Friday Lineup Card: Snag Zach Britton For Saves

This article is part of our The Lineup Card series.

Indians (Justin Masterson – R) at Orioles (Bud Norris – R), 7:05
Dodgers (Clayton Kershaw – L) at Phillies (Roberto Hernandez – R), 7:05
Nationals (Jordan Zimmermann – R) at Pirates (Charlie Morton – R), 7:05
Athletics (Scott Kazmir – L) at Blue Jays (R.A. Dickey – R), 7:07
Rangers (Scott Baker – R) at Tigers (Anibal Sanchez – R), 7:08
Cardinals (Shelby Miller – R) at Reds (Homer Bailey – R), 7:10
Diamondbacks (Chase Anderson – R) at Mets (Bartolo Colon – R), 7:10
Brewers (Marco Estrada – R) at Marlins (Tom Koehler – R), 7:10
Red Sox (John Lackey – R) at Rays (Chris Archer – R), 7:10
Rockies (Jordan Lyles – R) at Braves (Gavin Floyd – R), 7:35
Yankees (Hiroki Kuroda – R) at White Sox (Hector Noesi – R), 8:10
Royals (Danny Duffy – L) at Angels (C.J. Wilson – L), 10:05
Cubs (Edwin Jackson – R) at Padres (Tim Stauffer – R), 10:10
Astros (Brad Peacock – R) at Mariners (Felix Hernandez – R), 10:10
Twins (Kyle Gibson – R) at Giants (Tim Lincecum – R), 10:15

Day Game After Night Game: None

Injuries

Day-to-Day

Mike Napoli, 1B, BOS (Illness) – Dealing with flu-like symptoms and did not start on Thursday.
Matt Cain, SP, SF (Hamstring) – Will be evaluated over the next few days after some rest.
Russell Martin, C, PIT (Leg) – Activated from the 15-day DL, but missed Thursday's game due to suspension.
Carlos Gomez, OF, MIL (Back) – Missed Thursday's game and will likely be rested for a few days.
Michael Wacha, SP, STL (Elbow) – Expected to make next start.
Yovani Gallardo, SP, MIL (Foot) – Positive reports suggest next start will be made.
Prince Fielder, 1B, TEX (Neck) – Expected to undergo season ending surgery on Tuesday.
Eric Chavez, 3B, ARI (Knee) – Likely out for the next few days.
Dan Robertson, OF, TEX (Head) – Will undergo further tests after suffering a non-displaced fracture in his face.
Evan Gattis, C, ATL (Illness) – May possibly return to the lineup on Friday.
George Springer, OF, HOU (Hip) – Missed Thursday's game and will undergo further testing.
Carlos Gonzalez, OF, COL (Finger) – Missed Thursday's game after inflammation flared in left index finger.
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C, MIA (Ankle) – Expected to get X-Ray after missing Thursday's game.
Leonys Martin, OF, TEX (Neck) – Expected to return over the weekend, although available for pinch hitting duties and late defensive work.
Prince Fielder, 1B, TEX (Back) – Missed Thursday's game and may not be available on Friday.

Players on the DL

Ben Zobrist, 2B, TB (Thumb) – Expected to be activated on May 30.
Dillon Gee, SP, NYM (Back) – Expected to throw off the mound on Friday.
Adam LaRoche, 1B, WAS (Quadriceps) – Rehab assignment to be moved to Double-A Harrisburg on Saturday.
Aramis Ramirez, 3B, MIL (Hamstring) – Even with a good workout on Thursday, not likely to be activated off the DL when eligible.
Jurickson Profar, 2B, TEX (Shoulder) – Shut down after re-injuring shoulder.
Robbie Erlin, SP, SD (Elbow) – Placed on the 15-day DL with a sore elbow.
Taijuan Walker, SP, SEA (Shoulder) – Beginning a rehab assignment on Friday.
Logan Morrison, 1B, SEA (Hamstring) – Starting a rehab assignment on Friday.
Corey Hart, 1B, SEA (Hamstring) – Should resume physical activities next week after a platelet rich plasma injection.
Jose Abreu, 1B, CHW (Ankle) – Will wear a boot and be re-evaluated next week.
Casey Kelly, SP, SD (Elbow) – Expected to skip next rehab start after being sore after last start.
Santiago Casilla, RP, SF (Hamstring) – Placed on DL Thursday.
Rafael Furcal, SS, MIA (Hamstring) – Transferred to the 60-day DL.
Luke Putkonen, RP, DET (Shoulder) – Inflammation only and will avoid surgery for now.
Tom Gorzelanny, RP, MIL (Shoulder) – Rehab continues to Triple-A Nashville.
Alex White, SP, HOU (Elbow) – Expected to start rehab assignment over the next couple of days.
Asher Wojciechowski, SP, HOU (Back) – Should be optioned to Triple-A shortly.

