This article is part of our The Lineup Card series.
Projected Starters - A look at Sunday's matchups:
Royals (Bruce Chen – L) at Indians (Fausto Carmona – R), 1:05 ET
Twins (Brian Duensing – L) at Tigers (Rick Porcello – R), 1:05 ET
Orioles (Brian Matusz – L) at Blue Jays (Shaun Marcum – R), 1:07 ET
Astros (J.A. Happ – L) at Pirates ( – L), 1:35 ET
Mets (Pat Misch – L) at Phillies (Cole Hamels – L), 1:35 ET
Braves (Brandon Beachy – R) at Nationals (Livan Hernandez – R), 1:35 ET
Mariners (Luke French – L) at Rays (James Shields – R), 1:40 ET
Marlins (Adalberto Mendez – R) at Brewers (Chris Capuano – L), 2:10 ET
Cardinals (Jake Westbrook – R) at Cubs (Jeff Samardzija – R), 2:20 ET
Giants (Matt Cain – R) at Rockies (Jorge De La Rosa – L), 3:10 ET
White Sox (Tony Pena – R) at Angels (Jered Weaver – R), 3:35 ET
Reds (Homer Bailey – R) at Padres (Clayton Richard – L), 4:05 ET
Rangers (Colby Lewis – R) at Athletics (Trevor Cahill – R), 4:05 ET
Dodgers (Chad Billingsley – R) at Diamondbacks (Joe Saunders – L), 4:10 ET
Red Sox (Daisuke Matsuzaka – R) at Yankees (Dustin Moseley – R), 8:05 ET
Day game after a night game: NYM, PHI, HOU, PIT, FLA, MIL, LAD, ARI, SFO, COL, KAN, CLE, SEA, TAM, CHW, LAA
Injuries - A brief look at players who have been missing time with injuries and their expected returns
Day-to-Day (includes players expected to make their return from the DL)
Chris Perez, P, Indians (personal) – Perez is home for the birth of his child and he may take his time given the Indians have little to play for.
Russell Branyan, 1B, Mariners (back) – Still hasn't started batting practice.
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C, Red Sox (thumb) – Out for season.
Jason Donald, SS, Indians (finger) – Likely out for season.
Josh Hamilton, OF, Rangers (ribs) – Still not close to return.
Jerry Blevins, P, Athletics (shoulder) – Still unavailable, regular season return is doubtful.
Mike Lowell, 3B, Red Sox (head) – Not in Saturday's lineup after getting beaned with rogue one-hopper Friday.
Jose Valverde, P, Tigers (elbow) – Expected to be available Saturday.
Arthur Rhodes, P, Reds (foot) – Pitched Friday night.
Miguel Montero, C, Diamondbacks (personal) – Away from team for birth of child.
Jeffrey Karstens, P, Pirates (shoulder) – Should pitch out of bullpen before end of season.
Jeff Baker, 2B, Cubs (illness) – Not in Saturday's lineup.
Marlon Byrd, OF, Cubs (face) – Not in Saturday's lineup, could miss several days after taking ball to face off his own bat Friday.
Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, Nationals (ribs) – Not in Saturday's lineup, could be out for season.
Joey Votto, 1B, Reds (illness) – Back in Saturday's lineup.
Players on the DL
Frank Francisco, P, Rangers (back) – Says he should be able to make the playoffs, last few games of season are up in the air.
Transactions - Players who have been demoted, called up, traded, released, you name it. We'll cover it here.
None today
Closer Watch - A closer look at intriguing ninth-inning situations (check out Dave Regan's Closer Grid with the link to the left)
CLE – Chris Perez is away from the team for the birth of his child and Jensen Lewis appears to be first in line for save opportunities.
LAD – With Hong-Chih Kuo's elbow acting up, he did not pitch for the second day in a row on Friday. Instead, Kenley Jansen was given the opportunity to close out a two run lead over the Rockies and he picked up his second save.
TOR – Kevin Gregg on Friday ran into trouble in the ninth and was removed after allowing a run, two hits and a walk. Jesse Carlson replaced him to retire Matt Wieters and pick up the save.
