Starting pitcher rankings for Aug. 31, 2009

Starting pitcher rankings for Aug. 31, 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;"> Rich Harden </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"> 1.25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10.38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .721 </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"> .730 </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"> 2 </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"> 13-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.04 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.81 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .618 </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"> .748 </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"> 3 </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"> 9-6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.76 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .660 </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"> .753 </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"> 4 </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"> 7-5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.86 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.65 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .724 </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"> .750 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 77.4% </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;"> Andy Pettitte </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11-6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.00 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .735 </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"> .755 </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"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Gavin Floyd </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"> 3.95 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.63 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .673 </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"> .767 </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"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> James Shields </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8-10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.81 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.42 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .761 </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"> 79.5% </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;"> Paul Maholm </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.59 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.64 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .767 </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"> 80.1% </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;"> Gio Gonzalez </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4-5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.88 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.78 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9.76 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .874 </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"> 80.6% </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;"> Joe Saunders </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.49 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.96 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .826 </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"> .719 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 80.5% </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;"> Luke Hochevar </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.52 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.71 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .813 </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"> .710 </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"> 12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tim Hudson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> -- </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> -- </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> -- </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> -- </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> -- </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"> .750 </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"> 13 </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"> 7-8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.95 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .806 </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"> .764 </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"> 14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Johnny Cueto </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8-10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.61 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.72 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .798 </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"> .715 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 79.3% </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;"> Doug Davis </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7-11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.75 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.79 </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"> .762 </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"> 16 </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"> 9-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .661 </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"> .796 </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"> 17 </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"> 2-6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.63 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .780 </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"> .760 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 78.3% </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;"> Livan Hernandez </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"> 5.36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.57 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .853 </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"> .702 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 78.4% </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;"> Brett Cecil </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.96 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.63 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.81 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .872 </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"> .775 </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"> 20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kip Wells </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 0-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.85 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.75 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .755 </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"> .715 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 79.3% </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;"> Jeremy Guthrie </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9-12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.08 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .821 </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"> .838 </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"> 22 </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"> 8-9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.79 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .793 </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"> .750 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 80.9% </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;"> Lucas French </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.92 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.59 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.97 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .815 </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"> 81.7% </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;"> Virgil Vasquez </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"> 6.09 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.79 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.56 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .966 </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"> 80.1% </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: Randy Wolf has been one of the best pitchers in the National League all season but is still being relatively ignored in fantasy; he's owned in more than half of ESPN leagues only thanks to a recent boost. (His ownership is up 4.6 percent in the past week.) He just hurled 7 1/3 innings of one-run ball against the Rockies, an exclamation point on a superb season, as few lefties can conquer the Rockies at Coors Field. The D-backs are hitting only .194 against Wolf in three starts this season, so Wolf has a very real shot at his fifth straight quality start and his fourth consecutive win. … With two runs or fewer allowed in five of his past six starts, Andy Pettitte has been on quite a roll. He has a 2.81 ERA and 54 K's in 51 2/3 innings in that eight-start span, and should be nearly a lock for another superb outing against the Orioles, who have the second-worst OPS in the AL against left-handers. … After five consecutive starts allowing at least four runs, Paul Maholm finally bounced back, shutting down two good offenses in the Phillies and Brewers in his past two outings, as he's allowed two runs in his past 14 2/3 innings. Things get easier against the Reds, who have had baseball's worst offense since the All-Star break by a full 25 points of OPS. As far as spot-start opportunities go, it doesn't get much better than that. … Gio Gonzalez's inconsistency has popped up again, as he's allowed 13 walks and 12 runs in his past three starts (15 2/3 innings), but it's probably worth taking a chance on him versus the Royals. Gonzalez's strikeout potential -- he's struck out 16 batters in his past two starts -- is enticing, and since the Royals' offense lacks pop, Gonzalez can get away with more mistakes. You could do worse if you are chasing strikeouts. … In his return from the disabled list, Joe Saunders limited the Tigers to two runs in five innings, breaking an unflattering streak of eight consecutive starts with at least four earned runs allowed. Since Saunders is usually a much better pitcher than that stretch of bad pitching would indicate, maybe a stint on the disabled list was all he needed, and because he has a very good offense backing him, he's a tempting play against the light-hitting Mariners. … Jarrod Washburn has been predictably mediocre since coming to the Tigers, with nearly as many home runs allowed in 31 innings (nine) than in 133 innings with the Mariners (11). Things won't get any easier versus the Rays, who have the fourth-best OPS in baseball and are fifth in the majors in home runs.

Now batting

Hitters' count:
• Pat Burrell, OF, Rays: Burrell has reached base in 11 consecutive games, going 16-for-42 (.380) with six multi-hit games, three doubles and two home runs. He's finally hot and is a must-own in all leagues. His career .927 OPS against left-handed pitching should serve him well against Jarrod Washburn.
• Brandon Phillips, 2B, Reds: Against Paul Maholm, Phillips has raked, going 11-for-31 (.355) with three home runs in his career. Maholm has allowed righties to bat .316, too, so Phillips looks like a strong bet for a nice game.
• Jim Thome, DH, White Sox: Thome has had no problem making contact or hitting for power against Nick Blackburn, batting .333 with four extra-base hits -- including two home runs -- in 21 at-bats versus Blackburn, resulting in an impressive .714 slugging percentage.
• Juan Rivera, OF, Angels: As soon as everyone picked him up, Rivera decided to cool off, but in just 102 at-bats versus lefties, he's hitting .353 with seven home runs. A promising matchup is on tap when he faces Luke French, against whom righties are slugging .497.

Pitchers' count:
• Curtis Granderson, OF, Tigers: Although he's yet to face James Shields this season, in his career Granderson is 1-for-12 with two strikeouts.
• Carlos Pena, 1B, Rays: Jarrod Washburn has limited lefties to a measly .173 average in 168 at-bats, and Pena is hitting below the Mendoza Line against southpaws this season as well. His slugging percentage drops 139 points, and he's 0-for-3 with three strikeouts versus Washburn this season.
• Michael Cuddyer, OF, Twins: Batters are hitting only .258 and slugging .370 versus Gavin Floyd, and Cuddyer's slugging percentage decreases more than 100 points when he's facing right-handers and not lefties. He's just a career .235 hitter against Floyd in 17 at-bats, going 0-for-3 with two K's this season.
• Paul Konerko, 1B, White Sox: Still looking for his first extra-base hit off Blackburn, Konerko is just 3-for-23 (.130) against the right-hander. He has as many strikeouts as hits and hasn't drawn a walk, either, as Blackburn definitely seems to have his number.
• Mark Reynolds, 1B/3B, Diamondbacks: The strikeout-happy Reynolds has had trouble making any contact against Randy Wolf, fanning five times in eight at-bats this season. Overall he's just 2-for-16 with 7 K's in his career against the southpaw.

If you're hardcore

• Jonny Gomes, OF, Reds: Paul Maholm doesn't allow a lot of home runs, but the ones he does allow tend to come versus right-handers, as 12 of the 13 dingers he's allowed this year have. Overall, righties are hitting .316 BA/.364 OBP/.469 SLG off him, so Gomes, who's batting .347 in 72 at-bats versus southpaws this season, has the perfect matchup for his strengths.
• Chris Coghlan, OF, Marlins: Coghlan is 11-for-25 (.440) in his past six games with five extra-base hits, including two home runs. A .313 hitter against right-handed pitching this year, Coghlan is a good bet to continue hitting against Tim Hudson, who will be making his first start of the season.
• Garret Anderson, OF, Braves: With hits in eight out of his past nine games, Anderson is hot, batting .411 in that span. He's added a couple of home runs and a double, and although power is not his strength, it's his ability to hit for average combined with a refusal to take a walk that increases the impact his average has. Now hitting .324 since the All-Star break, Anderson is also 2-for-3 with a homer and a double versus Josh Johnson.
• Steve Pearce, 1B/OF, Pirates: Pearce hit .286 with 13 home runs in 273 at-bats at Triple-A and may finally be heating up on the major league level, going 8-for-23 (.348) with three doubles, one home run and six RBIs in his past seven games. He's worth a look in NL-only leagues.
• Billy Butler, 1B, Royals: Butler has finally cooled down, as he's been held without an extra-base hit for eight straight games now, but a matchup against the left-handed Gio Gonzalez should get him back on track. He's slugging .551 off lefties, with 20 extra-base hits (eight homers) in 156 at-bats, and has already taken Gonzalez deep earlier in the year.
• Kevin Kouzmanoff, 3B, Padres: Kouzmanoff has a couple of doubles and a homer in his past four games and has hit Livan Hernandez particularly hard, with two homers and a double in 15 career at-bats.
• Franklin Gutierrez, OF, Mariners: It's been an underwhelming month for Gutierrez, who followed up a .351 average in July by hitting .271 with just two home runs in 107 at-bats in August, but he has gone 9-for-24 (.375) in the past week. A .331 hitter against lefties this season, he should keep up the hot-hitting against the Angels' Joe Saunders on Monday.

