The Lineup Card: Tough Twin Bill For Mets

Projected Starters – A look at Saturday's matchups (all times Eastern)

Brewers (Yovani Gallardo - R) at Nationals (Jason Marquis - R), 1:05 PM
Orioles (Jeremy Guthrie - R) at Indians (Josh Tomlin - R), 1:05 PM
Rangers (Derek Holland - L) at Yankees (Freddy Garcia - R), 1:05 PM
Pirates (James McDonald - R) at Reds (Edinson Volquez - R), 1:10 PM
Mariners (Felix Hernandez - R) at Royals (Sean O'Sullivan - R), 1:10 PM
Blue Jays (Jo-Jo Reyes - L) at Red Sox (Josh Beckett - R), 1:10 PM
Angels (Tyler Chatwood - R) at White Sox (Gavin Floyd - R), 4:10 PM
Twins (Scott Baker - R) at Rays (Jeff Niemann - R), 4:10 PM
Mets (D.J. Carrasco - R) at Braves (Derek Lowe - R), 4:10 PM
Mets (Mike Pelfrey - R) at Braves (Jair Jurrjens - R), Game 2 (DH)
Marlins (Anibal Sanchez - R) at Phillies (Cole Hamels - L), 7:05 PM
Padres (Mat Latos - R) at Astros (Nelson Figueroa - L), 7:05 PM
Cubs (Casey Coleman - R) at Rockies (Jason Hammel - T), 8:10 PM
Giants (Barry Zito - L) at Diamondbacks (Joe Saunders - L), 8:10 PM
Tigers (Justin Verlander - R) at A's (Dallas Braden - L), 9:05 PM
Cardinals (Kyle McClellan - R) at Dodgers (Clayton Kershaw - L), 10:10 PM

Day game after a night game: MIL, WAS, BAL, CLE, TEX, NYY, PIT, CIN, SEA, KC, TOR, BOS, NYM, ATL, LAA, CWS, MIN, TB

Injuries – A brief look at players who have been missing time with minor ailments and their expected returns

Day-to-Day (includes players expected to make their return from the DL)
Magglio Ordonez, OF, DET - (Ankle) Hopes to return to lineup Saturday
Jay Bruce, OF, CIN - (Groin) Returned to the lineup Friday
Brandon Phillips, 2B, CIN - (Groin) Did not start Friday's game
Kosuke Fukudome, OF, CHC - (Hamstring) Did not start Friday's game
Carlos Pena, 1B, CHC - (Thumb) Returned to the lineup Friday
Freddy Sanchez, 2B, SF - (Shoulder) Returned to the lineup Friday
Franklin Morales, RP, COL - (Ankle) Injury not believed to be serious
Mark DeRosa, OF, SF - (Wrist) Still day-to-day
Roy Oswalt, SP, PHI - Left Friday's game with a lower back strain
Colby Lewis, SP, TEX - Placed on paternity leave list; will return to the team after the weekend
Edwin Encarnacion, 3B, TOR - Placed on bereavement list
Hong-Chih Kuo, RP, LAD - Dealing with back soreness

Players on the DL
Zack Greinke, SP, MIL - (Rib) Will begin rehab assignment Tuesday
Corey Hart, OF, MIL - (Oblique) Will begin rehab assignment Tuesday
Joe Mauer, C, MIN - (Legs) Also dealing with viral infection, which could be contributing to soreness/weakness
Ubaldo Jimenez, SP, COL - (Thumb) Will be activated Tuesday
Jason Bay, OF, NYM (Rib) Played in extended spring training game Friday
Brian Matusz, SP, BAL - (Back) Still feeling soreness in oblique area
Andrew Bailey, RP, OAK - (Forearm) Threw bullpen session Thursday; will throw another in a few days
Michael Wuertz, RP, OAK - (Hamstring) Will begin rehab assignment Saturday
Cody Ross, OF, SF - (Calf) Could be activated early next week
Colin Curtis, OF, NYY - (Shoulder) Underwent shoulder surgery Friday
Jose Arredondo, RP, CIN (Shoulder) Will likely spend full 30 days of rehab assignment at Double-A
Ryah Perry, RP, DET - (Eye) Began rehab assignment Friday
Clint Barmes, 2B, HOU - (Hand) Will be reevaluated Monday
Ronny Paulino, C, NYM - (Illness) Began rehab assignment Friday

