This article is part of our The Lineup Card series.
Thursday Lineup Card
Projected Starters - A look at Thursday's matchups (all times Eastern):
Padres (Dustin Moseley - R) vs. Marlins (Javier Vasquez - R) 12:10
Cardinals (Jake Westbrook - R) vs. Mets (Jonathon Niese - L) 12:10
Mariners (Doug Fister - R) vs. Blue Jays (Ricky Romero - L) 12:30
Braves (Tommy Hanson - R) vs. Rockies (Jhoulys Chacin - R) 3:10
Rangers (C.J. Wilson - L) vs. Angels (Jered Weaver - R) 3:35
Yankees (CC Sabathia - L) vs. Rays (James Shields - R) 7:10
Tigers (Justin Verlander - R) vs. Twins (Carl Pavano - R) 8:10
Brewers (Zack Greinke - R) vs. Diamondbacks (Ian Kennedy - R) 9:40
Day After Night: SD/FLA, STL/NYM, SEA/TOR, ATL/COL, TEX/LAA
Injuries
Day-to-Day
Travis Buck, OF, CLE (head) - still feeling the effects of being hit by pitch Tuesday
Michael Brantley, OF, CLE (illness) - will likely return to lineup by the weekend
Scott Sizemore, 2B, OAK (neck) - x-rays returned negative after he was hit by pitch on Tuesday
Jemile Weeks, 2B, OK (finger) - playing through jammed finger, may need to miss a couple of games
Scott Hairston, OF, NYM (leg) - shin sore after fouling off a pitch on Monday
Drew Stubbs, OF, CIN knee) - resulting from hit by pitch on Tuesday
Josh Thole, C, NYM (personal) - with wife in labor, he's taken a three day paternity leave
Chase Headley, 3B, SD (calf) - took batting practice and fielded grounders on Tuesday; hopes to avoid the DL
Aubrey Huff, 1B, SF (back) - tightness in lower back will keep him out for a couple of days
Tom Gorzelanny, P, WAS (ankle) - threw pain-free side session on Wednesday; should make Saturday start
Players on the DL
Peter Bourjos, OF, ANA (hamstring) - running at 60%; likely to be activated on Saturday
Cesar Izturis, SS, BAL (elbow) - targeting a return to the Orioles next Tuesday
Justin Duchscherer, P, BAL (hip) - doctors are recommending another surgery
Luke Scott, DH, BAL (shoulder) - hopes to return by the end of this weekend
Clay Buchholz, P, BOS (back) - could throw from a mound on Friday
Bobby Jenks, P, BOS (back) - recently received an injection of platelet-rich plasma to speed up recovery
Jed Lowrie, SS, BOS (shoulder) - started swinging at balls off a tee
Grady Sizemore, OF, CLE (knee) - MRI on knee did not reveal any serious damage
Scott Baker, P, MIN (elbow) - Manager Ron Gardenhire expects Baker to start on Saturday
Jason Kubel, OF, MIN (foot) - expected back in lineup on Friday
Justin Morneau, 1B, MIN (neck) - soon to be cleared for more baseball activity
Rafael Soriano, P, NYY (elbow) - threw 1.1 innings at High-A Tampa on Tuesday
Eric Chavez, 3B, NYY (foot) - began rehab assignment with High-A Tampa on Tuesday
Tyson Ross. P, OAK (oblique) - expected to throw a few bullpen sessions before rehab assignment
Wade Davis, P. TB (forearm) - expected to start on Friday
Chipper Jones, 3B, ATL (knee) - will play for Low-A Rome on the weekend
J.J. Putz, P, AZ (elbow) - threw perfect inning in minors on Tuesday
Esmil Rogers, P, COL (ribs) - will make Triple-A start for Colorado Springs on Thursday
Casey Blake, 3B, LAD (neck) - began hitting and fielding drills earlier this week; needs a rehab stint
David Wright, 3B, NYM (back) - continued success in rehab stint points to a possible Friday return
Roy Oswalt, P, PHI (back) - scheduled to throw a second bullpen on Friday; rehab assignment to follow
Placido Polanco, 3B, PHI (back) - will receive a cortisone or epidural shot as soon as Thursday
Brad Lidge, P, PHI (shoulder) - may be activated from DL by Friday
Ryan Doumit, C, PIT (ankle) - could be back some time next week
Jose Tabata, OF, PIT (quadriceps) - removed from Wednesday's rehab game with tightness in quad
Transactions - Players who have been demoted, called up, traded, released, you name it. We'll cover it here.
