In case you haven't seen them yet, here are a bunch of photos of yesterday's bee swarm at PETCO Park in San Diego, which delayed the Astros-Padres game for almost an hour. This was clearly God's way of warning the Pads that they need to improve their lineup.

FRIDAY

First pitch: The Yanks and Jays have a 1:05 p.m. ET start, and the NL slate starts with Brewers-Cubs at 2:20. Here's the full schedule.

Pitcher to start: Paul Maholm was yesterday's choice and ... ugh. We're now 45-48 for the season.

Today's pick is Max Scherzer (29.2 percent owned), who throws on the road in Colorado. I thought about taking Chad Gaudin against the Dodgers, but there's too much hype around that game.

SATURDAY

First pitch: Both leagues have a pair of 1:05 starts.

Pitcher to start: Washington's John Lannan (3.4 percent owned) hardly ever gives up more than three runs in a start, so he's the choice against the Braves. Also, let's take a flier on KC's Luke Hochevar (1.2 percent owned), who's had quality starts in four of his last five outings.

SUNDAY

First pitch: There are a pair of 1:05 starts in the AL, and a couple of 1:10s in the NL.

Pitcher to start: Let's try Twins' control artist Nick Blackburn (37 percent owned), who has posted eight consecutive quality starts.

On to the news:

• Manny Ramirez will return to the Dodgers' lineup tonight, and you should activate him right away since he'll probably make a dramatic entrance with a couple of homers.
• By the way, the Los Angeles Times reports that the Dodgers are planning to re-open the "Mannywood" area in the bleachers, in an effort to further prove that absolutely nobody cares about positive drug tests anymore. That place will be full just like always - watch.
• Juan Pierre heads back to the bench after hitting .318 with 34 runs and 21 stolen bases during Manny's absence. If you own Pierre, thank him for his loyal and productive eight weeks of fantasy service. Then cut him.
• Phillies OF Raul Ibanez had his rehab assignment pushed back one more day, and after playing a few games this weekend, he hopes to be activated Monday.
• Cubs OF Alfonso Soriano sat out again last night, as the Cubs are trying to get him jump-started. I guess the team's response can't be to scream "You effing suck!" like you do every time you see Soriano, since you don't have to see him in the clubhouse every day. I bet he's back in the lineup tonight.
• The Cubs also acquired backup 2B Jeff Baker from the Rockies. Woo!
• Rangers OF Josh Hamilton is hoping to return to the lineup Saturday. In a daily transaction league, I'd make sure he was playing before activating him.
• In Royals news, C John Buck will probably be in a backup role when he returns from the DL next week, while the team's Web site reports that 3B Alex Gordon's rehab will move to Triple-A Omaha this weekend, followed by Double-A Northwest Arkansas. He's expected to return "at some point after the All-Star break," whatever that means.
• Ervin Santana returns to the mound tonight for the Angels. Time to earn your lofty fantasy draft status, Ervin.
• When Carlos Quentin returns to the White Sox lineup in mid-July, the two-headed centerfield monster of Brian Anderson and Dewayne Wise should be prepared to spend a lot of time on the bench. That's if the Jermaine Dye trade rumors don't come true, anyway.
• Rookie southpaw Luke French starts tonight for the Tigers. French had a 2.98 ERA with 72 Ks against 20 walks in 81 2/3 innings before his promotion from Triple A. That's good, but it's also much better than he pitched at all the lower levels of the minors. He keeps the ball on the ground a lot, too. Hmm...
• Kyle Lohse had a so-so rehab start last night, and is targeting a July 12 return to the Cardinals rotation.
• This report calls Yankees C Jorge Posada "iffy" for today's game due to his bruised thumb. You might want to bench him if you have another catcher.
• The Indians and Rays swapped relievers John Meloan and Winston Abreu. Abreu could be an OK middleman in an AL-only league, but that's about it.
• Daisuke Matsuzaka is headed for a rehab assignment in Florida, which the Boston Herald describes as "almost like ... beginning spring training." Don't stand by the door waiting for Dice-K to come back, because it's going to be awhile.
• There's a chance that 3B Edwin Encarnacion could return to the Reds this weekend.

