CATCHER

Cincinnati placed Ryan Hanigan on the DL and recalled Corky Miller.  Bengie Molina's strained quad forced him out of the lineup for several games.  Chris Snyder was placed on the DL with a sore back.

FIRST BASE

Colorado signed Jason Giambi.  He’ll be on the Major League squad once rosters expand.  Expect nothing more than a pinch hitter.  Texas will give Chris Davis another shot with the big club.  He's adjusted his stance in the minors and he may prove to be a valuable addition to power-starved fantasy teams.  Florida placed Nick Johnson on the 15-day DL.  Seattle placed Russell Branyan on the disabled list with a herniated disc in his back.

SECOND BASE

San Francisco placed Freddy Sanchez on the disabled list.  The Giants are obviously anxious to see their new second baseman in action, but the DL was the right move to preserve him for September.  Martin Prado is feeling better and is expected to return soon.  Tampa Bay activated Akinori Iwamura.  After tearing his ACL, many thought he was done for the year.  The Nationals traded Ronnie Belliard to the Dodgers for a couple of minor leaguers.

SHORTSTOP

Stephen Drew returned to the lineup Tuesday after missing two games while attending to a family emergency.  Marco Scutaro, who was hit in the head by a fastball on Friday, returned to the starting lineup against the Red Sox on Sunday.

THIRD BASE

Pablo Sandoval was pulled from Monday's contest with a tight right calf, but he blasted a solo home run in his return to the lineup Friday.  The Blue Jays placed third baseman Edwin Encarnacion on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to August 21, with a strained left hamstring. Reynolds missed three games this week with a bad case of the flu. Twins placed third baseman Joe Crede on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain.

OUTFIELD

Arizona recalled Chris Young from AAA.  Dexter Fowler was placed on the 15-day DL after he fouled a pitch off of his knee.  Seth Smith will pick up the extra time and is a fine NL-only option.  Justin Upton is batting .450 with 2 HRs since being activated from the DL.  Nyjer Morgan will miss the rest of the season after breaking his hand.  Carl Crawford returned Friday after missing 4 games with a sore back.  Marlon Byrd sat out for a few games so he could pass kidney stones.  Or maybe he had to stand... 

STARTING PITCHER

Tampa traded Scott Kazmir to the Angels for a 3 player deal.  Kazmir hasn't exactly been lights-out this year, but the Angels can certainly use the rotation depth.  Johan Santana's injured elbow is likely to require arthroscopic surgery.  If true, there's no need to delay the procedure as the Mets look towards next season.  Chicago activated Carlos Zambrano off of the 15-day DL.  The Red Sox released Brad Penny. The Yankees are rumored to be interested, but Penny may be better off returning to the National League like John Smoltz.  Detroit sent Armando Galarraga to AAA and activated Nate Robertson to take his spot. The Braves activated Tim Hudson and sent Kenshin Kawakami to the bullpen.  Kawakami showed some promising signs as a starter, but he is likely wearing down this late in the season.  Aaron Harang will miss the rest of the year after undergoing an emergency appendectomy.

RELIEF PITCHER

Scott Downs will be activated from the DL.  Expect Jason Frasor to still see his fair share of save opportunities.  Boston finalized the deal to acquire Billy Wagner from New York in exchange for 2 PTBNL's.  Arizona sent Jon Rauch to Minnesota shortly before Chad Qualls dislocated his kneecap. Ooops.  Juan Gutierrez will get the first crack at 9th inning duties for the D-backs.