The Lineup Card: Manny vs. Andy

Padres (Mat Latos - R) at Marlins (Anibal Sanchez - R), 1:10
Twins (Scott Baker - R) at Mets (Jonathon Niese – L), 1:10
Indians (Mitch Talbot – R) at Reds (Bronson Arroyo – R), 1:10
Nationals (Luis Atilano – R) at Orioles (Jeremy Guthrie – R), 1:35
Tigers (Justin Verlander – R) at Braves (Tommy Hanson – R), 1:35
Phillies (Jamie Moyer – L) at Blue Jays (Brett Cecil – L), 1:35
Diamondbacks (Rodrigo Lopez – R) at Rays (Wade Davis – R), 1:40
Cubs (Ryan Dempster – R) at White Sox (John Danks – L), 2:05
Mariners (Jason Vargas – L) at Brewers (Chris Narveson – L), 2:10
Cardinals (Jaime Garcia – L) at Royals (Bruce Chen – L), 2:10
Rockies (Jhoulys Chacin – R) at Angels (Ervin Santana – R), 3:35
Pirates (Ross Ohlendorf – R) at Athletics (Gio Gonzalez – L), 4:05
Red Sox (Jon Lester – L) at Giants (Tim Lincecum – R), 4:05
Astros (Roy Oswalt – R) at Rangers (Tommy Hunter – R), 8:05
Yankees (Andy Pettitte – L) at Dodgers (Clayton Kershaw – L), 8:05

Day game after night game: SD, FLA, BOS, SF, CHC, CHW, CLE, CIN, PIT, OAK, COL, 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)

Brad Hawpe, OF, COL – (Ribs) Ribs not broken, but he didn't start Saturday
Neil Walker, 2B, PIT – (Head) Has a concussion and won't play Sunday; will be further evaluated by team doctors
Angel Pagan, OF, NYM – (Upper Body) Reported improvement on Friday, but he remains out of lineup on Saturday, and his status for Sunday is up in the air.
Ryan Ludwick, OF, STL – (Calf) Not in Saturday's lineup; remains day-to-day
Jason Heyward, OF, ATL – (Thumb) Thumb preventing him from gripping bat; won't play Sunday
Jason Motte, P, STL – (Calf) Left Saturday's game with cramps
Dave Ross, C, ATL – (Hand) Underwent CT scan on hand Saturday; results not yet available
Billy Wagner, P, ATL – (Ankle) Cortisone shot on Saturday; not expected to miss much time
Carl Crawford, OF, TB – (Shoulder) Did not start on Friday, but was used as a pinch runner. He'll spend Saturday on the bench, with the hope of returning for Sunday's game.
Ty Wigginton, 3B, BAL – (Back) Did not play Friday, and was not in the lineup for Saturday's game.
J.D. Drew, OF, BOS – (Hamstring) Didn't return to the lineup Saturday as expected; still day-to-day
Clay Buchholz, P, BOS – (Knee) Left Saturday's start with a hyperextended knee

Players on the DL

Homer Bailey, SP, CIN – (Shoulder) Will resume throwing on Monday, remains about three weeks away from a return to the Reds.
Mike Lincoln, RP, CIN – (Oblique) Hasn't thrown since going on the DL, and no timetable has been established for his return.
Jair Jurrjens, SP, ATL – (Hamstring) Plans on returning on Wednesday if everything goes smoothly in his Sunday bullpen.
Matt Stairs, OF, SD – (Knee) Was able to run full speed before Friday's game, his return is imminent, with Monday looking like a good bet.
Nate McLouth, OF, ATL – (Head) Has finally shaken the headaches that have plagued him for the last two week, he was scheduled to meet with doctors for an assessment on Friday.
Matt Diaz, OF, ATL – (Thumb) Has taken batting practice the last few days, will likely go on a rehab assignment soon with the hopes of returning before the All-Star break.
Jorge De La Rosa, SP, COL – (Finger) Felt good after Friday's bullpen, will make his second rehab appearance on Sunday, and the Rockies still hope to have him return before the All-Star break.
Taylor Buchholz, RP, COL – (Elbow) Did well in his rehab appearance on Thursday, and could return to the Rockies in the next 10 days or so.
Carlos Beltran, OF, NYM – (Knee) Aiming to return the Thursday following the All-Star break, July 15.
Carlos Monasterios, SP/RP, LAD – (Finger) Had a pain-free bullpen session on Friday, should return to the bullpen on July 4.
Todd Wellemeyer, SP/RP, SF – (Quadriceps) Remains sore, but should return in a bullpen role in the next 10-to-14 days.
Jody Gerut, OF, MIL – (Heel) Took batting practice on Friday for the first time since going on the DL, remains a couple weeks away from a return.
Felipe Paulino, SP, HOU – (Shoulder) Expects to return for the Astros' next home stand on July 6.
Charlie Morton, SP, PIT – (Shoulder) Expected to be recalled to the Pirates sometime during the next week.
Joey Devine, RP, OAK – (Elbow) Expected to miss at least another month.
Justin Duchscherer, SP, OAK – (Hip) Will be on crutches for two more weeks, aiming to return next spring.
Ryan Perry, RP, DET – (Biceps) Will begin a rehab stint with Triple-A Toledo on Saturday, should be activated sometime next week.
Luis Montanez, OF, BAL – (Oblique) Set to be placed on the 15-Day DL.
Asdrubal Cabrera, SS, CLE – (Arm) Making steady progress in his rehab, and could rejoin the Indians around the All-Star break.
Shawn Kelley, RP, SEA – (Elbow) Placed on the 15-Day DL on Friday.
Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, BOS – (Ribs) Has seen improvement in his ribs, but he still isn't ready for baseball activities.
Bobby Seay, RP, DET – (Shoulder) Is considering season-ending surgery due to a lack of progress during his strength conditioning program.
Brian Roberts, 2B, BAL – (Back) Resuming light baseball activities, but may not return until August

