Summary:

The Twins just completed a seven-game homestand at 1-6. Jim Thome comes to Cleveland two homers shy of 600 homers. The Twins are hitting .272 (82-for-301) against the Indians, led by Joe Mauer at .600 (9-for-15). Pavano and Duensing are each 1-0 against the Tribe. Reliever Matt Capps is 2-0 with two saves.

Twins Medical Watch:

• 1B Justin Morneau (strained left wrist, herniated disk in neck) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to June 10 because of the wrist problem. He had surgery June 29 to fix the neck problem. He was cleared to resume baseball activities in mid-July, but he missed a July 26 workout because of a migraine. He began a rehab assignment with Class AAA Rochester on Aug. 5, and he will be activated Aug. 12.

• 2B Alexi Casilla (strained right hamstring) went on the 15-day disabled list July 28. He will be activated Aug. 12.

• RHP Scott Baker (flexor strain in right arm) went on the 15-day disabled list Aug. 9.

Twins News/Notes:

• 1B Justin Morneau is set to be activated from the disabled list for tonight's game. He hasn't played since June 9 because of neck, arm and hand injuries.  The Twins will have to option a player back to Class AAA Rochester to make room on the active roster, mostly likely OF Ben Revere or OF Jason Repko, although they also could be trying to lose a player via waivers.

• RHP Nick Blackburn snapped three-game skid with 6 2/3 solid innings in Wednesday's 5-2 victory over Boston, surrendering one unearned run on six hits. In his previous four starts, Blackburn was 0-3 with an 8.35 ERA and gave up 32 hits in 18 1/3 innings.

• CF Ben Revere leads major league rookies with 19 stolen bases.

• RHP Carl Pavano (88) and RHP Nick Blackburn (86) have surrendered more runs than any pitchers in the American League. Houston Astros LHP J.A. Happ leads baseball with 92.

• Former Twins all-star Gary Gaetti on Thursday was named manager of the Sugarland Skeeters, and independent minor league team that will begin play next season in the Atlantic League.

Pitching Matchups:

RHP Justin Masterson (9-7, 2.71 ERA) vs. RHP Carl Pavano (6-9, 4.71) tonight at 7:05

RHP Josh Tomlin (11-5, 4.08) vs. LHP Brian Duensing (8-10, 4.56) Saturday at 7:05 p.m.

*undecided vs. RHP Kevin Slowey (0-0, 4.91) Sunday at 1:05 p.m.

*Probably David Huff

Team Thome comes to town this weekend looking for HR #600

Series Summary:

The Tigers enter the three-game series with a four-game lead in the AL Central, their largest of the season. They've won six of their last 10 games. Detroit is hitting .298 against the Tribe with Miguel Cabrera leading the way at .400 (8-for-20) with two homers and six RBI. Verlander is 1-0 against the Indians this year and 7-1 over the last three.

• Tigers News/Notes:

• DH Victor Martinez is expected to return to action tonight here in Cleveland after sitting out Detroit's game Sunday in Kansas City due to a left knee injury. Martinez is hitting .342 in his last 63 games, including .556 with runners in scoring position since July 17.

• RHP Jose Valverde can set a new Detroit record if he converts his next save opportunity, which would be his 33rd in a row. Valverde is currently tied with LHP Willie Hernandez, who didn't blow any of his 32 save chances while winning the MVP and Cy Young Award for the 1984 Tigers.

• OF Andy Dirks has performed well for Detroit, and manager Jim Leyland likes his all-around game. Leyland has spot-played him and used him as a pinch runner.

• LF Brennan Boesch will continue to bat in the second spot in Detroit's lineup, probably for the remainder of the season. Boesch began the season as a support hitter to 1B Miguel Cabrera and DH Victor Martinez in the sixth, sometimes seventh spot in the order. Leyland had a chance to move Boesch down to third Sunday but kept him second, where he has hit since 2B Carlos Guillen returned to the roster after the All-Star break.

• RHP Max Scherzer continues to progress as a pitcher, but manager Jim Leyland says the right-hander still has a couple of things he needs to do. Scherzer allowed three runs in one inning and a solo home run later in absorbing a 4-3 loss Sunday in Kansas City.

Tigers Medical Watch:

• DH Victor Martinez (sprained left knee) was hurt in the Aug. 6 game and was held out Aug. 7. He is day-to-day and should return tonight.

• LHP Brad Thomas (sore left elbow) went on the 60-day disabled list July 25. He was shut down from throwing until at least mid-August.

• RHP Joel Zumaya (right elbow surgery in July 2010) experienced pain in the elbow during his Feb. 27 spring debut, and he went on the 15-day disabled list March 30. He was transferred to the 60-day DL on April 18. He had exploratory surgery May 10, and he might be out for the season.

