Monday Lineup Card: Sizemore Really Does Matter

Monday Lineup Card: Sizemore Really Does Matter

This article is part of our The Lineup Card series.

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

Cubs (Jeff Samardzija - R) at Pirates (Francisco Liriano - L), 1:00
Royals (James Shields - R) at Tigers (Justin Verlander - R), 1:08
Nationals (Stephen Strasburg - R) at Mets (Dillon Gee - R), 1:10
Phillies (Cliff Lee - L) at Rangers (Tanner Scheppers - R), 2:05
Braves (Julio Teheran - R) at Brewers (Yovani Gallardo - R), 2:10
Red Sox (Jon Lester - L) at Orioles (Chris Tillman - R), 3:00
Cardinals (Adam Wainwright - R) at Reds (Johnny Cueto - R), 4:00
Twins (Ricky Nolasco - R) at White Sox (Chris Sale - L), 4:10
Blue Jays (R.A. Dickey - R) at Rays (David Price - L), 4:10
Rockies (Jorge De La Rosa - L) at Marlins (Jose Fernandez - R), 7:00
Giants (Madison Bumgarner - L) at Diamondbacks (Brandon McCarthy - R), 9:40
Mariners (Felix Hernandez - R) at Angels (Jered Weaver - R), 10:00
Indians (Justin Masterson - R) at Athletics (Sonny Gray - R), 10:05

Day Game After Night Game: None

Injuries

Day-to-Day
Jose Bautista, OF, TOR (Illness) - Scratched from Saturday's exhibition due to a stomach virus.
Tyler Chatwood, SP, COL (Hamstring) - Threw a side session Sunday but remains an unknown for his scheduled start Wednesday versus the Marlins.
Tim Lincecum, SP, SF (Knee) - Intends to start Thursday versus the Diamondbacks.
Nick Markakis, OF, BAL (Neck) - Listed as questionable for Monday's outing due to a stiff neck.
Jenrry Mejia, SP, NYM (Forearm) - Earned the No. 5 spot in the rotation, but currently experiencing swelling in his right forearm.
Jason Motte, RP, STL (Elbow) - Threw a 20-to-25 pitch simulate game Saturday and is hopeful that he'll pitch in a real contest Tuesday.
David Ortiz, DH, BOS (Calf) - Sidelined during Saturday's final spring outing due to minor stiffness in his calf.
Jose Reyes, SS, TOR (Hamstring) - Appeared in both of the team's final two spring exhibitions, going 0-for-6 with three strikeouts; should be good to go Monday.
Anibal Sanchez, SP, DET (Shoulder) - Threw a simulated game Sunday, after his final spring start Saturday was rained out; expected to take the mound Thursday versus the Royals.
Nate Schierholtz, OF, CHC (Illness) - Scratched from Saturday's exhibition, leaving him somewhat questionable for Monday's game against the Pirates.
Shane Victorino, OF, BOS (Hamstring) - Tweaked his hamstring Saturday, which places his availability for Monday's opener in question, pending a full evaluation scheduled that morning.

Players on the DL
Josh Beckett, SP, LAD (Thumb) - May start next Saturday's contest against the Giants, depending upon how his sore right thumb recovers.
Sean Burnett, RP, LAA (Elbow) - Slated to face live hitters Tuesday or Wednesday, but there is no timetable for his return.
Patrick Corbin, SP, ARI (Elbow) - Recently underwent Tommy John surgery and may soon be moved to the 60-day disabled list.
Yu Darvish, SP, TEX (Neck) - Tossed a 32-pitch bullpen session Sunday, after which he experienced no issues; his throwing program will continue Tuesday.
Josh Johnson, SP, SD (Forearm) - Expected to return in May, though the Padres aren't considering transferring him to the 60-day DL.
Clayton Kershaw, SP, LAD (Back) - Will miss his first two starts of the regular season, at least, as a result of an inflamed back.
Mike Minor, SP, ATL (Shoulder) - Completed 1.1 rain-shortened innings Saturday, marking his first live pitching of the spring.
Carlos Quentin, OF, SD (Knee) - Dealing with a bruised tibia, and his DL stint is expected to surpass the 15-day minimum.

