This article is part of our The Lineup Card series.
Projected Starters - A look at Wednesday's matchups (all times Eastern)Tigers (Justin Verlander – R) at Orioles (Kevin Gausman – R), 12:35
Angels (Garrett Richards – R) at Phillies (A.J. Burnett – R), 1:05
Rockies (Jhoulys Chacin – R) at Royals (Jason Vargas – L), 2:10
White Sox (Andre Rienzo – R) at Athletics (Tommy Milone – L), 3:35
Rays (Jake Odorizzi – R) at Mariners (Brandon Maurer – R), 3:40
Nationals (Doug Fister – R) at Diamondbacks (Brandon McCarthy – R), 3:40
Braves (Julio Teheran – R) at Giants (Madison Bumgarner – L), 3:45
Indians (Corey Kluber – R) at Blue Jays (Dustin McGowan – R), 7:07
Yankees (Masahiro Tanaka – R) at Mets (Rafael Montero – R), 7:10
Padres (Ian Kennedy – R) at Reds (Johnny Cueto – R), 7:10
Rangers (Nick Tepesch – R) at Astros (Scott Feldman – R), 8:10
Red Sox (Felix Doubront – L) at Twins (Kevin Correia – R), 8:10
Pirates (Francisco Liriano – L) at Brewers (Wily Peralta – R), 8:10
Cubs (Jason Hammel – R) at Cardinals (Michael Wacha – R), 8:15
Marlins (Undecided – R) at Dodgers (Paul Maholm – L), 10:10
Day Game After Night Game: BOS/MIN, CHC/STL, SD/CIN, PIT/MIL
Injuries
Day-to-Day
Ichiro Suzuki, OF, NYY (Back) – Did not play on Tuesday, could miss Wednesday as well.
Carlos Beltran, OF, NYY (Elbow) – Received cortisone shot with the expectation of missing a few games.
Colby Rasmus, OF, TOR (Hamstring) – Did not play on Tuesday, but expected to avoid a trip on the DL.
Chris Tillman, SP, BAL (Groin) – Next start in question, although could avoid the DL.
Rick Porcello, SP, DET (Oblique) – Expected to be fine for his next start in Boston on Saturday.
Juan Uribe, 3B, LAD (Hamstring) – Available to pinch hit on Tuesday, but could be back Wednesday.
David Ross, C, BOS (Foot) – Hurt left foot during batting practice on Tuesday.
Coco Crisp, OF, OAK (Neck) – Not expected to return to action until Friday.
Michael Saunders, OF, SEA (Knee) – Expected to miss Wednesday's game even with showed improvement.
Starling Marte, OF, PIT (Back) – May miss a few games due to spasms and tightness.
Players on the DL
Devin Mesoraco, C, CIN (Hamstring) – Started rehab assignment on Tuesday.
Anibal Sanchez, SP, DET (Finger) – Will start on Sunday against Boston.
Jay Bruce, OF, CIN (Knee) – Resumed light running and expected to continue with batting practice this week.
Josh Hamilton, OF, LAA (Thumb) – Will start rehab assignment next week.
Michael Pineda, SP, NYY (Ribs) – Threw from 90-feet on Tuesday, with an expected return late May.
Jason Kipnis, 2B, CLE (Oblique) – No pain after hitting off a tee on Tuesday.
Jason Grilli, RP, PIT (Oblique) – Will throw a simulated game on Wednesday.
Eric O'Flaherty, RP, OAK (Elbow) – Faced live hitters on Monday for the second time since Tommy John surgery.
Hyun-Jin Ryu, SP, LAD (Shoulder) – Threw 45-pitch bullpen session on Tuesday.
Logan Morrison, 1B, SEA (Hamstring) – No setbacks after running the bases, but still not expected to return until late May.
Tanner Scheppers, RP, TEX (Elbow) – Return unclear after bullpen session on Tuesday.
Alex Cobb, SP, TB (Oblique) – Should return to rotation next week after a rehab start on Saturday.
