Starting pitcher rankings for April 30

Lee set to make Mariners debut

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It's time to jump back on the cliff. We're talking, of course, about Cliff Lee, who is finally ready to take the mound for the Seattle Mariners on Friday after suffering a strained abdomen in spring training. Lee appears to have shaken off the injury, and is coming off six shutout innings in his Sunday rehab assignment for Triple-A Tacoma. Normally it's a good idea to err on the side of caution for a pitcher making a return from injury, and frankly, this is no exception. The current Texas Rangers roster is hitting .342 against Lee, who owns a 7.09 ERA against them for his career. However, with the recent spate of pitchers headed to the disabled list, we'd understand if you wanted to -- or needed to -- dive right in. Just be careful. As for the rest of our Friday rankings, here's the complete list:






<center> Starting pitcher rankings for April 30

</center><table style="margin: 0pt; width: 100%;"> <thead><tr><th style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" colspan="6"><center> </center>
</th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;" colspan="3"><center> 2010 Statistics </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;" colspan="3"><center> Past 21 Days </center></th></tr></thead> <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> Opp </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Rating </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><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> W-L </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> ERA </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> WHIP </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;"> Brad Penny </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 0.94 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 0.98 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0.94 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0.98 </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;"> Randy Wells </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.49 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2.49 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.34 </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;"> Ricky Nolasco </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.03 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.04 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3.03 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.04 </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;"> Tommy Hanson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2.14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.38 </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; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> CHW </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.07 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.07 </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;"> Barry Zito </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </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"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 0.84 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0.84 </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;"> Fausto Carmona </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.96 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2.96 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.13 </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;"> Brandon Morrow </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.45 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 6.14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.45 </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;"> Jeff Niemann </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.05 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3.27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.05 </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;"> Chad Billingsley </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.65 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 5.40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.65 </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 Danks </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </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"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 0.86 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0.86 </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;"> John Lackey </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.09 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.65 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 5.09 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.65 </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;"> Wandy Rodriguez </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </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"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.65 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3.65 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.34 </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;"> Joel Pineiro </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.42 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3.42 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.29 </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;"> Cliff Lee </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </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"> 5 </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"> -- </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> -- </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> -- </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;"> Colby Lewis </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.80 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3.80 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.35 </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;"> Clayton Richard </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </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"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 0-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.75 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.50 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3.75 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.50 </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;"> Aaron Cook </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.01 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.46 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 5.01 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.46 </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;"> Nick Blackburn </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.85 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.73 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 6.85 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.73 </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;"> Brian Bannister </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.42 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 4.13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.42 </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;"> Rodrigo Lopez </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.88 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.67 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 4.88 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.67 </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;"> Dave Bush </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.84 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 4.84 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.43 </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;"> Rick Porcello </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.91 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.02 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 7.91 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2.02 </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;"> Scott Olsen </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </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"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.57 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 6.14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.57 </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;"> Johnny Cueto </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 0-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.73 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.59 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 5.73 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.59 </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;"> David Hernandez </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 0-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.84 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.52 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 4.84 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.52 </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;"> Jonathon Niese </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </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"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 0-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.68 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.86 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3.68 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.86 </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;"> Kyle Kendrick </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 0-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.71 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.77 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 7.71 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.77 </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;"> Vin Mazzaro </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 1 </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"> -- </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> -- </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> -- </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;"> Charlie Morton </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 0-4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16.20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0-4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 16.20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2.55 </td></tr> </tbody></table>Rk.: The author's ranking of that pitcher for that day only. T: Pitcher throws left-handed or right-handed. Opp: The pitcher's opponent for the day. Rating: The starting pitcher's matchup rating -- separate from the author's ranking -- which accounts for past history (three years' worth as well as past 21 days), opponent and ballpark. Ratings range from 1-10, with 10 representing the best possible matchup, statistically speaking, and 1 representing the worst. 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.

Selected notes:
• Brad Penny sometimes gets lost in that strong St. Louis Cardinals' rotation, but the 2010 record speaks for itself. He's also 7-2 lifetime against the Cincinnati Reds, so he'll come out on top of the mountain for Friday, just ahead of Randy Wells, who struck out 10 Arizona Diamondbacks in seven innings when he faced them last fall.
• Ricky Nolasco is 7-1 lifetime against the Washington Nationals and is getting luckier in the run support department (4.97 to 2.81) than is Tommy Hanson, despite the Atlanta Braves' pitcher having a superior ERA.
• Barry Zito owns a 1.98 ERA against the Colorado Rockies, and this game is not at Coors Field. We'll rank him slightly ahead of Fausto Carmona, who has been outstanding so far in 2010. It's just a bit scary looking at that 3-6 record with a 5.11 ERA against the Minnesota Twins.
• Rounding out our top 10, all of whom happen to be throwing in front of the home crowd, are Brandon Morrow, Jeff Niemann and Chad Billingsley. Morrow has 10.5 strikeouts per nine innings (K/9) and a 2-0 record versus the Oakland Athletics. Niemann is 2-0 with a career 0.53 ERA facing the Kansas City Royals. As for the Buzzsaw, he's a perfect 3-0 against the Pittsburgh Pirates, including a win against the team already in 2010.
• Middle of the road: John Lackey has lacked something so far this season, but is 9-3 with a 3.21 ERA against the Baltimore Orioles, including one win against them already this year. Joel Pineiro has already stymied the Detroit Tigers for 7 1/3 innings in 2010, and is 7-2 with a 2.40 ERA against them during his career.
• Streamers on alert: Colby Lewis gets a rematch with the Mariners, a team he held to just one earned run and five hits in seven innings earlier in April. Clayton Richard is 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA in three appearances against the Milwaukee Brewers. Nick Blackburn owns a 5-3 record with a 2.98 ERA against the Cleveland Indians, if you're looking for a reason to grab him over other waiver-wire options for Friday.
• Steer clear: Rodrigo Lopez has a 7.59 ERA versus the Chicago Cubs, which is actually better than Rick Porcello's 9.64 ERA facing the Los Angeles Angels. Charlie Morton? If we have to spell out his negatives for you, you're playing the wrong game.
• X factor: The Oakland Athletics need to grab a starter from Triple-A to fill in for the injured Brett Anderson. Vin Mazzaro looks to be the likeliest candidate to get the call, but since Trevor Cahill is also in the mix, it might be wise to hold off on making any moves until the weekend -- after we see the results of whichever pitcher gets the first chance to audition here.

