Interleague play is back at the end of this week and that should make things a little bit interesting.   Keep an eye on matchups and remember that NL pitchers could be facing a DH when making your decisions on who to pitch. 

Projected Two Start Pitchers for this Week. 
Suggested:
Josh Beckett (BOS) BAL, @CIN
Erik Bedard (SEA) @TOR, WAS
Randy Johnson (ARI) @PIT, KC - Weak opponents
Cliff Lee (CLE) @DET, LAN
Chien-Ming Wang (NYA) @OAK, @HOU
Roy Oswalt (HOU) MIL, NYA
Joe Saunders (LAA) TB, @ATL - tough offenses 

You Make the Call:
Homer Bailey (CIN) STL, BOS - good young pitcher facing tough test.
Scott Baker (MIN) @CLE, @MIL
Chad Billingsley (LAN) @SD, @DET
Daniel Cabrera (BAL) @BOS, PIT - matchups should work in his favor
Matt Cain (SF) @WAS, OAK
Jose Contreras (CHA) @DET, COL
Aaron Cook (COL) SF, @CHA
John  Danks (CHA) MIN, COL
Dana Eveland (OAK) NYA, @SF - like the matchup in SF
John Lannan (WAS) @PIT, @SEA - good matchups
Ted Lilly (CHN) ATL, @TOR - improving.
Jesse Litch (TOR) SEA, CHN
Greg Maddux (SD) LAN, @CLE
John Maine (NYN) ARI, TEX - The Texas offense is SCARY.
Mike Mussina (NYA) KC, @HOU
Micah Owings (ARI) @NYN, KC
Glen Perkins (MIN) @CHA, @MIL
Tim Redding (WAS) SF, @SEA
C.C. Sabathia (CLE) MIN, SD
Edinson Volquez (CIN) @FLA, BOS
Todd Wellemeyer (STL) @CIN, PHI - rough offensive matchups

Other Two Start Pitchers:
Zach Duke (PIT) ARI, @BAL
Tom Glavine (ATL) @CHN, @LAA - strong offenses
Mark Hendrickson (FLA) CIN, @TB
Luke Hochevar (KC) @NYA, @ARI
Edwin Jackson (TB) @LAA, FLA
Paul Maholm (PIT) WAS. @BAL
Seth McClung (MIL) @HOU, MIN
Gil Meche (KC) TEX, @ARI
Patrick Misch (SF) @COL, OAK
Brett Myers (PHI) @FLA, @STL
Ricky Nolasco (FLA) PHI, @TB
Sidney Ponson (TEX) @KC, @NYN
Nate Robertson (DET) CHA, LAN
Carlos Silva (SEA) @TOR, WAS
Dontrelle Willis (DET) CLE, LAN 

At the top three hitters parks
Citizens Bank Park (Phillies): No games.
Great American Ballpark (Reds): 3 games v. Cards, 3 games v. BoSox
Coors Field (Rockies): 3 v. Giants 

At the top three pitchers parks
PETCO park (Padres): 3 v. Dodgers
Metrodome (Twins): No games.
AT & T Park: 3 v. A’s 

Ratchet Them Up:
Brad Hawpe (OF, Rockies):  After two weeks off Hawpe returned to the Rockies on Friday and promptly hit his third home run of the season.  He’s struggled so far so he’s a great buy low candidate. 

Scott Kazmir (SP, Rays):  Is finally living up to expectations fully and dominating as a true ace.  He’s won six consecutive starts and struck out more than a batter per inning over that span.   

Jason Giambi (1B/DH, Yankees):  Has raised his average almost 30 points in the last 10 days and hit four home runs over that span.  It makes him a very attractive first base option if he can keep it up. 

Ryan Doumit (C/OF, Pirates):  Returned from the DL on Thursday but as of Friday had not yet gotten a hit since his return. 

Jorge Posada (C/DH, Yankees):  Returned from the DL after more than a month on the DL.  Plug him back in. 

Esteban Loaiza (SP/RP, White Sox):  Has signed as a free agent and rejoined the White Sox where he previously enjoyed his greatest success.   He’ll probably start in the bullpen in a long relief role but he could return to the rotation if the opportunity presents itself. 

Jerry Hairston Jr. (2B/3B/SS, OF Reds):  Another Reds injury, this time to Ryan Freel, pretty much assures that the speedy Hairston will have more playing time.  He’s good for steals and average and is on a pace to get more at bats than he has since 2002.  If you need speed he’s probably the best FA available in most leagues. 

Pedro Martinez (SP, Mets): Returned from the DL and pitched solidly.  He wasn’t his old self but for his first start in two months you can’t complain. 