A.J. Ellis, C, LAD (Knee) – Not expected to be activated until Wednesday at the earliest.
Taijuan Walker, SP, SEA (Shoulder) – Expected to throw a bullpen session on Wednesday.
Chad Billingsley, LAD (Elbow) – Could be activated in mid June if positive progress continues.
Bruce Chen, SP, KC (Back) – Bullpen session likely on Wednesday.
Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, WAS (Thumb) – Likely out another 2-to-4 weeks after X-rays show bone is not fully healed.
Ryan Cook, RP, OAK (Forearm) – Reports show no pain after a throwing session.
Tom Gorzelanny, RP, MIL (Shoulder) – Starting a rehab assignment on Wednesday.
Shawn Kelley, RP, NYY (Back) – Placed on DL with strained lumbar spine.
Alex White, SP, HOU (Elbow) – May be assigned rehab assignment as early as next week.
Josh Willingham, OF, MIN (Wrist) – Will continue with batting practice over the next few days.
Asher Wojciechowski, SP, HOU (Back) – Rehab assignment likely next week.
Jesse Crain, RP, HOU (Elbow, Biceps) – On target for a rehab assignment by end of month.
Jaime Garcia, SP, STL (Shoulder) – Could rejoin rotation on Saturday.
Ethan Martin, RP, PHI (Shoulder) – Likely to see more rehab work before returning to action.
Darin Ruf, OF, PHI (Oblique) – Will continue rehab work without being rushed back.
Transactions - Players who have been demoted, called up, traded, released, you name it. We'll cover it here.
Activated from the DL
Ryan Braun, OF, MIL
Carlos Quentin, OF, SD
Placed on the DL (15-day DL, unless otherwise noted)
Gonzalez Germen, RP, NYM (Virus)
Tyler Lyons, SP, STL (Shoulder)
Omar Infante, 2B, KC (Back)
Aramis Ramirez, 3B, MIL (Hamstring)
Shawn Kelley, RP, NYY (Back)
Called Up
Jacob deGrom, SP, NYM
Kevin Pillar, OF, TOR
Sam Freeman, RP, STL
Jorge Rondon, RP, STL
Pedro Ciriaco, 2B, KC
Zoilo Almonte, OF, NYY
Elian Herrera, SS, MIL
Kevin Quackenbush, SD
Cesar Hernandez, 2B, PHI
Sent Down (to Triple-A, unless otherwise noted)
Josh Rutledge, 2B, COL
Eric Fornataro, RP, STL
Jonathan Diaz, SS, TOR
Kyle Blanks, OF, SD
Cory Rasmus, RP, LAA
Caleb Gindl, OF, MIL
Chris Getz, 2B, TOR
Paternity List
Dale Thayer, RP, SD
Signed
Justin Greene, OF, ATL (minor league contract)
Closer Watch
Oakland Athletics – The revolving door continues in Oakland as Sean Doolittle picked up his second save of the season on Monday for the Athletics. Manager Bob Melvin is sticking by his guns and relying on a closer-by-committee situation, with Luke Gregerson and Jim Johnson in the mix with Doolittle. Doolittle is the least likely to get save opportunities moving forward considering he's a lefty, although that doesn't remove him from the mix. Doolittle hasn't given up a run since April 26, so that's a good sign if he's still available in leagues.
