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Heath Bell's homer issues remain

Bell allowed a leadoff homer to Justin Ruggiano to open the ninth, and put the tying run on base when he walked Giancarlo Stanton with no out.

He was able to work out of the jam with three straight outs, however, recording his 13th save in 15 tries, in a 3-1 win. Bell allowed a game-winning home run in the teams' first game Monday. He now has a 4.40 ERA on the season, and has allowed one home run in each of the last fur outings. 

Josh Willingham to DH until knee improves

Willingham was a little sore after playing in Tuesday's game. He had a cortisone shot Saturday and missed Saturday and Sunday's games. 

"It's not perfect right now -- I can tell you that," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "We'll see how this DH thing goes, but it wasn't a great night last night as far as him running around on his leg. So I'm a little concerned."

Cody Ross deals with vision problems

Ross took Marlins reliever Mike Dunn deep for a three-run home run that provided all of the team's offense, in a 3-1 win. It was just Ross' third home run of the season, and first since May 27, nearly a month.

"Honestly I was going up there with blurry vision half the time at the plate," Ross said. "It's hard enough to hit in this league when you've got good vision, as opposed to going up with blurry vision. But it's just one of those things where you don't want to make excuses, but it's a true story. It was tough."

Josh Collmenter carries the load out of 'pen

Collmenter, who had not pitched since June 12, needed just 78 pitches to work his six scoreless innings, limiting the Marlins to one hit and one walk. He struck out seven batters as well.

"It was a great performance," manager Kirk Gibson told ArizonaSports.com after the game. "He was really rolling there. He had the magic wand out there and got rolling."

Despite Collmenter's big game out of the bullpen, he was saddled with a no-decision, as the Diamondbacks did not score until after he left the game. Collmenter now has a 2.43 ERA on the season, while working mostly in long relief. 

Jose Fernandez loses tough one again

Fernandez cruised through the first seven innings of the game, holding the Diamondbacks scoreless before running into trouble in the eighth. He walked two batters and was lifted with one out in the eighth inning, for reliever Mike Dunn, who allowed a three-run homer to the first batter he faced.

Fernandez was charged with two runs in 7 1/3 innings, while pitching into the eighth inning for just the third time in his professional career. Fernandez allowed two runs on three hits and two walks, while striking out four batters in the 3-1 loss. He also threw 71 of 103 pitches for strikes in the game, his second start in a row with at least 100 pitches thrown.

Fernandez now has a 3.05 ERA, and the Marlins seem to be letting him go deeper into games; he has thrown at least 87 pitches in each of his last five starts, after doing so just once in his first nine. He carries a 4-4 record into his next outing, scheduled for Tuesday against the Vikings. 

Josh Kinney needs more time

That said, manager Eric Wedge said Kinney still needs more time. Wedge said this is "kind of like spring training for him." 

Stephen Pryor looking at post-break return

Manager Eric Wedge said that it is unlikely Pryor returns during the first half of the season. He's hoping to begin throwing in Arizona shortly, however. 

Justin Smoak can only play two of three in series

The Mariners will rotate Smoak, Kendrys Morales and Michael Morse at first base and designated hitter going forward until Morse is healthy enough to play the outfield. Morse was the first baseman Wednesday. 

Smoak returned to action from the disabled list Tuesday and went 1 for 4 with a home run. 

Wilkin Ramirez cleared for rehab assignment

Ramirez, who suffered the concussion May 25, has been taking batting practice with the team and has done running drills to this point. 

White Sox trying to find rest for Alexei Ramirez

"I think it'll help," Ventura said. "You would like to, but you can't guarantee that. You'd like to get him a day somewhere in here that you can -- maybe even get in around one of those off-days, so you can make it an extra day. It might not happen, but I think right now if we were able to do it, Gordon [Beckham] would go over to shortstop."

The 31-year-old Ramirez is batting .268 this season with 14 RBI and 14 stolen bases. He's been pretty warm of late with 10 hits in his last 30 at-bats. 

Ruben Tejada making little progress

Tejada has been unable to move laterally in the field while working out at the team's spring training complex, and has been unable to progress beyond hitting off a tee so far.

There is still no concrete timetable for his return to the field. Tejada has been out since May 30 due to this injury.

Kevin Gausman struggles in Triple-A debut

Gausman allowed seven earned runs and 10 hits over six innings with a walk, four strikeouts and a wild pitch. He allowed a three-run homer in the sixth inning to Indianapolis outfielder Andrew Lambo. 

Manager Buck Showalter said Gausman would need to earn another promotion after he was demoted last week and he certainly didn't look too sharp Wednesday. He was 2-4 with a 3.11 over eight starts with Double-A Bowie before the promotion to the majors and went 0-3 with a 7.66 ERA over five starts with the Orioles. 

Carlos Quentin could return without DL trip

Jedd Gyorko nearing a return

Gyorko did some work Tuesday, putting in time in the batting cages and infield, while sprinting in the outfield, the first time he was able to run at full speed. His workout Wednesday was a bit lighter, and the team plans to "ramp up" his workouts beginning Thursday.

"I hit on the field, took ground balls right at me. It feels good. The training staff has done a great job. It's feeling a lot better than it did the first four or five days," Gyorko said. "I turned some double plays, which was good. I took balls further to my left and right. I did some light sprint work in the outfield. It was good to pass that test. Hopefully I'll keep progressing."

Gyorko will likely need to go on a minor-league rehab assignment, though that is not a guarantee. Even if he does go down to the minors, it would likely be just a brief trip, given the relatively short time he has spent on the disabled list so far.

"I don't see any reason why I can't come back and pick up right where I left off. It might be tough to get that timing back right away, but hopefully that doesn't take too long," he said.

Trevor Cahill shouldn't miss much time

Manager Kirk Gibson told the Republic that Cahill's injury is serious, but he was pulled from the start to ensure that he did not change his mechanics while throwing to compensate for the hip soreness.

His next start is scheduled for Tuesday against the Nationals. 

Randall Delgado not guaranteed another start

"We haven't talked about it," manager Kirk Gibson told MLB.com. "It's possible he could start again, but it hasn't been determined. A lot depends on how we get through the weekend."

Delgado allowed just two runs in seven innings of work Tuesday against the Marlins, but might be needed to pitch out of the bullpen prior to Sunday, especially after Trevor Cahill lasted just one inning Wednesday. Delgado fought for a spot in the rotation in spring training, but could no win the No. 5 role. 

Asdrubal Cabrera ready for live batting practice

Cabrera, out with a right quad strain, could be cleared to return to the roster for the Indians in around two weeks. He hit in the batting cages and ran in the outfield Monday. 

Luis Mateo's season ends with Tommy John surgery

This operation will likely keep the 23-year-old Mateo out until at least next June, an unfortunate outcome for the organization's No. 4 prospect according to Baseball America. He has a 2.55 ERA in 29 appearances in the minors since his professional career began in 2011. 

Yoenis Cespedes still not 100 percent

Jason Bay sitting against Angels

Michael Morse in lineup for Mariners

Morse has been in and out of the lineup due to the injury and is hopeful to put it behind him. He has a .255/.314/.461 with 11 homers and 23 RBI in 54 games entering Wednesday. 

Eric Chavez progress nicely

"Everything has been good -- hitting, running, throwing," Chavez said. "I didn't know really what to expect, but [it's] gone really good."

Chavez has been out since May 30, and thinks he will only need a few days of rehab to get his timing back once he is healthy enough to go out.

"I told [manager Kirk Gibson] as far as timing is concerned, I don't need much," Chavez said. "For me, it will be more how does a check swing feel, how does a swing and miss feel, how does a 2-0 swing feel, all that stuff more than my timing. It doesn't take me long. I've only been out three weeks or whatever, so it's not going to take long."

Sean Marshall improving in long toss

"He threw very well [Tuesday]," trainer Paul Lessard told the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Marshall has been out since the end of May due to this injury, and still does not have a timetable for his possible return to the bullpen. 

Jonathan Broxton to try throwing soon

"He's been working on strengthening it," trainer Paul Lessard said. "He finally has his full range of motion back. We wanted to get it flushed out. He'll probably start throwing again this weekend. I don't want to call it a target date, but that’s what we’re looking at."

Broxton has a 4.33 ERA in 29 appearances this season, prior to being placed on the disabled list. 

David DeJesus expected to miss about a month

Dewayne Wise has nagging rib injury

Wise has been on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte since Friday. He went on the shelf with a hamstring injury and is slated to return shortly. 

Mike Zagurski elects for free agency

Taylor Teagarden does best Adam Jones impersonation

"It feels great. It makes me feel like Adam Jones for an inning," Teagarden told The Baltimore Sun.

Adam Jones keeps piling up doubles, RBI

He extended his hitting streak to eight games and has hit safely in 11 of his last 12 games. Jones is batting .320 (16 for 50) with four doubles, four home runs and 16 RBI in his last 12 games. 

Nate McLouth increases double total to 15

McLouth entered play Wednesday batting .171 (6 for 35) with one double and eight walks in his previous 10 games.

Jose Valverde has another poor outing

The Orioles scored four runs off Valverde before he recorded an out. Adam Jones had a two-RBI double and Chris Davis connected for a two-run homer. Valverde then settled down to finally work out of trouble. He was charged with five hits and struck out one batter.

Valverde's ERA rose to 5.59, as it was the second time in his last eight outings he allowed four runs.

Orioles rough up Rick Porcello

Porcello was in cruise control until the Orioles broke open the game with a six-run fourth inning. Chris Davis started the onslaught with a two-run homer and Taylor Teagarden followed up four batters later with a three-run homer. The right-hander didn't issue a walk and struck out four, while losing for the second time in four starts.

Porcello will look to get back into the win column Tuesday against the Angels. Porcello had a disastrous start against Los Angeles April 20, allowing nine runs on nine hits and one walk in two-thirds inning.

David Price has rehab start scheduled

Manager Joe Maddon said Price's schedule will depend on how well he feels from start to start. The Rays are hopeful he can return by the All-Star break. 

Two more hits for Yasiel Puig

Puig finished 2 for 5 with a double and a run scored. He now has nine multi-hit games in 13 starts. Amazingly, his batting line fell to .472/.491/.755 from .479/.500/.771 as a result of the relatively off day.

Wins piling up for Chris Tillman

Tillman has won four straight starts and five straight decisions. He hasn't lost in six starts and the Orioles have scored at least nine runs in four of Tillman's last six starts.

The right-hander will aim for his ninth win Monday against the Indians. He's 1-1 with a 5.27 ERA and 1.46 WHIP in three career starts against Cleveland.

Ichiro Suzuki picking up offensive pace

Suzuki, who has three home runs, finished 3 for 4 with two runs. He's batting .455 (10 for 22) with one home run, one double and three RBI in his last six games (five starts).

David Ross to see concussion specialist

Ross took a ball off the mask in his last start and suffered headaches. He went on the concussion disabled list for the second time. He's batting .185 over 65 at-bats. 

Travor Cahill diagnosed with hip contusion

Jeff Francis appears to be odd man out

Francis surrendered eight runs in six innings Tuesday to push his ERA on the season to 6.58. Francis has minor-league options remaining, but would have to agree to an assignment to Triple-A Colorado Springs before that move can be made. 

Kyle Lohse worth using with two starts

Lohse struggled through a tough May schedule that included two starts against the Cardinals and one against the Rangers, but aside from those three outings and a disastrous start at the Twins, the strike-throwing Brewer has been solid again this season. He still possesses pinpoint control and can lower your staff's ERA and WHIP. With upcoming starts against the Cubs and Pirates, he won't even hurt you too much in the strikeout category.

Lohse still isn't worth using in many one-start weeks, but while he is widely available (63 percent ownership rate on CBSSports.com), standard mixed league owners need to pick him up for the coming scoring period.

Hanley Ramirez puts on show at Yankee Stadium

Ramirez finished 4 for 4 with two singles, a double and a home run. He scored twice and knocked in two runs. With the performance, Ramirez's season OPS skyrocketed from .746 to .997.

Mariano Rivera returns to vintage form Wednesday

Rivera had a perfect outing for just the second time in his last nine appearances. Coming into Wednesday, Rivera had a 3.18 ERA and .467 opponents' batting average in his previous eight outings (5 2/3 innings).

Chris Capuano comes off the DL for start

Hyun-Jin Ryu falls to Yankees

Ryu did muster a quality start, as he allowed three runs on five hits over six innings. Ryu struck out four, walked two, and served up a solo home run to Ichiro Suzuki. His ERA remains excellent at 2.96.

Alex Castellanos shipped out

Castellanos appeared in four games, picking up two hits in nine at-bats.   

Hiroki Kuroda snaps winless streak vs. former team

Kuroda held Los Angeles scoreless for six innings before the Dodgers finally broke through in the seventh inning. The veteran right-hander won for the first time in six starts. He was 0-3 with a 4.40 ERA and .261 opponents' batting average in his previous five starts.

Kuroda is slated to return to action Tuesday against the Rangers. Kuroda is 1-2 with a 2.57 ERA and 0.91 WHIP in three career starts against Texas.

Derek Jeter takes on-field batting practice

Jeter also increased his movement by taking grounders and fielding backhanded on the grass behind shortstop.

Mitch Moreland homers to cap rehab assignment

Out for two weeks with a strained right hamstring, Moreland can come off the DL Friday and is expected to do so. He went 6 for 9 during his rehab assignment with three doubles, a HR and three RBI. 

Orioles narrow SP choices down to two for Sunday

Pirates move Stetson Allie up the ladder

Allie has made his conversion from pitching to hitting a success thus far. In 66 games at Low Class A West Virginia, Allie hit .324/.414/.607 with 17 home runs and six stolen bases. At 22, he was a touch old for the league, so the promotion will be a good test of if his talent can play.

Miguel Gonzalez will pitch Saturday

Coco Crisp sits out Wednesday

He went 0 for 5 Tuesday at Texas to snap a seven-game hitting streak in which he went 10 for 26 (.385) with two homers, five RBI and a stolen base. Crisp is batting .292 for the season. 

Jason Hammel returning to action Friday

Nick Swisher expected back Saturday

Avisail Garcia sent back to Toledo

Josh Collmenter a worthy deep league pickup

Effective long relievers like Collmenter can be valuable in points leagues, especially deeper ones in which owners have to find value after all the reliable sources of saves have dried up. While many owners target closers-in-waiting, Collmenter is a better choice than many of the set-up men who are more popular than him. For example, Collmenter has outgained Junichi Tazawa, Trevor Rosenthal, David Robertson and Ryan Cook in Fantasy points, though he is in far fewer leagues. He's getting strikeouts and popups, is capable of a low walk rate, and he's been averaging two innings per appearance.

Just as you would stash a setup man for the future promise of saves, Collmenter could possibly find his way into the rotation and give you starts. Even if he doesn't, Collmenter offers enough production in a long relief role that he should be owned in a larger share of deeper points leagues.

Chris Perez won't return Friday

His mechanics aren't in order, so Perez will long toss Wednesday and be re-evaluated after throwing a bullpen session Friday.

Chris Davis keeps adding to home run total

Davis' first home run Wednesday was a two-run, opposite field shot off Rick Porcello in the fourth inning. Davis, who was the designated hitter for the first time this year Wednesday, then capped the 13-3 win with a two-run homer off Jose Valverde in the ninth inning. He finished the game 3 for 5 with a double and five RBI.

Davis is batting .361 (13 for 36) with three doubles, six home runs and 14 RBI in his last nine games.

Eric Young Jr. hitting leadoff in Mets debut

Young was acquired as an attempt to solve the Mets' season-long issues in the outfield. He was blocked by the glut of outfielders in Colorado, so the Mets will give him his first real chance at consistent playing time. Young hit .242/.290/.352 with eight steals in 57 games (26 starts) for Colorado.

Still no timetable for Brett Lawrie

Jose Reyes to play at Triple-A before activation

He might join the team on its upcoming road trip, which begins Monday at Tampa Bay. Reyes is batting .417 (5 for 12) with one RBI and one stolen bases in three rehab games for Dunedin.

Zack Wheeler's walks not the end of the world

You know Matt Harvey, arguably this season's biggest breakout at starting pitcher?  Most Fantasy owners were pretty satisfied with what he did as a rookie last year, and he issued three walks over 5 1/3 innings in his first career start. What about five walks in six innings? That came in his fourth start, when he presumably wasn't dealing with the same nerves that Wheeler was Tuesday night.

In fact, for as much grief as Wheeler has gotten for his walk rate in the minors, Harvey's was actually worse leading up to his promotion. He issued 3.9 per nine innings at Triple-A compared to Wheeler's 3.5 per nine.

