Starting pitcher rankings for Aug. 9, 2009

Starting pitcher rankings for Aug. 9, 2009

<table style="margin: 0pt; width: 100%;"> <thead><tr><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Rk </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom; width: 30px;"><center> Team </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"> Name </th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> T </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom; width: 35px;"><center> W-L </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> ERA </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> WHIP </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> K/9 </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> OPSA </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Opp </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> OPS </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> CT% </center></th></tr></thead><tbody> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Johan Santana </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12-8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8.32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .686 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .691 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 78.6% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Roy Halladay </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11-5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.75 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.08 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.68 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .644 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> BAL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .747 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 82.4% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Javier Vazquez </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.99 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.05 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10.02 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .624 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .771 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 81.4% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Wandy Rodriguez </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10-6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.63 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8.43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .693 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> MIL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .758 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 77.1% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Yovani Gallardo </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10-8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.59 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9.88 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .683 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @HOU </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .734 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 82.8% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Josh Johnson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.98 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.48 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .606 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @PHI </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .786 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 79.4% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Cain </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .654 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> CIN </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .695 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 79.8% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jarrod Washburn </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.93 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.08 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .627 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> MIN </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .760 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 80.7% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jon Lester </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.79 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10.16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .688 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .837 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 82.5% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Joel Pineiro </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9-9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.88 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .656 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @PIT </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .713 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 79.4% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Scott Kazmir </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6-6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.61 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.93 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .818 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @SEA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .718 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 81.5% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jamie Moyer </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10-8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .846 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> FLA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .735 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 77.1% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Scott Baker </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.59 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.49 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .715 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @DET </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .743 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 79.8% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jose Contreras </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4-10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.95 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.90 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .728 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> CLE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .773 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 78.1% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Aaron Harang </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5-13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.52 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.96 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .819 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .696 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 78.6% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Randy Wells </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8-4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.73 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.72 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .648 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @COL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .773 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 77.3% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Hiroki Kuroda </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4-5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.01 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .680 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @ATL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .746 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 81.7% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Zach Duke </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9-10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.45 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.52 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .730 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> STL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .740 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 81.1% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Hammel </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6-6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.62 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.49 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .818 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> CHC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .740 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 78.1% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Luke Hochevar </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6-4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.61 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .789 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> OAK </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .702 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 81.6% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brian Matusz </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.80 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.80 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9.00 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .851 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @TOR </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .767 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 83.2% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Derek Holland </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.60 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.50 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.46 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .842 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .802 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 81.9% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> John Lackey </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7-4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.96 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .703 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> TEX </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .767 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 76.5% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Andy Pettitte </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9-6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.63 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .751 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> BOS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .795 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 79.7% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> David Huff </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5-6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.81 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.64 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.80 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .904 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @CHW </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .757 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 81.3% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tim Stauffer </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .733 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .737 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 83.9% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Gio Gonzalez </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.80 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9.85 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .876 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .705 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 80.4% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> J.D. Martin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 0-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.71 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.86 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .982 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> ARI </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .751 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 77.5% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Rowland-Smith </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .690 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .799 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 77.0% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Yusmeiro Petit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2-5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.81 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.53 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .813 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @WAS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .763 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 77.8% </td></tr> </tbody></table>Rk.: The author's ranking of that pitcher for that day only. T: Pitcher throws left-handed or right-handed. W-L: Pitcher's win-loss record. ERA: Pitcher's earned run average. WHIP: Pitcher's average number of walks plus hits surrendered per inning. K/9: Pitcher's average number of strikeouts per nine innings. OPSA: Pitcher's on-base plus slugging percentage surrendered to opponents. OPS: Pitcher's opponent's composite team on-base plus slugging percentage. CT%: Pitcher's opponent's success rate putting the ball in play (versus striking out).

