Preview/Prediction

In a few surprising roster shuffles surrounding the MLB All-Star break, the Los Angeles Dodgers made several efforts to upgrade their pitching—at least until they seal a deal before the trade deadline.

In an unexpected move on Sunday, the Dodgers optioned RHP John Ely to Triple-A Albuquerque and replaced him on the roster with reliever Jon Link.

Ely is 4-7 with a 4.63 ERA in 14 starts overall this season; however, he has failed to pitch three complete innings in his last two outings.

Alex Rodriguez is currently three home runs from becoming the seventh member of the elite 600 Home Run Club.

After dealing Justin Smoak and his right-handed bat for Cliff Lee, the Texas Rangers may have increased interest in reviving an offseason trade for Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell, according to WEEI Sportsradio Network's Rob Bradford.

Both Smoak's departure and corner-infielder Chris Davis' offensive struggles may force the American League West leaders to acquire a player of Lowell's caliber to at least platoon with the likes of Davis.

What was once thought to be a disaster situation for the New York Mets turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

The Mets played the entire first half of the season without center fielder Carlos Beltran, and not only managed to keep their heads above water, but have been one of the best teams in the National League.

A little over a year removed from having Tommy John surgery, Cincinnati Reds RHP Edinson Volquez is set to make his season debut tomorrow night at home against the Colorado Rockies.

It’s like the Reds are getting a pitcher back without giving up anything.

But what type of pitcher are the Reds getting? Tommy John surgery is pretty common these days, but how do pitchers fare when they first come back from the surgery?

Justin Morneau has been placed on the 15-day disabled list “as he continues to recover from a concussion that he suffered on July 7,” according to the Minnesota Twins' official website.

Morneau was attempting to break up a potential double play at second base, when he was accidentally kneed in the head.

This is Morneau’s second trip to the disabled list with concussion symptoms in his career. In 2005, he was hit in the head by a Ron Villone pitch that subsequently landed him on the DL.

SAN FRANCISCO—The Mets got Carlos Beltran back last night, but also got shut out by Tim Lincecum. Coupled with the Braves win over the Brewers, the Mets find themselves five games out of first place, and seemingly headed in the wrong direction.

Examining the Jose Reyes situation, it's eerily similar to last season's debacle. Last season, Reyes had some "hamstring discomfort," and was listed as day-to-day.

Coincidentally, on the West Coast in Los Angeles, Reyes attempted to play, tore his hamstring, and was never seen or heard from again.

If the St. Louis Cardinals win their 11th World Series championship, it will be predicated upon the return to health and effectiveness of key members of the roster.

In my final look at predictions for the Cardinals' roster in the second half, we focus on those that missed valuable portions of the first half of the season.

At least one of these players must make a successful return if it is to be a Redbird October.

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SAN FRANCISCO—What the Mets wanted to do in the first half was hang around until they got Carlos Beltran back.

But unlike last season, the Mets didn't wait for their reinforcements to return, they treated them as a bonus. They did a good job of playing without their star center fielder, going 48-40, and being only one game behind of a playoff spot.

Tonight, almost exactly six months to the day of announcing knee surgery on January 16, Carlos Beltran returns to the Mets lineup, batting cleanup in center field.

To kick-off the second-half of the baseball season the New York Yankees will play host to the Tampa Bay Rays

It is the number one team vs. the number two team of not only the AL East, but all of the MLB.

Entering the All-Star break the Yankees lead the Rays by two games, but this series will be watched because it will set a tone for the two teams. It's a great reality check for the Rays to show their stuff, as this battle might go down to the wire.

Pitching will dictate the series, so let's break down the two AL East Rival weekend matchups: