INDIANS: It's been a long season for Michael Brantley, who has played in only 11 games as he's struggled in his recovery from right shoulder surgery. He's been shut down three times, has received two cortisone shots and last week had a procedure to remove scar tissue. He has resumed hitting and maintains he will play before the season is over.
ROYALS: Raul A. Mondesi had a memorable 21st birthday Wednesday. He collected the first two hits of his career while helping the Royals win 7-5. His first hit was a bunt single that forced a wild throw and allowed two runs to score. It allowed him to show off his blazing speed.
TIGERS: Detroit was a seller last year at the trade deadline, moving Yoenis Cespedes and David Price. The Cespedes move brought them righthander Michael Fulmer, who is 9-2 with a 2.50 ERA. Fulmer has nine quality starts, the most by a Detroit pitcher in his first 16 starts since Justin Verlander in 2005-06. So the Tigers have gotten an immediate return.
WHITE SOX: Brett Lawrie has been placed on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained left hamstring. Tyler Saladino started at second base Wednesday, but manager Robin Ventura indicated that he will use Saladino and Carlos Sanchez at second while Lawrie recovers. Both players might be in the lineup on some days, with Saladino at third and Sanchez at second.