Starting pitcher rankings for June 6

<center> Starting pitcher rankings for June 6

</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;"> Tim Lincecum </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"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.19 </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"> 5.79 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.76 </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;"> Ubaldo Jimenez </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"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 0.78 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 0.90 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 4-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0.56 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0.75 </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;"> Jaime Garcia </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"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.19 </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"> 1.54 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.37 </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;"> Ryan Dempster </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"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3-5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.72 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.10 </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"> 4.23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.16 </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Garza </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @TEX </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5-4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.08 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.21 </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"> 4.26 </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"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> John Ely </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.54 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 0.93 </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"> 1.65 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0.88 </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;"> Tim Hudson </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"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.14 </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"> 1.73 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0.96 </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;"> 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"> @NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5-4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.57 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.23 </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"> 6.45 </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"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Hisanori Takahashi </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"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.36 </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"> 3.79 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.53 </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;"> Kevin Correia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5-4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.33 </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"> 5.40 </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"> 11 </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; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> MIN </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.68 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3.08 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.18 </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;"> Jason Vargas </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </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"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.92 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.08 </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"> 2.81 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.21 </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;"> 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"> @SEA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3-6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.40 </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"> 6.23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.27 </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;"> Mark Buehrle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </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"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3-6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.84 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.39 </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"> 4.57 </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"> 15 </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"> DET </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.73 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.41 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 4-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 4.01 </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"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brett Myers </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"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.04 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.39 </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"> 2.25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.25 </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;"> Rich Harden </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"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.70 </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"> 8.84 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2.07 </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;"> 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"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.95 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.66 </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"> 5.55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2.05 </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;"> Bronson Arroyo </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"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.92 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 4.23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.48 </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;"> Javier Vazquez </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"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4-5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.06 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.49 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2.84 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.00 </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;"> 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"> @OAK </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.73 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.48 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 4.68 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.48 </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;"> Jake Westbrook </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.41 </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"> 3.45 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.15 </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;"> Jeremy Bonderman </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"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.72 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.24 </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"> 1.64 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.14 </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;"> Joe Blanton </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"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1-4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.68 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.32 </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"> 6.04 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.26 </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;"> 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"> NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4-4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.00 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.58 </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"> 4.91 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.36 </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;"> Ross Ohlendorf </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"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 0-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.55 </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"> 4.76 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.54 </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;"> 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"> COL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.41 </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"> 4.33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.37 </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;"> Brian Matusz </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </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"> 2-6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.60 </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"> 6.00 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.81 </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;"> Craig Stammen </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"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.88 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.49 </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"> 5.96 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.63 </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;"> Manny Parra </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </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"> 1-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.06 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.74 </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"> 3.55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2.21 </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:
Top of the Charts: Call it in the air. This is totally splitting hairs, but Tim Lincecum is my No. 1 pick for the day, based on the 2.86 ERA lifetime against the Pirates. However, there's practically nothing separating him from the brilliant Ubaldo Jimenez, who has already held the Diamondbacks scoreless for 14 innings in 2010. It's not like you're benching either guy.


Is the real Matt Garza going to show up against the Rangers? I think so, but both John Ely and Tim Hudson, who is 5-2 with a 3.90 ERA lifetime against the Los Angeles Dodgers, are right there on his tail.
Rounding out the top 10: Ricky Nolasco beat the Mets earlier this year and although Hisanori Takahashi has a 6.23 ERA against the Marlins, those were all relief outings. With this game at Citi Field, it's a toss-up.
Middle of the road options: Gio Gonzalez would be a lot higher if not for his disastrous pair of 2009 outings against the Twins -- 18 runs allowed and a 28.59 ERA. Jason Vargas should be a nice play Sunday, as he's 2-0 with a 2.20 ERA against the Angels. Brian Bannister has won his past four decisions and has a 2.12 career ERA facing the Tigers.
Mark Buehrle has a 1.76 ERA against the Cleveland Indians this season, and goes up against Jake Westbrook who has allowed 12 earned runs in 18 innings of work in two losses to the White Sox in 2010.
Streamers on alert: Brett Myers is 7-3 lifetime against the Chicago Cubs, with a 2.63 ERA. Bronson Arroyo is 3-1 with a 3.88 ERA against the Washington Nationals. Throw in John Lackey, 9-3 lifetime against the now Dave Trembley-free Orioles, and you've got a veteran trio to consider as the fantasy week comes to a close.
Thanks, but no thanks: I'm avoiding Nick Blackburn, as he has never defeated the Athletics and has a 6.37 ERA in games against the green and gold. Joe Blanton has a 5.73 career ERA against the San Diego Padres, which is actually worse than his overall 2010 ERA. Dave Bush was pulled from his scheduled start either because of a blister or, more likely, because he's been atrocious. Still, Manny Parra is not that big of an upgrade here.