That doesn't necessarily mean Wheeler will follow the same path as Harvey going forward. Al Melchior said on Fantasy Baseball Today that he'd be surprised to see Wheeler develop that quickly. But it does mean you shouldn't view the walks as a death sentence. His debut actually improved his stock in my eyes. I now rank him 59th among starting pitchers.

Mets place Scott Atchison on 15-day DL

Brandon Morrow won't throw for a bit

Morrow suffered a setback during a rehab start Monday for Class A Dunedin.

Trevor Cahill leaves with apparent hip injury

Venues irrelevant for Ervin Santana

That doesn't mean Fantasy owners should bench Santana in his home starts. Nine of the 11 homers he's allowed at Kauffman have come in just three starts, and each of his four other home outings have been quality starts. Also, all three of Santana's road homers came in a single start (vs. the White Sox) and his other six times out on the road have produced quality starts.

Santana gave up home runs in bunches last season, too, but as many as he allowed -- 39 in all -- he went through a couple of stretches where he wasn't all that homer-prone. Because he is walking so few batters, Santana can help with ERA and WHIP, so he should be started most weeks. He's put up nice stats so far this year, but just don't be surprised if he continues to be something of an adventure in Fantasy.

No rest for Jarrod Saltalamacchia

Saltalamacchia enters play Wednesday mired in a 2-for-22 slump in his last six games. However, he's batting .278 (15 for 54) with three home runs, four doubles and 10 RBI in 14 June games.

Santiago Casilla to throw bullpen Thursday

Pablo Sandoval to begin rehab Saturday

James Darnell released by Padres

Andrew Bailey to remain closer 'for the time being'

"Andrew Bailey is our closer, and yet we fully recognize that we have some work to do with him," Farrell said. "Right now, what has plagued him is that fastball has been up to his arm side, where left-handers have hurt him with the long ball. So getting him down in the strike zone consistently. And I think more than anything is just getting the breaking ball over in either the first pitch or fastball counts. But for the time being, he is definitely our closer."

Will Everth Cabrera be the same when he returns?

Now Cabrera is on the disabled list with a hamstring strain, and understandably, owners are stashing him. We now have to live with the uncertainty over how long Cabrera will be out and how healthy he will be when he returns. What we can assess with more certainty is how well Cabrera is likely to perform should he be fully healed when he returns. He worked on his right-handed swing during the offseason, and this season Cabrera has hit .414 versus lefties, as opposed to .195 last season. Over his torrid last 28 games, Cabrera's overall batting average has surged as he has cut back dramatically on his strikeouts, though a .433 BABIP has inflated it somewhat.

It will remain to be seen whether Cabrera will be at 100 percent when he comes back and if he can sustain his recent improvements. Given how he spent his offseason and his minor-league track record of good contact skills, Cabrera is a strong bet to be a top 10 shortstop from the point of his return on forward.

Red Sox target June 25 for Clay Buchholz's return

"When we looked at the previous days missed, what we felt comfortable with in terms of the throwing needed to get back to have him be able to go five, six, hopefully seven innings on Saturday, we felt like it was a little too short in total numbers of days, and when you factor in rest period, throwing sessions," Farrell said. "So we can retroactive his DL status and make him available on the 24th, which is Monday. We’re off, so that game we open up home against Colorado, he’s eligible to start that. That gives us the ability to do a little bit of a [simulated] game Friday or Saturday over in Detroit. And probably gets him in a better place physically to walk out and start a big-league game."

Angel Pagan to begin rehab Thursday

Pagan is scheduled for five innings in Thursday's game. It's unclear how long his rehab assignment will last, but Pagan should be able to return to the Giants within seven to 10 days assuming no setbacks.

Dustin Ackley needs more reps in outfield

"I want him to have a little bit more time in the outfield in general," Wedge said, per The Seattle Times. "Whether it be left field or center field. Either way for me I think it works good. The reps in center field would just be a concern right now. I want to make sure he can do that."

Brewers recall Josh Prince

Norichika Aoki goes on paternity list

Phillies promote Maikel Franco to Double-A

Franco, 20, dominated at high Class A Clearwater, where he hit .299/.349/.576 with 16 home runs in just 65 games. With the Phillies lacking an obvious long-term third baseman -- Michael Young is 36 years old and on an expiring contract -- Franco's stock will be worth watching closely as the Phillies look to fill the hot corner.

Jake Arrieta will work as starter in minors

"We constantly look at things with guys with really good arms like Jake," Showalter said, per The Baltimore Sun. "If he gets the ball down, he’s effective. How do you do it? Is it delivery? Is it a mentality? We’ve talked about all those things and we will continue. Let him get there. I know he’s going to start his next outing and at some point we will probably step back and see where we are with it. I want to get him back on good ground."

Padres place Everth Cabrera on disabled list

Padres to recall Jaff Decker

Manager 'not ready' to increase Matt Tuiasosopo's PT

"I’m not ready to do that just yet," Leyland said, per the Detroit Free Press. "If someone doesn’t get going, then you either play (Tuiasosopo) a little bit more or do something else, and I’m not talking about anyone in particular. That’s a situation with any player."

Fernando Martinez joining Yankees' Triple-A team

Nick Franklin pushes batting average higher

Franklin's batting average has gone from .250 to .296 during his recent seven-game surge.

Daniel Nava connects for 10th home run

Nava is batting .297 (19 for 64) with three doubles, eight walks, 12 RBI and 13 runs in 16 June games. 

Bryce Harper to resume baseball activities in 'next day or two'

There is still no timetable for his return to game action. He will still need a rehab assignment, so he's likely at least two weeks away from a return, if not longer.

Erick Aybar's RBI production on the rise

Aybar also has seven RBI in his last six games after managing just two RBI in his previous 10 games.

Bud Norris trying to ignore trade rumors

"It’s hard to talk about it, in all honesty," Norris said. "There’s a lot going on around me. I’ve seen a lot of trades in my 3 1/2 years up here. Now that my name’s the one popping up, it’s a little different feeling. At the end of the day, I need to prepare myself to pitch every five days for the team I’m on. I’ve been in Houston my entire career. All I know is pitching for this team. If it changes, it changes. But it’s not going to change my aspect of going out there and pitching."

Norris isn't a free agent until after the 2015 season, so the Astros don't have to deal him. However, he's a good pitcher with a reasonable salary and could provide a lift to a contender's rotation. 

"You have to be informed," he said. "I don’t think you want to be blindsided by it: One day, you come to the park and, boom, you’re gone. I don’t pay too much attention to it, but I’m definitely in the loop. I get tidbits here and there ... but it comes down to the front office. I have to impress somebody enough where they want to come get me."

Nationals reinstate Danny Espinosa, option to Triple-A

Espinosa has been at Syracuse for six games on a rehab assignment, in which he has hit a brutal .118/.238/.118. Espinosa has been dealing with a fractured right wrist for much of the season. General manager Mike Rizzo previously said Espinosa needs to "show what he's capable of," and so he'll have to start hitting at Syracuse if he is to get a chance to unseat Anthony Rendon at second base in Washington.

Zach Britton in holding pattern

"He’s an option," Showalter said of Britton. "We’ve got a lot of things going on. We’re taking a look at [Wei-Yin] Chen’s outing on Thursday, see where we project him after that, see when Ham, when Ham’s comfortable to go and when we see Miguel back. We [don’t] know what the plans are until you get it here. And Freddy [Garcia], if we have to use Freddy out of the 'pen or not tomorrow. We’ll proceed, and see where it takes us. He did a nice job, all things considered. I’d like to see him get a little deeper."

Yankees 'believe' in Zoilo Almonte

Girardi is impressed with Almonte, who was batting .354 in 16 June games prior to his promotion. 

"We really believe this kid is going to hit," Girardi said, per The Journal News. "At times, we really saw it in spring training. He struggled a little bit in spring training. Maybe it was the excitement of trying to make a team. But he has seemed to swing the bat pretty well down there, especially left-handed. He’s a guy that can play either left or right, which is helpful in this situation."

'Jumpy' Andrew Bailey struggling with fastball command

On Wednesday, Red Sox manager John Farrell tried to explain during an interview with MLB Network Radio why Bailey has been struggling.

"When he's been jumpy, moving away from rubber too quick, that's when fastball command goes away," Farrell said.

Brian Roberts close to starting rehab assignment

Home runs not saving Carlos Pena from poor average

Pena hasn't had an overly productive June. He's homered three times in 16 games, but he's batting just .157 (8 for 51) with 16 strikeouts. Pena has two doubles, six RBI, six walks and eight runs in June as well.

Mark Trumbo producing as first baseman

Trumbo is batting .241 (13 for 54) in his last 15 games, but he's homered four times and driven in 10 runs in that span.

Trumbo has done his best work offensively when he's played at first base. He's batting .295 with a .537 slugging percentage, .900 OPS, nine doubles, nine home runs and 27 RBI in 40 games at first base.

Carlos Zambrano dominates in latest minor-league start

The 32-year-old threw seven shutout innings against Toledo. He allowed just five hits and a walk against seven strikeouts. Zambrano has a 0.95 ERA in 28 1/3 innings between three minor-league levels and a 1.50 ERA in two starts at Lehigh Valley. He could be added to the Phillies rotation if starters like Jonathan Pettibone continue to struggle.

DH role seems to agree with Albert Pujols

Pujols also has a .623 slugging percentage, 1.023 OPS, four home runs, five doubles, six walks, seven runs and 13 RBI in his last 15 games. 

Pujols has been a much better offensive option as a DH in 2013. His slash line in 40 games as a DH is .311/.494/.881, as opposed to .196/.402/.660 in 29 games as a first baseman.

Jacoby Ellsbury playing up to abilities

"He's swinging the bat and playing as he's shown before he's very capable," manager John Farrell said, per the Boston Herald. "When he gets on base, we're seeing what he's capable of doing. With two outs, he gets on base and could be standing on third in a matter of pitches. What Jacoby gives us is a dynamic guy in that leadoff spot."

Chase Utley to begin rehab assignment

It's unclear how many games Utley will play at Reading, but a best-case scenario could see him returning to the Phillies by the weekend. Utley was hitting .272/.339/.475 in 158 at-bats before he went down with a strained oblique May 20.

Sinker fuels Esmil Rogers' emergence

Rogers had a 4.23 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in 23 relief outings.

"His sinker is the biggest difference," catcher J.P. Arencibia said, per the National Post. "Earlier, guys could jump on his fastball. He had a pretty straight fastball, and now he’s sinking it so you really have to respect that. He can sink a right-hander in, and then they have to respect that ball in, and now he’s throwing 96-mile-an-hour fastballs down and away, late, to strike them out."

Rogers isn't short on confidence either.

"I have unbelievable confidence right now," he said. "I can throw any pitch in any count that I want. I know I got ability. If they’re going to hit, they’re going to hit my pitches."

Justin Smoak homers in first game back

It was Smoak's fourth home run and third in his last nine games. All of Smoak's home runs this season have been solo home runs and Tuesday's homer was his first before the ninth inning. Dating back to April 29, Smoak has a .279 average and .485 slugging percentage in his last 21 games.

John Jaso hits stride in June

Jaso is batting .389 (14 for 36) with one home run, two doubles, six RBI, seven runs and seven walks in June. His batting average has improved from .252 to .281 during his June run.

Brandon Moss snapping out of slump in big way

Moss is batting .357 (10 for 28) with one triple, six runs, seven RBI and 10 strikeouts in his last six games. Prior to his hot streak, Moss hit .132 (7 for 53) over a 24-game stretch from May 14-June 11.

Ryan Vogelsong gets pins removed from hand

Vogelsong is farther along in his recovery than he expected at this point, and the surgery means he can begin mobility and flexibility exercises with the hand. He is still likely out until the All-Star break or later.

Leonys Martin loves 'base running part of the game'

"I love the base running part of the game," Martin said, per ESPN.

Martin has hit safely in four straight games and is batting .364 (8 for 22) in his last seven games. He has one home run, two RBI, two walks, three stolen bases, three doubles and five runs in that span.

Elvis Andrus to assess offensive struggles

"I just need to stay back on the ball," Andrus said, per ESPN, "And use my hands."

Brandon Crawford expected to miss Wednesday's game

Crawford was unabled to grip a ball following the injury. The shortstop may be able to return Thursday in the series opener against Miami. Consider him day to day for now.

Josh Hamilton 'working very hard' to improve

"It's been tough,” Angels manager Mike Scioscia said, per the Los Angeles Times. "I don't think anyone feels this more than Josh, and I don't think there's anyone more confident in his ability than Josh. He's been working very hard in drills, hopefully making strides and getting there. He takes his lack of production very hard, very seriously."

Hamilton is batting .200 (11 for 55) with two home runs, six doubles, six RBI, 11 runs and 12 strikeouts in his last 12 games.

Jordan Lyles grinding through starts

"I'm the same guy," Lyles said, per MLB.com, "just different results. I don't know what to say about me. Just making quality pitches."

Lyles has gone seven innings in three straight starts and four times in his last five appearances.

"I tell you, he's had some impressive outings," Astros manager Bo Porter said. "I was actually even more impressed with him being able to go seven innings, and it didn't look from the dugout like he had his best stuff. That was a great example of the maturity taking place with Jordan Lyles. He grinded his way through seven innings, which is good to see."

Justin Verlander battling through 'peaks and valleys'

"It’s been a battle so far," Verlander said, per MLB.com. "Obviously, you have that stretch of three or four starts where it was pretty frustrating. You know, I guess I’m always trying to get better, and I feel like I’ve made adjustments to get to that point.

"I feel like I’ve been getting better, better, and better. That’s not necessarily going to work towards a perfect game, but you’re not going to get better every time. There’s ups and downs, peaks and valleys, (Tuesday) was just one of those nights where two long balls hurt me. You know who knows what happens if I’m able to execute those pitches a little bit better. I’m not saying that I regressed, it’s just one of those games. This is Major League Baseball, you’re not going to be perfect every time."

Bases-clearing triple could spark Dayan Viciedo

"It's always good team-wise when you get a big hit, but that one for him, I think, with how his last couple weeks have been going, it's a big one for him just to kind of get that going -- to do something meaningful,"Ventura said, per MLB.com.

Ventura is stressing patience with Viciedo, who he considers to have a high ceiling.

"I think what you're looking at right now, that's not indicative of his talent," Ventura said. "Again, you just continue to understand he is young and it's getting better."

Starling Marte fills up the box score in win

Marte finished 2 for 5 with a single, a triple, a run scored, an RBI, his 21st stolen base, and three strikeouts. He's hitting a sharp .284/.349/.421, but 22.5 percent of his plate appearances have ended in a strikeout.

Marte may have enough speed to maintain such a good batting average despite the strikeouts, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him drop off over the rest of the season if he doesn't improve his contact rate.

Offspeed pitches key to Rick Porcello's success

Porcello credits his success this season to throwing his breaking ball for strikes and using his changeup effectively.

"My offspeed stuff is getting a lot better, so I'm going to continue to get breaking pitches over the plate and switch up my pitches," Porcello said, per MLB.com. "That's what's helping me this year have some success."

Decline in walks bodes well for Troy Patton

"I feel like once the walks have subsided then the results have been better in general," Patton said, per MLB.com. "I've still given up runs since I've stopped walking people, but it's so much easier to minimize damage whenever they have to earn their way on."

Patton has struck out 10 batters and issued one walk in his last 9 1/3 innings. He had more walks (12) than strikeouts (11) in his first 20 appearances.

Orioles handling Dylan Bundy with 'kid gloves'

"I've been watching him play catch. He's feeling fine," Orioles pitching rehab coordinator Scott McGregor said. "He's not feeling anything in there. Obviously, we're taking it with kid gloves with him, but he looked fine throwing. It's an every other day thing with him. We're just increasing his reps. The same old process. Nothing changes with that."

Wei-Yin Chen moving 'right along'

"He looks good. He's coming right along. He's right on track," said Scott McGregor, the Orioles' pitching rehab coordinator. "He's still a little rusty with his command, a little bit, but he's had no ill effects from the (oblique) injury. He's coming along good. He's worked really hard. Obviously, he wants to get back at it, but he understands the process."

Carlos Beltran homers in loss

Beltran finished 2 for 3 with the solo shot, a double and a walk. Beltran is now slugging .552 and on pace for just under 40 home runs over a full season of at-bats. Both totals would be his highest marks since 2006, when he hit 41 home runs and finished fourth in the MVP voting with the Mets.

