Shin-Soo Choo and Chris Heisey entered the All-Star break swinging hot sticks. Plus Cingrani, DeJesus, Peralta and more from the NL Central.

CIN's Johnny Cueto and CHC's Matt Garza returned from the DL, highlighting the recent NL Central pitching carrousel. Plus Jaime Garcia, Kyle Lohse and more.

In Part 2 of our study of the changing power balance, we consider strategic ramifications.

In this first of two parts, we examine the changing power balance between hitters and starting pitchers. Starting pitchers are more likely than hitters to register as Portfolio 3 Tier 1 qualifiers, with more top earners among Tier 1 starting pitchers than among Tier 1 hitters.

Three players coming off disappointing 2012 seasons—Chris Young (OF, OAK), Cliff Pennington (SS, ARI) and Heath Bell (RHP, ARI)—switched addresses in a recent three-team trade.

Neil Walker (2B, PIT) will not play again in 2012 following diagnosis of a herniated disc in his back; Dexter Fowler's (OF, COL) return from injury is questionable despite a clean MRI; Coco Crisp (OF, OAK) returned to action after missing a week with conjunctivitis, and more ...

NL SB leader Michael Bourn (OF, ATL) was missing from the ATL starting lineup for a third straight game Wednesday. While Bourn's recent MRI revealed no structural damage, ATL is likely to be cautious in returning him to the lineup since it has already clinched a post-season berth.

Chris Carpenter (RHP, STL) registered a PQS-3 in his 2012 debut Friday, allowing five hits and two ER with 2K/1 BB in five innings. He had been plagued since spring training by nerve issues in his neck and shoulder which eventually required mid-season thoracic outlet syndrome surgery.

Lance Lynn's (RHP, STL) six-inning PQS-5 September 13 win has secured him at least one additional start. Banished to the bullpen following a second-half fade, Lynn made an emergency start replacing injured Jake Westbrook (RHP, STL). Latest reports have Westbrook likely sidelined until at the season's final week, meaning he is likely to miss at least two more starts. Lynn could finish the season in the rotation if he continues to impress.

Joey Votto's (1B, CIN), Brett Lawrie (3B, TOR), J.P. Arencibia (C, TOR), Carlos Ruiz (C, PHI) are among those returning from injuries, while David Price (LHP, TAM) and Jeff Samardzija (RHP, CHC) top the list of those to be sidelined. Votto's return from the DL after missing seven weeks has triggered CIN lineup changes, with Brandon Phillips (2B, CIN) shifting to leadoff.

While Denard Span (OF, MIN), David Ortiz (DH, BOS) and Jose Bautista (OF, TOR) returned to action after lengthy absences, Dexter Fowler is among those sidelined by injury. Span was 2-for-5 with two SB in his August 23 return, his first action since suffering a bruised clavicle on August 12. Miguel Cabrera (3B, DET) continues playing through injury, though limited to a DH role.