Starting pitcher rankings for August 16, 2009

Starting pitcher rankings for August 16, 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;">Javier Vazquez</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">10-7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2.90</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.04</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">9.91</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.618</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">.782</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">79.2%</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;">Rich Harden</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7-7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.30</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.30</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">10.54</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.748</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">.711</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">3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Roy Oswalt</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">3.87</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.20</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.91</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.719</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">.764</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">4</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">J.A. Happ</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">L</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">8-2</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2.75</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.16</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.62</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.653</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">.748</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">5</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Matt Garza</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7-8</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.80</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.24</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7.96</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.685</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">.768</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">83.1%</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;">John Danks</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">4.04</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.32</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7.61</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.714</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">.713</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">7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Randy Wolf</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">3.43</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.17</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.56</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.685</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">.757</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">77.6%</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;">Jorge De La Rosa</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">4.78</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.38</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">9.07</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.767</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">.745</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">77.6%</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;">Chris Volstad</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">8-9</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.71</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.32</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.11</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.780</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">.787</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">77.6%</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;">Kyle Lohse</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5-7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.34</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.30</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5.59</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.741</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">.701</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">78.7%</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;">John Lannan</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">L</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">8-9</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.58</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.35</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.82</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.755</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">.694</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">12</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Chad Gaudin</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5-10</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5.03</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.52</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">9.06</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.724</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">.716</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">81.2%</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;">Doug Davis</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">L</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7-10</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.62</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.44</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.86</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.736</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">.763</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">81.0%</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;">Mike Pelfrey</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">8-8</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.88</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.51</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5.09</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.757</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">.697</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">79.0%</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;">Nick Blackburn</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">8-7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.99</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.41</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.68</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.767</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">.772</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">77.8%</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;">Armando Galarraga</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6-10</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5.23</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.54</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5.73</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.850</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">.715</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">80.3%</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;">Aaron Laffey</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">L</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6-3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.25</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.40</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.88</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.659</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">.769</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">80.8%</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;">Clayton Richard</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">L</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6-3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.57</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.44</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.69</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.758</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">.745</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">81.2%</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;">Marc Rzepczynski</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">L</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1-3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.38</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.35</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">9.00</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.712</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">.797</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">76.9%</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;">Trevor Cahill</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6-12</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5.06</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.51</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.59</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.855</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">.753</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">81.2%</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;">Jonathan Sanchez</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">L</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5-10</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.61</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.43</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">9.48</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.730</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">.732</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">83.5%</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;">Sean O'Sullivan</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3-1</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5.12</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.40</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5.12</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.879</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">.743</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">82.6%</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;">Ross Ohlendorf</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">4.30</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.32</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.83</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.797</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">77.9%</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;">Kyle Davies</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4-8</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.11</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.57</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.32</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.813</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">.744</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">79.6%</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;">Braden Looper</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">10-6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.99</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.46</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5.06</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.838</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">.739</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">82.9%</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;">Jeremy Guthrie</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7-12</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5.43</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.41</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5.23</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.835</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">81.8%</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;">Doug Fister</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">0-0</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">0.00</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.00</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.43</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.377</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">.839</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">82.3%</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;">Junichi Tazawa</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1-1</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.05</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.50</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">10.80</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.792</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">.770</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">76.7%</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;">Dustin Nippert</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3-1</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.62</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.24</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">8.35</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.615</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">.788</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">79.5%</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;">Justin Lehr</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2-0</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.80</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.35</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2.25</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.617</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">.761</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">77.9%</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: Can you believe the Oakland A's have scored more runs than any team in the majors -- save the Angels -- since the All-Star break? Their .789 OPS isn't impressive, but it's above-average, which is more than you can say for the Athletics' offense. That's not to say we don't like John Danks when he faces them on Sunday, but he also isn't the most consistent of pitchers, and might not do as well as you would expect him to against a team that, on the season, only has a .713 OPS. … For a pitcher with eight quality starts in his past nine outings, Randy Wolf is a bit underrated. While he might not be striking out as many batters as he was earlier in the season, he's been a pretty consistent performer against the nonelite offenses in the league. That leaves us with a dilemma. The Diamondbacks aren't an elite offense, but they've been hitting like one in August with a .901 OPS that paces the majors. They sport a .220 average in 100 at-bats against Randy Wolf, and while that's not the biggest sample size, they're also a team that tends to strike out a lot, which plays into Wolf's hands. … Speaking of teams that strike out a lot, the Marlins are one of the few teams that whiff more often than the Arizona Diamondbacks. Jorge De La Rosa has taken advantage of that already as he racked up 12 K's in his most recent start against them. Since the Marlins hit significantly worse against left-handers, he should mitigate much of their hot hitting and make a fine spot starter. … AL-only leagues might want to take a chance on Chad Gaudin, who is starting in place of Joba Chamberlain. While Gaudin leaves the pitcher-friendly confines of Petco Park -- not that he had much luck there, with an ERA worse than six -- he draws another pitchers' park. A road matchup in Safeco Field is assuredly much better than playing in the bandbox that is the new Yankee Stadium. Toss in the benefit of pitching for the Yankees -- you tend to win a lot of games -- and his already-high strikeout rate, and Gaudin looks like a decent option against a weak offense. … While it may look like John Lannan is pitching over his head -- he has a 3.58 ERA despite a 65-48 strikeout-to-walk rate -- he gets out of trouble because of his 55.1 percent ground ball rate, which ranks ninth in the majors. It's not sexy but it gets the job done, especially against the weaker offenses in the league that can't help but hit the ball on the ground. Enter the Reds, who possess the fourth-worst OPS against left-handers in the league. Since the Nationals are actually scoring a lot of runs, Lannan could pick up a win for his troubles, making him a sneaky spot start.