Hitters' count:
Ryan Howard, 1B, Philadelphia Phillies: Last year, Howard's power numbers rose significantly in May (10 versus four home runs in April) and as the calendar prepares to turn the page in 2010, we're looking for the slugger to get a head start on things Friday facing young Jonathon Niese.
Hanley Ramirez, SS, Florida Marlins: He's been cold of late (2-for-15) and even got Wednesday off to figure things out. Against Scott Olsen and the Washington Nationals, against whom he's hit .375 in his career, things should fall back into place nicely.
Russell Martin, C, Los Angeles Dodgers: Last place is not where this team wants to be, but perhaps Martin and his lifetime .391 average against the Pirates can start to pull this lineup out of the cellar.
Chone Figgins, 2B, Mariners: It's certainly not an everyday occurrence when Figgins does something with his bat rather than his legs, so when the .571 slugging percentage against Colby Lewis appeared on the stat sheet, it certainly jumped off the page.
Asdrubal Cabrera, SS, Indians: We've got the right Cabrera here. With five doubles leading to a .565 career slugging percentage off of Nick Blackburn in 23 at-bats, perhaps another four-hit day is in the offing here.
Kosuke Fukudome, OF, Chicago Cubs: Fukudome is 8-for-17 in his past seven games and had a .471 OBP against the Diamondbacks in 2009. With great odds of being on base, the runs should come as well.
Kevin Youkilis, 1B, Boston Red Sox: Youkilis has a career batting average of .385 against David Hernandez of the Baltimore Orioles, including a 2-for-3 earlier this season.
Pitchers' count:
Ryan Church, OF, Pirates: It's not Church's fault the Pirates have been outscored 41-6 in his past three starts, but that career .143 batting average against Chad Billingsley certainly has to be blamed on the outfielder alone.
Kelly Johnson, 2B, Diamondbacks: There's no doubt Johnson's five home runs in the past week got a lot of people's attention, but those were the only hits he mustered in 22 at-bats and his batting average plummeted. Plus, he's never had a hit off Randy Wells.
Brian McCann, C, Braves: The catcher is 1-for-11 in his past three starts and has a career-long goose egg against Wandy Rodriguez. Nothing magic to be seen here. Move it along, muggles.
Ian Stewart, 3B, Rockies: His batting average has dropped 40 points in the past eight days, he's only 1-for-11 lifetime against Barry Zito. Looks like today is another sit day for Stewart, fantasy-wise.
Andruw Jones, OF, Chicago White Sox: Jones has taken advantage of teams early in series this season, with five home runs in openers so far in 2010. Against Andy Pettitte, expect no such luck for Jones, who has a career .259 batting average and no round-trippers.
Michael Bourn, OF, Houston Astros: What's Bourn's identity? Power hitter? Not with zero home runs. No, he's a base stealer. But if he doesn't get on base -- only one career walk versus the Braves -- thefts are unlikely.
Baseball Challenge Pick of the Day

Jeff Francoeur, RF, New York Mets: Francoeur has had a hit every day since April 22, and has four runs scored and four RBIs in that stretch. Additionally, he's a career .400 hitter against Kyle Kendrick of the Phillies. That's across-the-board production you won't find in too many places.
Triage

Injury list: Out
Nelson Cruz, OF, Rangers (15-day DL, right hamstring strain)
Brett Anderson, SP, Athletics (15-day DL, strained flexor tendon)
Jorge De La Rosa, SP, Rockies (15-day DL, torn tendon in finger)
Jason Hammel, SP, Rockies (15-day DL, strained right groin)
Felipe Lopez, 2B, Cardinals (15-day DL, elbow strain)
Brad Hawpe, OF, Rockies (15-day DL, strained left quadriceps)
Chris Jakubauskas, SP, Pirates (15-day DL, head contusion/concussion)
Vicente Padilla, SP, Dodgers (15-day DL, right forearm soreness)
Bobby Wilson, C, Angels (15-day DL, concussion/strained left ankle)
Manny Ramirez, OF, Dodgers (15-day DL, strained right calf)
Carlos Guillen, OF, Tigers (15-day DL, strained left hamstring)
Injury list: Day-to-day
Justin Morneau, 1B, Twins (stiff back)
Jorge Posada, C, Yankees (right knee contusion)
Jim Edmonds, OF, Brewers (back)
Kris Benson, SP, Diamondbacks (sore shoulder)
Kurt Suzuki, C, Athletics (sore side)
Weather concerns

Weatherproof games: Athletics at Blue Jays, Rangers at Mariners and Royals at Rays. The weekend notes threaten to be a lot drearier in terms of possible delays and postponements, but as for Friday's slate of games, only the contest in St. Louis looks to be in danger of being harassed by the presence of thunderstorms.

<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"> 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%"> Rodrigo Lopez, RHP (1-0, 4.88)
D-backs (11-11) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Randy Wells, RHP (2-0, 2.49)
Cubs (10-13) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Cubs: Wells may want to move this game to Miller Park. The right-hander held the Brewers to two runs on seven hits in his last start, on Sunday, and has a 1.50 ERA lifetime in Milwaukee. He's shown no signs of a sophomore slump this year. What was impressive on Sunday was that the right-hander did not walk a batter.

</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"> Comerica Park | 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%"> Joel Pineiro, RHP (2-2, 3.42)
Angels (12-11) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Rick Porcello, RHP (1-2, 7.91)
Tigers (13-10) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Angels: The Tigers are hoping they have the same success the second time around against Pineiro that the Yankees enjoyed on Saturday. The sinker-ball artist coughed up as many runs (four) in Saturday's first four innings as he had in his first 20 1/3 innings in an Angels uniform, covering three starts. One of those was a blanking of the Tigers through 7 1/3 innings at Angel Stadium on April 19. Pineiro's success hinges on keeping his sinker down in the zone and complementing it with a quality slider and changeup. He's dominated the Tigers in Detroit, going 3-0 in three appearances with a 1.45 ERA. Overall, he's 7-2 in 12 games with a 2.40 ERA against Detroit.Tigers: Sophomore slump or not, Porcello has some issues to work out with his mechanics, tweaks to try to put the sink back in his sinker and limit the kind of damage he has experienced in his past few starts. He allowed six runs on 10 hits over four innings last Sunday at Texas, and he has given up 12 runs on 18 hits over 8 1/3 innings in his past two starts. Though some of his pitch selections are up for debate, it's tough to question that his sinker hasn't been as effective this year. Porcello and coaches were looking over video after his last start to determine if he has dropped his arm angle and flattened out his pitches in turn.


