Player Notes

The Rockies will option Jeff Francis to Triple-A Colorado Springs prior to Thursday's game.
Advice: The move won't be made official until the Rockies call up Roy Oswalt. The club is hoping that Francis will agree to stick around for depth, but he has the option of choosing free agency because of his major league service time. He's put up a 6.58 ERA and 1.56 WHIP this season and wouldn't figure to net a major league deal elsewhere.
More: Denver Post

Santiago Casilla (knee) will throw a bullpen session Thursday.
Advice: It will be his first since he had a cyst removed from his right knee last month. While Casilla was originally expected to be out until the second half of the season, it appears he could rejoin the Giants' bullpen prior to the All-Star break.
More: Casey Pratt on Twitter

Nationals activated 2B Danny Espinosa from the 15-day disabled list; optioned him to Triple-A Syracuse.
Advice: An expected move, as Espinosa batted just .118 (2-for-17) with 10 strikeouts over six rehab games in Triple-A. His wrist is apparently feeling better, but he'll need to have better results before returning to the majors. Anthony Rendon will continue to handle second base duties for the Nats for now.

Prince Fielder went 0-for-4 on Wednesday and is without a homer since June 4.
Advice: Fielder has been hitting for average of late, but except for a three-game surge at the beginning of the month, the power hasn't been there. He has a total of five homers and 27 RBI in 44 games since May 1 after totaling seven homers and 27 RBI in 25 games in April. Fortunately, since he's hitting behind Miguel Cabrera, he's still driving in runs with singles and doubles.

Heath Bell gave up a homer in a fourth straight appearance Wednesday, yet he still picked up his 13th save against the Marlins.
Advice: The homer by Justin Ruggiano only brought the Marlins to within 3-1. Bell, however, did allow a hit and a walk afterwards as part of a 31-pitch ninth inning. Fortunately for him, the Diamondbacks now have Thursday off, giving him a chance to recover. Bell, though, is leaving the door wide open for J.J. Putz to reclaim closing duties should Putz's rehab progress as hoped.

Nick Swisher (shoulder) is expected to return to the Indians' starting lineup this Saturday.
Advice: That's contingent on a batting practice session going well on Friday. Swisher hasn't placed since last Saturday because of a sore left shoulder. He was given a cortisone injection to treat the discomfort earlier this week and is apparently feeling much better.
More: Paul Hoynes on Twitter

Shin-Soo Choo will bat second Wednesday against the Pirates.
Advice: Meanwhile, Derrick Robinson will bat leadoff against left-hander Jeff Locke. It's worth noting that Reds manager Dusty Baker had the same arrangement last week when southpaw Travis Wood was on the hill for the Cubs.
More: MLB Lineups on Twitter

Chris Perez (shoulder) will be re-evaluated after a bullpen session on Friday.
Advice: Perez had been scheduled for activation that day, but that's been pushed back after he allowed three homers and five runs in a rehab appearance Tuesday. He's feeling fine physically, but the Indians want him to work on his mechanics, as they think he was coming open a little too soon in his delivery. Vinnie Pestano will continue to close for the Tribe for now.
More: Indians.mlb.com

After having his last start skipped, Joe Blanton allowed two runs in 6 2/3 innings and struck out 11 against the Mariners on Tuesday.
Advice: That's a nice Quality Start for Blanton, but he still gave up two more homers (Raul Ibanez and Justin Smoak went back-to-back in the second inning), bringing his season total to 15 surrendered in 83 1/3 innings. He has pitched effectively in four of his last five outings, but an easier schedule has had a lot to do with that.

Hanley Ramirez went 4-for-4 and hit a two-run homer as the Dodgers' designated hitter in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader.
Advice: The availability of the DH in New York this week was well timed for Hanley, who is still dealing with a balky hamstring. No word yet on whether he'll play the field, DH again or sit in the nightcap versus the Yankees.