Rafael Soriano (RHP, NYY) successfully converted a save opportunity May 10, when David Robertson (RHP, NYY) was unavailable after pitching the previous two days. Robertson was still expected to get the next opportunity, but Soriano got the call in the ninth on May 14, and again got the job done. As it turns out, Robertson was unavailable then as well, due to a strained oblique that is expected to sideline him for about three weeks. Those who have stashed Soriano away could be rewarded, as he is in line for saves now, and there's no guarantee Robertson reclaims the job when healthy.

The San Diego bullpen in its current state (Street on the DL) was profiled just a few days ago, but there is another member of the pen that could surprisingly play a prominent role. Manager Bud Black indicated over the weekend that any of Andrew Cashner, Luke Gregerson, or Dale Thayer could be used to close out games. On May 6, Gregerson pitched the seventh inning of a tie game, and Cashner the eighth, meaning neither were going to be called upon to get the save. The next day, when a save situation presented itself, Thayer got the call, and preserved the victory with a perfect inning.

Evan Longoria (3B, TAM) has been diagnosed with a partial tear of his left hamstring, and is expected to miss the next six to eight weeks. There is no clear cut replacement for him at the present time, but Elliot Johnson (SS, TAM) got the first start at third base in his absence. With a .566 career OPS in 201 at-bats, he is a significant drop-off from Longoria, and very unlikely to grab a full-time role, even temporarily. Another option would involve Sean Rodriguez (SS, TAM) sliding over there, with the recently recalled Will Rhymes (2B, TAM) plenty of the work at shortstop.

[FREE] After leaving the April 23 game following a collision with the outfield wall, Jason Bay (OF, NYM) has landed on the disabled list with a non-displaced rib fracture. Also, after a fourth straight rough start, Jair Jurrjens (RHP, ATL) was demoted to Triple-A, which means Randall Delgado (RHP, ATL) will remain in the rotation when Tim Hudson returns.

After spending Opening Day on the bench, Juan Pierre (OF, PHI) has since started five of the six games in which the Phillies have faced a right-handed starting pitcher. Just two years ago, Pierre swiped 68 bases and had an SBO of 43%, though those numbers dipped dramatically last year. He was successful on just 27 of his 44 stolen base attempts (61%), and had a 27% SBO. It's unrealistic to expect a full rebound for Pierre, now 34 years old, but he could still be a strong speed source, and has already stolen two bases this year.

David Wright was initially listed in the April 10 lineup, but was later scratched due to a swollen pinkie. Results of the x-rays aren't yet known, but the swollen finger is currently making it difficult for him to swing the bat. Ronny Cedeno, who had made just three previous starts at third base in his career, took Wright's spot in the lineup, and would be among the candidates to see increased playing time should Wright miss any additional time.

Kyle Farnsworth (RHP, TAM) was scheduled to see a doctor about his ailing elbow April 4, which obviously puts his availability for Opening Day very much in doubt. While nothing is official yet, all reports and signs are suggesting that the Rays will be looking for someone else to handle ninth inning duties to begin the year. Joel Peralta (RHP, TAM), who saved six games last season, including four in September while Farnsworth was sidelined, appears to be the most logical candidate.

As expected, Mike Aviles was named the starting shortstop in Boston to begin the season. His main assets are his contact rate (86 percent career) and his speed. Aviles has stolen 14 bases each of the past two years, and did so in just 286 at-bats last year. A consistently low walk rate makes getting on base a struggle, though, which could eventually cut into his playing time somewhat. At this point, though, that doesn't seem to be a major concern, as manager Bobby Valentine is thinking of using Aviles in the leadoff spot.

After taking a bad hop ground ball off of his face, Miguel Cabrera (1B/3B, DET) received eight stitches and was diagnosed with a non-displaced fracture of the orbital floor in his right eye. He will not take part in any baseball activities for a week, at which point he will be re-evaluated. He is currently expected to be ready for Opening Day, but it is certainly a situation worth monitoring, and may complicate things a bit for those with drafts in the next few days.

David Wright (3B, NYM) received an anti-inflammatory injection in his ribcage, as well as an MRI, which showed no significant damage to the area. He could resume baseball activities later this week, and is still expected to be ready for Opening Day, but it certainly appears to be a situation to watch closely in the meantime.

Eric Thames (OF, TOR) and Travis Snider (OF, TOR) find themselves battling for the starting left field job this spring. Thames held the every day job during the second half of last season, during which time he hit .255 with 11 home runs. He possesses plus power, as shown by last year's 133 PX, but mediocre walk and contact rates held him to just a .306 on-base-percentage.