Brandon Belt stays hot in win

Belt went 3 for 4 in the game with a double, while driving in a run for the second game in a row. He did strike out in one of his at-bats, but he also scored twice.

Belt has raised his batting average from .246 to .264 over the last three games, and he now has a .758 OPS with seven home runs and 31 RBI on the season. 

Anthony Recker hits second homer

Recker finished the game 2 for 4 with two RBI, one walk and two runs scored. He is now hitting .190 in 42 at-bats, with eight RBI.  

Marlon Byrd comes up big in double dip

Byrd went 2 for 3 with a walk and an RBI in game one, a 4-3 win, and then added a 3-for-5 game in game two, with a stolen base. The Mets would win the second game 6-1, as Byrd scored and doubled in each game.

Byrd raised his batting average from .247 to .264. 

Michael Young triples up on doubles

Young went 3 for 4 in the game with an RBI and two runs scored. He now has 12 doubles to go with a .288 average, the highest it has been since May 21. 

Marco Scutaro picks up two hits in return

Wearing a custom splint, Scutaro went 2 for 4 with one strikeout, in a 5-4 win. Scutaro is now batting .335, with hits in each of his last five games.

Carlos Ruiz picks up a single in return

Denard Span stays cold in return to lineup

Span was hitless, going 0 for 4 in a 4-2 loss. Span is hitting .252, and is just 1 for 24 over his last six games.

Hiram Burgos makes second rehab start

Tom Wilhelmsen coughs up the lead

Carlos Quentin remains in limbo

The Padres may be able to avoid that decision Wednesday, as Everth Cabrera is expected to hit the disabled list Wednesday, freeing up a spot on the roster. Quentin remains day to day. 

Everth Cabrera expects to hit DL

Cabrera was already expected to miss the team's three-game series against the Giants ending Wednesday, and it looks like this injury will cost him a few weeks of action. The move is expected to come Wednesday, if it does. 

Matt Dominguez swats grand slam

Jonathan Papelbon recovers from first blown save

Papelbon allowed a two-out single in the ninth inning, but retired the next batter he faced to close the game. He needed just 10 pitches to earn the save, his 14th of the season.

Papelbon now has a 1.69 ERA, while ranking seventh in the National League in saves.  

Jordan Lyles stays sharp vs. Brewers

Sergio Romo shuts the door in comeback win

Romo allowed a two-out single in the game, but quickly shut the door with a strikeout of Logan Forsythe to end the game, his second of the outing. Romo needed just 14 pitches to finish the game.

Romo is now 17 of 20 in save situations, with a 2.63 ERA and 30 strikeouts in 27 1/3 innings.  

Andrew Cashner pitches well in no-decision

Cashner scattered 10 hits, letting in three runs in 6 2/3 innings. He actually exited the game in line for a loss, as the Padres went down 3-2 in the seventh inning, before battling back in the eighth.

Cashner struck out six batters in the outing, matching his high for the season, while walking just one. He threw 67 of 107 pitches for strikes, while raising his ERA to 3.56.

Cashner is set to make his next start Sunday against the Dodgers. 

Mike Zagurski outrighted to Triple-A

Yoervis Medina converts first save

Knee still bothering Ryan Howard

"If he’s hurting, I'll talk to him when he gets here," Manuel said hours before the game. "I might have to change my lineup."

Manuel also admitted that Howard's left knee has been a big part of his struggles this season; Howard has just eight home runs, including just two in the last 131 at-bats.

"In Ryan's situation, to use his strength and quick swing, the back side is definitely important," Manuel said. "Push off and balance is what counts. How much it bothers him, I guess he tells us by the way he plays. I've seen where he hasn’t used his legs for quite a while."

Howard has been replaced for pinch runners and defensive replacements at many points this season, and Manuel does not seem to know if that will change moving forward. Howard is hitting .274 with a .784 OPS, the second-lowest mark of his career. 

Joe Blanton Ks 11 in no-decision

Jeremy Bonderman settles for no-decision

Matt Cain overpowers Padres

Cain limited the Padres to just two runs on his only two mistakes of the outing, as he allowed a pair of solo home runs. Those homers actually brought an end to a five-start homerless streak by Cain, who had allowed 13 in his first nine starts of the season.

Cain struck out a season-high 10 batters while walking none over the course of seven innings. He threw 74 of 110 pitches for strikes, and earned a no-decision in a game the Giants would go on to win 5-4.

Cain is 5-3 with a 4.55 ERA heading into Monday's start in Los Angeles against the Dodgers. 

Brandon Crawford leaves with finger injuries

Crawford is currently being considered day to day, and the extent of the injury is not yet known. 

Charles Brewer takes demotion well

"He's very confident, you guys know that," manager Kirk Gibson told MLB.com. "He's not pouting about it, he just knows it's part of his journey to be up here and have a huge impact on our success. He's got a great attitude about it."  

Brewer tossed 3 2/3 scoreless innings in two appearances out of the bullpen for the Diamondbacks before being sent back down.

Alfredo Figaro takes step back

Randall Delgado shines in spot start

Delgado had just one rough inning, allowing two runs in the fourth. He allowed four of his eight hits in that inning, but was able to get out of it with just the two runs, and that was all the Marlins would muster in a 3-2 loss. The Diamondbacks won the game on a walk-off home run.  

Delgado allowed eight hits and no walks in seven innings, while striking out six batters. Despite the solid outing, Delgado may not be long for the rotation, as the team does not need a fifth starter until June 29, given the way their off-days stack up. It has not yet been decided whether Delgado will remain with the team at this point. 

Adam Wainwright hit hard early on

Nate Eovaldi throws fire in return

Eovaldi allowed just three hits in six innings of work, and he held the Diamondbacks to just two runs. Both runs came on a fourth-inning home run by Martin Prado that tied the game 2-2. Eovaldi exited with the game tied and earned a no-decision, despite the quality start.

Eovaldi struck out three batters and threw 58 of 84 pitches for strikes in his first start since being shut down with shoulder inflammation. He averaged 97.7 miles per hour with his fastball per BrooksBaseball.net, after averaging 94.1 miles per hour last season.

Eovaldi is set to make his second start Sunday in San Francisco. 

Kevin Gregg converts two-out save

Cliff Lee's winning streak hits nine

Lee tossed eight terrific innings, while only making two mistakes. He allowed solo home runs to Jayson Werth in the fourth and Jeff Kobernus in the eighth, while holding the Nationals scoreless otherwise. Lee limited them to five hits and walked no batters, his third start in the last five without walking a batter.

Lee struck out nine batters while throwing 82 of 110 pitches for strikes, as he lowered his ERA to 2.53. Lee now ranks first in the National League in wins with nine and first in innings pitched at 110 1/3. He also has the ninth-best ERA (2.53) and third-best WHIP (0.95) after 15 starts.

Lee will try to keep his winning streak intact in his next start, Monday against the Padres in San Diego. 

Jeff Samardzija nearly goes the distance

Big sixth sinks Ross Detwiler

Detwiler twirled five solid innings to open the game, allowing just one run on three hits, before seeming to hit a wall in the sixth. He allowed three straight hits to open the inning and then hit a batter to load the bases. With one run already across, he allowed a two-out, two-run single to Kevin Frandsen that essentially ended his game.

Detwiler ultimately surrendered four runs on seven hits in his six innings, while striking out four and walking none. He threw 55 of 85 pitches for strikes, as his record fell to 2-5.

Detwiler carries a 3.34 ERA into his next start, Sunday against the Rockies. 

Scott Atchison expected to hit the DL

Atchison was set to appear in his first game in over two months, but suffered a right groin injury during warm-ups prior to his appearance. The team has yet to officially announce his placement on the disabled list, but are expected to do so prior to Wednesday's game if it happens. 

"The second warm-up pitch I felt a little tug in my groin," Atchison said. "I tried to throw another one and felt it pulling some more. Basically, I can't push off. It's on the right side. I couldn't go. It's frustrating, obviously. My arm felt great. I felt good. I hadn't had any signs of this."

Joe Mauer shows some power

Mauer hit a first-inning homer, his seventh of the year, for a two-run shot. The No. 2 batter for the Twins finished 3 for 5 with two RBI and two runs scored. He added a double and is now batting .327.

Mauer has four RBI in his last two games as he keeps coming up with big hits. Fifth in the American League in batting, Mauer continues to produce for Minnesota.

Josh Willingham singles in return

Willingham went 1 for 4 with a walk and a run scored in the game and is batting .211 on the year.

The slugger missed a couple games and has been struggling at the plate for the Twins. He has just three hits in his last 22 at-bats without an RBI over that stretch.

Yu Darvish serves up two homers in loss

Ryan Doumit picks up three hits

The backstop on this night combined with Mauer for six of the team's 13 hits in the 7-5 win. Doumit doubled and went 3 for 4 with a walk and two RBI. He's batting .234.

Doumit has six hits in his last five games to raise his average a bit. He does have eight homers and 35 RBI, but he's been anything but consistent.

Paul Konerko has four-hit night

Konerko went 4 for 4 in the game with a double and his 27th RBI. He also scored a run and is batting .248 on the year after the four-hit effort.

The 37-year-old has an RBI in three of his last four games, but 27 on the year over 230 at-bats. He's struggled, but it was good to see him pick it up in a losing effort Tuesday.

Conor Gillaspie homers in defeat

Gillaspie went deep in the second inning for a two-run shot off Mike Pelfrey. It was his fifth HR of the year.

Gillaspie finished 1 for 4 in the game and is now batting .254.

The 25-year-old has gone 3 for 8 in his last two games and that is a hot streak compared to how he was hitting earlier in June.

Andrew Brown making return trip

Brown hit .200 in six games with the Mets earlier in the season, with one home run and two RBI in 15 at-bats.  

Collin McHugh heading to Double-A after trade

McHugh had a 10.29 ERA in three appearances for the Mets. 

Collin Cowgill gets shipped off

Cowgill batted .173 with a .516 OPS in 52 at-bats. 

Andrew Bailey has 'work to do'

Manager John Farrell said after the game that Bailey remains the team's closer for now, "but there's work to do."

Bailey blew his third save Tuesday and has given up five runs over his last four appearances.

Alfredo Aceves optioned to Pawtucket

Aceves improved to 4-1 on the season with five innings of one-run ball in a start cut short due to a rain delay. His ERA is at 5.05.

Mets, Rockies exchange DFA players

McHugh has a 10.29 ERA in seven major-league innings this season, while Young hit .242 with a .642 OPS in 165 at-bats for the Rockies.

Jarrod Parker keeps on rolling

Glen Perkins Ks two for 17th save

Perkins went 1-2-3 in the ninth in a 7-5 win, as he needed only 13 pitches to complete his inning. His ERA is down to 2.36.

He has earned saves in six consecutive appearances and seven of his last eight since blowing his second save on May 28 at Milwaukee. He's 17 for 19 with 38 Ks over 26 2/3 innings.

Mike Pelfrey takes no-decision

Pelfrey gave up four earned runs and didn't walk a batter over 87 pitches and six frames. He struck out three and was hurt by Conor Gillaspie's two-run homer in the second inning. His ERA is 6.11.

Pelfrey, 29, has lost his last three decisions and hasn't won a start since May 5 at Cleveland. He's given up at least three runs in five consecutive outings and his record remains 3-6. He'll look to earn his fourth win when he starts Sunday in Cleveland.

Dylan Axelrod not sharp in no-decision

Axelrod scattered 10 hits over six innings and 114 pitches as he gave up five runs -- four earned. He walked two and struck out five. Chicago lost 7-5, but Axelrod took a no-decision.

The 27-year-old hasn't won since May 26 against Miami. His record remains 3-4 with a 4.39 ERA, but he's given up 10 earned runs over his last two outings spanning 10 innings with four homers allowed. Axelrod will look to turn it around when he next starts Sunday at Kansas City.

Paul Maholm takes tough loss

Maholm allowed just two runs in seven innings, but the Braves didn't score until after he left the game. He tossed six scoreless innings to open the game, allowing just a two-run homer in the seventh inning.

Maholm allowed just the two runs on nine hits and no walks, while striking out seven. Despite the solid start, Maholm was saddled with the loss in a 6-1 final. He is 7-6 on the season with a 3.57 ERA.

Maholm will make his next start Sunday against the Brewers in Milwaukee. 

Kelly Johnson ties game in ninth

Boston won the game with a walk-off homer by Jonny Gomes in the bottom of the ninth.

Johnson finished 2 for 3 with a single and is batting .252 on the year. He's gone 3 for 6 in his last two games but just 3 for 15 in his last five.

Jonny Gomes hits walk-off homer

Gomes went deep in the bottom of the ninth for a walk-off, two-run homer, his fifth homer of the year. Gomes won the game for Boston after closer Andrew Bailey blew a save in the top of the ninth.

Gomes finished 1 for 4 with two strikeouts and is batting .209 for the year. The 32-year-old has bursts of production, but he has mostly been cold this season. That said, he's homered twice in his last three games with three RBI.

Jake Odorizzi pitches well before demotion

He gave up only one run on five hits and no walks over 5 2/3 innings and was losing 1-0 when he left the game. The Rays ended up losing in the bottom of the ninth on a walk-off homer by Jonny Gomes.

Odorizzi struck out two and threw 96 pitches on the outing, as his ERA now at 6.00 after his third start. He's yet to factor into a decision and doesn't have another start scheduled for now.

Ian Kinsler receives three stitches between innings

Andrew Bailey blows save, pulls win

He gave up a solo homer to Kelly Johnson that tied the score at one before getting three outs. He threw 18 pitches as the game went into the bottom of the ninth.

Boston's Jonny Gomes hit a two-run walk-off homer for the Red Sox and Bailey came away the winning pitcher. He improved his record to 3-0 with a 3.22 ERA.

Bailey has given up five earned runs over his last four appearances. He's surrendered three homers and walked four over that stretch with two saves and two blown. He has eight saves in 11 chances.

Felix Doubront goes eight shutout in no-decision

Doubront started the second game of a doubleheader for the Red Sox and took a no-decision after eight shutout innings due to Andrew Bailey's blown save in the ninth.

Doubront held a 1-0 lead before Bailey gave up a game-tying solo homer to Kelly Johnson. Doubront gave up just three hits and did not walk a batter to go along with six strikeouts. He threw 93 pitches and lowered his ERA to 4.38.

Doubront has been giving the Red Sox a chance to win, though his last victory came on June 1 at the Yankees. He is expected to make his next appearance Sunday at Detroit.

Zack Wheeler effectively wild in debut

Wheeler walked two batters in the first inning and five overall in six innings, but limited Atlanta's big-swinging offense to just one extra-base hit. Wheeler allowed four hits overall while striking out seven, though he threw just 55 of 102 pitches for strikes.

Wheeler didn't allow a run, and he picked up 14 of his 55 strikes via swings and misses. Wheeler is expected to be optioned back to Triple-A Las Vegas after the game, but he'll be recalled for his next turn in the rotation, scheduled for June 25 at the White Sox. 

Ryan Braun seeks second opinion

Jeff Francis suffers through blowout

Francis gave up four runs on six hits in the first inning before settling down to hold the Blue Jays to three scoreless innings in a row beginning in the second. He allowed three solo home runs in the fifth and sixth innings to finish his outing.

Francis was tagged for eight runs on 10 hits in his six innings of work, while throwing 60 of 88 pitches for strikes. He struck out two, as his record dropped to 2-5.

Francis carries a 6.58 ERA into his next start, scheduled for Sunday in Washington. 

Cubs considering adding Steve Clevenger

Ryan Flaherty has two-hit night

Flaherty went 2 for 4 in the game with two singles and is batting .170 on the year. He had gone 0 for 9 during the past three games entering Tuesday. 

Matt Tuiasosopo goes deep in defeat

Tuiasosopo took starter Zach Britton deep to right field for a solo home run, his third of the year, in the fifth. He finished 1 for 3 and is batting .333. 

Tuiasosopo has seen just 69 at-bats this season. He has at least one hit in six of his last seven appearances with five runs scored, four doubles, a homer and three RBI over that span. 

Manny Machado first to 100 hits

Machado, who leads the majors with 101 hits, went 2 for 5 with yet another double as he continues to lead the majors in two-baggers by a wide margin with 33. He's batting .324 and has five homers, 37 RBI and 46 runs scored. 

Mat Latos drops first decision of year

Scott Atchison exits without throwing a pitch

Atchison was called in to appear in the game, but left during warm-ups due to the injury. He was activated from the disabled list prior to the game after spending more than two months on the disabled list due to elbow inflammation. 