Selected notes for Sunday: Wandy Rodriguez has been nearly perfect recently, so no doubt his owners cringed when he left his last start because of hamstring tightness. He had his start pushed back a couple of days, so he'll be going on eight days of rest. Fortunately, Rodriguez returns at home, where he has consistently posted better numbers throughout his career, so he should return to his perch as one of the league's top pitchers. … The blowup everyone was waiting for finally happened, as Joel Pineiro allowed 11 hits and seven runs in his last start versus the Mets. That said, it still wasn't so bad; only three of his hits went for extra bases, he didn't allow a home run, and he still refused to walk a batter, lasting five innings in all. It's the two- or three-inning blowups that really kill you, so grant Pineiro a mulligan and keep him active against the Pirates. … John Lackey has logged quality starts in seven of his past eight outings, the lone exception coming in his matchup versus the Rangers. The team hits .346 off Lackey, so you'll want to keep him plugged to your bench this time around, too. … Jarrod Washburn has limited the Twins to a .584 OPS in 202 at-bats, with their top sluggers -- Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel -- combining for one extra-base hit in 57 at-bats. It's safe to say Washburn has their number, and the rest of the Twins' lineup can't carry the team. It shouldn't come as a surprise, then, that Washburn has posted a 0.64 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in two starts, so he may well be one of the day's top pitchers once again. … Jamie Moyer has continually done well against the Marlins, who are hitting a weak .234 in 248 career at-bats. In three previous starts, Moyer has two wins with a 2.37 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in 19 innings, making him a prime spot-start candidate when they come around again Sunday. … Jose Contreras has been roughed up his past four starts, but the last gem he pitched -- the last two gems, in fact, since he faced the Indians in consecutive starts -- was versus the Indians, a team he has a 1.88 ERA against this season. The Tribe have hit .217 in 129 at-bats against Contreras in their careers, so don't be shy about spot-starting Contreras, either. … Make sure to avoid Andy Pettitte when he faces his bitter rivals, since the Red Sox light him up; they're batting .345 against him in 267 at-bats. Seven regulars hit over .300 against him, so there won't be very many easy outs. Since 13 of Pettitte's 16 home runs have been given up in the new Yankee Stadium, there's a risk that things could get a bit ugly.

Hitters' count:
• Magglio Ordonez, OF, Tigers: With nine hits in his past 10 games, maybe this won't be a lost season for Ordonez after all. He showed signs of life in July, with seven of his 13 hits going for extra bases, and now he's off to a 6-for-16 start in August. He gets to step into the batter's box against one of his favorite pitchers Sunday, Scott Baker, against whom he's 13-for-31 (.419) with two home runs.
• Luke Scott, OF, Orioles: Scott has been in an offensive freefall lately, so who better to right the ship against than Roy Halladay? Scott is 6-for-12 with three home runs against Halladay, including 4-for-7 with a home run this year.
• Juan Rivera, OF, Angels: His numbers against righties have lowered, but he's still hammering left-handers, hitting .363 with six homers in 80 at-bats. Chances are Rivera goes off on Derek Holland, who has allowed a .877 OPS against right-handed hitters.
• Michael Young, SS/3B, Rangers: Young is batting a convincing .380 in 79 at-bats versus John Lackey, adding a pair of home runs as well.
• Josh Hamilton, OF, Rangers: A matchup against Lackey may be what Hamilton needs, as he's 7-for-16 with three dingers against him, including a 3-for-3 mark this season.
• J.D. Drew, OF, Red Sox: Although Andy Pettitte has struck him out 12 times in 29 at-bats, Drew has made the most out of the hits, with three doubles and home runs among his 10 hits. That's led to an uncharacteristic .759 slugging percentage, making Drew the rare left-hander who hits Pettitte so hard.
Pitchers' count:
• Brandon Inge, 3B/C, Tigers: Inge homered Thursday, but that was just his first home run since reports about his knee bothering him were released. He's never been particularly adept against right-handers anyway, and he's hitting only .242 against them this season, so it would be a good idea to bench him against most right-handers to begin with. Scott Baker has been particularly rough on him, however, limiting him to six hits -- none of which has gone for extra bases -- in 28 at-bats and striking him out six times.
• Justin Morneau, 1B, Twins: This has been Morneau's best season yet against left-handers -- he's hitting over .320 with nine home runs -- but that hasn't helped him against Jarrod Washburn, against whom he's 1-for-6 with two strikeouts, bringing his career average against him down to .190. Dominating lefties is nothing new for Washburn, as he's limited southpaws to a paltry .184 average in 136 at-bats this season.
• Michael Cuddyer, OF, Twins: Of course, Washburn wouldn't have a 2.93 ERA if it had been just lefties, and Cuddyer can't claim any more success against Washburn than Morneau could, as Cuddyer is also 1-for-6 off him. Career-wise, Cuddyer has been even more befuddled by Washburn, with just three singles in 17 at-bats while fanning seven times. Heck, if we really wanted to, we could probably add Jason Kubel (0-for-6, .211 average versus lefties), too.
• Nick Markakis, OF, Orioles: With a .218 average and a .297 slugging percentage versus Roy Halladay, it's safe to say Markakis has been just another victim. He only has one extra-base hit -- a homer, at least -- in 37 career at-bats, striking out four times.
• Travis Hafner, DH, Indians: If you're able to prevent Hafner from picking up an extra-base hit in 30 at-bats, as Jose Contreras has, you must be doing something right. While Hafner does have eight walks, he has otherwise been dominated by Contreras, hitting .133 with eight strikeouts.
• Casey Blake, 3B, Dodgers: He's struck out in over 37 percent of his plate appearances against Javier Vazquez, with 11 K's in 27 at-bats. Even the few times he's got a hit, they've been mostly singles, with only one extra-base hit.
If you're hardcore

