Sunday Lineup Card: Ryan Started the Fire

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

Orioles (Bradley Bergesen – R) at Indians (Fausto Carmona – R), 1:05
Pirates (Jeffrey Karstens – R) at Reds (Edinson Volquez – R), 1:10
Marlins (Chris Volstad – R) at Phillies (Joe Blanton – R), 1:35
Brewers (Yovani Gallardo - R) at Nationals (Jason Marquis - R), 1:35
Brewers (Marco Estrada – R) at Nationals (Livan Hernandez – R), TBD
Mets (Dillon Gee – R) at Braves (Tommy Hanson – R), 1:35
Blue Jays (Jesse Litsch – R) at Red Sox (Jon Lester – L), 1:35
Twins (Brian Duensing – L) at Rays (Jeremy Hellickson – R), 1:40
Padres (Clayton Richard – L) at Astros (Brett Myers – R), 2:05
Mariners (Michael Pineda – R) at Royals (Jeff Francis – L), 2:10
Angels (Dan Haren – R) at White Sox (Mark Buehrle – L), 2:10
Cubs (Ryan Dempster – R) at Rockies (Alan Johnson – R), 3:10
Tigers (Brad Penny – R) at Athletics (Trevor Cahill – R), 4:05
Cardinals (Chris Carpenter – R) at Dodgers (Chad Billingsley – R), 4:10
Giants (Madison Bumgarner – L) at Diamondbacks (Barry Enright – R), 4:10
Rangers (Alexi Ogando – R) at Yankees (CC Sabathia – L), 8:05

Day Game After a Night Game: SD, HOU, FLA, PHI, CHC, COL, SF, ARI, DET, OAK

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

Day-to-Day (includes players expected to make their return from the DL)

AL
Alexi Ogando, SP/RP, TEX – (Finger) His blister hasn't been an issue between starts, and he's expected to start Sunday.
Alex Rodriguez, 3B, NYY – (Back) Didn't play in the final three innings Saturday due to lower back and oblique stiffness. The team has not scheduled any diagnostic tests, but he still may sit out Sunday.

NL
Donnie Murphy, SS, FLA – (Knee contusion) Left Friday's game in the ninth after fouling a ball off his knee.
Edinson Volquez, SP, CIN – (Neck) Is expected to start Sunday.
Roy Oswalt, SP, PHI – (Back) Came up lame after trying to run out a hit Friday and had to leave the game. He expects to be ready to make his next start.
Ross Gload, 1B, PHI – (Knee) Left Friday's game after wrenching his knee on a diving catch. He stayed in the game for a few innings after initially injuring his knee, so it may not be too serious.
Brandon Phillips, 2B, CIN – (Groin) Thinks he'll be able to return Sunday, but manager Dusty Baker isn't so certain.

Players on the DL

AL
Justin Duchscherer, SP, BAL – (Hip) Resuming throwing Monday, could return in 3-4 weeks.
Rich Harden, RP, OAK – (Shoulder) Will take several days off after suffering a setback. No return date has been set.
Joel Pineiro, SP, LAA – (Shoulder) Threw 30-pitch bullpen Friday. When ready, he'll need to make a couple rehab starts before rejoining the rotation.
Scott Kazmir, SP, LAA – (Back) No timetable set for his return yet, but he's rejoining the team Monday.
Matt Albers, RP, BOS – (Back) Will make two rehab appearances this week and could return as soon as April 23.
Franklin Gutierrez, OF, SEA – (Stomach) His stomach discomfort is still an issue, and the team is sending him to be further evaluated.
Grady Sizemore, OF, CLE – (Knee) The Indians could activate him as early as Sunday.

NL
Kyle Blanks, 1B/OF, SD – (Elbow) Began a minor-league rehab assignment Thursday.
Cody Ross, OF, SF – (Calf) Could be activated early next week.
Brad Lidge, RP, PHI – (Shoulder) Scheduled to be examined Saturday and receive a progress report.
Domonic Brown, OF, PHI – (Wrist) Took swings during batting practice, and is on track to start a rehab assignment by the end of the month.
Chase Utley, 2B, PHI – (Knee) Did some running Thursday for the first time since being shutdown with tendinitis.
Chris Young, SP, NYM – (Biceps) Placed on the 15-day DL with right biceps tendinitis Saturday.
Jason Bay, OF, NYM – (Ribs) Playing in High-A rehab games this weekend, and there's some hope that he'll be able to return to the team Tuesday.

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

Called Up
Pat Misch, SP, NYM
Jairo Asencio, RP, ATL

Sent Down
Jean Boscan, C, ATL

Placed on DL (15-day unless otherwise noted)
Chris Young, SP, NYM

Activated from DL
Jon Garland, SP, LAD

Closer Watch - A closer look at intriguing ninth-inning situations (check out our Closer Grid with the link to the left).

