This article is part of our The Lineup Card series.
Projected Starters - A look at Thursday's matchups (all times Eastern)
MIN (Kyle Gibson - R) at CLE (Corey Kluber - R) 12:05 PM ET
MIN (Ricky Nolasco - R) at CLE (T.J. House - L) 3:35 PM ET
STL (Lance Lynn – R) at CIN (Johnny Cueto – R), 12:35 PM ET
OAK (Scott Kazmir – L) at CHW (Chris Sale – L), 2:10 PM ET
AZ (Randall Delgado – R) at SF (Jake Peavy – R), 3:45 PM ET
TB (Alex Cobb – R) at NYY (Michael Pineda – R), 7:05 PM ET
PIT (Francisco Liriano – L) at PHI (A.J. Burnett – R), 7:05 PM ET
WAS (Tanner Roark – R) at NYM (Bartolo Colon – R), 7:10 PM ET
LAA (Cory Rasmus – R) at TEX (Nick Martinez – R), 8:05 PM ET
BOS (Clay Buchholz – R) at KC (Liam Hendriks – R), 8:10 PM ET
MIA (Nathan Eovaldi – R) at MIL (Mike Fiers – R), 8:10 PM ET
Day Game After Night Game: STL/CIN, OAK/CHW, AZ/SF… MIN/CLE rained out Tuesday night
Injuries
Day-to-Day
Dustin Ackley, 2B, SEA – (Ankle) Team hopes he can return Friday.
Abraham Almonte, OF, SD – (General Soreness) Out of lineup for fourth straight day Wednesday.
Pedro Alvarez, 3B, PIT – (Foot) Season appears to be over.
Mike Aviles, SS, CLE – (Concussion) Could return to lineup as soon as he can take batting practice, which could be this weekend.
Dylan Axelrod, P, CIN – (Oblique) Likely done for the season.
Carlos Beltran, OF, NYY – (Elbow) Scratched Wednesday with soreness.
Ryan Braun, OF, MIL – (Thumb) Came off the bench with two at-bats Tuesday but was out of Wednesday's lineup.
Matt den Dekker, OF, NYM – (Hand) X-rays negative after HBP Tuesday but was out of Wednesday's lineup.
Ian Desmond, SS, WAS – (Back) Left Tuesday's game and out Wednesday with tightness.
Brett Gardner, OF, NYY – (Abdomen) Out at least a few more days.
Josh Hamilton, OF, LAA – (Shoulder) Had two cortisone shots Tuesday, will miss remainder of series against Angels.
Greg Holland, P, KC – (Triceps) Could be ready to return soon but was not available Tuesday.
Brock Holt, 2B, BOS – (Illness) Could return to lineup as soon as Thursday.
Craig Gentry, OF, OAK – (Concussion) Left Tuesday with concussion after collision, not available Wednesday, "felt better" though.
Paul Konerko, 1B, CHW – (Hand) Hopes to swing bat over the weekend, hoping to return during team's nine-game road trip that begins Monday.
Will Middlebrooks, 3B, BOS – (Illness) Out of Wednesday's lineup with illness.
Tommy Milone, P, MIN – (Shoulder) Scheduled to return to rotation Sunday.
Dustin Pedroia, 2B, BOS – (Hand) Will have season-ending surgery Thursday.
Martin Prado, 3B, NYY – (Hamstring) Was to take batting practice Wednesday, but probably not even available as pinch-hitter.
Anthony Rendon, 2B, WAS – (Illness) Unavailable Wednesday.
Anthony Rizzo, 1B, CHC – (Back) Out of lineup Wednesday, likely a few days from returning.
Jimmy Rollins, SS, PHI – (Hamstring) Probably out through Sunday at the minimum.
Danny Santana, SS, MIN – (Back) Out of lineup Wednesday, has been out since last Saturday's injury.
David Wright, 3B, NYM – (Shoulder) Shut down for the remainder of the season.
Players on the DL
Brandon Belt, 1B, SF – (Concussion) Will see specialist Thursday and could take live batting practice Friday if it goes well.
Sean Doolittle, P, OAK – (Oblique) Likely to be activated Friday if he has a good throwing session Thursday.
John Jaso, C, OAK – (Concussion) Not cleared to play and ceasing baseball activities for now, meaning a return this season could be in question.
