Thursday Lineup Card: A New Day Rising?

This article is part of our The Lineup Card series.

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

Game 1 – SD (Ian Kennedy – R) at CIN (Johnny Cueto – R), 12:35 PM ET
Game 2 – SD (Tyson Ross – R) at CIN (TBD – could be Jeff Francis – L), 6:10 PM ET
BOS (Clay Buchholz – R) at MIN (Phil Hughes – R), 1:10 PM ET
PIT (Wandy Rodriguez – L) at MIL (Yovani Gallardo – R), 1:10 PM ET
CHC (Jason Hammel – R) at STL (Michael Wacha – R), 1:45 PM ET
CLE (Danny Salazar – R) at TOR (J.A. Happ – L), 7:07 PM ET
NYY (Chase Whitley – R) at NYM (Jacob deGrom – R), 7:10 PM ET
BAL (Wei-Yin Chen – L) at KC (Yordano Ventura – R), 8:10 PM ET
TB (Erik Bedard – L) at LAA (Tyler Skaggs – L), 10:05 PM ET
MIA (Nathan Eovaldi – R) at SF (Matt Cain – R), 10:15 PM ET

Day Game After Night Game: BOS/MIN, PIT/MIL, CHC/STL

Injuries

Day-to-Day
Michael Brantley, OF, CLE – (Back) Left Wednesday's game as a precaution with tightness.
Coco Crisp, OF, OAK – (Neck) Could be available off the bench.
Travis d'Arnaud, C, NYM – (Head) Has concussion symptoms, will miss a few days, 7-day DL could make sense.
Casey Fien, P, MIN – (Arm) Recovering from contusion, should avoid DL and be available soon.
Starling Marte, OF, PIT – (Back) Says he feels better Wednesday and can avoid DL.
Nyjer Morgan, OF, CLE – (Knee) Left Wednesday's game with mild sprain.
Dioner Navarro, C, TOR – (Personal) Placed on bereavement list, could be back for weekend series.
Angel Pagan, OF, SF – (Knee) Should start Thursday.
Colby Rasmus, OF, TOR – (Hamstring) Out of lineup Wednesday for second game in a row.
Pablo Sandoval, 3B, SF – (Toe) Left Wednesday's game with soreness.
Ichiro Suzuki, OF, NYY – (Back) Could have been available off bench Wednesday, remains day-to-day.
Chris Tillman, P, BAL – (Groin) Cleared for Friday start.
Juan Uribe, 3B, LAD – (Hamstring) Should be penciled in to start Friday.
Kolten Wong, 2B, STL – (Illness) Recalled but was not available Wednesday.
Ben Zobrist, 2B, TB – (Thumb) DL decision coming Thursday.

Players on the DL
Matt Albers, P, HOU – (Shoulder) Had cortisone shot, out 10 days.
Michael Almanzar, 3B, BAL – (Knee) Will be examined by Mets doc Thursday, no timetable known.
Brandon Belt, 1B, SF – (Thumb) Had surgery on thumb, out six weeks.
Tony Cingrani, P, CIN – (Shoulder) No longer expected to be able to return to start Saturday.
Jose Cisnero, P, HOU – (Elbow) Will have Tommy John surgery.
Bruce Chen, P, KC – (Back) At least one more side session before starting rehab.
Michael Cuddyer, OF, COL – (Hamstring) Ran bases, heading to extended spring training, could be back as soon as May 20.
Dane De La Rosa, P, LAA – (Shoulder) Had setback on rehab, heading back to California to be examined.
Adam Eaton, OF, CHW – (Hamstring) Rehab has begun, should be activated Sunday.
Edgmer Escalona, P, BAL – (Shoulder) Threw batting practice, could be on cusp of long rehab.
Jose Fernandez, P, MIA – (Elbow) Should have Tommy John surgery by end of week.
Jaime Garcia, P, STL – (Shoulder) Should start Sunday's game after just two rehab starts.
Dillon Gee, P, NYM – (Back) Was to make Thursday start but placed on DL instead.
Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez, P, PHI – (Shoulder) Will finally begin rehab Thursday.
Jason Grilli, P, PIT – (Oblique) Threw simulated game, rehab possibility not determined.
Matt Harrison, P, TEX – (Back) Returned to DL with nerve irritation and displaced vertebra.
Adam LaRoche, 1B, WAS – (Quadriceps) Should return from DL when eligible May 25.
Mat Latos, P, CIN – (Elbow) Several more throwing sessions before rehab can begin.
Tyler Lyons, P, STL – (Shoulder) Will have MRI in next few days.
Russell Martin, C, PIT – (Leg) Took batting practice Wednesday, team wants him to rehab.
Jason Motte, P, STL – (Elbow) Scoreless inning in first outing at Triple-A during rehab, activation could happen fairly soon.
Ross Ohlendorf, P, WAS – (Back) Hit hard in Wednesday rehab start.
James Paxton, P, SEA – (Back) Threw all pitches in bullpen session, could begin rehab soon.
Mike Pelfrey, P, MIN – (Groin) Will make rehab start Friday, could be long rehab.
Martin Perez, P, TEX – (Elbow) Has UCL tear, Tommy John a possibility.
Nolan Reimold, OF, BAL – (Neck) Could be approaching start of rehab assignment.
Wilin Rosario, OF, COL – (Illness) Could be back within a week.
Darin Ruf, OF, PHI – (Oblique) Rehab will go through Saturday.
Hyun-Jin Ryu, P, LAD – (Shoulder) Simulated game should be next step in recovery.
C.C. Sabathia, P, NYY – (Knee) Getting extensive treatment for knee.
Taijuan Walker, P, SEA – (Shoulder) Threw 40 fastballs/changeups, curveballs should be added to next session.
Josh Willingham, OF, MIN – (Wrist) Should begin rehab Saturday, could return to Twins in a week.

