Sunday Lineup Card: Cain at Coors

Projected Starters – A look at Sunday's matchups:

Blue Jays (Brandon Morrow – R) at Yankees (Phil Hughes – R), 1:05
Athletics (Vin Mazzaro – R) at Indians (Fausto Carmona – R), 1:05
Mariners (Cliff Lee – L) at Tigers (Jeremy Bonderman – R), 1:05
Mets (Hisanori Takahashi – L) at Nationals (Craig Stammen – R), 1:35
Phillies (Joe Blanton –R) at Pirates (Jeff Karstens – R), 1:35
Orioles (Brian Matusz – L) at Red Sox (John Lackey – R), 1:35
Rays (James Shields – R) at Twins (Nick Blackburn – R), 2:10
Brewers (Yovani Gallardo – R) at Cardinals (Adam Wainwright – R), 2:15
Reds (Mike Leake – R) at Cubs (Ted Lilly – L), 2:20
Giants (Matt Cain – R) at Rockies (Jason Hammel – R), 3:10
Astros (Brett Myers – R) at Padres (Wade LeBlanc – L), 4:05
Dodgers (Chad Billingsley – R) at Diamondbacks (Dan Haren – R), 4:10
Marlins (Ricky Nolasco – R) at Braves (Tim Hudson – R), 5:05
White Sox (Mark Buehrle – L) at Rangers (Scott Feldman – R), 8:05
Royals (Anthony Lerew - R) at Angels (Joel Pineiro – R), 8:15

Day game after night game: DET, SEA, MIL, STL, OAK, CLE, PHI, PIT, BAL, BOS, SF, COL, HOU, SD, LAD, ARI

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)

Brian Schneider, C, PHI – (Thumb) Has a mild ligament sprain in his thumb that will keep him out a couple days.
Brad Hawpe, OF, COL – (Ribs) Sat out Saturday, and is questionable for Sunday's game.
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, SD – (Neck) Sat out Saturday's game, remains day-to-day.
Chris Carpenter, SP, STL – (forearm) Struggled on Saturday, and there is worry that it could be related to his forearm injury.
Juan Rivera, OF, LAA – (Eye) Missed a fourth straight game Saturday with blurry vision, expected to return in a couple days.
Shin-Soo Choo, OF, CLE – (Hand) Missed Saturday's game, and the results of his evaluation were not released yet.

Players on the DL

Carlos Beltran, OF, NYM – (Knee) Will likely remain on the DL until after the All-Star break.
Nate McLouth, OF, ATL – (Concussion) Having trouble adjusting to playing the heat. Could start a rehab assignment in about a week if his condition improves.
Ryan Madson, RP, PHI – (Toe) Hopes to return before the All-Star break.
Troy Tulowitzki, SS, COL – (Wrist) His wrist is healing well, and he may return earlier than originally expected.
Zach Duke, SP, PIT – (Elbow) Will start a Double-A rehab assignment on Monday.
Chien-Ming Wang, SP, WAS – (Shoulder) Still hasn't been given an expected return date.
Manny Ramirez, OF, LAD – (Hamstring) Placed on the 15-Day DL.
Ryan Ludwick, OF, STL – (Calf) Placed on the 15-Day DL.
Will Venable, OF, SD – (Back) Placed on the 15-Day DL.
Jordan Zimmerman, SP, WAS – (Elbow) Could be less than a month away from returning to the majors.
Steven Pearce, 1B, PIT – (Ankle) Shutdown after an MRI revealed patella tendinitis in his left knee.
Jody Gerut, OF, MIL – (Heel) Still feels uncomfortable when running, no timetable has been set for his return.
Derek Holland, SP, TEX – (Shoulder) On track to return by the end of July.
Josh Beckett, SP, BOS – (Back) Pitching in a rehab game on Tuesday.
Jason Varitek, C, BOS – (Foot) Will be in a walking boot for the next 2-to-3 weeks and could miss up to six weeks.
Jed Lowrie, SS, BOS – (Illness) Will begin a rehab assignment on Monday.
Mike Gonzalez, RP, BAL – (Shoulder) Nearing a return to the majors.
Marcus Thames, OF, NYY – (Hamstring) Could be activated from the DL as early as Sunday.
Sergio Mitre, RP, NYY – (Oblique) Could return to the majors shortly after the All-Star break.
Alfredo Aceves, RP, NYY – (Back) Will throw an advanced bullpen session on Monday, but isn't expected to return until after the All-Star break.
Nick Johnson, DH, NYY – (Wrist) Remains weeks away from rejoining the Yankees.
Matt Tolbert, 2B, MIN – (Finger) Placed on the 15-Day DL.
Dallas Braden, SP, OAK – (Elbow) Placed on the 15-Day DL.
Jim Johnson, RP, BAL – (Elbow) Still experiencing discomfort in his elbow, pushing back his expected return date.