Hitters' count: Sunday
Mark Ellis, 2B, Athletics: He's raised his batting average nearly 80 points in the past week and is a career 4-for-8 with two home runs against Nick Blackburn.
Pablo Sandoval, 3B, Giants: Hitting .359 against the Pirates since 2009 is one check in the plus column for the Panda. The nine hits in his past seven games is another.
Darnell McDonald, OF, Red Sox: He went 4-for-9 in the series against the Athletics, and it's looking like Mike Cameron isn't coming back anytime soon. Besides, who doesn't the Orioles' pitching staff make a thousand times better?
Jason Giambi, 1B, Rockies: Spot-start alert in full effect for Giambi. Not only is he hitting .314 against Rodrigo Lopez, but has four career home runs against him.
Jay Bruce, OF, Reds: Bruce likes the road, as he's hitting 33 points higher away from Cincinnati this season. Even though he's disappointed his owners so far in 2010, he has hit three home runs in his past seven games.
Pitchers' count: Sunday
Brian McCann, C, Braves: McCann is battling a 1-for-12 slump and is 2-for-23 since the start of 2009 against the Dodgers.
Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pirates: All Pirates take a dip in value against Tim Lincecum, but moreso a player who has a career 0-fer against him, like McCutchen does.
Conor Jackson, OF, Diamondbacks: Deuces are wild for Jackson, and not in a good way, as he's only 2-for-22 since May 25. It's unlikely to get better against Ubaldo Jimenez, against whom he has only two career hits in 11 at-bats.
Derek Jeter, SS, Yankees: Brandon Morrow has held Jeter to a .125 batting average. Sure, you're not benching a guy hitting .444 during the past week, but that doesn't guarantee Morrow won't have his number again.
Josh Hamilton, OF, Rangers: Strangely, Hamilton is 1-for-15 in the final game of his past four three-game series. Plus, he's only 2-for-12 with four strikeouts against Matt Garza.
Baseball Challenge Picks of the Weekend


Sunday: Matt Holliday, LF, Cardinals: Not only is Holliday hitting .520 since May 27, but he gets to face Manny Parra, against whom he's managed to reach base safely against in all but one of his five career plate appearances.

<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"> Rogers Centre | 1:07 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Javier Vazquez, RHP (4-5, 6.06)
Yankees (34-22) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Brandon Morrow, RHP (4-4, 6.00)
Blue Jays (33-24) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Yankees: Vazquez took another step forward on Tuesday, dominating the Orioles over seven innings. The right-hander allowed a run on four hits and tied a season-high with seven strikeouts in picking up his fourth win of the season. He's now submitted fine starts in three of his last four. Vazquez is 4-7 with a 4.17 ERA in 14 career starts against the Blue Jays -- the last of which was in 2008. In his last four starts against Toronto, he has yielded five earned runs in 29 1/3 innings. He's had even more success at Rogers Centre, where he's 2-1 with a 1.50 ERA in five starts.Blue Jays: Morrow was dominant in Monday's 3-2 win against the Rays, taking a no-hit bid into the sixth inning before Sean Rodriguez hit an infield single with two outs. The young right-hander, making only his 26th big league start, ended up going seven innings and allowing one earned run on three hits and two walks against one of baseball's most potent lineups. Unlike past outings, Morrow was not reliant upon blowing the ball past hitters, as he utilized more of a pitch to contact philosophy, recording only one strikeout on the evening. Morrow has had more punchouts than innings in eight of his 11 starts this season. His next task will be equally as difficult, as Morrow will battle the Yankees, whom he is 1-0 with a 3.94 ERA over 16 innings.


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<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca"> </td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Citi Field | 1:10 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Ricky Nolasco, RHP (5-4, 4.57)
Marlins (28-29) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Hisanori Takahashi, LHP (4-2, 3.21)
Mets (29-27) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Marlins: The strikeout returned to Nolasco's game in his previous start, and so did a victory. The right-hander snapped a two-game slide, and won for first time since beating Mets on May 16. Nolasco makes his third start of season against New York. He is 1-0 with a no-decision. In his last start, a win over the Brewers, he struck out eight in seven innings. Nolasco had gone five straight starts with three strikeouts in each of them.Mets: It took Takahashi three outings to allow his first runs as a starting pitcher, but he did so in a big way, serving up a grand slam to Jerry Hairston Jr. on Monday in San Diego. Takahashi allowed six runs in all in that game, lasting merely four innings -- but prior to that he had submitted consecutive scoreless efforts against the two teams that played in the World Series last year, the Yankees and Phillies. He will look to return to that form this Sunday against the Marlins, a team he has faced only in relief.


</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 | 1:35 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> John Lackey, RHP (6-3, 4.95)
Red Sox (33-24) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Brian Matusz, LHP (2-6, 5.28)
Orioles (15-41) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Red Sox: Lackey has been durable in his first season with the Sox, failing to make it past five innings only twice in 11 previous starts. A win against the woebegone Orioles would give the right-hander a three-game winning streak for the first time in 2010. He'll have to cut down on the long balls in Camden Yards, a notorious hitter's park when the weather warms up -- Lackey has allowed a homer in seven starts this season. He's 1-1 against Baltimore in two starts this season, and 9-3 with a 3.17 ERA in 14 career starts vs. the Orioles.Orioles: Matusz finally got back on track on Tuesday against the Yankees, but still picked up his sixth loss of the year. He had been struggling in the early innings, allowing four runs in the first frame in back-to-back starts against Texas and Oakland. But against the Yankees, the promising 23-year-old southpaw allowed just one baserunner in the first inning. He pitched 6 2/3 innings, holding New York's hefty bats to just one run on six hits while striking out five. Matusz faced Boston for the first time on April 24, 2010, going six innings and allowing three runs on six hits with four punchouts. He has lost a career-high six straight decisions.