Activated from the DL
A.J. Ellis, C, LAD
Jeff Keppinger, 3B, CHW (designated for assignment)
Dale Thayer, P, SD
Jose Veras, P, CHC

Placed on the DL
Anthony Bass, P, HOU
Dillon Gee, P, NYM
Matt Harrison, P, TEX
Dioner Navarro, C, TOR (bereavement list)
Martin Perez, P, TEX
Zac Rosscup, P, CHC

Called Up
Scott Baker, P, TEX
Anthony DeSclafani, P, MIA
Josh Fields, P, HOU
Kevin Gausman, P, BAL
Erik Kratz, C, TOR
Miles Mikolas, P, TEX
Rafael Montero, P, NYM
Nick Tepesch, P, TEX
Neil Wagner, P, TOR
Kolten Wong, 2B, STL

Sent Down (to Triple-A, unless otherwise noted)
Oswaldo Arcia, OF, MIN
Greg Garcia, SS, STL
Justin Germano, P, TEX (designated for assignment)
Preston Guilmet, P, BAL
Chad Jenkins, P, TOR
Dan Jennings, P, MIA
Jeff Keppinger, 3B, CHW (designated for assignment)
Miguel Olivo, C, LAD
Kevin Quackenbush, P, SD
Henry Rodriguez, P, MIA (designated for assignment)

Called Up
Randy Wolf, P, MIA

Closer Watch

Baltimore – Tommy Hunter blew a save for the second outing in a row Tuesday. There was no save situation Wednesday, but manager Buck Showalter did not commit to Hunter as the closer before the game. It still looks like Hunter is the man for now, but the leash is much shorter than it was a week ago. Darren O'Day would be next in line for saves, but keep in mind the Orioles stuck with Jim Johnson through thick and thin last year.

Los Angeles Angels – Ernesto Frieri notched Tuesday's save, but Joe Smith picked up the save Wednesday. The two continue to share closing duties.

Key Matchups

Hot Batter Matchups – May 15, 2014

Edit Matchup Criteria

Matchup Info				Career Matchup Stats
Batter	Pos	Game	Pitcher	AB	H	XBH	HR	RBI	BB	K	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS
M. Carp	OF	BOS @ MIN 1:10PM	P. Hughes	10	5	2	1	2	3	2	.500	.615	.900	1.515
D. Ortiz	DH	BOS @ MIN 1:10PM	P. Hughes	22	9	5	2	7	4	5	.409	.481	.818	1.300
D. Pedroia	2B	BOS @ MIN 1:10PM	P. Hughes	28	8	4	3	9	2	4	.286	.333	.643	.976
R. Braun	OF	MIL vs PIT 1:10PM	W. Rodriguez	49	18	12	4	11	7	7	.367	.446	.776	1.222
J. Lucroy	C	MIL vs PIT 1:10PM	W. Rodriguez	21	7	5	1	5	1	3	.333	.348	.714	1.062
L. Overbay	1B	MIL vs PIT 1:10PM	W. Rodriguez	18	8	3	0	1	0	3	.444	.444	.611	1.056
R. Weeks	2B	MIL vs PIT 1:10PM	W. Rodriguez	47	14	5	2	4	9	10	.298	.431	.489	.920
J. Mauer	C	MIN vs BOS 1:10PM	C. Buchholz	13	5	3	0	1	2	0	.385	.467	.615	1.082
K. Suzuki	C	MIN vs BOS 1:10PM	C. Buchholz	12	6	1	0	2	0	0	.500	.500	.583	1.083
A. McCutchen	OF	PIT @ MIL 1:10PM	Y. Gallardo	43	14	7	3	7	2	3	.326	.356	.651	1.007
J. Jay	OF	STL vs CHC 1:45PM	J. Samardzija	18	8	0	0	2	1	4	.444	.474	.444	.918
Y. Molina	C	STL vs CHC 1:45PM	J. Samardzija	20	10	1	0	3	1	2	.500	.545	.550	1.095
B. Butler	DH	KC vs BAL 8:10PM	W. Chen	15	8	5	2	4	1	2	.533	.563	1.200	1.763
E. Hosmer	1B	KC vs BAL 8:10PM	W. Chen	14	6	3	2	5	1	0	.429	.467	.929	1.395
G. Jones	1B	MIA @ SF 10:15PM	M. Cain	19	6	3	2	3	2	6	.316	.381	.684	1.065
G. Stanton	OF	MIA @ SF 10:15PM	M. Cain	17	5	3	3	5	4	5	.294	.429	.824	1.252