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)
Matt Tolbert, 2B, Twins (retroactive to July 1)
Will Venable, OF, Padres (retroactive to July 2)
Ryan Ludwick, OF, Cardinals (retroactive to June 26)
Manny Ramirez, OF, Dodgers (retroactive to June 30)

Activated from the DL
Bobby Jenks, RP, CHW (activated from the bereavement list)
J.J. Hardy, SS, Twins
Ryan Perry, RP, Tigers

Called Up
Edwin Encarnacion, 3B, Blue Jays
Marc Rzepczynski, SP, Blue Jays
Cody Ransom, 3B, Phillies
Donnie Murphy, SS, Marlins
Jon Jay, OF, Cardinals
Aaron Cunningham, OF, Padres
Clay Mortensen, SP, Athletics
Travis Schlichting, RP, Dodgers
Xavier Paul, OF, Dodgers

Sent Down
Brian Bruney, RP, Mets
Jarrett Hoffpauir, 3B, Blue Jays
Ramon Troncoso, RP, Dodgers
Charlie Haeger, SP/RP, Dodgers
Casey Fien, RP, Tigers
Brian Bocock, SS, Phillies

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

White Sox – Bobby Jenks returned from the bereavement list on Friday, but he was not used in the White Sox' win over the Rangers. Matt Thornton earned the save. Manager Ozzie Guillen didn't want to rush Jenks back into action, because the closer hasn't pitched in the last week. He'll get some work in this weekend and reclaim the closer duties over the next few games.

Marlins – Leo Nunez blew his second straight save opportunity on Friday and earned the loss against the Braves. He doesn't appear to be in any immediate danger of losing his job, but, with three blown saves since June 15, it's worth keeping an eye on the situation and putting his possible replacements on your watch list. Clay Hensley, Brian Sanches, or Tim Wood are the most likely candidates to earn a chance at save opportunities for the Marlins if Nunez' struggles persist. With that noted, Nunez remains secure in the position at this time.

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

Angel Pagan v. Craig Stammen – 5-for-8 (.625), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:0 BB:K (.600 OBP)
Jack Cust v. Fausto Carmona – 3-for-8 (.375), 2 HR, 5 RBI, 4:4 BB:K (.583 OBP)
Yadier Molina v. Yovani Gallardo – 3-for-9 (.333), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3:2 BB:K (.538 OBP)
Magglio Ordonez v. Cliff Lee – 18-for-48 (.375), 1 HR, 5 RBI, 5:8 BB:K (.434 OBP)
Brandon Inge v. Cliff Lee – 15-for-39 (.385), 3 HR, 8 RBI, 5:12 BB:K (.455 OBP)
Milton Bradley v. Jeremy Bonderman – 6-for-15 (.400), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2:3 BB:K (.500 OBP)
Josh Bard v. Jeremy Bonderman – 4-for-11 (.364), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (.364 OBP)
Ramon Hernandez v. Ted Lilly – 6-for-17 (.353), 2 HR, 5 RBI, 6:3 BB:K (.522 OBP)
Jonny Gomes v. Ted Lilly – 3-for-8 (.375), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2:2 BB:K (.545 OBP)
Nick Markakis v. John Lackey – 10-for-30 (.333), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 5:8 BB:K (.429 OBP)
Aubrey Huff v. Jason Hammel – 4-for-9 (.444), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2:1 BB:K (.545 OBP)
Jason Kubel v. James Shields – 7-for-15 (.467), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 1:3 BB:K (.500 OBP)
David Eckstein v. Brett Myers – 5-for-12 (.417), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:1 BB:K (.500 OBP)
Vladimir Guerrero v. Mark Buehrle – 11-for-30 (.367), 4 HR, 6 RBI, 7:2 BB:K (.486 OBP)
Alex Rios v. Scott Feldman – 6-for-17 (.353), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (.386 OBP)
Paul Konerko v. Scott Feldman – 4-for-11 (.364), 2 HR, 5 RBI, 2:1 BB:K (.429 OBP)
Stephen Drew v. Chad Billingsley – 17-for-44 (.386), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 4:7 BB:K (.438 OBP)
Chris Young v. Chad Billingsley – 10-for-33 (.303), 3 HR, 6 RBI, 4:11 BB:K (.368 OBP)
Garrett Anderson v. Dan Haren – 12-for-34 (.353), 2 HR, 5 RBI, 2:7 BB:K (.389 OBP)
Davis DeJesus v. Joel Pineiro – 9-for-25 (.360), 0 HR, 6 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (.370 OBP)
Chipper Jones v. Ricky Nolasco – 13-for-28 (.464), 4 HR, 9 RBI, 3:2 BB:K (.500 OBP)
Yunel Escobar v. Ricky Nolasco – 10-for-24 (.417), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (.417 OBP)
Matt Diaz v. Ricky Nolasco – 7-for-15 (.467), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:6 BB:K (.529 OBP)

Adam Wainwright vs. Milwaukee Brewers – Wainwright has limited the Brewers' current lineup to a slash line of .198/.268./316 through 206 batters faced. He's one of the best pitchers in the majors this season, and although we can't recommend sitting people like Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun, expectations for anyone in the Brewers' lineup should be tempered on Sunday.