Charlie Morton, P, PIT – (Hernia) Threw 86-pitch simulated game Tuesday, likely more bullpen sessions or simulated games before returning, per manager Clint Hurdle.
David Phelps, P, NYY – (Elbow) Was to throw bullpen session Wednesday, could be final step before activation.
Anibal Sanchez, P, DET – (Chest) Played catch Wednesday, first activity since August 25. Return by end of the regular season seems a bit unlikely.
Masahiro Tanaka, P, NYY – (Elbow) Will throw bullpen session Friday and will throw in team's minor league facility Monday, could return to Yankees in time to make one or two starts before end of season.
Activated from the DL
Joakim Soria, P, DET
Placed on the DL
None
Called Up
Rob Wooten, P, MIL
Sent Down (to Triple-A, unless otherwise noted)
Rafael Ortega, OF, STL
Audry Perez, C, STL
Closer Watch
Baltimore – Darren O'Day earned Wednesday's save, a four run win in which he retired just one batter after the Orioles bullpen had already given up five runs in the inning. Zach Britton may have been on quickly, but Wednesday's situation spiraled out of control faster than manager Buck Showalter could anticipate.
Houston – Josh Fields appears to have regained the closer role after converting two saves in a row Sunday and Tuesday. Chad Qualls has struggled lately and the job appears to be there for Fields to seize.
Milwaukee – Francisco Rodriguez did not blow a save Tuesday, but he did enter a tie game in the ninth inning and allow three runs. K-Rod blew his previous save opportunity August 27 and he has allowed at least one run in four of his last six appearances.
Minnesota – Glen Perkins (neck) is said to be available Wednesday, but when he was out Tuesday, Jared Burton came on to earn his second save.
New York Mets – Jenrry Mejia is said to remain closer despite two shaky outings in a row. Mejia allowed two runs on four hits and a walk, including a home run, but still earned Sunday's save. He was yanked after loading the bases and retiring one batter Tuesday. Josh Edgin retiring a left-handed hitter before Jeurys Familia retired the final batter to earn his fifth save. Mejia will continue to attempt to pitch through a hernia issue.
Washington – Drew Storen converted his fourth save, including three saves in his last three appearances Tuesday.
Key Matchups
Hot Batter Matchups – September 11, 2014Matchup Info | Career Matchup Stats | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Batter | Pos | Game | Pitcher | AB | H | XBH | HR | RBI | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| J. Mauer | C | MIN @ CLE 12:05PM | C. Kluber | 16 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 2 | .313 | .450 | .688 | 1.138 |
| T. Plouffe | 3B | MIN @ CLE 12:05PM | C. Kluber | 17 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 5 | .412 | .412 | .824 | 1.235 |
| J. Bruce | OF | CIN vs STL 12:35PM | L. Lynn | 22 | 11 | 5 | 2 | 8 | 2 | 6 | .500 | .520 | 1.000 | 1.520 |
| J. Jay | OF | STL @ CIN 12:35PM | J. Cueto | 23 | 12 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 1 | 2 | .522 | .560 | .957 | 1.517 |
| A. Ramirez | SS | CWS vs OAK 2:10PM | S. Kazmir | 19 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 3 | .316 | .381 | .684 | 1.065 |
| M. Montero | C | ARI @ SF 3:45PM | J. Peavy | 20 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 6 | .300 | .417 | .550 | .967 |
| Y. Cespedes | OF | BOS @ KC 8:10PM | L. Hendriks | 11 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 3 | .273 | .333 | .545 | .879 |
| R. Braun | OF | MIL vs MIA 8:10PM | N. Eovaldi | 10 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 2 | .400 | .500 | .900 | 1.400 |
Matchup Info | Career Matchup Stats | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Batter | Pos | Game | Pitcher | AB | H | XBH | HR | RBI | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
Hot Pitcher Matchups – September 11, 2014Matchup Info | Career Stats Allowed To Batters On Opposing Team | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pitcher | Game | AB | H | XBH | HR | RBI | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| Chris Sale | CWS vs OAK 2:10PM | 94 | 17 | 3 | 2 | 8 | 2 | 21 | .181 | .217 | .253 | .470 |
| Alex Cobb | TB @ NYY 7:05PM | 107 | 20 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 28 | .187 | .209 | .270 | .479 |
| Bartolo Colon | NYM vs WAS 7:10PM | 82 | 18 | 8 | 2 | 7 | 5 | 20 | .220 | .261 | .379 | .639 |