• Marcus Thames, OF, Tigers: Another left-handed pitcher … wait, Scott Baker? We're recommending Thames against a right-hander? Thames is a career .233 hitter versus righties, but Baker has allowed three gopher balls to Thames in just 18 at-bats. Right-handed hitters are also slugging .508 against him, responsible for all but four of the 20 home runs he's allowed.
• Ty Wigginton, 1B/3B/OF, Orioles: We're showing Wigginton love all weekend, as he's also 7-for-22 (.318) with a pair of doubles and a long ball against Roy Halladay, too. As you might expect, the vast majority of his teammates struggle immensely against Doc, so he shouldn't have a problem squeezing his way into the lineup.
• Gerardo Parra, OF, Diamondbacks: Scorching hot the past couple of weeks, Parra is 22-for-58 (.379) with six multi-hit games, four doubles and two home runs since July 23. He's now batting .312 against right-handers, and will go up against J.D. Martin, who has already allowed three home runs to left-handed hitters in just 39 at-bats.
• Wes Helms, 1B/3B, Marlins: Sure, while Helms is 6-for-13 against Jamie Moyer, with two home runs and a double, it's tough to roll the dice on a bench player you're just hoping gets a start. We'd be skeptical, too, if not for the fact that Helms has already taken Moyer out of the park this season, going 2-for-6 in the process. It looks like manager Fredi Gonzalez already knows what's up, and chances are an off day is coming for Nick Johnson (1-for-18 versus Moyer).
• Billy Butler, 1B, Royals: Expect Butler to go to town on another left-hander, this time Gio Gonzalez, a pitcher he's already blasted a home run off in just two at-bats.
• Erick Aybar, SS, Angels: Aybar's hitting .367 since the break, while Derek Holland has been pounded by hitters on the right side of the plate, with 30 extra-base hits allowed in 233 at-bats. That's a .532 slugging percentage. Even worse for Holland, Aybar has already lit him up before, going 2-for-2 with a double and a home run.
• Marlon Byrd, OF, Angels: Byrd crushes John Lackey, too, with two home runs and doubles among his seven hits in 21 at-bats versus Lackey. Since a number of Rangers pound Lackey, and Byrd has been batting third and fourth in the lineup recently, he should contribute in RBIs and runs, too.
Triage

Injury list: Out
• Corey Hart, OF, Brewers (15-day DL, appendectomy)
• Roy Oswalt, SP, Astros (back): Oswalt won't start this weekend and will instead aim for a return Tuesday.
• Justin Upton, OF, Diamondbacks (15-day DL, oblique)
Injury list: Day-to-day
• Jason Bay, OF, Red Sox (hamstring; doubtful)
• Luis Castillo, 2B, Mets (ankle)
• Nelson Cruz, OF, Rangers (ankle)
• Bobby Jenks, RP, White Sox (kidney stones)
• Jed Lowrie, SS, Red Sox (forearm)
• Kevin Millwood, SP, Rangers (gluteus): This time around, Millwood looks to be on schedule to start Saturday's game against the Angels.
• Alexei Ramirez, 2B/SS, White Sox (ankle)
• Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C, Rangers (shoulder)
• Gary Sheffield, OF, Mets (hamstring)
Weather concerns

• Three weatherproof games for the weekend will be hosted in Toronto, Houston and Seattle.
• Detroit could suffer through thunderstorms all weekend, particularly Saturday. Pittsburgh could also see a few storms here and there, especially Sunday afternoon. Rain is expected to pick up in Philadelphia and New York on Sunday, with a 30 percent chance of storms for each.