Hitters' count
• Curtis Granderson, OF, Tigers: In 14 at-bats versus Kyle Davies, Granderson has five hits, including two homers and a double. He's also walked six times and stole a base.
• Alex Gordon, 3B, Royals: Gordon has been heating up with eight runs, three multi-hit games, two doubles, two homers and even two stolen bases in his past seven contests. Armando Galarraga is awful against lefties (.316 AVG/.405 OBP/.547 SLG allowed), so the former No. 2 overall draft pick has a great opportunity to keep rolling Sunday.
• Bobby Abreu, OF, Angels: Abreu has taken Jeremy Guthrie deep twice this season in four at-bats. Overall he has three homers in 19 at-bats. He's hitting only .211 versus Guthrie, but all four of his hits have been of the extra-base variety. Since Guthrie is allowing southpaws to slug .558, that trend could continue.
• Hank Blalock, 1B/3B, Rangers: Don't look now but Blalock has put together a decent eight-game hitting streak going 10-for-34 (.294) with three homers and two doubles. More impressive, it's been all on the road, where he's a career .247 hitter. Now that he's back in Arlington, the streaky Blalock could be just getting started.
• A.J. Pierzynski, C, White Sox: Pierzynski is quietly hitting .324 versus right-handers, and he's previously taken Trevor Cahill deep. That's not surprising when you take a look at Cahill's numbers against lefties, as they're slugging nearly .600 against him.
Pitchers' count
• Brandon Inge, 3B/C, Tigers: As great as Inge looked in April, he's just as awful now. He has a 14-2 strikeout-to-walk rate in August, hitting a woeful .214. Inge isn't productive against righties normally and he's just 3-for-13 with zero extra-base hits against Kyle Davies.
• Marco Scutaro, 2B/3B/SS, Blue Jays: He's only 6-for-26 (.231) versus Matt Garza with zero power, as all of his hits have been singles.
• Prince Fielder, 1B, Brewers: It's rare to see Fielder under this category, but Roy Oswalt has thoroughly owned him throughout their careers holding Fielder to four hits in 31 at-bats. That's a .129 average, and with only one extra-base hit and one walk earned, his .318 OPS won't get it done.
• Carlos Lee, OF, Brewers: It is always odd to see a very good hitter rendered useless by a mediocre pitcher, but the numbers don't lie. Lee is 6-for-28 with zero extra-base hits versus Braden Looper.
• Jayson Werth, OF, Phillies: Werth has two singles in 16 at-bats versus Javier Vazquez, striking out five times. He's hitting only .243 against right-handers this season.
• Russell Branyan, 1B, Mariners: Normally six poor at-bats wouldn't be enough to deserve a mention, but Branyan has struck out five times against Chad Gaudin, which sure seems convincing enough. Branyan does have a hit, but it's just a single.
• Miguel Montero, C, Diamondbacks: Montero might be hitting .289 versus left-handers, but it's an empty average, as he's drawn just one walk and 10 of his 13 hits are singles. He's often benched against them, and since lefties are hitting only .143 off Randy Wolf, assume that to be the case for Sunday and leave him on your bench.
If you're hardcore

• Jonny Gomes, OF, Reds: Just when Gomes was on life-support -- he was 7-for-43 his past 13 games before entering Thursday -- he swats three home runs to kick back to life with authority. He's hitting only .221 since July, but with 10 homers in 95 at-bats. Fortunately, he hits .323 against lefties, so maybe he can put together another big day against John Lannan.
• Geoff Blum, 3B, Astros: Blum, since July, is hitting .275 with seven homers in 120 at-bats. For him that qualifies as hot, and those numbers play in deep leagues. He's 6-for-20 with two doubles and two homers against Braden Looper, too, so don't be shocked if he has another big day.
• Scott Hairston, OF, Athletics: Hairston might be hitting only .256 since the break, but as long as he's up against a left-hander he gets some love as he has a career .892 OPS against lefties. Despite his post-break struggles, he's still hitting for power with three doubles and two home runs this month.
• Cody Ross, OF, Marlins: Assuming his back injury is as minor as he says it is, Ross will get another chance to wail on a lefty when he faces Jorge De La Rosa on Sunday. Ross is slugging .587 with eight home runs against southpaws in 109 at-bats, while De La Rosa struggles a bit versus right-handers, with a .837 OPS allowed.
• Matt Diaz, OF, Braves: A .356 hitter against lefties this season, it might look like Diaz is over his head, but in 582 career at-bats versus left-handers, he's a .333 hitter. Make sure he's in your lineup when he faces J.A. Happ on Sunday.
Triage

