We're only one week into the season, and Bobby Crosby has already missed time due to injury.

BALTIMORE

NOTES: The Orioles' rotation had a strong first week of the season, but Jaret Wright was the exception.Wright allowed four earned runs in 2.1 innings during his first start.Wright has been inconsistent since his breakout year with the Braves in 2004.Reuniting with pitching coach Leo Mazzone has led to some optimism, but Wright's hold on a rotation spot could begin to loosen if he does not start to pitch better soon.

INJURIES: Jay Payton could come off the DL from a hamstring injury late this week.Ramon Hernandez was placed on the 15-day DL, retroactive to March 31, with a strained oblique.

Player Watch: Paul Bako is Baltimore's starting catcher for the time being.He has been an all-defensive catcher for his entire career, so he is unlikely to help fantasy owners.

Prospect Watch: Former top catching prospect J.R. House has started off strong in his first three games in Triple-A.With the injury to Ramon Hernandez, House could get a call up soon.

BOSTON RED SOX

NOTES: Daisuke Matsuzaka answered the call with a very impressive first outing against the Royals.Granted the competition was not exactly fierce, but there was some concern with Matsuzaka since he finished spring training with a tired arm.He will make his home debut in FenwayPark this week.

INJURIES: Reliever Mike Timlin (oblique) is scheduled to return from the DL Tuesday.

Player Watch: Third baseman Mike Lowell made three errors in one game this past week.He is known as one of the most sure-handed third basemen in baseball, so the defensive struggles are surprising.Still, he is at no risk of losing his job.

Prospect Watch: 2006 first-round pick Daniel Bard struggled in his professional debut this week at Single-A.Bard is still arguably the Red Sox top pitching prospect, and the former college star could arrive to the majors by the end of next season.

CHICAGO WHITE SOX

NOTES: The White Sox are already concerned with Jose Contreras, who struggled during his first start of the season.He was pushed back one day before his second outing, and manager Ozzie Guillen had a talk with him.Contreras will try to rebound Monday.

INJURIES: Lefty Mark Buehrle is scheduled to pitch Wednesday despite leaving his first start early after taking a liner to his left forearm.

Player Watch: Center fielder Brian Anderson would seem to be the most likely replacement in center field should something happen to the injury-prone Darin Erstad, but don't rule out Rob Mackowiak.The utilityman has lots of experience in center field and has shown a far more potent bat than Anderson during his major league career.

Prospect Watch: Gio Gonzalez was reacquired by the White Sox during the offseason after being sent to Philadelphia last year for Jim Thome.The pitching prospect's star dimmed slightly after a tough year in the Double-A Eastern League last season, but he has gotten off to a terrific start this season.He could be called up if the White Sox need a starter later this season.

CLEVELAND INDIANS

NOTES: Backup catcher Kelly Shoppach has a chance to pickup a lot of at-bats due to the injury to Victor Martinez.Shoppach was once considered Boston's catcher of the future, and he has shown significant power as a minor leaguer.AL-only owners could find it advantageous to pick him up.

INJURIES: Catcher Victor Martinez could be placed on the DL early this week with a strained left quad.

Player Watch: The game cancellations against Seattle are good for C.C. Sabathia owners, as he will pickup an extra start this week.He allowed three runs in six innings during his first start.

Prospect Watch: Reliever Tony Sipp will miss the first half of the season due to an elbow injury.Sipp is considered Cleveland's closer of the future.

DETROIT TIGERS

NOTES: Center fielder Curtis Granderson has gotten off to a fast start, hitting .375-2-7 with a steal during the first week.Granderson had an outstanding rookie season in 2006 and continues to see plenty of plate appearances in the leadoff spot for Detroit.

INJURIES: Backup catcher Vance Wilson is scheduled to see Dr. James Andrews for his injured elbow.

Player Watch: With Vance Wilson sidelined, there could be even more pressure placed on Ivan Rodriguez.Backup catcher Mike Rabelo has very little major league experience.If Wilson is out long term, Rodriguez's stamina as the season progresses is definitely something to watch.

Prospect Watch: 2006 first-round pick Andrew Miller threw five scoreless innings during his first minor league start at High-A.Miller is the top candidate to be called up if the Tigers need a starter.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS

NOTES: $55 million man Gil Meche was outstanding on Opening Day for the Royals, but he struggled during his second start, allowing six runs in seven innings.Meche has a lot of pressure on his shoulders after signing what many considered to be an undeserved contract.Obviously, he will probably struggle to get wins this season while pitching for the Royals.

INJURIES: Closer Octavio Dotel (oblique) could come off the DL as soon as next Sunday.

Player Watch: Starting pitcher Zack Greinke was outstanding in his first start against Boston, allowing one earned run in seven innings.Still, he was out-pitched in the game by Daisuke Matsuzaka.Greinke had an outstanding spring training and is a candidate for Comeback Player of the Year.

Prospect Watch: 2006 top draft choice Luke Hochevar allowed four earned runs in 4.1 innings in his first start at Double-A this week.Hochevar is a candidate to join the rotation late this season.

LOS ANGELES ANGELS

NOTES: The controversy over whether closer Francisco Rodriguez doctored the ball this past week turned out to be nothing.MLB ruled that he had rosin on his hat, and there will be no penalty.Rodriguez had a busy first week of the season, pitching in four games and converting three saves.

INJURIES: Bartolo Colon (shoulder) threw four scoreless innings during his first rehab start.He could return before the end of April.Shea Hillenbrand was sidelined for most of the first week with a groin injury.

Player Watch: New center fielder Gary Matthews Jr. was able to put all of the HGH spring training controversy behind him during the first week of the season by hitting .368.Yes, it is a very limited sample size, but it is encouraging to see Matthews get off to a good start after all of the spring training distractions.

Prospect Watch: Top pitching prospect Nick Adenhart threw 5.1 scoreless innings during his first start at Double-A this week.Adenhart is a strong candidate to join the rotation by midseason if one of the Angels' starters gets hurt.