Friday Lineup Card: First Interleague Weekend

Friday Lineup Card: First Interleague Weekend

This article is part of our The Lineup Card series.

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Friday's Starters

White Sox (Phil Humber – R) at Cubs (Jeff Samardzija – R), 2:20
Marlins (Carlos Zambrano – R) at Indians (Justin Masterson – R), 7:05
Pirates (Charlie Morton – R) at Tigers (Justin Verlander – R), 7:05
Red Sox (Dan Bard – R) at Phillies (Cole Hamels – L), 7:05
Orioles (Jake Arrieta – R) at Nationals (Edwin Jackson – R), 7:05
Reds (Bronson Arroyo – R) at Yankees (Andy Pettitte – L), 7:05
Mets (Jon Niese – L) at Jays (Ricky Romero – L), 7:07
Braves (Tommy Hanson – R) at Rays (James Shields – R), 7:10
Rangers (Neftali Feliz – R) at Astros (Wandy Rodriguez – L), 8:05
Twins (Scott Diamond – L) at Brewers (Marco Estrada – R), 8:10
Diamondbacks (Joe Saunders – L) at Royals (Luis Mendoza – R), 8:10
Mariners (Kevin Millwood – R) at Rockies (Alex White – R), 8:40
Angels (Jered Weaver – R) at Padres (Jeff Suppan – R), 10:05
Athletics (Jarrod Parker – R) at Giants (Barry Zito – L), 10:10
Cardinals (Lance Lynn – R) at Dodgers (Ted Lilly – L), 10:10

Day Game After Night Game: CHC

Injuries

Day-to-Day

Troy Tulowitzki, SS, COL (leg) – Played Wednesday, homered Thursday, so seemingly a non-issue
Carlos Beltran, OF, STL (knee) – Pinch-hit Thursday, so seems likely to avoid DL
Ryan Doumit, OF, MIN (calf) – In unexpected twist, avoids DL for now
Allen Craig, OF, STL (hamstring) – .373 hitter out Thursday
Travis Hafner, DH, CLE (hand) – Always something; left Thursday, but optimistic about Friday
Geovany Soto, C, CHC (knee) – Scratched Thursday with inflammation
Mike Carp, OF, SEA (shoulder) – Returned to the lineup Thursday as DH
Torii Hunter, OF, LAA (personal) – Out somewhat indefinitely, but likely a matter of days
Denard Span, OF, MIN (hamstring) – Missed third straight Thursday
Placido Polanco, 3B, PHI (knee) – Out Thursday after fouling one off himself Wednesday
Jack Hannahan, 3B, CLE (back) – Hopes to be back in Friday or Saturday
Chris Getz, 2B, KC (ribs) – Out Thursday after colliding with Chris Davis on Wednesday
Will Rhymes, 2B, DB (wrist) – Sat Thursday; x-rays negative
Austin Jackson, OF, DET (abdomen) – Out Thursday after suffering strain Wednesday
Ivan Nova, SP, NYY (ankle) – Skipped Wednesday bullpen, but says he'll pitch Saturday
James Darnell, 3B, SD (shoulder) – Left Thursday's game after suffering injury
Joaquin Arias, SS, SF (forearm) – Out again Thursday, just when he was getting some traction
Kyle McClellan, RP, STL (elbow) – Removed from Thursday's game
Mark Kotsay, OF, SD (back) – Making progress; back in next few days

Disabled List

Ryan Howard, 1B, PHI (Achilles) – Increasing workout activity, but still no timetable
Chris Young, OF, AZ (shoulder) – Could be back by end of weekend or early next week
Kevin Youkilis, 3B, BOS (back) – Playing in another Triple-A rehab game Friday; getting close
Dan Hudson, SP, AZ (shoulder) – One more rehab start Monday, then back to the bigs May 26-27
Carl Crawford, OF, BOS (elbow) – May start swinging a bat next week
Michael Morse, OF, WAS (back) – Could be back June 1, a week ahead of schedule
Chase Utley, 2B, PHI (knee) – Resumed infield work; could be nearing rehab assignment
Carlos Quentin, OF, SD (knee) – Got a cortisone shot; we'll see how he responds
Grady Sizemore, OF, CLE (back) – Took swings in the cage Wednesday; return looks like late June
Stephen Drew, SS, AZ (ankle) – Triple-A rehab assignment to start Sunday; could be a couple weeks
Carlos Marmol, RP, CHC (hamstring) – Anticipates returning when eligible May 27
Daisuke Matsuzaka, SP, BOS (elbow) – Ineffective on rehab assignment; 30-day clock running out
Jhoulys Chacin, SP, COL (shoulder) – Hid shoulder problems as far back as spring training
Carlos Gomez, OF, MIL (hamstring) – Hitless in first rehab game, but likely to return Sunday
Alex Gonzalez, SS, MIL (knee) – Had ACL surgery Thursday; done for the year
Jim Thome, 1B, PHI (back) – Taking live BP in Florida
Brandon Allen, 1B, TB (quad) – Started rehab assignment Thursday
Jonathan Sanchez, SP, KC (biceps) – Heading to Arizona to rehab his arm; weeks away
Jorge De La Rosa, SP, COL (elbow) – Had four-inning rehab start Thursday; looking at early June
Josh Tomlin, SP, CLE (wrist) – MRI showed only inflammation; will resume playing catch Friday
Eric Surkamp, SP, SF (elbow) – Had setback that may require surgery
Jeff Karstens, SP, PIT (shoulder) – Threw simulated game Wednesday, but not close to returning
Miguel Olivo, C, SEA (groin) – Getting close to rehab assignment; could be back next weekend
Luis Marte, RP, DET (hamstring) – Rehab assignment started Thursday
Rafael Perez, RP, CLE (shoulder) – Threw off a mound Wednesday; no timetable yet
Michael Martinez, 2B, PHI (foot) – Taking live BP; no timetable for rehab yet

