This NL Weekend Series Matchup column previews two four-game series and six three-game series.

Lined Up for a Run at First: The Angels can dent the Rangers' 5-1/2 game AL West lead in this weekend's big showdown in Southern California.

The struggling Tigers have acknowledged the need to make some changes, and a first step was taken with the demotion of Ryan Raburn (2B, DET) to AAA-Toledo. While in Cleveland, Travis Hafner is headed for knee surgery.

It's never fun to lose an ace. But that's just what the Phillies and Angels—and the fantasy owners of Roy Halladay and Jered Weaver—are having to deal with. Who will fill in, and what chances do they have to succeed?

Lonnie Chisenhall should see plenty of AB with Jack Hannahan down, but Jose Lopez keeps hitting. Matt Kemp returns to LA as Ted Lilly hits the DL, and more ...

Two more closers—Seattle's Brandon League and the Chicago Cubs' Rafael Dolis—have been demoted from their roles, but their successors are far from clear. How do the candidates stack up?

This NL Midweek Series Matchups column will cover six three-game series, and two four-game sets. All but four NL teams will be off on Thursday, 5/31.

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

Concussions and oblique injuries seem to be in-vogue this season and we have more of the same this week. Plus several key players come off the DL ...

After slugger Carlos Santana (C, CLE) absorbed a foul ball to his facemask on Friday, CLE placed him on the seven-day concussion DL following reported post-game dizziness. Santana will be eligible to return to the team next week, but must first pass a series of concussion tests to be cleared for baseball activities.

Manny Parra (LHP, MIL) has been named as the rotation replacement for injured Marco Estrada (RHP, MIL), likely sidelined for three to four starts with a right quadriceps strain. Parra has displayed intriguing skills, including 9.2 Dom, 2.8 Cmd, 106 BPV, and a 52% GB%, in 19 relief appearances, spanning 24 IP. Those numbers correspond with his previous career marks in relief (86 IP): 3.34 ERA, with 9.6 Dom and 3.0 Cmd.