Triage

Injury list: Out
• Kyle Blanks, 1B/OF, Padres (15-day DL, foot)
• Russell Branyan, 1B, Mariners (15-day DL, back)
• Joe Crede, 3B, Twins (15-day DL, back)
• Nyjer Morgan, OF, Nationals (15-day DL, hand; out for the season)

Injury list: Day-to-day
• Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Padres (biceps; doubtful)
• Jose Guillen, OF, Royals (15-day DL, knee): Guillen was able to run the bases Friday and is targeting a return for Tuesday, the day when rosters expand.
• Adam LaRoche, 1B, Braves (hip)
• Jorge Posada, C, Yankees (finger)
• Marco Scutaro, 2B/SS/3B, Blue Jays (head): Scutaro, who was plunked in the head by Josh Beckett, returned to action Sunday.
• Alfonso Soriano, OF, Cubs (knee)
• Ichiro Suzuki, OF, Mariners (calf)

Weather concerns

• White Sox-Twins and Angels-Mariners are the only weatherproof games for Monday.
• Miami is the only city that could end up wet, with thunderstorms a possibility for most of the day, including a 40 percent chance of storms at game time.

<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%"> James Shields, RHP (8-10, 3.81)
Rays (70-59) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Jarrod Washburn, LHP (9-7, 3.23)
Tigers (69-60) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Rays: Shields received some welcome run support Tuesday night in his start against the Blue Jays. The Rays' No. 1 starter coasted en route to his eighth win of the season after the offense scored six runs in the first three innings. Shields can be counted on to give the team at least six innings on most occasions and has appeared more effective recently since finding his changeup. Shields is 2-0 with a 2.31 ERA in four career starts against the Tigers; he is 1-0 with a 1.13 ERA in two career starts at Comerica Park.Tigers: After finally making a start on the road for the Tigers and earning his first victory in a Detroit uniform, Washburn returns to Comerica Park, where he has picked up a loss and three no-decisions. His last start, at Angel Stadium, saw him recover from a three-run homer in the second inning to salvage a quality start with six innings of work. Washburn is 12-3 with a 2.59 ERA in 17 career starts against the Rays, more wins by far than against any other opponent in Washburn's 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"> 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%"> Daniel McCutchen, RHP (0-0, -.--)
Pirates (53-75) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Kip Wells, RHP (0-3, 5.85)
Reds (56-73) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Pirates: McCutchen will be summoned from Triple-A Indianapolis to make his Major League debut and start the first game of the Pirates' doubleheader against the Reds. Just last week, McCutchen had committed to play for Team USA in the upcoming World Cup tournament. However, the Pirates' need for an extra starter for the final month and McCutchen's deserving credentials prompted management to change its mind and invite the righty to the big leagues for the season's final five weeks. Since the All-Star break, McCutchen, whom the Pirates acquired in a six-player deal with the Yankees last summer, has gone 5-1 with a 1.90 ERA in eight Triple-A starts.Reds: On Wednesday vs. the Brewers, Wells pitched five innings, allowing three earned runs and seven hits with three walks and two strikeouts during his first big league start since July 21, 2008, with the Rockies. Wells had runners on base in each of his first four innings, but kept putting zeroes on the board until the fifth when he gave up three runs on two home runs.
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D. McCutchen to make debut Monday: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Pirates SP prospect Daniel McCutchen will make his major league debut on Monday in first game of a doubleheader at Cincinnati. After the start he will join Team USA for the World Cup.

McCutchen is 13-6 with a 3.47 ERA in 24 starts for Triple-A Indianapolis this season with 110 strikeouts and just 29 walks. He is a solid long-term keeper option, but obviously won't feature much in September as he'll be at the World Cup.




Wells goes five, takes ND in start: Reds SP Kip Wells tossed 97 pitches in five innings on Wednesday in a start against the Brewers, taking a no decision. He allowed three earned runs on seven hits, striking out two and walking three.

Wells is filling in for Aaron Harang who had to undergo an appendectomy and is out for the season. He likely did well enough to stick in the rotation for at least one more turn as he did turn in five decent innings.