See you Monday.

As you may have noticed, the community updates have kicked in around here. I don't know where yesterday's blog post went, and I'm not quite sure how to link to stories on other sites. I can upload photos and video, though. Bear with my for a few days while I figure out how this gizmo works. Who's off: Red Sox, Blue Jays, Rays, Indians, Twins, Tigers, A's, Rangers, Marlins, Nationals, Dodgers, Rockies First pitch: There are a pair of National League games at 12:35 p.m. ET, while the mariners and Yankees get AL action underway at 7:05. Here's the full schedule. Pitcher to start: Jordan Zimmermann was pretty good again yesterday, while Clayton Kershaw got it done in an untraditional manner - five innings, one hit, no runs, five walks, five Ks. I'll take it, and we're up to 45-47 for the season. Since the Mets have approximately one major-league hitter in their lineup these days, today's choice is Pittsburgh's Paul Maholm (22.1 percent owned). On to the news:

Phillies OF Raul Ibanez was expected to make a rehab appearance last night in Double A, and even though he didn't, it's apparently not a cause for worry. Ibanez says they decided to play it safe, and hopes to be activated early next week.

The Cardinals will not place new acquisition Mark DeRosa on the DL - yet. DeRosa's wrist has no structural damage, and he'll miss at least three days. We need to keep an eye on this one, since the St. Louis Post-Dispatch story isn't as optimistic about DeRosa's return date as the team's official site.

The same Post-Dispatch story notes that disabled P Kyle Lohse is expected to make his first rehab start tonight, while 3B Troy Glaus' rehab might begin next weekend.

So much for Adrian Gonzalez's strained knee injury - he played last night.

D'backs co-ace Brandon Webb won't have shoulder surgery, but he isn't expected to throw "for several weeks." If you still own Webb, give him a nice sendoff when you waive him today. Send him a get-well card or something.

White Sox SS Alexei Ramirez re-injured his middle finger last night, and isn't expected to start today.

In other White Sox news, manager Ozzie Guillen thinks OF Scott Podesdnik deserves All-Star consideration. Podsednik has a .770 OPS, and is tied for 170th in the majors in runs scored - the same number as Adam Everett, Brendan Harris and Gerald Laird. Do I even need to make a comment here?

The Cubs' Web site reports that 3B Aramis Ramirez will begin a minor-league rehab assignment on Friday, and could be reactivated Monday.

Barring any setbacks, Erik Bedard will come off the DL to start Tuesday for the Mariners. The initial plan was to have him start tomorrow with a pitch limit of 60, which sounded kind of silly.

Red Sox SS Jed Lowrie will have his swollen knee examined Frank Francisco was reinstated as the Rangers' closer yesterdayblew a save.

Remember when I was touting Nats OF Elijah Dukes to have a big year? He's been sent to Triple-A Syracuse. Dukes will be prominently featured on my postseason fantasy expert blooper reel.

The Yankees announced that OF Xavier Nady will have Tommy John surgery, which should keep him out until sometime next season. I hope his fastball command doesn't take long to return. See you tomorrow, a.k.a., Manny Day.

I'll be taking a brief blog vacation, and I'm scheduled to return on Wednesday, July 1. Please don't miss me too much.

FRIDAY

First pitch: The Indians and Cubs start today's interleague slate at 2:20 p.m. ET. Here's the full schedule.

Pitcher to start: It''ll be a sad day when people finally realize how good Ubaldo Jimenez is, and pick him up in enough leagues so that I can't select him here anymore. He had another strong start yesterday, and raised our record to 42-44.

Tonight, we'll take Nats' rookie Jordan Zimmermann (3.2 percent owned) against the Jays.

SATURDAY

First pitch: The Indians and Cubs lead things off again, this time at 1:05.

Pitcher to start: At 44.2 percent owned, I guess Scott Baker still qualifies, so I'll take him against the Astros. To make sure there's a pitcher you can definitely get, we'll add Colorado's Jason Hammel (1.1 percent owned), who takes the mound against the Pirates. Hammel has allowed two runs or less in each of his last three starts.

