Friday Lineup Card: Middle Infield Help Is Here

Friday Lineup Card: Middle Infield Help Is Here

This article is part of our The Lineup Card series.

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

Cubs (Jake Arrieta – R) at Phillies (Roberto Hernandez – R), 7:05
Blue Jays (Drew Hutchison – R) at Orioles (Ubaldo Jimenez – R), 7:05
Twins (Kyle Gibson – R) at Tigers (Drew Smyly – L), 7:08
Indians (Justin Masterson – R) at Red Sox (John Lackey – R), 7:10
Pirates (Jeff Locke – L) at Marlins (Nathan Eovaldi – R), 7:10
Padres (Andrew Cashner – R) at Mets (Bartolo Colon – R), 7:10
Angels (CJ Wilson – L) at Braves (Aaron Harang – R), 7:35
Rays (Alex Cobb – R) at Astros (Collin McHugh – R), 8:10
Reds (Homer Bailey – R) at Brewers (Matt Garza – R), 8:10
Nationals (Jordan Zimmermann – R) at Cardinals (Lance Lynn – R), 8:15
Yankees (David Phelps – R) at Athletics (Sonny Gray – R), 10:05
Rangers (Nick Tepesch – R) at Mariners (Felix Hernandez – R), 10:10
Diamondbacks (Chase Anderson – R) at Dodgers (Clayton Kershaw – L), 10:10
Rockies (Jorge De La Rosa – L) at Giants (Tim Lincecum – R), 10:15

Day Game After Night Game: None

Injuries

Day-to-Day

Gerald Laird, C, ATL (Head) – Hit in the head by a backswing in Thursday's game and will likely undergo MLB concussion testing.
Curtis Granderson, OF, NYM (Calf) – Missed Thursday's game and may be sidelined Friday.
Hanley Ramirez, SS, LAD (Shoulder) – Likely to miss Friday's game after receiving a cortisone shot.
Brandon Phillips, 2B, CIN (Finger) – Left Thursday's game after injuring finger on a fielding play.
Josh Harrison, OF, PIT (Ankle) – Did not start on Thursday due to discomfort.
Stephen Drew, SS, BOS (Oblique) – Missed fourth consecutive game on Thursday and may go on the DL.

Players on the DL

Zach McAllister, SP, CLE (Back) – Will throw a side session before Sunday's Triple-A rehab start.
Avisail Garcia, OF, CHW (Shoulder) – Will continue with baseball-related activities.
Nolan Arenado, 3B, COL (Finger) – Could start a rehab assignment in the near future after being reevaluated the week of June 19.
Matt Adams, 1B, STL (Calf) – Expected to be activated from the DL on Friday.
Colby Rasmus, OF, TOR (Hamstring) – Will be examined on Sunday after a three game Triple-A rehab stint concludes.
Gerrit Cole, SP, PIT (Shoulder) – Completed a 20-pitch bullpen session on Thursday.
Eric Young, Jr., OF, NYM (Hamstring) – Expected to rehab slowly so injury does not flare up.
Jason Giambi, DH, CLE (Knee) – Was placed on the 15-day DL on Thursday with inflammation.
Marco Scutaro, 2B, SF (Back) – Expected to take some swings on Friday.
Zach Rosscup, RP, CHC (Shoulder) – Should be ready to return to action soon after solid rehab production.
Eric O'Flaherty, RP, OAK (Elbow) – Expected to join the Athletics' bullpen soon.
Edgmer Escalona, RP, BAL (Shoulder) – His continued rehab appearances point to being used as a long reliever once activated.
Brad Hand, RP, MIA (Ankle) – Should be activated from the DL shortly.
A.J. Ellis, C, LAD (Ankle) – Expected to be activated from the DL on Friday.
Jim Henderson, RP, MIL (Shoulder) – On track to resume throwing program by throwing off a mound next week.
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C, MIA (Concussion) – Expected to start a rehab assignment on Monday.
Tanner Scheppers, RP, TEX (Elbow) – Shut down for six weeks with inflammation.
Mitch Moreland, 1B, TEX (Ankle) – Seeking a second opinion on Thursday.
Cliff Lee, SP, PHI (Elbow) – Threw on Thursday after a successful stint on Tuesday.
Michael Saunders, OF, SEA (Shoulder) – Was placed on the 15-day DL on Wednesday with inflammation.