James Shields improved to 8-10 Tuesday after yielding three earned runs on eight hits and two walks over 6 2/3 innings against the Blue Jays.
Inconsistency has dogged Shields down the stretch, as evidenced by his 4.83 ERA. Still, owners can take solace in the fact that he's tallied a quality 17/4 K/BB ratio over his last three starts, providing plenty of momentum heading into his next outing against the Tigers in Detroit.



Jarrod Washburn improved to 9-7 after he gave up three earned runs on eight hits and two walks with three strikeouts in six innings vs. the Angels on Tuesday.
Washburn delivered his second quality outing in three starts, although his ERA still climbed from 3.18 to 3.23. It was his first start as a Tiger outside Comerica Park, so it probably did him good to get away from a park at which he holds a 6.04 ERA through four starts for his new team. It would probably be wise to consider sitting him when he returns to Motown on Aug. 31 to face a surging Rays squad.

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Andy Pettitte scattered five hits and three walks over seven innings of two-run ball with seven strikeouts against the Rangers Wednesday to improve to 11-6.
Pettitte was much sharper in his latest outing than during his last time out when he got bombed for seven runs (five earned) against the Red Sox. Interestingly enough, the 37-year-old veteran has actually gotten stronger as the season has progressed, as he's had three straight months of declining ERAs and increasing K/BB ratios.The home run he allowed to David Murphy was the first he allowed in the month. Pettitte will look to pick up his fourth win of the month his next time out against the Orioles on Aug. 31.




Jeremy Guthrie was stout against the Twins Wednesday, holding them to an earned run on six hits with five punchouts in seven walk-free innings to improve to 9-12.
Guthrie has found his comfort zone in his last two outings, holding the White Sox and Twins to a pair of earned runs on 12 combined hits in 14 innings. On Wednesday, Guthrie used 11 groundouts to his advantage to control an offense teaming with electric batsmen.It was his first zero-walk start since April 11, and he only struck out two in that game. He has now strung together consecutive victories, but his 12 losses lead the AL. He'll face a stiff test when he returns home Aug. 31 to face the Yankees, perhaps baseball's most prolific offense

Kenshin Kawakami fell to 6-10 after surrendering four runs on seven hits and two walks with three strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings against the Padres Wednesday night.
Entering his last, and what would turn out to be his decisive frame, Kawakami had retired 10 straight hitters and thrown just 74 pitches. There were no signs of fatigue or struggle before he surrendered hits to four of the five batters he faced in the sixth. With Tim Hudson nearly ready to reclaim a role in Atlanta's rotation, Kawakami's days in the five-man could be numbered. He'll get at least one more to prove himself on Aug. 31 when he's slated to chuck the rock against the Marlins.




Johnson picked up his 13th win of the year after holding the Mets to three runs on nine hits in six innings Wednesday.
The hits/runs line may not be his prettiest of the season, but he struck out seven and walked none. He threw 63 of his 93 pitches for strikes, and he rebounded nicely from his worst start of the year.

Paul Maholm got stuck with a no-decision after holding the Phillies to one run on five hits and two walks with four punchouts over seven innings of work Wednesday.
The sinkerballer had his bread-and-butter pitch working again Wednesday, getting 11 ground outs vs. six in the air and limiting the loaded Phillies offense to just a single run -- a tall order in itself. Maholm has turned in back-to-back impressive outings and has only given up a pair of runs over his last 14 2/3 frames. The 27-year-old southpaw will go searching for win no. 8 when he locks up with the Reds on Aug. 31.



The Reds still plan on using Cueto as a starter in an Aug. 31 doubleheader, the team's official site reports.
Pitching coach Dick Pole said Cueto felt fine after a 56-pitch session Wednesday. Hopefully he'll start pitching like the must-start option we all know he can be

nice.

Oswalt decent but takes fifth loss: Houston SP Roy Oswalt had a respectable start on Wednesday against the Cardinals but walked away with the loss. He tossed six innings, allowing three earned runs on 10 hits. Oswalt struck out three and walked one, increasing his ERA slightly to 3.86 on the season.

Oswalt had one of his best outings of the season in his previous start, going seven shutout frames in a 1-0 win over Atlanta. This has not been one of his better professional seasons but Oswalt does enough to remain a high-end Fantasy SP. He is slated to make two starts in Fantasy Week 22 (Aug. 31-Sept. 22) with starts at Chicago and against the Phillies.