</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"> 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%"> John Lackey, RHP (2-1, 5.09)
Red Sox (11-11) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> David Hernandez, RHP (0-3, 4.84)
Orioles (4-17) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Red Sox: Lackey will face the Orioles for a second successive start. He gritted through the last one, giving up 10 hits but just three runs over seven innings in a win. In seven career starts at Camden Yards, Lackey is 4-3 with a 3.72 ERA. In 13 starts against the Orioles, he is 9-3 with a 3.21 ERA. Lackey's control hasn't been as sharp as normal, evidenced by the fact he has issued nine walks and and struck out 11. He has given up two home runs. Opponents are hitting .322 against Lackey this season, compared to .263 in his career. His 4.30 strikeouts per nine innings are well below his career average (7.16).Orioles: The Orioles fifth starter, Hernandez continues to prove why he won the job in the final days of Spring Training. He battled all afternoon Sunday, holding the Red Sox to two hits through five scoreless innings before running into trouble in the sixth. He exited with two men on in favor of reliever Mark Hendrickson, who allowed an RBI single and sacrifice fly, with both runs charged to Hernandez. Facing the same Red Sox lineup, Hernandez will look for his first win of the season. He is 1-2 with a 5.40 ERA in five career starts against Boston.


</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"> Yankee Stadium | 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%"> John Danks, LHP (3-0, 1.55)
White Sox (9-13) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Andy Pettitte, LHP (3-0, 1.29)
Yankees (13-7) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
White Sox: Slowly but surely, Danks is becoming the ace of the White Sox staff. Danks worked eight innings against the Mariners on Sunday, marking the second straight start in which he worked eight innings, and picked up his third straight victory when Paul Konerko homered in the eighth inning. Danks gave up just two runs on seven hits, striking out five and not issuing a walk. Over his last three starts, Danks has yielded just 11 hits and four runs in 23 innings, fanning 20 and walking five. He has a 2-1 record and a 6.06 ERA lifetime against the Yankees.Yankees: Angels manager Mike Scioscia opined that Pettitte is pitching "the best we've ever seen him, probably ever" after his last start. The Elias Sports Bureau did some digging and revealed that Pettitte's numbers through four starts -- a 3-0 record, 1.29 ERA, 22 strikeouts in 28 innings -- are the lowest ERA and also the highest strikeout total that Pettitte has had through his first four games in any of his 16 seasons in the Major Leagues. The veteran lefty will try to keep that rolling against the White Sox, a team he pitched well against last July 30 in Chicago, holding the Pale Hose to an unearned run on five hits in 6 1/3 innings, walking none and fanning eight.


</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"> Progressive Field | 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%"> Kevin Slowey, RHP (2-2, 3.42)
Twins (14-8) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Fausto Carmona, RHP (3-0, 2.96)
Indians (9-12) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Twins: Coming off a masterful eight-inning start against the Indians, Slowey had difficulty finding the strike zone in last outing against the Royals. He threw 104 pitches over 5 1/3 innings as he allowed four runs on eight hits while walking three. Slowey was all around the strike zone, manager Ron Gardenhire said, but he couldn't seem to make enough adjustments. While Slowey's strikeout-to-walk ratio last season was an impressive 5.00, third-best among all American League starters, this year he hasn't been able to deliver the same results as this year it's 2.11. Slowey is 1-1 with a 2.57 ERA in two career starts at Progressive Field.Indians: Carmona is coming off his best start of the season, giving up just one run on seven hits -- all singles -- over 7 1/3 innings and picking up win No. 3 against the A's, a team he has struggled against. Carmona, as he has throughout the season, pounded the strike zone. Against Oakland, he didn't walk a batter for the first time this season. He's 3-6 lifetime against the Twins with a 5.11 ERA and has allowed 66 hits in 61 2/3 innings.

</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"> Citizens Bank Park | 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%"> Jon Niese, LHP (0-1, 3.68)
Mets (13-9) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Kyle Kendrick, RHP (0-0, 7.71)
Phillies (12-9) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Mets: After four starts, Niese still is seeking his first extended and successful start, not to mention his first victory. His next chance comes on Friday night against a team he never has faced. Because of the Mets' off-day Thursday, Niese will have abnormal rest -- five days -- before he opposes Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, et al. Extra rest is not a bad thing to have when pitching in that adversarial arena. Niese has allowed one home run in 22 innings, that to Ryan Spilborghs in Denver, and four in 61 2/3 innings in his career. But CBP can change a pitcher's ERA and home run total quickly. Niese has been more effective against left-handed hitters than right-handed thus far this season, and that constitutes a change from his two previous -- and abbreviated -- big league tours. He does appear more inclined to pitching inside to them, and his cutter now gives him a weapon for right-handed hitters.Phillies: Just when it looked like Kyle Kendrick had taken a step forward, he took a step backward Sunday in a start against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. He threw eight scoreless innings against the Atlanta Braves on April 20 and had thrown four more scoreless innings against Arizona before he allowed five runs in the fifth inning in an 8-6 loss. Kendrick is going to have to start pitching better with right-hander Joe Blanton and closer Brad Lidge expected to rejoin the team soon.


