Wednesday Lineup Card: Who Says Size Matters?

Wednesday Lineup Card: Who Says Size Matters?

This article is part of our The Lineup Card series.

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Projected Starters - A look at Wednesday's matchups (all times Eastern)

Red Sox (Andrew Miller – L) at Orioles (Jake Arrieta – R), 12:35
Reds (Johnny Cueto – R) at Pirates (Jeff Karstens – R), 12:35
Indians (Josh Tomlin – R) at Twins (Nick Blackburn – R), 1:10
Nationals (Livan Hernandez – R) at Astros (Brett Myers – R), 2:05
Phillies (Vance Worley – R) at Cubs (Ryan Dempster – R), 2:20
Dodgers (Clayton Kershaw – L) at Giants (Tim Lincecum – L), 3:45
Athletics (Brandon McCarthy – R) at Tigers (Duane Below – L), 7:05
Mariners (Jason Vargas – L) at Blue Jays (Brandon Morrow – R), 7:07
Padres (Aaron Harang – R) at Marlins (Ricky Nolasco – R), 7:10
Cardinals (Kyle McClellan – R) at Mets (R.A. Dickey – R), 7:10
Yankees (Freddy Garcia – R) at Rays (David Price – L), 7:10
White Sox (John Danks – L) at Royals (Bruce Chen – L), 8:10
Braves (Tim Hudson – R) at Rockies (Juan Nicasio – R), 8:40
Brewers (Chris Narveson – L) at Diamondbacks (Joe Saunders – L), 9:40
Rangers (Derek Holland – L) at Angels (Dan Haren – R), 10:05

Day game after a night game: BOS, BAL, CIN, PIT, CLE, MIN, WAS, HOU, PHI, CHC, LAD, SF

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

Day-to-Day
Roy Halladay, P, PHI – (Fatigue) Felt better Tuesday and plans to make next scheduled start Sunday.
Ryan Braun, OF, MIL – (Calf) Returned to the lineup Tuesday.
Jose Bautista, 3B, TOR – (Ankle) Returned to lineup Tuesday as the DH.
Jason Heyward, OF, ATL – (Foot) Available to pinch hit Tuesday; could be back in the lineup Wednesday.
Alex Gordon, OF, KC – (Foot) Returned to the lineup Tuesday.
Jason Bartlett, SS, SD – (Personal) Will rejoin the team Wednesday.
Chase d'Arnaud, 3B, PIT – (Neck) Should return to lineup Wednesday.
Chase Headley, 3B, SD – (Calf) Took batting practice and fielded ground balls Tuesday.
Josh Thole, C, NYM – (Personal) Will miss three games while on paternity leave.
Chris Stewart, C, SF – (Head) Left Monday's game early, but said he could have remained in.
Scott Hairston, OF, NYM – (Leg) Still dealing with soreness in shin.
Michael Brantley, OF, CLE – Late scratch Tuesday due to upset stomach.
Aubrey Huff, 1B, SF – Dealing with tightness in lower back.
Scott Sizemore, 3B, OAK – Left Tuesday's game after being hit by a pitch on the collarbone.
Travis Buck, OF, CLE – Left Tuesday's game after being hit by a pitch on the helmet.

Players on the DL
Clay Buchholz, P, BOS – (Back) Could throw from a mound Friday.
Rafael Soriano, P, NYY – (Elbow) Threw 1.1 innings in rehab outing Tuesday.
Cesar Izturis, SS, BAL – (Elbow) Could return as early as Tuesday.
Luke Scott, DH, BAL – (Shoulder) Hopes to return by Sunday.
Justin Morneau, 1B, MIN – (Neck) Played catch the past two days; set to be cleared for more baseball activities soon.
Jason Kubel, OF, MIN – (Foot) 1-for-8 in first two rehab games at Triple-A.
Eric Chavez, 3B, NYY – (Foot) Began a rehab assignment Tuesday with High-A Tampa.
Peter Bourjos, OF, LAA – (Hamstring) Running at about "60 percent," but could be back this weekend.
Mark DeRosa, OF, SF – (Wrist) Felt good in rehab game, moving to Triple-A Fresno on Tuesday.
Roy Oswalt, P, PHI – (Back) Felt great after throwing a bullpen session Tuesday.
Ike Davis, 1B, NYM – (Ankle) Said his left ankle is "not good;" a return this year is growing more questionable.
Chipper Jones, 3B, ATL – (Knee) Will play for Low-A Rome on Friday.
Esmil Rogers, P, COL – (Ribs) Will make at least one more start for Triple-A Colorado Springs.
Stephen Strasburg, P, WAS – (Elbow) Threw a simulated game Monday.
Brad Lidge, P, PHI – (Shoulder) Will make rehab appearance with Low-A Lakewood on Wednesday.
Placido Polanco, 3B, PHI – (Back) Will get an injection for his sore back as soon as Thursday.
Ross Ohlendorf, P, PIT – (Shoulder) Threw four innings in rehab start Thursday.
Nick Hundley, C, SD – (Elbow) Believes he will return closer to shorter end of 4-to-6 week estimate.
Chien-Ming Wang, P, WAS – (Shoulder) Could return to the team by the end of July.
Casey Blake, 3B, LAD – (Neck) Hit off a tee Monday; scheduled to take grounders Tuesday.