SUNDAY

First pitch: The Brewers and Tigers begin the interleague day at 1:05.

Pitcher to start: M-E-T-S, Mets, Mets, Mets! Let's go with Mike Pelfrey (22.4 percent owned) against the Rays.

By the way, did you know that the Rays have scored the most runs in the majors, and have the best run differential in the American League? Don't let anyone tell you they played over their heads last year - they're going to make a lot of noise in the second half.

On to the news:

• Phillies OF/steroid non-user/blog hater Raul Ibanez is on the DL with a strained groin. Ibanez was scheduled for an MRI last night, and we should know today if the injury is expected to require more than the standard 15-day recovery period.
• D'backs SP Brandon Webb was supposed to throw a bullpen session yesterday. Instead, he canceled it and returned the Phoenix with shoulder discomfort. If you own Webb and he's taking up roster space that might be better used on a productive player, you can seriously consider cutting him. He might come back this season, but I wouldn't count on it.
• Tigers manager Jim Leyland says he's benching OF Magglio Ordonez "indefinitely" to help him get over his hitting troubles. Who wants to bet that "indefinitely" ends next Tuesday?
• In other Tigers' news, SP Dontrelle Willis is back on the DL due to social anxiety disorder. Willis was quoted by the Detroit Free Press as saying his problems feel "mechanical." With that pitching motion? No way!
• Hardthrowing Alfredo Figaro has been called up from Double A to replace Willis in the rotation, and he should only be considered as a flier in AL-only leagues.
• Here's how the Blue Jays handled the save thing in their first day without Scott Downs: Jason Frasor entered the game with two outs in the eighth, and gave up a single that tied the game. He then got out of the inning when a runner was caught stealing. B.J. Ryan started the ninth with a one-run lead, and walked Chase Utley before whiffing Ryan Howard. Jeremy Accardo then came on to close things out. Since Frasor was removed for a pinch hitter, we can take all this to mean ... absolutely nothing.
• D'backs CF Chris Young left last night's game with a groin injury, but it doesn't seem too serious. We should know more today.
• Mariners 2B Jose Lopez has been placed on the bereavement list, as he has returned to Venezuela to be with a sick family member. Manager Don Wakamatsu said he doesn't expect Lopez to be back for "at least five days," so plan accordingly.
• After a five-and-a-half hour rain delay, the Yankees decided that Derek Jeter and his stiff ankle should stay on the bench yesterday. Expect him to return tonight.
• In other Yankee news, woozy OF Brett Gardner is day-to-day after crashing into the wall while making a nice catch.
• A dehydrated Joel Pineiro was carried off the field last night, but he'll be fine ... except for the embarrassment of having to be carried off the field.
• Daisuke Matsuzaka might be pitching for his rotation slot tonight.
• This was a save for Huston Street? An inning with two runs on three hits? What an awesome rule.
• One person around the Reds thinks 1B Joey Votto might return during the Tuesday-Thursday series against the Blue Jays.
• Even though it was rain-shortened, Ricky Nolasco had another solid start yesterday. He's still only 42.5 percent owned. Your time is running out, people!
• Finally, watch out for Grady Sizemore news this weekend, as he's expected to hit and throw while the Indians are at Wrigley. If all goes well, he could be back in a week or so.

See you in 10 days or so.

Did you know that the pitching matchup in Saturday's Dodgers-Angels game is Jeff Weaver vs. Jered Weaver? I know who I'm rooting for - Jered is carrying my AL keeper league staff on his back this year, while Jeff has singlehandedly ruined at least two of my seasons.

UPDATE, 11:03 a.m. ET: The Phillies have placed OF Raul Ibanez on the DL with the ever-popular groin strain. John Mayberry Jr. has been called up to replace Ibanez, and will play today.

Who's off: Indians, Angels, Brewers, Giants

First pitch: The Braves and Reds play the lone National League game at 12:35 p.m. ET, while there are two interleague contests at 1:05. Here's the full schedule.

