayRoss Ohlendorf, P, PIT – (Head) Manager believes he can start MondayChris Iannetta, C, COL – (Personal) Attending to the birth of his daughter ThursdayJimmy Rollins, SS, PHI – (Foot) Returned to the Phillies' lineup FridayAlbert 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 SaturdayBen Zobrist, 2B, TB – (Back) Missed Thursday and FridayB.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 scratchBrett Anderson, P, OAK – (Elbow) Came off the DL Friday to start against White SoxJose Lopez, 2B, SEA – (Hamstring) Has not played since leaving Tuesday's game
Players on the DLHomer Bailey, P, CIN – (Shoulder) Will make a rehab start at Triple-A Louisville SaturdayJason Bay, OF, NY-N – (Concussion) Placed on DL Friday, retroactive to July 26Jesus Flores, C, WAS – (Shoulder) Little progress since spring trainingJamie Moyer, P, PHI – (Elbow) May not have UCL surgery, hopes to make a comeback in 2011Mike Adams, P, SD – (Oblique) No pain in Thursday's bullpen sessionTodd Helton, 1B, COL - (Back) Will start a rehab assignment Friday, could be back in COL by MondayBrandon Webb, P, AZ – (Shoulder) Bullpen session canned, 2010 return in doubtStephen Strasburg, P, WAS – (Shoulder) Landed on DL Thursday Mitch Talbot, P, CLE – (Back) Landed on DL FridayNick Punto, SS, MIN – (Hamstring) Destined for the DL FridayRich Harden, P, TEX – (Glute) Could start Saturday, but uncertainJacoby Ellsbury, OF, BOS – (Ribs) Will report to Triple-A Pawtucket SaturdayMike Lowell, 3B, BOS – (Hip) Should be activated soon, traded soon after?Andrew Bailey, P, OAK – (Rib) Placed on DL FridayIan Kinsler, 2B, TEX – (Groin) Landed on DL ThursdayTravis Buck, OF, OAK – (Leg) Activated from DL, optioned to Triple-A SacramentoJustin Morneau, 1B, MIN – (Concussion) Took some swings Friday, still no timetableGeoff 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, MINAndrew Bailey, P, OAKMitch Talbot, P, CLEJason Bay, OF, NYMEric O'Flaherty, P, ATLStephen Strasburg, P, WASRyan Sweeney, OF, OAK (transferred from 15-day DL to 60-day)
Activated from the DLTravis Buck, OF, OAKBrett Anderson, P, OAKCarlos Zambrano, P, CHI-N (activated from restricted list)
Called UpTrevor Plouffe, OF, MINLucas Harrell, P, CHWJeff Frazier, OF, DETHector Luna, 2B, FLAJosh Bell, 3B, BALTravis Snider, OF, TORJensen Lewis, P, CLEJustin Germano, P, CLE
Sent DownTravis Buck, OF, OAKNick Blackburn, P, MINChris Davis, 1B, TEXJess Todd, P, CLE
Designated for AssignmentJeff 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
HotGarret Anderson v Barry Zito – 21-for-64 (.328/.384/.500), 1 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 12:7 K:BBMatt Kemp v Barry Zito – 17-for-38 (.447/.512/.526), 1 2B, 1 3B, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 8:5 K:BBRafael Furcal v Barry Zito – 12-for-31 (.387/.457/.613), 4 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 5:4 K:BBVernon Wells v Jake Westbrook – 8-for-21 (.381/.391/.476), 2 2B, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 2:1 K:BBChipper Jones v Bronson Arroyo – 11-for-25 (.440/.533/1.413), 2 2B, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 3:5 K:BBEric Hinske v Bronson Arroyo – 11-for-26 (.423/.464/.692), 4 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1:2 