We got injury news about a couple of big-name players on Thursday. Twins 1B Joe Mauer has been placed on the DL with an oblique injury. He's eligible to return on July 18, right after the All-Star break. Mauer hasn't exactly been great this season, but since he's still eligible at catcher, he's useful. Next season ... ugh.
Hanley Ramirez didn't play Wednesday - it was his eighth time out of the lineup in the last nine days - and the Dodgers will reportedly decide today if he needs a DL stint. If Ramirez goes on the shelf, he'll also be eligible to return on July 18.
Wednesday's studs & duds
Stud: Padres SP Tyson Ross tossed a three-hit shutout against the Reds, striking out nine. In related news, I love Tyson Ross.
Stud: A's OF/1B Brandon Moss went four-for-four with a homer and four RBI. We're not calling him a fluke any more, right?
Dud: How about Cubs SP Travis Wood, who pitched three-and-two-thirds innings against the Red Sox, giving up three runs, seven hits and four walks? That'll hurt the old WHIP.
News & notes
Pirates OF Andrew McCutchen left Wednesday's game after fouling a ball off his left foot. The injury apparently isn't serious.
Giants 1B Brandon Belt is expected to come off the DL on Friday, while OF Angel Pagan (back) had an epidural injection and hopes to resume his rehab next week.
Rockies 3B Nolan Arenado returns to the lineup today after missing six weeks with a broken finger.
So, Red Sox closer Koji Uehara is feeling some fatigue, huh? Don't panic if you own Koji, but feel free to worry a little. In other Sox' news, a demotion to the minors for Xander Bogaerts is apparently not under consideration.
Justin Verlander had his third solid start in a row on Wednesday. He didn't dominate, but he didn't stink.
Cardinals 2B Kolten Wong (shoulder) had a walk and a homer in a Wednesday rehab game, and could come off the DL on Sunday. In other Cardinals' news, Oscar Taveras played center field last night, with Allen Craig in right and Matt Adams at first base. I bet Adams sits today against Madison Bumgarner.
With closer Craig Kimbrel unavailable after pitching on three consecutive days, Jordan Walden got a save for the Braves on Wednesday. Nothing to see here ... all is well.
Brad Boxberger got the Rays' save against the Yankees. After the game, manager Joe Maddon said, "We're building this combination with Jake and The Box." Funny, and possibly revealing about Boxberger and lefty Jake McGee as a one-two punch to lead the Rays' closer committee.
Marlins SS Adeiny Hechavarria (triceps) could come off the DL on Sunday.
Brewers' pitching prospect Jimmy Nelson had another stellar outing on Wednesday, lowering his Triple-A ERA to 1.56. When is Nelson going to take Marco Estrada's rotation slot? Since the Brew Crew is in first place, they can afford to be patient.
Streaming starters
Charlie Morton was strong again for the streaking Pirates, so we're up to 52-39 for the season. Today's pick is Vance Worley (owned in 8.7 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) versus the Diamondbacks, while Friday's selection is Jon Niese (28.2 percent owned) against the Rangers at CitiField.
See you back here tomorrow morning, possibly with fireworks.