Rich Harden settled on a no-decision after he yielded two earned runs on five hits and two walks with five punchouts in six innings against the Nationals on Wednesday.
Harden keeps churning out quality starts as Wednesday was his fifth in a row. And it would be eight straight quality outings if he had lasted one more inning during a July 31 appearance in which he fanned 11 batters. All is well in Harden's world as he's also just one of four starters to post a K/9 rate of 10.0 or higher, joining Justin Verlander, Tim Lincecum and Jon Lester. He's a must-start, as always, Aug. 31 at home vs. the Astros.

Cecil struggling to go deep: Toronto SP Brett Cecil had a forgettable outing on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Rays. Cecil could not get the final two outs in the 4th inning before being removed from the game. He went 3 1/3 and allowed six runs -- five earned -- on six hits and three walks. He struck out three and allowed two long balls. His ERA is now up to 4.96 after this loss and his record falls to 5-3.


Cecil has now lost two straight starts and pitched a total of 7 2/3 innings among them with 12 runs -- nine earned -- allowed. He's given up four homers in his last two starts as well. Cecil is clearly struggling and may be hitting the rookie wall here in August as he's failed to get out of the 5th inning in three straight starts. He's currently best used in AL-only Fantasy leagues but has definite upside for more. His next start comes Monday at Texas


Holland drops record below .500: Texas SP Derek Holland dropped his record below .500 at 7-8 on the season as he lost to the Yankees on Wednesday night. Holland gave up four runs on seven hits over six innings in defeat. He walked three and had four strikeouts. Holland now has an ERA of 4.79 on the season.

Holland had won three straight outings coming into Wednesday’s defeat at the hands of the Bronx Bombers. He’s pitched some gems since getting hot at the end of July and has really emerged as a solid mixed-league Fantasy option in deeper formats. He may have lost on Wednesday, but the Yankees can get the better of even the best starters

Floyd solid in no decision: Chicago SP Gavin Floyd gave up two runs against the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday night over six innings pitched and had to settle for a no decision. The game stayed tied at 2 until well after he was out of the game. Floyd pitched very well against the solid-hitting Boston lineup. He walked one and struck out four. He did allow two solo homers for both runs allowed. His ERA is at 3.95 on the year.

Floyd (10-8) has alternated solid and poor performances over his last five starts. He beat the Angels on Aug. 5 and allowed only one run in eight innings but followed that with five runs allowed in a loss at Seattle. He then gave up just one in seven innings in a win at Oakland but dropped his last decision before Wednesday against the Orioles with four runs allowed. He was back to solid pitching Wednesday. Does that mean his next start, Monday at Minnesota, will be a struggle? Maybe, but since he pitches twice next week, the second start will be a gem.




Blackburn gave up four runs (three earned) and nine hits over 5.2 innings with no strikeouts and two walks in Wednesday's loss to Baltimore.
: Blackburn's good outing (7 IP, 3 ER) in his last start may have just been a pause in his second-half free-fall. He's 0-5 with an 8.22 ERA, and opponents are batting .381 against him, in eight starts since the All-Star break.

<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 | 7:05 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%"> Andy Pettitte, LHP (11-6, 4.18)
Yankees (82-48) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Jeremy Guthrie, RHP (9-12, 5.26)
Orioles (54-77) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Yankees: Pettitte allowed two earned runs in seven innings on Wednesday to beat the Rangers and record his 189th win as a Yankee, tying Lefty Gomez for third place on the all-time franchise list. He had a 49 2/3 inning streak without allowing a home run snapped by David Murphy in the seventh inning and has pitched at least five innings in 24 of 26 starts this season. He is undefeated in six starts since July 30, going 3-0 with a 2.60 ERA (38.0 innings, 11 earned runs) over that span. Pettitte last faced the Orioles on July 20 in New York, allowing one run over 7 1/3 innings with six hits, two walks and eight strikeouts in a no-decision. He owns the all-time highest career winning percentage against the American League East (79-34, .699) among the 199 pitchers with at least 50 AL East decisions.Orioles: Guthrie threw seven strong innings in his last start and has won consecutive outings for just the third time this season. The right-hander didn't walk any batters for the first time in 13 starts and for just the fourth time all year. Guthrie also didn't give up a home run for just the second time in 10 starts. He achieved that success in part by keeping his fastball low and working off his curveball.