Boston – Jonathan Papelbon recorded just his second save of the season in Saturday's win over the Blue Jays. He hasn't been blowing saves, the Red Sox simply haven't had more than the two save opportunities so far this season.

LA Angels – Jordan Walden earned the save for the Angels on Friday, and it appears we were right about Fernando Rodney's save against the Blue Jays on Monday. Rodney was only used because Walden had thrown too many pitches the night before. Walden remains the primary closer and the guy to own.

Oakland – Brian Fuentes blew the save Friday when the Tigers' Miguel "I'm Miguel Cabrera" Cabrera went yard to tie the game in the top of the ninth. The Tigers then roared their way to a win with another seven runs in the 10th. Fuentes will continue to close games as long as Andrew Bailey is out. It's doubtful manager Bob Geren will hold a Cabrera bomb against Fuentes. Cabrera could do that to any pitcher. Keep riding Fuentes for his cheap saves.

Tampa Bay – Kyle Farnsworth has now been the guy in the game for all three save opportunities for the Rays this season. He's the man to own there, and he's still not owned in many many leagues.

Toronto – Jon Rauch earned his third save Friday and continues to get the ball despite Octavio Dotel returning to the bullpen.

Washington – Sean Burnett had his first blown save Friday, in his fourth save opportunity of the season. Though we don't like to incite panic, Drew Storen is lying in wait for the closing gig. Any struggles by Burnett are worth noticing.

Key Matchups

Hot
Batters
Joey Votto vs. Jeffrey Karstens - 5-for-7 (.714), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 3:0 BB:K
Ryan Doumit vs. Edinson Volquez - 5-for-13 (.385), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 0:2 BB:K
Raul Ibanez vs. Chris Volstad - 10-for-19 (.526), 3 HR, 8 RBI, 2:1 BB:K
Carlos Ruiz vs. Chris Volstad - 7-for-16 (.438), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 4:1 BB:K
Ryan Howard vs. Chris Volstad - 11-for-23 (.478), 6 HR, 9 RBI, 2:4 BB:K
Wilson Valdez vs. Chris Volstad - 5-for-12 (.417), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:1 BB:K
Chris Coghlan vs. Joe Blanton - 4-for-11 (.364), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 3:1 BB:K
Adam LaRoche vs. Yovani Gallardo - 5-for-16 (.313), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 3:5 BB:K
Craig Counsell vs. Jason Marquis - 11-for-32 (.344), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 4:3 BB:K
Nyjer Morgan vs. Jason Marquis - 6-for-14 (.429), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:3 BB:K
Mark Kotsay vs. Jason Marquis - 4-for-11 (.364), 0 HR, 3 RBI, 0:3 BB:K
Craig Counsell vs. Livan Hernandez - 17-for-46 (.370), 0 HR, 4 RBI, 7:5 BB:K
Nyjer Morgan vs. Livan Hernandez - 5-for-10 (.500), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 3:1 BB:K
Jorge Cantu vs. Brett Myers - 8-for-17 (.471), 2 HR, 6 RBI, 0:1 BB:K
Ryan Ludwick vs. Brett Myers - 8-for-13 (.615), 2 HR, 4 RBI, 1:0 BB:K
Cameron Maybin vs. Brett Myers - 5-for-10 (.500), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:2 BB:K
Todd Helton vs. Ryan Dempster - 9-for-21 (.429), 3 HR, 5 RBI, 5:3 BB:K
Jamey Carroll vs. Chris Carpenter - 6-for-16 (.375), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2:2 BB:K
Ryan Theriot vs. Chad Billingsley - 7-for-18 (.389), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:3 BB:K
Chris Young vs. Madison Bumgarner - 4-for-8 (.500), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:2 BB:K
Freddy Sanchez vs. Barry Enright - 4-for-12 (.333), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 0:0 BB:K
Pat Burrell vs. Barry Enright - 3-for-9 (.333), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2:2 BB:K
Luke Scott vs. Fausto Carmona - 5-for-11 (.455), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1:1 BB:K
John McDonald vs. Jon Lester - 5-for-15 (.333), 1 HR, 1 RBI, 0:3 BB:K
Milton Bradley vs. Jeff Francis - 6-for-10 (.600), 2 HR, 4 RBI, 0:1 BB:K
Vernon Wells vs. Mark Buehrle - 19-for-38 (.500), 1 HR, 8 RBI, 4:3 BB:K
Bobby Abreu vs. Mark Buehrle - 9-for-15 (.600), 0 HR, 4 RBI, 4:2 BB:K
Maicer Izturis vs. Mark Buehrle - 6-for-14 (.429), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 0:1 BB:K
Conor Jackson vs. Brad Penny - 9-for-19 (.474), 0 HR, 3 RBI, 1:0 BB:K
Mike Napoli vs. CC Sabathia - 4-for-13 (.308), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2:2 BB:K

Pitchers
Joe Blanton vs. Marlins – Blanton has pitched pretty well against the Marlins' current roster in his career. They've posted just a meager .220/.263/.349 slash line against him over 109 at-bats. Feel confident running him out there as a spot starter Sunday.