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

Hot Pitcher Matchups – May 15, 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
Yovani Gallardo	MIL vs PIT 1:10PM	211	43	16	4	19	25	54	.204	.291	.318	.609

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 15, 2014

Edit Matchup Criteria

Matchup Info				Career Matchup Stats
Batter	Pos	Game	Pitcher	AB	H	XBH	HR	RBI	BB	K	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS
A. Pierzynski	C	BOS @ MIN 1:10PM	P. Hughes	18	3	0	0	0	0	2	.167	.167	.167	.333
C. Gomez	OF	MIL vs PIT 1:10PM	W. Rodriguez	37	5	1	0	0	1	15	.135	.158	.162	.320
J. Segura	SS	MIL vs PIT 1:10PM	W. Rodriguez	15	3	2	1	2	2	2	.200	.294	.467	.761
T. Plouffe	3B	MIN vs BOS 1:10PM	C. Buchholz	10	1	1	0	0	1	3	.100	.182	.200	.382
P. Alvarez	3B	PIT @ MIL 1:10PM	Y. Gallardo	24	2	1	0	2	5	10	.083	.241	.125	.366
C. Barmes	SS	PIT @ MIL 1:10PM	Y. Gallardo	20	1	0	0	0	2	6	.050	.136	.050	.186
S. Marte	OF	PIT @ MIL 1:10PM	Y. Gallardo	16	3	2	0	1	2	8	.188	.278	.313	.590
J. Mercer	SS	PIT @ MIL 1:10PM	Y. Gallardo	13	4	2	0	1	0	5	.308	.308	.538	.846
S. Castro	SS	CHC @ STL 1:45PM	L. Lynn	30	10	4	0	3	0	5	.333	.333	.500	.833
N. Schierholtz	OF	CHC @ STL 1:45PM	L. Lynn	14	1	1	1	2	0	3	.071	.071	.286	.357
L. Valbuena	3B	CHC @ STL 1:45PM	L. Lynn	11	1	1	1	2	5	4	.091	.375	.364	.739
M. Carpenter	3B	STL vs CHC 1:45PM	J. Samardzija	16	3	1	0	2	3	2	.188	.316	.313	.628
D. Descalso	2B	STL vs CHC 1:45PM	J. Samardzija	11	2	1	0	2	2	2	.182	.286	.273	.558
M. Holliday	OF	STL vs CHC 1:45PM	J. Samardzija	20	4	0	0	0	4	1	.200	.333	.200	.533
L. Cain	OF	KC vs BAL 8:10PM	W. Chen	10	3	0	0	0	0	3	.300	.300	.300	.600
A. Gordon	OF	KC vs BAL 8:10PM	W. Chen	13	3	1	1	1	0	5	.231	.231	.462	.692
S. Perez	C	KC vs BAL 8:10PM	W. Chen	11	1	0	0	1	0	0	.091	.083	.091	.174
R. Ibanez	OF	LAA vs TB 10:05PM	E. Bedard	12	1	0	0	0	7	5	.083	.421	.083	.504
H. Kendrick	2B	LAA vs TB 10:05PM	E. Bedard	14	3	0	0	1	0	3	.214	.214	.214	.429
J. Baker	OF	MIA @ SF 10:15PM	M. Cain	11	2	0	0	0	0	4	.182	.182	.182	.364

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

Cold Pitcher Matchups – May 15, 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
Wandy Rodriguez	PIT @ MIL 1:10PM	202	59	30	9	30	23	44	.292	.366	.542	.908
Phil Hughes	MIN vs BOS 1:10PM	106	34	15	9	25	9	20	.321	.370	.646	1.015
Jeff Samardzija	CHC @ STL 1:45PM	120	38	7	0	10	12	20	.317	.380	.373	.753
Wei-Yin Chen	BAL @ KC 8:10PM	104	33	13	5	14	3	16	.317	.336	.571	.907

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

Darren O'Day, P, BAL – No, O'Day has not claimed the closer's job in Baltimore, but he could be close. Tommy Hunter does not have a 1-2-3 inning to his name this season and he has blown his last two save opportunities. His 6.60 ERA and 1.87 WHIP make it hard to believe it took this long to blow four saves. O'Day has been everything Hunter has not, allowing one run in 15 innings. If the Orioles give someone else an opportunity it will be O'Day.

Other Recent Recommendations:Johnny Giavotella, Rafael Montero, Gerardo Parra, Roenis Elias, Wilmer Flores, Rougned Odor

DraftStreet Value Picks

SP: Tyler Skaggs, TB ($12,703)
C: Jarrod Saltalamacchia, MIA ($3,853)
1B: Joe Mauer, MIN ($6,145)
2B: Scooter Gennett, MIL ($4,656)
SS: Jhonny Peralta, STL ($5,401)
3B: Todd Frazier, CIN ($6,300)
OF: Seth Smith, SD ($6,003)