First Basemen

Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (hip) returned to the starting lineup Thursday, July 3, after missing two games with tightness in his left hip flexor. He's still not 100 percent, but manager Jim Leyland didn't indicate that Cabrera would need to sit again.

Chicago White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko (oblique) is scheduled for a rehab stint with Triple-A Charlotte this weekend. He is hoping to return early next week.

Colorado Rockies first baseman Todd Helton (back) was not in the starting lineup Thursday, July 3, due to lower back pain. He could receive more rest moving forward, according to manager Clint Hurdle.

Second Basemen

Florida Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla (ankle) has missed five games with a sprained left ankle. He was able to do some light activity Thursday, July 3. A best-case scenario has him returning as a pinch-hitter Sunday, July 6. He expects to return to the lineup next week against the Padres or Dodgers.

Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Rickie Weeks (illness) missed two starts with food poisoning but returned to start Thursday, July 3. He had hit a pinch-hit home run Wednesday, July 2.

Others of Note

Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Jeff Kent (back) left his team's game early Thursday, July 3, but did not appear to be in much pain. He is considered day-to-day.... The New York Mets placed second baseman Luis Castillo (quadriceps) on the 15-day disabled list Thursday, July 3. The Mets hope he can rest and return soon after the All-Star break, making him available to play nearly every day.

Third Basemen

New York Mets third baseman David Wright (groin) was removed in the middle of the sixth inning Thursday, July 3, as a precaution. Wright said he is OK and would not miss any time.

Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones (quadriceps) missed eight straight starts before returning to the starting lineup Tuesday, July 1.

Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Mark Reynolds (wrist) underwent an MRI that revealed no fracture Wednesday, July 2. He returned to the starting lineup Thursday, July 3, after pinch hitting and playing first base Wednesday.

Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman (shoulder) has been taking dry swings in the batting cage. His next step is expected to be hitting off a tee and soft tosses, but he does not know when that will be. There is still no timeframe for his return.

Others of Note

Oakland A's third baseman Eric Chavez (shoulder) was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday, July 3, with right shoulder inflammation. He is scheduled to begin rehab work in two weeks, but no timetable was given for his return to the A's.

Shortstops

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Rafael Furcal (back) underwent successful microdiscectomy surgery on his lower back Thursday, July 3, and is expected to begin rehab next week. He is expected to begin rehabilitation next week but could miss at least eight weeks.

Texas Rangers shortstop Michael Young (shin) left his club's game Wednesday, July 2, with a mild groin strain, but he was back in the starting lineup Friday, July 4.

Atlanta Braves shortstop Yunel Escobar (shoulder) returned to the starting lineup Wednesday, July 2, after missing the previous five contests with a shoulder injury.

Others of Note

Oakland A's shortstop Bobby Crosby (hamstring) sat out Thursday, July 3, due to a strained left hamstring. He is considered day-to-day and . It was the first game he has missed this season.... Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Jason Bartlett (knee) was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained right knee. He should return immediately after the All-Star break.

Outfielders

Chicago Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano (hand) was re-examined Thursday, July 3. He is expected to rejoin the team and could begin hitting off a tee Friday, July 4, if doctors clear him to do so, as anticipated. There is still no timetable for his return.

Boston Red Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez (hamstring) is battling a sore hamstring and has been serving as the designated hitter since the team ended its series with the Houston Astros Sunday, June 29.

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun (hand) was not in the starting lineup for the second straight day Thursday, July 3, due to a sprained right hand.

New York Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon (shoulder) left the club's game Friday, July 4, in the top of the third inning after injuring his shoulder while attempting to make a difficult catch. X-rays on the shoulder were negative, and he will be re-evaluated in the next day.

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Eric Byrnes (hamstring) could require surgery on his hamstring, which would knock him out for four to six months. The Diamondbacks should know within a week whether he will require surgery.

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Juan Pierre (knee) is expected to be out four to six weeks with a sprained medial collateral ligament. He could begin exercising in a few days. He was placed on the 15-day DL Monday, June 30.

Detroit Tigers outfielder Magglio Ordonez (oblique) ended up on the disabled list Sunday, June 29, and could be out until after the All-Star break. Ordonez does not want to rush back.

