Shannon Stewart, who severely sprained his ankle nearly two months ago, is on a rehab assignment in Class-A Dunedin. He is one for eight with two RBI through Sunday. No word on how long this rehab is scheduled for.

The White Sox are expecting the return of a couple of key players this week. Jose Contreras threw a rehab start yesterday, going five innings, giving up three runs on four hits, and walking three. He is likely to be activated for his next start by the weekend. Also, Joe Crede’s back is doing well, and he is on pace to return to the White Sox this Wednesday, even though he sat out both Saturday and Sunday with more back issues. Assuming he is activated, Josh Fields will likely be sent back to AAA.

The Twins took a heavy blow last week when their speedy second baseman, Alexi Casilla, was placed on the disabled list with a torn ligament in his right thumb. There is a possibility he may need surgery, but the Twins and Casilla are going to wait another week and re-evaluate before choosing that route, which would end his season.

The Twins, however, are expecting the return of outfielder Michael Cuddyer in the next week. Out since June 28 with a strained tendon in a finger, Cuddyer will begin a rehab assignment this week in hopes of returning maybe by the weekend. This would cause Denard Span to lose some playing time, and in turn, probably Carlos Gomez, who would likely, in turn, give up some time to Span in center.

Not only has Todd Jones lost his closer’s job, he is now on the disabled list with what is being called inflammation and tendonitis of his rotator cuff. Jones says that the pain has been getting worse over the past six weeks. Don’t count on anything from him the rest of the way, even if he returns.

Of little fantasy significance, the Royals placed second baseman Mark Grudzielanek on the disabled list Saturday with a sprained right ankle. Mike Aviles will likely shift over, with Tony Pena Jr. and Esteban German picking up the at-bats.

It was a rough week for the Rangers. Starting last Sunday, Kevin Millwood’s groin acted up again landing him on the disabled list. Then, Hank Blalock once again found his way back onto the disabled list (likely for the season), this time with inflammation in his throwing shoulder, while another starter, Eric Hurley, went to the disabled list with shoulder inflammation.

Also, Milton Bradley sat out the majority of the week with another quad strain, and Ramon Vazquez missed the weekend with shoulder pain, but neither of these two figure to land on the disabled list.

Erik Bedard threw a bullpen session on Sunday. It was the first time he had thrown since being sidelined on July 4. The Mariners plan on Bedard making a couple of rehab starts before returning later this month. That is, if all goes as planned.

WALKING THE WIRE (possible waiver wire pickups)

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