CATCHER

Kenji Johjima is set to begin a minor league rehab assignment.  Yorvit Torrealba will go on a short rehab and rejoin the Rockies within the week.  He's been in Venezuela attending to his family after his 11-year-old son was kidnapped.

FIRST BASE

Joey Votto is slated to begin a rehab assignment.  His offense has been fine this year; owners just have to hope the anxiety is under control.  Ryan Howard missed several games with the flu.  Arizona activated Tony Howard and optioned Josh Whitesell to AAA.

SECOND BASE

Jose Lopez was starting to heat up, but he'll be out for a few games with some time on the bereavement list.  Kaz Matsui was activated from the 15 day DL.  The slump finally caught up top Emmanuel Burriss and he was sent to Triple-A Fresno.  Kevin Frandsen was recently sent down so the 10-day waiting period has yet to elapse. The Giants called up Matt Downs and will give him a trial at second base.

SHORTSTOP

The Cards list Khalil Greene as day-to-day with a bruised leg.  He was making a little progress after being activated from the DL - this will only compound matters.  Alex Gonzalez will miss a chunk of time with bone chips in his elbow.  He should be out for about a month.

THIRD BASE

Mike Lowell took a few days off to rest his hip.  Alex Rodriguez will sit out 2 games to help battle fatigue.  He's been scuffling and there are rumors he's not fully healthy.   A Rod came back awfully quick, so the rest will do him some good. Joe Crede missed a game with a sore back.  The Twins consider it a precaution.

OUTFIELD

Xavier Nady will begin a rehab assignment.  Apparently, Nady is swinging the bat fine, but he needs to test his throwing arm.  The Yankees won't call him up until he can play the outfield.  The Mets suffered another significant injury sending Carlos Beltran to the 15 day DL.  Many are indicating that he'll need much longer than the 2 weeks off.  Manny Ramirez will begin a minor league rehab assignment.  It's odd that MLB policy allows for this type rehab; it seems to lessen the effect of the 50-game suspension.  Why didn't he play ALL 50 games in the minors?  Now that would be a punishment for someone like Man-o-gram.  Jim Leyland will sit Magglio Ordonez indefinitely.  By "indefinitely," Leyland likely means 2-3 games.  Grady Sizemore will be activated from the disabled list within the week.  Raul Ibanez hit the DL with a strained groin.  He had just pulled into the lead among NL outfielders in this year's All Star balloting.

STARTING PITCHER

CC Sabathia left his last start with biceps tightness.  Barry Zito is still mired in mediocrity.  His 4.54 ERA, 1.44 WHIP are enough to give him NL only status, but he has to improve before you can depend on him in mixed leagues. Zito typically does better in the second half, so keep an eye on him. Daisuke Matsuzaka was placed on the DL with shoulder weakness.  Boston has plenty of starting pitching options to take his rotation spot. Josh Outman is in danger of missing his next scheduled start with lingering tightness in his elbow.

RELIEF PITCHER

Brad Lidge set to be activated by the end of next week. Texas activated Frank Francisco from the 15 day DL. CJ Wilson is still in the picture until Francisco proves his health.  Manny Corpas was placed on the DL with elbow inflammation.  Toronto recalled Jeremy Accardo to help bolster their ailing bullpen.  Jason Frasor remains the favorite to get most 9th inning opportunities.