<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"><tbody><tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="right"> Comerica Park | 1:05 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Scott Baker, RHP (9-7, 4.59)
Twins (54-56) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Jarrod Washburn, LHP (8-7, 2.93)
Tigers (58-51) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Twins: Baker continued his strong start to the second half when he pitched seven shutout innings against the Indians in his last start. The right-hander held the Tribe to just three hits and issued just one walk while throwing 109 pitches. The only problem that has remained for Baker is that opponents are fouling off too many pitches, keeping him from going deeper into outings. In four starts since the All-Star Break, Baker is 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA. Next up Baker will face the Tigers. He is 4-3 with a 3.97 ERA in 13 career starts against Detroit.Tigers: Washburn's Tigers debut was a bit of a letdown Tuesday against the Orioles, who put up two homers and six runs over his 5 1/3 innings. His next three starts will be at Comerica Park, including Sunday's indoctrination into this year's AL Central race. He allowed a lone run over 14 innings in two previous matchups with the Twins this season.


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<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca"> </td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Rogers Centre | 1:07 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Brian Matusz, LHP (1-0, 1.80)
Orioles (46-64) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Roy Halladay, RHP (11-5, 2.75)
Blue Jays (52-57) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Orioles: Matusz was fairly impressive in his big league debut, when he held the Tigers to one earned run over five innings on Tuesday. The southpaw had been 7-0 with a 1.55 mark at Double-A Bowie prior to his promotion, giving him an impressive recent body of work. Matusz, the fourth overall selection in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft, thrives by virtue of a dominant four-pitch mix.Blue Jays: A 5-3 loss to the Yankees on Tuesday at Rogers Centre gave Halladay back-to-back losses for the first time this season. The five runs he gave up tied a season high, although only four of those runs were earned. He gave up 10 hits, including three home runs, which tied a season and career high. Two of the home runs were back-to-back, marking only the second time in his career Halladay has allowed back-to-back homers. He threw his fifth complete game of the season, striking out five and walking none. Halladay won his only start against Baltimore this season, allowing four runs (three earned) in eight innings, and is 19-4 with a 2.92 ERA against the Orioles over his career.


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<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca"> </td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Nationals Park | 1:35 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Yusmeiro Petit, RHP (2-5, 5.81)
Diamondbacks (50-61) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> J.D. Martin, RHP (0-2, 7.16)
Nationals (39-72) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Diamondbacks: Petit has had the two best games of his career in his last two outings. Against the Pirates last Tuesday in Pittsburgh, he had a no-hitter through seven innings before allowing a single to Ronny Cedeno in the eighth. It was the only hit he would allow in eight innings. In his start before that the right-hander handled the NL's best lineup in the Phillies and made it look easy. Philadelphia managed just two hits against him through the first six innings and he retired 13 in a row before allowing a pair of hits to open the seventh. Over his last two outings, Petit has combined to throw 14 scoreless innings and he has allowed just five hits over that span. Petit does not have overpowering stuff so he needs to hit his spots and keep the ball down. Nationals: Martin struggled against the Marlins on Tuesday, lasting 4 1/3 innings and giving up three runs on six hits. Florida took a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Nick Johnson singled under the glove of Adam Dunn at first base to score Chris Coghlan. Three innings later, Cody Ross and Josh Johnson hit solo home runs.