Pitching Matchups:

 RHP Doug Fister (4-12, 3.29) vs. RHP Justin Masterson (9-7, 2.63) Tonight at 7:05 p.m.

RHP Scott Porcello (11-6, 4.49) vs. RHP Ubaldo Jimenez (6-9, 4.64) Wednesday at 7:05 p.m.

RHP Justin Verlander (16-5, 2.30) vs. RHP Fausto Carmona (5-11, 5.19) Thursday at 7:05 p.m.

Summary:

...Red Sox have won 11 of their last 15 games.

...They've outscored the Indians, 25-19 in the season series.

...Beckett is 1-1 and Lester 1-0 against the Tribe this year.

...Carl Crawford is hitting .348 (8-for-23) with two homers and three RBI against the Indians.

Pitching Matchups:

RHP Josh Tomlin (11-5, 4.01) vs. RHP John Lackey (9-8, 6.20) Tonight at 7:10

LHP David Huff (1-1, 0.71) vs. RHP Josh Beckett (9-4, 2.17) Tuesday at 7:10 p.m.

*RHP Carlos Carrasco (8-9, 4.67) vs. RHP Tim Wakefield (6-4, 5.06) Wednesday at 7:10 p.m.

RHP Justin Masterson (8-7, 2.57) vs. LHP Jon Lester (10-4, 3.23) Thursday at 7:10 p.m.

*Could be Ubaldo Jimenez.

Red Sox Medical Watch:

• LF Carl Crawford (strained left elbow) did not play July 27. He appeared as a pinch hitter July 28, and started on July 29.

• RF J.D. Drew (left shoulder impingement) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 20.

• RHP Bobby Jenks (back tightness) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 8. He received a platelet-rich plasma injection July 18. According to manager Terry Francona, the injury is located in the same area as the muscle strain that sidelined Jenks in June. It's unclear when Jenks will be ready to resume pitching.

• RHP Clay Buchholz (lower back stiffness) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to June 17. He threw a bullpen session June 26, but he felt renewed tightness July 28. He received a cortisone shot July 6 and resumed throwing July 18, playing catch from 120 feet. He long-tossed July 20 and July 22. He threw off a mound July 25, but then was sore, causing him to cancel a scheduled July 27 bullpen session. He said he did not experience a setback, but he was expected to be examined by a specialist on Aug. 1. Buchholz was transferred to the 60-day DL on July 31.

• SS Jed Lowrie (sore left shoulder) went on the 15-day disabled list June 17. Lowrie underwent an MRI exam on June 17 and got a second opinion from Dr. Lewis Yocum, who prescribed rest. He began hitting off a tee during the week of July 18-24, then took batting practice for the first time July 27. He might begin a rehab assignment on Aug. 1 at Class AAA Pawtucket.

• RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka (sprained right elbow) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 17, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on June 3. He had season-ending Tommy John surgery June 10.

• LHP Rich Hill (sprained left elbow) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to June 2, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on June 27. He had season-ending Tommy John surgery June 9.

Red Sox News/Notes:

• LHP Andrew Miller may be the pitcher most affected by Sunday's trade for LHP Erik Bedard. For now, though, Miller remains unconcerned. After allowing three runs on 10 hits in only 5-2/3 innings Sunday against the White Sox, Miller said he isn't worried about being moved to the bullpen in favor of Bedard.

• 1B Adrian Gonzalez sat out Friday night's game in Chicago because of a stiff neck, and manager Terry Francona indicated Sunday that the slugger was still feeling the residual effects. If that was the case, Gonzalez was utterly unaffected. By notching two doubles Sunday, Gonzalez extended his hitting streak to 10 games. During that stretch, he's batting .535 (23-for-53) with seven consecutive multi-hit games.

• RHP Clay Buchholz is expected to see back specialist Dr. Robert Watkins on Monday in Los Angeles. Buchholz has been sidelined since mid-June with a lower back strain that has shown little improvement.

• C Jason Varitek staked the Red Sox to a lead in the second inning Sunday with a two-run home run against Chicago starter Mark Buehrle. Between them, Varitek and Jarrod Saltalamacchia have given the Sox 16 homers from their catchers. Among AL teams, only the Blue Jays (19) have more.

• LHP Jon Lester was both efficient and effective Saturday night in his second start since coming off the disabled list with a strained lat muscle.

  Lester allowed little more than a pair of solo homers and mostly mowed down the White Sox in a 10-2 victory and proved that, while the Red Sox sought to bolster the back of their rotation by acquiring LHP Erik Bedard, there is nothing wrong with their ace. Lester gave up four hits, struck out eight, walked only one and finished eight innings for the first time since June 18 en route to his first victory since June 30.