J.J. Hardy hits another HR off Justin Verlander

Hardy took Verlander deep in the fourth inning for a two-run blast, his 14th of the year. It was his third homer off Verlander this season in two games. He finished the game 3 for 4 and is batting .271. 

Hardy has hit in four straight games and is 7 for 15 over that span with three RBI. He has 42 RBI on the year with 14 doubles and 28 runs scored. 

Charlie Morton picks up first win

Adam Jones' three-run blast the difference

He finished 1 for 4 with his 15th home run. 

Jones has hit in nine of his last 10 games with three doubles, four homers and 13 RBI over that span. He's driven in 51 runs on the year with a .301 batting average. Jones is in the top 10 in the American League in homers, RBI, slugging and runs scored. 

Jim Johnson leading majors with 26 saves

Johnson walked a batter and gave up a base hit, but induced a double play to end the game off the bat of Miguel Cabrera. He needed 10 pitches to close out the 5-2 win. His ERA is at 3.82. 

Johnson has recorded saves in nine of his last 10 appearances and has given up just one run over that stretch. 

Ubaldo Jimenez lucky to get no-decision

Justin Verlander has hiccup against Baltimore

Zach Britton wins in spot start

Vinnie Pestano shaky for second save

Pestano recorded his second save though he gave up three hits and a walk in the ninth to protect a one-run lead. He got a strikeout and baserunning error by the Royals. Pestano needed 22 pitches and his ERA is at 4.05. 

With Chris Perez on the mend, Pestano's time as closer may be nearing an end. 

Ben Francisco joins Padres' minors

Francisco hit just .114 with a .402 OPS in 44 at-bats for the Yankees earlier this season, and will likely serve as minor-league depth. 

Ervin Santana watches lead melt away

Santana, 30, had won his last two decisions and has been lights out during a four-start stretch in which he's allowed just three runs over 28 2/3 innings with 20 Ks. Santana doesn't yet have his next outing scheduled, though it is likely to come Tuesday to open a series against Atlanta.

Matt Kemp to get 3-4 days of rehab

"Matt said he was great today, and we'll push him more tomorrow," Mattingly said. "If that goes good, by the time we leave San Diego [on Sunday], I'm hoping Matt can play in a rehab setting at least three or four days."

Kemp has not been able to run the bases yet, but he will likely try to do so Wednesday. The Dodgers finish a four-game series against the Padres Sunday, so his earliest possible return date appears to be June 27 at home against the Phillies for the start of a four-game series. 

Jorge De La Rosa's thumb could prove costly

"We'll see, but hopefully with five days, he'll be fine," Rockies manager Walt Weiss said.

De La Rosa will likely try to throw a bullpen session in the next few days to help determine his status for the next start. 

Dexter Fowler still dealing with finger injury

Fowler tried to play through the injury Monday, but felt pain while swinging left-handed. Fowler suffered the injury last Thursday.

"The left side is probably a little tougher because on the right side he can probably take his top hand off the bat," Rockies manager Walt Weiss told MLB.com.

Fowler remains day to day due to this injury, but the Blue Jays have a lefty on the mound Wednesday, so Fowler might be able to return to the lineup. 

Nolan Reimold Ks twice to begin rehab

He went 0 for 3 with two strikeouts before being replaced for a pinch-hitter late in the game. 

Manager Buck Showalter is hoping Reimold can come off the disabled list as Brian Roberts begins his rehab assignment around a June 24 target date. 

Edwin Encarnacion hits 19th home run

Encarnacion went deep in the fifth inning off starter Jeff Francis for a two-run shot. He added an RBI double in the first inning and drove in three runs. 

Encarnacion finished 2 for 4 with two runs scored and is batting .268 for the year. He's hit in eight of his last 10 games with two homers, four doubles and eight RBI over that span. He's driven in 58 runs this year. 

Ben Revere getting comfortable at the top

"That was my main goal, trying to find a rhythm back again. I feel good," Revere told MLB.com. "I want to be that leadoff guy, I want to be playing center field every day. If I keep busting my tail, I can get to that point."

Revere is 16 for 37 over the course of his eight-game hitting streak, raising his batting average from .244 to .274 on the season. Manager Charlie Manuel said his lineup can change daily, but he has batted Revere in the leadoff spot in the past six games. Revere has scored seven runs during his hitting streak.

J.P. Arencibia parks another homer

Arencibia hit his 15th homer of the season and his third in his last four games, with five RBI over that span.

He finished Tuesday's game going 3 for 4 with two RBI and has 35 RBI on the year. He's batting .222. 

Maicer Izturis goes deep for Blue Jays

Izturis finished 1 for 4 with his solo homer, his fourth of the year. He's batting .224. 

Izturis already has two more homers this season than he had last year over 289 at-bats with the Angels. 

Esmil Rogers impressive in victory

Yankees acquire Fernando Martinez from Houston

Martinez, 24, played in 11 games for the Astros earlier this season, hitting .182 with a homer and three RBI. 

Confidence in Drew Storen lacking

"This week was a tough week, because I had him up a lot," Johnson said. "Colorado was a place where you really need to control the match-ups — the ball flies there. When he's right, he's good against both. This year, he's had a little problem with left. But I like the way he's throwing. There was a situation, I like left against left, and I like my lefts right now."

Left-handed batters are hitting .353 against Storen this season, and he has struggled to a career-worst 4.67 ERA in his first 29 games. 

David Price feels 'great' after bullpen

Price has been dealing with spring training-type soreness, though the team did not call it a setback and he appears to be fine going forward. 

Allen Webster has inside track over Rubby De La Rosa

Webster seems the more likely option because De La Rosa would have to replace a player going on the disabled list if he gets the call. 

Alexi Ogando completes session of long toss

Wil Myers records first MLB hit

Myers singled into left field in the second inning for the career milestone. 

Alex Wilson recalled by Red Sox

He's appeared in 17 games for Boston this season with a 2.61 ERA and 1-1 record. He has 17 Ks over 20 2/3 innings. 

Ryan Lavarnway called up for Boston

Lavarnway went 2 for 8 over three games for Boston earlier in the season back in mid-to-late May. 

David Ross goes on concussion DL

Ross went on the concussion disabled list for the second time. He's batting .185 over 65 at-bats. 

Clay Buchholz lands on disabled list

Buchholz had been pushed back several times from his scheduled start. He has a 1.71 ERA over 84 1/3 innings with a 9-0 record. Rubby De La Rosa or Allen Webster will start in his place. 

Chris Narveson likely one outing away from returning

Marco Estrada will visit physician Wednesday

Nick Tepesch will remain in rotation

Carl Crawford begins running

Manager Don Mattingly told the Register he thinks Crawford is still lagging behind teammate Matt Kemp in his recovery from a similar injury. Kemp is expected to begin a rehab assignment next week.

"I've always thought of Carl as being behind Matt," Mattingly said.

Crawford has been out since June 1 with a left hamstring strain. 

Chris Perez hit hard during Double-A rehab

Perez pitched one inning and allowed three home runs en route to giving up five runs on five hits and a hit batter. He had two strikeouts in the wild performance. Perez threw a scoreless inning for Class A Lake County Sunday. He allowed two hits and struck out one.

Kevin Gausman has Triple-A debut rained out

He'll make his Triple-A debut Wednesday unless something changes and he's summoned by the big club. 

Mike Carp misses both ends of doubleheader

Carp did not make it back into the lineup for the nightcap. He is day to day and the injury is still considered minor. He's played well lately, collecting 11 hits in his last eight games. Carp is hitting .324/.379/.686 in 105 at-bats. 

Matt Kemp nearing rehab assignment

Kemp worked out Tuesday and hopes to ramp up his activity level each day, and will aim to begin his rehab assignment when the team finishes a four-game series against the Padres this weekend.

"By the time we leave San Diego, I'm hoping Matt can go start to play in a rehab setting," Mattingly said. "But that's me talking, not medical."

Kemp has been able to run in recent days, but this is the first time a timetable has been discussed for his possible return to game action. Kemp has been out since May 29 with a hamstring injury.

Mike Napoli reaches base twice in return

Napoli went 1 for 3 in his return to the lineup with a single and a walk. He's batting .263 on the season with nine homers and 49 RBI. 

Wandy Rodriguez nearing rehab assignment

Evan Longoria feels fine after playing third

Longoria, who had been limited to playing designated hitter while he was dealing with plantar fasciitis, went 0 for 3 with a walk and a run scored in the 5-1 loss to the Red Sox in the opener. He's batting .303 on the year. 

J.J. Putz ready for rehab assignment

Putz has not pitched since May 7 due to an elbow injury. 

David Ortiz drives in three more runs

Ortiz went 2 for 4 with three RBI. He hit a two-run single in the third inning and added another RBI single in the fifth. 

With 52 RBI on the year over 53 games, Ortiz has 10 in his last 10 games, despite the mini-slump. He's batting .303 with 14 home runs and 13 doubles. 

Jacoby Ellsbury finishes HR shy of cycle

Ellsbury singled, doubled and tripled, as he missed a home run for the cycle. He's batting .282. 

Ellsbury, 29, has gone 6 for 13 over his last three games and is up to 31 stolen bases and seven triples on the year. 

Shane Victorino solid in rain-delayed game

Victorino went 2 for 4 with his first triple of the season and his seventh stolen base. He scored two runs and drove in his 11th run of the year. Victorino is batting .283. 

The 32-year-old has been solid since returning from the disabled list and has three steals over a stretch of nine games. 

Jason Bay held out Tuesday

Donavan Tate returns to the Padres

"It's been the same kind of things that I've been dealing with in my life for a long time," Tate told MLB.com. "They were issues that I finally felt I needed to address -- not just for me to play baseball, but to live life and enjoy it."

Tate has struggled to get going since being selected in the 2009 draft, posting a .241 batting average and .678 OPS in 171 minor-league games, and it is not clear where -- or how soon -- he will resume his career. 

Michael Morse still bothered by quad

Wil Myers starts career slowly

He went 0 for 4 in the rain-delayed game with a strikeout. He saw just 12 pitches and is expected to start in the nightcap of the doubleheader. 

Alfredo Aceves wins doubleheader spot start

Chris Archer not sharp in defeat

Shelby Miller 'feels fine' after leaving last start

Marco Scutaro returns from finger injury

Hyun-Jin Ryu pushed back to Wednesday

Brandon Morrow to visit orthopedic surgeon

"He had a little setback," manager John Gibbons said before Tuesday night’s game against Colorado. "The forearm’s still bothering him, so they’re backing him off that rehab. He’ll get re-examined, see where he’s at."

Brewers give Johnny Hellweg a planned breather

Rain pushes Phil Hughes to doubleheader

Hughes will be pushed back to start in the teams' Wednesday day-night doubleheader. The rest of the New York rotation will remain in turn. Hughes will pitch the nightcap with Hiroki Kuroda pitching the day game, the New York Daily News reports. 

Hughes has gone 3-5 this season with a 4.89 ERA. He's failed to finish five innings in two of his last three starts, but has a win in which he went seven innings and allowed only an unearned run mixed in between. 

Drew Smyly still viewed as future starter

For now, however, Detroit is very happy with the production Smyly is giving them out of the bullpen.

"To be honest with you," said manager Jim Leyland, "this is a kind of nice year for Smyly. He’s getting another year under his belt without a lot of pressure. It hasn’t been perfect, by any means, but I think it’s been pretty good."

Everth Cabrera still hampered

Dillon Gee worth a shot

After beginning the season with a 6.34 ERA, 1.73 WHIP and 6.7 strikeouts per nine innings in 10 starts, going seven innings or more in none them, he has a 1.53 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 9.8 strikeouts per nine innings in his last four starts, going seven innings or more in three of them.

And that's amid reports of him battling tendinitis in his elbow.

Turnarounds don't get more drastic than that. Maybe it's just a case of Gee finally getting comfortable after missing the second half last year because of surgery on an artery in his shoulder, but just how uncomfortable was he before then?

I don't understand it. I don't entirely trust it. But I think you have to take a flier on Gee based on those four starts. If it helps, this stretch isn't completely out of the blue. He had a 3.00 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 8.1 strikeouts per nine innings in his final nine starts last year, going seven innings or more in five of them.

Some hope for Lucas Duda

You know what else is interesting about those two games? They're the first two he's started at first base, his natural position.

Some players can move all over the diamond willy-nilly without suffering at the plate, but you shouldn't underestimate the impact comfort can have on a player's production. As a major-leaguer, Duda has a .324 batting average at first base compared to a .240 mark everywhere else. Granted, he has only 148 career at-bats at first base, but still, it's worth noting.

Of course, you shouldn't rush out and add Duda based on what amounts to only a two-game trend, but let's see how long he keeps it up. The guy still has monster OPS potential if he can ever put it all together.

Matt Reynolds to avoid surgery

Reynolds received a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews, who confirmed the slight tear in his left elbow should heal without requiring Tommy John surgery.

"From what I understand, it's in a good spot," Reynolds told MLB.com. "And hopefully I can just wait around, rehab it for a little while and be good as new."

Initially, Reynolds was not too concerned about the pain his pitching arm, having never dealt with arm trouble before.

"I had been getting some treatment on it," Reynolds said. "It felt a little achy and was getting some treatment and felt it was almost out of there, and then it started coming back a little bit."

Aaron Hicks to need rehab assignment

Hicks, who has been on the disabled list since June 10, took early batting practice Tuesday and also shagged fly balls in the outfield for manager Ron Gardenhire. 

"He's doing fine," Gardenhire said. "Says his leg feels better." That said, Hicks will likely need a rehab assignment before he returns to the team. 

"We can't just stick him right back in and say his hammy's OK. There will probably be a rehab somewhere in there. He's not quite there, but hopefully he's getting closer."

Anthony Rizzo earns first day off of season

Don't underestimate Josh Johnson

And that's just pure heat. You could argue he's done even more damage with his secondary arsenal, which he uses 40 percent of the time, over the course of his career.

He's had injury problems over the years that have made him inconsistent and frustrating to own in Fantasy, but when he's right, the stuff still holds up, as he showed by striking out 10 Rockies over 7 1/3 scoreless innings in that start Monday. And judging by his comments after that start, he's feeling right again.

"Definitely the most comfortable I've been," Johnson said. "Just being able to get extension on all my pitches, not have to worry about the triceps or anything like that. It's definitely nice."

If he has another good start Sunday against the Orioles, he's back to must-start status.

Randall Delgado gets call for Tuesday's start

Delgado has made just one appearance for the Diamondbacks this season, allowing two runs in two innings. 

Joakim Soria ready for rehab

Matt Harrison making slight progress

Edgar Gonzalez ready for rehab assignment

Roy Oswalt to join rotation Thursday

Oswalt, who signed with the Rockies in May, made five starts at Double-A Tulsa, posting a 2.16 ERA and 0.93 WHIP in 33 1/3 innings of work. This will be his first start since Sept. 9 for the Rangers. 

Orioles pencil in Jason Hammel, Miguel Gonzalez

Hammel has been pushed back due to a stomach illness. He was originally expected to pitch Monday against Detroit and has already been pushed back twice. Gonzalez left the team late Monday night to go on paternity leave. 

Colby Lewis will throw bullpen session Thursday

Ryan Howard may not be done just yet

It's as if he's stopped caring how far he hits the ball and just hits it. He basically said as much after Monday night's game against the Nationals.

"I've been trying to put together some good at-bats and let the power come when it comes," Howard said.

Maybe that's just a throwaway explanation for one of the many oddball trends that inevitable result when you reduce 162 games down to just a handful -- in fact, that's probably the case -- but I'm curious to see what comes next. Howard's power numbers aren't up to snuff, but if he's able to compensate with a higher-than-usual batting average, he'll still be a useful corner infielder or utility player in mixed leagues.

Right now, his .274 batting average would be his fourth-best mark for a full season.

Justin Smoak back from DL

Alex Liddi sent back down

J.A. Happ throws side session

Happ took another step in a positive direction. He originally suffered a nasty head injury in his last start May 7 against Tampa Bay but is having more trouble with a knee injury as a result of the subsequent fall. 

What more do you want from Dan Straily?

If you really don't want him on your team anymore, my Fantasy Baseball Today colleagues ran through some Straily trade scenarios on Tuesday's show. But as you know from owning ... fill in the blank -- any pitcher in the history of time would work ... one bad start doesn't trump a series of good starts. Straily came into Monday's start with a 2.20 ERA in his previous five. What a find he was for your pitching staff. What a boon off the waiver wire. You're going to throw that away because of that one time he stumbled? Ruthless.