Pitcher to start: Last night was another split decision, as Max Scherzer pitched pretty well, while Hiroki Kuroda didn't. The record is now 41-44.

Today, let's take our buddy Ubaldo Jimenez (34 percent owned) at home against the Rays. If I could get credit for picking against a pitcher, it would be Seattle's Brandon Morrow, even though he's throwing against the Padres. Someone get that guy a plane ticket to Triple-A Tacoma.

On to the news:

• The Blue Jays are having a bad week, with starters Roy Halladay and Casey Janssen, along with closer Scott Downs, all going on the disabled list. Halladay's groin injury doesn't sound too serious, and he's eligible to return on June 28. You should probably expect him to do just that if there are no setbacks.
• Downs' toe injury doesn't sound too bad, either, and the Jays' Web site reports that Jason Frasor will be the "primary closer" in Downs' absence. However, the Toronto Star story at the link above says that manager Cito Gaston "mentioned Frasor, Brandon League and Jesse Carlson as possible replacements." Watch for the last two if Frasor falters.
• Rookie Brad Mills will start in Frasor's place today, while the team site reports that fellow rookie Brett Cecil might be recalled to take Halladay's Saturday start.
• Mariners SP Erik Bedard is on the DL with shoulder discomfort. Bedard is eligible to return next Tuesday, and the team described his roster move as "precautionary," but we should know more after he visits the doctor today, according to the Tacoma News Tribune.
• Even with Bedard about to miss some time, Ryan Rowland-Smith is trying his hardest to never return to the Mariners' rotation. Every time this guy takes the mound for a minor-league rehab start, he gets hammered.
• Rays SP Scott Kazmir had a strong rehab start last night, and is expected to pitch again in a Triple-A game on Monday. After that, he might be ready to rejoin the big-league rotation, and hopefully he won't resume killing your fantasy team upon his return.
• Yankees SS Derek Jeter sat out last night's game with his injured ankle, but he expects to play today. UPDATE, 11:31 a.m. ET: Jeter isn't in the lineup.
• Brewers OF Ryan Braun left last night's game early with lower back tightness, but the team's Web site says that he should play Friday.
• Rangers closer Frank Francisco might be reactivated as soon as tomorrow, but manager Ron Washington might give him a few non-save situations before letting him pitch the ninth inning.
• More from Washington in a story on the Rangers' Web site: "I'm going to try and get (Taylor) Teagarden in a couple more games a week." If you own Jarrod Saltalamacchia, that quote could hurt you a little.
• Vlad Guerrero hopes to start playing the outfield again for the Angels in a couple of weeks.
• Reds 1B Joey Votto is about to start a minor-league rehab assignment, and should return before the end of the month.
• No! It can't be! Carl Pavano's next start has been pushed back due to shoulder soreness. He's expected to pitch again next Wednesday.
• White Sox SP John Danks had his second straight strong start last night. Your buy-low window is just about closed.
• Chien-Ming Wang didn't pitch badly last night, and probably saved his spot in the Yankee rotation, at least for now.
• The A's Web site reports that OF Ryan Sweeney might be back in the lineup today after a stint on the DL.
• The Giants might be shipping lefty Jonathan Sanchez to the bullpen soon. Glad I recommended him as a one-day starter earlier this week.
• The Cardinals will probably activate SS Khalil Greene today, but don't expect him to play every day. He's now a utilityman, just like every other Cardinal.

See you tomorrow.

Wait a minute - the New York Times is reporting that Sammy Sosa tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug in 2003? I'm shocked at this turn of events! Honestly, did you have any idea that this might happen?

Who's off: Nobody

First pitch: The White Sox and Cubs get interleague play underway at Wrigley at 2:20 p.m. ET. Here's the full schedule.

Pitcher to start: Last night was a mixed bag, as Clayton Kershaw pitched pretty well, while Jonathan Sanchez definitely didn't. We're 40-43 on the season.

