- Jay Bruce fractured his right wrist attempting to make a sliding catch in the first inning of Saturday’s game against the Mets. He is scheduled to return to Cincinnati for an MRI on Sunday. The 22-year-old outfielder is batting just .207 this season, but he does have 18 homers and 41 RBI. Chris Dickerson figures to get most of the playing time in his absence, however the Reds will likely call up former-first round pick Drew Stubbs to take his place on the roster. Stubbs is batting .279/.374/.371 with two homers, 25 RBI and 33 stolen bases for Triple-A Louisville. And with 358 at-bats under his belt at the Triple-A level, he’s more ready than the hot-hitting Chris Heisey.
- Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times thinks the Dodgers should go full-tilt after Roy Halladay. He recommends including native Canadian Russell Martin in the deal, as well as prospects Devaris Gordon (son of Tom Gordon) and Josh Lindblom. While the proposed trade seems far-fetched, know that the Dodgers sent two scouts to see Halladay pitch on Thursday night in Tampa Bay. The Blue Jays would probably want one of either Chad Billingsley or Clayton Kershaw in a possible deal.
- Jonathon Broxton, still bothered by a sore big toe on his right foot, will skip the All-Star game. In his first full-season as closer, Broxton has compiled a 3.10 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and .149 BAA. He is 20-for-22 in save opportunities. As for a replacement, Mark Bowman of MLB.com thinks it should be Rafael Soriano.
- John Smoltz notched his first win since last April 17 as the Red Sox topped the Royals 15-9 on Saturday night. The 42-year-old allowed just one run on four hits over five innings, striking out seven and walking one. David Ortiz had his 1000th hit as a member of the Red Sox -- a fourth-inning two-run home run. Note that 10 of Ortiz’s 12 homers have come at Fenway Park.
- Matt Cain left Saturday’s start against the Padres after getting hit in the elbow by a line drive in the second inning. X-Rays showed a contusion, but no break. At 10-2 with a 2.38 ERA, Cain earned his first All-Star nod, but he is now doubtful for the game.