Pitching Matchups:

Jeff Francis (3-11, 4.65 ERA) v. Carlos Carrasco (8-8, 4.25 ERA)

Felipe Paulino (1-4, 3.86 ERA) v. Justin Masterson (8-7, 2.57)

Kyle Davies (1-9, 6.75) v. Fausto Carmona (5-10, 5.34)

Royals News/Notes:

• RHP Luke Hochevar yielded only one hit after the third inning and allowed two runs on six hits in seven innings to pick up the victory Thursday at Boston. Hochevar, who walked one and struck out six Red Sox, has won back-to-back starts for the first time since April 10 and 15, when he beat the Tigers and Mariners. It was his seventh victory, which matches his career high. He was 7-13 in 2009.

• DH Billy Butler has hit home runs in three consecutive games and has four in his last seven games after 115 at-bats without going deep. In the four-game series at Fenway Park, Butler went 9-for-19 (.474), with two doubles, three home runs and eight RBI.

• The Royals sent nine men to the plate in their four-run fourth, which included a three-run home run by DH Billy Butler. They became the first club to bat around against Red Sox RHP Josh Beckett since the Yankees in the sixth inning on May 7, 2010.

• CF Melky Cabrera was given Thursday off against the Red Sox. It was the first time Cabrera did not start a game since June 25. He has played in all but four of the Royals' 105 games this season. OF Mitch Maier replaced Cabrera in center and went 0-for-4 with a walk and scored a run.

Royals Medical Watch:

• C Jason Kendall (right shoulder surgery in September 2010) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 22. He was transferred to the 60-day disabled list May 5. As of June 8, he was taking batting practice on the field and throwing from up to 105 feet. Kendall reported to Surprise, Ariz., on June 20 to begin working out with the rookie-level Arizona League club, but he had a setback in early July. He underwent another shoulder operation July 13, and he will miss the rest of 2011 and all of the 2012 season.

Summary:

The Angels just finished taking two of three games in Baltimore.

...they have defeated the Indians three times by one run this season

...overall run differential in six games is zero (17-17).

... Weaver has pitched 12 consecutive quality starts (six-plus innings, three or fewer earned runs). His ERA is lowest in club history after 21 starts. He has worked at least seven innings and allowed no more than one run in 11 games. On May 7 against Cleveland, Weaver gave up four runs in six innings of a 4-3 loss.

... the Indians are hitting .180 (37-for-205) against Angels this season; no player with 10-plus official at-bats is hitting better than .250.

Pitching Matchups:

RHP Fausto Carmona (5-10, 5.63 ERA) vs. RHP Dan Haren (10-6, 3.10), Tonight at 7:05

RHP Josh Tomlin (11-4, 4.12) vs. RHP Jered Weaver (13-4, 1.81), Tuesday at 7:05 p.m.

LHP David Huff (1-0, 0.00) vs. RHP Ervin Santana (5-8, 3.69), Wednesday at 12:05 p.m.

Angels Medical Watch:

• RHP Francisco Rodriguez (right shoulder inflammation) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 10. He will treat the problem with rest and rehab.

• 3B Freddy Sandoval (left side muscle strain) was injured March 3, and he went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 22. He began a rehab assignment with the Angels' affiliate in the rookie-level Arizona League on July 5, and he moved his rehab to Class AAA Salt Lake on July 16.

• 1B Kendrys Morales (fractured left ankle) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 22. He was never able to progress to running the bases in workouts, let alone playing in games during spring training or on a rehab assignment. He had a second surgery on his ankle May 26 to address continued discomfort and lack of mobility. Morales, who was transferred to the 60-day DL on July 20, will not play until the 2012 season.

Angels News/Notes:

• RHP Tyler Chatwood went seven innings for the victory Sunday over Baltimore, allowing two runs on a home run by Adam Jones but not walking a batter. It was the first time in 19 major league starts Chatwood has not walked at least one batter. He went into Sunday's start third in the American League with 53 walks.

• OF Mike Trout hit his first major league home run, a three-run shot off Orioles reliever Mark Worrell in the eighth inning Sunday. Trout's family was at the game. He grew up in Millville, N.J., and Baltimore is the closest AL city. The 19-year-old is the first teenager to homer in a major league game since Diamondbacks OF Justin Upton on August 7, 2007.

• OF Torii Hunter went into Sunday's game with just two hits in his past 31 at-bats. But he doubled off the center field wall in the third inning (missing a home run by a few feet) then cleared the left-field wall with a two-run home run in the eighth inning.

• 3B Alberto Callaspo was 3-for-4 with a walk and three runs scored Sunday. He is batting .375 (27 for 72) in his past 21 games.

• OF Peter Bourjos entered Sunday's game as a defensive replacement in the ninth inning with OF Mike Trout moving from center field to left field. The Angels will have a decision to make in the future on how to play those two speedy outfielders together. But Angels manager Mike Scioscia said Sunday's move was just to "get Vernon (Wells) off his feet." Wells was the only position player to start all three games in the field during the series in Baltimore where temperatures were over 100 degrees each day.