</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"><tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca"> </td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Citizens Bank Park | 1:35 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Josh Johnson, RHP (10-2, 2.98)
Marlins (57-53) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Jamie Moyer, LHP (10-8, 5.55)
Phillies (61-47) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Marlins: Seven marvelous innings can be overshadowed by one lousy frame. That's the lesson Johnson learned on Tuesday against the Nationals. The right-hander was nearly unhittable through the first seven, striking out a career-high nine batters while shutting out the Nationals on two hits. Then in the eighth, the bottom of the Nats order knocked four consecutive base-hits before Johnson could record an out. He was relieved from the game, both inherited runners scored, and Johnson received a no-decision in the Marlins loss.Phillies: Moyer entered Tuesday's 8-3 loss to the Rockies -- he allowed six runs in five innings -- with a 3.82 ERA in 11 starts since May 25. But his previous starts have followed a pattern: good start, bad start, good start, bad start. He allowed one run in 6 1/3 innings July 4 against the Mets, six runs in five innings July 9 against the Reds, zero runs in seven innings July 16 against the Marlins, five runs in five innings July 22 against the Cubs and zero runs in 6 2/3 innings July 27 against the D-backs before he struggled Tuesday against the Rockies.
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<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"><tbody><tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="left">
</td> <td align="right"> PNC Park | 1:35 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Joel Pineiro, RHP (9-9, 3.18)
Cardinals (61-51) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Zach Duke, LHP (9-10, 3.45)
Pirates (45-65) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Cardinals: In his first August start after a sparkling July, Pineiro had his worst outing of the year. Pitching at Citi Field, the same ballpark in which he authored a two-hit shutout on June 23, Pineiro was lit up by the Mets for seven runs on 11 hits in five innings. August has traditionally given Pineiro trouble -- it's the only month in which he has a career ERA over 5.00. Pineiro is 3-2 with a 5.66 ERA in seven career starts versus the Pirates and 2-2 with a 5.87 ERA at PNC Park, where he gave up 11 hits in a loss earlier this year. The Pittsburgh lineup has success in limited experience against Pineiro, hitting a collective .355 in 31 at-bats.Pirates: The long ball hurt Duke in his last start, when he gave up three in a loss to the D-backs. The three home runs tied a season-high for him as the lefty has lost five of his last six decisions. Facing the Cardinals has been nothing new for Duke this season; this will be his fourth start against them. He is 2-1 with a 2.75 ERA against St. Louis in 2009, although he hasn't faced the division foe since May 12.


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<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca"> </td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> U.S. Cellular Field | 2:05 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> David Huff, LHP (5-6, 6.81)
Indians (47-63) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Jose Contreras, RHP (4-10, 4.95)
White Sox (57-54) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Indians: Huff lasted just 4 2/3 innings in a loss to the Twins on Tuesday, and he needed 94 pitches to get through them. He was charged with seven runs on 11 hits with a walk and four strikeouts. Two of the runs charged to him were inherited runners he left behind. The rookie Huff has given up at least three earned runs in each of his last seven starts, and he's given up at least five earned runs in four of those seven. Huff is 1-0 with a 9.64 ERA in two starts against the White Sox.White Sox: Command abandoned Contreras in his shortest start of the year on Tuesday night against the Angels. He lasted just 2 2/3 innings, and while he only allowed one hit, that was due to severe wildness. Contreras surrendered three runs and walked five batters, with two wild pitches, one right behind Vladimir Guerrero's head, drawing a warning to both teams from home-plate umpire Joe West. White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen suggested Contreras needed to pick up his tempo, while Contreras thought perhaps he was opening up his shoulder too much. Over his last four starts, Contreras owns a 6.52 ERA, and he has walked 10 batters in his last two starts. During his seven-year career, Contreras is 7-2 with a 3.02 ERA in 15 games (14 starts) against the Indians.


</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca"> </td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Minute Maid Park | 2:05 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Yovani Gallardo, RHP (10-8, 3.59)
Brewers (55-55) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Wandy Rodriguez, LHP (10-6, 2.63)
Astros (54-56) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Brewers: Gallardo set forgettable season highs in his first career regular-season start at Dodger Stadium, allowing nine runs and 10 hits in his first loss since the All-Star break. The Dodgers scored four of those runs in the first inning; Gallardo had not allowed that many in a single frame since the Reds ripped him for seven runs in the third inning on April 13, Gallardo's second start of the year. He has already pitched twice at Minute Maid Park with very different results. After allowing two runs on five hits April 24 in Milwaukee's only complete game this season, Gallardo was touched for six runs on seven hits in five innings on May 20.Astros: Rodriguez, the National League's Pitcher of the Month for July after posting a 4-0 record and 0.75 ERA, pitched in only four innings in his first start of August after suffering a strained right hamstring Aug. 1 in St. Louis. This will be his second start against the Brewers this year. He held Milwaukee to six hits and one run in seven innings May 20 in Houston. For his career, Rodriguez has a 4-5 record and 4.22 ERA in 13 games pitched against Milwaukee (12 starts).


