BaseballHQ.com

Manny Machado called up by BAL, Brett Lawrie placed on DL, Tyler Greene traded to STL, and more...

After watching Santiago Casilla (RHP, SF) blow five of his last nine save opportunities, followed by entering a tie game July 30 and taking the loss, Manager Bruce Bochy has decided he will use multiple pitchers in the ninth inning. Casilla was victimized by a 25% home run per fly ball rate and 52% hit rate in July, and his skills on the year (9.9 Dom, 114 BPV) suggest he is fit for any role. He figures to remain in the mix for saves, but his value certainly takes a hit with the news that he will split closing duties.

Cubs add two heralded young players to roster; in KC, an elite speedster works his way into the good side of a platoon; the A's have issues in both their rotation and bullpen; and Evan Longoria may be about to make his long-awaited return.

WAS traded a minor-league catcher to OAK for veteran Kurt Suzuki (C, WAS) to bolster a catching corps decimated by injury. Suzuki is having the least productive season of his career, batting .218 with a .530 OPS. His 0.17 Eye suggests his once-solid plate skills have collapsed, while his .211 xBA says his lowly BA is merited. Suzuki entered 2012 off three straight seasons with 13-15 HR, but with a 57 PX and only one HR in 262 AB, his power has ebbed.