Between 2008 and 2010, White Sox lefthander John Danks was 40-31 with a 3.61 ERA and threw 6081/3 innings. But he went 8-12 last season and is 3-4 with a 5.70 ERA this season. And this season's stats won't change for a while because he has been shut down due to shoulder problems.

Danks had two MRIs last week, neither of which revealed any structural damage. But he's going to rest and rehab until around the All-Star Break (sounds like a younger Carl Pavano).

It's a setback for a team trying to prove it is for real. Chicago will need rookie lefthander Jose Quintana, 2-1 with a 1.86 ERA in five starts, to keep producing in Danks' absence.

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The Royals bullpen isn't too shabby. Righthander Kelvin Herrera has 37 strikeouts in 38 2/3 innings. Former Twins lefthander Jose Mijares has his ERA down to 1.84. Closer Jonathan Broxton has 18 saves in 21 opportunities. Lefthander Tim Collins has 49 strikeouts in 34 1/3 innings and a 0.961 WHIP. No wonder they are 13-1 in their past 14 games decided by one or two runs.

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Cleveland closer Chris Perez should be a lock for the All-Star Game, and second baseman Jason Kipnis is making a good case to join him. Kipnis entered the weekend leading the Indians in home runs, RBI, hits, stolen bases and runs scored.

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There's another power arm in the division in Detroit righthanded reliever Brayan Villarreal, a 25-year-old Venezuelan whose fastball is averaging 96.9 miles per hour this season.