Key Matchups
Hot Batter Matchups – May 14, 2014Matchup Info | Career Matchup Stats | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Batter | Pos | Game | Pitcher | AB | H | XBH | HR | RBI | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| J. Hardy | SS | BAL vs DET 12:35PM | J. Verlander | 31 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 1 | 6 | .258 | .273 | .581 | .853 |
| D. Span | OF | WAS @ ARI 3:40PM | B. McCarthy | 12 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .333 | .333 | .583 | .917 |
| J. Upton | OF | ATL @ SF 3:45PM | M. Bumgarner | 23 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | .391 | .481 | .565 | 1.047 |
| S. Schumaker | 2B | CIN vs SD 7:10PM | I. Kennedy | 19 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1 | .421 | .476 | .579 | 1.055 |
| C. Headley | 3B | SD @ CIN 7:10PM | J. Cueto | 15 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | .467 | .500 | .600 | 1.100 |
| S. Victorino | OF | BOS @ MIN 8:10PM | K. Correia | 17 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 1 | .471 | .526 | .706 | 1.232 |
| R. Braun | OF | MIL vs PIT 8:10PM | F. Liriano | 15 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 6 | .267 | .450 | .467 | .917 |
| C. Gomez | OF | MIL vs PIT 8:10PM | F. Liriano | 18 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 3 | .500 | .571 | 1.000 | 1.571 |
| E. Nunez | SS | MIN vs BOS 8:10PM | F. Doubront | 10 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | .500 | .545 | 1.000 | 1.545 |
| A. Rios | OF | TEX @ HOU 8:10PM | S. Feldman | 38 | 11 | 6 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 4 | .289 | .308 | .553 | .860 |
| J. Peralta | SS | STL vs CHC 8:15PM | J. Hammel | 17 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 8 | 2 | 1 | .471 | .526 | .882 | 1.409 |
| J. Baker | OF | MIA @ LAD 10:10PM | P. Maholm | 23 | 9 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 1 | .391 | .375 | .696 | 1.071 |
| R. Johnson | OF | MIA @ LAD 10:10PM | P. Maholm | 18 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | .444 | .524 | .611 | 1.135 |
| C. McGehee | 3B | MIA @ LAD 10:10PM | P. Maholm | 25 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 2 | .320 | .433 | .560 | .993 |
Matchup Info | Career Matchup Stats | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Batter | Pos | Game | Pitcher | AB | H | XBH | HR | RBI | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
Hot Pitcher Matchups – May 14, 2014Matchup Info | Career Stats Allowed To Batters On Opposing Team | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pitcher | Game | AB | H | XBH | HR | RBI | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| Justin Verlander | DET @ BAL 12:35PM | 218 | 43 | 14 | 4 | 17 | 14 | 60 | .197 | .247 | .303 | .550 |
| A.J. Burnett | PHI vs LAA 1:05PM | 64 | 12 | 5 | 1 | 10 | 7 | 19 | .187 | .261 | .289 | .551 |
| Madison Bumgarner | SF vs ATL 3:45PM | 121 | 26 | 7 | 3 | 8 | 13 | 40 | .215 | .289 | .326 | .616 |
| Scott Feldman | HOU vs TEX 8:10PM | 108 | 22 | 10 | 4 | 15 | 9 | 15 | .204 | .278 | .363 | .641 |
Hot Pitcher Matchups – May 14, 2014Matchup Info | Career Stats Allowed To Batters On Opposing Team | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pitcher | Game | AB | H | XBH | HR | RBI | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| Justin Verlander | DET @ BAL 12:35PM | 218 | 43 | 14 | 4 | 17 | 14 | 60 | .197 | .247 | .303 | .550 |
| A.J. Burnett | PHI vs LAA 1:05PM | 64 | 12 | 5 | 1 | 10 | 7 | 19 | .187 | .261 | .289 | .551 |
| Madison Bumgarner | SF vs ATL 3:45PM | 121 | 26 | 7 | 3 | 8 | 13 | 40 | .215 | .289 | .326 | .616 |
| Scott Feldman | HOU vs TEX 8:10PM | 108 | 22 | 10 | 4 | 15 | 9 | 15 | .204 | .278 | .363 | .641 |
Cold Batter Matchups – May 14, 2014Matchup Info | Career Matchup Stats | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Batter | Pos | Game | Pitcher | AB | H | XBH | HR | RBI | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| N. Cruz | OF | BAL vs DET 12:35PM | J. Verlander | 22 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 6 | .136 | .174 | .182 | .356 |