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

Activated from the DL

Alex Cobb, SP, TB
Russell Martin, C, PIT
Chris Sale, SP, CHW

Placed on the DL (15-day DL, unless otherwise noted)

Robbie Erlin, SP, SD – (Elbow)
Nyjer Morgan, OF, CLE – (Knee, transferred to 60-day DL)
Zach McAllister, SP, CLE – (Back)
Santiago Casilla, RP, SF – (Hamstring)
Rafael Furcal, 2B, MIA – (Hamstring, transferred to 60-day DL)
Tommy Hunter, RP, BAL – (Groin)

Called Up

Blaine Boyer, RP, SD
Chris Hatcher, RP, MIA
Mark Lowe, RP, CLE
T.J. House, RP, CLE
Blake Treinen, RP, WAS
George Kontos, RP, SF
Preston Guilmet, RP BAL

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

Ryan Mattheus, RP, WAS
Kevin Kiermaier, OF, TB
Josh Wall, RP, LAA
Kyle Crockett, RP, CLE
Anthony DeSclafani, SP, MIA
Wandy Rodriguez, SP, PIT
Frank Francisco, RP, CHW
Phil Irwin, RP, PIT
Anthony DeSclafani
Mike Moustakas, 3B, KC

Released

Miguel Olivo, C, LAD

Claimed

Josh Wall, RP – from Los Angeles Angels

Closer Watch

Baltimore Orioles – With closer Tommy Hunter joining the ranks of the ever-injured MLB pitchers in 2014, there are a couple of names to keep in mind for saves as Hunter's replacement. The two most obvious names are Darren O'Day and Zach Britton, considering their fantastic numbers to this point. I like Britton as the favorite right now, considering his ability to induce ground balls and that the O's used him in the team's most recent save situation. I expect Britton to be the most successful option, with manager Buck Showalter not being shy in the least bit about consistently going to a lefty in the ninth inning. Ryan Webb is an option too, but things would have to get quite hostile for him to overtake Britton and O'Day.