</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"> Rogers Centre | 7:07 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> To be announced
Athletics (12-10) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Brandon Morrow, RHP (1-2, 6.14)
Blue Jays (10-12) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Athletics: This was supposed to be Brett Anderson's start, but he's on the DL with a strained flexor tendon in his left arm. As of late Wednesday night, the A's had yet to announce who would replace the southpaw against the Jays.Blue Jays: Statistically Morrow has looked like a different pitcher in his past two starts, giving up only two earned runs over 13 innings, while recording 16 strikeouts over that span. That being said, Morrow still displayed some of the control issues that have plagued him in the past. Against the Rays on Sunday, Morrow walked six batters over six innings and was bailed out on several occasions by catcher Jose Molina, who threw out a career-high four baserunners. It is imperative that Morrow maintain his high strikeout rate; on several occasions against the Rays he was able to prevent a potential big inning by stranding baserunners. Morrow is 2-0 against the Athletics with a 4.13 ERA over 32 2/3 career 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"> Tropicana Field | 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%"> Brian Bannister, RHP (1-1, 4.13)
Royals (8-13) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Jeff Niemann, RHP (1-0, 3.27)
Rays (16-5) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Royals: Bannister got his first victory last Sunday against the Twins, working into the seventh inning. In his 6 1/3 innings, he gave up nine hits and two walks but just two runs. Ever the perfectionist, Bannister finally began getting the ground balls that he's been seeking in his ongoing transformation from a fly-ball pitcher. Of the 19 outs, 12 came on ground balls. He was disappointed, though, that he had no strikeouts. Early in the game, Bannister noticed the Twins "ambushed" his cutter, so he switched off to more sinkers and changeups, and that worked for him. Last year, he pitched twice at Tropicana Field and went to extremes. The first time, he gave up eight runs in 3 2/3 innings of a 9-0 loss; the second time, he pitched seven shutout innings in a 4-1 win.Rays: Niemann continues to pitch well, which he did against the Blue Jays on Saturday night, when he recorded his third straight quality start. Niemann allowed three runs on five hits while striking out eight to take a no-decision. He retired 12 of the first 13 batters he faced, six via strikeouts. While getting everything coordinated might be harder for a taller pitcher like the 6-foot-9 Niemann, the downward angle of his pitches can make the baseball extremely hard to hit. Niemann is 2-0 with a 1.59 ERA in two career starts against Oakland; he is 7-3 with a 3.30 ERA in 17 career appearances at Tropicana Field.


</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"> Sun Life 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%"> Craig Stammen, RHP (1-0, 6.75)
Nationals (12-10) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Ricky Nolasco, RHP (2-0, 3.03)
Marlins (11-11) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Nationals: Stammen had his second straight quality start on Saturday, but didn't figure in the decision against the Dodgers. Stammen lasted seven innings and gave up three runs on six hits, but it was the long ball that did him in. The Nats were ahead, 1-0, when Casey Blake hit a two-run homer to give Los Angeles a 2-1 lead in the top of the second inning. Blake hit his second home run -- a solo shot -- off Stammen in the top of the seventh.Marlins: Outstanding in his past two starts, Nolasco will look to keep building on his past success. In road games at Philadelphia and Colorado, the right-hander went 2-0, allowing one run in 19 innings, striking out 13 and walking three. Because of off-days and a rainout, he will be throwing six days after beating the Rockies. In those two games, he threw 68 percent of his 214 pitches for strikes.
</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"> Turner Field | 7:35 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%"> Brett Myers, RHP (1-1, 3.81)
Astros (8-12) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Tommy Hanson, RHP (1-2, 2.14)
Braves (8-14) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Astros: Myers makes his fifth start for the Astros and is coming off his first win of the season, beating the Pirates on Sunday by allowing 11 singles and two earned runs in six innings. Myers has struggled against the Braves in his career. He's appeared in 28 games vs. Atlanta (21 starts) and is 4-9 with a 4.52 ERA. He's 3-3 lifetime at Turner Field with a 5.25 ERA in 12 games, including eight starts. He's 0-4 against the Braves since his win against them, which occurred in 2006. Myers has given up 35 hits and struck out 18 batters in 26 innings this year.Braves: The big right-hander has followed up his outstanding rookie season (11-4, 2.78) with a strong start to his sophomore campaign. After four starts, Hanson has a 1-2 record but an impressive 2.14 ERA and his last start was arguably his strongest. He allowed one unearned run on five hits and struck out eight in his five-inning rain-shortened complete game loss to the Mets on Sunday.


</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"> Busch Stadium | 8:15 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%"> Johnny Cueto, RHP (0-1, 5.73)
Reds (10-11) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Brad Penny, RHP (3-0, 0.94)
Cardinals (15-7) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Reds: Cueto was pushed back one day in the rotation to give him extra rest. Bronson Arroyo took Cueto's normal turn in the rotation on April 23. Reds manager Dusty Baker wanted to spell Cueto to his abundance of pitches. In three starts, Cueto had thrown 322 pitches. In his start on Saturday, Cueto was a bit more efficient, throwing 92 pitches in six innings. But the results were largely the same. Cueto allowed five earned runs and seven hits, walked one and struck out five. But he was outdueled by San Diego's Wade LeBlanc, who gave up just three hits in helping lead the Padres to a 5-0 victory to hand Cueto his first loss of the season.Cardinals: Penny is 7-1 in his past 10 Major League starts, with an ERA of 1.92, dating to last year. That's on the heels of a dreadful 2-7 record in his final 15 starts with the Boston Red Sox. Penny seems much more comfortable pitching in the National League, and you won't hear many arguments from the four teams he's faced this year. He's been a workhorse for the Cardinals and saved them from getting swept in their final series on the road in San Francisco in his last outing. This is the Penny a lot of people were talking about when he pitched for the Florida Marlins and Los Angeles Dodgers. Penny has allowed as many earned runs (three) as batters he's walked this year. With that kind of control, it's possible for Penny to push both Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright for top-of-the-rotation honors.


</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"> 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%"> Dave Bush, RHP (1-1, 4.84)
Brewers (9-12) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Clayton Richard, LHP (0-2, 3.75)
Padres (13-8) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Brewers: Entering his start against the Cubs on Sunday, Bush had the lowest ERA of any Brewers starter at 2.41. That all changed on Sunday, however, as Bush allowed nine runs -- seven earned -- on 10 hits, including four home runs. With that outing of just 3 2/3 innings, Bush's ERA jumped more than two full runs to 4.84. Bush has struggled in two starts at home this season, allowing 12 runs -- 10 earned -- on 14 hits in 9 1/3 innings. He has allowed just two runs on 10 hits in 13 innings on the road this season, though, and will look to continue his road success in San Diego.Padres: Richard is the only pitcher in the Padres' starting rotation without a victory this season. It looked like he might have a shot at a win in his last start against the Reds on Sunday, even though his command betrayed him at times. "A couple of pitches were close," said Richard, who walked four in 5 1/3 innings. "I got too deep into counts, [that's] where I really got hurt." Richard allowed one hit over the first three innings but allowed back-to-back RBI singles in the bottom of the fourth inning. Both occurred with two outs, something Richard was kicking himself over after the game. "You get two quick outs, you've got to attack that third hitter," he said.