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
Hunter Pence v. Paul Maholm – 11-for-35 (.314), 2 HR, 8 RBI, 1:2 BB:K, .324 OBP
Troy Tulowitzki v. Matt Cain – 14-for-42 (.333), 3 HR, 5 RBI, 3:10 BB:K, .378 OBP
Ryan Spilborghs v. Matt Cain – 7-for-19 (.368), 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2:5 BB:K, .429 OBP
Freddy Sanchez v. Jorge De La Rosa – 7-for-17 (.412), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 0:4 BB:K, .412 OBP
Adrian Gonzalez v. Homer Bailey – 4-for-9 (.444), 2 HR, 4 RBI, 0:3 BB:K, .444 OBP
Stephen Drew v. Chad Billingsley – 18-for-46 (.391), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 5:7 BB:K, .451 OBP
Miguel Montero v. Chad Billingsley – 7-for-17 (.412), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 4:4 BB:K, .524 OBP
Alex Gordon v. Fausto Carmona – 12-for-22 (.545), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2:3 BB:K, .583 OBP
Jason Kubel v. Rick Porcello – 10-for-17 (.588), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 0:2 BB:K, .588 OBP
Nick Markakis v. Shaun Marcum – 12-for-26 (.462), 5 HR, 6 RBI, 6:3 BB:K, .563 OBP
Juan Pierre v. Jered Weaver – 8-for-19 (.421), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:3 BB:K, .476 OBP
Mark Teahen v. Jered Weaver – 8-for-19 (.421), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 1:1 BB:K, .450 OBP
Derek Jeter v. Daisuke Matsuzaka – 7-for-16 (.438), 2 HR, 3 RBI, 3:2 BB:K, .571 OBP
Curtis Granderson v. Daisuke Matsuzaka – 6-for-11 (.545), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1:0 BB:K, .583 OBP
Jorge Posada v. Daisuke Matsuzaka – 6-for-12 (.500), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 0:1 BB:K, .500 OBP
Mark Teixeira v. Daisuke Matsuzaka – 3-for-7 (.429), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 3:1 BB:K, .600 OBP
Trevor Cahill v. Rangers - .184/.243/.258 (163 AB)
Jered Weaver v. White Sox - .248/.291/.359 (145 AB)
James Shields v. Mariners - .260/.285/.351 (131 AB)
Matt Cain v. Rockies - .189/.272/.357 (244 AB)
Jorge De La Rosa v. Giants - .218/.287/.333 (156 AB)
Cold
Carlos Lee v. Paul Maholm – 8-for-44 (.182), 0 HR, 4 RBI, 1:4 BB:K, .200 OBP
Michael Bourn v. Paul Maholm – 4-for-19 (.211), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 3:8 BB:K, .318 OBP
Ryan Howard v. Pat Misch – 1-for-9 (.111), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:1 BB:K, .111 OBP
Jose Reyes v. Cole Hamels – 6-for-29 (.207), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 3:6 BB:K, .281 OBP
Alex Gonzalez v. Livan Hernandez – 6-for-49 (.122), 0 HR, 3 RBI, 2:11 BB:K, .170 OBP
Derrek Lee v. Livan Hernandez – 8-for-42 (.190), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 3:12 BB:K, .244 OBP
Nate McLouth v. Livan Hernandez – 2-for-18 (.111), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2:6 BB:K, .190 OBP
Hanley Ramirez v. Chris Capuano – 0-for-11 (.000), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:2 BB:K, .000 OBP
Alfonso Soriano v. Jake Westbrook – 3-for-18 (.167), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:2 BB:K, .211 OBP
Todd Helton v. Matt Cain – 9-for-46 (.196), 2 HR, 3 RBI, 7:5 BB:K, .296 OBP
Ian Stewart v. Matt Cain – 5-for-22 (.227), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2:10 BB:K, .292 OBP
Carlos Gonzalez v. Matt Cain – 2-for-17 (.118), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 3:4 BB:K, .250 OBP
Clint Barmes v. Matt Cain – 1-for-18 (.056), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 0:4 BB:K, .053 OBP
Seth Smith v. Matt Cain – 0-for-13 (.000), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:1 BB:K, .071 OBP
Aaron Rowand v. Jorge De La Rosa – 3-for-18 (.143), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:7 BB:K, .143 OBP
Edgar Renteria v. Jorge De La Rosa – 1-for-14 (.071), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:2 BB:K, .071 OBP
Mark Reynolds v. Chad Billingsley – 6-for-29 (.207), 2 HR, 9 RBI, 5:11 BB:K, .306 OBP