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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"> Land Shark Stadium | 7:10 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%"> Kenshin Kawakami, RHP (6-10, 4.08)
Braves (68-62) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Josh Johnson, RHP (13-3, 3.04)
Marlins (68-62) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Braves: Kawakami seemed to be cruising toward winning a second consecutive start on Wednesday before allowing four hits to the only five Padres batters he ended up facing in the sixth inning. While not allowing a run during the first five innings, he looked like the same pitcher who had posted a 2.39 ERA in his previous four starts. Now, the Japanese right-hander will be looking to bounce back against the Marlins, who have tallied 10 earned runs in the 10 2/3 innings he has completed against them this year. Marlins: Johnson did not have his best stuff his last time out. While he picked up his 13th win of the season, Johnson struggled to put batters away. The right-hander was able to turn in his 21st quality start of the season by holding the Mets to three runs on nine hits over six innings while striking out seven. The 25-year-old improved to 7-0 against the Mets in nine career starts.


</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 | 7:10 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%"> Paul Maholm, LHP (7-7, 4.59)
Pirates (53-76) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Johnny Cueto, RHP (8-10, 4.61)
Reds (57-73) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Pirates: Maholm has had an up-and-down season, but he might be saving his best for last. In his last two starts, a win against the Brewers and a no-decision against the Phillies, he's looked more like the head of the rotation who earned the Opening Day start than he has in a while. He gave up just two runs in 14 2/3 over those two starts. An even better sign is that he induced 25 ground-ball outs, showing perhaps that he's got his sinker working better than he has since the beginning of the season.Reds: Cueto will be activated from the disabled list to make the start. He's been out with right shoulder inflammation. In his last start on Aug. 15, a 10-6 loss the Nationals, Cueto gave up seven earned runs and eight hits over 2 2/3 innings. His record is 0-6 with a 10.64 ERA over his last eight 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"> Wrigley Field | 8:05 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 (7-5, 3.86)
Astros (62-68) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Rich Harden, RHP (8-7, 3.99)
Cubs (65-63) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Astros: Oswalt had his four-game winning streak come to a halt Wednesday in St. Louis, where he gave up 10 hits and three runs in six innings. Afterward, Oswalt criticized his teammates for not playing with desire, prompting Lance Berkman to call a players-only meeting the following day. Oswalt lasted only 1 2/3 innings in his last start at Wrigley Field on July 28 because of a lower back strain. He's 0-1 with a 3.68 ERA in three starts against the Cubs this year and 12-12 with a 3.86 ERA in 29 career games, including 28 starts, against the Cubs.Cubs: Harden did not get a decision in his last start against the Nationals. He gave up two runs on five hits and two walks over six innings but was pulled with the game tied. It's a good thing this game is at night. The right-hander has given up 19 earned runs over 75 1/3 innings in night games compared to 36 earned runs over 48 2/3 innings during the day time. Harden is 1-1 this year against the Astros, posting a win on May 6 and taking the loss May 17.


</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"> Rangers Ballpark in Arlington | 8:05 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%"> Brett Cecil, LHP (5-3, 4.96)
Blue Jays (58-70) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Derek Holland, LHP (7-8, 4.95)
Rangers (72-57) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Blue Jays: Cecil lost consecutive starts for the first time this season as the Rays beat the Jays, 7-3, on Tuesday at Rogers Centre. The rookie lasted only 3 1/3 innings -- the shortest start of his Major League career -- allowing six runs (five earned) on six hits and three walks, striking out three. He allowed two home runs -- both to Rays first baseman Carlos Pena -- marking the fourth time this year Cecil has allowed multiple homers. He has not gone five innings in any of his last three starts. Cecil has never faced the Rangers.Rangers: Holland allowed six runs in six innings in a 9-2 loss to the Yankees on Wednesday but is 4-3 with a 3.70 ERA in eight starts since the All-Star break. He had a three-game winning streak going before losing to the Yankees. He is 5-4 with a 5.70 ERA in 12 games, including eight starts at home. He has allowed 19 home runs in just 111 innings. Holland will be pitching against the Blue Jays for the first time since April 22 when he made his Major League debut against them with 2 1/3 scoreless innings.
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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"> Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 8:10 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%"> Gavin Floyd, RHP (10-8, 3.95)
White Sox (64-67) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Nick Blackburn, RHP (8-9, 4.29)
Twins (65-65) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
White Sox: The steady right-hander gave the White Sox a brief scare on Wednesday night, when he felt some soreness in his right hip during a sixth-inning pitch to Dustin Pedroia. Floyd stayed in the game after being examined on the mound and played down the injury after the White Sox loss. Floyd gave up solo home runs to David Ortiz and Alex Gonzalez and just three other hits over six innings in a no-decision, fanning four and walking one. The White Sox have given Floyd two runs or less of support on 11 occasions this season. Floyd starts the team's final series at the Metrodome, holding a 1-0 record against the Twins this year and a lifetime mark of 2-2 at the Metrodome.Twins: Coming off a no-decision in which he pitched seven quality innings, Blackburn extended his winless drought to eight starts with a loss against Baltimore on Wednesday. The right-hander allowed four runs -- three of which were earned -- in 5 2/3 innings of work while not registering a strikeout for the fourth time this season. Blackburn hasn't won since July 10 against the White Sox, who he'll face Wednesday. He's 2-1 against Chicago this season.