</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"> Nationals Park | 1:35 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Bronson Arroyo, RHP (5-3, 4.92)
Reds (32-24) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Craig Stammen, RHP (1-2, 5.88)
Nationals (27-30) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Reds: After winning four in a row and going 5-0 in six starts, Arroyo's hot streak ended in St. Louis on Memorial Day. Pitching on both sides of a rain delay, he lasted 4 1/3 innings, giving up 10 hits and seven runs with five walks. The seven runs equaled the total he allowed in the previous four wins. Maybe facing Washington is exactly what he needs to bounce back. In one start against the Nationals in each of the Past two years, Arroyo didn't allow a run -- including a two-hit shutout in 2009.Nationals: Stammen barely survived the first inning in his last start on Tuesday in Houston. He gave up three hits, two walks and three runs in the first, then settled down. But he gave up another run in the third and a solo homer to Hunter Pence in the fifth, his final inning. Stammen won his only game of the season on April 19 vs. Colorado, when he gave up just five hits and two runs in eight innings. He never made it through seven innings in his six starts in May. He surrendered just one earned run in 6 2/3 innings when he received a no-decision in a May 7 start vs. Florida.
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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"> Citizens Bank Park | 1:35 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Kevin Correia, RHP (5-4, 4.55)
Padres (32-23) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Joe Blanton, RHP (1-4, 5.68)
Phillies (30-24) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Padres: Correia didn't have his best start on Monday against the Mets, but he didn't need to, as the Padres put up 18 runs in their record-setting win at PETCO Park. Correia (5-4) allowed six runs on seven hits to earn his first win since April 28. He struck out three and walked one batter. "I threw four innings really well, and then they started scoring some runs, so I was like, 'Why waste a good outing today?'" Correia joked after Monday's blowout. "When we're going to score so many runs, I might as well save [a better start] for a day where I'm not going to get so many runs." While the Padres scored a total of six runs in their Correia's previous four starts prior to Monday, he is still getting more than eight runs of support per game.Phillies: Just six starts into his season, the numbers do not look pretty for Blanton. He allowed eight hits, six runs, four earned runs in six innings in a 9-3 loss Monday to the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. Blanton typically has cruised early in the game, but has struggled mightily once he hits the later innings. He is trying to be more consistent, especially these days, when the Phillies offense has been struggling.


</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"> PNC Park | 1:35 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Tim Lincecum, RHP (5-2, 3.14)
Giants (29-25) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Ross Ohlendorf, RHP (0-3, 4.26)
Pirates (23-32) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Giants: The uncharacteristic struggles of Lincecum continued in his last start, a highly anticipated duel between Colorado's Ubaldo Jimenez, as the right-hander was saddled with his second consecutive loss. Lincecum failed to make it out of the sixth inning for the third straight outing, throwing 121 pitches (73 strikes) in 5 2/3 innings. He allowed four runs (thee earned) on six hits, and also walked five batters (two intentionally) for the fourth consecutive game. Lincecum has faced Pittsburgh three times in his career, posting a 1-1 record with 2.86 ERA.Pirates: Relying more on his changeup against a struggling Cubs lineup on Memorial Day, Ohlendorf pitched his best game of the season, going for season highs of 103 pitches and 67 strikes over seven innings of one-run, three-hit ball. Ohlendorf also stuck out a season-high six batters while walking a season-low two. A defensive gaffe in the outfield eventually resulted in Chicago's lone run and ruined Ohlendorf's shot at his first win of the season in the 2-1 Pirates win. The outing marked his second consecutive quality start, though the first went for naught with the Pittsburgh bats lifeless in a 4-0 loss at Cincinnati May 26. The right-hander now appears fully recovered from the back spasms that kept him out for more than a month after his first start of the season, April 7. Ohlendorf's seventh start of the season will mark the first time in his young career that he has faced the Giants.


</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca"> </td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Minute Maid Park | 2:05 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Randy Wells, RHP (3-3, 4.40)
Cubs (25-30) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Brett Myers, RHP (3-3, 3.04)
Astros (21-35) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Cubs: Wells pitched five shutout innings on two days' rest against the Pirates on Monday after failing to retire a batter in his previous start, a 7-1 loss on May 28 to St. Louis in which he allowed six hits on 16 pitches. Wells left the game against Pittsburgh with a 1-0 lead after tossing 90 pitches on a hot and very humid afternoon.

</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"> U.S. Cellular Field | 2:05 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Jake Westbrook, RHP (3-3, 4.36)
Indians (21-33) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Mark Buehrle, LHP (3-6, 4.84)
White Sox (23-32) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Indians: If Westbrook wasn't all the way back to his pre-injury form before Tuesday night's start at Comerica Park, he might be now. Westbrook was magnificent in guiding the Tribe to a 3-2 victory over the Tigers on Tuesday. He worked quickly, stayed ahead and allowed just one run on five hits with a walk and a strikeout over 7 2/3 innings. In April, Westbrook returned from a 22-month absence following Tommy John surgery. His rust showed early in the season, but his command has improved as the year has rolled along. And in this game, he was at his best, no doubt fueling speculation that he might be targeted by contenting clubs at next month's Trade Deadline.White Sox: Buehrle struggled through his last start, a 5 1/3-inning effort against the Rangers. After Buehrle threw 34 pitches in the first inning, yet danced out of trouble, the Rangers finally got to him to the tune of five runs in the sixth inning. Buehrle managed to not allow a run through the first two innings, despite allowing four hitters to reach base. In that sixth inning, four consecutive hitters singled, and Buehrle left the game tied at 4. Buehrle walked only one but allowed 12 hits, including 10 singles. In his career, Buehrle is 12-15 in 39 starts against the Indians.
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<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"><tbody><tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="left">
</td> <td align="right"> Kauffman Stadium | 2:10 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Jeremy Bonderman, RHP (2-3, 3.72)
Tigers (29-26) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Brian Bannister, RHP (5-3, 4.73)
Royals (23-34) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Tigers: Bonderman has quietly become the Tigers' most consistently effective pitcher over the past month or so, tossing quality starts in each of his last five starting assignments since May 1. That includes eight innings of three-run ball against the Indians that gave Detroit a shot in a pitchers' duel before dropping a 3-2 decision Tuesday night at Comerica Park. He's showing the impact of a stronger, healthier arm, but more importantly, the wisdom of a veteran hurler who has learned how to mix his pitches, get quick outs and work deeper into games. He faced the Royals in three mop-up relief assignments last year, but this will be his first start against Kansas City since he opened the 2008 season.Royals: Bannister equaled his career high with a fourth consecutive victory on Tuesday against the Angels. Nevertheless, Bannister felt his performance was spotty and credited a strong bullpen effort with helping him earn that win. Over 5 1/3 innings, Bannister gave up seven hits and three earned runs. Bannister has allowed a homer in nine straight starts and will be looking to end that streak, which is the longest of his career.


