Thursday Lineup Card: Russell the Muscle

Thursday Lineup Card: Russell the Muscle

This article is part of our The Lineup Card series.

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

Braves (Alex Wood - L) at Phillies (A.J. Burnett - R), 1:05
Indians (Danny Salazar - R) at Tigers (Justin Verlander - R), 1:08
Blue Jays (R.A. Dickey - R) at Twins (Mike Pelfrey - R), 1:10
Mariners (Erasmo Ramirez - R) at Rangers (Tanner Scheppers - R), 2:05
Dodgers (Hyun-Jin Ryu - L) at Giants (Madison Bumgarner - L), 3:45
Rockies (Franklin Morales - L) at Padres (Ian Kennedy - R), 6:40
Brewers (Yovani Gallardo - R) at Pirates (Edinson Volquez - R), 7:05
Cardinals (Adam Wainwright - R) at Nationals (Taylor Jordan - R), 7:05
Blue Jays (Dustin McGowan - R) at Twins (Kyle Gibson - R), 7:10
Yankees (CC Sabathia - L) at Rays (David Price - L), 7:10
Red Sox (Jon Lester - L) at White Sox (Chris Sale - L), 8:10
Royals (James Shields - R) at Astros (Scott Feldman - R), 8:10

Day Game After Night Game: ATL, PHI, CLE, DET, SEA, TEX, LAD, SF, COL, SD

Injuries

Day-to-Day
Lorenzo Cain, OF, KC (Groin) - Sustained a Grade 1 strain of his groin Wednesday, leaving him day-to-day for the time being.
Bruce Chen, P, KC (Leg) - Scratched from Thursday's start due to tightness in his left glute muscle, but with a few days to rest, he'll take the mound Saturday versus the Twins.
Bartolo Colon, P, NYM (Back) - Taking the hill, as scheduled, Saturday against the Braves.
Brandon Crawford, SS, SF (Hamstring) - Enduring a tight right hamstring, which kept him out of Wednesday's lineup.
Coco Crisp, OF, OAK (Hamstring) - Sidelined for a third consecutive game Wednesday due to an ailing hamstring.
Curtis Granderson, OF, NYM (Forearm/Ribs/Knee) - Expected back in the lineup Friday versus the Braves, but not before acting as a pinch hitter Wednesday.
Bryce Harper, OF, WAS (Quadriceps) - Scratched from the lineup Wednesday as a result of tightness in his left quad.
Chase Headley, 3B, SD (Biceps) - Deemed day-to-day due to a mildly strained right biceps.
Joe Kelly, P, STL (Hamstring) - Traveling to St. Louis, where he'll have his left hamstring tightness examined Thursday.
Craig Kimbrel, P, ATL (Shoulder) - Completed a 15-pitch side session Wednesday, stating afterward that his shoulder is good and ready.
Adam Lind, 1B, TOR (Back) - Missing at least one game due to the tight lower back that he picked up Tuesday.
Jenrry Mejia, P, NYM (Blister) - Will attempt to throw Friday, after which the availability for his next nod could be learned.
Mike Napoli, 1B, BOS (Finger) - Sat out Wednesday due to the dislocated finger that he sustained on a head-first slide Tuesday but is hopeful that he'll play Thursday.
Wily Peralta, P, MIL (Back) - Removed from Wednesday's start after 6.1 innings partly due to tightness in his back.
Hanley Ramirez, SS, LAD (Hand) - Had X-rays performed on his left hand, which took a direct hit from a Ryan Vogelsong pitch Wednesday, but they were returned negative.
Brian Roberts, 2B, NYY (Back) - Missed the entirety of Wednesday's doubleheader at the Cubs due to a lower back strain.
Jose Tabata, OF, PIT (Concussion) - Slated for an evaluation Thursday regarding the mild concussion-like symptoms that he suffered in Wednesday's crash into the outfield wall.

