Good Monday morning fantasy owners! John Halpin is on vacation this week. So, I'll be pinch-blogging for him Monday-Friday. Joel Beall will cover his normal Tuesday chat at 2pm EST. We won't miss a beat.

Here are today's fantasy baseball headlines:

American League

• Carl Crawford is expected to return to the Red Sox tonight after missing the first half of the season.
• Jacoby Ellsbury went 6-14 over the weekend in his return to the lineup. Clay Buchholz went 6 1/3 IP and gave up four earned runs on only three hits striking out eight in his first start since mid-June.
• Jason Hammel will have knee surgery today and is expected to miss 3-4 weeks. If you need a spot starter ASAP, give Michael Fiers a look in Milwaukee (two-start pitcher this week).
• Keep tabs on Carlos Villanueva.
• Lorenzo Cain went 5-10 over the weekend for Kansas City. If he continues to produce at that rate, his presence may put the brakes on Wil Myers getting called up any time soon.
• Matt Harrison is a beast this season.

National League

• Welcome back to the bigs Ben Sheets.
• For a guy who couldn't see nor grip a bat a few weeks ago, Freddie Freeman is on fire.
• Roy Halladay returns Tuesday for the Phillies vs LAD.
• Cincinnati Reds' starting pitchers have picked up 12 quality starts in their last 13 trips to the bump.
• Johnny Cueto status for Tuesday's start is uncertain because of a blister on his finger. Check back tomorrow.
• Michael Fiers pitches tonight again the Cardinals. Tune in if you can.
• Houston's Jed Lowrie (ankle, knee) was placed on the 15-day DL. It's still not known how long he will be out, but he damaged a nerve in his knee. That doesn't sound like he'll be ready to take the field soon.
• Bruce Bochy is standing behind Santiago Casilla as his closer. Still, keep tabs on Sergio Romo in the second half.
• Melky Cabrera's season just got a lil' better.

If you have any fantasy baseball questions. Tweet at me @FOXSportsFowler. See you back here tomorrow.