TEX has activated Derek Holland (LHP, TEX) from the disabled list. Holland had missed the past month with shoulder and elbow ailments, as well as an undisclosed illness that left him 15 pounds lighter.

In the AL, Garrett Richards and Jake Arrieta were sent to the minors after rough starts. And in the NL, Ryan Howard was activated from the DL.

Both Dustin Pedroia and Dee Gordon will be sidelined by thumb injuries. Plus Chris Tillman, Jonny Venters and more ...

Carlos Lee finally agreed to be traded, creating ripple effects in his significant wake. Also, Brian Roberts back on the DL, along with Andrew Cashner, Haren's struggles, 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...

Jose Tabata has been put on notice by the win-now Pirates, coupled by rumors of Starling Marte's debut. Ian Stewart's 2012 may be over, Luke Gregerson is again a closer candidate, and more ...

In Arizona and Seattle, the reason is injury. In Baltimore, simple ineffectiveness. The net effect is the same: A door is opening for a new pitcher to join a starting rotation. Who will attempt to fill the voids, and what are their chances of success?

Jim Thome returns to the AL to provide some thump for BAL. There are also some surprising contributors in TAM and MIA and a new starting catcher in SD as well as some new injuries to keep an eye on.

Bud Norris (RHP, HOU), out since leaving his June 12 start with a left knee sprain, returned to the starting rotation Friday. Rookie reliever Xavier Cedeno (LHP, HOU) returned to Triple-A to make room, while Norris' rotation replacement, Dallas Keuchel (RHP, HOU), sticks with the team, though it's unclear if he will remain in the rotation.

Carlos Villanueva is the latest addition to the patchwork Toronto rotation, but he brings some interesting skills to the role.

CC Sabathia and Andy Pettitte hit the DL in New York, Dan Hudson is on the DL in Arizona, and Kevin Millwood and Andre Ethier may soon join them.