Transactions

Placed on DL

Nick Blackburn, SP, MIN (thigh)
Brandon Inge, 3B, OAK (groin)
Brandon Guyer, OF, TB (shoulder)
Jason Bartlett, SS, SD (knee)
Chris Nelson, SS, COL (wrist)

Activated from DL

Optioned to Triple-A

Danny Worth, 2B, DET
D.J. Carrasco, RP, NYM (DFA)
Nathan Adcock, RP, KC
Vin Mazzaro, SP, KC
Brandon Kintzler, RP, MIL
Adam Lind, 1B, TOR
Scott Maine, RP, CHC

Called Up

Ben Revere, OF, MIN
Robert Carson, RP, NYM
Brayan Villareal, RP, DET
Adam Rosales, 2B, OAK
Louis Coleman, RP, KC
Everett Teaford, SP, KC
Yan Gomes, C, TOR
Everth Cabrera, SS, SD
Alexi Amarista, 2B, SD

Claimed Off Waivers

Eric Stults, RP, SD (from CHW)
Matt Antonelli, 2B, NYY (from BAL)

Released

Orlando Hudson, 2B, SD

Closer Watch

Mets – Frank Francisco saw his save situation turn into a blowout win Thursday, but he got into the game anyway, got two outs, then gave up a walk and a double to make sure Mets fans weren't too relaxed before he finished it off. Bobby Parnell's star is rising, meanwhile – Terry Collins loves his stuff, and with a scoreless inning Thursday, Parnell collected his first win and lowered his ERA to an even 2.00. Look into owning Parnell before the bidding war that'll come with his ascent to the closing role.

Mariners – Brandon League had a horrendous 11th inning Thursday after his team got him the lead, allowing five baserunners (three walks, two hits) and three runs while only recording one out for the blown save and loss. With a 1.44 WHIP and horrible 10:10 K:BB, League could be pitching his way out of the job. The Seattle bullpen isn't exactly strong, but Tom Wilhelmsen is widely considered the second chair, and Steve Delabar (also blown up Thursday, but he's been effective overall) could be considered as well.

Athletics – Brian Fuentes worked around a 10th-inning single Thursday for his third straight save since being named closer. Of course, he gave up a run in the other two, so it hasn't quite been all roses for Fuentes. I still like the hard-throwing Fautino De Los Santos to take over at some point this year, but he's stuck in the minors right now.

Rockies – Full-on bullpen meltdown for Colorado on Thursday, as four separate relievers gave up runs and only one (Josh Roenicke, who faced one batter) didn't allow a baserunner. Rex Brothers was blown up to the point that it's probably time to return him to the minors for a stretch, while closer Rafael Betancourt gave up a two-run homer in a non-save situation. Oddly, this night may have made Betancourt's job more secure, as Brothers has such horrible numbers that he has no chance at closing for a while.

Diamondbacks – J.J. Putz made it very, very interesting Thursday, giving up three singles to load the bases with nobody out, but then got a strikeout and a double play to escape the jam and record the save. He's got a vote of confidence, and handcuff David Hernandez allowed five baserunners and three runs in less than an inning, which helps Putz's job security.

Red Sox – Alfredo Aceves knocked down his eighth save Thursday, and his ugly season numbers thanks to an early blowup have hidden that he has a 1.80 ERA in May. Andrew Bailey, sitting on the 60-day DL, is starting to stir, though.