Injury list: Out
• Adrian Beltre, 3B, Mariners (15-day DL, groin): Beltre doesn't wear a protective cup, so when a one-hopper clipped his groin, he had to be placed on the disabled list due to tearing and internal bleeding. If he needs surgery, he could be out for the rest of the year. If not, two weeks should do the trick.
• Rick Porcello, SP, Tigers (suspension): Armando Galarraga will toe the mound Sunday, while Porcello will rejoin the Tigers on Tuesday, when he will face the Mariners.
• Scott Rolen, 3B, Reds (15-day DL, head)
• Kevin Youkilis, 1B/3B, Red Sox (suspension)
Injury list: Day-to-day
• Nelson Cruz, OF, Rangers (ankle)
• Orlando Hudson, 2B, Dodgers (groin)
• Maicer Izturis, 2B/SS, Angels (elbow)
• Ian Kinsler, 2B, Rangers (hamstring)
• Nate McLouth, OF, Braves (hamstring)
• Jorge Posada, C, Yankees (hand)
• Aramis Ramirez, 3B, Cubs (shoulder)
• Alex Rodriguez, 3B, Yankees (elbow): A-Rod was beaned in his elbow in the 11th inning of Wednesday's game, although X-rays were negative. Manager Joe Girardi hopes he can return Friday after a pre-scheduled day off on Thursday.
• Cody Ross, OF, Marlins (back): Ross left Thursday's game in the seventh inning with a stiff back. He claims it was merely a precaution and doesn't expect to miss any time.
Weather concerns

• Games played in Tampa Bay, Milwaukee, Minnesota, Arizona and Seattle are weatherproof.
• Only Miami, which has a 40 percent chance of rain on Saturday and a 30 percent chance on Sunday, and Atlanta, which only has Sunday to worry about (30 percent), have any weather risks.

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<!--include path: 20090816 /mlb/components/probable_pitchers/yyyyMMdd.jsp -->
<form name="pp"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"><tbody><tr> <td class="secHdr" nowrap="nowrap">Sunday, August 16</td> <td align="center"> <select onchange="document.location.href=this.options[this.selectedIndex].value;"> <option value="" selected="selected">Jump to matchup...</option> <option value="#KC@DET">KC@DET</option> <option value="#SF@NYM">SF@NYM</option> <option value="#WSH@CIN">WSH@CIN</option> <option value="#LAA@BAL">LAA@BAL</option> <option value="#COL@FLA (1)">COL@FLA (1)</option> <option value="#COL@FLA (2)">COL@FLA (2)</option> <option value="#TOR@TB">TOR@TB</option> <option value="#BOS@TEX">BOS@TEX</option> <option value="#HOU@MIL">HOU@MIL</option> <option value="#CLE@MIN">CLE@MIN</option> <option value="#SD@STL">SD@STL</option> <option value="#PIT@CHC">PIT@CHC</option> <option value="#CWS@OAK">CWS@OAK</option> <option value="#LAD@ARI">LAD@ARI</option> <option value="#NYY@SEA">NYY@SEA</option> <option value="#PHI@ATL">PHI@ATL</option> </select> </td> <td> Go to: <select name="m"> <option value="4">Apr</option> <option value="5">May</option> <option value="6">Jun</option> <option value="7">Jul</option> <option value="8" selected="selected">Aug</option> <option value="9">Sep</option> <option value="10">Oct</option> </select><select name="d"> <option value="1">1</option> <option value="2">2</option> <option value="3">3</option> <option value="4">4</option> <option value="5">5</option> <option value="6">6</option> <option value="7">7</option> <option value="8">8</option> <option value="9">9</option> <option value="10">10</option> <option value="11">11</option> <option value="12">12</option> <option value="13">13</option> <option value="14">14</option> <option value="15">15</option> <option value="16" selected="selected">16</option> <option value="17">17</option> <option value="18">18</option> <option value="19">19</option> <option value="20">20</option> <option value="21">21</option> <option value="22">22</option> <option value="23">23</option> <option value="24">24</option> <option value="25">25</option> <option value="26">26</option> <option value="27">27</option> <option value="28">28</option> <option value="29">29</option> <option value="30">30</option> <option value="31">31</option> </select> <input value="Go »" class="btnGreen" onclick="r(document.pp)" onmouseover="this.className='btnGreenOn'" onmouseout="this.className='btnGreen'" type="button"> </td> </tr></tbody></table></form>
<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"> 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%"> Kyle Davies, RHP (4-8, 6.11)
Royals (45-71) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Armando Galarraga, RHP (6-10, 5.23)
Tigers (62-54) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Royals: Davies had an easy last outing, given a 9-1 lead in five innings. But he ran up a lot of pitches, 105, and therefore was taken out after five innings. Sitting for long periods in the dugout while his teammates were flooding home plate kept him from getting loose enough, he said, a little problem he'll work on happily in the future. Command of his pitches, particularly his fastball, continues to be a work in progress. He's faced the Tigers twice this season with poor results -- two losses and 15 runs (12 earned) surrendered in 11 innings.Tigers: Assuming Galarraga is over his sore throat and back to full strength in the coming days, he'll take the assignment that opened up when Rick Porcello was suspended five games for his role in the benches-clearing fracas with Kevin Youkilis and the Red Sox. Galarraga was originally scheduled to pitch Wednesday, but was scratched after he couldn't swallow solid food for two days. He has allowed two runs on eight hits over 13 innings in two starts against the Royals this year, taking a win in April and a no-decision in July.


