Skipper Robin Ventura confirmed earlier this week that which had become obvious from recent usage patterns: that Addison Reed (RHP, CHW) was now the team's primary closer. After naming Hector Santiago (LHP, CHW), then the infamous "committee" as the team's stopper over the first six-plus weeks, Ventura seems to have put his stamp on what skills-based analysts have been saying all along: that given his high strikeout rate (11.5 Dom), good Cmd (2.4), Reed is the best Sox reliever to have at the end of the game.

Manager Davey Johnson announced Tuesday that Henry Rodriguez (RHP, WAS) is being removed from the closer role and being replaced by a committee consisting of Tyler Clippard (RHP, WAS), Sean Burnett (LHP, WAS), and Craig Stammen (RHP, WAS) until Drew Storen (RHP, WAS) returns from the DL around July 1. The committee was officially launched on Tuesday night, with Clippard getting the first save opportunity and converting. Let's see what skills each brings to the table.

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

Clay Buchholz hasn't posted a PQS-4 or 5 since April 14. The Boston right-hander will face Jeremy Hellickson and the Rays on Sunday.

Kevin Youkilis (3B, BOS) was activated from the disabled list, got the start at first base, and homered in his first game back. Following a disappointing, injury-plagued 2011 season, he was off to a very slow start before hurting his back. In a small sample of 64 at-bats, Youkilis had seen his contact rate dip to 69% and his walk rate to 7%, and his uncharacteristically low 0.25 Eye had led to a .219 batting average. He was also lacking in the power department, as with a 20% fly ball rate, he had just a 91 PX and two home runs.

Neftali Feliz has a frayed elbow ligament—and an equally poor 2012 outlook. Also, Middlebrooks and Bourjos get new life due to injuries, WAS looks like the latest closer committee, and more ...

How things have changed in St. Louis. Just a week ago, we were writing about the Cardinals perhaps having nowhere to play Allen Craig, and now Lance Berkman has joined him on the sidelines. Also out: the A's Brandon McCarthy. Who will fill these voids? In one case at least, a top prospect...

Two key power hitters, Lance Berkman and Matt Kemp landed on the DL this week along with the stolen base leader in the National League. Over in the American League, Brandon McCarthy of the Athletics is battling right shoulder pain again.

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

This NL Midweek Series Matchups column will cover seven three-game series and one four-game set

Sean Marshall hasn't been bad, but per CIN Mgr Dusty Baker, Aroldis Chapman has been better. Gaby Sanchez demotion, Bonifacio injury shuffle MIA PT, and more ...