• .179—Rookie OF Mike Trout's average through Sunday, when he went 1-for-5 against Baltimore and hit his first major league home run.

Angels Ace Jered Weaver will pitch against the Tribe on Tuesday night.

Summary:

Having dropped their finale against the Twins on Wednesday and are now a half game behind the Tigers atop the division, the Indians return home just 4 1/2 games up on the White Sox, a team that they will see plenty of in the second half.

...Sox leadoff batter Juan Pierre has a 12-game hitting streak.

...Reliever Brian Bruney hasn't allowed a run in his last nine appearances.

...Designated hitter Adam Dunn is 7-for-79 (.089) with 40 strikeouts in his last 22 games. I added him onto my fantasy team... I'm smart aye?

Pitching Matchups:

RH Gavin Floyd (7-9, 4.37 ERA) vs. RH Carlos Carrasco (8-7, 4.25). Tonight 7:05pm.

 RH Edwin Jackson (6-7, 3.97) vs. LH *David Huff (5-10, 5.63). Saturday night 7:05pm.

RH Phillip Humber (8-6, 3.27) vs. RH Justin Masterson (8-6, 2.64) Sunday afternoon 1:05pm.

* The Indians, with the ability to juggle the rotation because of off days Thursday and July 28, will have Fausto Carmona face the Angels instead of the White Sox this weekend. This year, Carmona is 0-2 with a 20.25 ERA (18 earned runs in eight innings) against the White Sox.

Sox Injury News:

• LHP John Danks (right oblique strain) went on the 15-day disabled list June 26. He began throwing on July 1. He made rehab starts for Class AAA Charlotte on July 10 and July 15, and he was activated on July 20.

• RHP Jake Peavy (right arm fatigue) had his scheduled July 17 start pushed back to July 19 and pitched six innings against the Royals.

• C Ramon Castro (broken right hand) went on the 15-day disabled list July 10. He may miss the rest of the season.

• RHP Tony Pena (right elbow tendinitis) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 28. He began a rehab assignment with Class AAA Charlotte on June 16. After making a solid appearance June 24, Pena informed trainers that there was further soreness, prompting him to be shut down. He resumed throwing on July 16, but on a rehab assignment with Class AAA Charlotte on July 20, he suffered yet another setback in the right elbow after just four pitches.

Sox News/Notes:

• 3B Brent Morel did get the start at third base on Wednesday, going 1-for-2 in the loss to Kansas City, but he is still only 1-for-13 in his last five games, and third base now seems to be more of a platoon than simply Morel's job. Manager Ozzie Guillen indicated that Mark Teahen would start on Friday and Saturday in Cleveland, with the Indians pitching righties Carlos Carrasco and Justin Masterson. Teahen started the first four games coming out of the All-Star Break, going 4-for-16. Guillen wants the best chance to help out the offense, and as of right now that means Morel and Teahen will split time based on pitching match-ups.

• OF Juan Pierre has ended all the talk about the White Sox needing more production from the leadoff spot, as the veteran hit .385 from June 26 through Wednesday's game, the best in the majors over that time while riding the aforementioned 12 game hitting streak Pierre was 30-for-78 with three doubles, two triples, 10 RBI and 11 runs in that stretch. It was manager Ozzie Guillen who fought off critics that wanted Pierre replaced in mid-June, and now the White Sox are at least getting some productivity from the top of the lineup.

• C A.J. Pierzynski was hoping to have a second half with a few more off days than he had in the first half, but manager Ozzie Guillen indicated that is no longer an option. With the news on Wednesday that C Ramon Castro and his broken hand will like need the remainder of the regular season to heal, C Tyler Flowers will hold down the back-up role. Guillen has used Flowers only once since the injury to Castro right before the All-Star break, and Pierzynski has seen the rest of the playing time. The White Sox might use Flowers more if they feel like they are out of it, but as long as they remain a handful of games out of first place they will lean heavily on Pierzynski.

• Manager Ozzie Guillen wasn't the only member of the White Sox coaching staff that was in a bad mood the last 48 hours. It was Guillen who made news with his critical comments of his team after a Wednesday loss to the Royals, and then on Thursday it was pitching coach Don Cooper's turn. Cooper was doing a phone interview on a Chicago radio station, and was asked by the host about the White Sox calling up Dayan Viciedo to help get a spark from the offense. "I have no clue about that; I'm a coach," Cooper fumed. "Do I feel like something (needs to be done)? Yeah, we have to score some runs. That's what's got to be done. And if we do, we have a chance to win. And if we don't, we won't. … Nice try, asking me to bring up (bleeping) Viciedo. I'm not in charge of making moves, I'm in charge of coaching." Cooper then hung up on the host.