| C. Davis | 1B | BAL vs DET 12:35PM | J. Verlander | 21 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 10 | .190 | .261 | .190 | .451 |
| A. Jones | OF | BAL vs DET 12:35PM | J. Verlander | 30 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 9 | .133 | .156 | .267 | .423 |
| D. Lough | OF | BAL vs DET 12:35PM | J. Verlander | 16 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | .125 | .125 | .188 | .313 |
| D. Young | OF | BAL vs DET 12:35PM | J. Verlander | 30 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 10 | .200 | .273 | .200 | .473 |
| E. Aybar | SS | LAA @ PHI 1:05PM | A. Burnett | 12 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | .083 | .143 | .167 | .310 |
| H. Kendrick | 2B | LAA @ PHI 1:05PM | A. Burnett | 17 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 7 | .235 | .278 | .294 | .572 |
| A. Pujols | 1B | LAA @ PHI 1:05PM | A. Burnett | 15 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 3 | .200 | .250 | .467 | .717 |
| C. Pennington | SS | ARI vs WAS 3:40PM | D. Fister | 21 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | .048 | .091 | .095 | .186 |
| J. Heyward | OF | ATL @ SF 3:45PM | M. Bumgarner | 15 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 4 | .200 | .235 | .400 | .635 |
| C. Johnson | 3B | ATL @ SF 3:45PM | M. Bumgarner | 16 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | .250 | .250 | .375 | .625 |
| D. Uggla | 2B | ATL @ SF 3:45PM | M. Bumgarner | 20 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 8 | .050 | .136 | .100 | .236 |
| H. Pence | OF | SF vs ATL 3:45PM | J. Teheran | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | .100 | .100 | .100 | .200 |
| N. Swisher | 1B | CLE @ TOR 7:07PM | D. McGowan | 15 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 8 | .133 | .133 | .267 | .400 |
| R. Ludwick | OF | CIN vs SD 7:10PM | I. Kennedy | 13 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 7 | .154 | .267 | .231 | .497 |
| B. Phillips | 2B | CIN vs SD 7:10PM | I. Kennedy | 13 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | .077 | .071 | .077 | .148 |
| D. Ross | C | BOS @ MIN 8:10PM | K. Correia | 15 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | .200 | .250 | .267 | .517 |
| A. Beltre | 3B | TEX @ HOU 8:10PM | S. Feldman | 21 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 2 | .190 | .250 | .381 | .631 |
| S. Choo | OF | TEX @ HOU 8:10PM | S. Feldman | 14 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | .071 | .263 | .071 | .335 |
Cold Pitcher Matchups – May 14, 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 SD 7:10PM | 67 | 21 | 6 | 3 | 10 | 3 | 17 | .313 | .361 | .489 | .850 |
| Francisco Liriano | PIT @ MIL 8:10PM | 99 | 27 | 9 | 5 | 19 | 18 | 29 | .273 | .389 | .474 | .863 |
| Paul Maholm | LAD vs MIA 10:10PM | 119 | 42 | 17 | 4 | 15 | 13 | 14 | .353 | .423 | .587 | 1.010 |
Recommended Pickup
Johnny Giavotella, 2B, KC – A one-time prized prospect in the Royals organization, Giavotella has cooled in expectations considering his development through 2013. Giavotella has a decent chance to play every day while Kansas City regular second baseman Omar Infante is laid up on the disabled list. Giavotella has played very well at the AAA level in 2014, with a .352/.410/.484 slash line, while already hitting one home run since his call-up on May 9. At the very minimum, Giavotella gives deep-league owners a decent middle infield short-term play; however, there is a small chance that he can stick with the Royals even after Infante returns from injury.
Other Recent Recommendations:Rafael Montero, Gerardo Parra, Roenis Elias, Wilmer Flores, Rougned Odor
DraftStreet Value Picks
SP: Jacob Turner, MIA ($11,669)
C: Derek Norris, OAK ($5,024)
1B: Justin Smoak, SEA ($4,238)
2B: Danny Espinosa, WAS ($3,993)
SS: Ian Desmond, WAS ($4,621)
3B: Evan Longoria, TB ($6,845)
OF: Matt Kemp, LAD ($6,780)