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

Activated from the DL

Nick Swisher, 1B, CLE

Placed on the DL (15-day DL, unless otherwise noted)

Jason Giambi, DH, CLE – (Knee)
Michael Saunders, OF, SEA – (Shoulder)

Called Up

Michael Martinez, SS, PIT
Eric Fryer, C, MIN
Darin Mastroianni, OF, TOR
Jesus Montero, C, SEA

Sent Down (to Triple-A, unless otherwise noted)

Nick Evans, 1B, ARI
Justin Bour, 1B, MIA
Trevor Cahill, SP, ARI
Casey Sadler, RP, PIT
Josmil Pinto, C, MIN
Bobby Korecky, RP, TOR

Claimed

Jordan Pacheco, C, ARI – (from Colorado)

Traded

Matt Tuiasosopo, OF, CHW – (traded from Toronto for cash)
Adron Chambers, OF, TOR – (traded from Houston)
Alejandro Solarte, RP, HOU – (traded from Toronto)
Will Dupont, 2B, HOU – (traded from Toronto)

Closer Watch

Tampa Bay Rays – If you're looking for someone to emerge from the current bullpen-by-committee approach, take a chance on lefty Jake McGee who certainly has the best numbers on the season: 1.53 ERA, 0.78 WHIP and 34 K.

Seattle Mariners – Fernando Rodney has been stellar over his last nine appearances for the Mariners. During that span Rodney has only allowed three hits over 8.1 IP, while locking down seven saves in the process.

Houston Astros – Chad Qualls has not given up a run since April 19, while seemingly entrenching his current role as closer for the Astros. There may not be many save opportunities for Qualls moving forward, but when he does get the call he's a more than moderately safe option to lock down games.

Key Matchups

Hot Batter Matchups – June 13, 2014
Matchup Info
Career Matchup Stats
Batter
Pos
Game
Pitcher
AB
H
XBH
HR
RBI
BB
K
AVG
OBP
SLG
OPS
E. Encarnacion1BTOR @ BAL
7:05PM
U. Jimenez16531231.313.421.6251.046
D. OrtizDHBOS vs CLE
7:10PM
J. Masterson17511245.294.429.471.899
A. PierzynskiCBOS vs CLE
7:10PM
J. Masterson381440425.368.390.474.864
D. MurphyOFCLE @ BOS
7:10PM
J. Lackey221030134.455.520.6361.156
I. Davis1BPIT @ MIA
7:10PM
N. Eovaldi10332632.300.4291.0001.429
R. IbanezOFLAA @ ATL
7:35PM
A. Harang12321226.250.357.583.940
A. Pujols1BLAA @ ATL
7:35PM
A. Harang79271151637.342.353.608.961
M. TroutOFLAA @ ATL
7:35PM
A. Harang15710223.467.500.6001.100
J. BruceOFCIN @ MIL
8:10PM
M. Garza16642615.375.412.8751.287
S. Schumaker2BCIN @ MIL
8:10PM
M. Garza12610010.500.538.5831.122
J. Votto1BCIN @ MIL
8:10PM
M. Garza16511323.313.389.500.889
P. Konerko1BCWS vs KC
8:10PM
J. Guthrie521474738.269.304.558.861
M. Moustakas3BKC @ CWS
8:10PM
J. Quintana19832315.421.450.7891.239
S. PerezCKC @ CWS
8:10PM
J. Quintana22752613.318.348.7271.075
R. BraunOFMIL vs CIN
8:10PM
H. Bailey25951627.360.407.6401.047
K. DavisOFMIL vs CIN
8:10PM
H. Bailey11532412.455.5001.0911.591
S. Gennett2BMIL vs CIN
8:10PM
H. Bailey15620010.400.438.533.971
M. Reynolds1BMIL vs CIN
8:10PM
H. Bailey12421103.333.333.6671.000
R. Weeks2BMIL vs CIN
8:10PM
H. Bailey271442859.519.606.8151.421
M. HollidayOFSTL vs WAS
8:15PM
J. Zimmermann14411333.286.444.500.944
J. JayOFSTL vs WAS
8:15PM
J. Zimmermann15700002.467.500.467.967
Y. MolinaCSTL vs WAS
8:15PM
J. Zimmermann14610300.429.467.500.967
G. ParraOFARI @ LAD
10:10PM
C. Kershaw21730027.333.417.476.893
C. RossOFARI @ LAD
10:10PM
C. Kershaw23830046.348.444.478.923
K. Seager3BSEA vs TEX
10:10PM
N. Tepesch10530101.500.500.8001.300
L. MartinOFTEX @ SEA
10:10PM
F. Hernandez23841504.348.348.6961.043
D. LeMahieu2BCOL @ SF
10:15PM
T. Lincecum11410114.364.417.455.871
W. RosarioCCOL @ SF
10:15PM
T. Lincecum16642454.375.524.8751.399
H. PenceOFSF vs COL
10:15PM
J. De La Rosa19542630.263.364.6841.048
Hot Pitcher Matchups – June 13, 2014
Matchup Info
Career Stats Allowed To Batters On Opposing Team
Pitcher
Game
AB
H
XBH
HR
RBI
BB
K
AVG
OBP
SLG
OPS
Drew HutchisonTOR @ BAL
7:05PM
6213413417.210.266.304.569
John LackeyBOS vs CLE
7:10PM
15433103131944.214.313.333.647
Cold Batter Matchups – June 13, 2014
Matchup Info
Career Matchup Stats
Batter
Pos
Game
Pitcher
AB
H
XBH
HR
RBI
BB
K
AVG
OBP
SLG
OPS
J. HardySSBAL vs TOR
7:05PM
D. Hutchison10110013.100.182.200.382
A. JonesOFBAL vs TOR
7:05PM
D. Hutchison12200003.167.167.167.333
J. BautistaOFTOR @ BAL
7:05PM
U. Jimenez22210014.091.130.136.267
M. CabreraOFTOR @ BAL
7:05PM
U. Jimenez11200023.182.308.182.490
J. MauerCMIN @ DET
7:08PM
D. Smyly10100012.100.182.100.282
S. DrewSSBOS vs CLE
7:10PM
J. Masterson12100023.083.214.083.298
A. CabreraSSCLE @ BOS
7:10PM
J. Lackey27511318.185.241.296.538
N. Swisher1BCLE @ BOS
7:10PM
J. Lackey6410326924.156.280.266.546
B. UptonOFATL vs LAA
7:35PM
C. Wilson20300049.150.320.150.470
C. IannettaCLAA @ ATL
7:35PM
A. Harang11210144.182.375.364.739
G. Beckham2BCWS vs KC
8:10PM
J. Guthrie36842503.222.282.444.726
A. RamirezSSCWS vs KC
8:10PM
J. Guthrie42730054.167.271.238.509
D. ViciedoOFCWS vs KC
8:10PM
J. Guthrie22421407.182.182.364.545
B. ButlerDHKC @ CWS
8:10PM
J. Quintana21400069.190.370.190.561
L. CainOFKC @ CWS
8:10PM
J. Quintana22500114.227.261.227.488
A. GordonOFKC @ CWS
8:10PM
J. Quintana23300204.130.130.130.261
E. Hosmer1BKC @ CWS
8:10PM
J. Quintana24200017.083.120.083.203
C. GomezOFMIL vs CIN
8:10PM
H. Bailey23410324.174.240.217.457
M. Carpenter3BSTL vs WAS
8:15PM
J. Zimmermann14310401.214.214.286.500
P. Goldschmidt1BARI @ LAD
10:10PM
C. Kershaw255313210.200.259.400.659
M. MonteroCARI @ LAD
10:10PM
C. Kershaw296304011.207.207.310.517
J. Pacheco3BARI @ LAD
10:10PM
C. Kershaw16210103.125.125.188.313
M. Prado3BARI @ LAD
10:10PM
C. Kershaw27400013.148.179.148.327
A. RiosOFTEX @ SEA
10:10PM
F. Hernandez389215214.237.275.342.617
J. Rutledge2BCOL @ SF
10:15PM
T. Lincecum16300202.188.188.188.375
Cold Pitcher Matchups – June 13, 2014
Matchup Info
Career Stats Allowed To Batters On Opposing Team
Pitcher
Game
AB
H
XBH
HR
RBI
BB
K
AVG
OBP
SLG
OPS
Aaron HarangATL vs LAA
7:35PM
175622712351727.354.401.6641.065
Homer BaileyCIN @ MIL
8:10PM
20565237331738.317.376.501.876
Matt GarzaMIL vs CIN
8:10PM
9228125181017.304.380.538.918
Jordan ZimmermannWAS @ STL
8:15PM
91285112611.308.380.383.763