Called Up
Charlie Furbush, P, DET
Duane Below, P, DET
Sent Down
C.J. McElroy, OF, STL
Adam Wilk, P, DET
Casper Wells, OF, DET
Hector Santiago, P, CWS
Jesus Sucre, C, SEA
Joe Bateman, P, TB
Everth Cabrera, SS, SEA
Jerry Blevins, P, OAK
Tommy Hottovy, P, BOS
Placed on DL
Brian Roberts, 2B, BAL (concussion) - moved to 60 day DL
Sergio Mitre, P, NYY (shoulder)
Miguel Tejada, SS, SF (abdomen)
Freddy Sanchez, 2B, SF (shoulder) - moved to 60 day DL
Activated from DL
John Danks, SP, CWS
Jason Bartlett, SS, SD
Closer Watch
Pirates - Joel Hanrahan picked up his 28th save in 29 opportunities on Tuesday and has figured in more than half of Pittsburgh's wins to date. His 1.24 ERA and 0.92 WHIP underline the fact that he has emerged as one of the most dominant closers in the majors. His 38 strikeouts against only eight walks over 43.2 innings of work is not bad, either.
Padres - Heath Bell continues to one of the few bright lights in a dismal season for the Padres. He picked up his 27th save on Tuesday for a team that has only 42 wins on the year. He's only blown two opportunities on the year and his name is being thrown around in numerous rumors with the trade deadline approaching. He remains one of the best relievers in the majors and could fetch a handsome return.
Phillies - All year long, as expected the Phillies have been among the best teams in the league and recently one of the club's few weaknesses looks like it is being filled admirably by Antonio Bastardo, who has converted all seven of his save opportunities, while posting a sparkling 0.99 ERA. Even more impressive, he has only allowed 13 hits in his 36.1 innings of work. This young power pitcher also has 43 strikeouts in 36.1 innings of work.
Royals - Joakim Soria saw his profile fall from the ranks of the top closers in the game with a poor start to the season. Over the past month, he has rediscovered his top form. In his last 10 appearances he has allowed only one earned run, while notching seven saves. He has shown pinpoint control in not walking any batters while striking out eight in that span.
Recommended Pickup- Travis Snider, OF, Blue Jays - For a couple of years, this young Blue Jay has been touted as a five-tool player who will eventually settle in to a middle of the order spot. After a dreadful start to his 2011 campaign, a stint in the minors seems to have brought a real focus to his game. Though his power stroke is not yet back, he is stinging line drives to all fields, with seven hits in his last 22 at bats. He has also stolen eight bases and improved his concentration and execution in the field. It looks as though he is ready to be worthy of the high expectations that Blue Jay management has always expected of him.
Other recent recommendations: Jose Altuve, Joe Nathan, Mark Ellis.
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KEY MATCHUPS: HOT | |||||||||||||||||||
Hot Batter Matchups | At-Bats | AVG | HR | XBH | RBI | BB | K | SLG | OBP | OPS | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Orlando Hudson - 2B | SD @ FLA 7/21 12:10 PM | Javier Vazquez | 6-20 | .300 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 2 | .650 | .333 | .983 | |||||||
Rajai Davis - OF | TOR vs SEA 7/21 12:37 PM | Doug Fister | 9-22 | .409 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | .500 | .409 | .909 | |||||||
Torii Hunter - OF | LAA vs TEX 7/21 3:35 PM | C.J. Wilson | 4-17 | .235 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 7 | 4 | .588 | .458 | 1.046 | |||||||
Maicer Izturis - 3B | LAA vs TEX 7/21 3:35 PM | C.J. Wilson | 6-16 | .375 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 3 | .438 | .412 | .850 | |||||||
Howie Kendrick - 2B | LAA vs TEX 7/21 3:35 PM | C.J. Wilson | 9-25 | .360 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 3 | .520 | .385 | .905 | |||||||
Vernon Wells - OF | LAA vs TEX 7/21 3:35 PM | C.J. Wilson | 3-10 | .300 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 2 | .600 | .462 | 1.062 | |||||||
Mitch Moreland - 1B | TEX @ LAA 7/21 3:35 PM | Jered Weaver | 4-11 | .364 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1.000 | .417 | 1.417 | |||||||