Matt Cain vs. Colorado Rockies – Cain has held the Rockies' current hitters to a slash line of .135/.258/.265 through 237 batters faced. He has a 10-6 record in 20 career starts against the Rockies, and he has a 3-2 record in 7 career starts at Coors Field. The Rockies' hitters did well against Lincecum on Friday, so they may have momentum on their side, but we're expecting Cain to have a bounce back game on Sunday after he struggled in his last two outings.

Cold

Derek Jeter v. Brandon Morrow – 1-for-11 (.091), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 2:4 BB:K (.231 OBP)
Aaron Hill v. Phil Hughes – 2-for-12 (.167), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (.231 OBP)
Lyle Overbay v. Phil Hughes – 2-for-11 (.182), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (.250 OBP)
Adam Lind v. Phil Hughes – 1-for-10 (.100), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:6 BB:K (.100 OBP)
Lastings Milledge v. Joe Blanton – 2-for-10 (.200), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:0 BB:K (.273 OBP)
Ryan Church v. Joe Blanton – 2-for-9 (.222), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (.300 OBP)
Randy Winn v. Yovani Gallardo – 3-for-15 (.200), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 1:5 BB:K (.250 OBP)
Rickie Weeks v. Adam Wainwright – 4-for-22 (.182), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 3:3 BB:K (.308 OBP)
Carlos Guillen v. Cliff Lee – 6-for-30 (.200), 1 HR, 5 RBI, 1:6 BB:K (.250 OBP)
Johnny Damon v. Cliff Lee – 2-for-22 (.091), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:3 BB:K (.130 OBP)
Ryan Rayburn v. Cliff Lee – 2-for-15 (.133), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:5 BB:K (.133 OBP)
Casey Kotchman v. Jeremy Bonderman – 3-for-15 (.200), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.235 OBP)
Cesar Izturis v. John Lackey – 5-for-27 (.185), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:4 BB:K (.185 OBP)
Julio Lugo v. John Lackey – 4-for-21 (.190), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2:5 BB:K (.261 OBP)
Ty Wigginton v. John Lackey – 4-for-20 (.200), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 3:3 BB:K (.304 OBP)
Adam Jones v. John Lackey – 5-for-21 (.238), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:8 BB:K (.238 OBP)
Corey Patterson v. John Lackey – 1-for-11 (.091), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:4 BB:K (.091 OBP)
Todd Helton v. Matt Cain – 9-for-46 (.196), 2 HR, 3 RBI, 7:5 BB:K (.296 OBP)
Carlos Gonzalez v. Matt Cain – 1-for-15 (.067), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:4 BB:K (.176 OBP)
Clint Barmes v. Matt Cain – 1-for-15 (.067), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 0:3 BB:K (.063 OBP)
Seth Smith v. Matt Cain – 0-for-13 (.000), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (.071 OBP)
Pablo Sandoval v. Jason Hammel – 2-for-12 (.167), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:2 BB:K (.286 OBP)
Juan Uribe v. Jason Hammel – 2-for-13 (.154), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:3 BB:K (.154 OBP)
Michael Young v. Mark Buehrle – 12-for-54 (.222), 1 HR, 8 RBI, 1:5 BB:K (.236 OBP)
A.J. Pierzynski v. Scott Feldman – 3-for-13 (.231), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:0 BB:K (.231 OBP)
Justin Upton v. Chad Billingsley – 5-for-24 (.208), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3:4 BB:K (.276 OBP)
Russell Martin v. Dan Haren – 5-for-32 (.156), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 3:9 BB:K (.250 OBP)
Rafael Furcal v. Dan Haren – 6-for-33 (.182), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2:7 BB:K (.229 OBP)
Reed Johnson v. Dan Haren – 4-for-18 (.222), 0 HR, 3 RBI, 1:4 BB:K (.263 OBP)
Ronnie Belliard v. Dan Haren – 4-for-17 (.235), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 0:1 BB:K (.235 OBP)
Cody Ross v. Tim Hudson – 2-for-12 (.167), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (.167 OBP)

Ricky Nolasco vs. Atlanta Braves – Nolasco has been punished by the Braves' current hitters to the tune of a .379/.401/.660 slash line through 153 batters faced. Everyone from McCann and Jones in the heart of the Braves' lineup to Matt Diaz at the bottom end of the lineup has hit well against Nolasco. We're leaving him on the bench Sunday.

Recommended Pickup

Dexter Fowler, OF, COL – Fowler rejoined the Rockies this week and was immediately slotted into the leadoff spot. He struggled to hit in his first two games but was still able to work a walk in each of those games. Then, in Thursday's game against the Giants, he got his bat working. He's gone 6-for-8 in his last two games with two triples, two steals, two walks, and a double. This is the same guy that stole five bases in a single game last season. Fowler will have to be more consistent to keep demanding playing time, but he should get a lot of run while he's hot. Pick him up if you're looking for speed.

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