K:BBTroy Glaus v Bronson Arroyo – 5-for-15 (.333/.444/.533), 0 2B, 1 HR, 3 RBI 1:3 K:BBBrian McCann v Bronson Arroyo – 4-for-12 (.333/.500/.833), 0 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 1:3 K:BBRyan Zimmerman v Joe Blanton – 7-for-19 (.368/.429/.895), 2 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 4:2 K:BBAdam Dunn v Joe Blanton – 4-for-15 (.267/.389/.667), 0 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 5:3 K:BBHunter Pence v David Bush – 8-for-20 (.400/.429/.550), 0 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 3:0 K:BBMichael Bourn v David Bush – 4-for-13 (.308/.400/.385), 1 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:2 K:BBCorey Hart v Wandy Rodriguez – 13-for-31 (.419/.471/.452), 1 2B, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 5:3 K:BBRickie Weeks v Wandy Rodriguez – 6-for-20 (.300/.462/.400), 2 2B, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 4:4 K:BBRyan Braun v Wandy Rodriguez – 7-for-19 (.368/.429/.947), 2 2B, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 2:2 K:BBCasey McGehee v Wandy Rodriguez – 5-for-11 (.455/.500/.636), 2 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:1 K:BBJoe Mauer v Felix Hernandez – 11-for-23 (.478/.556/.913), 4 2B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 3:4 K:BBJim Thome v Felix Hernandez – 7-for-13 (.538/.667/1.385), 2 2B, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 3:4 K:BBRussell Branyan v Kevin Slowey – 6-for-15 (.400/.400/.933), 2 2B, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 3:0 K:BBJulio Lugo v Zack Greinke – 5-for-12 (.417/.462/.667), 1 2B, 1 3B, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:1 K:BBNick Markakis v Zack Greinke – 4-for-13 (.308/.308/.692), 2 2B, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 3:0 K:BBBrian Roberts v Zack Greinke – 5-for-10 (.500/.583/.800), 3 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 3:1 K:BBCarl Crawford v Javier Vazquez – 11-for-29 (.379/.400/.621), 3 2B, 2 3B, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 3:1 K:BBB.J. Upton v Javier Vazquez – 8-for-15 (.533/.563/.600), 1 2B, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2:1 K:BBAlex Rodriguez v Matt Garza – 7-for-15 (.467/.500/.733), 1 2B, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1:2 K:BBNick Swisher v Matt Garza – 5-for-10 (.500/.615/1.200), 1 2B, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 3:3 K:BBHanley Ramirez v Kevin Correia – 4-for-12 (.333/.333/.583), 0 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1:0 K:BBWes Helms v Kevin Correia – 4-for-11 (.364/.364/.455), 1 2B, 0 HR, 4 RBI, 3:0 K:BBMichael Young v Dan Haren – 11-for-31 (.355/.375/.516), 2 2B, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 4:1 K:BBVladimir Guerrero v Dan Haren – 11-for-25 (.440/.448/.760), 2 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 0:2 K:BBAaron Rowand v Chad Billingsley – 7-for-20 (.350/.423/.550), 1 2B, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 5:4 K:BBTravis Ishikawa v Chad Billingsley – 6-for-16 (.375/.474/.500), 2 2B, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 6:1 K:BBNate 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.
ColdRussell Martin v Barry Zito – 6-for-33 (.182, 0 2B, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 9:4 K:BBAndre Ethier v Barry Zito – 5-for-26 (.192), 1 2B, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 5:3 K:BBJames Loney v Barry Zito – 2-for-23 (.087), 0 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 7:0 K:BBPablo Sandoval v Chad Billingsley – 4-for-19 (.211), 1 2B, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 2:1 K:BBJohn Buck v Jake Westbrook – 1-for-11 (.091), 0 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 4:2 K:BBJhonny Peralta v Daisuke Matsuzaka – 0-for-11 (.000), 0 RBI, 3:1 K:BBOmar Infante v Bronson Arroyo – 3-for-15 (.200), 3 2B, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 5:0 K:BBIvan Rodriguez v Joe Blanton – 2-for-11 (.182), 0 2B, 0 HR, 1 RBI 1:1 K:BBAlex Rios v Dallas Braden – 3-for-13 (.231), 0 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 0:0 K:BBMark Ellis v John Danks – 1-for-11 (.091), 0 2B, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:2 K:BBCarlos Lee v David Bush – 4-for-23 (.174), 0 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2:0 K:BBJeff Keppinger v David Bush – 4-for-18 (.222), 1 2B, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 2:2 K:BBPedro Feliz v David Bush – 3-for-17 (.176), 0 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 3:0 K:BBPrince Fielder v Wandy Rodriguez – 6-for-27 (.222), 1 2B, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 8:4 K:BBMichael Cuddyer v Felix Hernandez – 2-for-18 (.111), 0 2B, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 7:1 K:BBJason Kubel v Felix Hernandez – 3-for-17 (.176), 0 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 5:0 K:BBDelmon Young v Felix Hernandez – 2-for-12 (.167), 0 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:0 K:BBChone Figgins v Kevin Slowey – 3-for-14 (.214), 0 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 3:1 K:BBTy Wigginton v Zack Greinke – 2-for-11 (.182), 1 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:0 K:BBCarlos Pena v Javier Vazquez – 3-for-19 (.158), 1 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 10:1 K:BBWilly Aybar v Javier Vazquez – 2-for-10 (.200), 0 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2:0 K:BBCurtis Granderson v Matt Garza – 4-for-17 (.235), 2 2B, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 4:1 K:BBMark Teixeira v Matt Garza – 1-for-13 (.077), 0 2B, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 3:3 K:BBJorge Posada v Matt Garza – 3-for-13 (.231), 0 2B, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 2:1 K:BBAndy LaRoche v Jeff Suppan – 2-for-14 (.143), 1 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:2 K:BBDan 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), 1:07Dodgers (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 scratchCorey Hart, OF, MIL – (Wrist) Returned to the lineup after five misses Alex Gonzalez, SS, ATL – (Illness) Missed Thursday, out FridayRoss Ohlendorf, P, PIT – (Head) Manager believes he can start MondayChris Iannetta, C, COL – (Personal) Attending to the birth of his daughter ThursdayJimmy Rollins, SS, PHI – (Foot) Returned to the Phillies' lineup FridayAlbert 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 SaturdayBen Zobrist, 2B, TB – (Back) Missed Thursday and FridayB.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 scratchBrett Anderson, P, OAK – (Elbow) Came off the DL Friday to start against White SoxJose Lopez, 2B, SEA – (Hamstring) Has not played since leaving Tuesday's game