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<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca"> </td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Rangers Ballpark in Arlington | 3:05 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%"> Matt Garza, RHP (5-4, 3.08)
Rays (36-20) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Rich Harden, RHP (3-1, 5.33)
Rangers (30-25) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Rays: Garza did not have his best stuff Monday in Toronto, but he still managed to give the Rays a chance to win. The 26-year-old right-hander struggled early, allowing two runs in the first inning and three runs total over the course of his 6 1/3-inning stint. In the end, he took his fourth loss of the season. Garza has the best stuff on the staff, which he can put on display in any given start and he seems to be maturing on the mound, which has led to his no longer allowing his emotions get the best of him. Garza is 3-3 with a 4.30 ERA in seven career starts against the Rangers; he is 1-3 with a 5.96 ERA in four career starts in Arlington.Rangers: Harden beat the White Sox on Tuesday while allowing four runs in five innings but is still 1-0 with an 8.84 ERA in his past four starts. He leads the American League with 37 walks. He is 1-0 with a 3.70 ERA in five starts at the Ballpark in Arlington this season. Left-handed hitters are batting .274 off him while right-handers are hitting .250. He has pitched 54 innings over 11 starts, which is fewer than five innings per outing. He is 3-1 with a 4.94 ERA in five career outings against the Rays.


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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"> Oakland Coliseum | 4:05 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%"> Nick Blackburn, RHP (6-2, 4.73)
Twins (33-23) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Gio Gonzalez, LHP (5-3, 3.68)
Athletics (29-28) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Twins: May was a terrific month for Blackburn as he went 5-0 with a 2.65 ERA in five starts, but he didn't get off to a strong start in June. Blackburn lasted just 3 2/3 innings, allowing five runs on 10 hits in his shortest outing of the season. Prior to that outing, the Twins had lost only once in the past 13 starts Blackburn had made, dating to September of last season. The problem this time was that Blackburn couldn't get his sinker working and all of his pitches were coming out flat. He'll try to see if he can make the mechanical tweak to get his stuff going when he faces the A's in Oakland. Blackburn is 0-0 with a 5.79 ERA in three career starts at Oakland Coliseum.Athletics: Gonzalez's string of three consecutive quality starts came to an end on Tuesday in a 9-4 loss at Boston. Gonzalez left the game with a 4-3 lead after the fifth inning, but the A's bullpen gave up six runs to give Gonzalez the no-decision. He struggled with his command on the evening, walking four batters and allowing seven hits over five innings while striking out five. The 24-year-old southpaw has thrown a career-high 108 pitches in each of his last two starts. Lefties are hitting just .145 against Gonzalez this year while righties are batting .250.


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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"> Safeco Field | 4:10 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%"> Joel Pineiro, RHP (3-6, 5.16)
Angels (30-28) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Jason Vargas, LHP (4-2, 2.92)
Mariners (22-33) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Angels: Pineiro is coming off a complete-game loss to the Royals last Tuesday, where he went eight innings, giving up six earned runs on 10 hits, while striking out two, as the Angels lost 6-3. Pineiro is 1-5 in high last eight starts and his ERA has climbed from 1.77 to 5.16. Mariners: The left-hander had another quality start in his last outing, holding the Twins to six hits and one run over seven innings to join teammate Doug Fister in the under-3.00 ERA club. With four wins, Vargas needs just one more to match his single-season high, set with the Marlins in 2005, when he went 5-5. Vargas has surrendered three or fewer runs in nine of his 10 starts this season. He isn't overpowering, striking out 40 batters in 64 2/3 innings, but keeps balls in the park. Vargas has allowed just six home runs.
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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"> Dodger Stadium | 4:10 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%"> Tim Hudson, RHP (6-1, 2.30)
Braves (33-23) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> John Ely, RHP (3-2, 2.54)
Dodgers (32-24) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Braves: Even with a second straight start being interrupted by a rain delay, Tim Hudson still couldn't be stopped. The 34-year-old starter won his fifth straight outing, completing six innings while allowing five hits and two runs against the Phillies on Tuesday. Even more remarkable, the right-hander hasn't conceded more than three runs in any start this season. If not for rain hampering a start in Florida, Hudson's shortest outing of the year would be 5 2/3 innings. And since May 1, Hudson has been nothing short of incredible. He has a 5-0 record in 45 2/3 innings with a 1.79 ERA. Heck, Hudson even has a five-game hitting streak.Dodgers: Ely's success has been mystifying, and it's been nothing but consistent. The rookie right-hander has gone at least seven innings in his last two outings and three of his last four. His last start was a showdown with Dan Haren, where Ely tossed seven shutout innings and allowed just two hits and two walks and struck out five. He didn't get a decision in that game, and took a loss in his previous outing, where he allowed just one run to the Cubs but the Dodgers scored none. The opposition has a .267 batting average on balls put in play, the lowest BABIP against any Dodgers starter aside from Carlos Monasterios, who's more of a fill-in anyway. So there could be some luck involved for Ely -- but it hasn't run out yet.


