This article is part of our The Lineup Card series.
Projected Starters - A look at Thursday's matchups (all times Eastern)
PHI (Cole Hamels – L) at MIA (Henderson Alvarez – R), 12:40 PM ET
TEX (Yu Darvish – R) at DET (Robbie Ray – L), 1:08 PM ET
SF (Tim Hudson – R) at COL (Jorge De La Rosa – L), 3:10 PM ET
TOR (Mark Buehrle – L) at BOS (Jon Lester – L), 4:05 PM ET
OAK (Sonny Gray – R) at TB (Alex Cobb – R), 4:10 PM ET
CLE (Josh Tomlin – R) at BAL (Wei-Yin Chen – L), 7:05 PM ET
WAS (Blake Treinen – R) at PIT (Edinson Volquez – R), 7:05 PM ET
MIL (Matt Garza – R) at ATL (Aaron Harang – R), 7:10 PM ET
LAD (Zack Greinke – R) at NYM (Jonathon Niese – L), 7:10 PM ET
AZ (Wade Miley – L) at STL (Lance Lynn – R), 7:15 PM ET
NYY (David Phelps – R) at CHW (Chris Sale – L), 8:10 PM ET
HOU (Jarred Cosart – R) at SEA (Roenis Elias – L), 10:10 PM ET
CHC (Jake Arrieta – R) at SD (Eric Stults – L), 10:10 PM ET
Day Game After Night Game: PHI/ATL, SF/COL, TOR/BOS, OAK/TB
Injuries
Day-to-Day
Matt Cain, P, SF – (Hamstring) Left Wednesday's game after three innings.
Santiago Casilla, P, SF – (Leg) Left Wednesday's game.
Coco Crisp, OF, OAK – (Neck) Left Tuesday's game, did not start Wednesday.
Prince Fielder, 1B, TEX – (Back) Not flying to Detroit for Thursday road trip, seeing back specialist instead.
Carlos Gonzalez, OF, COL – (Finger) Left Wednesday's game with inflammation.
Ryan Ludwick, OF, CIN – (Knee) Out of lineup Wednesday with swelling.
Leonys Martin, OF, TEX – (Neck) Scratched Tuesday, out of lineup again Wednesday.
Mike Napoli, C, BOS – (Illness) Out of lineup Wednesday with flu.
Salvador Perez, C, KC – (Hand) Out again Wednesday, may sit Thursday as well.
Buster Posey, C, SF – (Back) Out of lineup for second day in a row Wednesday.
Rick Porcello, P, DET – (Oblique) Should start Saturday provided he feels no ill effects of Wednesday bullpen session.
Carlos Quentin, OF, SD – (Groin) Out of lineup for second day in a row Wednesday.
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C, MIA – (Ankle) Left Wednesday's game after rolling ankle.
Mike Trout, OF, LAA – (Hamstring) Feels betters Wednesday, expects to return Friday.
Michael Wacha, P, STL – (Elbow) Suffered bruised elbow after being hit with foul ball in dugout.
Players on the DL
Edgmer Escalona, P, BAL – (Shoulder) Playing in extended spring training games.
Gio Gonzalez, P, WAS – (Shoulder) Will resume throwing Friday.
Jason Grilli, P, PIT – (Oblique) Aiming to return to Pirates on Saturday.
Joel Hanrahan, P, DET – (Elbow) Threw a few pitches off a mound Wednesday.
Shawn Kelley, P, NYY – (Back) Had setback Monday, won't be activated Thursday.
Adam LaRoche, 1B, WAS – (Quadriceps) Should begin rehab Thursday, be activated Sunday.
Mat Latos, P, CIN – (Elbow) Threw simulated game Tuesday, could begin rehab by end of weekend.
Cliff Lee, P, PHI – (Elbow) Will rest a week before being re-evaluated.
Matt Lindstrom, P, CHW – (Ankle) Will have surgery Friday and miss about three months.
Russell Martin, C, PIT – (Leg) Caught simulated game Wednesday, could be activated by the weekend.
Logan Morrison, 1B, SEA – (Hamstring) Running Wednesday, should run again Thursday, could begin rehab Friday.
James Paxton, P, SEA – (Back) Should throw bullpen session Thursday and would then hit rehab assignment starting Sunday.
Colby Rasmus, OF, TOR – (Hamstring) MRI revealed mild strain.
Nolan Reimold, OF, BAL – (Neck) Doing baseball activities but not playing in extended spring training games.
Chris Sale, P, CHW – (Arm) Should be activated to make Thursday's start.
Sergio Santos, P, TOR – (Forearm) Will resume throwing Friday but no return date determined.
Joey Votto, 1B, CIN – (Quadriceps) Finally placed on DL Wednesday.
Taijuan Walker, P, SEA – (Shoulder) Threw simulated game, will throw one more before starting rehab assignment.
Josh Willingham, OF, MIN – (Wrist) Poor rehab numbers, could remain on rehab until he gets it together at the plate.