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

Placed on the DL
Michael Almanzar, 3B, BAL
Jeremy Affeldt, P, SF
Jake Arrieta, P, CHC
Brandon Beachy, P, ATL (Transferred to 60-day DL)
Gordon Beckham, 2B, CHW
Tim Beckham, SS, TB
Michael Bourn, OF, CLE
Ryan Brasier, P, LAA
Sean Burnett, P, LAA
Jonathan Broxton, P, CIN
Jhoulys Chacin, P, COL
Aroldis Chapman, P, CIN
Louis Coleman, P, KC
Ryan Cook, P, OAK
Patrick Corbin, P, ARI
Jesse Crain, P, HOU
Yu Darvish, P, TEX
Dane De La Rosa, P, LAA
Andy Dirks, OF, DET
Mark Ellis, 2B, STL
Edgmer Escalona, P, BAL (60-day DL)
Doug Fister, P, WAS
Kyuji Fujikawa, P, CHC
Rafael Furcal, SS, MIA
Jaime Garcia, P, STL
Cory Gearrin, P, ATL
Craig Gentry, OF, OAK
Jason Giambi, DH, CLE
Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez, P, PHI (Transferred to 60-day DL)
Tom Gorzelanny, P, MIL
A.J. Griffin, P, OAK
Jack Hannahan, 3B, CIN (60-day DL)
Matt Harvey, P, NYM (60-day DL)
Matt Harrison, P, TEX
Jeremy Hellickson, P, TB
David Hernandez, P, ARI
Luke Hochevar, P, KC
Dan Hudson, P, ARI
Jose Iglesias, SS, DET (60-day DL)
Hisashi Iwakuma, P, SEA
Casey Janssen, P, TOR
Josh Johnson, P, SD
Casey Kelly, P, SD
Jeff Keppinger, 3B, CWS
Clayton Kershaw, P, LAD
Mat Latos, P, CIN
Jeff Locke, P, PIT
Boone Logan, P, COL
Ed Lucas, 3B, MIA
Manny Machado, 3B, BAL
Brett Marshall, P, CIN (60-day DL)
Sean Marshall, P, CIN
Cameron Maybin, OF, SD
James McDonald, P, CHC (60-day DL)
Kris Medlen, P, ATL (Transferred to 60-day DL)
Devin Mesoraco, C, CIN
Brian Moran, P, LAA
Jason Motte, P, STL
Jon Niese, P, NYM
Juan Oviedo, P. TB
Francisco Peguero, OF, BAL
Jurickson Profar, 2B, TEX
Stephen Pryor, P, SEA
Carlos Quentin, OF, SD
Nolan Reimold, OF, BAL
Fernando Rodriguez, P, OAK
Bruce Rondon, P, DET (60-day DL)
Skip Schumaker, 2B, CIN
Marco Scutaro, 2B, SF
Geovany Soto, C, TEX (60-day DL)
Chris Stewart, C, PIT
Jonny Venters, P, ATL (Transferred to 60-day DL)
Taijuan Walker, P, SEA
Alex White, P, HOU
Joe Wieland, P, SD
Asher Wojciechowski, P, HOU

Called Up
Scott Atchison, P, CLE
John Baker, C, CHC
Tucker Barnhart, C, CIN
Jason Bartlett, SS, MIN
Joe Beimel, P, SEA
Trevor Bell, P, CIN
Roger Bernadina, OF, CIN
Emilio Bonifacio, 2B, CHC
Ryan Buchter, P, ATL
Tyler Collins, OF, DET
Zach Duke, P, MIL
Roenis Elias, P, SEA
Sam Fuld, OF, OAK
J.C. Gutierrez, P, SF
Tony Gwynn Jr., OF, PHI
Brandon Hicks, SS, SF
Mario Hollands, P, PHI
Dan Hudson, SP, ARI
Travis Ishikawa, 1B, PIT
Reed Johnson, OF, MIA
Ryan Kalish, OF, CHC
Erik Kratz, C, TOR
Jason Kubel, OF, MIN
Jeff Manship, P, PHI
Evan Meek, P, BAL
Nyjer Morgan, OF, CLE
Xavier Nady, OF, SD
Pat Neshek, P, STL
Lyle Overbay, 1B, MIL
Curtis Partch, P, CIN
Omar Quintanilla, SS, NYM
Mark Reynolds, 1B, MIL
Ryan Rowland-Smith, P, SEA
Ramon Santiago, 2B, CIN
Brian Schlitter, P, CHC
Gus Schlosser, P, ATL
Kevin Slowey, P, MIA
Ian Stewart, 3B, LAA
Ian Thomas, P, ATL
Josh Wilson, SS, TEX
Delmon Young, OF, BAL