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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"> Chase Field | 4:10 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%"> Ubaldo Jimenez, RHP (10-1, 0.78)
Rockies (28-27) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Rodrigo Lopez, RHP (2-3, 4.31)
D-backs (22-34) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Rockies: With a four-hit shutout of the Giants on Monday, Jimenez became the fourth pitcher in Rockies history to reach 10 wins before the All-Star break. Shawn Chacon (2003), Aaron Cook (2008) and Jason Marquis (2009) had 11 before the break in their big years and Kevin Ritz won 10 before recess in 1996. But Jimenez needed just two months of the season to do his damage. In the victory over the Giants, Jimenez, who dominated the D-backs with the fastball in his last meeting with them on May 26, threw 79 fastballs, but also 14 curves, 16 sliders and 16 changeup/split-finger pitches. D-backs: Lopez will oppose Jimenez for the second time in three starts. With Thursday's off day, the D-backs are giving Lopez an extra day after he was taxed hard in his last outing against the Dodgers. Lopez went eight innings and threw 115 pitches. He allowed four runs (only two of which were unearned thanks to a pair of errors by second baseman Kelly Johnson). Lopez suffered a 7-3 loss to Jimenez on May 26 at Coors Field. While not overpowering, Lopez has a good feel for pitching and manages a game well. He came to Spring Training as a non-roster invitee and pitched his way into the No. 4 spot in the rotation, besting Billy Buckner and Kevin Mulvey. The right-hander has battled arm troubles since being the ace of the Orioles' staff earlier in the decade. He throws a fastball, cutter, curveball, slider and change. Lopez appeared in seven games (five starts) for the Phillies last year and also started 18 games for Triple-A Lehigh Valley.


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<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"><tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca"> </td></tr> <tr><td height="20"> <table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left">
</td> <td align="right"> Busch Stadium | 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%"> Manny Parra, LHP (1-3, 4.06)
Brewers (22-34) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Jaime Garcia, LHP (5-2, 1.32)
Cardinals (33-23) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Brewers: Parra gets the nod over a surprised Dave Bush, who expressed some confusion after being informed this week that his turn was being skipped. The Brewers would like a look at Parra and it makes some sense to feature him against the Cardinals, who as of Thursday were batting .243 with a .674 OPS against left-handed pitchers and .272 with a .782 OPS against righties. Bush is 2-6 with a 6.45 ERA in nine career starts against St. Louis including 0-3 with a 10.57 ERA at Busch Stadium. Compare that to Parra, who is 2-1 with a 2.97 ERA in 12 games, including 10 starts, against the Cardinals and is 2-0 with a 2.86 ERA in five starts at Busch Stadium.Cardinals: Garcia's remarkable start to the season came with one major caveat: how would he handle facing a team that has seen his stuff before? Garcia passed the first part of the challenge, limiting Cincinnati hitters in his second go-round with the Reds despite lacking his "A" game. Ranking No. 2 in the Majors in runs scored, Milwaukee's righty-dominated lineup will prove a sizeable test for Garcia's ability to adjust to hitters who are already making adjustments to him.
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Vazquez sharp against bumbling O's: Yankees SP Javier Vazquez resembled the Cy Young candidate he was with the Braves last season on Tuesday against the Orioles. Then again, who doesn't look like a Cy Young candidate against Baltimore's offense? Vazquez dazzled over seven innings as he allowed just a solo homer by Corey Patterson among four base hits. He walked one and struck out seven. His season ERA is at 6.06.
(Updated 06/01/2010).

Vazquez had won his start at the Mets on May 21 but everyone knew he could pitch against the National League. He lost his last start at Minnesota and was back to struggling with five runs allowed over 5 2/3 innings. He looked sharp against Baltimore, but again, everybody does.





Morrow succeeds with lesser stuff: By trying not to do too much, Blue Jays SP Brandon Morrow ended up with his best start of the season Monday in a victory over the Rays, allowing one run on three hits with two walks and one strikeout in seven innings. Morrow, who didn't allow his first hit until there were two outs in the sixth, said he succeeded by taking a little off his pitches. "I've had better stuff, meaning a nastier slider or a better fastball," Morrow said. "But I think this is probably my best game in terms of making pitches, not trying to throw that nasty curveball and instead just flipping it in for a strike."
(Updated 06/01/2010).

Interesting to see if Morrow will stick with this strategy and if it will pay off in the long run. That nasty stuff is the reason you own him in Fantasy, so if he abandons it and sacrifices strikeouts in the process, he might not be so enticing anymore. Still, it's just one start, and it was a good one at that. Morrow has been erratic, but his potential makes him worth a flier in mixed leagues.

Thanks for the info, where do you find these stats?

Nolasco Ks eight in win: Marlins SP Rickey Nolasco broke a two start losing streak by picking up his firth win of the season against the Brewers on Tuesday. He allowed three runs on seven hits and struck out eight in seven innings. He did allow the Brewers to tie the game at three in the sixth inning, when he allowed home runs to Prince Fielder and Corey C. Hart. The Marlins answered with three more in the seventh inning to ensure Nolasco the victory. He is now 5-4 with a 4.57 ERA on the season.
(Updated 06/02/2010).

