CATCHER

The Rockies activated Chris Iannetta off of the DL. He was heating up before the injury and will be looking at most of the playing time while Yorvit Torrealba is out. Geovany Soto will receive a few games off. He only has 3 homeruns, so the mental break could help get him jumpstarted.

FIRST BASE

Paul Konerko hurt his thumb Wednesday and will receive a cortisone shot. It's the same thumb that he injured last year. Casey Kotchman is set to begin a rehab assignment after suffering a shin bruise. The A's activated Nomar Garciaparra from the 15 day DL.

SECOND BASE

The Angels recalled Sean Rodriguez after sending Howie Kendrick to AAA. Rodriguez had 20 HRs in the minors this year, but the Angels are often hesitant to play their youngsters. See how much playing time he earns since he has the upside to contribute in mixed leagues. The Twins optioned Alexi Casilla to AAA and activated Nick Punto from the DL.

SHORTSTOP

The Cardinals plan on using Khalil Greene at third base after he was activated from the disabled list. The Cards have struggled at the hot corner, so Greene will get a look. It really doesn't seem to be the best idea for him to change positions when he's suffering from an anxiety disorder. Perhaps it's a more of a last resort. Jason Bartlett will be activated from the 15 day DL. He was having a stellar season, particularly in the power department.

THIRD BASE

Eric Chavez will have another microdiscectomy. Chavez’s season is done and his career is in serious jeopardy at this point. Kevin Kouzmanoff raised his average from .218 to .239 and hit 3 HRs over the past week. He has a good track record in interleague play, so keep him in mind for the upcoming series.

OUTFIELD

Coco Crisp was placed on the 15 day DL with a strained rotator cuff. It's amazing the Royals didn't treat this injury properly; he should have been on the DL back in May. Cody Ross had a nice week by bringing his average up to .270 and hitting his 10th homerun. He's pretty streaky, but that doesn't mean you can't use him while he's hot. Juan Rivera hit 2 home runs on Sunday. He's got 8 round trippers on the season and is hitting at a .308 clip. Just like Ross, mixed leaguers can take advantage of the production. Denard Span anticipates returning next week from his inner-ear infection.

STARTING PITCHER

Brandon McCarthy will miss a couple of months with a stress fracture. Detroit activated Jeremy Bonderman. He needs to prove his health and is a risky play his first start out. Jose Contreras was recalled from AAA. He struggled at the start of the season, but did well in the minors. He has to turn in a few good outings before AL owners give him a look. Roy Halladay left Friday's game with a strained groin. A stint on the DL is a distinct possibility.

RELIEF PITCHER

Jose Valverde is set to be activated. Once healthy, the Astros will ease him back into the closer role. J.P. Howell recorded his 3rd save for the Rays. He's the likely candidate to head their bullpen committee.