Sunday Lineup Card: The Ruggiano Risk

This article is part of our The Lineup Card series.

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

Red Sox (Jon Lester - L) at Blue Jays (R.A. Dickey - R), 1:07
Yankees (CC Sabathia - L) at Tigers (Justin Verlander - R), 1:08
Marlins (Jose Fernandez - R) at Mets (Aaron Laffey - L), 1:10
Cubs (Jeff Samardzija - R) at Braves (Tim Hudson - R), 1:35
Royals (James Shields - R) at Phillies (Cole Hamels - L), 1:35
Twins (Pedro Hernandez - L) at Orioles (Jason Hammel - R), 1:35
Indians (Justin Masterson - R) at Rays (David Price - L), 1:40
Diamondbacks (Ian Kennedy - R) at Brewers (Yovani Gallardo) - R), 2:10
Athletics (Brett Anderson - L) at Astros (Lucas Harrell), 2:10
Mariners (Hisashi Iwakuma - R) at White Sox (Chris Sale - R), 2:10
Cardinals (Adam Wainwright - R) at Giants (Matt Cain - R), 4:05
Pirates (Jeff Locke - L) at Dodgers (Hyun-Jin Ryu - L), 4:10
Padres (Edinson Volquez - R) at Rockies (Jhoulys Chacin - R), 4:10
Angels (Jered Weaver - R) at Rangers (Yu Darvish - R), 8:05

Day Game After Night Game: KC/PHI, MIN/BAL, ARZ/MIL, CHC/ATL, CLE/TB, OAK/HOU, SD/COL

Injuries

Day-to-Day

Andrelton Simmons, SS, ATL - (Thumb) Benched Saturday after telling team of injury that he thought wasn't serious.
Ryan Braun, OF, MIL - (Neck) Missed second game in a row Saturday due to spasms.
Adam LaRoche, 1B, WAS - (Back) Did not start Saturday because of stiffness.
Albert Pujols, 1B, LAA - (Heel) Started Saturday at DH, and reached base in all five at bats including two home run.
John Lackey, P, BOS - (Arm) Will undergo an MRI exam Sunday.
Jose Iglesias, SS, BOS - (Elbow) Was out of lineup Saturday, and could be back as early as Sunday.
Eduardo Nunez, SS, NYY - (Biceps) Missed Saturday even though X-rays on Friday were negative.
Jose Bautista, OF, TOR - (Ankle) While he didn't start Saturday, there is a still a chance he will play Sunday.

Players on the DL

Charlie Morton, P, PIT - (Elbow) Will pitch in extended spring training game Monday.
Jeff Karstens, P, PIT - (Shoulder) Played catch Saturday on flat ground.
Francisco Liriano, P, PIT - (Arm) Expected to pitch in simulated game Wednesday.
David Freese, 3B, STL - (Back) Felt good Friday after seven innings at Triple-A Memphis.
Darwin Barney, 2B, CHC - (Knee) Participated in batting practice Saturday.
Ian Stewart, 3B, CHC - (Quadriceps) Could return to the majors in 2-to-3 weeks.
Aramis Ramirez, 3B, MIL - (Knee) Will be placed on the 15-day disabled list.
Ryan Madson, P, LAA - (Elbow) Felt pain after bullpen session Saturday.
Steve Johnson, P, BAL - (Back) Had no discomfort in bullpen session at team's spring training complex.
David Ortiz, DH, BOS - (Heel) Is on schedule to play extended spring training games Sunday.
Jason Giambi, 1B, CLE - (Back) Should be activated from 15-day disabled list Tuesday.
Travis Blackley, P, HOU - (Shoulder) Will be placed on 15-day disabled list Sunday because of a strain.
Derek Jeter, SS, NYY - (Ankle) Needs "somewhat of a spring training" before return according to the Yankee's manager.

Placed on the DL

Travis Buckley, P, HOU
Aramis Ramirez, 3B, MIL

Called Up

Dave Bush, P TOR
Dallas Keuchel, P, HOU
Trevor Bauer, P, CLE
Josh Prince, OF, MIL

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

Jeremy Jeffress, P, TOR (DFA)
Dan Straily, P, OAK (Optioned)
Yamaico Navarro, INF, BAL (Optioned)

Traded

Aaron Harang, P, COL (from LAD)
Ramon Hernandez, C, LAD (from COL)

Claimed
Will Harris, P, (from OAK)

Activated

Bartolo Colon, P, OAK
Phil Hughes, P, NYY
Chris Tillman, P, BAL

Closer Watch

Nationals - The Nationals new closer, Rafael Soriano, entered the ninth inning against the Reds on Saturday with a two run lead, and proceeded to give up a home run to the first batter he faced Shin-Soo Choo. Soriano got the first out and then allowed a triple to Joey Votto, who scored a wild pitch to tie up the game. There is no way at this point of the season Soriano's job is at jeopardy, but a couple more shaky performance's like he had on Saturday will have manager Davey Johnson considering his options.

Key Matchups

Justin Ruggiano, OF, MIA - Ruggiano put the fantasy world on notice in 2012 when in just 91 games played he hit 13 home runs, stole 14 bases, and had a .313 average to go along with a .909 OPS. But in a world of what have you done for me lately, Ruggiano had started the 2013 season in similar fashion sporting one homer, two stolen bags, and an even .302 average with a 1.000 OPS in three games, but after an zero hit day Saturday his averages dropped. Ruggiano is available in most formats, but any fantasy owner should question themselves if they think a guy who is turning 31 in less than a week, has basically been a career minor leaguer until last year, and has never played a full MLB season can continue to produce these superb fantasy numbers against Major League pitchers. Though for those willing to take a risk on him they may find themselves with a guy that will hit 20 homers and steal 20 bags for you. Consider Ruggiano a high risk/high reward fantasy player.

Other Recent Recommendations:Bartolo Colon, Chris Heisey, John Buck, Juan Pierre, Tyler Flowers and Domonic Brown.

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C -- Salvador Perez, KC ($6,122)
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