Nolasco finally got over that three strike out plateau that he had been stuck on his last five starts. His eight on Tuesday, were his highest strike out total since April 24. He continued to show excellent command only allowing one walk. His strike out to walk ratio of 52-to-12 makes him a viable Fantasy SP in mixed leagues




Takahashi gets blasted by Padres: Mets SP Hisanori Takahashi allowed six runs off eight hits over four innings of work on Monday against the Padres. The left-hander allowed four in the second, off a Jerry Hairston grand slam, and two in the third, raising his ERA to 3.21 on the year. He also walked two and struck out one while earning his second loss of the year.
(Updated 06/01/2010).

Takahashi hadn’t allowed an earned run in his first two starts this season, but got rocked for six on Monday. He threw 69 pitches, 44 for strikes, but was unable to get enough batters out in the short outing. He is still worth using in deeper mixed leagues, as long as he does not have anymore outing like this. His next start is scheduled for Saturday against the Marlins. Takahashi allowed two runs off four hits in three innings of work against Florida on May 16.

rowdy said:

Thanks for the info, where do you find these stats?

Click to expand...

Fantasy land

Go to cbssportsline click previews and then click pitchers name

Arroyo finally falters: Reds Sp Bronson Arroyo was roughed up in a 12-4 loss to the Cardinals on Monday. He allowed a season high in walks (5) and hits (10) but did not blame the hour-long rain delay. "I felt good coming back," Arroyo said. "It didn't affect me. I didn't have the greatest command the whole day." Arroyo's trouble started in the fourth inning. Up 3-1 he retired the first two hitters before issuing a walk to Jaime Garcia. The next four batters all reached base and the Cardinals took a 4-3 lead. Arroyo surrendered a two-run double in the fifth to Felipe Lopez, which got him pulled. He allowed seven runs in five innings and only recorded one strikeout. Arroyo is now 5-3 with a 4.92 ERA on the year.

Monday was only the second time all year Arroyo did not pitch at least six innings. Despite get knocked around on Monday, Arroyo has still had a good year. His strikeout numbers are a little low and he remains a low-end Fantasy SP. He is scheduled to make his second start of Fantasy Week 9 (May 31-June 6) on Sunday against the Nationals. He is 3-1 with a 3.38 ERA in six career starts against Washington.




Stammen not making a case to stay: Nationals SP Craig Stammen, who is fighting to keep his rotation spot with top prospect Stephen Strasburg set to make his major-league debut June 8, didn't help his chances Tuesday at Houston. He allowed five runs on nine hits with three walks and four strikeouts in five innings but managed to avoid the loss as Washington rallied to take the lead in the ninth.
(Updated 06/02/2010).

Stammen has allowed four earned runs or more in four of his last five appearances, compiling a 6.18 ERA during that stretch. He doesn't have much upside and hasn't been particularly successful at the major-league level. Even if he remains in the majors, he's just a last resort in NL-only leagues. His next start and second of Fantasy Week 9 (May 31-June 6) is scheduled for Sunday against the Reds.

Lackey wins his sixth of the season: Red Sox SP John Lackey gave up four earned runs against the A's on Tuesday but still managed to earn his sixth win of the season. In six innings, he yielded 12 hits, including a two-run homer by Daric Barton, walking two and striking out four. Lackey has allowed four or more earned runs four times in his last five starts, yet is 3-2 during that span.
(Updated 06/01/2010).

Lackey continues to win games thanks to his offense. His pitching has been anything but spectacular this season -- a 4.95 ERA, WHIP of 1.66 and 39 strikeouts compared to 32 walks. However, as long as the Red Sox continue to support him with plenty of runs he should keep on winning games. But hardly a must-start Fantasy option. His next start is scheduled for Sunday at Baltimore. He's 4-3 with a 3.58 ERA in his career at Camden Yards




Matusz sharp but loses once again: Baltimore SP Brian Matusz lost his sixth straight decision on Tuesday night in the Bronx against the Yankees. Matusz allowed just one run in the ballgame and saw the game tied into the seventh inning. With two outs in the seventh, Matusz had put runners on second and third. Manager Dave Trembley removed him after 108 pitches and the bullpen subsequently gave up the two inherited runners. They were unearned runs as they came on an error from Miguel Tejada. Matusz (2-6) allowed just one earned run on six hits over 6 2/3 innings. He walked three and struck out five. His ERA is 5.28 on the season.
(Updated 06/01/2010).

Matusz was much better on Tuesday against the Yankees but the result was the same. He's given up at least one homer in his last three starts and the Orioles constantly don't give him any run support. You can't trust a starter for Baltimore at the moment and that is shame because Matusz has all the potential in the world. Continue to stash him in mixed Fantasy leagues but don't use him until something changes in Baltimore. He will get another start during Week 9 (May 31-June 6) on Sunday against Boston

Correia wins despite six runs: Padres SP Kevin Correia pitched six innings on Monday, allowing six runs off seven hits against the Mets. The right-hander only gave up one run through the first four innings before the Mets posted a three-spot in the fifth. The surrendered a Rod Barajas two-run homer in the sixth, but luckily had a 16-6 lead at that point. He also struck out three and walked one while earning his fifth win of the year.
(Updated 06/01/2010).

Correia won for the first time in his last four starts on Monday and has a 4.55 ERA in 10 starts overall. He was not very effective after the fifth, but managed to earn the win thanks to the Padres offensive explosion. He remains a low-end option in mixed formats until he can get his ERA down a little more. His next start is scheduled for Sunday against the Phillies. Correia is 1-3 with a 7.71 ERA in 10 appearances (three starts) in his career against Philadelphia.