• DH Adam Dunn was nursing a sore knee, according to manager Ozzie Guillen, but was scheduled to start the game Friday in Cleveland. Dunn missed the last two games against Kansas City, but that was because the Royals were starting two left-handers. The Indians were scheduled to start RHP Carlos Carrasco.

"If I'm not having fun anymore, I'll go home; "Flat out. I'll go home. ... How many games can you play doing this? This is ridiculous."-  Adam Dunn on his recent struggles.

Summary:

The Indians started to do the roster shuffle Sunday morning when they optioned outfielder Shelly Duncan  to Class AAA Columbus so right-hander Jeanmar Gomez  could be activated and start against the Orioles. There will be even more moves before today's day-night doubleheader against the Twins. Left-hander David Huff will be recalled from Columbus and will start the first game. Fausto Carmona will start the second game, but he has to be activated from the disabled list. There are plenty of candidates, including utility man Luis Valbuena and outfielders Ezequel Carrera and Travis Buck. Grady Sizemore's bruised right knee suffered Sunday will influence that decision, don't be surprised if he is headed to the DL, again. The move to activate Carmona will probably be made between games of the doubleheader. Huff is likely to be sent back down because Acta said he anticipates Gomez staying in the rotation in place of injured Mitch Talbot. However, if Huff pitches well, don't be surprised if they go with the hot hand.

...The Indians have lost six straight at Target Field and nine of their last 12 games in Minnesota. They're hitting .224 (37-for-165) against the Twins this year. Michael Brantley leads the way at .368 (7-for-19) with one homer and three RBI. Carmona, Tomlin and Chris Perez are a combined 0-3 against Minnesota this year. 

... The Twins have won 10 of their last 16 games after Sunday's 4-3 win over the Royals. Twins are hitting .281 (47-for-167) against the Indians this year. They've outscored them, 23-13. Ben Revere is hitting .385 (5-for-13) against the Indians in 2011.

...In my own personal opinion, this series will decide whether the Indians are buyers or sellers at the trading deadline this year.

Pitching matchups:

LHP David Huff (first start) vs. RHP Anthony Swarzak (2-2, 3.38) Today at 1:10 p.m.

RHP Fausto Carmona (4-10, 5.78) vs. RHP LHP Scott Diamond (first MLB start) Tonight at 8:10 p.m.

RHP Justin Masterson (8-6, 2.80) vs. LHP Francisco Liriano (6-7, 4.76) Tuesday at 8:10 p.m.

RHP Josh Tomlin (11-4, 4.03) vs. RHP Nick Blackburn (7-6, 3.99) Wednesday at 1:10 p.m.

Twins Injuries:

• RHP Scott Baker (flexor strain) left the July 5 game, and he was scratched from his scheduled July 10 start. He was placed on the disabled list July 17, retroactive to July 7.

• CF Denard Span (concussion) went on the disabled list retroactive to June 7. He was playing catch as of June 23. He had a setback over the July 2-3 weekend and cut back on his workouts. He began working out again July 4, and he took batting practice for the first time July 5. He began a rehab assignment with Class AAA Rochester on July 17.

• OF/DH Jason Kubel (sprained left foot) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 31. He began a rehab assignment with Class A Fort Myers on June 28, but he re-injured his foot June 30, irritating his plantar fascia. He resumed his rehab assignment with Class AAA Rochester on July 17.

• 1B Justin Morneau (herniated disk in neck, strained left wrist) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to June 10 because of the wrist problem. He had surgery June 29 to fix the neck problem. He was cleared to being non-baseball workouts in mid-July, and he hopes to return sometime in August.

• RHP Kevin Slowey (strained abdominal muscle) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 21. He made rehab starts for Class A Fort Myers on June 25 and June 30, and he started for Class AAA Rochester on July 5, July 10 and July 15.

Twins News/Notes:

• RHP Joe Nathan was moved back to the closer spot Saturday and earned his first save since April 8 in a 4-3 victory over Kansas City. He recorded another save on Sunday in another 4-3 win over the Royals, the 251st save as a Twin. He's one shy of Rick Aguilera's team mark.

• RHP Matt Capps has gone 0-2 with two blown saves, two saves and an 11.11 earned-run average since blowing a three-run lead in an 8-7 loss to Milwaukee on July 2.

• RHP Scott Baker was placed on the disabled list after Sunday's 4-3 victory over Kansas City because of a flexor strain. The move is retroactive to July 7, when he missed his last start. Baker was scheduled to pitch Game 1 of Monday's double-header with Cleveland; instead, the Twins called lefty-hander Scott Diamond up from Class AAA Rochester to take his place.

  Diamond, a Rule 5 draft selection last summer, will be making his major league debut. He is 4-8 with a 4.70 ERA in 17 starts with the Red Wings.

• INF Matt Tolbert was optioned to Class AAA Rochester so the Twins could call up another pitcher for today's double-header today.