Justin Upton v. Chad Billingsley – 5-for-27 (.185), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3:6 BB:K, .250 OBP
Ryan Church v. Chad Billingsley – 3-for-17 (.176), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2:5 BB:K, .300 OBP
Casey Blake v. Joe Saunders – 0-for-10 (.000), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2:1 BB:K, .167 OBP
Ryan Raburn v. Brian Duensing – 1-for-12 (.083), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:1 BB:K, .154 OBP
Michael Cuddyer v. Rick Porcello – 2-for-14 (.143), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2:3 BB:K, .294 OBP
Jose Lopez v. James Shields – 2-for-21 (.095), 0 HR, 0 RBI,0:2 BB:K, .095 OBP
Paul Konerko v. Jered Weaver – 1-for-14 (.071), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:3 BB:K, .067 OBP
Andruw Jones v. Jered Weaver – 1-for-10 (.100), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1:6 BB:K, .182 OBP
Julio Borbon v. Trevor Cahill – 2-for-16 (.125), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:1 BB:K, .125 OBP
Nelson Cruz v. Trevor Cahill – 1-for-13 (.077), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:2 BB:K, .133 OBP
Ian Kinsler v. Trevor Cahill – 1-for-11 (.091), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:0 BB:K, .231 OBP
Benjie Molina v. Trevor Cahill – 1-for-11 (.091), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:0 BB:K, .091 OBP
Alex Rodriguez v. Daisuke Matsuzaka – 2-for-19 (.105), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 3:6 BB:K, .320 OBP
Shaun Marcum v. Orioles - .309/.382/.522 (136 AB)
Daisuke Matsuzaka v. Yankees - .336/.426/.560 (116 AB)
Recommended Pickup
Wilson Betemit, 3B, Royals – If you're still playing at this point, you are still alive in head-to-head playoffs or your roto league has come down to end game. While Betemit has not proven himself consistently worthy of playing time in the past, the Royals are giving him plenty of opportunity in the second half. Betemit has responded by tallying a .314 average and 13 home runs in just 261 at-bats. He will continue to play through the end of the season, so if he is available, it's time to give him a shot.
Other recent recommendations:Travis Wood, James McDonald, Evan Meek, Danny Valencia, Andy Pettitte
Projected Starters - A look at Sunday's matchups:
Royals (Bruce Chen – L) at Indians (Fausto Carmona – R), 1:05 ET
Twins (Brian Duensing – L) at Tigers (Rick Porcello – R), 1:05 ET
Orioles (Brian Matusz – L) at Blue Jays (Shaun Marcum – R), 1:07 ET
Astros (J.A. Happ – L) at Pirates ( – L), 1:35 ET
Mets (Pat Misch – L) at Phillies (Cole Hamels – L), 1:35 ET
Braves (Brandon Beachy – R) at Nationals (Livan Hernandez – R), 1:35 ET
Mariners (Luke French – L) at Rays (James Shields – R), 1:40 ET
Marlins (Adalberto Mendez – R) at Brewers (Chris Capuano – L), 2:10 ET
Cardinals (Jake Westbrook – R) at Cubs (Jeff Samardzija – R), 2:20 ET
Giants (Matt Cain – R) at Rockies (Jorge De La Rosa – L), 3:10 ET
White Sox (Tony Pena – R) at Angels (Jered Weaver – R), 3:35 ET
Reds (Homer Bailey – R) at Padres (Clayton Richard – L), 4:05 ET
Rangers (Colby Lewis – R) at Athletics (Trevor Cahill – R), 4:05 ET
Dodgers (Chad Billingsley – R) at Diamondbacks (Joe Saunders – L), 4:10 ET
Red Sox (Daisuke Matsuzaka – R) at Yankees (Dustin Moseley – R), 8:05 ET
Day game after a night game: NYM, PHI, HOU, PIT, FLA, MIL, LAD, ARI, SFO, COL, KAN, CLE, SEA, TAM, CHW, LAA
Injuries - A brief look at players who have been missing time with injuries and their expected returns
Day-to-Day (includes players expected to make their return from the DL)
Chris Perez, P, Indians (personal) – Perez is home for the birth of his child and he may take his time given the Indians have little to play for.
Russell Branyan, 1B, Mariners (back) – Still hasn't started batting practice.
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C, Red Sox (thumb) – Out for season.
Jason Donald, SS, Indians (finger) – Likely out for season.