Struggling Blanton drops to 1-4: Phillies starter Joe Blanton struggling through six innings Monday against the Braves, allowing eight hits, two walks and six runs (four earned). After getting into early trouble, though, Blanton did settle down and give the struggling Phillies some innings. He falls to 1-4 on the season.
(Updated 05/31/2010).

Blanton was called a questionable starter amid his poor start to his 2010 campaign. Blanton has just two quality starts in his six starts this season and he hasn't allowed fewer than earn earned runs in any outing. Consider him a risky option for mixed leagues right now, even if he posts his best start of the season in his next start against the offensively challenged Padres in Philly on Sunday.

Giants not worried about Lincecum: Giants SP Tim Lincecum, who walked five batters for the fourth straight start Monday against the Rockies, allowing three earned runs in 5 2/3 innings, is experiencing nothing more than mechanical problems, manager Bruce Bochy told MLB.com. "When you look at his stuff, it's fine. When you walk a few guys, which is unlike Timmy, then it starts to be a little mechanical," manager Bruce Bochy said. "I think he's coming closer, working on some things in the bullpen. Like any pitcher, you start missing and there's something mechanical going on."
(Updated 06/02/2010).

Lincecum's ERA has jumped from 1.76 to 3.14 over his last three starts, disappointing all the Fantasy owners who thought he would be a sure thing every week. We tend to agree with Bochy on this one, though. His stuff is simply too good for him not to pull out of this funk. He still leads the NL with 83 strikeouts, for crying out loud. Even though he has struggled, he hasn't been getting throttled, so you should continue to ride him in Fantasy. His next start is scheduled for Sunday against the Pirates. In three career starts against Pittsburgh, Lincecum is 1-1 with a 2.86 ERA.




Ohlendorf start pushed back a day: Pirates SP Ross Ohlendorf's next start will be pushed back from Saturday to Sunday after Wednesday's Pittsburgh-Chicago game was postponed due to unplayable field conditions following a rain delay of 3 hours and 12 minutes. The game will be made up on Monday. Ohlendorf will still face the Giants.
(Updated 06/03/2010).

Ohlendorf might be without a win this season at 0-3, but he's allowed two or fewer runs in four of his six starts and lowered his ERA to a respectable 4.26

Westbrook sharp to improve to .500: Cleveland SP Jake Westbrook was quite sharp over 7 2/3 innings on Tuesday and he earned a victory over the Detroit Tigers, 3-2. Westbrook improved to 3-3 on the season as he allowed just one earned run on five hits and a walk. He struck out one and threw 106 pitches. Westbrook lowered his ERA to 4.36 in the process and made up for a losing decision in his previous start against the White Sox. "That's the best game he's pitched this year," Cleveland manager Manny Acta said. "That's only the third game we've won this season when we've scored three or less runs, so you see how important it was for him to go deep for us."
(Updated 06/01/2010).

Westbrook had allowed nine earned runs over 12 innings in his previous two starts but was pitching well before that. It seems apparent that Westbrook is going to have his off days but he's also proven a nice commodity for deeper mixed Fantasy leagues after missing all of last season. He has low-end appeal in mixed Fantasy leagues but doesn't strike out a ton of hitters and that limits him. His next start comes in Week 9 (May 31-June 6) on Sunday at the White Sox. He lost at home to Chicago on May 26 as he allowed five runs on six hits over seven innings.



Buehrle blows lead, loses again: White Sox SP Mark Buehrle blew a 4-0 lead against the Rangers on Tuesday and was handed his sixth loss of the season. He pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing six earned runs on 12 hits and one walk, striking out three. "I felt good, I was just all over the place and couldn't find the strike zone," he said. Buehrle had thrown 10 1/3 scoreless innings over his previous two starts, but given up five or more earned runs four times in his last eight outings.
(Updated 06/02/2010).

Buehrle appeared to have turned the corner his past two starts but reverted back to the unimpressive starter he's been this season. With a 4.84 ERA, WHIP of 1.39 and just 27 strikeouts, he's merely a viable Fantasy option in mixed formats. His next start is scheduled for Sunday at home against Cleveland. He's 12-15 with a 4.51 ERA in his career against the Indians.

Bonderman goes eight in loss to Tribe: Tigers SP Jeremy Bonderman needed just 100 pitches to go eight strong innings but it wasn't enough to beat the Indians on Tuesday night. Bonderman (2-3) lost the decision as he gave up three earned runs on nine hits over eight frames. He walked two and struck out one. Bonderman's undoing was solo homers by Russell Branyan (fifth inning) and Shin-Soo Choo (sixth inning). Bonderman's ERA is now at 3.72 on the season.
(Updated 06/01/2010).

Bonderman has two wins and three losses this year but he's been pretty sharp of late. In fact, Bonderman hasn't allowed more than three earned runs in any of his last five starts. The Tigers haven't been affording him with much run support of late, but that is subject to change. The good news is Bonderman is throwing well. He strikes a decent amount of batters out consistently and that keeps his Fantasy value relevant in mixed Fantasy leagues. His next start comes during the Week 9 (May 31-June 6) scoring period on Sunday at Kansas City. Bonderman is 4-2 over his career at Kansas City's Kauffman Stadium with a 3.56 ERA over seven starts.