Sent Down (to Triple-A, unless otherwise noted)
Jose Alvarez, P, LAA
Phillippe Aumont, P, PHI
Blake Beavan, P, SEA
Kyle Blanks, OF, SD
Jackie Bradley, OF, BOS
Drake Britton, P, BOS
Cesar Cabral, P, NYY
Jose Dominguez, P, LAD
Jake Elmore, SS, OAK
Nick Franklin, 2B, SEA
Kevin Gausman, P, BAL
Grant Green, 2B, LAA
Shane Greene, P, NYY
Didi Gregorius, SS, ARI
Javy Guerra, P, CWS
Ryan Lavarnway, C, BOS
Lucas Luetge, P, SEA
Jordan Lyles, P, COL
Brandon Maurer, P, SEA
T.J. McFarland, P, BAL
Johnny Monell, C, BAL
Hiroyuki Nakajima, 3B, OAK
Eduardo Nunez, SS, NYY
Andrew Oliver, P, PIT
Cory Rasmus, P, LAA
Jorge Rondon, P, STL
Chris Rusin, P, CHC
Ervin Santana, P, ATL
Joe Savery, P, OAK
Bo Schultz, P, ARI
J.B. Shuck, OF, LAA
Matt Tuiasosopo, OF, TOR
Stephen Vogt, C, OAK
Jemile Weeks, 2B, BAL

Designated for Assignment
Xavier Avery, OF, SEA
Pedro Beato, P, CIN
Michael Belfiore, P, BAL
Brian Bogusevic, OF, MIA
Michael Brady, P, MIA
Alberto Cabrera, P, CHC
Preston Guilmet, P, CLE
Frank Herrmann, P, CLE
Colt Hynes, P, CLE
Roger Kieschnick, OF, SF
Michael Kirkman, P, TEX
Vin Mazzaro, P, PIT
Adam Rosales, 2B, TEX
Michael Taylor, OF, OAK
Carlos Triunfel, SS, SEA

Claimed off Waivers
Chris Gimenez, C, TEX (from OAK)

Traded
Jayson Nix, SS, PHI (from TB)

Signed
Alfredo Aceves, P, NYY (minor league contract)
Scott Baker, P, TEX (minor league contract)
Erik Bedard, P, TB (minor league contract)

Released
Francisco Cordero, P, COL
Steve Garrison, P, BAL
Ramon Hernandez, C, KC
Aaron Laffey, P, BAL
Chris Nelson, 3B, CIN
Jon Rauch, P, KC
Everett Teaford, P, KC

Closer Watch

Blue Jays - Perhaps the most compelling development to hit the closing ranks prior to Opening Day is Casey Janssen and his bout with a strained lower back, which he sustained during warmups before his last outing Friday versus the Mets. The nature of the ailment was revealed following an MRI on Sunday, but general manager Alex Anthopoulos relayed that Janssen isn't expected to be out of commission for too long, namely 5-to-6 days. With backdating, Janssen should be ready and willing to embark upon his third consecutive, 20-plus save campaign when he's eligible for activation on Apr. 12. In the meantime, though, Sergio Santos will be asked to handle the save opportunities that arrive on the bullpen's doorstep, which isn't an unknown role for him considering the 30 saves he tallied as a member of the White Sox in 2011. His spring splits -- two earned runs on two hits with a 3:0 K:BB in five innings -- should inspire enough confidence in his ability to convert late-inning chances successfully in Janssen's stead.