</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"> 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%"> Charlie Morton, RHP (0-4, 16.20)
Pirates (9-12) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Chad Billingsley, RHP (1-1, 5.40)
Dodgers (8-13) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Pirates: Morton has been nothing close to the reliable arm that the Pirates expected to have this season. He has not pitched a full four innings in three of his four outings and has allowed at least five runs per start. Morton has had a hard time pinpointing the issues, too. In some cases, pitch selection has been a problem. In other starts, it's been fastball command or a hesitancy to be aggressive enough with his fastball. You have to wonder if the terrible season start is starting to have an effect on Morton's mental fortitude, particularly given his lack of big league experience. This will be Morton's first career appearance against the Dodgers.Dodgers: Billingsley came up with the rebound effort the Dodgers were counting on after the serious meeting he had with manager Joe Torre and pitching coach Rick Honeycutt in the wake of his three-inning start in Cincinnati. Sticking with just a fastball and curve, Billingsley said he tried to simplify his pitching approach and the hardball style really suited him, as he shook off a first-inning run and allowed the Nationals nothing further in six innings. It was the closest Billingsley has looked to the first-half All-Star he was a year ago.

</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"> 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%"> Colby Lewis, RHP (3-0, 3.80)
Rangers (10-12) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Cliff Lee, LHP (0-0, -.--)
Mariners (11-11) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Rangers: Lewis beat the Tigers on Sunday while allowing four runs in 6 1/3 innings. He allowed the four runs in the first two innings, but then retired 15 of 16 hitters to get the victory. He struck out 10 for the second time in four starts. He is only the third Rangers pitcher to strike out 10 or more batters in multiple April starts; Nolan Ryan did it in 1989, and Bobby Witt did it in 1986. Opponents are hitting .136 off Lewis with runners in scoring position through his first four starts. He has a 4.35 ERA in two starts on the road. Lewis made his first start of the season against the Mariners, allowing one run in seven innings in a 5-1 victory.Mariners: The much-anticipated regular season debut of the 2008 American League Cy Young Award winner arrives as Lee takes on the Rangers at Safeco Field. A foot injury at the beginning of Spring Training, a strained lower abdominal muscle and a five-game suspension that was rescinded are all behind the veteran lefty, and it's full-speed ahead. Lee tuned up for Friday's start with six scoreless innings in a rehab start for Triple-A Tacoma last Sunday. He threw all of his pitches, commanded the strike zone and was basically pleased with the way he felt. He needed just 65 pitches to make it through six innings but should be able to reach the 100-pitch mark on Friday night without any problems.


</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"> AT&T Park | 10:15 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%"> Aaron Cook, RHP (1-2, 5.01)
Rockies (11-11) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Barry Zito, LHP (3-0, 1.32)
Giants (12-9) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Rockies: Aaron Cook rebounded from a rough start to his season to notch his first win in style, going the distance in an 8-1 victory over the Marlins to secure a split in a Coors Field doubleheader. Boasting what he called his best sinker in two years, Cook recorded 15 ground-ball outs while scattering five hits and two walks over nine innings. He had complete control of the strike zone, executing first-pitch strikes and first-pitch outs, efficiently working through 111 pitches and saving the bullpen on an early season twin bill. The "vintage Aaron Cook" outing earned him his all-time best 32nd win at Coors Field, surpassing Jason Jennings for the most wins in one of baseball's most challenging parks for pitchers.Giants: Zito is off to the best start of his career. Skeptics warned before his most recent outing that he wasn't amassing many strikeouts (nine in 19 1/3 innings), often an ominous sign for a pitcher. Then he struck out 10 in eight innings against St. Louis, marking his second double-digit strikeout performance as a Giant. Zito has been especially tough on the Rockies, compiling a 4-2 record with a 1.98 ERA against them in 11 lifetime starts, including 2-0 with a 0.95 ERA last year.

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

Phillies give Lopez dose of reality: Diamondbacks SP Rodrigo Lopez, who allowed just two runs in seven innings Monday against the Cardinals, wasn't nearly as effective Sunday against the Phillies. He allowed six runs on 10 hits in six innings, striking out five and walking none. He didn't factor in the decision.
(Updated 04/25/2010).

Lopez has had two quality starts and two shaky ones, leading to a 4.88 ERA overall. Unfortunately, he doesn't stand to get much better than that. The 34-year-old will eat enough innings to make an impact in NL-only leagues, but he'll struggle to keep his ERA on the right side of 5.00. Don't bother with him outside of those deeper formats. His next start is scheduled for Friday at the Cubs.





Wells strong again for Cubs: Cubs SP Randy Wells pitched seven innings on Sunday allowing two runs on seven hits against the Brewers. His great pitching performance was overshadowed by the Cubs offense as they put up 12 runs in an offensive explosion. Wells also struck out six and did not issue a walk while earning his second win of the season.
(Updated 04/25/2010).

Wells has had four good starts for the Cubs to start the season. He is not a big strikeout pitcher, but consistently throws strikes and keeps a low ERA. His ERA is 2.49 so far after posting a 3.05 ERA in 27 starts last season. His next start is scheduled for Friday against the Diamondbacks. In one start against Arizona in 2009, Wells allowed three hits over seven innings while shutting out the Diamondbacks for the win.

Niese labors through no-decision: Mets starter Jonathon Niese walked five in laboring through 5 1/3 innings Saturday against the Braves. He threw 116 pitches and allowed five hits. He struck out six batters, but also walked five in a no decision.
(Updated 04/24/2010).

Niese has had some control issues this season, making it tough for him to eat up many innings. in fact, he has pitched fewer than six innings in his last three starts. He has allowed only one run in his last two outings, but does not have a decision to show for his efforts. It's hard to pick up wins when you aren't in the game very long. Niese remains just an NL-only stopgap as a result for his next start in Philadelphia, a very tough matchup on paper.





Kendrick comes back down to earth: Phillies SP Kyle Kendrick, who pitched eight shutout innings at Atlanta in his last start, went right back to struggling Sunday at Arizona. He allowed five runs on eight hits in five innings, issuing four walks and recording four strikeouts. He didn't factor in the decision.
(Updated 04/25/2010).

Kendrick had that gem against the Braves but has been a disaster otherwise. In fact, Sunday's start was his second best. The 25-year-old has always been overly hittable and likely doesn't have long in the starting rotation, especially if he continues to pitch this way

Garcia bounces back against Mariners: White Sox SP Freddy An. Garcia rebounded from a tough outing in his last start to hold the Mariners to a pair of runs on Saturday. He pitched seven innings, allowing only two hits and two walks, striking out five. He got a no-decision during the 5-4 victory.
(Updated 04/24/2010).