Matchup Info | Career Stats Allowed To Batters On Opposing Team | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pitcher | Game | AB | H | XBH | HR | RBI | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
Cold Batter Matchups – September 11, 2014Matchup Info | Career Matchup Stats | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Batter | Pos | Game | Pitcher | AB | H | XBH | HR | RBI | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| O. Arcia | OF | MIN @ CLE 12:05PM | C. Kluber | 10 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 | .200 | .273 | .500 | .773 |
| B. Dozier | 2B | MIN @ CLE 12:05PM | C. Kluber | 14 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | .071 | .133 | .143 | .276 |
| C. Parmelee | 1B | MIN @ CLE 12:05PM | C. Kluber | 11 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | .091 | .286 | .182 | .468 |
| T. Frazier | 3B | CIN vs STL 12:35PM | L. Lynn | 20 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 10 | .150 | .292 | .450 | .742 |
| C. Crisp | OF | OAK @ CWS 2:10PM | C. Sale | 11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | .091 | .167 | .091 | .258 |
| J. Gomes | OF | OAK @ CWS 2:10PM | C. Sale | 11 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | .182 | .250 | .455 | .705 |
| J. Reddick | OF | OAK @ CWS 2:10PM | C. Sale | 11 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | .182 | .182 | .273 | .455 |
| J. Ellsbury | OF | NYY vs TB 7:05PM | A. Cobb | 16 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 4 | .188 | .188 | .375 | .563 |
| D. Jeter | SS | NYY vs TB 7:05PM | A. Cobb | 12 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | .167 | .167 | .167 | .333 |
| I. Suzuki | OF | NYY vs TB 7:05PM | A. Cobb | 17 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | .176 | .176 | .294 | .471 |
| G. Sizemore | OF | PHI vs PIT 7:05PM | F. Liriano | 24 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 10 | .125 | .250 | .125 | .375 |
| A. Cabrera | SS | WAS @ NYM 7:10PM | B. Colon | 11 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | .091 | .091 | .182 | .273 |
| A. Rendon | 2B | WAS @ NYM 7:10PM | B. Colon | 10 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | .200 | .200 | .200 | .400 |
| D. Span | OF | WAS @ NYM 7:10PM | B. Colon | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | .000 | .167 | .000 | .167 |
| G. Jones | 1B | MIA @ MIL 8:10PM | M. Fiers | 10 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 | .100 | .100 | .400 | .500 |
| G. Parra | OF | MIL vs MIA 8:10PM | N. Eovaldi | 11 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | .182 | .250 | .182 | .432 |
Matchup Info | Career Matchup Stats | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Batter | Pos | Game | Pitcher | AB | H | XBH | HR | RBI | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
Cold Pitcher Matchups – September 11, 2014Matchup Info | Career Stats Allowed To Batters On Opposing Team | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pitcher | Game | AB | H | XBH | HR | RBI | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| Johnny Cueto | CIN vs STL 12:35PM | 143 | 46 | 17 | 7 | 23 | 12 | 24 | .322 | .385 | .535 | .920 |
Matchup Info | Career Stats Allowed To Batters On Opposing Team | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pitcher | Game | AB | H | XBH | HR | RBI | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
Recommended Pickup
Tyler Matzek, P, COL – Once considered by many to be the best pitcher in his draft class, Matzek suffered for years through confidence and control issues in the minors. Finally, the 2009 first round pick reached the majors in June. There have been ups and downs for Matzek since then, but he has gone on a roll in his last three starts. Matzek held the Giants to two runs in seven innings August 25, shut out the Diamondbacks for seven innings August 30 and tossed his first career shutout against the Padres September 5. Matzek makes his next start Thursday against a subpar Mets offense.
Other Recent Recommendations:Joe Panik, Rougned Odor, Collin McHugh, Brock Holt, Adam Dunn, Gregor Blanco
DraftKingsValue Picks
SP: Tanner Roark, WAS ($8,400)
C: Chris Iannetta, LAA ($3,700)
1B: Ike Davis, PIT ($2,900)
2B: Scooter Gennett, MIL ($3,400)
SS: Ian Desmond, WAS ($3,900)
3B: Aramis Ramirez, MIL ($3,600)
OF: Khris Davis, MIL ($3,800)