</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"> Oakland Coliseum | 10:05 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%"> Luke Hochevar, RHP (6-7, 5.52)
Royals (50-80) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Gio Gonzalez, LHP (4-5, 5.88)
Athletics (57-73) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Royals: Hochevar had a frustrating outing his last start against Cleveland. He threw the ball well, but took the loss after allowing four runs in 6 1/3 innings. The Indians capitalized on two walks, an error and a wild pitch, and Hochevar lost for a fourth straight time. Hochevar hasn't won since July 25 against Texas -- a game in which he allowed two earned runs in seven innings. You might say that Hochevar has had an eventful 2009 against the A's. After starting the season at Triple-A Omaha, Hochevar made his 2009 debut in Oakland on May 12. He lasted just two innings after giving up eight earned runs. He fared a little better on Aug. 8, surrendering four runs in seven innings.Athletics: Gonzalez, a 23-year-old rookie, carried a 3.06 ERA over his previous six starts into his Wednesday outing in Seattle but took a small step backward by allowing four runs on seven hits and three walks over five innings while losing his third consecutive start. Equipped with a plus curveball and a low-90s fastball, Gonzalez has had a hard time getting deep into games of late, working a total of 15 2/3 innings his past three times out. He has not faced the Royals this year, and last year he gave up three earned runs in four innings against Kansas City.


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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"> PETCO Park | 10:05 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%"> Livan Hernandez, RHP (7-8, 5.36)
Nationals (46-85) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Tim Stauffer, RHP (2-6, 4.11)
Padres (56-76) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Nationals: Hernandez made his second go-round with the Nationals on Wednesday. It was a typical ballgame the organization is used to. He went deep into the game against the Cubs, pitching six innings and giving up two runs on five hits. He looked like the Hernandez of old, mixing in his breaking stuff with his 85-mph fastball and fielding his position better than any pitcher in baseball. Padres: For the fifth straight game, Stauffer lasted just five innings. However, he was fairly effective against the Braves on Wednesday after a rocky first inning. He surrendered a three-run home run to Braves catcher Brian McCann on an 0-2 count to give the Braves an early lead but pitched four scoreless innings afterward. Stauffer was pinch hit for in the
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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"> Safeco Field | 10:10 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%"> Joe Saunders, LHP (10-7, 5.27)
Angels (77-52) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Luke French, LHP (4-3, 3.92)
Mariners (68-63) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Angels: Saunders looked more like his old self with a solid start against the Tigers on Wednesday at Angel Stadium. After missing two weeks on the disabled list with a knot in his throwing shoulder, Saunders came back with increased velocity and struck out six batters to show it. He allowed two runs over five innings with the two runs coming on a homer by Adam Everett with two outs in the fifth inning. Saunders faces the Mariners, a team he has fared well against in the past, with a 6-1 career record and a 3.60 ERA in eight starts against Seattle.Mariners: French seems to be finding his way nicely for the Mariners, as he went 5 2/3 innings in his last start against the A's, earning the win by allowing three runs on six hits. He's won two starts in a row now and is 3-1 with Seattle since coming over in a July 31 trade from Detroit. The rookie left-hander also was better with his control, walking just one batter after walking a combined 12 in his previous three starts. He's faced Kansas City twice this year, once each with the Mariners and Tigers. He won both decisions.