Players on the DL
Jake Arrieta, P, CHC (Shoulder) - Yielded three hits across 5.2 innings during Wednesday's rehab game at Double-A Tennessee.
Chad Billingsley, P, LAD (Elbow) - Had an MRI performed Wednesday, which uncovered some tendinitis in his right elbow but no ligament issues.
Kole Calhoun, OF, LAA (Ankle) - Expected to be sidelined 4-to-6 weeks due to a severely strained ligament in his right ankle, which he twisted Tuesday.
Aroldis Chapman, P, CIN (Head) - May be healthy enough by month's end to throw live batting practice.
Doug Fister, P, WAS (Back) - Scheduled to throw two innings in an extended spring training game Thursday, after which he'll be placed on a five-day rotation-like schedule for his upcoming rehab assignment.
Cole Hamels, P, PHI (Biceps) - Expected to rejoin the rotation next week, with his season debut tentatively scheduled for Apr. 22.
Jeremy Hellickson, P, TB (Elbow) - His first mound session Tuesday was moved back a few days.
Josh Johnson, P, SD (Elbow) - Tommy John surgery may be required in conjunction with the flexor strain in his right forearm.
Nate Jones, P, CHW (Back) - Not ready to continue baseball activities.
Clayton Kershaw, P, LAD (Back) - Threw breaking balls off flat ground Wednesday and will be evaluated after another bullpen session Thursday.
Juan Lagares, OF, NYM (Hamstring) - Should be activated from the disabled list when first eligible on Apr. 30.
Manny Machado, 3B, BAL (Knee) - Ran the bases without a setback Wednesday.
Ethan Martin, P, PHI (Shoulder) - May start a rehab assignment in the near future.
Will Middlebrooks, 3B, BOS (Calf) - May start a rehab assignment next week, after fitting in some light running in the outfield before Wednesday's contest.
Carlos Quentin, OF, SD (Knee) - Won't begin a rehab assignment this weekend, as he likely won't be ready to embark upon one for 7-to-10 more days.
David Robertson, P, NYY (Groin) - Will throw off a mound Thursday
Darin Ruf, OF, PHI (Oblique) - Could begin a rehab assignment soon.
Joe Saunders, P, TEX (Ankle) - Felt additional pain in his left ankle Wednesday, bringing his bullpen session to an earlier than expected close.
Jacob Turner, P, MIA (Shoulder) - Threw off flat ground Wednesday.
Taijuan Walker, P, SEA (Shoulder) - Diagnosed with a right shoulder impingement Wednesday, shutting him down for two weeks.
Chris Young, P, NYM (Quadriceps) - Will be activated from the DL on Friday.

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

Activated from the DL
Jeremy Affeldt, P, SF

Placed on the DL
Blake Beavan, P, SEA
Ryan Brasier, P, LAA (Transferred to 60-day DL)
Kole Calhoun, OF, LAA
Dane De La Rosa, P, LAA
Logan Morrison, 1B, SEA

Called Up
Nick Franklin, 2B, SEA
Shane Greene, P, NYY
James Jones, OF, SEA
Zach Rosscup, P, CHC

Sent Down (to Triple-A, unless otherwise noted)
Robbie Grossman, OF, HOU
Juan Perez, OF, SF
Marcus Walden, P, OAK

Contract Selected
Brennan Boesch, OF, LAA
Daisuke Matsuzaka, P, NYM
George Springer, OF, HOU

Designated for Assignment
Lucas Harrell, P, HOU

Activated
Scott Feldman, P, HOU (from bereavement list)

Outrighted
John Lannan, P, NYM
Daniel McCutchen, P, TEX

Claimed off Waivers
Marcus Walden, P, OAK (From TOR)

Signed
Scott Cousins, OF, TEX (minor league contract)
Doug Mathis, P, TB (minor league contract)

Closer Watch

Athletics - Jim Johnson's frequent implosions during the season's first week and a half forced manager Bob Melvin to look elsewhere in his relief ranks for a viable option. Early this week, Melvin's game of musical chairs settled on a duo of Luke Gregerson and Sean Doolittle, with each logging a relatively steady game log through the weekend. Once the decree was etched in stone, though, Doolittle proceeded to falter, serving up a two-run homer to Mike Trout that knotted up Tuesday's contest. The Athletics eventually eeked out a victory in 11 innings, but further ninth-inning tomfoolery ensued Wednesday, resulting in Gregerson's second blown save of the year. Trout was front and center again, recording a one-out single, reaching third on an Albert Pujols single, and crossing home via fielder's choice to send the game to extras. Meanwhile, since Johnson's last blown save on Apr. 9, his command has stabilized, with two wins and a 5:1 K:BB in five scoreless frames (three appearances). For those in need of saves, Oakland should be circled on figurative maps, especially if Gregerson and Doolittle continue to crumble in the coming days.

