With Kendry Morales out for quite some time, it's conceivable that Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell could be a fit for the Angels. Morales fractured his left ankle while leaping onto home plate to celebrate a walkoff grand slam against the Mariners on Saturday. He is expected to be out until at least September. Lowell, who has played sparingly recently, could be just what the Angels seek, particularly if the Red Sox pick up at least three quarters of his $12 million salary, as they were prepared to do when trying to trade Lowell to Texas last winter.

It might be worth it for the Tigers to make a play for Astros pitcher Roy Oswalt, according to the Detroit Free-Press. The team has struggled this season because of the inconsistency of their pitching. They are counting on Max Scherzer, who they recalled on Sunday. Oswalt is on the hook for $23 million through 2011. The Free-Press writes that the Tigers have the prospects needed to acquire Oswalt from Houston.

The Dodgers called the Astros regarding the availability of pitcher Roy Oswalt on Thursday, according to reports. "I don't talk about trades," Houston general manager Ed Wade said. The Dodgers join the Rangers, Tigers, Angels and the Nationals as teams said to be interested in Oswalt.

The Dodgers have asked the Seattle Mariners about Cliff Lee and the Houston Astros about Roy Oswalt, but neither team is currently interested. The Dodgers' top prospects are at the lower levels of the minor leagues, so the team would be an unlikely trade partner should the Mariners or Astros want a trade package to feature talent ready for the major leagues.

Depending on where they sit in the standings, the Blue Jays could be buyers at the trade deadline. "You're always balancing that," general manager Alex Anthopoulos said. "I think that's a great problem to have. We're still sitting here pretty much at the end of May -- two months into the season. Really, by the time we get to the Trade Deadline, that's another two months away. We're halfway to the trading deadline, so a lot can change over that time for the better or for the worse. "If we're in that position come late July, that means this team has been playing well start to finish, there's been a consistency. I'm sure the offense will continue to be good and the rotation will continue to solidify itself. If that happens, you always try to evaluate how close are you relative to the other teams. You're balancing the short term and the long term. That'd be a great problem to have and a great position to be in." Anthopoulos added that it is important to remain realistic. "No matter who you are," Anthopoulos said, "whether you're a team that's been there every single year or not, you're always balancing the short term with the long term. You also have to be realistic, too, with your lot in life and your place in the standings and the construction of the team. We make the evaluation of where are we positioned, how are we placed, how realistic is it, whether we go out and get someone, what would the piece cost. Those are things we would all balance."

Despite Roy Oswalt's trade request, the Astros are not actively shopping the right-hander, according to sources. However, that could change as the July 31 trade deadline draws closer should Houston remain at the bottom of their division. RealGM Note: Oswalt has had a successful bounce back season, posting a 2.66 ERA (3.47 FIP), down from his 4.12 (3.76 FIP) in 2009. He has also increased his K/9 rate to 8.85, which is closer to where it was when he first broke into the bigs in 2001 than it had been in each of the past five seasons (typically under 7.00).

Astros pitcher Roy Oswalt wants to be traded, but is owed $31 million in salary through the 2011 season. The club also holds a $12 million option for 2012 with a $2 million buyout clause. His high price tag makes a trade somewhat complicated. The Houston Chronicle writes that the Dodgers, Mets and Yankees will likely be in the race. In addition, the Braves, Reds, Nationals, White Sox and Phillies have an outside shot to land Oswalt.

If Astros ace Roy Oswalt really is available, the Rangers are among the teams that are interested in acquiring him. Texas has a strong stable of young arms that could interest Houston, including Martin Perez, Tanner Scheppers and Alexi Ogando. The Chicago Tribune writes that the slow-moving sale of the Rangers could be the only thing holding back a potential deal.

The Phillies are among a few teams keeping tabs on White Sox relievers Bobby Jenks and J.J. Putz. Philadelphia is concerned about the health of Brad Lidge and Chicago could shop Jenks and Putz if they don't get back in the American League Central race over the next handful of weeks. Jenks has had injury issues of his own, but has recorded back-to-back strong outings.

The Star Tribune writes that the Twins might consider making a play for Astros pitcher Roy Oswalt. It's a long shot, but there are indications that Minnesota will at least check in with Houston about the ace. Oswalt is 2-6 with a 2.66 ERA this year and has about $29 million remaining on his contract through the end of next season.