Robinson Cano - 2B | NYY @ TB 7/21 7:10 PM | James Shields | 16-41 | .390 | 3 | 9 | 8 | 1 | 9 | .805 | .405 | 1.210 | |||||||
Jorge Posada - C | NYY @ TB 7/21 7:10 PM | James Shields | 8-27 | .296 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | .519 | .406 | .925 | |||||||
Nick Swisher - OF | NYY @ TB 7/21 7:10 PM | James Shields | 5-23 | .217 | 3 | 3 | 8 | 1 | 8 | .609 | .250 | .859 | |||||||
Evan Longoria - 3B | TB vs NYY 7/21 7:10 PM | CC Sabathia | 6-19 | .316 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 2 | .789 | .480 | 1.269 | |||||||
B.J. Upton - OF | TB vs NYY 7/21 7:10 PM | CC Sabathia | 9-30 | .300 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 7 | .667 | .382 | 1.049 | |||||||
Ben Zobrist - 2B | TB vs NYY 7/21 7:10 PM | CC Sabathia | 8-25 | .320 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 3 | 5 | .560 | .393 | .953 | |||||||
Magglio Ordonez - OF | DET @ MIN 7/21 8:10 PM | Carl Pavano | 9-21 | .429 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 2 | .571 | .429 | 1.000 | |||||||
Joe Mauer - C | MIN vs DET 7/21 8:10 PM | Justin Verlander | 16-45 | .356 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 8 | .622 | .463 | 1.085 | |||||||
Jim Thome - DH | MIN vs DET 7/21 8:10 PM | Justin Verlander | 11-43 | .256 | 7 | 7 | 11 | 14 | 11 | .744 | .439 | 1.183 | |||||||
Hot Pitcher Matchups | At-Bats | Opp AVG | HR Allow | XBH Allow | RBI Allow | BB | K | Opp SLG | Opp OBP | Opp OPS | |||||||||
Ricky Romero | TOR vs SEA 7/21 12:37 PM | Mariners Batters | 18-67 | .269 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 2 | 13 | .362 | .290 | .652 |
KEY MATCHUPS: COLD | |||||||||||||||||||
Cold Batter Matchups | At-Bats | AVG | HR | XBH | RBI | BB | K | SLG | OBP | OPS | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Willie Harris - OF | NYM vs STL 7/21 12:10 PM | Jake Westbrook | 2-10 | .200 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | .200 | .273 | .473 | |||||||
Bobby Abreu - OF | LAA vs TEX 7/21 3:35 PM | C.J. Wilson | 2-16 | .125 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | .188 | .222 | .410 | |||||||
Erick Aybar - SS | LAA vs TEX 7/21 3:35 PM | C.J. Wilson | 4-19 | .211 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | .211 | .211 | .422 | |||||||
Jeff Mathis - C | LAA vs TEX 7/21 3:35 PM | C.J. Wilson | 2-12 | .167 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | .250 | .231 | .481 | |||||||
Adrian Beltre - 3B | TEX @ LAA 7/21 3:35 PM | Jered Weaver | 8-46 | .174 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 9 | .239 | .204 | .443 | |||||||
David Murphy - OF | TEX @ LAA 7/21 3:35 PM | Jered Weaver | 5-28 | .179 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 8 | .214 | .200 | .414 | |||||||
Brett Gardner - OF | NYY @ TB 7/21 7:10 PM | James Shields | 1-11 | .091 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | .091 | .167 | .258 | |||||||
Curtis Granderson - OF | NYY @ TB 7/21 7:10 PM | James Shields | 3-31 | .097 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 8 | .194 | .125 | .319 | |||||||
Mark Teixeira - 1B | NYY @ TB 7/21 7:10 PM | James Shields | 6-33 | .182 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 13 | .182 | .250 | .432 | |||||||
Johnny Damon - OF | TB vs NYY 7/21 7:10 PM | CC Sabathia | 4-19 | .211 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | .211 | .286 | .497 | |||||||
Carlos Guillen - 2B | DET @ MIN 7/21 8:10 PM | Carl Pavano | 0-17 | .000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | .000 | .056 | .056 | |||||||
Alexi Casilla - SS | MIN vs DET 7/21 8:10 PM | Justin Verlander | 2-14 | .143 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | .143 | .188 | .331 | |||||||
Michael Cuddyer - OF | MIN vs DET 7/21 8:10 PM | Justin Verlander | 9-47 | .191 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 9 | .277 | .224 | .501 | |||||||
Cold Pitcher Matchups | At-Bats | Opp AVG | HR Allow | XBH Allow | RBI Allow | BB | K | Opp SLG | Opp OBP | Opp OPS | |||||||||
CC Sabathia | NYY @ TB 7/21 7:10 PM | Rays Batters | 37-136 | .272 | 5 | 16 | 22 | 18 | 32 | .490 | .366 | .856 | |||||||