</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"> Citi Field | 1:10 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%"> Jonathan Sanchez, LHP (5-10, 4.61)
Giants (63-53) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Mike Pelfrey, RHP (8-8, 4.88)
Mets (54-62) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Giants: Exactly one month after his July 10 no-hitter, Jonathan Sanchez's maturation as a starting pitcher took a step back. Monday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Sanchez allowed four earned runs over five innings. He issued three free passes in the short outing and has walked at least that many in 14 of 19 starts this season. In his May 14 appearance against the New York Mets, the left-hander allowed four runs in 5 2/3 innings and received a no-decision.Mets: In his last start, Pelfrey allowed more than three earned runs for just the second time in a span of six starts, taking his eighth loss in surrendering five runs over six innings to the D-backs at Chase Field. It was also the first start since July 7 that Pelfrey threw fewer than 100 pitches. Pelfrey, whose ERA at home (4.00) is nearly two runs lower than his road ERA this season (5.93), lost to the Giants in San Francisco on May 17, allowing two runs across six innings.


</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"> Great American Ball Park | 1:10 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%"> John Lannan, LHP (8-9, 3.58)
Nationals (42-75) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Justin Lehr, RHP (2-0, 1.80)
Reds (50-66) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Nationals: Lannan struggled for the first time in over a month, going just 4 2/3 innings and allowing five earned runs while walking four against the Braves on Tuesday. He entered that start with a 3.32 career ERA against Atlanta, but fell victim to erratic control. He will try to rebound in his fourth career start against the Reds. Facing Cincinnati, he has a 3.06 career ERA in 17 2/3 innings pitched.Reds: Lehr has knocked off first-place teams, back-to-back. Coming off of a four-hit shutout of the Cubs, he followed up with a 5-4 win over the Cardinals on Tuesday. While the right-hander gave up 11 hits over six-plus innings, they were all singles and he managed to limit the Cardinals to just one run and left leading by a 4-1 score.

</td></tr></tbody></table>

<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"> Oriole Park at Camden Yards | 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%"> Sean O'Sullivan, RHP (3-1, 5.12)
Angels (69-45) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Jeremy Guthrie, RHP (7-12, 5.43)
Orioles (48-68) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Angels: O'Sullivan was roughed up by the Rays on Monday at Angel Stadium to the tune of six runs on six hits over just 4 2/3 innings. But it was just one of those nights for the offenses as Rays starter Matt Garza fared even worse with six runs allowed in just 3 1/3 innings, allowing O'Sullivan to get away with a no-decision. O'Sullivan faced Baltimore earlier this season in Anaheim, allowing four runs on nine hits over 5 1/3 innings to get saddled with a no-decision in an eventual win for the Angels. Orioles: Guthrie's troublesome season continued in his last start, when he allowed 11 hits -- 10 of them singles -- in a one-sided loss to Oakland. The right-hander has allowed more home runs than any other American League starter, but he's said that his arm feels healthy and that his mechanics are sound. Guthrie will try to get his season back in order against Tampa Bay, but he's won just once since the beginning of July.