Hot Batter Matchups – April 17, 2014
Matchup Info
Career Matchup Stats
Batter
Pos
Game
Pitcher
AB
H
XBH
HR
RBI
BB
K
AVG
OBP
SLG
OPS
M. BrantleyOFCLE @ DET
1:08PM
J. Verlander381520635.395.439.474.913
C. SantanaCCLE @ DET
1:08PM
J. Verlander32643445.188.297.500.797
N. Swisher1BCLE @ DET
1:08PM
J. Verlander65138381022.200.307.415.722
J. KubelOFMIN vs TOR
1:10PM
R. Dickey10311112.300.364.600.964
K. SuzukiCMIN vs TOR
1:10PM
R. Dickey10311300.300.300.600.900
H. PenceOFSF vs LAD
3:45PM
H. Ryu15620523.400.471.5331.004
M. CuddyerOFCOL @ SD
6:40PM
I. Kennedy14441213.286.333.7141.048
D. LeMahieu2BCOL @ SD
6:40PM
I. Kennedy12530310.417.462.6671.128
W. RosarioCCOL @ SD
6:40PM
I. Kennedy11420113.364.462.5451.007
J. Rutledge2BCOL @ SD
6:40PM
I. Kennedy13521130.385.529.6921.222
T. TulowitzkiSSCOL @ SD
6:40PM
I. Kennedy25653634.240.310.680.990
R. BraunOFMIL @ PIT
7:05PM
E. Volquez311121356.355.444.484.928
C. GomezOFMIL @ PIT
7:05PM
E. Volquez17633305.353.353.8821.235
R. Weeks2BMIL @ PIT
7:05PM
E. Volquez19732342.368.500.7371.237
A. McCutchenOFPIT vs MIL
7:05PM
Y. Gallardo401362522.325.357.600.957
J. MercerSSPIT vs MIL
7:05PM
Y. Gallardo11420104.364.364.6361.000
G. Sanchez1BPIT vs MIL
7:05PM
Y. Gallardo24731545.292.393.500.893
B. HarperOFWAS vs STL
7:05PM
A. Wainwright11620021.545.615.7271.343
N. McLouthOFWAS vs STL
7:05PM
A. Wainwright13510133.385.500.462.962
Y. EscobarSSTB vs NYY
7:10PM
C. Sabathia3611621033.306.359.583.942
E. Longoria3BTB vs NYY
7:10PM
C. Sabathia532112613125.396.515.8491.364
S. RodriguezSSTB vs NYY
7:10PM
C. Sabathia421362649.310.396.571.967
A. De AzaOFCWS vs BOS
8:10PM
J. Lester11330211.273.333.545.879
P. Konerko1BCWS vs BOS
8:10PM
J. Lester251063745.400.483.8801.363
D. ViciedoOFCWS vs BOS
8:10PM
J. Lester11521303.455.455.8181.273
L. CainOFKC @ HOU
8:10PM
S. Feldman10410001.400.400.500.900
A. GordonOFKC @ HOU
8:10PM
S. Feldman18620313.333.400.500.900
Hot Pitcher Matchups – April 17, 2014
Matchup Info
Career Stats Allowed To Batters On Opposing Team
Pitcher
Game
AB
H
XBH
HR
RBI
BB
K
AVG
OBP
SLG
OPS
Madison BumgarnerSF vs LAD
3:45PM
1463010313739.205.247.320.568
Scott FeldmanHOU vs KC
8:10PM
110245110714.218.269.291.559
Cold Batter Matchups – April 17, 2014
Matchup Info
Career Matchup Stats
Batter
Pos
Game
Pitcher
AB
H
XBH
HR
RBI
BB
K
AVG
OBP
SLG
OPS
D. Uggla2BATL @ PHI
1:05PM
A. Burnett10211225.200.333.500.833
B. UptonOFATL @ PHI
1:05PM
A. Burnett469225717.196.302.326.628
M. AvilesSSCLE @ DET
1:08PM
J. Verlander22500102.227.227.227.455
J. Kipnis2BCLE @ DET
1:08PM
J. Verlander243103511.125.267.167.433
A. EthierOFLAD @ SF
3:45PM
M. Bumgarner24310109.125.160.167.327
A. Gonzalez1BLAD @ SF
3:45PM
M. Bumgarner23320103.130.130.217.348
M. KempOFLAD @ SF
3:45PM
M. Bumgarner22410137.182.280.227.507
Y. PuigOFLAD @ SF
3:45PM
M. Bumgarner12311104.250.250.500.750
H. RamirezSSLAD @ SF
3:45PM
M. Bumgarner20420214.200.238.350.588