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<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca"> </td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Kauffman Stadium | 2:10 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Brett Anderson, LHP (6-8, 4.20)
Athletics (48-62) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Luke Hochevar, RHP (6-4, 5.40)
Royals (43-67) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Athletics: Anderson threw 7 2/3 impressive innings against Texas on Monday, allowing two runs on six hits while striking out eight. He only got into trouble in one inning, loading the bases with nobody out in the fifth. He limited the damage to one run, though, inducing a 6-4-3 double play, then recording a strikeout to get out of the inning. The 21-year-old rookie is 3-1 with a 1.93 ERA in 46 innings over his past seven starts, holding opponents to a .182 average. This is his first start against the Royals.Royals: Hochevar's first start in August was nearly as shaky as his last start in July. After allowing seven runs in six innings against Baltimore on July 30, Hochevar gave up four runs in five innings against Seattle in his last outing. Hochevar still had quality stuff -- he struck out eight in his five innings -- but his pitch count soared to 112 by the end of the fifth. Hochevar has looked like a different pitcher in his last four outings. The young right-hander has 34 strikeouts in his last 24 1/3 innings, and that's mostly been a good thing. He finished 6-2 in June and July, and he's starting to show flashes of becoming an above-average Major League starter.
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How the fuck is Lackey 23...

Baker tossed seven scoreless innings against the Indians on Tuesday to move to 9-7 on the season.
Baker allowed as many earned runs in 28.1 July innings as he did in 39.1 June innings, so he was less than spectacular. He started August off on the right foot, holding the Indians to three hits and a walk.


Jarrod Washburn lost his Tigers debut Tuesday after getting roughed up for six earned runs over 5 1/3 innings against Baltimore.
There's no way to sugarcoat it: Washburn was rocked in his first Tigers outing, snapping a four-game winning streak as his record fell to 8-7. Now would be a great time to have a short memory, as his next outing comes against red-hot Twins starter Scott Baker. Owners can at least take comfort in Washburn keeping his ERA under 3.00, at 2.93, but still -- it's probably just a matter of time it climbs closer to his career mark of 4.02.

Matusz wins in major league debut: Brian Matusz and the Baltimore Orioles spoiled Jarrod Washburn's debut with the Detroit Tigers with an 8-2 win Tuesday night. Matusz (1-0), the fourth pick overall in the 2008 draft, allowed a run and six hits in five innings in his major league debut. He walked three and struck out five.

Matusz is ridiculous with eight straight victories the last nine times he's taken a baseball mound. The only non victory of that span was the game the Orioles pulled him at Double-A to recall him for this start. He's one of the best young pitching prospects in all of baseball and looks like he'll make a major impact for the Orioles going forward. He should be on all keeper league rosters and already be owned in a lot of AL-only and some deeper mixed leagues.



Roy Halladay tossed his fifth complete game Tuesday vs. the Yankees, but allowed four earned runs on 10 hits to take the loss and fall to 11-5.
For a guy making his first start since nearly heading elsewhere at the July 31 Trade Deadline, it seemed like just another day at the park for Halladay. Minus the loss -- and a few late home runs served up -- the Blue Jays ace was in vintage form Tuesday, going the distance for the third time in three outings. He also struck out five and walked none, leaving him with a 2.75 ERA in an AL-leading 157 innings. Earning win No. 12 should be a bit easier next time out, when he'll face the lowly Orioles and their freshly promoted pitching prospect, Brian Matusz.

Yusmeiro Petit took a no-hitter into the 8th inning on Tuesday night and defeated the Pirates in a 6-0 shutout. Petit gave up just one base hit in the 8th inning and walked three as the only damage inflicted upon him in the game. He struck out four, threw 108 pitches and 74 of them went for strikes. He improves to 2-5 on the season and his ERA is at 5.81.