Reds - On another, more upsetting front is the comebacker that Aroldis Chapman survived on Mar. 19, resulting in a procedure to repair a fracture above his left eye. As he heals over the initial month-plus of the season, Cincinnati's save situations appear as if they'll be in a state of flux due to DL stints of varying lengths for both Jonathan Broxton (elbow) and Sean Marshall (shoulder). The gig is there for the taking, with J.J. Hoover the popular pick to take on the hazardous position of primary fireman. Although he yielded runs in six of eight Cactus League appearances, a total of five were earned en route to a 5.63 ERA, 2.38 WHIP, and 4:7 K:BB in eight frames. If he's unable to reel in his .324 BAA, Sam LeCure is likely the next man up among Reds relievers until Broxton is healthy enough to escape the disabled list, which may occur as early as next Saturday, Apr. 5, due to the date of his final spring tilt.

Hot Batter Matchups – March 31, 2014
Matchup Info
Career Matchup Stats
Batter
Pos
Game
Pitcher
AB
H
XBH
HR
RBI
BB
K
AVG
OBP
SLG
OPS
M. Cabrera3BDET vs KC
1:08PM
J. Shields261361424.500.536.8081.343
A. JacksonOFDET vs KC
1:08PM
J. Shields13510003.385.385.538.923
B. ButlerDHKC @ DET
1:08PM
J. Verlander532162947.396.448.5851.033
I. DesmondSSWAS @ NYM
1:10PM
D. Gee15422225.267.353.6671.020
N. CruzOFBAL vs BOS
3:05PM
J. Lester17941212.529.556.9411.497
J. HardySSBAL vs BOS
3:05PM
J. Lester15631213.400.438.8001.238
M. WietersCBAL vs BOS
3:05PM
J. Lester341340729.382.417.529.946
D. Pedroia2BBOS @ BAL
3:05PM
C. Tillman11410220.364.429.455.883
J. BruceOFCIN vs STL
4:10PM
A. Wainwright18611226.333.400.500.900
R. LudwickOFCIN vs STL
4:10PM
A. Wainwright10321312.300.364.7001.064
A. Dunn1BCWS vs MIN
4:10PM
R. Nolasco22631538.273.360.545.905
M. HollidayOFSTL @ CIN
4:10PM
J. Cueto27930553.333.424.444.869
J. JayOFSTL @ CIN
4:10PM
J. Cueto211043712.476.500.9521.452
J. BautistaOFTOR @ TB
4:10PM
D. Price311154767.355.474.7741.248
J. BakerOFMIA vs COL
7:10PM
J. De La Rosa12520202.417.462.6671.128
A. Hill2BARI vs SF
9:40PM
M. Bumgarner10442401.400.4001.2001.600
A. Pujols1BLAA vs SEA
10:05PM
F. Hernandez16441405.250.250.625.875
M. TroutOFLAA vs SEA
10:05PM
F. Hernandez241031815.417.423.6671.090
D. Barton1BOAK vs CLE
10:05PM
J. Masterson10400011.400.455.400.855
Hot Pitcher Matchups – March 31, 2014
Matchup Info
Career Stats Allowed To Batters On Opposing Team
Pitcher
Game
AB
H
XBH
HR
RBI
BB
K
AVG
OBP
SLG
OPS
Dillon GeeNYM vs WAS
1:10PM
74166241119.216.325.351.676
Cliff LeePHI @ TEX
2:05PM
1042110112426.202.229.329.557
Yovani GallardoMIL vs ATL
2:10PM
74151121020.203.298.247.545
Jered WeaverLAA vs SEA
10:05PM
10725518629.234.279.305.584
Cold Batter Matchups – March 31, 2014
Matchup Info
Career Matchup Stats
Batter
Pos
Game
Pitcher
AB
H
XBH
HR
RBI
BB
K
AVG
OBP
SLG
OPS
A. AvilaCDET vs KC
1:08PM
J. Shields15421317.267.313.533.846
R. DavisOFDET vs KC
1:08PM
J. Shields11100002.091.091.091.182
I. Kinsler2BDET vs KC
1:08PM
J. Shields32642233.188.257.438.695
E. Hosmer1BKC @ DET
1:08PM
J. Verlander20210134.100.217.150.367
M. Moustakas3BKC @ DET
1:08PM
J. Verlander18300215.167.211.167.377
D. Espinosa2BWAS @ NYM
1:10PM
D. Gee11100031.091.333.091.424
R. Zimmerman3BWAS @ NYM
1:10PM
D. Gee15310013.200.250.267.517
A. Beltre3BTEX vs PHI
2:05PM
C. Lee32430315.125.152.219.370
D. Murphy3BTEX vs PHI
2:05PM
C. Lee15100007.067.067.067.133
C. Johnson3BATL @ MIL
2:10PM
Y. Gallardo11200014.182.250.182.432
D. Uggla2BATL @ MIL
2:10PM
Y. Gallardo18400013.222.263.222.485
C. Davis1BBAL vs BOS
3:05PM
J. Lester13000012.000.071.000.071
N. MarkakisOFBAL vs BOS
3:05PM
J. Lester5511501314.200.241.291.532
D. YoungOFBAL vs BOS
3:05PM
J. Lester31600337.194.250.194.444
J. Votto1BCIN vs STL
4:10PM
A. Wainwright17110015.059.111.118.229
J. WillinghamOFMIN @ CWS
4:10PM
C. Sale12100117.083.154.083.237
A. Lind1BTOR @ TB
4:10PM
D. Price36720329.194.256.250.506
C. RasmusOFTOR @ TB
4:10PM
D. Price15300001.200.250.200.450
M. MonteroCARI vs SF
9:40PM
M. Bumgarner15310202.200.200.267.467
G. ParraOFARI vs SF
9:40PM
M. Bumgarner10000005.000.000.000.000
M. Prado3BARI vs SF
9:40PM
M. Bumgarner10200022.200.333.200.533
J. HamiltonOFLAA vs SEA
10:05PM
F. Hernandez488414816.167.298.313.611
R. IbanezOFLAA vs SEA
10:05PM
F. Hernandez11211314.182.250.455.705
J. ReddickOFOAK vs CLE
10:05PM
J. Masterson14222313.143.200.571.771
J. BuckCSEA @ LAA
10:05PM
J. Weaver14200207.143.176.143.319
M. SaundersOFSEA @ LAA
10:05PM
J. Weaver15410017.267.313.333.646
Cold Pitcher Matchups – March 31, 2014
Matchup Info
Career Stats Allowed To Batters On Opposing Team
Pitcher
Game
AB
H
XBH
HR
RBI
BB
K
AVG
OBP
SLG
OPS
Johnny CuetoCIN vs STL
4:10PM
963210518713.333.385.542.927
Recommended Pickup