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

Placed on the DL (15-day DL unless otherwise noted)
Phil Hughes, SP, NYY
Andres Torres, OF, SF
Pedro Feliciano, RP, NYY - transferred to 60-day DL
Aaron Heilman, RP, AZ
Wilton Lopez, RP, HOU

Activated from DL
Joe Smith, RP, CLE

Called Up
Joe Beimel, RP, COL
Michael Kirkman, P, TEX
Steve Holm, C, MIN
Luis Perez, P, TOR
Jose Valdez, RP, HOU
Josh Collmenter, P, AZ
Lance Pendleton, P, NYY
Mike McCoy, SS, TOR
Darren Ford, OF, SF

Closer Watch – A closer look at intriguing ninth-inning situations (also check out our Closer Grid)

Colorado - Matt Lindstrom replaced an ineffective Huston Street in Game 1 of Thursday's doubleheader and picked up the final two outs of the game to record his second save. Street's job is safe, but Lindstrom is not a bad guy to have on your fantasy roster either - he strikes out a lot of batters and will pick up saves from time to time when Street struggles or is unavailable.

Minnesota - After Carl Pavano tossed eight scoreless innings in Thursday's game, Joe Nathan gave up two earned runs in the ninth inning of Thursday's game to blow his first save of the season. With the game still tied in the bottom of the 10th, setup man Matt Capps entered the game and promptly gave up a two-run, walk-off home run to Johnny Damon. It would take a couple rough outings from Nathan for the Twins to even consider making a change to the bullpen pecking order.

Baltimore - Kevin Gregg served up a home run to Jorge Posada in the ninth inning of Thursday's game to blow his first save of the season. Gregg remains at the top of the list in the Orioles' bullpen, but Koji Uehara and Mike Gonzalez both remain in the discussion.

Houston - Brandon Lyon picked up his second save of the season Thursday and has not given up a run since allowing three in an Opening Day loss to the Phillies. With Wilton Lopez heading to the disabled list, Mark Melancon is likely second in line for saves in Houston at the moment.

