CATCHER

Henry Blanco will be forced to the 15 day DL with a strained hamstring. Jorge Posada's bruised thumb caused him to miss a few games. Jose Molina is nearing the end of his rehab and plans on being activated next week.

FIRST BASE

Lance Berkman finished June with a .318 AVE 7 HRs 5 SBs. Chad Tracy was activated from the 15-day disabled list after missing a month with an oblique strain. The Giants activated Rich Aurilia from the bereavement list on Sunday.

SECOND BASE

Kelly Johnson was placed on the 15 day DL. Martin Prado will take over at second base, and is worth a look in mixed leagues while he's hot. Howie Kendrick was recalled from AAA and Sean Rodriguez was optioned back down. Maicer Izturis did well during Kendrick's absence and certainly earned the chance at more playing time. Matt Downs was optioned to AAA, leaving the Giants with Juan Uribe as their only second baseman. Expect Kevin Frandsen to be called back up eventually.

SHORTSTOP

Alexei Ramirez was hit by a pitch on his hand causing him to miss a few games with a bruised finger. Elvis Andrus stole 4 bases against the Angels. Andrus has been fine on the base paths and the 20-year-old will only get better as he gains more experience.

THIRD BASE

The Cubs plan to activate Aramis Ramirez on Monday. His missed almost 2 months with a separated shoulder. Don't expect miracles from Ramirez until you see how his power responds to the healed shoulder. Mark DeRosa sprained his wrist and is making little progress in his recovery. Edwin Encarnacion was activated from the 60 day DL.

OUTFIELD

The Nationals acquired Nyjer Morgan from the Pittsburgh Pirates in return for Lastings Milledge. Milledge is still recovering from a broken finger, so you won't see him until the latter half of the year. Morgan gets a mild boost since he will return to the leadoff spot. Carlos Quentin began a rehab assignment after being sidelined with plantar fasciitis. Raul Ibanez keeps having his rehab assignments delayed. Typically, that's not a good sign, but it's possible that Philadelphia is being extremely cautious with the

STARTING PITCHER

Randy Johnson strained his left shoulder and will undergo a MRI. With the All Star break approaching, the Giants can reshuffle their rotation and possibly place Johnson on the DL. Chien-Ming Wang was placed on the 15 day DL due to a strained shoulder. Unfortunately, it looks like Philip Hughes won't get the call to fill the rotation spot. Ricky Nolasco has a 1.54 ERA since being recalled from AAA. The kinks seem to be gone and he is again a trustworthy option in a mixed league rotation. Shoulder tendonitis forced Scott Richmond to the 15 day DL. He sports a 6-5 record with a 3.69 ERA and 1.20 WHIP on the season. Kevin Slowey landed on the 15 day DL with a sprained wrist.

RELIEF PITCHER

Joel Hanrahan was sent to Pittsburgh as part of the Morgan/Milledge deal. Hanrahan has been atrocious this year, losing the closer's role twice in Washington. However, the move gives Pittsburgh a little more flexibility when entertaining offers for Matt Capps and John Grabow. Both are popular in trade rumors, but it looks like Grabow is the most likely to go.