Homer Bailey (SP, Reds):  The Reds number one pitching prospect was finally called up and looked good in his first major league start he pitched 6.1 innings yielding 2 earned runs and allowing just 4 hits.  He did struggle a bit with control as he also allowed four walks but his minor league numbers suggest that this was a bit of an aberration  

Joba Chamberlain (SP/RP, Yankees):  Struggled in his first start lasting only 2.1 innings before being pulled due to pitch count.  This is a chance for the youngster to show what he’s really got, and with his stuff he could well be worth owning.  Just don’t expect the road to be bump free.

Ryan Garko (1B, Indians):  May finally be awakening from his season long offensive slumber - he’s hitting .500 over his last six games and has raised his average by 33 points in the last 10 days.

Gerald Laird (C, Rangers):  With Hank Blalock once again sidelined for an indefinite period the Rangers are experimenting with playing Laird at third in order to get the catcher more at bats - or possibly with the thought he could be the man there for the future.  If that happens his value goes way up since he’ll avoid the bumps and bruises that go along with catching and can really focus on his hitting.

Conor Jackson (1B, Diamondbacks):  Is expected to return to the lineup in time for next week after missing most of last week with a hamstring injury.   

Ratchet Them Down:
Coco Crisp (OF, Red Sox):  Was suspended 7 games for participation in the Rays - Sox brawl last week.  This could be appealed and the suspension reduced but it’s likely he’ll miss time this week. 

Jon Lester (SP, Red Sox): Was suspended 5 games for participation in the Rays - Sox brawl last week.  This could be appealed and the suspension reduced but it’s likely he’ll miss time this week. 

Sean Casey (1B, Red Sox):  Was suspended 3 games for participation in the Rays - Sox brawl last week.  This could be appealed and the suspension reduced but it’s likely he’ll miss time this week. 

James Shields (SP, Rays):  Was suspended 6 games for participation in the Rays - Sox brawl last week.  This could be appealed and the suspension reduced but it’s likely he’ll miss one start this week. 

Edwin Jackson (SP, Rays):  Was suspended 5 games for participation in the Rays - Sox brawl last week.  This could be appealed and the suspension reduced but it’s likely he’ll miss time this week. 

Jonny Gomes (OF/DH, Rays):  Was suspended 5 games for participation in the Rays - Sox brawl last week.  This could be appealed and the suspension reduced but it’s likely he’ll miss time this week. 

Akinori Iwamura (2B, Rays):  Was suspended 3 games for participation in the Rays - Sox brawl last week.  This could be appealed and the suspension reduced but it’s likely he’ll miss time this week. 

Carl Crawford (OF, Rays):  Was suspended 4 games for participation in the Rays - Sox brawl last week.  This could be appealed and the suspension reduced but it’s likely he’ll miss time this week. 

Ryan Church (OF, Mets):  Is still not feeling himself and could miss more time. 

Jose Cruz Jr (OF, Astros):  The former All-Star was placed on waivers by the Astros. 

Tadahito Iguchi (2B, Padres):  Separated his shoulder in a fall while running the bases on Thursday.  He’ll miss at least a month. 

Michael Young (SS, Rangers):  May miss some time next week due to a finger injury - it’s more likely he’ll play through it however. 

Jacoby Ellsbury (OF, Red Sox):  Sprained his right wrist on Thursday and could end up on the DL. 

J.R. Towles (C, Astros):  Was sent back to AAA Round Rock.  Brad Ausmus should get the majority of playing time. 

Matt Kemp (OF, Dodgers):  Was suspended 4 games for a fight with Rockies catcher Yorvit Torrealba early last week.  He’s appealed the suspension and will end up serving some time next week. 

Yorvit Torrealba (C, Rockies):  Was suspended 3 games for a fight with Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp early last week.  He’s planning on appealing the suspension and will end up serving some time next week. 

Rick Ankiel (OF, Cardinals):  Has an infection in his left knee which has caused swelling, leading him to miss time.  He’ll probably miss some time and could end up on the disabled list.

Rod Barajas (C, Blue Jays):  Has been experiencing stiffness in his back which could be nothing or could lead him to miss some time. 

Aaron Rowand (OF, Giants):  Appears to have injured his left hip and could end up on the DL.  See if he plays Sunday before making a decision. 

Carlos Pena (1B, Rays):  Broke his index finger on Wednesday.  He’ll be on the DL for 2-4 weeks minimum. 

Albert Pujols (1B, Cards):  Has soreness in his left calf which has bothered him enough that he’s gotten days off.   It’s unlikely he’ll be DL’ed but it is a possibility as is the chance he’ll get a few days off to rest it. 

John Smoltz (SP/RP, Braves):  Will miss the rest of the season following surgery on his shoulder.

Ryan Freel (OF, Reds):  Strained his right hamstring and was placed on the DL.  It looked like a serious strain and he could miss a fair bit of time.

Ryan Zimmerman (3B, Nationals):  Was placed on the DL with a tear of the labrum in the shoulder.  He’ll miss at least three weeks. 

Jake Westbrook (SP, Indians):  Was placed on the DL with inflammation of his right elbow. 

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