Royals: With Jason Vargas headed for Tommy John surgery, they need to pick up another starting pitcher for the stretch run. Putting Joe Blanton in your rotation just isn’t going to work.
Astros: They began the trade-deadline frenzy, acquiring lefty Scott Kazmir to supplement their sagging rotation. It seems unlikely to be enough to overtake Anaheim, but a wild-card spot is within reach.
Tigers: David Price’s start on Thursday — eight innings, two runs on five hits with eight strikeouts — may have been his last in a Detroit uniform. The star left-hander is the most coveted trade piece available and something the aging Tigers could use to get younger.