</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"> Land Shark Stadium | 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%"> Aaron Cook, RHP (10-4, 3.93)
Rockies (64-52) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Chris Volstad, RHP (8-9, 4.71)
Marlins (62-54) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Rockies: Cook left his last start, a 3-1 loss to the Phillies, after five innings and 73 pitches with a hyperextended right big toe. The injury led to his being removed from a start Monday against the Pirates. He suffered it backing up third on Jimmy Rollins' triple. In that contest, Cook was toe-to-toe with the Phillies' Cliff Lee but threw two bad pitches -- one Paul Bako hit for his first homer of the season, the other the triple by Rollins. Cook is 1-1 with a 3.55 ERA in two starts at Florida.Marlins: Volstad simply couldn't get out of the fifth inning in a no-decision against the Astros on Tuesday. In that frame, he gave up five runs, fired 35 pitches to nine batters and left before recording the final out. The 22-year-old finished giving up six runs on eight hits and three walks in 4 2/3 innings. Over his last two starts, he's gone a combined nine frames and given up 13 runs (10 earned). Volstad recorded his first career win against the Rockies and sports a 4.15 ERA in three career games (two starts) against them.


</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"> Land Shark Stadium | Game 2 </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%"> Jorge De La Rosa, LHP (10-8, 4.78)
Rockies (64-52) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Rick VandenHurk, RHP (2-1, 4.15)
Marlins (62-54) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Rockies: De La Rosa had poor arm-side command of his fastball early, but made pitches when they counted. Then he held the Cubs to one run on seven hits in 7 2/3 innings and struck out 11 during the Rockies' 11-5 victory at Coors Field. The fact De La Rosa could recognize overthrowing early and correct it before letting it ruin his outing is a sign of growth.Marlins: VandenHurk had his share of baserunners against the Astros on Monday, but he got out of trouble most of the time and got the win after giving up just two runs. Still, the three walks and five hits put his pitch count at 97 after five innings, ending his start a bit early. VandenHurk, taking the No. 4 spot in the rotation with Anibal Sanchez on the disabled list and youngsters Andrew Miller and Sean West fighting inconsistency, has now given up no more than two runs in four of his five starts for Florida this year. He gave up two runs in 4 1/3 innings during his only career start against the Rockies.


</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"> Tropicana Field | 1:38 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%"> Marc Rzepczynski, LHP (1-3, 4.38)
Blue Jays (55-60) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Matt Garza, RHP (7-8, 3.80)
Rays (62-54) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Blue Jays: On Monday night, the Yankees launched three home runs against Rzepczynski, who was making his second straight start against New York. The young lefty escaped with a no-decision after working just 3 1/3 innings -- the shortest outing of his career. Rzepczynski allowed four runs on seven hits with no strikeouts and one walk. Over his last four starts, the southpaw has gone 0-2 with a 6.16 ERA. Rzepczynski faced the Rays on July 7 in his big league debut, limiting Tampa Bay to one run over six innings of a no-decision.Rays: Garza got roughed up in his last outing Monday night when the Angels tallied four earned runs against the Rays right-hander, who left the game trailing, 6-3. The Rays came back to tie the score to give Garza a no-decision rather than his ninth loss of the season. Garza appeared to get rattled after Willy Aybar's error at second base and never recovered. He clearly has the best stuff on the staff, but harnessing his emotions continues to be a problem. Garza is 5-3 with a 1.91 ERA in eight career starts against the Blue Jays; he is 11-7 with a 3.08 ERA in 27 career starts at Tropicana Field.

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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="right"> Rangers Ballpark in Arlington | 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%"> Junichi Tazawa, RHP (1-1, 4.05)
Red Sox (66-50) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Dustin Nippert, RHP (3-1, 3.62)
Rangers (65-50) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Red Sox: Tazawa recorded his first Major League victory on Tuesday against Detroit, retiring the final eight batters he faced to cap five strong innings in which he yielded three runs (one earned). The rookie right-hander, who struck out six Tigers, became the youngest Japanese-born pitcher to win his first career big league start (23 years, 66 days old). His next assignment comes against the Rangers at hitter-friendly Ballpark in Arlington, where Tazawa has never pitched.Rangers: Nippert suffered his first loss of the season on Tuesday. He struck out a career-high 10, but gave up five runs in the third inning and lost, 5-0. He is now 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA in five starts this season. He is 2-0 with a 1.08 ERA in four relief appearances. He is 2-0 with a 0.96 ERA in four games, including one start, at home. His only victory as a starter came on July 22 against the Red Sox, when he held them to one run in 5 2/3 innings, allowing five hits and two walks while striking out five.


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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"> Miller 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%"> Roy Oswalt, RHP (6-4, 3.87)
Astros (56-61) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Braden Looper, RHP (10-6, 4.99)
Brewers (58-58) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Astros: In his first start since straining his left lower back July 28 and missing two weeks, Oswalt gave up nine hits and six runs and didn't get a decision. It's the third time this season he's allowed six runs in a start. He had allowed seven runs in his previous four starts. He's 0-1 with a 4.26 ERA in one start against the Brewers this year, allowing 10 hits and three runs in 6 1/3 innings. Oswalt is 13-8 with a 3.62 ERA in 26 career starts against the Brewers, including 5-6 with a 5.19 ERA in 13 starts at Miller Park.Brewers: Looper was unable to make it out of the fifth inning in his last start, leaving with the bases loaded, and the bullpen imploded in a loss to the Padres. Looper gave up seven runs -- five earned -- on 11 hits in five-plus innings. He threw 115 pitches. Looper is 7-6 with a 3.73 ERA against Houston in his career in 39 appearances, nine of which were starts. Looper was roughed up by the Astros in his last outing against them in 2008, giving up eight runs on 11 hits in 4 1/3 innings.


