Charliie Manuel didn't waste much time giving Brad Lidge another save opportunity, did he? And he got the save too ... kind of. I wonder if it's possible for a team to feel any less comfortable with a 6.5-game lead in its division.

Who's off: Red Sox, White Sox, Royals, Mariners, Mets, Nationals, Phillies, Braves

First pitch: We've got a trio of AL games at 7:05 p.m. ET, while the Astros and Reds begin the NL day five minutes later. Here's the full schedule.

Pitcher to start: Since we last left you with an 84-83 record on Wednesday ...

• Freddy Garcia: Nice job. The A's will help you that way.
• Jose Contreras: Wasn't horrible, but got hurt after completing three innings. Didn't qualify.
• Justin Masterson: Check!
• Randy Wells: Didn't get through five innings for the first time since June 12. I guess he's entitled to a bad one now and then.
• Clay Buchholz: This guy is on fire, with a 2.77 ERA in his last eight starts. Maybe the Red Sox should send Buchholz to the minors again to start 2010, and re-sign Brad Penny to stink for three more months before promoting him. That worked out great.

We're at 87-85, and need to hold on for three more weeks to stay above .500. Tonight's pick is San Diego's Kevin Correia (5.7 percent owned) against the D'backs. He's got a 3.68 ERA at PETCO, and has permitted zero runs in three of his last four starts there. Before you say, "Kevin Correia???!!!", it's not like there are a lot of great options.

On to the news:

• Tim Lincecum returns to the mound for the Giants tonight after missing a start last week due to back spasms. Get him in there, obviously.
• Alfonso Soriano's season is officially over, as he'll have arthroscopic knee surgery on Tuesday. He's also done as the Cubs' leadoff hitter. Buy your 2010 Cubs season tickets now!
• The Rangers' Web site reports that Kevin Millwood might have his Friday start skipped since he's been so awful lately (6.29 ERA in his last 12 starts). If he's still on your fantasy team, that would probably help.
• Rockies SP Aaron Cook is trying really hard to come back before the end of the season, but it would only be for one start, and he might not be good, and he might not make it at all ... not worth your time.
• In other Rockies' news, the team site reports that closer Huston Street is expected to pitch in a simulated game Tuesday; I wouldn't activate him for this week. Also, speedy rookie Eric Young Jr. (58 SB in Triple A this season) might get some playing time this week, starting tonight. Does it make me sound old to say that I used to watch Young's dad at Coors Field, or that I also remember him playing wide receiver at Rutgers while we were both in school there?
• The Cardinals are skipping John Smoltz tonight due to shoulder tendinitis, and he's expected to make his next start on Sunday. Nothing to worry about here, except for the normal worries about a 42-year-old pitcher whose arm might fall off at any time.
• OF Josh Hamilton hopes to return next weekend for the Rangers. There doesn't seem to be a firm target date for 3B Michael Young right now, though.
• Stop me if you've heard this before: Jake Peavy had a solid bullpen session Sunday, and he appears on track to face the Royals this weekend.
• The Blue Jays' Web site reports that Aaron Hill, Adam Lind, Marco Scutaro and Vernon Wells each might get a few days off before the end of the season. If you own any of them in a daily transaction league, check the news when the Jays play non-contenders.
• Eddie Bonine (4.41 ERA in Triple A) will be in the Tigers' rotation over the final three weeks. Yippee?
• Hey, it's a healthy Met! John Maine pitched three innings Sunday in his first start since June 6. He should get a longer leash next time.
• Randy Wolf is expected to start Tuesday for the Dodgers after getting skipped Friday. Clayton Kershaw's return date is undetermined, but expect him to get babied as the playoffs approach.
• Royals 3B Mark Teahen might miss a day or two with back spasms.
• If you own Brian Matusz, the ride is just about over. It sounds like the Orioles are ready to shut him down for the season.
• Chipper Jones status for Tuesday is uncertain due to a groin injury. I know, you're shocked.
• Today's Hot Streak pick is for Tim Lincecum to whiff at least seven Rockies. Make your selection now!

See you later today with a football entry, and on Wednesday with more baseball. Remember that for the rest of the baseball season, I'll use my Twitter account (@jhalpin37) for news on the days when I'm not blogging.