Grady Sizemore, OF, BOS - The darling of the Grapefuit League, nay, spring training 2014, Sizemore channeled his former versatile self, slashing .310/.356/.429 on his way to landing the Opening Day start in center field for the Red Sox. No, a mimic of his predecessor, Jacoby Ellsbury, won't regularly be wreaking havoc in Fenway Park. Moreover, until he proves the ability to play everyday, calling his number will be fraught with difficulty in daily leagues. His historic success against right-handers -- .288/.376/.515 line and a homer every 23.2 at-bats -- should coincide with a friendly price tag, though, endearing him to an array of owners. Monday's matchup against righty Chris Tillman will be as good of a test as any to learn if Sizemore really does matter.

Other Recent Recommendations: None

DraftStreet Lineup

SP - Chris Tillman, BAL $13,123
C - John Jaso, OAK $5,815
1B - Adam Dunn, CWS $5,395
2B - Kolten Wong, STL $5,392
SS - Jhonny Peralta, STL $5,354
3B - Conor Gillaspie, CWS $5,016
OF - A.J. Pollock, ARI $5,603

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. Eric Caturia plays in daily fantasy contests using the following accounts: FanDuel: etcat30, DraftKings: etcat30.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Eric Caturia
An employee of RotoWire since December 2011, Eric is the assistant NFL editor for the site. In this capacity, he's been heavily involved with the production of the annual Fantasy Football Guide, which has received numerous nominations for best fantasy football publication.
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