Around the League - AL and NL

Call-ups

Xander Bogaerts was called up earlier in the week but apparently won’t play every day. This is a puzzling situation but Bogaerts can obviously make a huge impact with regular playing time. Most of you know all about Bogaerts by now but if you want some insight check out this piece from Andrew Ball.

Carlos Martinez was called up and has a chance to join the Cardinals rotation if Tyler Lyons struggles on Monday against the Reds. Lyons is getting the start due to Jake Westbrook being placed on the DL. Martinez has dominant stuff but hasn't gotten favorable results in the majors thus far and also in his last two starts at AAA. I don’t think he’s necessarily a must-add in single-season mixed leagues if he does enter the Cardinals rotation despite his high upside. For now, he'll pitch out of the bullpen.

Yusmeiro Petit will replace Matt Cain in the Giants rotation. He’s worth adding in NL-only leagues if he has the right match-up but his first start will come at against the Rockies on the road.

The Mets called up Lucas Duda. He was hitting .378 with more BB than K in his last ten games at AAA. Hopefully he’ll get enough playing time to be worth adding although he’ll likely be benched against LHP.

Closer News

Ernesto Frieri is back in at closer for the Angels. I think he is clearly the most dominant reliever in their bullpen and will continue to close for the rest of the season

Jim Johnson got the save last night after Tommy Hunter got the save on Wednesday. If Johnson blows even one more save then I think he will cede the job to Hunter for an extended period.

Edward Mujica is dealing with a shoulder issue. If he needs to miss any time then Trevor Rosenthal will likely take over as closer.

Due to Rafael Betancourt’s elbow injury, Rex Brothers will probably close out games for the Rockies for the rest of the season.

Notes

Victor Martinez is getting some playing time at catcher and there’s a chance he will gain eligibility there for 2014 depending on your league settings.

Tyler Lyons will start against the Reds on Monday but I don’t think he’s worth a pickup unless you are desperate for a streaming option that has a decent shot to pick up a win. Mike Leake will start for the Reds

I added Khris Davis this week in one of my NL-only leagues. He’s been hitting for both power and average and should be owned in all formats. He's not quite this good but he should be helpful the rest of the way while he bats in the heart of the Brewers order. He'll be a sleeper for 2014.

Chien-Ming Wang is worth picking up for today’s start against the Astros.

The A’s acquired Kurt Suzuki. If you’re desperate in an AL-only league then he’s an option.

Brian Wilson is worth adding if your league counts holds or if you have a keeper spot open. Wilson should be able to sign on with a team in need of a closer over the winter if he stays healthy.

The Mets acquired Daisuke Matsuzaka and although he faltered yesterday against the Tigers he has a chance to be quite useful in NL-only leagues the rest of the way. He’ll have a much easier time against the Phillies on Wednesday.

Travis Blackley will start on Monday against the Mariners. He's struggled this season and is not worth adding in any format.

Injuries

Derek Jeter will likely make his return early next week. Many owners will ignore him due to his injury issues but he has a real chance to be of use the rest of the way if he can stay healthy, especially hitting near the top of the Yankee lineup.

Matt Cain should miss just the minimum 15 days after being hit on his throwing arm by a batted ball.

Jason Grilli could be back with the Pirates in a couple weeks if he continues to make progress.

Roy Halladay will make a AA start tomorrow and could be back with the Phillies within the next week or two. I still think there’s a chance that he can be a difference-maker in some H2H playoff series. The possible reward does come with quite a bit of risk though.

Brandon Beachy had been impressive in his return from Tommy John surgery but has just been placed on the DL with elbow soreness. This doesn’t look good but it’s too early to tell exactly how serious this is.

Miguel Montero should return early next week.

Scott Baker has a chance to join the Cubs rotation in September. He’ll be a very risky pickup if he does make it back to the majors this season.

Jason Hammel will probably return to the Orioles rotation in about two weeks. He’s pretty much irrelevant outside of AL-only leagues.

Dan Uggla will return this week from his LASIK eye surgery. His improved vision will likely lead to much improved performance at the plate.

David Wright should be back with the Mets in a couple weeks. Wilmer Flores should still get semi-regular playing time even after Wright’s return.

Oscar Taveras had ankle surgery but shouldn't miss any time next season because of it.

Jason Heyward broke his jaw and won’t play again during the regular season.

Melky Cabrera will likely be out for the rest of the season.

Albert Pujols will likely miss the rest of the season.

Ryan Howard will be shut down and miss the rest of the season.