• LHP Chuck James was recalled from Rochester to take a spot in the bullpen. James, 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA in 26 appearances with the Red Wings, tossed five scoreless innings for the Twins earlier this season.

• CF Denard Span and OF Jason Kubel began rehabilitation assignments with Class AAA Rochester on Sunday night. Manager Ron Gardenhire said he doesn't want them back until they are hitting.

  Kubel has been out since spraining his left foot on May 30; Span hasn't played since June 6 because of a concussion.

• 1B Justin Morneau said he still has a numb forefinger, but the strength in his left arm has improved since having surgery June 24 to repair a ruptured disc in his neck.

  Morneau said he hopes to start doing light baseball activity on Monday but must be cleared first by doctors. He is expected to be back in mid-August.

The Indians must play well this series... or... ehem...

Summary:

The first half of 2011 couldn't have ended any uglier for the Orioles. The seven-game losing streak couldn't drown out the thud that was an ejection-marred series against the division rival Red Sox. The clubs emptied the benches twice Friday and some high-and-tight pitches Sunday rounded out the four-game Boston sweep as both managers were ejected. Orioles players insisted they were sticking up for themselves, perhaps after a breaking point in which they felt like Boston was having its way with the Baltimore club. This season was supposed to be one where the Orioles finally challenged the elusive .500 win percentage. The team upgraded its offense in the offseason through trades -- acquiring Mark Reynolds and J.J. Hardy -- and via free agency -- signing Derrek Lee and Vladimir Guerrero. But the sore spot has been the rotation, which looked strong after the season's first two weeks. Now, the rotation is devoid of its most promising starters -- with Brian Matusz, Zach Britton and Chris Tillman all in the minors. The only hope for the Orioles' fan base -- which hasn't seen a winner since the 1997 season -- is that the club will finish strong, like it did after manager Buck Showalter took over.

The Orioles were swept in Cleveland, April 15-17, by scores of 8-2, 8-3 and 4-2. Masterson and Tomlin each earned a victory.

Pitching matchups:

RHP Justin Masterson (7-6, 2.64 ERA) vs. RHP Jeremy Guthrie (3-12, 4.23), Tonight at 7:05 p.m.

RHP Josh Tomlin (10-4, 3.81) vs. RHP Jake Arrieta (9-6, 4.90), Friday at 7:05 p.m.

RHP Carlos Carrasco (8-6, 4.28) vs. RHP Alfredo Simon (1-2, 4.85), Saturday at 7:05 p.m.

RHP Jeanmar Gomez (0-1, 4.91) vs. TBA, Sunday at 1:35 p.m.

Oriole Injuries:

• RHP Brad Bergesen (right forearm contusion) left the July 8 game after being struck by a line drive. X-rays were negative, and he is day-to-day.

• LF Luke Scott (torn labrum in right shoulder) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 4. A medical test July 8 found no need for surgery, and he is expected to be activated July 19.

• 2B Brian Roberts (concussion-like symptoms) went on the seven-day disabled list retroactive to May 17.

• INF Cesar Izturis (ulnar nerve injury in right elbow) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 17, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 21. He had surgery May 24. As of July 3, he was hitting and handling other baseball activities at the club's spring training base. He might be able to start a rehab assignment after the All-Star break.

• RHP Justin Duchscherer (sore left hip, sore back) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 22 and was moved to the 60-day list on April 18. He underwent a medical procedure April 7 to relieve back pain. He threw two innings in extended spring training May 13, but he was scratched from a scheduled May 18 appearance. He had another setback in extended spring training June 7, when he experienced gluteal spasms. He cut short another extended spring training outing June 16 because of pain in his left hip. On July 11, he was given clearance to resume workouts in Sarasota, Fla.

Oriole News/Notes:

• LF Luke Scott continues to make progress in his recovery from a partially torn labrum in his right shoulder. He is expected to be ready to come off the disabled list July 19, the first day he is eligible to return.

• RHP Justin Duchscherer was given clearance Monday by Orioles ortopedist John Wilckens to resume working out at the team's complex in Sarasota, Fla. Duchscherer has been on the disabled list all season because of hip and shoulder injuries.

• RHP Mitch Atkins was officially welcomed to the American League East Sunday. After an impressive Orioles debut in his start at Texas last week, Atkins didn't escape the second inning Sunday. He allowed six runs on seven hits—including three homers—in 1 1/3 innings.

• RHP Jeremy Guthrie was needed in relief Sunday, but is scheduled to start the opener of the second half Thursday. Guthrie fell to 3-12, despite giving up just one run on three hits over 3.1 innings. When the second half opens, he will be followed by RHP Jake Arrieta Friday and RHP Alfredo Simon Saturday. The remainder of the rotation was not announced Sunday.