Activated from the DL
Jay Bruce, OF, CIN
Kole Calhoun, OF, LAA
Hyun-Jin Ryu, P, LAD
Placed on the DL
Felix Doubront, P, BOS
Cliff Lee, P, PHI
Juan Uribe, 3B, LAD
Joey Votto, 1B, CIN
Claimed Off Waivers/Signed
Stephen Drew, SS, BOS
Called Up
Erisbel Arruebarrena, SS, LAD
Shane Robinson, OF, STL
Darin Ruf, 1B, PHI
Sent Down (to Triple-A, unless otherwise noted)
Joey Butler, OF, STL
Hector Santiago, P, LAA
Chris Withrow, P, LAD
Closer Watch
Baltimore – The Orioles used Tommy Hunter Tuesday in the seventh inning with a five run lead. This is not something a team would do with its closer. Save situations have not presented themselves frequently of late, but Hunter may be on the outs.
Chicago Cubs – Recently anointed closer Hector Rondon converted his first five save opportunities, but he blew an opportunity Wednesday by allowing two runs – one earned – to the Yankees in the ninth inning. Rondon likely will not be removed after one bad outing.
Detroit – Joe Nathan went a month without allowing a run, but he blew a save Wednesday by allowing two runs in the ninth inning against the Indians. The Tigers lost in extra innings. There is no sign that Nathan's job is in jeopardy.
Oakland – Sean Doolittle earned saves both Tuesday and Wednesday and it looks like he is strengthening his hold on the closer's job.
Key Matchups
Hot Batter Matchups – May 22, 2014Matchup Info | Career Matchup Stats | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Batter | Pos | Game | Pitcher | AB | H | XBH | HR | RBI | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| A. Hechavarria | SS | MIA vs PHI 12:40PM | C. Hamels | 13 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | .385 | .429 | .692 | 1.121 |
| J. Morneau | 1B | COL vs SF 3:10PM | T. Hudson | 14 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | .286 | .333 | .571 | .905 |
| B. Crawford | SS | SF @ COL 3:10PM | J. De La Rosa | 10 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | .300 | .364 | .500 | .864 |
| H. Pence | OF | SF @ COL 3:10PM | J. De La Rosa | 19 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 0 | .263 | .333 | .684 | 1.018 |
| S. Drew | SS | BOS vs TOR 4:05PM | M. Buehrle | 11 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | .364 | .417 | .636 | 1.053 |
| J. Gomes | OF | BOS vs TOR 4:05PM | M. Buehrle | 30 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 5 | .333 | .417 | .467 | .883 |
| D. Ortiz | DH | BOS vs TOR 4:05PM | M. Buehrle | 69 | 20 | 10 | 4 | 14 | 4 | 8 | .290 | .329 | .551 | .879 |
| D. Pedroia | 2B | BOS vs TOR 4:05PM | M. Buehrle | 36 | 14 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | .389 | .421 | .472 | .893 |
| G. Sizemore | OF | BOS vs TOR 4:05PM | M. Buehrle | 69 | 15 | 6 | 4 | 8 | 2 | 10 | .217 | .260 | .420 | .681 |
| J. Bautista | OF | TOR @ BOS 4:05PM | J. Lester | 57 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 12 | .193 | .284 | .456 | .740 |
| C. Crisp | OF | OAK @ TB 4:10PM | A. Cobb | 15 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 1 | .533 | .533 | 1.000 | 1.533 |
| N. McLouth | OF | WAS @ PIT 7:05PM | E. Volquez | 12 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | .417 | .500 | .583 | 1.083 |
| F. Freeman | 1B | ATL vs MIL 7:10PM | M. Garza | 10 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | .400 | .455 | .700 | 1.155 |
| A. Ethier | OF | LAD @ NYM 7:10PM | J. Niese | 10 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | .400 | .400 | .400 | .800 |
| M. Kemp | OF | LAD @ NYM 7:10PM | J. Niese | 10 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | .400 | .455 | .400 | .855 |
| R. Braun | OF | MIL @ ATL 7:10PM | A. Harang | 32 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 8 | .219 | .306 | .500 | .806 |
| L. Overbay | 1B | MIL @ ATL 7:10PM | A. Harang | 25 | 11 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | .440 | .500 | .640 | 1.140 |
| M. Ellis | 2B | STL vs ARI 7:15PM | W. Miley | 23 | 10 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 1 | .435 | .480 | 1.000 | 1.480 |
| D. Barney | 2B | CHC @ SD 10:10PM | E. Stults | 10 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 0 | .500 | .583 | 1.200 | 1.783 |
Matchup Info | Career Matchup Stats | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Batter | Pos | Game | Pitcher | AB | H | XBH | HR | RBI | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
Hot Pitcher Matchups – May 22, 2014Matchup Info | Career Stats Allowed To Batters On Opposing Team | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pitcher | Game | AB | H | XBH | HR | RBI | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| Cole Hamels | PHI @ MIA 12:40PM | 127 | 33 | 16 | 7 | 16 | 5 | 42 | .260 | .288 | .517 | .805 |
| Yu Darvish | TEX @ DET 1:08PM | 71 | 15 | 7 | 2 | 12 | 6 | 23 | .211 | .277 | .362 | .639 |