Dan Haren vs. White Sox – Haren has limited the White Sox' current roster to a slash line of .204/.253/.312 over 93 at-bats.

Cold
Batters
Jerry Hairston Jr. vs. Yovani Gallardo - 1-for-10 (.100), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:5 BB:K
Rickie Weeks vs. Livan Hernandez - 3-for-17 (.176), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:3 BB:K
Ryan Braun vs. Livan Hernandez - 4-for-17 (.235), 1 HR, 5 RBI, 0:1 BB:K
Prince Fielder vs. Livan Hernandez - 1-for-14 (.071), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:3 BB:K
David Wright vs. Tommy Hanson - 1-for-13 (.077), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:5 BB:K
Brad Hawpe vs. Brett Myers - 2-for-14 (.143), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:4 BB:K
Ty Wigginton vs. Ryan Dempster - 3-for-15 (.200), 1 HR, 2 RBI, 0:4 BB:K
Casey Blake vs. Chris Carpenter - 3-for-16 (.188), 0 HR, 2 RBI, 0:5 BB:K
James Loney vs. Chris Carpenter - 3-for-16 (.188), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:2 BB:K
Lance Berkman vs. Chad Billingsley - 2-for-15 (.133), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:4 BB:K
Stephen Drew vs. Madison Bumgarner - 2-for-10 (.200), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:2 BB:K
Kevin Youkilis vs. Jesse Litsch - 2-for-10 (.200), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2:4 BB:K
Jason Varitek vs. Jesse Litsch - 0-for-7 (.000), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 3:2 BB:K
Jose Bautista vs. Jon Lester - 5-for-26 (.192), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 4:6 BB:K
Aaron Hill vs. Jon Lester - 2-for-24 (.083), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 3:9 BB:K
Adam Lind vs. Jon Lester - 2-for-14 (.143), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:8 BB:K
Omar Vizquel vs. Dan Haren - 3-for-26 (.115), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0:5 BB:K
Mark Teahen vs. Dan Haren - 2-for-14 (.143), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 3:4 BB:K
Torii Hunter vs. Mark Buehrle - 19-for-83 (.229), 3 HR, 13 RBI, 0:15 BB:K
Alberto Callaspo vs. Mark Buehrle - 2-for-19 (.105), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1:0 BB:K
Kevin Kouzmanoff vs. Brad Penny - 3-for-12 (.250), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0:3 BB:K
Adrian Beltre vs. CC Sabathia - 3-for-22 (.136), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1:7 BB:K

Pitchers
Jeffrey Karstens vs. Reds – Karstens has allowed the Reds' current roster to hit a slash line of .425/.457/.699 off him over 73 at-bats.

Chris Volstad vs. Phillies – Volstad has allowed the Phillies' current roster to hit a slash line of .368/.439/.678 off him over 152 at-bats. Shane Victorino is the only regular in the Phillies' lineup that's hit under .333 against Volstad, but Victorino has also taken him yard twice and owns an .811 OPS against Volstad.

Jason Marquis vs. Brewers – Marquis has allowed the Brewers' current roster to hit a slash line of .339/.421/.545 off him over 112 at-bats. It's probably best to just bench him Sunday if you have the option.

Brett Myers vs. Padres – Myers has allowed the Padres' current roster to hit a slash line of .382/.432/.706 off him over 68 at-bats. The sample size is a little small, but there's a clear record of several Padres having luck against Myers.

Barry Enright vs. Giants – Enright has allowed the Giants' current roster to hit a slash line of .305/.359/.661 off him over 59 at-bats.

Recommended Pickup

Bartolo Colon, SP/RP, NYY – Colon will be taking over Phil Hughes' spot in the Yankees' rotation while Hughes is on the DL with a dead arm. In 11.1 relief innings this year, Colon has posted a 3.97 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and 13:3 K:BB ratio. The Yankees still aren't sure when they'll work him into the rotation, but AL-only leagues can use any Yankees pitcher for his potential to rack up wins. Grab him if you're in a really deep mixed league or AL-only league and need some help in your starting pitching slot.

Other Recent Recommendations:Kyle Farnsworth, Angel Sanchez, Matt LaPorta, David Murphy, Cameron Maybin