Transactions – Players that have been demoted, called up, traded, released, you name it. We'll cover it here.

Placed on the DL (15-Day unless otherwise noted)
Carlos Zambrano, SP, Cubs (suspended indefinitely)
Zach Miner, SP/RP, Tigers (transferred from the 15-Day DL to the 60-Day DL)
Shawn Kelley, RP, Mariners (retroactive to June 16)
Dustin Pedroia, 2B, Red Sox

Activated from the DL
Doug Fister, SP, Mariners
Everth Cabrera, SS, Padres

Called Up
Jon Link, RP, Dodgers
Adam Ottavino, SP/RP, Cardinals
Matt Joyce, OF, Rays
Andrew Oliver, SP, Tigers
Jason Repko, OF, Twins
Jose Veras, RP, Marlins
Aaron Laffey, SP, Indians
Fabio Castro, RP, Red Sox
Angel Sanchez, SS, Red Sox
Bradley Bergesen, SP, Orioles
Daniel McCutchen, SP, Pirates
Madison Bumgarner, SP, Giants
Brian Schlitter, RP, Cubs

Sent Down
Jeff Manship, SP/RP, Twins
James Houser, RP, Marlins
Charlie Haeger, SP/RP, Dodgers
Chad Tracy, 3B, Cubs
Jeff Stevens, RP, Cubs
Steven Jackson, RP, Pirates
Emmanuel Burris, 2B, Giants
Joseph Martinez, RP, Giants
Travis Schlichting, RP, Dodgers
Shane Lindsay, RP, Indians
Adam Moore, C, Mariners
Fernando Salas, RP, Cardinals
Dusty Ryan, C, Padres
Jensen Lewis, RP, Indians
Luis Valbuena, 2B, Indians
Dioner Navarro, C, Rays
Brendan Harris, SS, Twins
Jay Sborz, RP, Tigers
Josh Reddick, OF, Red Sox

Closer Watch – A closer look at intriguing ninth-inning situations (check out Dave Regan's Closer Grid with the link to the left).

Baltimore – Alfredo Simon was given the ball with the game tied in the ninth on Friday night and came away with the win. It wasn't a save opportunity, but it was close enough. The Orioles should continue to give Simon the ball in high-pressure situations, and, despite his bloated 1.76 WHIP, Simon has performed well when given the chance to close out games. If he's available in your league, and you don't have a full complement of closers, go pick him up.

Colorado – Manuel Corpas earned his 10th save of the season on Friday, but he is not the first man in line to get saves out of the Rockies these days. Matt Belisle has filled in the closer's role over the last week while the team eases Huston Street back into the closer role. Corpas picked up the save in the 11th inning on Friday because Belisle had already thrown 2.2 innings of relief. Street should emerge as the closer sooner than later, and Belisle is the man to own on a day-to-day basis right now.

Houston – There were some thoughts that Brandon Lyon might start stealing save opportunities away from Matt Lindstrom when Lindstrom had issues with his back a few weeks ago. Those worries have since been squashed. Lindstrom has converted his last three save opportunities, and it's probably safe to drop Lyon if you're still holding out hope that he could pilfer saves. Lindstrom has the job relatively secure at the moment.