Tonight, we'll take Kershaw's teammate Hiroki Kuroda (24.6 percent owned) against the A's, along with the electric Max Scherzer (19.6 percent owned), even though he's matched against Zack Greinke on the road. If Scherzer is unowned in your league, you should be ashamed of yourself.

On to the news:

• Damn you, interleague play! Blue Jays closer Scott Downs injured his foot while running out a ground ball last night. X-rays were negative, but the team's Web site says there's a "realistic chance Downs will wind up on the disabled list." Manager Cito Gaston complained after the game about the NL rules being unfair to AL pitchers, but if he was that worried, why did he let his closer bat with a five-run lead?
• If Downs goes down for awhile, Jason Frasor (4-0, 1.90 ERA, 0.76 WHIP) would be the logical candidate to get Toronto's save opportunities. (UPDATE: 1:16 p.m.: Reader Silvio just reminded me that B.J. Ryan is still around in Toronto, and that Jeremy Accardo might come up from Triple A, where he's been closing.)
• Derek Jeter left last night's game after the seventh inning with a stiff ankle. He's listed as day-to-day, and if you own him in a daily transaction league, you might want to bench him today.
• Phillies closer Brad Lidge threw a pain-free bullpen session yesterday, and he'll try a repeat performance tomorrow. If all goes well, he could be activated within a week.
• Remember Brandon Webb? The D'backs co-ace finally has a bullpen session scheduled for Friday. He's still a long way off, though.
• Indians OF Grady Sizemore is scheduled to take BP and throw from the outfield this weekend, according to the team's Web site. If his elbow feels fine afterwards, he could be in the lineup next week. If not, surgery looms. As a Sizemore owner, my fingers are double-crossed.
• In other Indians news, manager Eric Wedge is fed up with slumping SS/3B Jhonny Peralta, who got benched last night. He might get benched tonight, too.
• The MRI on Ervin Santana's elbow was clean, but the DL is still a possibility. Stay tuned.
• The Blue Jays' Web site reports that Roy Halladay will test his injured groin today in a bullpen session. After that, the team will decide if their ace will make his tentatively scheduled Saturday start.
• Disabled Rays' lefty Scott Kazmir is scheduled to make a minor-league rehab start tonight. More news tomorrow.
• The Braves have reactivated 1B Casey Kotchman from the DL. Also, don't worry about Jair Jurrjens only pitching two innings last night. Rain delays were the culprit.
• Twins OF Denard Span's dizziness was caused by an inner ear infection, which is the same thing that happened to Joey Votto. Span is on the DL, and eligible to return on June 25. I had an ear infection last year, and when the doctor diagnosed me, she asked, "Are you five years old?"
• The Padres' Web site reports that SP Chris Young is probably DL-bound with a shoulder strain.
• John Smoltz's Red Sox debut is scheduled for Thursday, June 25. That gives the team six starters, with Clay Buchholz ready to kick the door down soon. If Daisuke Matsuzaka doesn't pitch well Friday, he could become the highest-paid Japanese middle reliever in history.
• Speaking of the Red Sox, it pains me to write this, but David Ortiz might not be ready for the old, fat designated hitter's home after all. He homered again last night, giving him four for the month.
• The Astros placed SP Mike Hampton on the DL with a groin injury. Brandon Backe takes Hampton's rotation slot. 3B Geoff Blum is also on the shelf with a strained hamstring.
• The Tigers are mercifully skipping Dontrelle Willis' Saturday start, but they won't say if it's a permanent demotion.
• So much for getting one-category lightning out of speedy Giants 2B Emmanuel Burriss - he's been sent to Triple A. He has 11 stolen bases, but you can only last so long with no power and a .292 OBP.
• Finally, Royals RP Kyle Farnsworth got some stitches on his left index finger after getting cut while breaking up a fight between his bulldogs, Strike and Rambo. According to the team's Web site, Farnsworth thinks Rambo was the one that bit him. Considering Farnsworth's pitching history, shouldn't the other dog be named "Home Run" instead of "Strike?"

See you tomorrow, and don't forget about today's fantasy chat with John Juhasz at 2 p.m. ET. Send your questions now!