Garcia has had two good starts and one bad one, so the jury's still out on him. He hasn't been an effective pitcher since 2006, which makes us reluctant to bite on him. He's a deeper AL-only formats Fantasy option at this point. His next start comes Friday at New York. He's 4-4 with a 4.21 ERA in his career against the Yankees.




Pettitte pitching at his best?: Yankees SP Andy Pettitte, according to Angels manager Mike Scioscia and the numbers, might be better right now than he's ever been before, reports MLB.com on Sunday. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Pettitte's numbers through four starts -- 3-0 record, 1.29 ERA, 22 strikeouts in 28 innings -- are the lowest ERA and best strikeout total he has had through his first four starts in any of his 16 major league seasons. "The thing I was surprised about, the first couple of starts, my stamina wasn't there," Pettitte said. "I felt like I was fortunate that I've been able to get off to the start that I've been able to get off to. Now the stamina is there."
(Updated 04/26/2010).

Pettitte's dominance thus far has Scioscia and Yankees manager Joe Girardi talking Fountain of Youth. "That's something I'm going to ask him, if he found it, because I'm going to look for it too," Girardi said of his starter. As long as he continues to pitch like this, he should be active in all formats. His next start is scheduled for Friday vs. the Chicago White Sox. Pettitte has been so-so in his career against the Sox, posting an 11-9 record with a 4.34 ERA.

Lackey rebounds from shelling: Red Sox SP John Lackey scattered 10 hits over seven innings during Saturday's 7-6 win over the Orioles. He gave up three earned runs, walking two and fanning three. Lackey was roughed up for eight runs by the Rays in his previous start. He improved to 2-1 on the season.
(Updated 04/24/2010).

Lackey has pitched well in all but one of his starts, allowing just five earned runs in those three outings. He remains a solid Fantasy starting pitcher in mixed formats. His next start comes Sunday at Baltimore. He's 8-3 3.16 ERA in his career against the Orioles.





Hernandez solid again in no-decision: Orioles SP David Hernandez pitched well once again on Sunday against the Red Sox but once again came away empty handed. The Orioles eventually tied the score after he was out of the ballgame but the bullpen allowed all his inherited runners to score and he was on the hook before that happened. Hernandez settled for the no-decision as he allowed three runs on four hits over five innings. He walked three and struck out one. His ERA is 4.84 on the year.
(Updated 04/25/2010).

Hernandez was solid on Sunday until he put some runners on in his final inning. The Orioles removed him and all his runners left on base eventually crossed. It has been that way time and time again for the Orioles' starters and it makes it hard to use Hernandez outside AL-only Fantasy leagues. His next start is scheduled for Week 4 (April 26-May 2) on Friday in a rematch with Boston.

Slowey to start Friday in Cleveland: According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Twins starter Nick Blackburn went home on Thursday for family reasons and will not be able to make his scheduled start on Friday at Cleveland. Kevin Slowey will move up to take that start in his absence. A starter for Saturday's game has yet to be determined.
(Updated 04/29/2010). <table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" width="100%"> <tbody><tr class="bg4"><td>Injury Report</td></tr> <tr class="bg2"><td> No information available at this time (Updated 4/29/10). </td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr class="bg4"><td>
</td></tr> <tr class="bg2"><td> Blackburn also recently missed a start due to a sore elbow. He will likely be fit into the lineup at some point in Fantasy Week 5 (May 3-9), but has not been pitching well enough to start outside of deeper AL-only leagues anyway. Slowey is 1-1 with a 2.57 ERA for his career at Progressive Field in Cleveland over two starts and remains a good play. </td></tr></tbody></table>




Carmona's new confidence, mentality: When new Indians C Mike Redmond faced starter Fausto Carmona last season, he noticed some things that worked against the big right-hander. "Even though I didn't get any hits off him, he actually did me some favors by the way he pitched me," Redmond told MLB.com. "As I was facing him, I was always in the back of my mind going, 'This guy doesn't need to do all that stuff. He doesn't need to throw me changeups. He's giving me a chance by throwing me those pitches. If I ever caught him, I'd use him differently.'" But this season, Carmona has been dominating the AL thanks to two changes. "Different side of the rubber," he said, "and throwing strikes." The suggestion to move to the first-base side of the rubber came from former Major Leaguer Jose Lima in the Dominican Winter League, and Carmona has produced a 3-0 record this year with a 2.96 ERA in four starts.
(Updated 04/29/2010).

Carmona's hot start has Fantasy owners remembering his 2007 season when he went 19-8 with a 3.06 ERA and 137 strikeouts. He has been dominant so far this season and should remain on the track as long as he has confidence. "That's a product of him having a good spring and getting off to a good start," pitching coach Tim Belcher said. "When you get off to a good start, your confidence grows and grows. That's not something that comes from any manager or coach. That comes from within. And that's the best kind of confidence." Fantasy owners in mixed leagues should start to take notice of Carmona if they haven't already. His next start is scheduled for Friday against the Twins. Carmona is 3-6 with a 5.11 ERA in 14 career appearances (10 starts) against Minnesota.

Pineiro cooled off by Yanks: Angels SP Joel Pineiro (2-2) worked six innings and allowed six runs on Saturday, two more than he gave up in 20 1/3 innings over his first three starts. The Yankees got 11 of their 14 hits against the right-hander. Pineiro also recorded two strikeouts while walking one batter. It was the first time this season he has allowed more than three earned runs.
(Updated 04/24/2010).

Pineiro had been pitching well up until the Yankees game, but giving up a ton of runs to the Yankees isn't anything new for most pitchers. Despite the poor showing on Saturday, Pineiro is still boasting a decent 3.42 ERA and has given up just four walks all year. Continue to start him in most mixed formats because he should pile up wins in a solid Angels lineup. Pineiro's next scheduled start is for Friday against the Tigers. He owns a 7-2 record with a 2.40 ERA against Detroit.





Porcello stinks it up again: Tigers SP Rick Porcello was not sharp on Sunday at Texas, losing for the second straight start. He allowed six earned runs on 10 hits over four innings. He walked two and struck out three as he dropped to 1-2 on the year. "I'm giving up way too many belt-high fastballs," Porcello said. "When you do that, you're gonna get hit. I've got to do a lot better job of getting the ball down. Today was a poor effort of that. I take full responsibility."
(Updated 04/25/2010).