Petit isn't exactly someone you'd expect to throw a no-hitter but there he was going for it late into Tuesday's game. Granted, the Pirates aren't much of a hitting team, however, but it is still quite a feat. He was 0-5 after losing on July 24 against these same Pirates. However, in his last two starts, he's 2-0 and has not allowed a run on just five hits over 14 innings pitched. His next start comes Sunday at Washington as he looks to put up awesome numbers this scoring period.



Twelve innings into Martin’s big league career, we know this much: he throws strikes. Though he’s been hit hard in two of his first three starts and lasted just two innings in the other, the right-hander has shown decent peripherals -- albeit in a very small sample size -- and does have a decent Minor League track record.

Martin not much better Tuesday: Washington SP J.D. Martin wasn't much better in his fourth appearance of the season Tuesday against the Marlins than he'd been in his first three. Martin gave up three runs on six hits and four walks over just 4 1/3 innings. He was not saddled with the losing decision, however, as the Nationals won the game late. Martin struck out two and has an ERA of 7.16.


Martin has made four starts and has yet to go more than six innings. He's 0-2 and has given up at least five runs twice. His next start comes Sunday against Arizona.

Florida SP Josh Johnson has nobody but himself to blame for not coming away victorious on Tuesday night against the Nationals. Johnson pitched seven shutout innings and was nearly unhittable only to give up four runs in the 8th inning as the Nationals tied the score. They'd go on to score six runs in the inning and defeat the Marlins with Johnson settling for a no decision. Johnson allowed four runs on six hits over seven innings, did not walk a batter and struck out nine. His ERA is now at 2.98 on the year.

Johnson (10-2) was on a three-game winning streak and was as close as possible to making it four straight. He struggled to finish it, however, and came away empty handed. He's allowed at least three runs in three straight starts but continues to pitch like a must-start Fantasy ace. His next outing comes Sunday at Philadelphia.


Jamie Moyer extended his 10-start pattern of alternating good starts and bad ones, with a sub par effort during Tuesday's 8-3 loss to the Rockies. The 46-year-old lefty allowed six runs and six hits in five-plus innings, and left after walking Troy Tulowitzki and Brad Hawpe to start the sixth. He walked four and struck out three. Moyer's decline seemed to start early after allowing a two-run homer to Garrett Atkins with two outs in the second.


While Moyer might not have had his best stuff as of late, he hasn't lost much either since the Phillies have been supplying him with great run support. His next scheduled start is for Sunday against the Marlins. Moyer is 2-1 with a 2.37 ERA in three starts against Florida this season.

Joel Pineiro, coming off a stretch of nine straight quality starts during which he posted a 1.64 ERA, had his worst start of the season Tuesday at the Mets. He allowed seven runs on 11 hits in five innings. He didn't have a walk or a strikeout in the no-decision.

Pineiro had probably overachieved a bit for a pitcher with such hittable stuff, He's still an effective Fantasy option with a 3.18 ERA and 1.11 WHIP on the year and is more likely to rebound than further regress in his next start. He's not quite a must-start due to his lack of strikeouts, but he's close



Zach Duke lost his 10th decision of the season on Tuesday against the Arizona Diamondbacks. While opposing starter Yusmeiro Petit was throwing seven innings of no-hit baseball, Duke labored through five and allowed five runs on nine hits. He walked two and struck out one. He gave up three long balls en route to falling to 9-10 on the year. His ERA is now at 3.45.

Duke is not a bad pitcher. In fact, he's a burgeoning ace for the Pirates. That said, this team can't score runs and he's going to lose more often than he wins the rest of the season because of that fact. Pittsburgh offense is awful right now. His next start in a two-start week comes Sunday against St. Louis.

nice write up Badco

jordan17 said:

How the fuck is Lackey 23...

Click to expand...

he was lucky if he got ND last game out vs wsox...a game they lost...i dont recall if he was stuck with a loss, but pretty sure it was a ND.....he faces the rangers today, which if u didnt know based on this threads info......they hit tony gwynn like .365 off him

- 901 Florida Marlins -105 for Game


Bring out the broom here come the fish.

JOHNSON pitches better @ citizens than MOYER

Moyer blows chunks at home.