Josh Hamilton, OF, Rangers (ribs) – Still not close to return.
Jerry Blevins, P, Athletics (shoulder) – Still unavailable, regular season return is doubtful.
Mike Lowell, 3B, Red Sox (head) – Not in Saturday's lineup after getting beaned with rogue one-hopper Friday.
Jose Valverde, P, Tigers (elbow) – Expected to be available Saturday.
Arthur Rhodes, P, Reds (foot) – Pitched Friday night.
Miguel Montero, C, Diamondbacks (personal) – Away from team for birth of child.
Jeffrey Karstens, P, Pirates (shoulder) – Should pitch out of bullpen before end of season.
Jeff Baker, 2B, Cubs (illness) – Not in Saturday's lineup.
Marlon Byrd, OF, Cubs (face) – Not in Saturday's lineup, could miss several days after taking ball to face off his own bat Friday.
Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, Nationals (ribs) – Not in Saturday's lineup, could be out for season.
Joey Votto, 1B, Reds (illness) – Back in Saturday's lineup.
Players on the DL
Frank Francisco, P, Rangers (back) – Says he should be able to make the playoffs, last few games of season are up in the air.
Transactions - Players who have been demoted, called up, traded, released, you name it. We'll cover it here.
None today
Closer Watch - A closer look at intriguing ninth-inning situations (check out Dave Regan's Closer Grid with the link to the left)
CLE – Chris Perez is away from the team for the birth of his child and Jensen Lewis appears to be first in line for save opportunities.
LAD – With Hong-Chih Kuo's elbow acting up, he did not pitch for the second day in a row on Friday. Instead, Kenley Jansen was given the opportunity to close out a two run lead over the Rockies and he picked up his second save.
TOR – Kevin Gregg on Friday ran into trouble in the ninth and was removed after allowing a run, two hits and a walk. Jesse Carlson replaced him to retire Matt Wieters and pick up the save.
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
Hunter Pence v. Paul Maholm – 11-for-35 (.314), 2 HR, 8 RBI, 1:2 BB:K, .324 OBP
Troy Tulowitzki v. Matt Cain – 14-for-42 (.333), 3 HR, 5 RBI, 3:10 BB:K, .378 OBP
Ryan Spilborghs v. Matt Cain – 7-for-19 (.368), 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2:5 BB:K, .429 OBP
Freddy Sanchez v. Jorge De La Rosa – 7-for-17 (.412), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 0:4 BB:K, .412 OBP
Adrian Gonzalez v. Homer Bailey – 4-for-9 (.444), 2 HR, 4 RBI, 0:3 BB:K, .444 OBP
Stephen Drew v. Chad Billingsley – 18-for-46 (.391), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 5:7 BB:K, .451 OBP
Miguel Montero v. Chad Billingsley – 7-for-17 (.412), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 4:4 BB:K, .524 OBP
Alex Gordon v. Fausto Carmona – 12-for-22 (.545), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2:3 BB:K, .583 OBP
Jason Kubel v. Rick Porcello – 10-for-17 (.588), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 0:2 BB:K, .588 OBP
Nick Markakis v. Shaun Marcum – 12-for-26 (.462), 5 HR, 6 RBI, 6:3 BB:K, .563 OBP
Juan Pierre v. Jered Weaver – 8-for-19 (.421), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:3 BB:K, .476 OBP
Mark Teahen v. Jered Weaver – 8-for-19 (.421), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 1:1 BB:K, .450 OBP
Derek Jeter v. Daisuke Matsuzaka – 7-for-16 (.438), 2 HR, 3 RBI, 3:2 BB:K, .571 OBP
Curtis Granderson v. Daisuke Matsuzaka – 6-for-11 (.545), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1:0 BB:K, .583 OBP
Jorge Posada v. Daisuke Matsuzaka – 6-for-12 (.500), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 0:1 BB:K, .500 OBP
Mark Teixeira v. Daisuke Matsuzaka – 3-for-7 (.429), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 3:1 BB:K, .600 OBP
Trevor Cahill v. Rangers - .184/.243/.258 (163 AB)
Jered Weaver v. White Sox - .248/.291/.359 (145 AB)
James Shields v. Mariners - .260/.285/.351 (131 AB)
Matt Cain v. Rockies - .189/.272/.357 (244 AB)
Jorge De La Rosa v. Giants - .218/.287/.333 (156 AB)
Cold
Carlos Lee v. Paul Maholm – 8-for-44 (.182), 0 HR, 4 RBI, 1:4 BB:K, .200 OBP