Recommended Pickup

Brandon Crawford, SS, SF – While his hitting dipped significantly since the start of the season, Crawford gives owners a solid option at a middle infielder spot. Over his last 10 games, Crawford has gone 12-for-34, raising his batting average from .236 to .255, while hitting one homer, scoring seven runs and driving in 10 RBI. Crawford is a dandy short-term pick up for counting numbers, and a decent long-term addition as well; just don't expect the batting average to climb much more than it has of late.

Other Recent Recommendations :Charlie Morton, Eugenio Suarez, Kendrys Morales, Danny Santana and Collin McHugh

DraftStreet Value Picks

SP: Drew Smyly, DET ($11,610)
C: Yadier Molina, STL ($5,225)
1B: Chris Davis, BAL ($6,565)
2B: Jason Kipnis, CLE ($6,247)
SS: Brandon Crawford, SF ($5,687)
3B: David Wright, NYM ($6,109)
OF: Jason Heyward, ATL ($7,258)

The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it's possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire. Dave Hunter plays in daily fantasy contests using the following accounts: FanDuel: TheRolyPolyBoy, DraftKings: TheRolyPolyBoy.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dave Hunter
Dave is a former RotoWire contributor. He, a long-time veteran of fantasy sports, began his career in 2004 at TalentedMrRoto.com. After a recent seven-year stint at ESPN.com managing the fantasy Q&A platform "The Answer Guys," Dave's writings have appeared on ESPN.com, SI.com, MLB.com, and other sites. Dave will try to keep his priorities straight by not ignoring his wife, two kids and menagerie of animals.
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