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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"> Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 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%"> Aaron Laffey, LHP (6-3, 3.25)
Indians (50-66) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Nick Blackburn, RHP (8-7, 3.99)
Twins (56-60) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Indians: In his last two starts, Laffey has turned in a pair of gems that give reason to believe he can secure a spot in the 2010 rotation. After tossing eight innings against the Twins in which he allowed just one unearned run on Aug. 5, Laffey went 6 2/3 strong innings against the Rangers on Tuesday. He allowed just six hits with three walks and two strikeouts. He induced a key double play to get out of a bases-loaded jam in the first. When Laffey has his sinking stuff working, he can get those ground balls to get out of such predicaments.Twins: Blackburn had his shortest outing of the season Tuesday against the Royals, as he was pulled after just 1 2/3 innings. The righty gave up six runs -- four of which were earned -- as he was unable to pick up his first win since July 10. Kansas City chipped away at Blackburn, as he faced eight batters in the first inning, with four Royals coming around to score in the opening frame. He'll look for his ninth win of the year against Cleveland, whom he faced two starts ago. Blackburn gave up just two runs to the Indians in that game, but picked up the loss.


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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"> Busch Stadium | 2:15 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%"> Clayton Richard, LHP (6-3, 4.57)
Padres (49-69) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Kyle Lohse, RHP (5-7, 4.34)
Cardinals (66-52) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Padres: Richard improved to 2-0 in three starts with the Padres since being acquired on July 31 from the White Sox with three other pitchers in the deal that sent Jake Peavy to Chicago. While not the ground-ball machine he was in his first two starts, Richard did get through six innings, his longest start with the Padres. He needed 101 pitches to do it, but Clayton, who got six ground-ball outs and eight through the air, allowed two home runs, six hits and four runs in six innings. He walked two and struck out two. The last home run, a two-run shot by Bill Hall, came with two outs in his last inning.Cardinals: Lohse has two fine starts in his last three, an indicator that maybe things are turning around after a slow stretch following his return from the disabled list. Moreover, he's been very good at home this year (5-3, 2.81, 30 Ks and 8 walks), and he'll be facing one of the league's weakest offenses. This is another chance for Lohse to continue building momentum for the season's final push.


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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"> Wrigley Field | 2:20 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%"> Ross Ohlendorf, RHP (10-8, 4.30)
Pirates (46-70) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Rich Harden, RHP (7-7, 4.30)
Cubs (60-55) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Pirates: Ohlendorf was nothing short of efficient in his last start as he gave up three runs on six hits in six-plus innings for the win against the Rockies on Tuesday. Ohlendorf is in the midst of a second-half surge as he's 3-1 with a 3.07 ERA in five starts -- the last four of which have been a quality start -- since the All-Star break. If there's anything that could derail him, it might be his ribs. Ohlendorf fielded a ground ball in the sixth inning against the Rockies and had his wind knocked out. He stayed in the ballgame and said he was a little sore postgame.Cubs: Harden did not get a decision in his last start vs. the Phillies. He retired the first 16 batters he faced before walking Carlos Ruiz with one out in the sixth. One batter later, Jimmy Rollins spoiled Harden's no-hit bid with a two-run homer. That was one of two hits off Harden in his seven innings of work. He also struck out six. Harden has a 1.95 ERA in his last six starts.
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Davies' second start since getting called back up went much better than his first. He held the Twins to one run over five innings on Tuesday night, on five hits and three walks while striking out six to get the win.
Davies wasn't great, but on a night where the Royals tuned up on Nick Blackburn, he didn't need to be. The only problem was that he needed 106 pitches to get through five innings.



Armando Galarraga has enjoyed tremendous success against Kansas City, going 2-0 with a 1.67 ERA while striking out 28 in 27 innings during four starts.

Galarraga, though, is 1-2 with a 7.64 ERA in his last three outings. A sore throat caused him to miss his previously scheduled start Wednesday.

In his last outing, the right-hander earned a win despite giving up four runs and eight hits while walking five in five innings of Detroit's 10-8 victory over Minnesota on Aug. 7.

Lannan loses to Braves Tuesday: Washington SP John Lannan had a chance to help the Nationals win their 9th straight game on Tuesday night against the Braves. He failed miserably. Lannan, the staff ace, gave up six runs – five earned – on six hits over 4 2/3 innings in defeat. He falls to 8-9 on the season and his ERA goes up to 3.58. Lannan walked four in the game and finished with just one strikeout.