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</td> <td align="right"> Dodger Stadium | 10:10 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%"> Doug Davis, LHP (7-11, 3.75)
Diamondbacks (59-72) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Randy Wolf, LHP (9-6, 3.25)
Dodgers (78-53) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Diamondbacks: Davis seemed on his way to certain victory in his last start as he handled the Giants easily through the first seven innings at AT&T Park. To that point, the lone San Francisco run had come on a Juan Uribe homer. Davis got the first two outs of the eighth before allowing a walk and single. In came closer Chad Qualls and he allowed a three-run homer to pinch-hitter Bengie Molina. Davis wound up without a decision and the D-backs took a 4-3 defeat.Dodgers: Randy Wolf has stepped up while the Dodgers have been sagging. He ran his win streak to four with a clutch effort at Coors Field, limiting the torrid Rockies to one run on five hits over 7 1/3 innings. Most importantly, Wolf is consistently eating innings. He's pitched at least six innings in each of his last 12 starts and has 10 quality starts in his last 11 outings. The Dodgers are 18-10 in his starts. He's 2-0 against Arizona this year, 8-3 lifetime.
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1. The Yankees outscored the White Sox by a combined 23-5 over the weekend in completing their tenth 2+ game series sweep of the season -- tied for most in the majors. New York is currently 31-11 (.738) since the All-Star break -- best of any MLB team.
2. New York has defeated Baltimore seven straight times (tied for its longest active win streak vs. any team) and has won 16 of the last 19 games with the Orioles overall.
3. With its 5-2 win Sunday, Baltimore split four games with Cleveland over the weekend and is 6-5 in the last 11 games overall. The O's are just 6-12 at Camden Yards since the All-Star break and haven't won a series at home since July 10-12 vs. Toronto.
4. Robinson Cano is hitting .455 (20-for-44) vs. the Orioles this season -- the best single-season batting average by any Yankee with 40+ at-bats vs. Baltimore since Rickey Henderson went 28-for-55 (.460) in 1985.
5. Andy Pettitte is 25-6 in 38 career appearances (36 starts) vs. the Orioles -- his most wins vs. any opponent. Pettitte is 5-0 with a 3.26 ERA in his last six outings vs. Baltimore (last loss July 27, 2007).
6. Jeremy Guthrie is 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA in his last two starts overall, but vs. the Yankees in 2009, is 1-2 with a 5.21 ERA. Guthrie has won three straight starts just twice previously in six MLB campaigns (3-straight wins from July 17-27, 2007 and 4-straight wins from July 28- August 13, 2008).
7. After hitting just three home runs in his first 76 games of 2009, Felix Pie went deep for the fourth time in his last seven games on Sunday. Baltimore is now 6-1 this season when Pie hits a home run (9-1 all-time).

Notes Applicable For Series Dates: 8/31/2009 thru 9/2/2009

1. These teams are currently tied with identical 68-62 records, 3.5 games behind the Rockies and Giants in the race for the National League wild-card. The Marlins own a 6-5 edge in the season series with Atlanta.
2. The Braves lost to Philadelphia on Sunday to drop their second consecutive series, two games to one. But Braves starters have compiled a 1.66 ERA over their past four games.
3. The Marlins defeated San Diego on Sunday, 6-4, to break a three-game losing streak. Florida is 4-7 over its last 11 games.
4. Matt Diaz has established career highs with 37 hits and 18 RBI this August. His 18 runs scored tie his best mark ever for a calendar month (August 2007), while his six homers are one shy of his total in August '07.
5. Adam LaRoche is hitting .370 since joining Atlanta, the highest average by any player ever acquired by the Braves in midseason (after playing for another team).
6. By going 1-for-3 on Sunday, Chris Coghlan set a Marlins record for most hits in a calendar month, with 46 this August. Hanley Ramirez is one behind with 45 this month, tied with Luis Castillo (August 1999).

Notes Applicable For Series Dates: 8/31/2009 thru 9/3/2009

1. The Cubs hold a 9-5 edge in this series in 2009, averaging 6.1 runs over those 14 games -- including 7.5 per game at home (45/6).
2. The Astros are 5-17 in their last 22 road games, and haven't won a road series since taking three out of four in San Diego June 29 to July 2.
3. Chicago's 34-23 (.596) record within its division is the best among NL Central teams.
4. Michael Bourn leads the NL with 48 stolen bases. The only Houston player ever to lead the league in steals for a season was Craig Biggio, with 39 in 1994.
5. Derrek Lee is batting .373 (41/110) with seven HR and 24 RBI over the last two seasons against the Astros (28 games).
6. Rich Harden has allowed two or fewer earned runs in all eight of his starts since the All-Star break, going 3-1 with a 1.80 ERA over that span (with 60 K in 50.0 IP).

Notes Applicable For Series Dates: 8/31/2009 thru 9/2/2009