The Boston Globe is reporting that the Red Sox will call up starting pitcher Clay Buchholz and send Justin Masterson back to Triple-A Pawtucket to get some seasoning as a reliever. The Globe story also provides updates on David Ortiz in his recovery from a torn tendon sheath in his left wrist.

Buchholz won’t make a lot of waves in his return to the fantasy baseball player pool, not until he has a dominant outing anyway. Keeper leaguers should be on red alert, as there is a lot of incentive to buy into him early. With manager Terry Francona implying that this is a permanent move, Buchholz will have every opportunity to hit the ground running again in Boston.  Read more »

Some familiar names highlight free agent profiles this week, with Wandy Rodriguez and Kevin Slowey still available in most leagues and offering solid production. These are all guys available in at least 50 percent of ESPN.com leagues, and we try to give the best variety possible within those confines.

There are veterans Tim Wakefield and Pedro Martinez, who come recommended for very different reasons. And there are several young talents - Manny Parra, Kevin Slowey and Scott Baker - who are putting it together for contending teams. Wakefield and Andy Sonnanstine come with less upside but a little more reliability pitching in front of the Red Sox and Rays. Read more »

Little change at the top of our rankings, with the exception being Albert Pujols’ miraculous return to health and the No. 8 spot on our list. Alex Rodriguez continues to man the No. 1 position, followed by familiar faces in middle infielders Hanley Ramirez and Chase Utley.

More middle infielders follow as a grand total of four are among the top seven players and six are among the top 12. Scarcity is a good reason why, but the class of the second base and shortstop positions can flat out play. Ian Kinsler is the latest to rise into the elite with his combination of average, power, speed and run production. Read more »

It’s hard to believe now, but it was his defense that got J.J. Hardy to the Major Leagues. The slick-fielding 25-year-old is still one of the National League’s best defensive shortstops, but his hot bat has been making Milwaukee and fantasy headlines recently as well - and his consistent splits show it’s no fluke.

Entering Sunday’s series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Hardy had hit safely in 15 of 17 games, including hit streaks of 8 and 7 games and a multi-hit streak of 5 games. After his first hitless game since June 25th, Hardy bounced back with 2 home runs, a double and 4 RBIs, raising his average to .446 since mid-June and .600 since July 1st. His monthly totals are steadily improving as well, a sign that the plateau he hit at the end of last season and early this season was more of a hill. Read more »