David Huff didn't have good stuff on Tuesday as he was beat up by the Twins. Huff dropped the decision to fall to 5-6 on the season. He gave up seven runs on 11 base hits over 4 2/3 innings. He walked one and struck out four. His ERA is now at 6.81.

Huff has given up at least six runs three times in his last seven starts. He's given up at least four runs five times over that span and hasn't allowed fewer than three in any of those starts. Face it, he's not a viable starter His next outing comes on Sunday at Chicago.


Jose Contreras lasted only 2 2/3 innings during Tuesday's no decision against the Angels. After a pregame ceremony in which the White Sox honored Mark Buehrle for his July 23 perfect game, Contreras was anything but perfect in blowing an early 2-0 lead. He walked five batters and allowed three third-inning runs after walking the bases loaded. Two runs scored on Bobby Abreu's single and the other on a wild pitch. Contreras allowed one hit and three runs while striking out three.

Since a six-start stretch in which his command was exceptional and he had a 2.06 ERA, Contreras is 0-3 in four outings with 15 walks and a 6.52 ERA. It seems manager Ozzie Guillen needs to lit a fire under the aging Contreras again or else yank him from the rotation. Contreras is only worth a flier as a low-end Fantasy option until he can figure out a way to win more often. His next scheduled start is for Sunday against the Indians. He is 2-0 with a 1.88 ERA in two starts against the Indians this season.

SP Yovani Gallardo, who struck out 11 batters in his last start and one his last two, was nothing short of awful Tuesday at the Dodgers. He allowed nine runs on 10 hits in 5 1/3 innings, issuing two walks and recording seven strikeouts. He took the loss, his first of the second half.


Gallardo's ERA jumped from 3.13 to 3.59 with the performance. He obviously killed his Fantasy owners this time out, but you have to cut the 23-year-old some slack. He's been awfully good for a player his age, striking out more than a batter per inning. He remains too valuable to sit in despite this poor start. His next start is scheduled for Sunday at Houston.


SP Wandy Rodriguez (10-6, 2.63 ERA) threw a bullpen session Friday and will start Sunday's series finale. Rodriguez left his Aug. 1 start in St. Louis with a strained right hamstring.


Rodriguez was NL Pitcher of the Month for July as he went 4-0 with a 0.75 ERA in five starts. He has been pitching really well this season for the most part and is finally living up to his potential. Rodriguez is worth starting in all formats when healthy.

Randy Wells was very good on Monday against the Reds. Wells threw 96 pitches over 7 1/3 innings and gave up just one unearned run before leaving. Wells did not give up an earned run on six hits and two walks. He struck out five and improved to 8-4 on the season with a 2.64 ERA.

Wells has now won four straight starts for the Cubs and has victories in eight of his last nine outings. That makes him just about as hot as a starting pitcher can get. The cubs are contending and he’s been just about their best starter down the stretch.


Randy Wells was very good on Monday against the Reds. Wells threw 96 pitches over 7 1/3 innings and gave up just one unearned run before leaving. Wells did not give up an earned run on six hits and two walks. He struck out five and improved to 8-4 on the season with a 2.64 ERA.

Hammel has first win since June: Garrett Atkins homered and had a season-high four RBI, Jason Hammel pitched into the seventh inning and the Colorado Rockies beat the Philadelphia Phillies 8-3 Tuesday night for their fifth straight win. Hammel (6-6) gave up three runs and nine hits in 6 2/3 innings. He struck out six and walked none. Hammel didn't give up a run until the fifth, when Jimmy Rollins hit a two-run homer with one out.

Hammel won for the first time Tuesday since a June 26 start against the A's. He had a rough spell in July with a 0-3 record and 5.76 ERA in six starts. But he is off to a nice start in August with a huge win against the Phillies and hopes to build off that moving forward. Hammel is a bit inconsistent at times with his starts . His next scheduled start is for Sunday against the Cubs.

BadCo said:

917 Baltimore Orioles/Toronto Blue Jays 1st 5 Innings Under 4 -105 (B Matusz - L must Start R Halladay - R must Start)

This kid better be what they say he is..........lots of luck

Overbay and Roberts sit.

Click to expand...

Got this one all wrong and Johnson not looking sharp.

Might have to cut bait and go outside and get a life............LOL