11.   Now it appears that Pichardo will have to join the rotation immediately to give the four other starters the necessary four days of rest between assignments.

12.   Only three days ago Eischen all but lost his bid to join the rotation to Pedro Astacio.

13.   Pulsipher was making his season debut with the Mets on Monday night, joining the rotation until Bobby J. Jones can come back from a calf strain.

14.   Rookie Gil Meche will join the rotation the next time around, replacing Abbott, who used a good changeup to toss three strong innings.

15.   Righthander Omar Olivares could return from the disabled list about the same time Thompson joins the rotation.

16.   Reliever Paul Abbott, who nearly replaced Fassero two weeks ago, will join the rotation Wednesday.

17.   Searching for Angels Right-hander Jeff Juden, whom Anaheim acquired Friday from Milwaukee, will join the rotation, Angels manager Terry Collins said.

18.   The Angels believe they have others in the organization who can step in next season to join the rotation.

19.   The club hopes Valdes would be ready to join the rotation after missing a month with a strained muscle in his left side.

20.   The Mariners have climbed aboard ever since Halama joined the rotation, winning seven of his eight starts.