Pineiro on Tuesday night to defeat L.A. and improve to 5-3 on the season. Bannister lasted only 5 1/3 innings but the Royals bullpen closed out the victory. Bannister allowed three earned runs on seven hits and a walk. He struck out three and his ERA is at 4.73 on the year. Bannister has won four straight starts for the Royals.
(Updated 06/01/2010).
Injury Report

Bannister has allowed at least two runs in each of his last four starts but has won them all against the White Sox, Rockies, Red Sox and Angels. Although he's allowed a homer in every start this season except one -- he allowed two in one start to make up for it -- Bannister has to be considered in mixed Fantasy leagues as long as he's winning consistently. He will make another start in Week 9 (May 31-June 6) on Sunday versus the Tigers. Bannister has a career 2.12 ERA over eight starts against the Tigers and is 4-2 over that span.

Wells much better in no-decision: Cubs SP Randy Wells, who failed to record an out in his previous outing, blanked the Pirates over five innings Monday but was denied a win when his bullpen allowed a run in the sixth. Wells gave up three hits, walked three and struck out three, throwing 90 pitches in the process.
(Updated 05/31/2010).

Wells has now gone a whole month without a win, although it hasn't all been his fault as he's managed three quality starts during that span. Wells, who will get a second start in Fantasy Week 9 (May 31-June 6) when Chicago visits Houston on Sunday, gained a little of his value back in deeper mixed leagues with this performance, but we'd like to see another solid outing against the poor Astros before we suggest adding him in smaller formats




Myers beginning to record more Ks: Astros SP Brett Myers continued his resurgent season in a no-decision against the Nationals on Tuesday. He allowed four runs -- one earned -- on four hits with three walks and a season-high 10 strikeouts in seven innings. He has struck out at least seven batters in three of his last four starts, averaging 8.7 strikeouts per nine innings.
(Updated 06/02/2010).

Myers has pitched at least six inning in every one of his 11 starts this season, which you never would have seen coming after he posted a 4.84 ERA last season. He has always had excellent stuff, but injuries and inconsistency have prevented him from meeting his full potential. He's still no Fantasy ace, but he has become a reliable mixed-league option again. His next start and second of Fantasy Week 9 (May 31-June 6) is scheduled for Sunday against the Cubs.

Garza not getting much help lately: Rays SP Matt Garza lost for the third straight start Monday at Toronto, allowing three runs on 10 hits with two walks and three strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings. He came in 5-3 with a 2.19 ERA in 11 previous starts against Toronto but has lost to the Blue Jays twice this season. "It's a lot of what you saw last year where we didn't score enough runs for him and, all of a sudden, his record isn't what people would expect of him," manager Joe Maddon said. "He got off to a great start, wins-wise. We just haven't scored him enough runs lately."
(Updated 06/01/2010).

Garza has just one poor start during this five-start winless stretch, posting a 4.36 ERA during it. Still, that's a far cry from his performance in his first six starts, when he went 5-1 with a 2.09 ERA. He still has great stuff and pitches for one of the best teams in baseball, so you shouldn't lose confidence in him. Despite his recent performance, he remains a must-start in Fantasy




Rangers' bats carry Harden again: Rangers SP Rich Harden fell behind to the White Sox 4-0 early on Tuesday but still managed to notch his third win of the season. Texas scored runs in the fourth, fifth and six innings to take a 7-4 lead they would not relinquish. Harden pitched five innings, allowing four earned runs on seven hits, including a solo home run by Carlos Quentin. He walked three while striking out one. It was Harden's first win in five starts.
(Updated 06/02/2010).

It's shocking that Harden is 3-1 this season despite an ERA of 5.33 and WHIP of 1.70. He's obviously getting lots of run support from his teammates. He's also striking out a lot of batters, and remains a viable Fantasy option in mixed formats. His next start is scheduled for Sunday at home against Tampa Bay. He's 3-1 with a 4.94 ERA in his career against the Rays.

Blackburn can't repeat May success: Twins SP Nick Blackburn, who was aiming for his career-high sixth consecutive victory after going he 5-0 with a 2.65 ERA in May, pitched a season-low 3 2/3 innings Tuesday at Seattle, giving up five earned runs on 10 hits with no walks and no strikeouts. Blackburn (6-2) said his sinker wasn't sinking during Seattle's decisive four-run fourth. "Tonight, everything was flat but still around the strike zone so I was getting hit pretty good," he said.
(Updated 06/02/2010).

Blackburn had been surprisingly useful in Fantasy lately and looked like he had a good matchup against the Mariners, but sadly, it wasn't meant to be. He's one of the most hittable pitchers in major-league baseball, but he keeps his pitch counts low and works deep into games. He'll be useful at times pitching for the contending Twins, but his limited ceiling makes him just a low-end option in mixed leagues




Another no-decision for Gonzalez : A's SP Gio Gonzalez left with his team leading the Red Sox on Tuesday but was awarded his second consecutive no-decision at the end of the night. He was replaced to start the bottom of the sixth inning with Oakland up 4-3, and Boston scored runs in each of the next three innings to cruise to a 9-4 victory. In five innings, Gonzalez allowed three earned runs on seven hits, including a three-run homer by Adrian Beltre. He walked four while striking out five. Gonzalez hasn't given up more than three earned runs in his last four starts.
(Updated 06/01/2010).

Gonzalez continues to roll out solid performances. He's only allowed more than three earned runs twice in his 11 starts. He's striking out nearly a batter an inning, and all his numbers pass the smell test, making him a viable Fantasy option in most formats. His next start is scheduled for Sunday at home against Minnesota. He's 0-1 with a 28.59 ERA in his career against the Twins.