KEY MATCHUPS: HOT

Hot Batter MatchupsAt-BatsAVGHRXBHRBIBBKSLGOBPOPS
Adrian Gonzalez - 1BBOS @ PHI
5/18 7:05 PM
Cole Hamels8-22.36422237.636.4621.098
Dustin Pedroia - 2BBOS @ PHI
5/18 7:05 PM
Cole Hamels5-10.500131021.000.5001.500
Cody Ross - OFBOS @ PHI
5/18 7:05 PM
Cole Hamels9-30.30045613.733.3231.056
Eric Chavez - 3BNYY vs CIN
5/18 7:05 PM
Bronson Arroyo5-14.35712302.643.3571.000
Alex Rodriguez - 3BNYY vs CIN
5/18 7:05 PM
Bronson Arroyo5-16.31312213.563.389.952
Kelly Johnson - 2BTOR vs NYM
5/18 7:07 PM
Jon Niese4-10.40001013.500.455.955
Ian Kinsler - 2BTEX @ HOU
5/18 8:05 PM
Wandy Rodriguez9-13.692254201.385.7332.118
Michael Cuddyer - OFCOL vs SEA
5/18 8:40 PM
Kevin Millwood12-28.42926432.786.4841.270
Jason Giambi - 1BCOL vs SEA
5/18 8:40 PM
Kevin Millwood8-19.42133524.895.4761.371
Todd Helton - 1BCOL vs SEA
5/18 8:40 PM
Kevin Millwood4-11.36411372.636.6111.247
Albert Pujols - 1BLAA @ SD
5/18 10:05 PM
Jeff Suppan14-39.35916643.564.409.973
 
Hot Pitcher MatchupsAt-BatsOpp
AVG
HR
Allow
XBH
Allow
RBI
Allow
BBKOpp
SLG
Opp
OBP
Opp
OPS
Bronson ArroyoCIN @ NYY
5/18 7:05 PM
Yankees Batters25-114.219379924.327.301.628
Ted LillyLAD vs STL
5/18 10:10 PM
Cardinals Batters16-105.1534571219.283.236.520

 

KEY MATCHUPS: COLD

Cold Batter MatchupsAt-BatsAVGHRXBHRBIBBKSLGOBPOPS
Andruw Jones - OFNYY vs CIN
5/18 7:05 PM
Bronson Arroyo1-15.06711224.267.167.434
Russell Martin - CNYY vs CIN
5/18 7:05 PM
Bronson Arroyo4-20.20000217.200.238.438
Mark Teixeira - 1BNYY vs CIN
5/18 7:05 PM
Bronson Arroyo2-13.15400024.154.353.507
Dan Uggla - 2BATL @ TB
5/18 7:10 PM
James Shields3-15.20001134.267.333.600
Billy Butler - DHKC vs ARI
5/18 8:10 PM
Joe Saunders1-10.10000041.100.357.457
Ramon Hernandez - CCOL vs SEA
5/18 8:40 PM
Kevin Millwood3-20.15000405.150.150.300
Marco Scutaro - SSCOL vs SEA
5/18 8:40 PM
Kevin Millwood4-28.14300434.143.212.355
Lance Berkman - 1BSTL @ LAD
5/18 10:10 PM
Ted Lilly3-31.09711229.194.147.341
Yadier Molina - CSTL @ LAD
5/18 10:10 PM
Ted Lilly6-31.19411235.290.265.555
Skip Schumaker - 2BSTL @ LAD
5/18 10:10 PM
Ted Lilly1-13.07700000.077.077.154
 
Cold Pitcher MatchupsAt-BatsOpp
AVG
HR
Allow
XBH
Allow
RBI
Allow
BBKOpp
SLG
Opp
OBP
Opp
OPS
Cole HamelsPHI vs Bos
5/18 7:05 PM
Red Sox Batters30-86.34991414518.716.3911.106
Kevin MillwoodSEA @ Col
5/18 8:40 PM
Rockies Batters33-108.306612211517.537.387.924
 

Recommended Pickup

Yonder Alonso, OF, SD – The fantasy community is largely sleeping on the former top prospect, but he's quietly been hot in the month of May, hitting .333 with a homer, a steal and seven RBI in 15 games. The Cuban import is a good guy for OBP leagues, and he's got some pop as well. He's certainly more than roster-worthy in most NL-only formats, and deeper mixers (especially keeper leagues) as well.

Other Recent Recommendations: Jarrod Dyson, Anthony Bass, Jordan Lyles, Kyle Seager, Josh Reddick

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DraftStreet Lineup

C: Jesus Montero, SEA ($5,135)
1B: Prince Fielder, DET ($8,387)
2B: Howie Kendrick, LAA ($5,885)
3B: David Wright, NYM ($9,311)
SS: Jed Lowrie, HOU ($4,985)
OF: Ryan Braun, MIL ($9,994)
OF: Justin Upton, AZ ($6,142)
OF: Matt Joyce, TB ($6,982)
UT: Cody Ross, BOS ($5,907)
UT: Michael Cuddyer, COL ($7,646)
SP: Jarrod Parker, OAK ($9,385)
SP: James Shields, TB ($14,927)
RP: Chris Perez, CLE ($2,432)
P: Kenley Jansen, LAD ($2,750)

Total: 99,848

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andrew Fiorentino
Managing hockey editor, talent wrangler, football columnist, FSWA's 2015 fantasy hockey writer of the year. Twitter: @akfiorentino
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