Key Matchups

Hot Batter Matchups – May 24, 2014

Edit Matchup Criteria

Matchup Info				Career Matchup Stats
Batter	Pos	Game	Pitcher	AB	H	XBH	HR	RBI	BB	K	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS
J. Ellsbury	OF	NYY @ CWS 2:10PM	J. Danks	11	6	1	0	1	0	0	.545	.583	.636	1.220
D. Jeter	SS	NYY @ CWS 2:10PM	J. Danks	17	6	2	0	0	2	2	.353	.421	.471	.892
B. Roberts	2B	NYY @ CWS 2:10PM	J. Danks	27	9	2	1	5	4	3	.333	.419	.481	.901
M. Teixeira	1B	NYY @ CWS 2:10PM	J. Danks	12	7	2	1	5	1	0	.583	.615	.917	1.532
D. Brown	OF	PHI vs LAD 3:05PM	D. Haren	12	4	1	1	2	3	1	.333	.467	.583	1.050
M. Byrd	OF	PHI vs LAD 3:05PM	D. Haren	24	12	7	2	5	1	4	.500	.538	1.000	1.538
R. Howard	1B	PHI vs LAD 3:05PM	D. Haren	14	3	2	2	5	1	8	.214	.267	.643	.910
C. Utley	2B	PHI vs LAD 3:05PM	D. Haren	18	5	2	1	4	2	2	.278	.350	.500	.850
A. Beltre	3B	TEX @ DET 4:08PM	R. Porcello	16	6	2	0	0	1	2	.375	.412	.500	.912
S. Choo	OF	TEX @ DET 4:08PM	R. Porcello	28	9	4	0	4	3	7	.321	.387	.464	.851
A. Rios	OF	TEX @ DET 4:08PM	R. Porcello	38	8	4	3	7	0	7	.211	.211	.474	.684
J. Schafer	OF	ATL vs COL 4:10PM	J. Nicasio	11	5	2	0	0	0	3	.455	.455	.727	1.182
D. Wright	3B	NYM vs ARI 4:10PM	J. Collmenter	11	2	2	2	5	0	2	.182	.182	.727	.909
J. Loney	1B	TB vs BOS 4:10PM	J. Peavy	33	10	7	2	5	2	3	.303	.343	.636	.979
C. Heisey	OF	CIN vs STL 7:15PM	J. Garcia	15	4	4	0	1	0	4	.267	.267	.600	.867
R. Ibanez	OF	LAA vs KC 7:15PM	J. Shields	24	5	5	2	7	5	2	.208	.345	.625	.970
H. Kendrick	2B	LAA vs KC 7:15PM	J. Shields	23	13	6	1	3	0	5	.565	.565	.957	1.522
I. Davis	1B	PIT vs WAS 7:15PM	S. Strasburg	13	4	2	2	2	2	4	.308	.400	.769	1.169
G. Blanco	OF	SF vs MIN 10:05PM	R. Nolasco	19	8	1	0	1	2	5	.421	.476	.474	.950
H. Pence	OF	SF vs MIN 10:05PM	R. Nolasco	32	10	6	4	11	3	4	.313	.389	.750	1.139
B. Posey	C	SF vs MIN 10:05PM	R. Nolasco	20	8	2	0	1	1	2	.400	.429	.500	.929
P. Sandoval	3B	SF vs MIN 10:05PM	R. Nolasco	18	9	7	3	6	2	1	.500	.550	1.222	1.772
C. Headley	3B	SD vs CHC 10:10PM	T. Wood	15	6	2	2	4	0	3	.400	.400	.800	1.200

Matchup Info				Career Matchup Stats
Batter	Pos	Game	Pitcher	AB	H	XBH	HR	RBI	BB	K	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS

Hot Pitcher Matchups – May 24, 2014

Edit Matchup Criteria

Matchup Info		Career Stats Allowed To Batters On Opposing Team
Pitcher	Game	AB	H	XBH	HR	RBI	BB	K	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS
Jake Peavy	BOS @ TB 4:10PM	125	26	14	6	15	11	23	.208	.272	.425	.698
Stephen Strasburg	WAS @ PIT 7:15PM	80	17	6	5	10	7	27	.212	.292	.411	.703
Jaime Garcia	STL @ CIN 7:15PM	143	37	9	3	15	3	27	.259	.272	.368	.640

