MLB: week in review

Wilson Betemit, Kansas City Royals. A career journeyman, Betemit broke out for his best week in the big leagues - four home runs and seven RBI in seven games. David Wright, New York Mets. Wright hit safely in seven of eight games, scored seven runs and hit two home runs.

Detroit Tigers. It is too late for them to get back into the American League Central race, but the Tigers are not quitting. They have won seven of their past 10 games in a bid to finish above .500. Houston Astros. The Astros went to Philadelphia and swept the defending National League champions in four games, a testament to how hard this fourth-place team continues to play under Brad Mills, their rookie manager.

AJ Burnett, New York Yankees. In two starts, Burnett pitched 10 1/3 innings and allowed 20 hits and 14 earned runs. His 9-12 record with a 5.17 ERA has his spot in the rotation in jeopardy as the season reaches its business end.

Chicago White Sox at Boston, Friday-Sunday. The most interesting thing about this match-up is that it features the return of Manny Ramirez to Fenway Park for a second time this season. San Francisco at Los Angeles Dodgers, Friday-Sunday. The Dodgers are probably not going to the play-offs and, realistically, neither are the Giants. But this is the oldest rivalry in the National League and the games are always compelling.