Brandon Phillips (2B, CIN) returned to action Monday after missing five games with a left calf strain. Phillips had been swinging a hot stick for two months before the injury, with similar numbers in June and July. He batted .311 with an .830 OPS in June, while his July stats included .317 BA and .828 OPS. His June .300 xBA and July .315 xBA supported his production. Replacements Miguel Cairo (IF, CIN) and Wilson Valdez (2B/SS, CIN) return to reserve roles after splitting time during Phillips' absence.

Cubs add two heralded young players to roster; in KC, an elite speedster works his way into the good side of a platoon; the A's have issues in both their rotation and bullpen; and Evan Longoria may be about to make his long-awaited return.

Nothing frustrates fantasy owners more than having a big power hitter struggling to get through a rehab assignment when you need them in your lineup. Right now, Jose Bautista and David Ortiz are in that situation. Inside, we have the latest on these two players and a bunch of others.

This AL Midweek Series Matchup column previews one four-game series and six three-game series.

This NL Midweek Series Matchups column will cover five three-game series and three four-game sets.

Injuries continue to deplete both TOR and COL lineups. It was announced that Christian Friedrich (LHP, COL) is going to miss the rest of the season, and Michael Cuddyer (1B/OF, COL) could miss up to three weeks with an oblique strain. Tyler Colvin (RF, COL) will get his opportunity for regular PT. Meanwhile, TOR called up prospect Adeiny Hechavarria (SS, TOR) and put him at a brand new position to offset the losses of Colby Rasmus (CF, TOR) and Brett Lawrie (3B, TOR).

WAS traded a minor-league catcher to OAK for veteran Kurt Suzuki (C, WAS) to bolster a catching corps decimated by injury. Suzuki is having the least productive season of his career, batting .218 with a .530 OPS. His 0.17 Eye suggests his once-solid plate skills have collapsed, while his .211 xBA says his lowly BA is merited. Suzuki entered 2012 off three straight seasons with 13-15 HR, but with a 57 PX and only one HR in 262 AB, his power has ebbed.

Ruiz injury, Young/Parra platoon, additional trade fallout and a couple of anticipated AL debuts ...

This NL Weekend Series Matchup column previews one four-game series and seven three-game series.

Patrick Corbin returned to the Diamondbacks' rotation with a PQS-5 performance. How closely should you pay attention?

OAK rookie A.J. Griffin owns a 2.51 ERA and a 3.5 Cmd through his first seven starts. Griffin is slated to face TOR on Saturday.