There's no question that the Philadelphia Phillies have missed Carlos Ruiz, whose 25-game drug suspension runs out this weekend. But as you wonder how much Ruiz's return will help, just remember that the Phillies were supposed to be helped by having Chase Utley and Ryan Howard playing every day, and also by having Roy Halladay rebound from his two bad early season starts. ...more

In the three weeks that John Lackey has missed with a biceps injury, the Boston Red Sox have gone 12-5 and have shown signs of being a serious contender to win the American League East. But while Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz have been brilliant, the rest of the rotation hasn't. 3 to Watch says Lackey's return on Sunday could make a difference. ...more

Roy Halladay said Wednesday it was a lower-back issue that derailed his 2012 season. He said a new workout regimen has him feeling as good as ever. Does that mean he'll be the Roy Halladay who was once (not long ago) baseball's best pitcher? The Phillies, who need him to be very good, can only wait and see. ...more