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 24, 2014

Edit Matchup Criteria

Matchup Info				Career Matchup Stats
Batter	Pos	Game	Pitcher	AB	H	XBH	HR	RBI	BB	K	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS
C. Crisp	OF	OAK @ TOR 1:07PM	R. Dickey	18	2	0	0	1	1	4	.111	.150	.111	.261
T. Gwynn Jr.	OF	PHI vs LAD 3:05PM	D. Haren	15	2	1	0	2	4	3	.133	.316	.267	.582
E. Andrus	SS	TEX @ DET 4:08PM	R. Porcello	12	1	0	0	1	2	3	.083	.214	.083	.298
S. Drew	SS	BOS @ TB 4:10PM	D. Price	10	0	0	0	0	1	5	.000	.091	.000	.091
J. Gomes	OF	BOS @ TB 4:10PM	D. Price	20	4	1	0	1	1	6	.200	.238	.250	.488
M. Napoli	1B	BOS @ TB 4:10PM	D. Price	27	7	3	1	1	1	15	.259	.286	.444	.730
A. Pierzynski	C	BOS @ TB 4:10PM	D. Price	14	2	0	0	0	0	2	.143	.200	.143	.343
S. Victorino	OF	BOS @ TB 4:10PM	D. Price	19	4	0	0	1	2	3	.211	.286	.211	.496
D. DeJesus	OF	TB vs BOS 4:10PM	J. Peavy	24	4	2	1	5	3	8	.167	.259	.375	.634
Y. Escobar	SS	TB vs BOS 4:10PM	J. Peavy	12	1	0	0	0	2	1	.083	.214	.083	.298
M. Joyce	OF	TB vs BOS 4:10PM	J. Peavy	10	1	1	1	1	2	2	.100	.250	.400	.650
E. Longoria	3B	TB vs BOS 4:10PM	J. Peavy	18	4	2	1	2	0	3	.222	.222	.500	.722
J. Bruce	OF	CIN vs STL 7:15PM	J. Garcia	33	9	1	1	4	1	8	.273	.286	.364	.649
Z. Cozart	SS	CIN vs STL 7:15PM	J. Garcia	21	4	0	0	0	1	3	.190	.227	.190	.418
T. Frazier	3B	CIN vs STL 7:15PM	J. Garcia	11	1	0	0	1	0	2	.091	.091	.091	.182
R. Ludwick	OF	CIN vs STL 7:15PM	J. Garcia	13	2	0	0	0	1	2	.154	.214	.154	.368
B. Phillips	2B	CIN vs STL 7:15PM	J. Garcia	38	11	4	2	7	0	7	.289	.289	.500	.789
E. Aybar	SS	LAA vs KC 7:15PM	J. Shields	16	4	1	1	1	0	3	.250	.294	.438	.732
A. McCutchen	OF	PIT vs WAS 7:15PM	S. Strasburg	10	1	0	0	1	2	4	.100	.250	.100	.350
G. Sanchez	1B	PIT vs WAS 7:15PM	S. Strasburg	12	2	1	0	1	1	3	.167	.231	.250	.481
M. Morse	OF	SF vs MIN 10:05PM	R. Nolasco	18	5	1	0	2	0	5	.278	.278	.333	.611
K. Seager	3B	SEA vs HOU 10:10PM	D. Keuchel	13	3	0	0	0	0	3	.231	.231	.231	.462

Matchup Info				Career Matchup Stats
Batter	Pos	Game	Pitcher	AB	H	XBH	HR	RBI	BB	K	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS

Cold Pitcher Matchups – May 24, 2014

Edit Matchup Criteria

Matchup Info		Career Stats Allowed To Batters On Opposing Team
Pitcher	Game	AB	H	XBH	HR	RBI	BB	K	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS
John Danks	CWS vs NYY 2:10PM	140	45	10	3	15	16	16	.321	.398	.428	.826
James Shields	KC @ LAA 7:15PM	95	29	13	4	11	6	16	.305	.354	.558	.912
Ricky Nolasco	MIN @ SF 10:05PM	155	51	20	7	24	13	22	.329	.382	.554	.936

Matchup Info		Career Stats Allowed To Batters On Opposing Team
Pitcher	Game	AB	H	XBH	HR	RBI	BB	K	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS

Seth Smith, OF, SD – Smith can be ignored no more. Even with a plethora of outfielders on roster, the Padres are getting Smith playing time almost daily. Smith is doing everything right with the bat right now, and with oft-injured outfielders Cameron Maybin and Carlos Quentin on roster Smith can count on 450 at-bats for the season. Snag him if he's there for you, since most will ignore him since he isn't a household name. Right now, Smith is hitting .339 with five homers - the power has always been there and is picking up as I write - 18 runs, to go along with 17 RBIs.

Other Recent Recommendations:Kole Calhoun, Stephen Drew, Rickie Weeks, Gordon Beckham and Ryan Vogelsong

DraftStreet Value Picks

SP: Marco Estrada, MIL – ($18,996)
C: Derek Norris, OAK – ($5,582)
1B: Chris Davis, BAL – ($8,199)
2B: Kolten Wong, STL – ($5,234)
SS: Ian Desmond, WAS – ($5,360)
3B: Pablo Sandoval, SF – ($6,215)
OF: Christian Yelich, MIA – ($6,444)