CATCHER

Baltimore traded Greg Zaun to Tampa Bay for a PTBNL and cash.  Dioner Navarro has been dinged up all year so the Rays can use the extra veteran backstop.  Geovany Soto returned from the DL Friday.

FIRST BASE

After a dismal season and a DL stint, the A's released Jason Giambi.  If he doesn't mind a bench role, he will latch on somewhere.  Daric Barton is a mediocre option in deep AL leagues.  Lance Berkman was unable to return from the DL when he was eligible on Friday.  It will take a few more days at the very least.

SECOND BASE

Brian Roberts had to leave Saturday's game early after fouling a ball off of his shin.  Fortunately, it appears to be just a bruise.  Luis Castillo sprained his ankle while walking on the dugout steps.  The injury curse over the Mets in 2009 continues.

SHORTSTOP

Alexi Ramirez missed 7 games with a sprained ankle.  He returned this weekend and hit a home run and 2 RBI on Sunday.  Jose Reyes suffered yet another setback.  It's getting late in the season and the Mets are out of contention, so there will be no rush to get him active.  Jed Lowrie was placed on the 15 day DL with numbness in his hand

THIRD BASE

Scott Rolen had to sit out Monday after being hit in the head with a Jason Marquis heater.  He returned Wednesday and hit a two-run shot against the Cubs, but he needed to sit again on Saturday.  Aramis Ramirez exited Saturday's contest after his shoulder flared-up. 

OUTFIELD

Jason Bay returned Sunday after missing 3 games with a strained hamstring.  Michael Bourn also returned Sunday after sitting for several games with a pulled groin.  Rumors are swirling that Alex Rios has been claimed off of waivers.  The dreaded oblique strain sent Arizona's Justin Upton to the 15 day DL.  Corey Hart underwent an appendectomy and was placed on the disabled list.

STARTING PITCHER

Roy Oswalt had two starts skipped due to a bad back, but he anticipates returning next week.  Dallas Braden was scratched because of a rash on his foot and ankle. Edinson Volquez underwent successful Tommy John surgery.  The Padres traded Chad Gaudin to the Yankees for a PTBNL.  Gaudin gives New York a reliever/5th starter type of swingman.  Carlos Zambrano landed on the 15 day DL with a bad back.  The Mariners appear close to shutting down Erik Bedard for the rest of 2009.  The Tribe traded Carl Pavano to the Twins for a PTBNL.   A sore shoulder sent Joe Saunders to the 15-day DL.  Veteran hurler Paul Byrd signed a minor league deal with the Red Sox.  It was Byrd's intention to sit for the first part of the year and then latch on with a contender.

RELIEF PITCHER

Milwaukee sent a PTBNL to Cincinnati for David Weathers.  Ron Washington indicated that Frank Francisco is once again in the closer role.  Chicago released BJ Ryan.  Matt Lindstrom returned from the DL and pitched in the 8th inning.  Leo Nunez has been serviceable, but Lindstrom may pilfer a few save opportunities if Nunez enters a prolonged slump.  Bobby Jenks had to visit the hospital with a case of kidney stones.