The Nats were rolling and Lannan seemed like a sure-thing to get hot along with them. After winning in his previous start against the Marlins, Lannan took a step back on Tuesday. He’s now given up five runs in two of his last three starts. He has ace potential but until he shows it consistently he’s just a low-end mixed-league Fantasy starter. His next start is scheduled for Sunday at Cincinnati.


Lehr gets hit, but earns victory: Reds SP Justin Lehr, the 32-year-old overachiever who hurled a shutout in his last start, recorded another victory Tuesday at St. Louis. He allowed one run on 11 hits with one walk and one strikeout in six innings.


When a pitcher gives up nearly two hits per inning but escapes with only one earned run, you know he had luck working in his favor. Lehr had never started a game in the majors before this year and doesn't have the kind of upside that makes him a potential add in mixed leagues.

Sean O'Sullivan lasted just 4 2/3 innings in a no-decision against Tampa Bay on Monday. He was charged with six earned runs on six hits and two walks in the game.
O'Sullivan has allowed 14 baserunners and 10 earned runs in his last 9 2/3 innings. He'll likely remain in the Angels rotation until the injured Joe Saunders rejoins the team, but he'll need to show more than he has in his recent starts if he's to stick around for the long haul. He'll look to right the ship in Baltimore on Aug. 16.


Guthrie is all of a sudden the elder statesman in a rotation filled with rookies and he’s not performing like a pitcher the youngsters should look up to. He’s lost four straight starts and Monday’s was the worst yet against the A's. He was knocked around for five runs and 11 hits in 4.2 innings.
Guthrie just can't find any consistency this year. He has a 5.67 ERA in a brutal split over the last month.

Sanchez's inconsistencies continue: Giants SP Jonathan O. Sanchez, who struck out eight batters in seven scoreless innings in his last start at Houston, looked like a completely different pitcher Monday against the Dodgers. He allowed four runs on five hits in five innings, issuing three walks and recording six strikeouts. He took the loss, falling to 5-10.

Sanchez has lasted six innings in only one of his last four starts. He has good stuff, striking out more than a batter per inning and even throwing a no-hitter July 10, but he has control problems and overall inconsistency.


Pelfrey starts, but takes the loss: Mets SP Mike Pelfrey, who recently rejoined the team following the birth of his son, couldn't celebrate the arrival with a victory Monday at Arizona. He instead lost for the fourth time in five decisions, allowing five runs on eight hits in six innings with two walks and five strikeouts.

Pelfrey has a 6.28 ERA during that five-start stretch. The 25-year-old had an encouraging 2008 season, but he hasn't followed it up with anything more than marginally useful in 2009. As an overly hittable pitcher with a low strikeout rate, he's not worth starting in most Fantasy leagues. His next start and second of Fantasy Week 19 (Aug. 10-16) is scheduled for Sunday against the Giants

Rzepczynski can't get out fourth: Blue Jays SP Marc Rzepczynski, who had compiled a 3.74 ERA through his first six starts, lasted only 3 1/3 innings at the Yankees on Monday. He allowed four runs on seven hits, issuing one walk without recording a strikeout. He didn't factor in the decision.

Rzepczynski, 23, has made an immediate impact for the Blue Jays and even has some low-end Fantasy appeal. His 6.75 ERA over his last three starts makes him not worth starting in most leagues right now.


Garza gets hit hard in no-decision: Rays SP Matt Garza, who had pitched at least seven innings in each of his last three starts, lasted only 3 1/3 Monday at the Angels. He allowed six runs -- four earned -- on six hits, issuing four walks and recording three strikeouts. He took a no-decision and is still only 1-3 in his last seven starts.

By some measurements, particularly strikeouts, Garza has had a breakout season, but like many Rays pitchers, his record doesn't back up his performance. If he was better than 7-8, he might be one of the top pitchers in Fantasy right now. As it is, he's still more or less a must-start, maybe a No. 2 or 3 option in Fantasy

Cook was taken out after five innings and ended up suffering his first loss in more than two months, giving up three runs in five innings as Colorado fell 3-1 at Philadelphia on Aug. 6.

The right-hander was 7-0 with a 2.97 ERA in 11 starts since losing at Houston on June 1.

Cook is 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA in four starts versus the Marlins.

Cook was always going to get one start during this scoring period and that doesn't change. He will be facing Chris Volstad now as VandenHurk will go against Jorge De La Rosa. Consider Cook a bit of a risk, due to a toe problem that is expected to linger.



Volstad porous again Tuesday: Florida SP Chris Volstad didn't have his best stuff with him on Tuesday night in a game against the Astros. Florida ended up winning in extra innings but Volstad gave up six runs on eight hits over 4 2/3 innings. He walked three and struck out two in the no decision. His ERA is 4.71 on the year.