Not to mention short-sighted. I can understand being somewhat discouraged with his strikeout rate so far given his minor-league track record, but he has a 1.14 WHIP on the season. And that includes all those ugly starts before he had a chance to settle into the Athletics' rotation. Straily pitches deep into games, doesn't walk anyone and, apart from Monday, doesn't give up home runs. He does everything a non-strikeout pitcher needs to do to succeed, only with him, you can still hold out hope for strikeouts. What more can you ask of a pitcher?

Maybe you guys just play in smaller leagues than I do.

Rangers bring back Joe Ortiz

Jordan Schafer has clutch hit in rare start

Schafer came into play Tuesday batting .231 (3 for 13) with two RBI and five strikeouts in 12 June games (one start).

John Buck connects for 13th home run

Buck is batting .222 (10 for 45) with a home run, an RBI and two doubles in 12 June games.

Rangers recall Robinson Chirinos

Chris McGuiness sent down

Luis Perez shuts down rehab

Perez suffered a setback and halted his rehab. Manager John Gibbons called it a minor issue. Perez made one appearance for Class A Dunedin on a rehab assignment and struck out one batter over two perfect innings June 10. 

Alex Wood takes loss in spot start

The left-hander lasted only three innings, allowing one run on two hits and three walks during a 4-3 loss. Wood (0-1) struck out five, but he was plagued by a high pitch count and a callous on his left hand. Wood needed 73 pitches (38 strikes) to make it through three innings. A callous plit on his index finger, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Wood said he could have kept pitching, but manager Fredi Gonzalez said he pulled him because of the combination of high pitch count and the finger issue.

Wood was just a spot starter because of the doubleheader and is headed back to the bullpen.

Orioles DFA Yamaico Navarro

Navarro was batting .254 over 207 plate appearances with Triple-A Norfolk. He's likely to clear waivers and remain in the organization. 

Don't freak out about Anthony Rendon

My response: Why worry?

I don't mean about anything ever. I just mean that this particular situation doesn't warrant it. The Nationals already have said Espinosa has to start producing before he gets back, and so far, he's hititng as poorly on his minor-league rehab assignment as he did in the majors, going 2 for 13. I don't see how it gets better. He's playing with a rotator cuff and a bone chip in his wrist. I understand he wants to play and thinks he can, but every body (not to mention everybody) has its limits.

The Nationals may not consider Espinosa a lost cause for this season, but to me, it's such a likely scenario that, for the sake of having high-end production at second base, I prefer to hold on to Rendon and hope for the best.

Bobby Parnell comes through in clutch

Parnell was called into the game with two outs in the eighth inning and the bases loaded. He worked out of the jam by getting Chris Johnson to strike out. 

"That's as big a save as he's had probably," manager Terry Collins said, per ESPN.

Zach Britton officially recalled for start

The move was expected, as manager Buck Showalter on Monday confirmed Britton would start the next day. Britton has a 3.28 ERA in 11 starts at Triple-A Norfolk. He started one game in the majors this year, giving up six runs over six innings. Britton will oppose Justin Verlander. 

Victor Martinez likely done behind plate

"I won't catch Victor unless it's some freak situation," Leyland promised. "I don't think [Alex] Avila being on the DL applies as a 'freak situation'."

V-Mart is struggling with the bat right now as he's gone 3 for 24 (.125) over his last seven games with a .179 on-base percentage. He's grounded into five double plays over that stretch. 

Matt Harvey flirts with no-hitter at Atlanta

Harvey (6-1) didn't allow a hit until Jason Heyward's fluke infield single leading off the seventh. Heyward hit a weak dribbler to the right side of the infield. First baseman Lucas Duda and Harvey converged on the baseball, leaving no one to cover first base. Harvey went back out for the eighth, but he loaded the bases before recording an out and was lifted for reliever LaTroy Hawkins. The Mets allowed all three of the inherited runners to score.

Harvey threw 74 of 116 pitches for strikes. Manager Terry Collins said he was prepared to let Harvey throw 130 pitches if he still had a no-hitter in the ninth inning.

Harvey, who has just one win in his last six starts, will be back on the hill Sunday at Philadelphia. He beat the Phillies April 8, allowing one run in seven innings.

Lance Berkman returns Tuesday

Berkman missed two straight games but was not dealing with an injury. It was thought Berkman was getting an extra day of rest so he would be ready to play the field. Berkman will play first and hit fifth against Jarrod Parker. Berkman is hitting .266/.372/.393 in 214 at-bats. 

Josh Willingham returns to lineup

Willingham had to sit out a few games with knee soreness, but the injury was not thought to be severe. Manager Ron Gardenhire said early Tuesday he expected Willingham to return and play left field. Willingham will hit fourth against White Sox starter Dylan Axelrod. He's hitting .211/.352/.411 in 209 at-bats. 

Adam Warren recalled Tuesday

Warren has a 3.12 ERA over 34 2/3 innings this season for the Yankees. He'll pitch in middle relief. 

Jurickson Profar needs more than just playing time

However, after sitting on Saturday, Profar has been in the lineup for three straight games, starting at third base, then at designated hitter, and for Tuesday's game against the Athletics, he's penciled in as the starting shortstop.

Profar also has been working on playing the outfield, so clearly the Rangers are committed to giving him at least semi-regular playing time. Fantasy owners can stop worrying about Profar's number of at-bats and start worrying about his lack of production. The combination of power, speed and plate discipline made Profar an exciting prospect, especially when he was putting up strong numbers at Double-A as a 19-year-old.

However, he hasn't seen the benefits of his speed in the big leagues, either in the form of stolen bases or doubles and triples.

Though he's a sure-fire keeper in long-term leagues, Profar should be benched for now, and he's not beyond dropping in single-season formats.

Giancarlo Stanton among the most traded players

Stanton was the No. 11 most traded player heading into Tuesday, prompting the Fantasy Baseball Today crew to ponder his worth. They ran through several trade scenarios involving Stanton that included players such as Shelby Miller, Matt Kemp and Stephen Strasburg.

Yankees recall OF Zoilo Almonte

Almonte, a switch-hitter, will be used as an extra outfielder off the bench and in pinch-running situations.

Rafael Betancourt to face hitters Friday

Rangers place Jeff Baker on DL

Baker has not played since June 12, and was hoping to return Wednesday. His thumb did not respond to a cortisone shot, prompting the move. He's eligible to return June 28. Baker is hitting .317/.391/.695 in 82 at-bats. 

Aaron Hill has to prove himself again

But notice I said his hand was previously fractured. I didn't say it was healed.

It didn't heal -- at least not the way it should have -- and now his only recourse is surgery, which he has clearly decided to put off.

Hand injuries aren't as condemning for hitters as wrist injuries or shoulder injuries. Some play through them without anyone ever knowing. Others clearly suffer at the plate. Consider Dustin Pedroia vs. Ryan Braun this year.

Again, Hill says he's not in pain, so maybe that's the end of it. Still, if I owned him and was anxiously anticipating his return, I'd be careful not to burn all my other options at second base until I was confident he was back for the long haul.

Chris Bootcheck designated for assignment

Bootcheck must pass through waivers to remain in the Yankees organization. 

Elvis Andrus out of the lineup

Andrus will be replaced by Jurickson Profar, who will hit second against Jarrod Parker. With Ian Kinsler back, the team will be able to give Andrus a few more days of rest, as it can rotate middle infielders. Andrus is hitting .241/.294/.287 in 282 at-bats.

Padres will get creative with Andrew Cashner's innings

In other words, the Padres will get creative with pushing starts back a day, taking advantage of the All-Star break or simply skipping starts so they won't have to shut Cashner down at a certain point. 

So far this season, Cashner has thrown 71 2/3 innings (sporting a 3.52 ERA and 1.19 WHIP). He has gone six innings or more in his last seven starts, and has thrown 100-plus pitches in his last four. While his strikeouts are down from previous seasons, Cashner's ERA and WHIP are both markedly below career levels. 

With Cashner probably missing starts later this summer, and not being shut down in the traditional sense, there's not really a sell-high opportunity here. In fact, he might be a bit of a bargain if an owner is fearing a Strasburg-style shutdown instead of some skipped starts and creative rotation tinkering. For now, consider Cashner a solid option with a bit more value in Points leagues, where he can be used as a RP. 

Jose Reyes making progress during rehab

Manager John Gibbons said Reyes would likely move up to Double-A or Triple-A by the end of the week. He's expected to play in rehab games for two weeks before he's activated. Reyes is hitting .395/.465/.526 in 38 at-bats. 

Return of CC Sabathia's velocity a big deal

The good news is we may have seen the last of it. Not only did Sabathia allow just five hits in his eight innings at the Angels Sunday, but he reached 95.06 mph with his fastball, averaging 92.7. His career average is only 93.3.

From a 32-year-old with over 2,500 career innings, you can't ask for much better than that. The key for the Yankees left-hander will be maintaining it, of course, but at least now we know he's still capable of it. And given his tendency to get stronger over the course of the season, I'm willing to say it's the start of a turnaround.

Not that he needs much of one to get back to being an ace in Fantasy.

What to make of Jurickson Profar's outfield work

Nando Di Fino compared it to Dustin Ackley’s move to the outfield on Tuesday’s Fantasy Baseball Today, with Al Melchior agreeing that it seems like Ron Washington is trying to find more ways to keep Profar up in the lineup.

Brandon Morrow suffers setback

Morrow gave up three runs in two innings during the start. He will have to be re-evaluated due to a sore arm. There will not be a timetable for his recovery until the team determines the severity of the injury. 

Morrow had a 5.63 ERA in 54 1/3 innings prior to the injury.

Carlos Ruiz starts after DL activation

Denard Span's absence lasts one game

Mark Teixeira shelved again; now what?

Season-ending surgery is still in the picture for Teixeira, but a major factor for his current DL stay is the cortisone shot that he received that was going to sideline him for a week or more, according to the New York Daily News. Though surgery is a possibility, so is recovery, and a healthy Teixeira is a top 10 first baseman. He showed a little of that potential in his first five games this season, when he went 4 for 15 with two home runs and three walks.

Given the risk of Teixeira missing more than just a couple of weeks and the possibility of subpar performance, I have dropped him to 16th in my first baseman rankings. If things take a turn for the worse, I'll drop him further, but for now, there's no reason why Teixeira shouldn't be stashed.

Kevin Youkilis out 10-12 weeks

Youkilis has not played since June 13, and was initially placed on the disabled list with a lumbar strain. He is hitting .219/.305/.343 in 105 at-bats. He'll have surgery Thursday.

Travis Ishikawa recalled, in starting lineup

Ishikawa was eligible to opt out of his contract Tuesday, but the Orioles decided to call him up. He'll serve as the club's DH and hit eighth against Justin Verlander. Ishikawa was hitting .316 in Triple-A.

Vinnie Pestano no threat to Chris Perez

Three weeks later, Perez is on the verge of returning, and Pestano still has just one save to his name. We'll never know what might have been if Pestano had pulled an Andrew Bailey, piling up half a dozen saves as a stand-in. The Indians didn't win enough to see what he could do in the role, so you have to assume they'll revert to what made him comfortable in the first place.

Come Friday, Perez will be back to closing for the Indians, and Pestano will be no more than waiver fodder in Fantasy.

Jorge Soler battling shin injury at Class A

Soler, who is considered a top 100 prospect by Baseball America (No. 34) and MLB.com (No. 42), is batting .281 with a .467 slugging percentage, .810 OPS, eight home runs, 13 doubles and 35 RBI in 55 games for Daytona.

Nate Schierholtz is underowned

Schierholtz has more home runs than Adrian Gonzalez and more doubles than Miguel Cabrera. His .902 OPS is better than Prince Fielder's. And he's done it all in markedly fewer at-bats. 

Schierholtz will occasionally sit -- he's played in just 12 June games -- but he's hitting .351 with three home runs and a 1.226 OPS so far this month, and his BABIP is a sustainable .306 on the season. Owned in 43 percent of leagues, Schierholtz can offer a Fantasy team enough value to be added in more leagues, and deserves to have an ownership of at least 60-65 percent with his average/power combination. 

Max Scherzer currently dominating Fantasy

Al Melchior said on Tuesday’s Fantasy Baseball Today that it’s possible but mentioned some stiff competition that could round into form as the season progresses -- including Scherzer’s teammate Justin Verlander. Melchior also offered up his choice between Scherzer and Felix Hernandez.

Thomas Neal in the lineup

Neal will hit fifth and serve as the club's designated hitter against Dodgers starter Hyun-Jin Ryu. Neal was called up Friday. Neal was hitting .339/.426/.446 in Triple-A prior to his call-up. He's received five at-bats in the majors.

Has Corey Kluber turned a corner?

Not only has Kluber been getting more outs on balls in play, compiling a .303 BABIP over his last seven starts, but overall this season, he has been stranding more of his baserunners. Kluber has a long history of subpar strand rates (established mostly in the minors), but this year his rate is a very normal-looking 73 percent.

Low strand rates are usually signs of better luck to come, but some pitchers, like Rick Porcello and Jeff Francis, have been mired in them for years. If Kluber can stay on his current course and keep a decent proportion of his runners from scoring, he is going to be able to help owners in standard mixed leagues over the rest of this season.

Todd Frazier having a solid June

While Frazier's overall line (.245 average, .762 OPS) leaves little to be desired, most of the damage came from an ugly May -- he was solid in April and relatively hot in June. The upside here is a decent average (maybe .260-ish), with around 25 home runs and 10-12 steals. Considering Frazier has first and third base eligibility, he gets a small boost in value for the multi-positionality. 

He's not a slam-dunk option for all leagues, but Frazier should be considered for a starting spot in most formats.

Colby Rasmus on the bench

Rasmus will be replaced by Rajai Davis, who will hit sixth against Jeff Francis. Rasmus is hitting .249/316/.472 in 229 at-bats. He should return to the lineup Wednesday against Juan Nicasio. 

Mark DeRosa playing third

DeRosa has seen a lot of playing time with Brett Lawrie sidelined. He's also been utilized as a middle-of-the-order hitter. DeRosa will bat fifth against Rockies starter Jeff Francis. DeRosa is hitting .226/.302/.419 in 93 at-bats. 

Mike Moustakas starting fourth straight game

Moustakas has seen his playing time come into question lately, as Miguel Tejada has seen more games at third. Moustakas has scuffled this year, hitting just .183/.249/.279 in 197 at-bats. He'll have an opportunity to get things going against Indians starter Ubaldo Jimenez.

Mark Teixeira headed to disabled list

The team had been contemplating the move, and decided a stint on the DL would help Teixeira. The Yankees will bring back pitcher Adam Warren to take his spot on the roster. There's no indication whether Teixeira will be out more than 15 days. 

Teixeira was hitting .151/.270/.340 in 53 at-bats. 

Matt Kemp 'running at 75 percent without pain'

Mark Reynolds will benefit from move off third base

Across 117 at-bats as the team's third baseman, Reynolds has hit .171 with five home runs and a .553 OPS. But  in 71 at-bats as a first baseman, Reynolds has hit .310 with five home runs and a .948 OPS. And in 46 at-bats as DH, Reynolds has hit .261 with a .939 OPS and four home runs. 

With Lonnie Chisenhall being recalled Tuesday, Reynolds will move back to first base and DH duty. This could bring with it an uptick in his offensive output and give his 55 percent starting percentage a decent boost. 

Hiram Burgos making second rehab start

Lonnie Chisenhall should be added in most formats

Chisenhall had a rough go of things earlier in the season, hitting .213 with three home runs in his first 94 at-bats with Cleveland. But the former top-25 prospect had shown plenty of promise in the minors before 2013, with a decent average, nice power potential and a handful of steals. 

Chisenhall will probably play every day (with Mark Reynolds moving back to first base/DH), and is rosterable in most formats, especially considering the disappointing crop of third basemen so far. He should be good for double-digit home runs and a .265-.280 average. 

Brayan Pena batting eighth

Pena will hit eighth for the Tigers Tuesday against the Orioles. Pena is hitting .283/.309/.391 in 92 at-bats. He'll take on Zach Britton. 

Indians recall Lonnie Chisenhall

Chisenhall will immediately return to the team's starting lineup. He's batting seventh against Royals starter Ervin Santana Tuesday. Chisenhall hit .390 in 105 at-bats at Triple-A. 

Chisenhall hit .213/.253/.351 in 94 at-bats in the majors. 

Now your chance to get Evan Gattis?