Porcello's last two starts have both been awful. He has allowed 12 runs on 18 hits over 8 1/3 innings in that span. Both of those starts came on the road, however, and his next outing comes Friday at home against the Angels. Porcello has the upside of an ace, but at age 21, he's still learning consistency at the major-league level

Bannister solid for first victory: Royals SP Brian Bannister was solid on Sunday against the Twins to earn his first win of the season. Bannister (1-1) gave up just two runs on nine hits over 6 1/3 innings in the game. He needed 106 pitches as he walked two and struck out none.
(Updated 04/25/2010).

Bannister has a 4.13 ERA on the season and really has only had one poor outing on April 19 in Toronto when he allowed six runs over 5 1/3 innings in his only loss. Bannister has been solid but is mainly an AL-only Fantasy option. His next start comes Friday at Tampa Bay in Week 4 (April 26-May 2). He is 2-2 with a 5.70 ERA over four starts in his career at Tampa's Tropicana Field.





Niemann strikes out eight vs. Toronto: Rays SP Jeff Niemann went 6 2/3 innings on Saturday and struck out eight Blue Jays in a 9-3 comeback win. He allowed three runs on five hits, all of the runs coming off a Lyle Overbay solo homer in the fifth inning and Adam Lind's two-run bomb in the sixth. Neimann also walked one in the no decision.
(Updated 04/24/2010).

Neimann has pitched well enough to win in his last three starts now, but only has one win to show for it. His next start is scheduled for Friday against the Royals. Neimann went 2-0 in two starts against K.C. last season, posting a 0.53 ERA and 16 strikeouts.

Cueto's first decision a loss: Reds starter Johnny Cueto (0-1) lasted six innings and picked up his first decision in four starts -- a loss against the Padres on Saturday afternoon. The Padres reached him for seven hits and five runs. He walked one and struck out five.
(Updated 04/24/2010).

Cueto had pitched in close games in his first three starts and had not factored in any of the decisions. He has been very unimpressive in the early going this season without much consistency in any particular category. The strikeout totals have been low, the ERA and WHIP has been high and Fantasy owners. However, Cueto is still a young pitcher with loads of upside and is worth your patience. Even if you aren't able to activate him at the moment due to his struggles, cutting him is way too drastic. His next start is slated for April 30 in St. Louis for what appears to be an unfavorable matchup against a good lineup.





Penny shuts down former team: Cardinals SP Brad Penny gave up eight hits over 7 2/3 innings on Sunday against the Giants, striking out two with no walks while outpitching former teammate Matt Cain. The Cardinals' right-hander, who played for San Francisco in 2009, didn't allow a runner past second base while lowering his ERA to 0.94. He held San Francisco in check all afternoon despite pitching with runners on base in every inning except the first. "They were really aggressive, which helped me out and worked in my favor," Penny said. "If you look at the difference in the game our guys were patient and ran Matt's pitch count up and they were swinging first or second pitch." Penny escaped his biggest jam in the seventh when he got pinch-hitter Aubrey Huff to ground out to second with two outs and two runners on. Penny won his third game of the year in the 2-0 victory.
(Updated 04/25/2010).

The Cardinals did not need much offense on Sunday thanks to Penny. It marked the second time in four starts that Penny did not allow an earned run. He also went his deepest this year, having gone seven innings in his first three starts. Looks like pitching coach Dave Duncan has revived another career. Penny's next start is scheduled for Friday against the Reds. He is a solid start in Fantasy Week 4 (April 26-May 2), as he went 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA in two starts against Cincinnati in 2008.

Olsen masterful in win over Dodgers: Washington SP Scott Olsen was fantastic over seven solid innings to beat the Dodgers on Sunday. Olsen threw seven shutout innings and gave up just six base hits and a walk as he improved to 1-1 on the year and earned his first victory, 1-0. Olsen struck out a career-high eight and threw 99 pitches, 71 for strikes. His ERA lowered to 6.14 on the year. "For today, it feels good," said Olsen of his first victory since July 5. "Enjoy this for about 20 more minutes and then start thinking about six days from now."
(Updated 04/25/2010).

Olsen will make his next start on Saturday in Florida against the Marlins, his original team. Olsen is 0-1 in three starts against Florida and has a 4.21 career ERA in 57 starts at Dolphin Stadium. He hasn't been great this season but proved his value on Sunday. The possibility that he duplicates this performance makes him viable in NL-only Fantasy leagues.






Nolasco's start pushed to Fri.: Marlins SP Nate Robertson, who pitched the second game of Saturday's doubleheader, will now start again against the Padres on Wednesday, according to MLB.com The left-hander will be going on three days of rest instead of his regular four. Ricky Nolasco, the winner of the first game on Saturday, will, instead, start on Friday. The Marlins have a couple of off-days coming up, which they plan to use to give all five starters at least one extra day of rest. They also are off on May 3. "We'll try to keep it in some kind of order," Gonzalez said. "When you start juggling, somebody is going to go seven days [between starts]."
(Updated 04/26/2010).

Nolasco will now go up against the Nationals instead of the Padres. In three starts against Washington in 2009, Nolasco went 2-0 with a 4.50 ERA and 18 strikeouts in the 18 innings pitched.

Morton's struggles continue: Pirates SP Charlie Morton (0-4) gave up five runs and five hits in three innings against the Astros on Sunday. Morton has allowed 24 earned runs in 13 1/3 innings this season. Morton, who has only made it out of the fourth inning in just one of his four starts, gave up a home run to Lance Berkman while recording two walks and two strikeouts.
(Updated 04/25/2010).

Morton has posted an astronomical 16.20 ERA in his four starts and has not shown any signs of improvement to this point. If he keeps posting numbers like this, a demotion to the minors could be waiting in the wings for the 26-year-old hurler. Consider Morton a last resort option in only the deepest of NL-only Fantasy leagues. His next start is scheduled for Friday against the Dodgers.





Billingsley gets back to the basics: Dodgers SP Chad Billingsley did all he could to secure a victory Sunday at Washington. His offense simply would not score for him. Billingsley gave up one run on four hits over six innings, but he took the loss, falling to 1-1. He walked two and struck out five. He did show marked improvement over his previous starts, however, lowering his ERA to 5.40. "I was being a little more aggressive with my fastball today, and just pretty much went out there today and kept it simple, just went after guys," Billingsley said. "It was a tough one, a close one, a real pitchers' game. I tried to stay away from anything fancy out there."
(Updated 04/25/2010).

Billingsley had allowed 10 earned runs in his previous two starts -- a span of 8 2/3 innings -- so simplifying seemed to work for him. His next start comes Friday against Pittsburgh. He is 3-0 over three career starts against the Pirates with a 5.23 ERA. Billingsley has so much upside that he should remain active in the majority of Fantasy leagues.