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)
Brian Roberts, 2B, BAL – transferred to 60-day DL
Sergio Mitre, P, NY-A

Activated from DL
Jose Reyes, SS, NY-N
Shane Victorino, OF, PHI
Alfredo Simon, P, BAL
Casey Janssen, P, TOR

Called Up
Jose Altuve, 2B, HOU
Brandon Belt, 1B, SF
Steve Garrison, P, NY-A
Guillermo Moscoso, P, OAK
Tyler Chatwood, P, ANA
Dane De La Rosa, P, TB
Danny Duffy, P, KC
Barry Enright, P, AZ

Sent Down
Hank Conger, C, ANA
Josh Bell, 3B, BAL
Luis Perez, P, TOR
Everett Teaford, P, KC
Alex Torres, P, TB
Pete Orr, 2B, PHI
Hector Sanchez, C, SF

Designated For Assignment
Chad Gaudin, P, WAS
Jerry Blevins, P, OAK

Traded
Jeff Keppinger, SS – from HOU to SF

Released
Aaron Heilman, P, ARI

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

Cleveland – Vinnie Pestano picked up his second save of the season Monday after Chad Durbin couldn't hold a 5-0 lead in the ninth against the Twins. Pestano retired all three hitters he faced to close out the game, but one would imagine that he was called upon because he was already warm and the two teams were playing a doubleheader. Chris Perez's job shouldn't be in any danger.

Tampa Bay – With essentially the entire bullpen taxed after Sunday night's 16-inning marathon against the Red Sox, the Rays went with rookie closer-of-the-future Alex Torres against the Yankees in the ninth inning Monday. The youngster showed great stuff, but many of his pitches moved out of the strike zone and he ended up walking in the tying and winning runs. Kyle Farnsworth should get the ball next time the Rays are in a save situation.

