June 9 American League-hosted interleague probable pitching matchup capsules

The Red Sox are hoping to get a boost in their rotation on Saturday with the season debut of Daisuke Matsuzaka as he returns from Tommy John surgery that occurred almost a year ago Saturday. He faces the NL East-leading Nationals. Bet on Nats-Red Sox and every game at WagerWeb.com!

Chicago Cubs at Minnesota – Cubs RHP Jeff Samardzija (5-3, 3.13) vs. Twins LHP Scott Diamond (4-1, 1.86): Samardzija had trouble with first-pitch strikes and walks in his last outing vs. the Giants, issuing five free passes over five innings, which forced his pitch count up. They’ll miss his bat as he hit an RBI single against San Francisco. … Diamond turned in his club-leading fifth quality start on Sunday against the Indians, as the left-hander didn’t allow an earned run over seven strong innings. He gave up three unearned runs on seven hits while striking out two.

Philadelphia at Baltimore – Phillies RHP Vance Worley (3-2, 3.38) vs. Orioles RHP Tommy Hunter (2-3, 5.59): Worley, off a three-week stay on the DL with right elbow inflammation and a bone chip, started Monday and was held to 80 pitches over four innings. He looked a little rusty, allowing three runs on five hits with three walks and four strikeouts. … Hunter wasn’t listed on Triple-A Norfolk’s roster even though he was supposed to start Thursday, indicating he might be called up to start with the Orioles on Saturday.

Washington at Boston – Nationals LHP Gio Gonzalez (7-2, 2.31) vs. Red Sox RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka (first start): Gonzalez lost for the first time in six starts on Sunday, surrendering three earned runs on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings vs. Atlanta. His pitch count rose quickly, as he excited the game with 91 pitches thrown. … Matsuzaka, who is recovering from right elbow surgery, will make his 2012 debut with the Red Sox and his first start in the Majors since May 16 of last year. The right-hander has allowed just two runs in his last thee rehab starts in the Minors.

Houston at Chicago White Sox – Astros RHP Jordan Lyles (1-1, 4.97) vs. White Sox LHP Chris Sale (7-2, 2.30): Lyles has bounced between Triple-A Oklahoma City and the Major League club, but is coming off his first win of the season with Houston. He allowed five hits and two runs over seven innings in Sunday’s win over the Reds. … Sale tossed his first complete game in a 4-2 win Sunday to seal the series victory against the Mariners. Sale, the AL Pitcher of the Month in May, has gone seven innings or more in each of his last three starts.

LA Dodgers at Seattle – Dodgers LHP Clayton Kershaw (4-3, 2.55) vs. Mariners LHP Jason Vargas (7-4, 3.64): Kershaw was stung by the home run in his no-decision vs. the Phillies. After the game, manager Don Mattingly mentioned that Kershaw has been nursing plantar fasciitis in his foot, but that it only hurts when he runs, not when he pitches. … Vargas has been Seattle’s most-consistent starter this season and has benefited from surprising offensive support recently with 28 runs in his last three wins. His 3.64 ERA and 1.10 WHIP are the best of his career through 13 starts.

NY Mets at NY Yankees – Mets RHP Dillon Gee (4-3, 4.48) vs. Yankees RHP Phil Hughes (5-5, 4.96): Gee allowed six hits and two earned runs in seven innings against the Cardinals on Monday. The righty received a no-decision, and will try to earn his fifth win of the season at Yankee Stadium. … Hughes is coming off a dominant complete-game victory over the Tigers on June 3, in which he permitted a run on four hits while striking out eight. Hughes hasn’t lost since May 17 and is 1-1 with a 4.20 ERA in four career games vs. the Mets.

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