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Nate McLouth (knee) was a late scratch Monday, June 30, because of a sore left knee. He also sat out Friday, July 4, although it was unclear if it was for the same reason.

Others of Note

Colorado Rockies outfielder Willy Taveras (quadriceps) left the club's game Tuesday, July 1, due to a quadriceps injury, and he missed the club's following two contests. He hopes to intensify his workouts Friday, July 4. It is not certain when he will be back.... Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Andruw Jones (knee) is expected to come off the DL Friday, July 4, and start in the outfield. Jones went 4-for-8 with one home run and three RBI during a rehab stint with Triple-A Las Vegas.... New York Mets outfielder Moises Alou (calf) is expected to be re-evaluated Monday, July 7, and could begin a minor league rehab assignment next week. Rainy weather has limited his work in extended spring training. He was scheduled to play for Double-A Binghamton over the weekend, but doctors have advised him to wait until Monday. It is not known when he will return.... Washington Nationals outfielder Lastings Milledge (groin) could be out up to one month after ending up on the disabled list Sunday, June 29, with a strained right groin.... Minnesota Twins outfielder Michael Cuddyer (finger) has been diagnosed with a sprained knuckle on his left index finger. He is eligible to return July 13, but it's not certain when he'll be ready.... Kansas City Royals outfielder David DeJesus (ribcage) returned to the starting lineup Wednesday, July 2, after missing two games with a sore ribcage.

Designated Hitters

Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (wrist) is hitting soft toss and could hit in the batting cages next weekend. However, there is still no firm return date.

New York Yankees designated hitter Hideki Matsui (knee) has not been responding to physical therapy and is not expected to be allowed to take batting practice this weekend, as scheduled. He could be out until after the All-Star break.

Cleveland Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner (shoulder) is building up strength in his strained right shoulder - his right shoulder has improved, but it's only about half as strong as his left shoulder. There is still no timetable for his return.

Oakland A's designated hitter Frank Thomas (quadriceps) visited a specialist Tuesday, July 1, and was told to return in a week after undergoing another MRI. He commented that he has been staying in shape at home but will likely need a rehab assignment before returning, although it's unclear when that will be.

Starting Pitchers

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano (shoulder) is expected to start Friday, July 4. Manager Lou Piniella said the righty will be on a pitch count for his first two outings; he hopes Zambrano can throw 85 to 90 pitches Friday.

Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (ankle) was not bothered by his ankle during a workout Wednesday, July 2, and he threw from 90 feet Thursday, July 3. The team is encouraged, and manager Jim Riggleman has not ruled out Hernandez returning before the All-Star break.

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Shaun Marcum (elbow) began a throwing program last weekend, and the Jays are targeting a return date of as early as July 21, provided there are no setbacks. If he does come back that soon, he'd likely be limited to about 60 to 70 pitches in his first start. He isn't expected to throw off a mound until at least sometime next week.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Roy Oswalt (hip) is out with a hip adductor strain and is expected to miss his next start Saturday, July 5. It is likely he will start Tuesday, July 8, instead.

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright (finger) has shed his splint and hopes to begin throwing Monday, July 7, pending the results of another MRI exam that day. He has been staying in pitching shape, though it is unlikely he will return before the All-Star break.

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Chris Young (nose) is recovering fine from surgery to repair his septum Monday, June 30. The Padres have not placed a timetable on his return, but the team trainer noted that Young could begin a rehab assignment in the not-too-distant future if a follow-up exam goes well Monday, July 7.

Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Fausto Carmona (hip) had been throwing long toss this week. He had a bullpen session tentatively scheduled for Sunday, July 6, but there is still no timetable for his return.