Players on the DLHomer Bailey, P, CIN – (Shoulder) Will make a rehab start at Triple-A Louisville SaturdayJason Bay, OF, NY-N – (Concussion) Placed on DL Friday, retroactive to July 26Jesus Flores, C, WAS – (Shoulder) Little progress since spring trainingJamie Moyer, P, PHI – (Elbow) May not have UCL surgery, hopes to make a comeback in 2011Mike Adams, P, SD – (Oblique) No pain in Thursday's bullpen sessionTodd Helton, 1B, COL - (Back) Will start a rehab assignment Friday, could be back in COL by MondayBrandon Webb, P, AZ – (Shoulder) Bullpen session canned, 2010 return in doubtStephen Strasburg, P, WAS – (Shoulder) Landed on DL Thursday Mitch Talbot, P, CLE – (Back) Landed on DL FridayNick Punto, SS, MIN – (Hamstring) Destined for the DL FridayRich Harden, P, TEX – (Glute) Could start Saturday, but uncertainJacoby Ellsbury, OF, BOS – (Ribs) Will report to Triple-A Pawtucket SaturdayMike Lowell, 3B, BOS – (Hip) Should be activated soon, traded soon after?Andrew Bailey, P, OAK – (Rib) Placed on DL FridayIan Kinsler, 2B, TEX – (Groin) Landed on DL ThursdayTravis Buck, OF, OAK – (Leg) Activated from DL, optioned to Triple-A SacramentoJustin Morneau, 1B, MIN – (Concussion) Took some swings Friday, still no timetableGeoff 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, MINAndrew Bailey, P, OAKMitch Talbot, P, CLEJason Bay, OF, NYMEric O'Flaherty, P, ATLStephen Strasburg, P, WASRyan Sweeney, OF, OAK (transferred from 15-day DL to 60-day)
Activated from the DLTravis Buck, OF, OAKBrett Anderson, P, OAKCarlos Zambrano, P, CHI-N (activated from restricted list)
Called UpTrevor Plouffe, OF, MINLucas Harrell, P, CHWJeff Frazier, OF, DETHector Luna, 2B, FLAJosh Bell, 3B, BALTravis Snider, OF, TORJensen Lewis, P, CLEJustin Germano, P, CLE
Sent DownTravis Buck, OF, OAKNick Blackburn, P, MINChris Davis, 1B, TEXJess Todd, P, CLE
Designated for AssignmentJeff 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
HotGarret Anderson v Barry Zito – 21-for-64 (.328/.384/.500), 1 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 12:7 K:BBMatt Kemp v Barry Zito – 17-for-38 (.447/.512/.526), 1 2B, 1 3B, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 8:5 K:BBRafael Furcal v Barry Zito – 12-for-31 (.387/.457/.613), 4 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 5:4 K:BBVernon Wells v Jake Westbrook – 8-for-21 (.381/.391/.476), 2 2B, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 2:1 K:BBChipper Jones v Bronson Arroyo – 11-for-25 (.440/.533/1.413), 2 2B, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 3:5 K:BBEric Hinske v Bronson Arroyo – 11-for-26 (.423/.464/.692), 4 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1:2 K:BBTroy Glaus v Bronson Arroyo – 5-for-15 (.333/.444/.533), 0 2B, 1 HR, 3 RBI 1:3 K:BBBrian McCann v Bronson Arroyo – 4-for-12 (.333/.500/.833), 0 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 1:3 K:BBRyan Zimmerman v Joe Blanton – 7-for-19 (.368/.429/.895), 2 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 4:2 K:BBAdam Dunn v Joe Blanton – 4-for-15 (.267/.389/.667), 0 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 5:3 K:BBHunter Pence v David Bush – 8-for-20 (.400/.429/.550), 0 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 3:0 K:BBMichael Bourn v David Bush – 4-for-13 (.308/.400/.385), 1 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:2 K:BBCorey Hart v Wandy Rodriguez – 13-for-31 (.419/.471/.452), 1 2B, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 5:3 K:BBRickie Weeks v Wandy Rodriguez – 6-for-20 (.300/.462/.400), 2 2B, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 4:4 K:BBRyan Braun v Wandy Rodriguez – 7-for-19 (.368/.429/.947), 2 2B, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 2:2 K:BBCasey McGehee v Wandy Rodriguez – 5-for-11 (.455/.500/.636), 2 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:1 K:BBJoe Mauer v Felix Hernandez – 11-for-23 (.478/.556/.913), 4 2B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 3:4 K:BBJim Thome v Felix Hernandez – 7-for-13 (.538/.667/1.385), 2 2B, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 3:4 K:BBRussell Branyan v Kevin Slowey – 6-for-15 (.400/.400/.933), 2 2B, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 3:0 K:BBJulio Lugo v Zack Greinke – 5-for-12 (.417/.462/.667), 1 2B, 1 3B, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:1 K:BBNick Markakis v Zack Greinke – 4-for-13 (.308/.308/.692), 2 2B, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 3:0 K:BBBrian Roberts v Zack Greinke – 5-for-10 (.500/.583/.800), 3 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 