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Around the League - AL

The Royals new second baseman, the Orioles new starting pitcher, and where did Manny Ramirez just sign?

Johnny Giavotella is the new Royals starting second baseman.
Johnny Giavotella is the new Royals starting second baseman.
Ed Zurga

Notes

Johnny Giavotella was called up by the Royals and will be their starting second baseman. He can provide a decent average with a strong OBP and moderate power/speed. He'll mainly be useful in AL-only leagues.

Tom Wilhelmsen is back in the Mariners closer seat. I think he'll be fine the rest of the way.

Although Josh Johnson's 4.89 ERA is unlucky (.345 BABIP), it should be clear to many that he isn't the same front of the rotation starter that he once was. I think the most likely scenario for the rest of the season is an ERA around 3.75.

The Orioles traded for Scott Feldman and he's immediately worth a pickup in AL-only leagues although I wouldn't waste my waiver position on him. Here is a piece from earlier in the week covering Feldman: http://www.faketeams.com/2013/7/2/4488760/orioles-acquire-scott-feldman

Manny Ramirez was signed to a minor league deal by the Texas Rangers and could make an impact if Lance Berkman misses any time.

Although Justin Grimm has been roughed up lately, I think he's worth a start in deeper formats against the Astros this weekend.

It's time to pick up Alex Avila if you need a catcher. He hit well in his rehab assignment and hit a HR yesterday. Perhaps he can turn things around moving forward and has potential to hit about 8 HR with a .265+ AVG the rest of the way.

Injuries

Clay Buchholz looks like he'll be ready to rock after the all-star break. Hopefully he can regain his form from earlier in the year.

Brett Lawrie will likely be able to return after the all-star break and could be a difference maker the rest of the way if he can just stay healthy.

Alexi Ogando should be return shortly after the all-star break.

Peter Bourjos will miss most of July with a fractured wrist. J.B. Schuck will get extra playing time while he's out but I don't think he's worth a pickup due to his very minimal power/speed.

Justin Maxwell should only miss a week or so with concussion-related symptoms. He can help those in need of power/speed that can afford to have a low batting average in their lineup.

Jesus Montero will begin playing in minor league games and will make his transition to 1B/DH.

Anibal Sanchez will come off the DL this Saturday to face the Indians.

Josh Willingham needs knee surgery and could be out for about two months. The Twins have no reason to rush him back.

Hiroki Kuroda has a hip injury so Ivan Nova will take his place on Friday vs. the Orioles.

Alex Rodriguez began his rehab assignment and could be activated after the all-star break. It's questionable whether he will be able to stay healthy in addition to his likely production level after his rough second half last season.