J. Uribe3BLAD @ SF
3:45PM
M. Bumgarner23621308.261.261.435.696
B. CrawfordSSSF vs LAD
3:45PM
H. Ryu10000012.000.091.000.091
C. BlackmonOFCOL @ SD
6:40PM
I. Kennedy10300205.300.364.300.664
C. GonzalezOFCOL @ SD
6:40PM
I. Kennedy294311113.138.167.310.477
J. LucroyCMIL @ PIT
7:05PM
E. Volquez19300012.158.200.158.358
P. Alvarez3BPIT vs MIL
7:05PM
Y. Gallardo221102410.045.192.091.283
C. BarmesSSPIT vs MIL
7:05PM
Y. Gallardo20100026.050.136.050.186
S. MarteOFPIT vs MIL
7:05PM
Y. Gallardo14320117.214.267.357.624
J. WerthOFWAS vs STL
7:05PM
A. Wainwright23532717.217.240.522.762
B. GardnerOFNYY @ TB
7:10PM
D. Price14200133.143.294.143.437
K. Johnson2BNYY @ TB
7:10PM
D. Price17311205.176.176.353.529
D. DeJesusOFTB vs NYY
7:10PM
C. Sabathia5716816013.281.293.456.749
B. GuyerOFTB vs NYY
7:10PM
C. Sabathia10000004.000.000.000.000
J. Loney1BTB vs NYY
7:10PM
C. Sabathia18511304.278.278.444.722
J. MolinaCTB vs NYY
7:10PM
C. Sabathia17000113.000.056.000.056
B. ButlerDHKC @ HOU
8:10PM
S. Feldman27511224.185.241.296.538
A. EscobarSSKC @ HOU
8:10PM
S. Feldman12100313.083.143.083.226
E. Hosmer1BKC @ HOU
8:10PM
S. Feldman10100010.100.182.100.282
M. Moustakas3BKC @ HOU
8:10PM
S. Feldman11100002.091.091.091.182
Cold Pitcher Matchups – April 17, 2014
Matchup Info
Career Stats Allowed To Batters On Opposing Team
Pitcher
Game
AB
H
XBH
HR
RBI
BB
K
AVG
OBP
SLG
OPS
A.J. BurnettPHI vs ATL
1:05PM
10934107181530.312.395.535.930
Hyun-Jin RyuLAD @ SF
3:45PM
882880121212.318.400.406.806
Jon LesterBOS @ CWS
8:10PM
8627145181118.314.392.600.992
Recommended Pickup

Russell Martin, C, PIT - After a mandated respite Wednesday due to his strict regimen of two games on and one game off, Martin should once again be manning the backstop Thursday in the series opener against Yovani Gallardo and the Brewers. The aforementioned schedule is no joke, as manager Clint Hurdle has followed it to a T this season, with fruitful results. In 10 outings, Martin has tallied hits in seven of them, while driving in runs in six others, en route to two long balls, eight RBI, and six runs scored in 41 at-bats. Although his slash line (.244/.304/.415) leaves something to be desired, the percentages are more easily discounted from a player that doesn't take the field on a daily basis. As for his matchup with Gallardo, Martin cannot be discounted due to three hits (including one double), one RBI, and a 3:3 BB:K in 15 career plate appearances versus the right-hander.

Other Recent Recommendations:George Springer, Devin Mesoraco, Adeiny Hechavarria, Aaron Harang

DraftStreet Lineup

SP - Kyle Gibson, MIN ($12,838)
C - Jason Castro, HOU ($4,500)
1B - Brandon Belt, SF ($5,774)
2B - Jose Altuve, HOU ($5,678)
SS - Jean Segura, MIL ($5,750)
3B - Pablo Sandoval, SF ($4,513)
OF - Mike Morse, SF ($5646)

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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