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

Travis Hafner v. Bronson Arroyo – 7-for-13 (.538), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (.538 OBP)
Austin Kearns v. Bronson Arroyo – 3-for-10 (.300), 2 HR, 5 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (.300 OBP)
Cristian Guzman v. Jeremy Guthrie – 4-for-13 (.308), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2:2 BB:K (.438 OBP)
Aaron Hill v. Jamie Moyer – 10-for-23 (.435), 3 HR, 5 RBI, 2:4 BB:K (.480 OBP)
Jose Molina v. Jamie Moyer – 6-for-15 (.400), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2:2 BB:K (.500 OBP)
Lyle Overbay v. Jamie Moyer – 6-for-17 (.353), 1 HR, 6 RBI, 1:4 BB:K (.389 OBP)
John McDonald v. Jamie Moyer – 6-for-16 (.375), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 0:3 BB:K (.353 OBP)
Alex Gonzalez v. Jamie Moyer – 4-for-9 (.444), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (.500 OBP)
Hank Blalock v. Rodrigo Lopez – 7-for-15 (.467), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1:3 BB:K (.500 OBP)
Alexei Ramirez v. Ryan Dempster – 4-for-11 (.364), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 0:1 BB:K (.364 OBP)
Juan Pierre v. Ryan Dempster – 6-for-16 (.375), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (.444 OBP)
A.J. Pierzynski v. Ryan Dempster – 7-for-19 (.368), 1 HR, 6 RBI, 2:1 BB:K (.429 OBP)
Andruw Jones v. Ryan Dempster – 13-for-40 (.325), 2 HR, 8 RBI, 5:5 BB:K (.383 OBP)
Omar Vizquel v. Ryan Dempster – 4-for-11 (.364), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:0 BB:K (.364 OBP)
Ian Kinsler v. Roy Oswalt – 6-for-13 (.462), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2:2 BB:K (.533 OBP)
Manny Ramirez v. Andy Pettitte – 32-for-77 (.416), 4 HR, 20 RBI, 7:7 BB:K (.465 OBP)
Garret Anderson v. Andy Pettitte – 33-for-82 (.402), 3 HR, 10 RBI, 1:11 BB:K (.410 OBP)

Cold

Jhonny Peralta v. Bronson Arroyo – 2-for-12 (.167), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 3:3 BB:K (.333 OBP)
Ryan Zimmerman v. Jeremy Guthrie – 1-for-11 (.091), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.167 OBP)
Melky Cabrera v. Justin Verlander – 2-for-11 (.182), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2:2 BB:K (.308 OBP)
Paul Konerko v. Ryan Dempster – 1-for-9 (.111), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:3 BB:K (.273 OBP)
Marlon Byrd v. John Danks – 1-for-12 (.083), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:5 BB:K (.083 OBP)
Jason Giambi v. Ervin Santana – 1-for-16 (.063), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 4:3 BB:K (.286 OBP)
Pat Burrell v. Jon Lester – 2-for-12 (.167), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 1:4 BB:K (.231 OBP)
Jamey Carroll v. Andy Pettitte – 2-for-15 (.133), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:0 BB:K (.235 OBP)
Reed Johnson v. Andy Pettitte – 1-for-11 (.091), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 3:1 BB:K (.286 OBP)

Jamie Moyer vs. Toronto Blue Jays – The Blue Jays' current lineup has Moyer's number. Through 165 batters faced, he's allowed the Blue Jays' current hitter to shellac him to the tune of a .338/.394/.595 slash line. Moyer will have the recently revived Philly bats backing him up, but he'll need to find a new approach against the Blue Jays on Sunday if he wants to escape unscathed.

Ryan Dempster vs. Chicago White Sox – Dempster is running up against a White Sox team that has come on late and is in the midst of a 10-game winning streak. Beyond that, his track record against their current lineup isn't pretty. Through 151 batters faced, Dempster has allowed the White Sox to his a slash line of .323/.383/.481. With the dominant John Danks pitching for the South Siders, throwing Dempster out there on Sunday is a heck of a crapshoot.

Andy Pettitte vs. Los Angeles Dodgers – Pettitte is a feast or famine pitcher. He can be extremely good or extremely mediocre depending on the day. While the career numbers point to Pettitte having a rough day against the Dodgers on Sunday, a closer examination shows that most of the damage from the Dodgers' current lineup came from guys who are now past their prime. Manny Ramirez and Garrett Anderson aren't the same offensive threats that they were three or more years ago. Pettitte is facing Clayton Kershaw, which will hurt his chances of picking up a win, but he should perform well against the Dodgers on Sunday, despite his .333/.378/.498 slash line against their current lineup. He has a 2-0 record in three career starts at Dodger Stadium.

Recommended Pickup

Corey Patterson, OF, BAL – Scott Pianowski, lauded fantasy guru, is a smart guy, and I, trying to be successful in this business, steal ideas from smart guys. Patterson, on the other hand, is performing his thievery in a more respectable manner. Since joining the Orioles, Patterson has been used almost exclusively out of the leadoff spot, and he's used the position to rack up some decent fantasy numbers. Through 138 at-bats, he has a .268 average, three home runs, 20 runs scored and 12 stolen bases. They're letting him run in Baltimore, and they have little reason to tell him to slow down in that struggling offense. Deep mixed league teams with a need for steals will want to give Patterson a look. He isn't fun to own, but he could steal another 15-20 bags over the remainder of the season. Thanks for the heads up on Patterson, Mr. Pianowski; your work transcends you.

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