Key Matchups

Hot
Adam LaRoche v. Yovani Gallardo - 5-for-16 (.313), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 3:5 BB:K (.421 OBP)
Craig Counsell v. Jason Marquis - 10-for-30 (.333), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 4:2 BB:K (.412 OBP) *career cycle; check lineup
Ryan Braun v. Jason Marquis - 7-for-15 (.467), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.529 OBP)
Nyjer Morgan v. Jason Marquis - 6-for-14 (.429), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:3 BB:K (.500 OBP)
Ryan Doumit v. Edinson Volquez - 5-for-13 (.385), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (.385 OBP) *check lineup
Mike Cameron v. Jo-Jo Reyes - 2-for-6 (.333), 2 HR, 5 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.429 OBP) *boom-or-bust; check lineup
Aaron Hill v. Josh Beckett - 13-for-32 (.406), 1 HR, 8 RBI, 1:3 BB:K (.441 OBP)
Adam Lind v. Josh Beckett - 8-for-16 (.500), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.529 OBP)
Alberto Callaspo v. Gavin Floyd - 6-for-20 (.300), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 0:5 BB:K (.300 OBP) *career cycle
Vernon Wells v. Gavin Floyd - 5-for-15 (.333), 1 HR, 5 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.375 OBP)
David Wright v. Derek Lowe - 9-for-28 (.321), 1 HR, 5 RBI, 0:1 BB:K (.321 OBP)
Daniel Murphy v. Derek Lowe - 4-for-12 (.333), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 0:0 BB:K (.333 OBP)
Brian McCann v. Mike Pelfrey - 18-for-39 (.462), 2 HR, 10 RBI, 5:3 BB:K (.533 OBP)
Chipper Jones v. Mike Pelfrey - 10-for-26 (.385), 3 HR, 5 RBI, 11:4 BB:K (.553 OBP)
Dan Uggla v. Mike Pelfrey - 12-for-29 (.414), 0 HR, 10 RBI, 2:5 BB:K (.486 OBP)
Martin Prado v. Mike Pelfrey - 8-for-19 (.421), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 3:3 BB:K (.500 OBP)
Willie Harris v. Jair Jurrjens - 6-for-12 (.500), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 2:1 BB:K (.571 OBP)
Ryan Howard v. Anibal Sanchez - 6-for-20 (.300), 2 HR, 4 RBI, 8:4 BB:K (.500 OBP)
Jimmy Rollins v. Anibal Sanchez - 8-for-22 (.364), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2:3 BB:K (.417 OBP)
Carlos Ruiz v. Anibal Sanchez - 5-for-15 (.333), 0 HR, 3 RBI, 4:3 BB:K (.474 OBP)
Placido Polanco v. Anibal Sanchez - 5-for-10 (.500), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 0:0 BB:K (.500 OBP) *career cycle
Omar Infante v. Cole Hamels - 10-for-31 (.323), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 0:4 BB:K (.323 OBP)
Chris Coghlan v. Cole Hamels - 6-for-13 (.462) 2 HR, 4 RBI, 3:2 BB:K (.563 OBP)
Stephen Drew v. Barry Zito - 11-for-32 (.344), 0 HR, 8 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (.353 OBP)
Aubrey Huff v. Joe Saunders - 8-for-18 (.444), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:1 BB:K (.444 OBP)
Miguel Tejada v. Joe Saunders - 6-for-12 (.500), 2 HR, 4 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (.538 OBP)
Coco Crisp v. Justin Verlander - 6-for-15 (.400), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (.400 OBP)
Magglio Ordonez v. Dallas Braden - 5-for-16 (.313), 2 HR, 6 RBI, 3:0 BB:K (.421 OBP)
Brandon Inge v. Dallas Braden - 5-for-15 (.333), 2 HR, 4 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.375 OBP)
Ryan Raburn v. Dallas Braden - 6-for-15 (.400), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 1:2 BB:K (.438 OBP)
Matt Holliday v. Clayton Kershaw - 5-for-14 (.357), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 6:4 BB:K (.550 OBP)
Albert Pujols v. Clayton Kershaw - 6-for-12 (.500), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 5:0 BB:K (.647 OBP)

Jair Jurrjens v. Mets - Jurrjens could not have picked a better opponent to make his first start of the season against. In 10 career starts against New York, Jurrjens has seven career wins - three more than any other team - and a 2.81 ERA. Additionally, current Mets have hit just one home run against him in 147 plate appearances, and his mound opponent, Mike Pelfrey could have a rough day (see below). Jurrjens is worth getting in your lineup right away.

Scott Baker v. Rays - Baker has not faced the Rays much, but he has not allowed much either when he has. Current Rays have just 98 plate appearances against Baker, but they have combined to put up a .178/.234/.300 slash line in those matchups. Plus, Baker has posted a 1.01 WHIP in five career starts against Tampa Bay. Don't be afraid to roll the dice with Baker on Saturday.