I understand why his owner might cut him. With his ever-changing role, he's been the embodiment of uncertainty this season, and his oblique injury might just be the straw that breaks the camel's back. But we've already seen that he's perfectly capable of maintaining big power numbers even with sporadic at-bats. They might even help him, to some degree. His home runs often come in bunches after a few days off.

And who knows? While he's on the DL, the Braves may lose someone else to injury. Brian McCann, Freddie Freeman or anyone in the outfield would free up regular at-bats for Gattis. With the power he offers at a weak position, grabbing him now may prove to be the smartest decision you make all season.

Steven Lerud optioned to Triple-A

Carlos Ruiz activated off 15-day DL

Alex Colome likely to make spot start

After losing Alex Cobb, the Rays will adjust their rotation. Matt Moore and Roberto Hernandez will pitch the first two games of the Yankees series, and then the team will likely call on Alex Colome to start Saturday. Colome has already made one start with the team, going 5 2/3 scoreless innings. He has a 3.07 ERA in 14 starts in the minors. 

Paul Goldschmidt trying to stay productive amid slide

Goldschmidt, hitless in his previous 12 at-bats and just 3 for 33, lined Jacob Turner's 1-0 pitch over the right-field fence to put Arizona up 1-0 in the third inning, his 16th home run. The Diamondbacks made it 2-0 in the fifth when Gerardo Parra singled, stole second and scored when Goldschmidt singled sharply to center. Goldschmidt leads the NL with 61 RBI.

Goldschmidt is batting .143 (6 for 4) with two home runs, four walks, four runs and eight RBI in his last 11 games.

Adam Eaton encouraged with progress

"Everything feels good," Eaton said, per MLB.com. "Feels back to where I was. It only hurt that one throw and I felt great before that."

Barring any more setbacks, Eaton could be ready for a rehab assignment in two weeks.

"I haven't really looked too far ahead," Eaton said. "It's coming along, though."

Zack Wheeler being optioned is procedural move

Brandon Belt rights ship after 14-game slump

Belt is batting .316 (12 for 38) with one double, one home run, two RBI, two walks and three runs in his last 10 games (nine starts). It comes on the heels of Belt being mired in a 7-for-40 slump over a 14-game stretch from May 21-June 5.

Josh Willingham good to go

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire told MLB Network Radio, "I think [Willingham is] ready to go." Gardenhire added that Willingham would play left and Oswaldo Arcia would shift to right field. Willingham had been held out with knee soreness recently.

Willingham is hitting .211/.352/.411 in 209 at-bats.  

Padres remain hopeful with Jedd Gyorko

Prior to going on the disabled list, Gyorko hit .330 over a 25-game span from May 14-June 9, raising his season average from .248 to .284.

Pedro Ciriaco ties season-high with three hits

Ciriaco also had three hits May 25 against the Indians when he was on the Red Sox roster.

No timetable for Alex Cobb

Rays manager Joe Maddon spoke to Cobb recently, and said the pitcher was doing better. But admitted there's still no timetable for Cobb's recovery. Maddon added that he couldn't say for sure whether Cobb would pitch again this year. 

Cobb has a 3.01 ERA and a 3.54 FIP in 83 2/3 innings.

Logan Forsythe bashes season-high three hits

Forsythe entered play Monday with two hits in his previous five games and four hits in his first six games. He's now batting .292 (7 for 24).

Chris Denorfia puts end to 5-for-38 slide

Denorfia bumped his average back up to .282 after it slipped from .308 to .275 thanks to his prolonged slide.

Huston Street busy since DL activation

Street has converted three straight saves since coming off the disabled list Friday. Street, who had been sidelined by a calf injury, has allowed one run on four hits in three innings since returning.

'Too much wine' leads to Brandon Crawford lineup change?

Manager Bruce Bochy was asked before the game why he used Crawford there.

"Crawford asked me the same thing," Bochy said. "I just said, 'Maybe I got into the wine too much last night.'"

Crawford is batting .314 (11 for 35) with two doubles, three RBI, three walks and five runs in his last nine games. He's batting .285 and slugging .421 through 68 games.

Clay Buchholz to throw Tuesday

The Red Sox want Buchholz to throw so they can determine whether he's healthy enough to make a start later in the week. If the session does not go well, he will likely be placed on the disabled list. Either Rubby De La Rosa or Allen Webster would start in Buchholz's spot if he is unable to pitch later this week.

Buchholz has a 1.71 ERA in 84 1/3 innings.

Multi-hit games eluding Chase Headley

Headley is batting .164 (10 for 61) with one home run, six RBI, seven walks, eight runs and 14 strikeouts in 16 June games (15 starts).

Not expecting many chances for Phil Coke

Obviously, if a couple of left-handed hitters are due up in the ninth inning, I wouldn't be surprised to see Coke out there, but he's not nearly as likely as Valverde or Benoit to secure the role long-term. And because no committee lasts forever, the eventual victor is what you're ultimately trying to pinpoint in Fantasy.

If you need saves and Coke is the only available source of them, sure, you add him. But not over Benoit.

Scott Atchison rejoins Mets' bullpen

Justin Turner hits DL Tuesday

Turner, who has made 16 starts at various positions, is batting .266 with six RBI and six doubles in 44 games.

Clint Coulter shifting to rookie ball

Coulter was always expected to play for Helena, but the Brewers made the decision to have the 19-year-old prospect start at Wisconsin instead of beginning the year in extended spring training. Milwaukee felt it was the right move, even if Coulter struggled, which he did. He hit .207 with three home runs and 13 RBI in 33 games before being sidelined with an oblique strain.

Coulter had a promising debut in 2012, batting .302 with five home runs and 33 RBI in 49 games in the Arizona Rookie League. Coulter is considered the Brewers' ninth-best prospect by MLB.com.

Joaquin Benoit emerges as sleeper for saves

Benoit's 1.80 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 10.5 strikeouts per nine innings this year are nothing new. He has long had the stuff to close but hasn't gotten the opportunity because of his inability to pitch three days in a row. My guess is he and Valverde split save opportunities almost 50-50 for now, with Phil Coke jumping in as matchups dictate, but I expect one to emerge as the clear frontrunner by the All-Star break.

Maybe Valverde is still the more likely of the two to earn a solo role given his experience and Leyland's hesitance to make Benoit a closer up to this point, but Benoit's potential in the role makes him well worth stashing just in case he takes this opportunity and runs with it.

Alfredo Aceves officially recalled for start

The news has been expected for a few days, so the move should not come as a surprise. Aceves will face the Rays' normal lineup, plus prospect Wil Myers. Aceves has a 5.58 ERA in 30 2/3 innings in the majors. 

Jose Valverde loses some value

Personally, I think it's between him and Joaquin Benoit, who was closing for the Tigers before Valverde returned to the majors in late April and got a four-out save Sunday. But Benoit doesn't pitch more than two days in a row -- something a closer will occasionally have to do -- which is why I don't think Leyland will turn the page from Valverde so quickly.

Maybe just removing the title for now will help Valverde relax and get back to pitching like he did in his first 12 appearances, when he allowed one earned run on three hits in 12 innings. The home runs are the only reason he's in this mess now, so if he gets back to getting the ball down, he could break up the committee in short order. In Fantasy, I still prefer him, committee or no committee, to short-term closers like Francisco Rodriguez and Vinnie Pestano.

Nationals facing tough decision at second base

"Now that Danny is healthy he needs to go ahead and show what he is capable of doing," manager Davey Johnson said Monday, per The Washington Post. "He certainly has the talent to do it. What Rendon is doing doesn’t have any bearing on what he is doing. He needs to get comfortable on both sides of the dish and do the things he is capable of doing. I know he is handling it defensively. Is he in a good frame of mind? Is he getting in a good groove left and right? And not worry about anything other than that.”

General manager Mike Rizzo said previously Espinosa, who hit .158 prior to going on the DL, could end up in the minors once he's ready to return and it's becoming a real possibility thanks to Rendon, who is batting .344 in 18 games.

"I don’t think there’s a better defensive second baseman in the league than Danny Espinosa," Johnson said. "But the one thing we want is Danny to be comfortable on both sides of the dish. And when he does that, he could be All-Star. It’s that simple."

Evan Gattis hopes for minimum stay on DL

"It just grabbed me on my right side," Gattis said Tuesday, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "I didn’t think I could hit again. Catching, I was loose, warming, and (had) adrenaline going."

Gattis, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday, hopes to be back in a few weeks.

"I hope to do whatever I can to get out there as soon as I can," he said.

Dan Haren can't 'buy a break'

Haren allowed at least four runs for the seventh time and tied a season-high with three walks. Haren was left questioning his strategy after the game.

"My game isn't walking guys," he said. "My game isn’t nibbling around the zone. My game is attacking hitters. The runs have been somewhat of a premium. ... I can't buy a break, and I've obviously made my share of mistakes. Just not a good combination."

Despite his struggles, Haren contends he remains a confident pitcher.

"I'm confident coming into every game," he said. "I mean, I'm not just saying that. It's no secret I haven't done my job up to this point. But confidence isn't the issue. I've been good for so long, I believe in myself. I just gotta look at the small picture and not the big picture and try to take every game as it comes. I'm not going to try to be 15-10. I'm trying to win just the game and go from there."

Rubby De La Rosa, Allen Webster being considered for spot start

De La Rosa has been rehabbing in the minors, and hasn't started in the majors since 2011. He was part of the team's mega-deal with the Dodgers last year. He has a 2.89 ERA in 43 2/3 innings in Triple-A.

Webster has started two games with the team this year. He has an 11.74 ERA in 7 2/3 innings in the majors. He's been much better in Triple-A, posting a 2.98 ERA in 51 1/3 innings. 

Matt Cain 'throwing the ball' like he wants

"I feel like I'm throwing the ball like I want," Cain said, per MLB.com. "I'm just trying to eliminate the big inning."

Cain has allowed six or more runs in four starts and owns a 4.70 ERA through 14 starts.

Clay Buchholz to throw soon

Once he throws, the team will decide whether Buchholz will head to the disabled list or start tossing side sessions. Buchholz has been sidelined with a strained joint in his shoulder. He has a 1.71 ERA and a 2.48 FIP in 84 1/3 innings. If Buchholz can't make his next start, he would be replaced by Rubby De La Rosa or Allen Webster. 

Mike Carp will play game two

Carp had to leave Sunday's game with a cramp, and wasn't expected to miss time. He's played well lately, collecting 11 hits in his last eight games. Carp is hitting .324/.379/.686 in 105 at-bats. 

Shelby Miller to change routine prior to next start

Miller said he didn't do "what I needed to to take care of myself," but added he plans to introduce more fluids and electrolytes into his routine before his next start, Saturday against the Rangers. 

Even if Miller kept going Monday, he might not have lasted much longer because he threw 83 pitches in five innings. The rookie continues to be frustrated by high pitch counts.

"It’s the mental side of it," Miller said. "I’m trying to go out there and throw strikes and throwing it in there. You start missing spots. You don’t have that fastball life. You don’t have the mentality that you have the rest of the game. It’s something that I need to work on. I see guys like (Adam) Wainwright, Lance (Lynn), and (Jake) Westbrook go out there and just dominate the first inning -- go three up, three down. That’s what you need to do. That’s not on your side when you walk the first guy."

Desmond Jennings moved to two-hole

Jennings has been hitting sixth, but that spot is now occupied by Wil Myers. Jennings has not hit second this year. He'll face Alfredo Aceves. Jennings is hitting .252/.313/.429 in 254 at-bats. 

Hitting coach says Mark Teixeira wasn't ready

General manager Brian Cashman expressed displeasure with Long for voicing his opinion too late. "It’s alarming in the fact that K-Long would say that to the group of the reporters, but he never said that prior to that," Cashman said. "If K-Long felt that way he should have been saying that from Day 1, but we never heard that from K-Long."

Teixeira has been placed on the disabled list again with another wrist injury. He was hitting just .151/.270/.340 in 53 at-bats. 

'Better command' fueling Esmil Rogers' transition

Blue Jays manager John Gibbons likes what he sees from the right-handed hurler.

"I've seen better command than he's had coming out of the bullpen. It's a different approach for him. That might be a part of that. He's breaking out his curveball and some changeups, which he doesn't do as a reliever," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said, per MLB.com. "He's strong and durable. He's turned into more of a pitcher. You have to be when you're in that role. Just not coming in there and airing it out like he was coming out of the bullpen."

Evan Longoria returns to third base

Longoria had been limited to playing designated hitter while he was dealing with plantar fasciitis. The injury was not thought to be serious, and Longoria was able to shake it after a few days coming off the bench. Longoria is hitting .306/.365/.552 in 268 at-bats. 

Wil Myers starting both games of doubleheader

Myers is expected to play right field in both of the team's games Tuesday against the Red Sox. He will play right and bat sixth during game one. Myers will get a chance to show what he can do against Alfredo Aceves in his major-league debut. He'll face Felix Doubront in the second game. 

Myers was hitting .286/.356/.520 in 252 at-bats in Triple-A Durham.

Tim Hudson upbeat during winless streak

Hudson is 0-5 with a 4.47 ERA in his last eight starts. He has allowed one run in three of his last four starts and has pitched at least seven innings in four straight starts.

"I feel good about how I'm throwing the ball," Hudson said, per MLB.com. "If I keep throwing it the way I'm throwing, the wins will come. I feel like our team has been playing pretty well. I just happened to be out there on the mound when the other pitcher is throwing a pretty good game."

Cory Rasmus recalled for doubleheader

Tyler Pastornicky recalled Tuesday

Mike Napoli returns to lineup

Napoli has missed the last three games due to an illness. He'll return and hit fifth in the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader. Napoli is hitting .262/.347/.467 in 244 at-bats. 

Evan Gattis makes surprise trip to DL

Gattis heads to the DL mired in a 2-for-26 slump (.077) in his last 11 games (eight starts). He does have two home runs and five RBI in that span.

Yoenis Cespedes not ready to play the field

Cespedes has started four games at DH after his hamstring gave him some trouble last Tuesday. Cespedes will return to the outfield once he recovers. Cespedes is hitting .235/.298/.471 in 221 at-bats. 

Alex Avila still in pain

Avila was placed on the disabled list with a deep forearm contusion after being hit by a pitch. Avila didn't think he broke any bones, but said it was "probably the most pain I’ve felt on the field before." The following day, Avila admitted the injury was still "pretty sore, pretty painful."

Avila is hitting .172/.271/.288 in 163 at-bats. 

Tigers to go closer-by-committee

Drew Smyly saved Monday's game, but he shouldn't be viewed as the full-time closer. Leyland admitted he would use Jose Valverde, Phil Coke and Joaquin Benoit in the role depending on the game situation. He reiterated that Rick Porcello would not be used in the role. 

The Tigers' bullpen is responsible for nine blown saves this season. 

Ryan Madson still in pain during throwing sessions

Madson threw from 120 feet, but had some discomfort when he tried throwing at 80 percent. Madson had a platelet-rich plasma injection in his elbow a few weeks ago, and he believes that the shot will take full effect next week. He believes the pain he felt Monday was a side effect of his injection. Madson will attempt to go past 80 percent during a long toss session Wednesday. 

Madson has been attempting to recover from elbow surgery this season. He has not pitched in the majors since 2011. 

Surgery possible for Mark Teixeira

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said he would give Teixeira time to rest the wrist, but admitted this could lead to surgery if it continues to be an issue.

"Is this something that is a recurring theme because of the previous injury [torn tendon sheath] that is going to prevent him from being all he can be? If that’s the case, he will have to have the surgery," Cashman said. He said the injury is likely related to the one that kept Teixeira out the first two months of the season.

Teixeira is hitting .151/.270/.340 in 53 at-bats. 

Travis Ishikawa to join Orioles

Ishikawa submitted paperwork to opt out of his deal this weekend, and was supposed to be released from his contract Tuesday. The Orioles, however, have decided to call up Ishikawa from Triple-A. Ishikawa is hitting .316/.413/.525 in Triple-A. His career major-league batting line is .264/.328/.405 in 755 at-bats. 

Josh Hamilton hits another long ball

In the second inning, Hamilton took an Aaron Harang changeup out to center for a two-run home run. Hamilton also added a single. Hamilton is hitting .217/.273/.395 in 263 at-bats. 

Peter Bourjos reaches four times

Bourjos collected three hits, and walked once. All of his hits were singles. He also stole his third base. Bourjos is hitting .333/.381/.444 in 108 at-bats. 