3:1 K:BBCarl Crawford v Javier Vazquez – 11-for-29 (.379/.400/.621), 3 2B, 2 3B, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 3:1 K:BBB.J. Upton v Javier Vazquez – 8-for-15 (.533/.563/.600), 1 2B, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2:1 K:BBAlex Rodriguez v Matt Garza – 7-for-15 (.467/.500/.733), 1 2B, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1:2 K:BBNick Swisher v Matt Garza – 5-for-10 (.500/.615/1.200), 1 2B, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 3:3 K:BBHanley Ramirez v Kevin Correia – 4-for-12 (.333/.333/.583), 0 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1:0 K:BBWes Helms v Kevin Correia – 4-for-11 (.364/.364/.455), 1 2B, 0 HR, 4 RBI, 3:0 K:BBMichael Young v Dan Haren – 11-for-31 (.355/.375/.516), 2 2B, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 4:1 K:BBVladimir Guerrero v Dan Haren – 11-for-25 (.440/.448/.760), 2 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 0:2 K:BBAaron Rowand v Chad Billingsley – 7-for-20 (.350/.423/.550), 1 2B, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 5:4 K:BBTravis Ishikawa v Chad Billingsley – 6-for-16 (.375/.474/.500), 2 2B, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 6:1 K:BBNate 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.
ColdRussell Martin v Barry Zito – 6-for-33 (.182, 0 2B, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 9:4 K:BBAndre Ethier v Barry Zito – 5-for-26 (.192), 1 2B, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 5:3 K:BBJames Loney v Barry Zito – 2-for-23 (.087), 0 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 7:0 K:BBPablo Sandoval v Chad Billingsley – 4-for-19 (.211), 1 2B, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 2:1 K:BBJohn Buck v Jake Westbrook – 1-for-11 (.091), 0 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 4:2 K:BBJhonny Peralta v Daisuke Matsuzaka – 0-for-11 (.000), 0 RBI, 3:1 K:BBOmar Infante v Bronson Arroyo – 3-for-15 (.200), 3 2B, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 5:0 K:BBIvan Rodriguez v Joe Blanton – 2-for-11 (.182), 0 2B, 0 HR, 1 RBI 1:1 K:BBAlex Rios v Dallas Braden – 3-for-13 (.231), 0 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 0:0 K:BBMark Ellis v John Danks – 1-for-11 (.091), 0 2B, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:2 K:BBCarlos Lee v David Bush – 4-for-23 (.174), 0 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2:0 K:BBJeff Keppinger v David Bush – 4-for-18 (.222), 1 2B, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 2:2 K:BBPedro Feliz v David Bush – 3-for-17 (.176), 0 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 3:0 K:BBPrince Fielder v Wandy Rodriguez – 6-for-27 (.222), 1 2B, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 8:4 K:BBMichael Cuddyer v Felix Hernandez – 2-for-18 (.111), 0 2B, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 7:1 K:BBJason Kubel v Felix Hernandez – 3-for-17 (.176), 0 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 5:0 K:BBDelmon Young v Felix Hernandez – 2-for-12 (.167), 0 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:0 K:BBChone Figgins v Kevin Slowey – 3-for-14 (.214), 0 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 3:1 K:BBTy Wigginton v Zack Greinke – 2-for-11 (.182), 1 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:0 K:BBCarlos Pena v Javier Vazquez – 3-for-19 (.158), 1 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 10:1 K:BBWilly Aybar v Javier Vazquez – 2-for-10 (.200), 0 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2:0 K:BBCurtis Granderson v Matt Garza – 4-for-17 (.235), 2 2B, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 4:1 K:BBMark Teixeira v Matt Garza – 1-for-13 (.077), 0 2B, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 3:3 K:BBJorge Posada v Matt Garza – 3-for-13 (.231), 0 2B, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 2:1 K:BBAndy LaRoche v Jeff Suppan – 2-for-14 (.143), 1 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:2 K:BBDan 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
