CATCHER

Miguel Olivo hit his 12th homerun on the season. He's making the most of John Buck's absence and he certainly warrants mixed league status while he's hot. Rod Barajas missed a few games with a tight hamstring, but returned to the lineup later in the week.

FIRST BASE

Rich Aurilia was placed on the bereavement list after his father passed away. Nick Johnson had to leave Tuesday's game after being hit on the shin. He was able to return the next day. Derrek Lee is in the midst of a 21-game hitting streak.

SECOND BASE

Mark Ellis was activated from the 60 day DL. The A's will move Adam Kennedy to third base. Seattle activated Jose Lopez from the bereavement list.

SHORTSTOP

Derek Jeter missed a couple of games with the flu. Asdrubal Cabrera returned from the 15 day DL. Jimmy Rollins will sit for two games to help cure his hitting woes. Yuniesky Betancourt hit the 15 day DL with pulled hamstring. Ronny Cedeno is slated to fill in at shortstop.

THIRD BASE

St. Louis acquired Mark DeRosa from Cleveland for Chris Perez. DeRosa is an appropriate player to help the Cards finally fill the hot corner and he should thrive hitting behind Puljos. Scott Rolen has a 17 game hit streak. Mike Lowell's hip is still ailing making a DL trip likely.

OUTFIELD

Ron Washington sat Nelson Cruz for a few games to help jar him out of his slump. Josh Hamilton is set to begin a rehab assignment. Coco Crisp underwent shoulder surgery that will end his season. Cody Ross continued his hot streak going 9 for 26 (.346 AVE) over the past week. Nate Schierholtz has firmly taken over Fred Lewis in the starting lineup. Schierholtz deserves to be monitored in NL only leagues.

STARTING PITCHER

Edinson Volquez has been shutdown with elbow inflammation. The most likely scenario has him returning at the end of July. Roy Halladay will be ready when eligible to return from the DL. Matt Harrison landed on the DL with a biceps injury. Tommy Hanson is in the middle of a 17 inning scoreless streak. Now you see what all the hype is about.

RELIEF PITCHER

Chris Perez will serve as depth in Cleveland’s bullpen. Kerry Wood is still the closer, but he looks like a short term option. Perez was once considered the Cardinals favorite for 9th inning duties and he certainly has the upside to eventually close out games. However, you can't help feeling that Cleveland could have received a better package for a versatile player in DeRosa.