Volstad (8-9) has picked up three straight no decisions and hasn't pitched all that well in his last two. He's given up 10 runs in those starts over nine innings. He was well on his way to being viable in all mixed Fantasy leagues before this current down trend. He can still be used in deeper mixed formats and hopefully he turns things around.

Tazawa a winner in first ever start: Red Sox SP Junichi Tazawa, making his first career start at age 23, pitched well enough to record his first victory Tuesday against the Tigers. He allowed three runs -- one earned -- on four hits in five innings, issuing four walks and recording six strikeouts.

Tazawa had a 2.55 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP and 7.7 strikeouts per nine innings in 20 starts between Double-A and Triple-A this year, so he seems to have good stuff. He's a must-add in all AL-only leagues and even some deeper mixed leagues, but keep in mind pitchers his age often still have some growing pains ahead of them.



Nippert whiffs 10 in loss: Dustin Nippert (3-1) struck out a career-high 10 over six innings for Texas, and pitched well except for a third inning in which Cleveland's first five batters all scored. It was enough to send Nippert and the Rangers to a 5-0 loss. Grady Sizemore and Asdrubal Cabrera each singled and Shin-Soo Choo was hit by a pitch to load the bases in the third. Jhonny Peralta drew a bases-loaded walk to make it 1-0, Travis Hafner had an RBI single, Luis Valbuena a two-run double and Trevor Crowe capped the rally with a sacrifice fly for a 5-0 lead. Nippert came back to strike out the side on 14 pitches in the fourth. Overall, the right-hander allowed six hits, two walks and five runs.

Nippert came into Tuesday's start having allowed just one run in his last two starts. Outside of the third, he blanked Cleveland in every other inning. He is developing as a starter, but Nippert still remains more of an AL-only Fantasy SP. His next scheduled start is for Sunday against the Red Sox. Nippert is 1-0 with a 1.59 ERA against Boston this season.

Aaron Laffey blanked the Rangers over 6 2/3 innings of six-hit ball Tuesday to improve to 6-3.
Don't look now, but Laffey hasn't allowed an earned run in back-to-back starts, spanning 14 2/3 innings. Tuesday's outing wasn't as impressive as the eight-inning gem he spun vs. Minnesota last time out, but it further cemented his spot in Cleveland's rotation. With his ERA down to an impressive 3.25, Laffey is a prime pickup as he prepares for another start vs. the Twins.


Blackburn can't get out of 2nd: Minnesota SP Nick Blackburn suffered an awful start on Tuesday against the Kansas City Royals. Blackburn could not get out of the second inning as he allowed six runs -- four earned -- on six hits and two walks. He did not strike out a batter and falls to 8-7 on the season with the loss. His ERA is at 3.99.

Blackburn hasn't won in his last five starts and is 0-3 over that span. He's given up double digit hits in two of those outings and was well on his way towards that on Tuesday if he remained in the game. Blackburn was throwing only in the mid-80s in his last start. He's struggled by giving up 23 earned runs over 23.1 innings in his last five starts. At least this gives some hope he can turn things around.

Oswalt shaky in return to mound: Houston SP Roy Oswalt (back) was able to make his start on Tuesday night against the Marlins but he was definitely not at his best. Oswalt avoided the loss as the game went into extra innings in an eventual Florida victory. Still, he allowed six earned runs on nine hits over five frames. He walked two and had three K's. His ERA is at 3.87 on the year.

Oswalt (6-4) hadn't had a poor outing like this since giving up five runs over eight innings in his last loss back on June 19 at Minnesota. Still, we don't expect him to be anything but the No. 1 Fantasy SP he's been going forward. He remains viable in all mixed leagues. His next start comes Sunday at Milwaukee.


Padres pummel Looper once again: San Diego won for the 10th time in 14 games, scoring a season high for runs against Milwaukee -- and starter Braden Looper -- for the second time in 12 days during a 13-6 rout of the Brewers Tuesday. The Padres chased Looper (10-6) and then pummeled reliever Mitch Stetter in the sixth when they sent 11 men to the plate and broke the game open with six runs on four hits, two errors and two intentional walks. Wil Venable and Henry Blanco hit solo shots in the second off Looper, who leads the majors with 29 home runs allowed. He went five innings, allowed seven runs (five earned) on 11 hits. He walked one and struck out four.

On July 31, Looper gave up six runs and 10 hits over five innings, but ended up with a no-decision in an 11-7 loss to the Padres. Most teams enjoy facing the Padres, who often struggle to hit, but not Looper. He seems to make them look like the most feared team in the majors. Looper is a 10-game winner this season, but his ERA is 4.99. Because he is erratic, Looper remains a low-end Fantasy SP. His next scheduled start is for Sunday against the Astros