Michael Bourn v. Paul Maholm – 4-for-19 (.211), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 3:8 BB:K, .318 OBP
Ryan Howard v. Pat Misch – 1-for-9 (.111), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:1 BB:K, .111 OBP
Jose Reyes v. Cole Hamels – 6-for-29 (.207), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 3:6 BB:K, .281 OBP
Alex Gonzalez v. Livan Hernandez – 6-for-49 (.122), 0 HR, 3 RBI, 2:11 BB:K, .170 OBP
Derrek Lee v. Livan Hernandez – 8-for-42 (.190), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 3:12 BB:K, .244 OBP
Nate McLouth v. Livan Hernandez – 2-for-18 (.111), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2:6 BB:K, .190 OBP
Hanley Ramirez v. Chris Capuano – 0-for-11 (.000), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:2 BB:K, .000 OBP
Alfonso Soriano v. Jake Westbrook – 3-for-18 (.167), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:2 BB:K, .211 OBP
Todd Helton v. Matt Cain – 9-for-46 (.196), 2 HR, 3 RBI, 7:5 BB:K, .296 OBP
Ian Stewart v. Matt Cain – 5-for-22 (.227), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2:10 BB:K, .292 OBP
Carlos Gonzalez v. Matt Cain – 2-for-17 (.118), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 3:4 BB:K, .250 OBP
Clint Barmes v. Matt Cain – 1-for-18 (.056), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 0:4 BB:K, .053 OBP
Seth Smith v. Matt Cain – 0-for-13 (.000), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:1 BB:K, .071 OBP
Aaron Rowand v. Jorge De La Rosa – 3-for-18 (.143), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:7 BB:K, .143 OBP
Edgar Renteria v. Jorge De La Rosa – 1-for-14 (.071), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:2 BB:K, .071 OBP
Mark Reynolds v. Chad Billingsley – 6-for-29 (.207), 2 HR, 9 RBI, 5:11 BB:K, .306 OBP
Justin Upton v. Chad Billingsley – 5-for-27 (.185), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3:6 BB:K, .250 OBP
Ryan Church v. Chad Billingsley – 3-for-17 (.176), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2:5 BB:K, .300 OBP
Casey Blake v. Joe Saunders – 0-for-10 (.000), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2:1 BB:K, .167 OBP
Ryan Raburn v. Brian Duensing – 1-for-12 (.083), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:1 BB:K, .154 OBP
Michael Cuddyer v. Rick Porcello – 2-for-14 (.143), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2:3 BB:K, .294 OBP
Jose Lopez v. James Shields – 2-for-21 (.095), 0 HR, 0 RBI,0:2 BB:K, .095 OBP
Paul Konerko v. Jered Weaver – 1-for-14 (.071), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:3 BB:K, .067 OBP
Andruw Jones v. Jered Weaver – 1-for-10 (.100), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1:6 BB:K, .182 OBP
Julio Borbon v. Trevor Cahill – 2-for-16 (.125), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:1 BB:K, .125 OBP
Nelson Cruz v. Trevor Cahill – 1-for-13 (.077), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:2 BB:K, .133 OBP
Ian Kinsler v. Trevor Cahill – 1-for-11 (.091), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:0 BB:K, .231 OBP
Benjie Molina v. Trevor Cahill – 1-for-11 (.091), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:0 BB:K, .091 OBP
Alex Rodriguez v. Daisuke Matsuzaka – 2-for-19 (.105), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 3:6 BB:K, .320 OBP
Shaun Marcum v. Orioles - .309/.382/.522 (136 AB)
Daisuke Matsuzaka v. Yankees - .336/.426/.560 (116 AB)
Recommended Pickup
Wilson Betemit, 3B, Royals – If you're still playing at this point, you are still alive in head-to-head playoffs or your roto league has come down to end game. While Betemit has not proven himself consistently worthy of playing time in the past, the Royals are giving him plenty of opportunity in the second half. Betemit has responded by tallying a .314 average and 13 home runs in just 261 at-bats. He will continue to play through the end of the season, so if he is available, it's time to give him a shot.
Other recent recommendations:Travis Wood, James McDonald, Evan Meek, Danny Valencia, Andy Pettitte