Mike Trout scores 200th run

Trout became the fastest player since Ted Williams and Barney McCosky reached 200 in 1940. He finished the game 1 for 3, with a walk. He scored a run and drove in a run. Seven players have reached 200 runs faster than Trout, and five of them are in the Hall of Fame.

Trout is hitting .305/.382/.550 in 282 at-bats.

Lucas Duda goes 4 for 4 in first game at first base

Duda's four-hit night was his first since Sept. 16, 2011 (also against the Braves), giving him a .241/.348/.454 line with 11 home runs and 23 RBI in 216 at-bats. He had hit .306/.378/.486 with three home runs and 20 RBI in 144 at-bats over 45 career games as a first baseman heading into Monday's game, numbers far above his career .249/.338/.430 line.

Freddie Freeman hits walkoff home run

It was Freeman's second straight three-hit performance, making him 22 of 62 with two home runs and 14 RBI in June. He passed Chris Johnson in this game for the team lead in batting average (.327 in 223 at-bats).

Dillon Gee takes hard-luck loss after ninth-inning homer

Gee gave up two earned runs on five hits and and one walk while striking out six in 8 1/3 innings. It was his second career complete game. Gee takes a 4.56 ERA into Saturday's start in Philadelphia against the Phillies.

Report: Justin Smoak getting activated

Smoak went 2 for 5 with a double and run scored in his fifth rehab game with Triple-A Tacoma Monday. He has been out since May 30 with a strained oblique muscle. 

Tim Hudson allows one run in no-decision

Hudson who is 4-6 with a 4.17 ERA, has posted four straight quality starts. He'll take on the Brewers in Milwaukee Saturday.

Report: Alex Liddi headed to Triple-A

Liddi went 0 for 1 with a strikeout Monday in Anaheim. He's batting .059 over 17 at-bats for the Mariners. 

Jimmy Paredes sent down by Astros

Justin Maxwell activated by Astros

Alberto Callaspo adds four to Angels hit parade

Callaspo singled for all four hits and drove in two runs with two runs scored. His single to center in the sixth inning plated Albert Pujols and Howie Kendrick. 

The No. 7 batter went 4 for 5 and is now batting .250 on the year. Callaspo has gone 6 for 13 over his last three games with four runs driven in. He has four homers and 24 RBI on the year for the Angels. 

Barry Zito strikes out eight in no-decision

Zito hadn't struck out more than five batters in a start this season before ringing up eight Monday. It was his best one-game strikeout total since racking up 10 Ks against the Braves on Aug. 6, 2010. He'll face the Marlins at home Saturday.

Albert Pujols has four-hit night

The No. 3 batter went 4 for 5 with a double, RBI and run scored. He's batting .266 after the four-hit game. 

Pujols now has multiple-hit contests in four of his last five. He's gone 12 for 23 over that span with three doubles, a homer and five RBI. He does have 11 homers and 43 RBI on the year. 

Edinson Volquez strikes out six in no-decision

Volquez remains at 5-5 while his ERA and WHIP drop to 5.84 and 1.60, respectively. He'll face the Dodgers at home Saturday.

Aaron Harang no match for Angels offense

The veteran moved to 3-7 on the year as he surrendered four earned runs without walking a batter. The Angels just squared him up often as he gave up a two-run HR to Josh Hamilton in the second inning. He struck out four and his ERA is at 5.73. 

The 35-year-old was coming off an impressive two-hit complete-game shutout over the Astros his last time out. He's had some major hiccups this season, but he's also been very good at times. Harang next gets the ball Saturday against Oakland. 

Jason Vargas generously supported

Vargas got plenty of support as he moved to 6-4 on the year with a 3.65 ERA. Vargas allowed two runs on four hits and a walk over seven solid innings in the win.

Vargas won four straight starts from May 14 through May 30, but had given up eight runs over his previous two outings spanning 11 2/3 innings.

He bounced back Monday with the solid outing and will look to keep that going in his next start scheduled for Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Willie Bloomquist goes hitless in start for first time

Bloomquist has hit .367/.418/.429 with eight runs and six RBI in 49 at-bats since making his season debut on June 1.

Logan Morrison goes hitless in return

Giancarlo Stanton homers twice in win

While Stanton went 2 for 4 with two home runs and three RBI, the rest of the Marlins lineup combined to go 1 for 27. Stanton has four home runs in seven games since returning from the disabled list and seven home runs through 103 at-bats.

Heath Bell surrenders homer in loss

Bell has given up at least one earned run in each of his last three appearances while watching his ERA rise to 4.23 in 27 2/3 innings. Even after allowing four earned runs in his last three games, Bell hasn't blown a save since May 12.

Patrick Corbin takes third straight no-decision

Corbin maintained a 2.28 ERA by throwing eight two-run innings. He'll try again for win no. 10 when he faces the Reds Sunday.

Steve Cishek picks up 10th save

It was Cishek's sixth straight appearance (spanning 5 1/3 innings) without surrendering a hit or a walk, giving him a 3.68 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 29 1/3 innings.

Jacob Turner allows two runs in no-decision

Making his fourth start of the year, Turner gave up his first home run of the season while watching his ERA rise to 2.16 in 25 innings. He'll face the Giants in San Francisco Saturday.

Everth Cabrera could miss series against Giants

"We're going to keep an eye on him for a few days," manager Bud Black said Monday. "We didn't want to be too quick to pull the trigger on the disabled list just yet."

Cabrera suffered the injury during a stolen base attempt Sunday and received treatment for the hamstring Monday.

"It's better to miss two or three games here and come back as quick as I can," Cabrera told MLB.com. "I feel all right. I feel I can play but don't want to play at 50 percent. They said we will give it a couple of days and see how I feel."

Recent acquisition Pedro Ciriaco drew the start at shortstop in Monday's series opener against the Giants.

Darwin Barney homers in loss

It was Barney's first home run of June after hitting one home run apiece in April and May, and he extended his hitting streak to six games with the 1-for-4 performance. Barney has hit .214 in 196 at-bats.

Brandon Barnes swipes two bags on three-hit night

All three of his hits were singles and he turned that into two stolen bases. Barnes now has six steals on the season. He is batting .284. 

The 27-year-old has gone 5 for 12 over his last three games. He's been caught stealing five times. 

Edward Mujica gives up homer in 20th save

Mujica had pitched eight straight scoreless outings before giving up the home run Monday, and he remains perfect in save opportunities this season. Only Jason Grilli has saved more games without blowing one opportunity.

Jason Castro nets two RBI doubles

His first-inning double drove in Jose Altuve and his third-inning double scored Brandon Barnes. 

Castro finished 2 for 4 and is batting .274 with 25 RBI. He's recorded at least one hit in four straight games and is 7 for 15 over that span with three doubles, three runs scored, two homers and five RBI. 

Dayan Viciedo comes through with bases loaded

The three-run triple gave Viciedo more RBI in one swing than he had in his previous 18 games, CSN Chicago reports. 

Viciedo finished 1 for 4 and is batting .223 on the year with 18 RBI. The 24-year-old has just two hits over his last four games, but they are both triples. 

Travis Wood takes third straight loss

Wood's no-walk effort was his first of the year, and his quality start was his fourth straight, but it wasn't enough to avoid slipping to 5-6. Wood takes a 2.74 ERA into Saturday's start against the Astros.

Alex Rios keeps producing

He went 2 for 4 with a double and stole his 11th base. Rios is batting .288. 

The 32-year-old has been highly productive this year with 11 homers, 33 RBI and 36 runs scored. He's among the top 10 in the American League with his 11 steals. 

Bud Norris has one bad inning in defeat

Norris gave up an RBI single to Paul Konerko and then allowed a bases-clearing triple to Dayan Viciedo, as the White Sox plated four runs in the sixth. Norris finished the six innings but took the loss to fall to 5-7 on the season.

He gave up four earned runs on eight hits and no walks with four strikeouts over his six frames. He threw 99 pitches and his ERA is 3.64 following the loss.

Norris has lost three straight outings but had quality starts in his previous two. He makes his next start Saturday in Chicago against the Cubs.

A.J. Pierzynski homers in win

Pierzynski went 2 for 3 with a walk. He added his eighth double and scored twice. He drove in three runs and is batting .305 with 20 RBI on the year. 

He has gone 4 for 7 in his last two contests to get back over .300. He'd gone 1 for 12 over a three-game stretch before his bat woke up Sunday against Toronto and continued to hit Monday. 

Jose Quintana doesn't qualify for win

Chicago took a 4-2 lead in the top of the sixth inning, but Quintana already was gone by that time and took a no-decision. He gave up just two earned runs on five hits but walked three and struck out five to raise his pitch count. His ERA is 3.86. 

Quintana hasn't won a start since May 21 against Boston, but he's continued to at least give the White Sox decent chances to win. He should get deeper next time out Saturday at Kansas City. 

Addison Reed crisp for 20th save

He needed just 15 pitches and did not strike out a batter. His ERA is 3.38. 

The 24-year-old rebounded from blowing his second save his last time out on June 11 against Toronto. It was a long layoff, but Reed looked sharp Monday. 

Mitch Moreland hitless to begin rehab

Jed Lowrie getting back on track

Lowrie went 2 for 3 with a walk and a run scored. He's batting .297 with 20 doubles and 25 RBI. 

The shortstop has struggled in June, but he is beginning to pick things up again with hits in five of his last six games. 

Seth Smith plates two runs

Smith went 2 for 4 with a double and a two-run single in the fourth inning. He's batting .273 on the season. Smith has gone 4 for 9 over his last two games with two doubles, a home run and four RBI. 

Nelson Cruz launches two homers

Cruz, who has 18 homers on the year, added an RBI double in the seventh inning. He gave the Rangers the lead for good in the fifth with a two-run shot off Jesse Chavez. 

The 32-year-old Cruz is batting .266 on the year, but he has four homers in his last nine games with eight RBI over that span. He has 48 RBI on the year.

Santiago Casilla to throw off mound within the next week

Casilla, who has been out since May 20, had a cyst removed from his right knee in late May. He is 3-2 with a 1.89 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 19 innings.

Nick Tepesch comes undone in fourth

Dan Straily has short outing in no-decision

Straily allowed six earned runs on eight hits and a walk over 4 2/3 innings. He was saved from the defeat, as he entered the fifth inning with a 6-4 lead. The two runs he allowed in the bottom of the fifth tied the score and earned him a no-decision.

Straily gave up two long balls and struck out one batter over 82 pitches. His ERA is at 4.97. The 24-year-old has won his last three decisions and remains at 4-2 on the year. He's been pitching well and will look to have a rebound performance for the Athletics Saturday at Seattle.

Joe Nathan allows run but earns save

The veteran reliever gave up a walk and two hits as a sacrifice fly scored a run off him in the ninth. That said, he needed 18 pitches to record three outs to close out the 8-7 win. He struck out one batter and his ERA is at 1.91.

Nathan gave up his first run since May 26. 

Kevin Quackenbush promoted to Triple-A

Quackenbush, who was drafted in the eighth round of the 2011 draft, has posted ERAs under 1.00 in each of his first three seasons in the minors while striking out 187 batters in 130 2/3 innings and collecting 58 saves.

Matt Langwell sent back to Triple-A

Chris Heisey collects two hits in rehab debut

Heisey, who has been out since April 29, has dealt with multiple setbacks while attempting to recover from a strained right hamstring. He has hit .173/.195/.293 with two home runs and two stolen bases in 75 at-bats.

Ryan Howard hits first June home run

Howard has posted three straight multi-hit efforts while going 7 for 11 over the last three days. He's 18 for 52 in June to raise his average to .274 in 237 at-bats.

Chad Tracy hits third home run

Tracy pinch-hit for starter Dan Haren in the seventh inning, remaining in to play first base. It was Tracy's second homer in the last three games after enduring a 0-for-21 slump. He has hit .152/.188/.288 in 66 at-bats.

Jonathan Papelbon blows save, earns first win

Papelbon was a perfect 13 for 13 before Monday's blown save, and he's now given up a run in three of his last six appearances after posting a 18 2/3-inning scoreless streak. He owns a 1.75 ERA and 24:3 K:BB ratio in 25 2/3 innings.

John Lannan allows two runs in return from disabled list

Lannan made his first major-league start in exactly two months after giving up six earned runs in 1 2/3 innings against the Reds on April 17, and while he pitched well, it wasn't enough to earn his first win of the year after the bullpen blew a lead. He'll take on the Mets this weekend.

Dan Haren allows four runs in no-decision

Haren had allowed five earned runs in each of his previous two starts, so Monday's performance marked a slight improvement. He takes a 4-8 record and 5.72 ERA into Tuesday's meeting with the Rockies.

Shelby Miller exits start with leg cramp

Miller left the game in line for his eighth win. He has a 2.08 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 96 strikeouts in 86 1/3 innings.

Joey Votto hits one of four Reds' homers in win

Votto has posted 2-for-4 performances in each of his last two games after going 1 for 13 over his previous four games. He has hit .321 in 265 at-bats.

Russell Martin collects two hits in return

Martin's double was his first extra-base hit since June 8. He owns a .254 batting average with seven home runs and 21 RBI in 189 at-bats.

Starling Marte goes hitless in return to starting lineup

Aroldis Chapman earns 18th save

Chapman has converted 90 percent of his save opportunites while posting a 2.03 ERA and 54:13 K:BB ratio in 31 innings.

Mike Leake earns seventh win

Leake has allowed a total of six earned runs over his last seven starts to lower his ERA to 2.64. He'll take on the Diamondbacks Saturday.

Greg Holland records 15th save

The reliever gave up a hit in the ninth, but struck out a batter and needed 19 pitches to get out of the inning. His ERA is 2.08. 

Holland has saves in five of his last six appearances with a win mixed in between. He rebounded after allowing a run in a save in his last outing at Tampa Bay Sunday. 

Jorge Soler injures shin

Soler, who is with Class A Daytona, hasn't played since Thursday. He has hit .281/.343/.467 with eight home runs, 35 RBI and five stolen bases in 210 at-bats in the Florida State League.

Jhonny Peralta with solid offensive night

Peralta went 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI. He scored a run and is batting .332 on the year. He drove in his 30th run of the season and has 19 doubles. 

Peralta has continued to swing a solid bat in June and has driven in four runs in his last four games. 

Omar Infante with four-hit night

Batting eighth, Infante went 4 for 4 with four singles and his third stolen base of the season. He did not score or drive in any runs, however, in the 5-1 win. Infante is batting .308 on the season. 

The 31-year-old has gone 6 for 8 in his last two games after going 0 for 8 in the previous two. He's been hot and cold at times, but continues to hit right around .300. 

Francisco Liriano takes loss in quality start

Both runs scored on Liriano (5-3) came via solo home runs. He hadn't surrendered any home runs in his first seven starts before Monday. He'll look for his sixth win when he faces the Angels in Anaheim Saturday.

Jake Arrieta demoted following outing

Zach Britton will be called up to start Tuesday's game in Detroit as the corresponding roster move. 

Austin Jackson red-hot for Tigers

Jackson recorded three more hits Monday in a win over the Orioles. He went 3 for 4 with three singles, an RBI and two runs scored in the 5-1 victory. Jackson has gone 7 for 13 in his last three games after going 0 for 3 in his first game off the DL. 

Jorge De La Rosa throws seven one-hit innings

It was De La Rosa's fourth time allowing two hits or less this season, though he picked up wins in each of the other three starts with two hits or less. He takes a 7-4 record and 3.21 ERA into a matchup with the Nationals Saturday.

Miguel Cabrera homers among three hits

Cabrera hit his 19th home run of the season in the first inning off starter Jake Arrieta for a two-run shot. The Tigers won 5-1. 

Cabrera finished 3 for 4 in the game with two RBI and is batting .358 for the Tigers. The three-hit game was his first multi-hit contest since picking up three hits against Tampa Bay back on June 6. That said, Cabrera still leads the American League in batting and RBI. 

Chris Davis hits No. 24

Davis went deep in the second inning off Scherzer, who won 5-1 and is 10-0 on the season for the Tigers. Davis finished 2 for 4 in the game with two strikeouts. He has 61 RBI and a .337 batting average. 

Davis has homered four times in his last six games with nine RBI over that span. He's 4 for 8 with two homers and four RBI in his last two games alone. 

Tom Koehler remains in rotation, starting Wednesday

"Slowey has pitched in that role before and he's just better equipped," manager Mike Redmond told the Sun Sentinel Monday. "It doesn't mean that it will stay like that. [Henderson] Alvarez is on his way too. I would think it's good experience for Koehler to stay in that starting rotation and log as many innings as he can as a starter."

