After missing a series and returning for a pinch-hit appearance August 13, Jason Kipnis (2B, CLE) returned to the starting lineup August 14. After a blazing hot start to the season, he has cooled off considerably, having not homered since June 17, and only recording three steals since July 1. His year-to-date numbers remain strong, though it appears obvious that his power surge to open the season was a bit over his head. Kipnis had eight home runs by the end of May, but is still looking for his first month with above average power.

After watching Santiago Casilla (RHP, SF) blow five of his last nine save opportunities, followed by entering a tie game July 30 and taking the loss, Manager Bruce Bochy has decided he will use multiple pitchers in the ninth inning. Casilla was victimized by a 25% home run per fly ball rate and 52% hit rate in July, and his skills on the year (9.9 Dom, 114 BPV) suggest he is fit for any role. He figures to remain in the mix for saves, but his value certainly takes a hit with the news that he will split closing duties.

Dempster to Rangers, Victorino to Dodgers, Pence to Giants highlight deadline deals. Also, Broxton goes to Cincinnati, Holland announced as his replacement in KC, and more...

Lucas Duda (OF, NYM), who had collected just nine hits along with 23 strikeouts in his last 65 at-bats, was sent down to Triple-A Buffalo. After putting up a solid 134 PX and 81% contact rate last season, Duda's production has dropped significantly thus far in 2012. Duda's PX has dipped to 104, and his contact rate has fallen to 69%, leading to his .241 batting average. He has particularly struggled against left-handed pitching, as he has hit just .225/.275/.324 in 111 at-bats.

Jose Bautista and Joey Votto suffer injuries, and land on DL. Also, John Axford removed from closer role after blowing another save, Sabathia off DL, and more...

Nick Markakis was activated from the DL, and is expected to resume his duties as the team's starting right fielder when the Orioles resume action after the All-Star break. He has been sidelined since late May due to a broken hamate bone. Also, Lorenzo Cain set to return, Dillon Gee on the DL, and more...

Manager Ned Yost has decided to make some lineup changes in Kansas City, which has resulted in Alcides Escobar batting second, and Eric Hosmer returning to the third spot in the order. Also, Daisuke Matsuzaka lands on the disabled list with a neck issue, Max Scherzer misses a start, and more...

After surrendering 12 hits and seven earned runs in his last start, Colby Lewis was placed on the disabled list with forearm tendinitis. Meanwhile, Drew Smyly and Marco Estrada come off DL and rejoin their respective rotations, and more...

After throwing a successful simulated game and bullpen session over the weekend, Jered Weaver is set to return from the disabled list June 20. Meanwhile, Evan Longoria's expected return will be pushed back after he aggravated his hamstring injury on his rehab assignment.

Carlos Lee comes off DL on the first day he's eligible to do so. Also, Brandon Beachy lands on DL with elbow soreness, Matt Capps dealing with sore shoulder, and more...

Brandon McCarthy, who was scheduled to start at Coors Field June 13, has been scratched from that start and sent back to Oakland for an MRI. He has made just two starts since returning from a stint on the disabled list, but the shoulder soreness that landed him there has apparently returned. Also, Brian Roberts makes season debut, Melky Cabrera returns to action, and more...