• 3B Mark Reynolds left in the third inning after being hit on the right hand with a Kyle Wieland pitch. INF Robert Andino moved from second to third, and INF/OF Blake Davis entered to play second. Reynolds entered Sunday with 15 strikeouts in his previous 30 at-bats. The slugger has shown improvement in the first half in striking out less, but has been inconsistent offensively and defensively for much of the season.

• DH Vladimir Guerrero followed in 3B Mark Reynold's footsteps, departing Sunday's game in the seventh after he was hit on the right hand. Guerrero was 1-for-2 with an RBI before he departed. OF Felix Pie replaced him at designated hitter.

• LHP Zach Britton was surprised by his demotion Saturday, but the move could allow the Orioles to gain back the year of service time they planned to spare this spring. According to The Sun, the plan is for Britton to return June 30, providing him the necessary 20 days to gain back a year of service time. The Orioles initially planned to keep Britton in the minors through April, but they were forced to call him up when LHP Brian Matusz was hurt on opening day.

Probable Starters:

Tonight, RHP Carlos Villanueva (5-1, 3.24) vs. RHP Zach McAllister (8-3, 2.97)*

Friday, LHP Jo Jo Reyes (3-7, 4.85) vs. RHP Mitch Talbot (2-5, 5.60)

Saturday, RHP Brandon Morrow (5-4, 4.73) vs. RHP Josh Tomlin (10-4, 3.78)

Sunday, LHP Brett Cecil (1-4, 6.37) vs. RHP Carlos Carrasco (8-5, 3.95).

*Stats at Triple-A Columbus.

Jays News/Notes:

• SS Yunel Escobar was back in the lineup and leading off for Wednesday's finale of a three-game series in Boston. He had not played since he was hit on the left hand by a pitch in the first inning Friday against Philadelphia. Escobar was listed to bat fifth for Tuesday's game against Boston but did not play after the hand still bothered him in batting practice. However, he was fine Wednesday, leading off the game with a double and finishing 4-for-5 with an RBI.

• 3B/RF Jose Bautista is ahead of the pace he kept last year, when he hit 54 home runs to lead the majors. Bautista has 28 homers in 80 games this season with four games remaining before the All-Star break. Last year at the break, he had hit 24 homers in 88 games. OF George Bell had the most home runs by a Blue Jay at the break with 29 after 85 games in 1987. 1B Carlos Delgado had 28 at the break in 2003 and 2000.

• OF Eric Thames lined out to left field as a pinch hitter for CF Rajai Davis in the eighth inning of Tuesday's 3-2 loss at Boston to end a career-high 10-game hitting streak. He batted .395 (17-for-43) during the streak. It was the longest hitting streak by a Toronto rookie since 1B Adam Lind had a 10-game streak in 2007.

• OF Corey Patterson was caught stealing third base in the sixth inning of Tuesday's 3-2 loss at Boston. It was the third time Patterson has been caught stealing third this season, and he has yet to make it. The worst part of it was cleanup hitter Adam Lind was at-bat with two runners on. Manager John Farrell said it was a poor decision by Patterson. All 12 of Patterson's steals are of second base. The three times he's been caught stealing third leave Patterson tied for the American League lead with Brent Lillibridge of the White Sox. Patterson has been caught trying to steal second four times and for a 63 percent success rate. Patterson was not in the starting lineup Wednesday, and he struck out as a pinch hitter.

• C J.P. Arencibia was hit by a pitch on the left wrist by RHP Jonathan Papelbon in the ninth inning of Wednesday's 6-3 loss at Boston. He was removed for a pinch runner for precautionary reasons, manager John Farrell said, and to get more speed on the bases. Farrell said strength tests done by the trainer on the field indicated that there did not appear to be any serious injury. Arencibia has been dealing with a bruised left thumb since late May.

Jays Injury Report:

• C J.P. Arencibia (sore left wrist) left the July 6 game for precautionary reasons. The injury wasn't considered serious.

• SS Yunel Escobar (swollen left hand) left the July 1 game, and he didn't play July 2-5. He was back in the starting lineup July 6.

• RHP Casey Janssen (sore right forearm) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to June 15. An MRI found no structural damage. He's scheduled to begin his rehab assignment the first week of July with Class AA New Hampshire.

• RHP Jesse Litsch (right shoulder impingement) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive May 19. He began a rehab assignment with Class A Lansing on June 18, and he made rehab starts for Class AA New Hampshire on June 23 and June 28. He started for Class AAA Las Vegas on July 4, but his next step was unclear.

• RHP Dustin McGowan (right shoulder surgery in June 2010) went on the 60-day disabled list March 12. McGowan lasted only two-thirds of an inning in his first rehab start for Class A Dunedin on July 2. He has not pitched in the majors since 2008 because of shoulder surgery.

