The Pirates have lost Starling Marte to the DL with a strained oblique, and Michael Cuddyer returned to the DL as well. Heading the other way, off the DL, are Garcia, Lawrie, Bonifacio, Polanco and Anderson.

As we inch closer to September 1 and roster expansion, teams are still placing players on the DL at a record pace. While there aren't any real big names out this week, at this time of the year, the free agent pool is bone dry and no help can be found unless you make a deal. Here are the DL'd players for this week...

This AL Midweek Series Matchup column previews seven three-game series.

Playoff races are in full swing this week with the top two teams in the NL East and West facing off. This NL Midweek Series Matchups column will cover five three-game series and three four-game sets.

LAA has activated Scott Downs (LHP, LAA) from the 15-day DL after missing the minimum amount of time with a left shoulder strain. In a prior update, BaseballHQ.com's Brian Rudd surmised that Ernesto Frieri (RHP, LAA), who had been in a timeshare for save opportunities with Downs in July, would run away with the role during his absence.

Jon Rauch (RHP, NYM), among the few bright lights in a largely dim bullpen, might be emerging as his team's preferred saves option. Rauch has recorded NYM's two most recent saves, August 12 and 16. Each of those two saves were of the one-out variety, with Rauch summoned to preserve dwindling leads in games which did not present closing situations entering the 9th inning. The NYM closing situation remains murky, as both Bobby Parnell (RHP, NYM) and Frank Francisco (RHP, NYM) have also recorded saves this month.

Jaime Garcia will be back this weekend; who gets bumped from the rotation in STL? Plus a key cog in PIT could miss some time, the developing OF situation in SEA, and more ...

Cabrera suspended for PEDs, James McDonald might head to the bullpen, and more...

This NL Weekend Series Matchups column will cover two four-game series and six three-game sets.

REASON TO CELEBRATE: Tampa Bay has been getting stellar pitching of late, and the Rays are 14-6 over their last 20 games.

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.