Lewis has 25 Ks in last 3 starts: Texas SP Colby Lewis has 25 strikeouts in his last 16 2/3 innings for the Rangers. Lewis improved to 3-0 with a win Sunday over the Tigers. Lewis struck out 10 Tigers batters and allowed four runs on seven hits and two walks over 6 1/3 innings. Lewis allowed all four runs over his first two innings before deciding to mix up his pitches instead of throwing so many fastballs. A mound visit from pitching coach Mike Maddux in the second helped convince Lewis to change his approach. "I just kind of got out of rhythm," Lewis said. "I was using my fastball too much. [Maddux] said, 'Mix in your off-speed stuff. Don't get too comfortable with your fastball.'"
(Updated 04/25/2010).

Lewis has two 10-strikeout games in his last three starts and has won three of his four appearances for the Rangers. He continues to impress with just 37 career starts under his belt. The former top prospect isn't going to emerge as an ace or anything, but he's worth starting in the right matchups. His next start comes Friday at Seattle.





Lee throws bullpen session: Mariners SP Cliff Lee, scheduled to come off the disabled list Friday and start against Texas, threw roughly 50 pitches in the bullpen on Tuesday. Lee has been sidelined with an abdominal strain.
(Updated 04/28/2010).

Lee is a must-start ace in all leagues. He is only active in 45 percent of CBSSports.com's leagues right now, but that should rise considerably with a solid Mariners debut Friday. Get ready to activate him for Fantasy Week 5 (May 3-9), if you haven't already.

<table class="tableBody" bgcolor="#ffffff" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr class="tableBody" bgcolor="#f2f2e8"><td valign="top"><nobr>Todd Helton, Col 1B</nobr>
<nobr>News Archive
</nobr><nobr>Colorado Rockies</nobr>
</td><td valign="top">Helton has been dropped to fifth in the lineup for Friday's game against the Giants, Troy Renck of the Denver Post reports.
Spin:
Carlos Gonzalez is taking over the third spot in a move that sounds permanent unless Helton starts hitting for power. Helton is batting .271 on the year, but he has no home runs and just four doubles, contributing to a very poor .691 OPS.



Fri, Apr 30



</td><td valign="top"> </td></tr><tr class="tableBody" bgcolor="#f8f8f2"><td valign="top"><nobr>Carlos Gonzalez, Col OF</nobr>
<nobr>News Archive
</nobr><nobr>Colorado Rockies</nobr>
</td><td valign="top">Gonzalez is batting third in the Rockies lineup for Friday's game, Troy Renck of the Denver Post reports.
Spin:
Todd Helton, who is hitting .271 but really struggling to put up power numbers, has been dropped to fifth in the lineup to the benefit of Gonzalez. The change sounds like it will be permanent unless Helton starts to mash the ball.



Fri, Apr 30



</td><td valign="top"> </td></tr><tr class="tableBody" bgcolor="#f2f2e8"><td valign="top"><nobr>Ross Ohlendorf*, Pit SP</nobr>
<nobr>News Archive
</nobr><nobr>Pittsburgh Pirates</nobr>
Out: 15-day DL</td><td valign="top">Ohlendorf (back) threw 43 pitches for High-A Bradenton on Friday and will make another rehab start, likely for Double-A Altoona on May 5, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Spin:
Manager John Russell said that Ohlendorf remains on track to start for the Pirates on May 10. The Pirates manager noted that Ohlendorf didn't suffer any setbacks on Friday. "The main thing is that he didn't have any effects with his back," Russell said.



Fri, Apr 30



</td><td valign="top"> </td></tr><tr class="tableBody" bgcolor="#f8f8f2"><td valign="top"><nobr>Bobby Crosby, Pit 3B</nobr>
<nobr>News Archive
</nobr><nobr>Pittsburgh Pirates</nobr>
</td><td valign="top">Crosby will start at shortstop for Pittsburgh on Friday, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Spin:
Crosby started at second base on Thursday, giving Aki Iwamura a rest. His erratic playing time has led him to just 26 at-bats through 22 games and a .269 batting average.



Fri, Apr 30



</td><td valign="top"> </td></tr><tr class="tableBody" bgcolor="#f2f2e8"><td valign="top"><nobr>Ronny Cedeno, Pit SS</nobr>
<nobr>News Archive
</nobr><nobr>Pittsburgh Pirates</nobr>
</td><td valign="top">Cedeno is not in Friday's starting lineup, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Spin:
Cedeno battled stomach ailments about a week ago, but he's been fine since then. It appears coach John Russell simply wants to go with Bobby Crosby at short on Friday.



Fri, Apr 30



</td><td valign="top"> </td></tr><tr class="tableBody" bgcolor="#f8f8f2"><td valign="top"><nobr>Lastings Milledge, Pit OF</nobr>
<nobr>News Archive
</nobr><nobr>Pittsburgh Pirates</nobr>
</td><td valign="top">Milledge is not listed in the Bucs' starting lineup for the third time in the last week, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Spin:
Milledge has sat each time opponents have thrown a tough righty, including both Yovani Gallardo and Roy Oswalt. Milledge will ride the pine with Chad Billingsley going for the Dodgers Friday night. This trend could hamper Milledge's counting stats going forward if it continues. The Pirates also bounced him out of the third slot in the order to leadoff on Thursday. There's a good chance the movement surrounding Milledge's playing time and lineup spot will firm up as the season progresses, but right now Ryan Church is stealing time from him against tough righties.



Fri, Apr 30



</td><td valign="top"> </td></tr><tr class="tableBody" bgcolor="#f2f2e8"><td valign="top"><nobr>Akinori Iwamura, Pit 2B</nobr>
<nobr>News Archive
</nobr><nobr>Pittsburgh Pirates</nobr>
</td><td valign="top">Iwamura is listed as the Pirates' leadoff hitter for Friday's game, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Spin:
Iwamura sat out Thursday's win with lefty Clayton Kershaw on the mound. He's batting first in the order for the second straight time after dropping to seventh.


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



Juan Uribe, SF 2B
News Archive
San Francisco Giants
Day-To-Day
Uribe (elbow) is back in the lineup for Friday's game against the Rockies, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Spin:
Uribe hasn't played in a game since leaving last Saturday's game with an elbow injury. He's batting in the seventh spot Friday.