• LHP Jesse Carlson (strained left shoulder) went on the 60-day disabled list March 29. He underwent season-ending rotator cuff surgery May 26.

(Very approiate logo for the Fourth of July)

Summary:

That team from the east coast hit .336 with five homers against the Tribe in June. Derek Jeter, six hits shy of 3,000, was just activated for the series. He strained his right calf against the Tribe. Let's go guys, lets not let them celebrate his 3,000th hit in Cleveland!

Pitching Matchups:

RHP A.J. Burnett (8-6, 4.05) vs. RHP Josh Tomlin (9-4, 3.86) tonight at 6:35 p.m.

LHP CC Sabathia (11-4, 3.05) vs. RHP Carlos Carrasco (8-4, 3.54) Tuesday at 7:05 p.m.

RHP Phil Hughes (0-1, 13.94) vs. RHP Justin Masterson (6-6, 2.85) Wednesday at 7:05 p.m.

That team from the east coast's News/Notes:

• SS Derek Jeter played in his second rehab game at Class AA Trenton and then got on a plane to rejoin that team from the east coast in Cleveland for tonights game. Jeter, out since June 14 because of a strained right calf, tested his leg by bunting in his last at-bat Sunday.

• RHP Ivan Nova was sent down to Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Sunday because that team from the east coast want to continue to start regularly. The club needed to open a rotation spot for RHP Phil Hughes and didn't want Nova to be a long man in the bullpen.

• SS Eduardo Nunez, who has opened some eyes while filling in for Derek Jeter and was 7-for-8 in two Subway Series games against the Mets, sat out Sunday's game because of a tight right hamstring. That team from the east coast must not think it's serious because Nunez was not slated for any tests, manager Joe Girardi said.

• CF Curtis Granderson, SS Derek Jeter, 3B Alex Rodriguez and 2B Robinson Cano were all elected to start in the All-Star game, and RHP Mariano Rivera and C Russell Martin were added as reserves. There were several notable team from the east coast "snubs", too: RHP David Robertson, LHP CC Sabathia and 1B Mark Teixeira.

• 1B Mark Teixeira was invited to participate in the Home Run Derby at the All-Star game, but he declined because he was not picked for the All-Star team.

• RHP Mariano Rivera blew a save chance against the Mets on Sunday, snapping a streak of 26 straight saves against National League teams (including two in the 2009 World Series). It was tied for the second-longest streak in interleague history with Troy Percival, trailing Eric Gagne's streak of 29 in a row.

That team from the east coast's Injury Report:

• NF Eduardo Nunez (tight right hamstring) sat out the July 3 game, but the injury wasn't believed to be serious. He's day-to-day.

• SS Derek Jeter (mild right calf strain) went on the 15-day disabled list June 14. He began light baseball activities June 21. He took batting practice on the field, took grounders and began light running on June 27 at the teams' facility in Tampa. He went on a rehab assignment with Class AA Trenton on July 2 and 3 and rejoined the team for their game tonight.

• RHP Phil Hughes (right shoulder inflammation) went on the 15-day disabled list April 15. He threw a bullpen session April 19, and was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 25. He played long-toss April 22, and he threw a bullpen session April 23. He cut short an April 25 bullpen session, and he had numerous medical tests performed in late April and early May, but all came back negative. He received a cortisone shot April 28, and he began a new throwing program by playing catch May 12. He threw a simulated game June 9, and then pitched in extended spring training June 14. He started a rehab assignment with short-season Staten Island on June 19, and he started for Class AA Trenton on June 24 and June 29. He is set to rejoin the Yankees on July 6.

• 3B Eric Chavez (fractured left foot) went on the 15-day disabled list May 6, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on June 8. He began running the bases June 23, but the Yankees had yet to set a schedule for when he might begin a rehab assignment. Chavez took batting practice on June 27 at the Yankees' facility in Tampa and was expected to go on rehab assignment soon.

• RHP Rafael Soriano (right elbow inflammation) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 14, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on June 15. He had to stop a throwing session May 23 due to discomfort, then had the same problem in mid-June. He resumed his throwing program June 21.

• LHP Pedro Feliciano (torn capsule in left shoulder) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 22, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on April 15. On April 18, Dr. James Andrews recommended a conservative treatment program. As of mid-June, Feliciano was playing catch.

• LHP Damaso Marte (left shoulder surgery in October 2010) went on the 60-day disabled list retroactive to March 22. He is unlikely to return before the All-Star break.

• INF Reegie Corona (broken right elbow) went on the 60-day disabled list retroactive to March 22. He is unlikely to return before midseason.

• OF Colin Curtis (dislocated right shoulder) went on the 60-day disabled list retroactive to March 22. He had surgery April 15, and he is likely out for the season.

• RHP Joba Chamberlain (torn ligament in right elbow) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to June 6, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on June 10. He had season-ending Tommy John surgery June 16.