Others of Note

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Micah Owings (back) missed his Wednesday, July 2, start. He likely will make his next start Tuesday, July 8.... Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jeff Francis (shoulder) was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday, July 2, with inflammation in his left shoulder. It is not clear when he will be back.... Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitching Brad Penny (shoulder) was expected to be activated from the disabled list to start Saturday, July 5, though he will likely throw a simulated game instead. He could start sometime next week.... Dodgers starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda (shoulder) threw seven shutout innings Wednesday, July 2, in his first start since coming off the disabled list.... New York Mets starting pitcher John Maine (arm) reported his arm does not hurt anymore after complaining of a dead arm following his last start Monday, June 30. He is expected to make his next start Saturday, July 5.... Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Ian Snell (elbow) reported no problems after a bullpen session Wednesday, July 2. He is expected to be activated from the DL in time to start Tuesday, July 8.... St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter (elbow) threw approximately 60 pitches in a bullpen session Wednesday, July 2, and said it was the best he has felt since his operation. He is expected to throw to hitters about once per week. Carpenter could make his return in the bullpen this year, much like Matt Morris did in 2000.

Relief Pitchers

Chicago White Sox closer Bobby Jenks (back) has been feeling soreness in his back under his left shoulder, which affects how he throws and had caused him to be unavailable for four straight games; however, his back was feeling better after rest. Jenks does not think he will spend any time on the disabled list, but it's not certain when he'll be available again.

Seattle Mariners closer J.J. Putz (elbow) played catch and threw long toss Wednesday, July 2; he reported no pain, but it is not known when he will return from the DL.

Tampa Bay Rays closer Troy Percival (hamstring) landed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday, July 1, with a strained left hamstring. This injury is in a different spot from the previous injury that landed him on the DL. There could be some issues with the nerves. The Rays have not placed a timetable on his return.

Pittsburgh Pirates closer Matt Capps (shoulder) was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday, July 2, and will likely miss at least eight weeks. He is not expected to need surgery but is scheduled for four weeks in a rehab program and four weeks in a return-to-pitch program.

Others of Note

Texas Rangers relief pitcher Eddie Guardado (shoulder) is available out of the bullpen Friday, July 4, after feeling a "pinch" in his shoulder while warming up Monday, June 30.... Washington Nationals relief pitcher Chad Cordero (shoulder) will miss the rest of the season due to a torn right labrum. He faces a 12- to 18-month recovery period, according to pitching coach Randy St. Claire.

The Fantasy Sports Doc - Expert Analysis

Dr. Alan Knopf has been a clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Joint Implant Service at the University of Southern California School of Medicine in Los Angeles. He is an attending staff member of the school's County General Hospital - Keck School of Medicine. He specializes in knee, shoulder, ankle, hip and trauma surgery. Dr. Knopf is board certified by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the American Board of Arthroscopic Surgery.

Juan Pierre, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers - Sprained left medial collateral ligament, Placed on 15-day DL

A second-degree sprain of the medial collateral ligament means partial tear of major inside knee ligament. Four to six weeks of healing time is necessary, and he will need to be protected with a brace for four to six weeks after his return to sport. This will affect his mobility. Expect full mobility in eight to 10 weeks.

Troy Percival, RP, Tampa Bay - Strained left hamstring, Placed on 15-day DL

Here's a breakdown on hamstring strains:

Grade 1 (Mild): This is a partial stretch of the muscle fibers that are still in continuity with the muscle tissue. This will usually heal with wrapping in two to four weeks.

Grade 2 (Moderate): This is a tear in the muscle belly. It will heal with conservative treatment in four to eight weeks.

Grade 3 (Severe): This is a tear of the muscle tendon attachment to the bone. It usually requires surgery in an athlete. This likely will heal in three to four months and requires six weeks of rehabilitation.

All of the estimates of recovery time are dependent on the age of the patient. The younger the injured person is, the sooner the recovery is completed. They are also dependent on the demands that the athlete puts on the muscle. A running, jumping hurdler needs a longer recovery time, and Percival certainly is not that type of player.

The hamstring muscle is composed of three muscle bundles. Two of them are located on the inside (semimembranosus and semitendenosis) of the thigh. The other one is located on the outside of the thigh (biceps femoris). The biceps femoris is the most commonly injured and is likely the problem when you see a player grab his thigh after coming up lame.

The hamstring muscle group functions to extend the hip and flex the knee at the same time, exerting forces in two opposing directions during running. This is the reason athlete must stretch and warm up prior to intense exercise such as running and jumping.

Percival could be out at least four to six weeks, placing him somewhere near the Grade 2 tear. If decompression therapy is used it may speed the healing process.