KEY MATCHUPS: HOT

Hot Batter MatchupsAt-BatsAVGHRXBHRBIBBKSLGOBPOPS
Jay Bruce - OFCIN @ PIT
7/20 12:35 PM
Jeff Karstens4-13.30812212.615.357.972
Brandon Phillips - 2BCIN @ PIT
7/20 12:35 PM
Jeff Karstens6-15.40013502.733.4001.133
Andrew McCutchen - OFPIT vs CIN
7/20 12:35 PM
Johnny Cueto6-22.27333322.682.3331.015
Asdrubal Cabrera - SSCLE @ MIN
7/20 1:10 PM
Nick Blackburn9-27.33305101.519.333.852
Luis Valbuena - 2BCLE @ MIN
7/20 1:10 PM
Nick Blackburn5-15.33311111.533.375.908
Carlos Lee - OFHOU vs WAS
7/20 2:05 PM
Livan Hernandez6-18.33312412.556.350.906
Hunter Pence - OFHOU vs WAS
7/20 2:05 PM
Livan Hernandez5-13.38502200.538.385.923
Ryan Zimmerman - 3BWAS @ HOU
7/20 2:05 PM
Brett Myers13-37.351281487.703.4571.160
Ryan Howard - 1BPHI @ CHC
7/20 2:20 PM
Ryan Dempster4-12.33323645.917.5001.417
Chase Utley - 2BPHI @ CHC
7/20 2:20 PM
Ryan Dempster7-11.636123301.000.7141.714
Andre Ethier - OFLAD @ SF
7/20 3:45 PM
Tim Lincecum9-32.28123649.500.361.861
Rafael Furcal - SSLAD @ SF
7/20 3:45 PM
Tim Lincecum6-23.26112375.435.433.868
Victor Martinez - CDET vs OAK
7/20 7:05 PM
Brandon McCarthy7-17.41215223.824.4741.298
Magglio Ordonez - OFDET vs OAK
7/20 7:05 PM
Brandon McCarthy4-10.40000211.400.455.855
Jack Cust - DHSEA @ TOR
7/20 7:07 PM
Brandon Morrow3-14.21422328.643.313.956
Mike Cameron - OFFLA vs SD
7/20 7:10 PM
Aaron Harang8-24.33314407.583.333.916
Greg Dobbs - 3BFLA vs SD
7/20 7:10 PM
Aaron Harang5-11.45501113.545.5001.045
Wes Helms - 3BFLA vs SD
7/20 7:10 PM
Aaron Harang5-13.38512302.692.3851.077
Hanley Ramirez - SSFLA vs SD
7/20 7:10 PM
Aaron Harang9-23.39145623.957.4401.397
Andruw Jones - OFNYY @ TB
7/20 7:10 PM
David Price3-10.30022420.900.4171.317
Nick Swisher - OFNYY @ TB
7/20 7:10 PM
David Price5-14.35712253.643.5261.169
Johnny Damon - OFTB vs NYY
7/20 7:10 PM
Freddy Garcia10-36.27835517.611.297.908
Paul Konerko - 1BCWS @ KC
7/20 8:10 PM
Bruce Chen6-17.35323422.765.4211.186
A.J. Pierzynski - CCWS @ KC
7/20 8:10 PM
Bruce Chen8-15.53322412.933.5631.496
Jason Giambi - 1BCOL vs ATL
7/20 8:40 PM
Tim Hudson8-19.42134822.947.5001.447
Todd Helton - 1BCOL vs ATL
7/20 8:40 PM
Tim Hudson9-13.692045101.000.7331.733
Carlos Gomez - OFMIL @ ARI
7/20 9:40 PM
Joe Saunders4-11.36402103.636.3641.000
Erick Aybar - SSLAA vs TEX
7/20 10:05 PM
Derek Holland5-15.33312102.600.333.933
Torii Hunter - OFLAA vs TEX
7/20 10:05 PM
Derek Holland2-10.20011232.500.385.885
Adrian Beltre - 3BTEX @ LAA
7/20 10:05 PM
Dan Haren19-43.44229768.767.5101.277
 
Hot Pitcher MatchupsAt-BatsOpp
AVG
HR
Allow
XBH
Allow
RBI
Allow
BBKOpp
SLG
Opp
OBP
Opp
OPS
Tim LincecumSF vs LAD
7/20 3:45 PM
Dodgers Batters35-166.21139162046.305.303.608
David PriceTB vs NYY
7/20 7:10 PM
Yankees Batters25-124.20249141727.357.303.660

 

KEY MATCHUPS: COLD

Cold Batter MatchupsAt-BatsAVGHRXBHRBIBBKSLGOBPOPS
Neil Walker - 2BPIT vs CIN
7/20 12:35 PM
Johnny Cueto1-10.10000013.100.182.282
Clint Barmes - 2BHOU vs WAS
7/20 2:05 PM
Livan Hernandez2-13.15400000.154.214.368
Alex Cora - SSWAS @ HOU
7/20 2:05 PM
Brett Myers2-12.16700043.167.444.611
Jesus Flores - CWAS @ HOU
7/20 2:05 PM
Brett Myers2-15.13301003.200.133.333
Raul Ibanez - OFPHI @ CHC
7/20 2:20 PM
Ryan Dempster2-10.20000103.200.200.400
Rod Barajas - CLAD @ SF
7/20 3:45 PM
Tim Lincecum1-10.10000003.100.100.200
Tony Gwynn Jr. - OFLAD @ SF
7/20 3:45 PM
Tim Lincecum3-15.20000103.200.200.400
James Loney - 1BLAD @ SF
7/20 3:45 PM
Tim Lincecum6-33.18202227.242.229.471
Aaron Rowand - OFSF vs LAD
7/20 3:45 PM
Clayton Kershaw1-11.09100022.091.286.377
Andres Torres - OFSF vs LAD
7/20 3:45 PM
Clayton Kershaw2-12.16700003.167.231.398
Carlos Guillen - 2BDET vs OAK
7/20 7:05 PM
Brandon McCarthy1-10.10000003.100.100.200
Jhonny Peralta - SSDET vs OAK
7/20 7:05 PM
Brandon McCarthy1-18.05600126.056.143.199
Curtis Granderson - OFNYY @ TB
7/20 7:10 PM
David Price2-16.12500006.125.125.250
Jorge Posada - CNYY @ TB
7/20 7:10 PM
David Price1-18.056012310.111.190.301
Mark Teixeira - 1BNYY @ TB
7/20 7:10 PM
David Price3-19.15801121.211.273.484
Alexis Rios - OFCWS @ KC
7/20 8:10 PM
Bruce Chen3-20.15000208.150.182.332
Alex Gordon - OFKC vs CWS
7/20 8:10 PM
John Danks1-13.07701031.154.294.448
 
Cold Pitcher MatchupsAt-BatsOpp
AVG
HR
Allow
XBH
Allow
RBI
Allow
BBKOpp
SLG
Opp
OBP
Opp
OPS
Jeff KarstensPIT vs Cin
7/20 12:35 PM
Reds Batters35-84.41761421614.735.4471.181
Nick BlackburnMIN vs Cle
7/20 1:10 PM
Indians Batters39-127.307210748.424.328.752
Ryan DempsterCHC vs Phi
7/20 2:20 PM
Phillies Batters28-95.295410201421.510.382.892
Aaron HarangSD @ Fla
7/20 7:10 PM
Marlins Batters32-87.36871516316.716.3961.112
Freddy GarciaNYY @ TB
7/20 7:10 PM
Rays Batters18-64.281399511.552.333.885
Tim HudsonATL @ Col
7/20 8:40 PM
Rockies Batters26-62.4194131658.760.4791.238
Joe SaundersARI vs Mil
7/20 9:40 PM
Brewers Batters20-75.267210766.471.330.801
Dan HarenLAA vs Tex
7/20 10:05 PM
Rangers Batters50-156.320416191328.489.380.869
 

***For a deeper look at the matchups please consult the new Batter v. Pitcher tool in the left hand menu.***

Recommended Pickup

Jose Altuve, 2B, HOU – It's tough to project how odd-sized prospects will fare in the majors, and Altuve is as odd as they come. He's listed at 5'7", 170 pounds, but is probably closer to 5'6" or 5'5". However, it's hard to argue with Altuve's bat. Altuve rocked pitchers to the tune of a 1.017 OPS in 87 games between High-A and Double-A this season, and he put up a .327 batting average over 1642 minor league plate appearances. The hit tool looks real, and essentially every major league talent evaluator agrees. Altuve could be a big help at second base if he maintains his hitting prowess at the highest level.

Other recent recommendations:Joe Nathan, Mark Ellis, Brandon Allen, Travis Snider, Eric Thames

Draft Street Competition

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Register for a free account at DraftStreet.com today and start practicing. Remember to use bonus code Rotowire on your first deposit to get some extra cash released into your account as you play.

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Be sure to come back to RotoWire's Daily Lineup Card every day for all the analysis you need to dominate the competition and take home cash on DraftStreet.

Draft Street Lineup

C - J.P. Arencibia, TOR ($4,203)
1B - Paul Konerko, CWS ($8,507)
2B - Darwin Barney, CHC ($5,261)
3B - Mark Reynolds, BAL ($4,896)
SS - Jhonny Peralta, DET ($5,242)
OF - Ryan Braun, MIL ($7,504)
OF - Corey Hart, MIL ($6,234)
OF - Drew Stubbs, CIN ($5,683)
UTIL - Joey Votto, CIN ($7,725)
UTIL - Ryan Howard, PHI ($5,848)
SP - Tim Lincecum, SF ($15,776)
SP - David Price, TB ($11,371)
RP - Francisco Cordero, CIN ($1,554)
P - Juan Nicasio, COL ($8,813)

Total: $98,617

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jack Moore
Jack Moore is a freelance sports writer based in Minneapolis who appears regularly at VICE Sports, The Guardian and Baseball Prospectus Milwaukee, among others. Follow him on Twitter @jh_moore.
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