September is always a somewhat unpredictable playing time month thanks to roster expansion and injury shutdowns. But it helps to begin thinking about the winners, losers and opportunities in advance.

Owners may have been burned by a buy-low recommendation on Clay Buchholz. Is there reason to keep the faith? Also, updates on the BAL rotation, Hiroki Kuroda, the TAM outfield and a young pitcher to watch in TOR, more.

Homer Bailey is headed to the disabled list, and the Reds are lacking in viable alternatives

It's time to start planning for innings limits and looking at their effects on playing time. Chase Anderson (RHP, ARI) could be one starter who may get shut down early.

A few of the young starters for MIA are approaching uncharted waters in terms of workload. Plus, we'll take a look at the NYM closer situation, the injury-riddled OF in WAS and much more.

The Indians have placed both Nick Swisher and David Murphy on the DL. Their DL stays will most likely extend well into September. This may provide an opportunity for Zach Walters, who has hit 20 HR combined in the majors and minors so far this year, to get regular playing time.

The three SEA rotation spots behind Hernandez and Iwakuma have seemed tenuous for a while. But recent performances by James Paxton and others suggest that some quality competition is at hand.

Michael Pineda, Edwin Encarnacion and Wil Myers should be welcomed back to their respective teams in the days ahead. Who will be affected by their returns? Also, revolving door spins in Red Sox OF, and Steve Pearce sees playing time go "poof."

Javier Baez made quite a first impression at Coors Field, and Jorge Soler could be joining him in Chicago by next month. Also, Fiers gets another shot in rotation, and more from around the divison.

Michael Cuddyer has started a rehab assignment, but where does he fit in Colorado's crowded, productive OF?

Will B.J. Upton lose playing time to the newly acquired Emilio Bonifacio? We'll also take a look at the deadline activity (or inactivity), starting rotations in PHI and MIA, the NYM OF and more.