Jose Tabata has been put on notice by the win-now Pirates, coupled by rumors of Starling Marte's debut. Ian Stewart's 2012 may be over, Luke Gregerson is again a closer candidate, and more ...

In Arizona and Seattle, the reason is injury. In Baltimore, simple ineffectiveness. The net effect is the same: A door is opening for a new pitcher to join a starting rotation. Who will attempt to fill the voids, and what are their chances of success?

The last full week of games before the All-Star break will feature four three-game series and four four-game sets.

This AL Midweek Series Matchup column previews five three-game series and two four-game series.

Yankee starters C.C. Sabathia and Andy Pettitte will miss key time during the second half. Also, two promising starters, Clay Buchholz and Daniel Hudson are on the DL, and one is out for the year.

Jim Thome returns to the AL to provide some thump for BAL. There are also some surprising contributors in TAM and MIA and a new starting catcher in SD as well as some new injuries to keep an eye on.

Bud Norris (RHP, HOU), out since leaving his June 12 start with a left knee sprain, returned to the starting rotation Friday. Rookie reliever Xavier Cedeno (LHP, HOU) returned to Triple-A to make room, while Norris' rotation replacement, Dallas Keuchel (RHP, HOU), sticks with the team, though it's unclear if he will remain in the rotation.

Carlos Villanueva is the latest addition to the patchwork Toronto rotation, but he brings some interesting skills to the role.

This NL Weekend Series Matchups column will cover eight three-game series.

CC Sabathia and Andy Pettitte hit the DL in New York, Dan Hudson is on the DL in Arizona, and Kevin Millwood and Andre Ethier may soon join them.

MEN OF THE MONTH: Ivan Nova and the Yankees pitching staff have logged a league-best 2.65 ERA in the month of June.