Cold
Jerry Hairston v. Yovani Gallardo - 1-for-10 (.100), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:5 BB:K (.100 OBP)
Orlando Cabrera v. Jeremy Guthrie - 1-for-13 (.077), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (.077 OBP)
Adrian Beltre v. Freddy Garcia - 6-for-28 (.214), 0 HR, 4 RBI, 2:4 BB:K (.290)
Ian Kinsler v. Freddy Garcia - 1-for-10 (.100), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:1 BB:K (.182 OBP)
Juan Rivera v. Josh Beckett - 2-for-18 (.111), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2:2 BB:K (.200 OBP))
Jose Molina v. Josh Beckett - 2-for-18 (.111), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:6 BB:K (.111 OBP)
Corey Patterson v. Josh Beckett - 2-for-16 (.125), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:3 BB:K (.176 OBP)
Carlos Beltran v. Derek Lowe - 7-for-37 (.189), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 5:5 BB:K (.275 OBP)
Willie Harris v. Derek Lowe - 7-for-32 (.219), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:3 BB:K (.242 OBP)
Angel Pagan v. Derek Lowe - 4-for-18 (.222), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (.222 OBP)
Jose Reyes v. Derek Lowe - 3-for-16 (.188), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 2:0 BB:K (.333 OBP)
Angel Pagan v. Jair Jurrjens - 2-for-21 (.095), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 3:5 BB:K (.208 OBP)
Jose Reyes v. Jair Jurrjens - 3-for-14 (.214), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 3:2 BB:K (.353 OBP)
Carlos Beltran v. Jair Jurrjens - 2-for-13 (.154), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 3:0 BB:K (.313 OBP)
Matt Joyce v. Scott Baker 1-for-11 (.091), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 0:4 BB:K (.167 OBP)
Ben Zobrist v. Scott Baker - 2-for-11 (.182), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:3 BB:K (.182 OBP)
Shane Victorino v. Anibal Sanchez - 6-for-28 (.214), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 3:4 BB:K (.290 OBP)
Raul Ibanez v. Anibal Sanchez - 2-for-11 (.182), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 3:1 BB:K (.357 OBP)
Emilio Bonifacio v. Cole Hamels - 2-for-12 (.167), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:2 BB:K (.167 OBP)
Chris Young v. Barry Zito - 6-for-28 (.214), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 9:7 BB:K (.405 OBP)
Mark Ellis v. Justin Verlander - 4-for-19 (.211), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:5 BB:K (.211 OBP)

Mike Pelfrey v. Braves - Pelfrey already had enough trouble containing the Braves before they acquired Dan Uggla this offseason, but the task will be even more difficult now that Uggla is in Atlanta. Current Braves - including Uggla - have put up an astounding .386/.469/.657 (good for a 1.126 OPS) slash line against Pelfrey, with most of the damage being done by the team's better players. Additionally, Pelfrey has a 5.56 career ERA against the Braves and a 6.69 mark in Turner Field. It's probably best for fantasy owners to leave him glued to the bench Saturday.

Josh Beckett v. Blue Jays - Beckett was spectacular in a big win for the Yankees last Sunday, but he will have his work cut out for him if he hopes for a repeat performance. In 16 career starts against Toronto, Beckett is just 3-6 and has posted an ugly 7.03 ERA and 1.54 WHIP.

Barry Zito v. Diamondbacks - Zito is 3-8 against the Diamondbacks in 14 career starts with a 5.15 ERA and 1.67 WHIP. It's probably best to avoid using him Saturday considering his early struggles this season (5.56 WHIP, 6:7 K:BB ratio).

Jason Marquis v. Brewers - In 20 games, including 17 starts, against the Brewers, Marquis is 5-9 with a 5.06 ERA and 1.53 WHIP. Marquis has thrown the ball well early this season, but he will face a tough test Saturday.

Middle Men
Prince Fielder v. Jason Marquis - 4-for-16 (.250), 1 HR, 6 RBI, 4:2 BB:K (.391 OBP) - other three hits are doubles
David Wright v. Jair Jurrjens - 6-for-26 (.231), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2:6 BB:K (.286 OBP) - low BA, but career cycle
Torii Hunter v. Gavin Floyd - 4-for-20 (.200), 2 HR, 2 RBI, 2:4 BB:K (.273 OBP)
Justin Upton v. Barry Zito - 5-for-19 (.263), 1 HR, 5 RBI, 4:4 BB:K (.391 OBP) - career cycle

Recommended Pickup

Kyle Farnsworth, RP, TB - The Rays may have not a defined closer, but Farnsworth is the guy to own in the Tampa bullpen right now. Farnsworth has gotten the ball in both of the Rays' save opportunities and has shut the door each time. He also picked up a victory Thursday night and has posted a 4:0 K:BB ratio in five innings. The Rays are not providing their bullpen with many leads, but it looks like Farnsworth is the guy they will count on for the final three outs when they need them. Farnsworth is owned in 41 percent of Yahoo! leagues, and just a shocking 12 percent of ESPN leagues. His long-term outlook is still a bit uncertain, but given how much fantasy owners crave saves, he is worth adding to your squad at this point.

Other recent recommendations:Angel Sanchez, Matt LaPorta, David Murphy, Cameron Maybin, Justin Masterson