The Phillies get Ryan Howard back, and Matt Garza will have value on the market.
- After spending the entire season rehabbing from surgery on his Achilles, Ryan Howard may return to the Phillies on Friday. Phillies GM Ruben Amaro said Howard was "likely" to start barring any unexpected setbacks.
- Matt Garza could be a more valuable trade chip than Zack Greinke or Cole Hamels according to CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman. Heyman took a poll of major-league GMs, who said Garza's extra year of control will boost his value on the trade market. Garza has drawn interest from the Red Sox, Blue Jays, Yankees and "several others," reports Heyman.
- The Red Sox could deal an outfielder at the deadline, according to FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal. The team may also trade catcher Kelly Shoppach to make room for Ryan Lavarnway.
- Rosenthal also reports that the Blue Jays are looking to compete next season, and probably won't go all in at the deadline this year.
- The Diamondbacks consider third base to be a larger need than pitching, saidRosenthal.
- Rosenthal also said that the Mets are unlikely to trade for Huston Street, since he and Mets bench coach Bob Geren didn't get along when they were in Oakland.
