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The Cleveland Indians are in first place in the American League Central and may be a club that looks to add to their roster to make a deep run for a playoff spot this season. They could use some starting pitching, and perhaps another reliever, too. Adding a quality starter such as Chicago Cubs right-hander Matt Garza, who just returned from the disabled list and looked sharp in his first outing, could give the rotation the boost it needs to sustain their early-season success.
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Last week we learned that the Detroit Tigers were hard at work looking for bullpen help. With the news that Joel Hanrahan is out for the season after having Tommy John surgery, the Boston Red Sox also may be in the market for relief assistance.
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The Kansas City Royals have dropped nine of their past 13, but in this Bob Dutton piece GM Dayton Moore says the club will not panic.
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The Miami Marlins have a few weeks to decide what to do with their outfield corps once Giancarlo Stanton is ready to come off the disabled list. As Juan C. Rodriguez wrote Thursday, the outfield could get even more crowded in the coming weeks.
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The San Diego Padres may be growing what is soon to be among the best collection of catchers in the game of baseball. The New York Yankees, starting with rookie Austin Romine and trickling down to prospects Gary Sanchez and J.R. Murphy, may own such a title now, but the Friars may not be far behind.
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Could the Sox seek third base help? 
May, 24, 2013
May 24
10:16
AM ET
By Jason A. Churchill | ESPN.com
The Boston Red Sox have been linked to the potential trade market for relief help, but with the latest news that Will Middlebrooks is day-to-day with a minor back injury -- one minor injury among several for Middlebrooks -- coupled with the 24-year-old's lack of production at the plate his month, one has to wonder if the club isn't open to upgrading with a veteran if the trend continues.
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Detroit Tigers right-hander Rick Porcello was the subject of trade talk over the winter after the club re-signed Anibal Sanchez to a long-term deal. Those rumor continue, at some level, but Porcello isn't participating.
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Mark Reynolds signed a 1-year, $6 million deal with the Cleveland Indians over the winter and it's turning into one of the better bargains of the offseason. The 29-year-old enters play Friday batting .261/.346/.535 with 12 home runs, and he's learned to play a solid first base.
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One of the running entries here at Rumor Central is the one updating Ike Davis' struggles through the first several weeks of the season. [Here's the latest on that] The New York Mets are close to shipping Davis to Triple-A Las Vegas, reports Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com.
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The Seattle Mariners optioned Jesus Montero to Triple-A Tacoma Thursday, reports Ryan Divish of The News Tribune, with the corresponding move expected to be Jesus Sucre to serve as Kelly Shoppach's backup.
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The Arizona Diamondbacks traded Justin Upton last offseason, then signed Cody Ross despite the expectation that rookie Adam Eaton would earn a starting role. The club's depth in the outfield, which includes Gerardo Parra, A.J. Pollock and Jason Kubel, has helped save their season.
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The Pittsburgh Pirates are 23-17 after pn the season, but have done so on good pitching. The club's offense has struggled, posting a .242 batting average in 46 games, good for No. 12 in the National League. The Bucs also rank No. 10 in on-base percentage, offsetting their respectable No. 8 ranking in slugging. One of the problematic spots in the order is occupied by third baseman Pedro Alvarez.
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Brayan Pena will start over Alex Avila Thursday, the first back-to-back assignment for the veteran since May 11-12 in Cleveland and for only the third occasional on the season. Regular catcher Alex Avila is struggling that much right now.
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ESPNBoston.com's Gordon Edes wrote earlier this week that Boston Red Sox skipper John Farrell considered removing Jacoby Ellsbury from the leadoff spot. He ultimately stuck with the centerfielder, who is batting just .249 with a .318 on-base percentage for the year.
Ellsbury showed some signs of life in the final two games in Chicago, gathering three hits and three walks, so maybe he's truly getting things going. If not, Farrell may have to reconsider the leadoff spot. Shane Victorino, who has experience in the role, may be the first option, but he has to be healthy when the decision is made. Victorino has battled some minor injuries this season, including the hamstring tweak that is keeping him out right now.
Another option may be Dustin Pedroia. The second baseman gets on base, makes consistent contact and can run, an aspect Farrell values, in combo with on-base ability, in the leadoff spot. The former MVP has made 79 starts as the leadoff man, with mixed results. He hasn't led off in a game since 2009.
If the club were to go to Pedroia at the top of the order, Farrell could move David Ortiz into the No. 3 spot where Pedroia has been batting, moving up the likes of Mike Napoli, Will Middlebrooks and Jarrod Saltalamacchia in behind him.
Ellsbury showed some signs of life in the final two games in Chicago, gathering three hits and three walks, so maybe he's truly getting things going. If not, Farrell may have to reconsider the leadoff spot. Shane Victorino, who has experience in the role, may be the first option, but he has to be healthy when the decision is made. Victorino has battled some minor injuries this season, including the hamstring tweak that is keeping him out right now.
Another option may be Dustin Pedroia. The second baseman gets on base, makes consistent contact and can run, an aspect Farrell values, in combo with on-base ability, in the leadoff spot. The former MVP has made 79 starts as the leadoff man, with mixed results. He hasn't led off in a game since 2009.
If the club were to go to Pedroia at the top of the order, Farrell could move David Ortiz into the No. 3 spot where Pedroia has been batting, moving up the likes of Mike Napoli, Will Middlebrooks and Jarrod Saltalamacchia in behind him.
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