| Jon Lester | BOS vs TOR 4:05PM | 253 | 46 | 21 | 8 | 21 | 22 | 54 | .182 | .248 | .331 | .579 |
| Alex Cobb | TB vs OAK 4:10PM | 90 | 18 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 17 | .200 | .234 | .288 | .522 |
| Matt Garza | MIL @ ATL 7:10PM | 102 | 22 | 6 | 4 | 16 | 11 | 34 | .216 | .305 | .358 | .664 |
| Zack Greinke | LAD @ NYM 7:10PM | 85 | 18 | 6 | 2 | 7 | 7 | 23 | .212 | .279 | .346 | .625 |
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 – May 22, 2014Matchup Info | Career Matchup Stats | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Batter | Pos | Game | Pitcher | AB | H | XBH | HR | RBI | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| R. Johnson | OF | MIA vs PHI 12:40PM | C. Hamels | 12 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | .167 | .167 | .250 | .417 |
| G. Jones | 1B | MIA vs PHI 12:40PM | C. Hamels | 10 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | .200 | .200 | .500 | .700 |
| G. Stanton | OF | MIA vs PHI 12:40PM | C. Hamels | 35 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 16 | .229 | .250 | .514 | .764 |
| A. Avila | C | DET vs TEX 1:08PM | Y. Darvish | 10 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | .200 | .333 | .300 | .633 |
| T. Hunter | OF | DET vs TEX 1:08PM | Y. Darvish | 21 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 8 | .286 | .304 | .524 | .828 |
| C. Gonzalez | OF | COL vs SF 3:10PM | T. Hudson | 14 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | .143 | .250 | .214 | .464 |
| A. Pierzynski | C | BOS vs TOR 4:05PM | M. Buehrle | 20 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 4 | .350 | .364 | .350 | .714 |
| S. Victorino | OF | BOS vs TOR 4:05PM | M. Buehrle | 25 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 4 | .240 | .259 | .400 | .659 |
| M. Cabrera | OF | TOR @ BOS 4:05PM | J. Lester | 39 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 8 | .282 | .300 | .333 | .633 |
| A. Lind | 1B | TOR @ BOS 4:05PM | J. Lester | 29 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 12 | .103 | .133 | .138 | .271 |
| J. Reyes | SS | TOR @ BOS 4:05PM | J. Lester | 19 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | .053 | .100 | .053 | .153 |
| A. Callaspo | 3B | OAK @ TB 4:10PM | A. Cobb | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 | .000 | .000 |
| Y. Cespedes | OF | OAK @ TB 4:10PM | A. Cobb | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | .100 | .100 | .100 | .200 |
| J. Reddick | OF | OAK @ TB 4:10PM | A. Cobb | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | .000 | .000 | .000 | .000 |
| N. Swisher | 1B | CLE @ BAL 7:05PM | W. Chen | 11 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .182 | .250 | .273 | .523 |
| J. Upton | OF | ATL vs MIL 7:10PM | M. Garza | 13 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | .154 | .154 | .231 | .385 |
| J. Lucroy | C | MIL @ ATL 7:10PM | A. Harang | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | .000 | .091 | .000 | .091 |
| M. Reynolds | 1B | MIL @ ATL 7:10PM | A. Harang | 12 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 | .167 | .231 | .500 | .731 |
| C. Granderson | OF | NYM vs LAD 7:10PM | Z. Greinke | 39 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 10 | .179 | .238 | .385 | .623 |
| I. Suzuki | OF | NYY @ CWS 8:10PM | C. Sale | 11 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | .182 | .182 | .273 | .455 |
Matchup Info | Career Matchup Stats | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Batter | Pos | Game | Pitcher | AB | H | XBH | HR | RBI | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
Cold Pitcher Matchups – May 22, 2014Matchup Info | Career Stats Allowed To Batters On Opposing Team | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pitcher | Game | AB | H | XBH | HR | RBI | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | |||||
| There are no pitchers who qualify as "cold" today. | |||||||||||||||||
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
Kole Calhoun, OF, LAA – Calhoun was just heating up when he went down with an ankle injury in mid-April after a three game stretch in which he had five extra-base hits. The Angels activated Calhoun Wednesday and quickly got him back in the starting lineup. Calhoun hit sixth, while he was the leadoff hitter in most of his starts prior to the injury. The Angels should give Calhoun regular playing time immediately and there is buy low potential since he was dropped by many owners while he missed over a month.
Other Recent Recommendations:Stephen Drew, Rickie Weeks, Gordon Beckham, Ryan Vogelsong, Ichiro Suzuki, Anthony Gose
DraftStreet Value Picks
SP: Robbie Ray, DET ($10,477)
C: Mike Zunino ($4,330)
1B: Ike Davis ($5,215)
2B: Neil Walker ($6,507)
SS: Brandon Crawford ($4,036)
3B: Manny Machado ($5,158)
OF: A.J. Pollock ($4,555)
