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We have a 16-game slate in the majors on Saturday, beginning at 1:10 p.m. ET. There are a lot good matchups happening across the league that will not only have betting but also fantasy implications. Over the course of the day, we will be keeping up to date with the latest injury and lineup news before first pitch between the Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays.
Speaking of the Rays, they are one of our three storylines to watch out for on Saturday’s slate. Tampa Bay defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 7-1 on Friday night for their fifth-straight win. The Rays are only 2.5 games out of first place in the AL East, while the Blue Jays are now 9 games behind. Tampa Bay will look for the series win this afternoon as they have Ryan Yarborough (5-3, 4.34) on the mound. Yarborough will be opposed by Ross Stripling for the Blue Jays (3-4, 4.08).
The second storyline is Shohei Ohtani, who crushed a 463 feet home run on Friday against the Seattle Mariners for his 33rd on the season. The two-way star player is making a strong case to be the AL MVP and has been must-see TV in 2021. He will look to hit his 34th home run on Saturday night against Mariners starter Chris Flexen.
Lastly, we have a good pitching matchup at 7:15 p.m. ET on FOX between the New York Yankees and Houston Astros. Gerrit Cole (8-4, 2.91) will get the start for the Yankees and Zack Greinke (8-2, 3.64) will be on the mound for the Astros.
MLB lineup and injury news — Saturday, July 10th
Gary Sanchez getting day off vs. Stros
The New York Yankees are giving starting catcher Gary Sanchez a day off in tonight’s game against the Astros. The Yankees will start Kyle Higashioka at catcher, who will be batting in the 8th spot ahead of Tim Locastro. This season, Sanchez is hitting .218 with 14 HRs and 32 RBI this season.
Kris Bryant starting vs. Cardinals
After missing the last couple of games with a hamstring injury, the Chicago Cubs will have third baseman Kris Bryant back in the starting lineup. Bryant will be in right field and hitting second against the Cardinals. He made a pinch-hitting appearance on Friday night, going 1-for-1 with a double. This season, the 29-year-old All-Star has had a bounce back year at the plate, slugging .271 with 16 HRs and 46 RBI.
Starling Marte scratched against Braves
According to Christina De Nicola, Marlins outfielder Starling Marte will miss today’s game against the Braves due to a personal matter. Miami has not released an updated starting lineup yet, but not having Marte is a huge loss. This season, the veteran outfielder is hitting .271 with 6 HRs, 18 RBI, 42 runs scored and has recorded 16 stolen bases.
Tyler Naquin back in the starting lineup vs. Royals
Cincinnati Reds outfielder Tyler Naquin will be back in the starting lineup after sitting Friday night against the Milwaukee Brewers. This season, Naquin is slashing .250/.319/.455 with 13 HRs and 49 RBI. Naquin is hitting well off of right-handed pitchers this season, which is good news for the Reds, who are facing Freddy Peralta. The 30-year-old is slugging .261 with 12 HRs and 45 RBI.
Pirates call-up Max Kranick for doubleheader against Mets
The Pittsburgh Pirates will give the ball to rookie pitcher Max Kranick will start the second game of their doubleheader against the New York Mets. Kranick, who was down in Triple-A Indianapolis, already has one MLB start under his belt. In his MLB debut on Jun. 27 against the St. Louis Cardinals, Kranick produced three strikeouts and did not allow a single hit in 5.0 IP.
Miguel Cabrera sitting out vs. Twins
The elder statesman of the Tigers will not play in this afternoon’s game against the Twins after starting at first base Friday for the first time since June 22. The 38-year-old Cabrera is slashing .246/.305/.355 with 7 HR and 32 RBI this season. Detroit will have Jonathan Schoop at first base.
Wander Franco sitting out vs. Blue Jays
After going 0-for-5 on Friday against Toronto, the Blue Jays are giving top prospect Wander Franco the day off. The 20-year-old infielder is hitting .211 with 2 HRs and 7 RBI in 57 at-bats this season. Taylor Walls, who was called up from the minors before Franco, will be getting the start at shortstop and hitting sixth this afternoon.
Josh Donaldson getting a day off against Tigers
Minnesota Twins third baseman Josh Donaldson will not play in this afternoon’s game against the Tigers. The veteran starting third baseman is getting a day off and will be replaced by Luis Arraez, who will be batting leadoff. Arraez has been a solid play in DFS ($3300), hitting .292 with 1 HR and 21 RBI. In his last five games, he’s averaging 10 FPPG.
Nomar Mazara scratched vs. Twins
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch told reporters on Saturday that Nomar Mazara is under the weather and scratched from today’s lineup, per Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic. The Tigers will put Robbie Grossman in right field and Niko Goodrum in left field. This season, Mazara is hitting .212/.276/.321 with 3 HRs and 19 RBI.