Koehler is 0-5 with a 5.09 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 33:16 K:BB ratio in 53 innings.

Angel Pagan close to rehab assignment

Pagan, who last played on May 25, has spent the minimum amount of time on the 15-day disabled list and is eligible to return whenever he's deemed ready.

Drew Smyly gets rare three-inning save

The reliever struck out three batters over three perfect innings. He needed 33 pitches and threw 22 strikes, lowering his ERA to 1.94 in the process. 

Smyly has gone 2-0 this year over 24 relief appearances and 41 2/3 innings. He has a solid ERA, a 1.01 WHIP and 42 strikeouts over that span. 

Colby Lewis gets on mound

Rafael Betancourt scheduled for bullpen session Tuesday

Betancourt has been out since May 31 while dealing with a groin injury. He's 1-3 with a 3.20 ERA and 11 saves in 19 2/3 innings.

Alexi Ogando experiencing discomfort

Ogando will not throw off a mound until the discomfort completely goes away. 

He was on the DL from May 16 until June 5 due to triceps tendinitis and is now on the shelf with shoulder inflammation. He's expected to need a rehab assignment, when ready. 

Henderson Alvarez may need just two more rehab starts

Alvarez threw five scoreless innings in his first rehab start Thursday. He is recovering from a shoulder injury that has sidelined him for the entire season.

Ian Kennedy drops appeal

Kennedy will be eligible to pitch June 29 against the Braves. He is 3-4 with a 5.21 ERA in 84 2/3 innings.

Jake Arrieta loses spot start

The one-time ace of the Baltimore staff, who has displayed lightning stuff at times through his career but has been unable to harness his command, took the loss to fall to 1-2 with a 7.23 ERA on the year.

Arrieta gave up five earned runs on 10 hits and a walk over 4 2/3 innings. He had some positive moments, but was all too often near the middle of the plate against the dangerous Tigers hitters. It started in the first inning with Miguel Cabrera's two-run homer.

Arrieta threw 82 pitches and struck out three batters. He was given the opportunity to start with Jason Hammel ill, but he has given up 10 runs over his last two starts in the majors spanning 8 2/3 innings.

It is likely that Arrieta has seen the last of a major league mound as a starter for at least a while. Unless Baltimore has another desperate need, he's not expected to get another start. Arrieta could be optioned to the minors or remain with the club in the bullpen.

Max Scherzer first in AL to 10 wins

The fireballer managed 10 more strikeouts over six solid innings to lower his ERA to 3.08. Scherzer gave up just a solo homer to Chris Davis among seven hits to allow just one earned run on 113 pitches.

The 28-year-old has three 10-strikeout games over his last 10 starts and 116 over 96 1/3 innings on the year. He's been fantastic and he'll look to move to 11-0 when he next takes the hill, likely Saturday against Boston.

Maicer Izturis wins it for Blue Jays

Izturis' RBI single in the eighth inning scored Rajai Davis and Colby Rasmus for a 2-0.

Izturis doubled twice and went 2 for 3 with the two RBI. He's batting .224 on the year.

The light-hitting middle infielder has hits in six of his last seven games with four RBI over that stretch.

Pablo Sandoval could begin rehab assignment Friday

Sandoval, who last played on June 8, has been dealing with a strained tendon in his left foot. If all goes well with his rehab assignment, he'll likely come off the disabled list early next week.

Carlos Carrasco with best outing yet

Carrasco took a no-decision as he allowed just one earned run on four hits and a walk over 7 1/3 solid innings. He threw just 90 pitches before being removed from the game after four strikeouts.

Unfortunately, James Shields was just as good and both pitchers left with the score tied at one run apiece. Carrasco lowered his ERA from 15.26 to 8.40 with the outing.

After having allowed 13 runs over his first two starts spanning 7 2/3 innings, Carrasco was much improved Monday. He'll look to keep improving in his next start scheduled for Sunday against Minnesota.

James Shields with another no-decision

Shields left the game tied at one run apiece and settled for a no-decision. His record remains 2-6 despite a solid 2.72 ERA.

Shields gave up just a Carlos Santana solo homer in the sixth inning over 111 pitches and six solid frames. He gave up four hits total with four walks and five strikeouts.

Shields has gone 0-4 since his last win on April 30 against Tampa Bay. That said, he's given up two or fewer runs in four straight outings. Shields will look for a win in his next turn Sunday against the White Sox.

Josh Johnson vintage with 10 Ks

Johnson threw 106 pitches and allowed just five hits over 7 1/3 shutout frames. He walked two batters and lowered his ERA to 4.38, as he just missed his first win of the season.

Johnson (0-2) has pitched well in three straight starts with his season-high 10 Ks Monday. He's allowed four earned runs over his last 19 1/3 innings with 20 Ks. Johnson will look to keep rolling when he next starts Sunday against Baltimore.

Casey Janssen solid for 15th save

Janssen earned his 15th save as he did not give up a hit or run with one strikeout over 16 pitches. His ERA is now at 2.38.

He has recorded saves in three straight appearances since his first blown save of the year.

Trevor Crowe supplants Jimmy Paredes as starter

Crowe has started seven of the last nine games for the Astros and Paredes is mired in a bad slump. He's recorded just one hit in his last 21 at-bats in June.

Of course, Crowe is batting just .194 on the year.

"He does a great job and makes things happen," Porter said. "You look at the batting average, and I'm not a batting average guy. He's an above-average defender and gives us great flexibility because he's a switch-hitter. He's just a baseball player and understands the game. We'll continue to find opportunities for him."

Roberto Osuna back on mound

Osuna had been out since early May and it was feared Tommy John may have been necessary.

He returned, however, and threw five shutout innings on June 9. 

Shoulder improving for prospect Aaron Sanchez

The No. 1 prospect in the organization has been on the shelf with Class A Dunedin since May 18 with a shoulder injury.

Sanchez is free of pain and making progress on a throwing program. He was 2-2 with a 3.16 ERA before getting hurt. He's the No. 32 prospect in the majors, according to MLB.com.

Daniel Norris on the mend

Norris has not pitched since June 9 due to a sore forearm for Class A Lansing. An MRI revealed no structural damage. The Jays' No. 3 prospect should return soon.

Brandon Morrow begins rehab assignment

Morrow, limited to between 35-40 pitches, went two innings. He gave up three earned runs on five hits and a walk. Morrow also served up a homer.

He should get a couple more rehab starts before he returns to the majors in the rotation for Toronto.

Ryan Vogelsong to have hand re-examined Tuesday

"Hopefully there's some pins coming out tomorrow," Vogelsong said Monday. "That's the plan, but obviously I don't know for sure until I get some X-rays tomorrow and see how things are healing. It's good news, but I'm a little worried about getting pins pulled out of my hand. It'll be a good thing. I'll get over it. I should be able to start moving it around a little bit more.

Vogelsong has been out since May 20 with a fractured pinkie.

Jason Bay has hamstring issue

Bay's hamstring "knotted up" Sunday, according to manager Eric Wedge.

Bay is day to day. The 34-year-old is batting .222 on the year with eight homers and 17 RBI.

Matt den Dekker returns to action

Den Dekker hit .274/.321/.458 with 17 home runs and 21 stolen bases in 533 at-bats between Double-A and Triple-A last season.

Ryan Madson nearing mound work

If not, Madson will begin early next week at the latest.

Having had multiple setbacks during his recovery from Tommy John surgery, Madson is taking his recovery slowly. There is no timetable for a return.

Marco Scutaro expects to return to lineup within days

 "Soon," Scutaro told the Chronicle Monday. "Tomorrow. Next day...depends on how finger reacts (from day to day)."

Scutaro has been sidelined since June 11 with mallet finger.

Jose Reyes solid in first rehab game

Reyes went 2 for 3 in the start, playing five innings in the field. He came away from the appearance without issue.

Reyes, 30, is expected to play in rehab games for two weeks, meaning he could return before the end of June.

Tyler Lyons expected to start Friday

"Right now, (that's) definitely where we're going," Matheny told Fox Sports. "We want him just thinking about his next start, not about all this other stuff."

Lyons has surrendered 14 earned runs in 17 innings over his last three starts after giving up just two earned runs in 14 innings over his first two starts.

Felipe Paulino suffers minor setback

Paulino's issue surfaced after beginning his rehab assignment with Double-A Northwest Arkansas last week. He skipped his scheduled start Sunday as a precaution. He could be back Wednesday.

"We want to see him have a good side session and a functional return on fielding his position," trainer Nick Kenney said, "for us to feel comfortable with him pitching on Wednesday."

Paulino, 29, worked five scoreless frames on June 11 against Arkansas.

Chris Coghlan avoids back surgery

Coghlan, who was placed on the disabled list June 9, has no timetable for his return.

Phillies may move Carlos Ruiz's timetable up

"Chooch did very well. We may move his timetable up a little bit, we may not," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. told MLB.com Monday. "We'll talk to him again after today's workout and see how he's feeling. There's a possibility we can be a little quicker on him. He's doing well."

Ruiz has been out since May 21 with a right hamstring strain.

Daniel Stange opts out of contract

Stange's only major-league experience came in 2010, when he pitched four innings for the Diamondbacks.

Miguel Gonzalez leaves team in Detroit, heads to California

Gonzalez will be placed on the paternity leave list but is expected to return for his next start Saturday at Toronto.

Brandon McCarthy scheduled for bullpen session Tuesday

McCarthy has been out since May 30 with shoulder inflammation. He's 2-4 with a 5.00 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 39 strikeouts in 66 2/3 innings.

Zach McAllister plays catch Monday

"I played catch at 60 feet and the finger felt good," McAllister said. "I'll play catch against Tuesday. It was encouraging."

Buster Posey out of Monday's lineup

Posey has hit .316/.390/.515 with eight home runs and 41 RBI in 231 at-bats.

Asdrubal Cabrera hits in cage

Cabrera also hit in the cage for the first time since suffering his injury.

"I feel good, really good," Cabrera said. "I could be a week, but no more than 10 days away. But we have to see how things go. I hope to be back soon."

Everth Cabrera out of Monday's lineup

Cabrera has hit .305/.382/.418 with four home runs and a league-leading 31 stolen bases in 275 at-bats.

Carlos Quentin out of Monday's lineup

Quentin has hit .261/.367/.471 with seven home runs and 22 RBI in 157 at-bats. He's picked it up over the last month, hitting .373/.463/.597 with three home runs in 80 at-bats over the last 28 days.

Carlos Marmol won't receive save opportunities

"[Marmol] has pitched well in the seventh and eighth, and even pitched well in some tie games in the ninth and the 10th inning, too," Cubs manager Dale Sveum told MLB.com Monday. "Obviously, he’s having difficulty with the last three outs and a save. We have our closer [in Gregg] when he has his rest. [Marmol] is back in the same role he was in."

Marmol received a save opportunity Sunday for the first time in almost two months and blew it, giving him a 40 percent success rate in his five save opportunites.

J.J. Putz feeling great after bullpen session

Putz is 2-1 with a 4.26 ERA and five saves in 12 2/3 innings.

J.C. Romero goes on minors DL

Romero has appeared in two games for Columbus, allowing a run over two innings with two walks and two strikeouts. 

Logan Morrison in Monday's starting lineup

Morrison made his season debut on June 9 after spending the early part of the season on the disabled list, going 4 for 9 with two doubles, two walks, two runs and one RBI in three games before suffering the back injury.

Zach Britton set to start Tuesday at Detroit

Jason Hammel won't pitch Tuesday

Wei-Yin Chen might be back in early July

Chris Carpenter dealing with back stiffness

Jake Peavy waiting for clearance for conditioning drills

Wandy Rodriguez feels good after bullpen session

"I spoke with him," manager Clint Hurdle told the Tribune-Review. "He felt good. He seemed to be very positive."

Rodriguez, who is 6-4 with a 3.59 ERA in 62 2/3 innings, is likely to go on a rehab assignent soon. He has been out since June 6 with forearm tightness.

Tony Cingrani heading to Reds' bullpen

"He’s going to stay here," Baker told MLB.com, adding, "He fills what we need. We need a power arm in the bullpen, and a left-hander."

Cingrani is 3-0 with a 3.15 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 46:10 K:BB ratio in 40 innings over seven starts.

Travis d'Arnaud cleared to begin running

He fractured his left foot in mid-April and shed his walking boot last week. He has hit .250/.429/.472 in 36 Triple-A at-bats.

Fernando Salas to begin Triple-A rehab assignment Tuesday

Salas has been out since May 20 due to shoulder inflammation. He's 0-2 with a 3.86 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 12 strikeouts in 16 1/3 innings.

Jordy Mercer to see majority of playing time at shortstop

Mercer has played shortstop from start to finish in five of the team's last nine games while going 9 for 21 with four doubles at the plate. He has hit .289/.312/.489 with three home runs, six RBI and two stolen bases in 90 at-bats.

Jurickson Profar becoming 'functional left fielder'

Profar, who was leading off as the designated hitter Monday against Oakland, is expected to need 7-10 days in order to learn the ins and outs of playing left field. 

Phillies place Jeremy Horst on 15-day disabled list

Horst has struggled while going 0-2 with a 6.23 ERA, 1.81 WHIP and 21:12 K:BB ratio in 26 innings over 28 appearances. He surrendered eight earned runs in six innings over his last six appearances before heading to the disabled list.

Jeff Baker shooting for Wednesday return

Texas manager Ron Washington does not expect Baker to need to go on the disabled list and hopes he can return to action Wednesday. He's batting .317 on the season with nine homers and 16 RBI over 82 at-bats. 

Randall Delgado officially announced as Tuesday's starter

Delgado has made one appearance with the Diamondbacks this season, allowing two earned runs on four hits while striking out three and walking none in two innings against the Cardinals on June 3. He is 2-5 with a 5.91 ERA, 1.63 WHIP and 57:35 K:BB ratio in 64 innings over 13 starts with Triple-A Reno.

Yankees sign 1B/DH Randy Ruiz

Ruiz, who was assigned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, is 35 and last saw time in the majors for the Blue Jays in 2010. He's a career .272 hitter with 12 homers and 25 RBI over 217 at-bats with the Jays and Twins. 

Ruiz was hitting .370 with six homers and 20 RBI over 37 games this season in the Mexican league. 

Corey Kluber is co-AL player of the week

Kluber also struck out 11, walked three baters and allowed 13 hits. 

Jason Kipnis shares weekly honor with teammate

Kipnis heads into Monday's game against the Royals with a 10-game hitting streak. He's batting .432 (16 for 37) with one home run, three doubles and eight RBI in that span.

Joakim Soria throws live batting practice

Soria threw a bullpen session Friday. Recovering from Tommy John surgery, Soria has not pitched in the majors since Sept. 11, 2001 but is nearing a return. 

Matt Harrison plays catch Monday

Harrison will be restricted to throwing off flat ground for another 4-6 weeks before he can get back on a mound. Harrison is expected to return to the Rangers rotation some time between mid-August and September. 

Blake Wood moves rehab back to Double-A

Wood has a 2.25 ERA and .188 opponents' batting average in five rehab outings (four innings). He has struck out three and walked five.

Bryce Harper cleared to increase activity

Harper will begin jogging and running in order to strenghten his knee. Harper has been treated with cortisone shots, which seem to be working. The team will allow Harper's progress to set his timetable. If he improves quickly, they will continue increasing his workload at the same pace. 

Jose Alvarez worth a deep league pickup

Alvarez's rise to sixth-starter status has been a pleasant surprise this season, given that he is coming off consecutive nondescript campaigns in the Southern League while with the Marlins' organization. At Triple-A Toledo, Alvarez has remade himself as a strikeout pitcher, yet he hasn't sacrificed his sharp control.

Fantasy owners shouldn't expect a repeat of Alvarez's strong debut, as the Red Sox will be a more formidable opponent, but given what the 24-year-old has shown this season, he could be a productive short-term pickup for owners in deeper mixed and AL-only leagues who need to fill a rotation spot.

Lance Berkman gets another day off

Berkman is not hitting well in June, batting .182 (8 for 44) with one home run and three RBI in 12 games. He's batting .195 in his last 22 games, dropping his season average from .311 to .266.

Berkman is expected to be back in the lineup Tuesday. He said getting a few days off is allowing him to work on his mechanics. He said the biggest issue is trying to keep his right leg straight when batting left-handed.

Boston sets rotation for doubleheader

Alfredo Aceves will get the ball for the make-up game of April 12's rainout. That game will begin at 1:05 p.m. Felix Doubront will then take the hill in the nightcap beginning at 7:05. 

Tigers' closer drama like soap opera