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Wood throws off mound, hopes to return for Cubs soon

Cubs closer Kerry Wood threw off the mound Thursday in his effort to return from a pesky blister that’s turned into an open sore, a day after his manager said he wasn’t close to returning.

Yankees grab Ivan Rodriguez in near-deadline swap with Tigers
The Detroit Tigers traded catcher Ivan Rodriguez to the New York Yankees on Wednesday in exchange for reliever Kyle Farnsworth.

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Big Z beats Sheets, Cubs take first two in Milwaukee

Carlos Zambrano figured he’d have to be perfect against fellow ace Ben Sheets . The big Cubs right-hander often is when facing the Brewers .

Contenders clinging to premier prospects
The Seattle Mariners have a long list of players they’re willing to move by today’s non-waiver trade deadline, but, as they’ve …

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Angels rock Yankees with trio of three-run homers
Torii Hunter, Vladimir Guerrero and Juan Rivera each hit a three-run homer, and the Los Angeles Angels added to their East Coast …

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Anderson leads Angels to sweep against Boston
Garret Anderson went 4-for-5 with a homer and four RBI, Joe Saunders earned his 14th win and the Los Angeles Angels swept the …

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Angels minor leaguer hit with 50-game ban for drug violation
Los Angeles Angels minor leaguer Thomas Mendoza was suspended 50 games for testing positive for an amphetamine

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Griffey accepts trade to White Sox
The White Sox responded to the rash of big AL moves Thursday, getting Ken Griffey Jr. from the Reds in a major deadline deal.

Fantasy spin: Yankees hope Nady is solution
The Yankees acquired Xavier Nady from the Pittsburgh Pirates. He’ll play just about every day, with perhaps an occasional day …

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John Lackey nearly no-hits Red Sox in 6-2 win

John Lackey came within two outs of a no-hitter, pitching the Los Angeles Angels past the Boston Red Sox 6-2 Tuesday night on a big day for the AL West leaders.

Tigers place former closer Todd Jones on DL
Detroit reliever Todd Jones was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Thursday as the Tigers waited for Kyle Farnsworth to join …

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Astros overtake Reds in standings

Where the Astros finish in the National League Central standings remains to be seen, but they took one small step in the right direction on Tuesday after beating the Cincinnati Reds, 6-2. The Astros overtook …

Diamondbacks send Owings to Triple-A

The Arizona Diamondbacks optioned right-hander Micah Owings to Triple-A Tucson on Tuesday, one day after he extended his winless streak to eight starts.

Chris Carpenter Returns to Cardinals with Solid Start

Chris Carpenter pitched four solid innings in his first start since April 2007 and the St.

Astros overtake Reds in standings

Where the Astros finish in the National League Central standings remains to be seen, but they took one small step in the right direction on Tuesday after beating the Cincinnati Reds, 6-2. The Astros overtook …

Deal for Manny appears to be close
Marlins appear close to Manny deal All afternoon and throughout the game on Wednesday, the Marlins handled playing a pivotal game with the Mets under heavy speculation that Manny Ramirez could be headed to South Florida. Now, the deal appear to be close.

Glavine ’surprised’ by simulated game
Glavine throws simulated game Tom Glavine reported no discomfort and said he was “pleasantly surprised” by his three innings of work during a simulated game at Turner Field on Wednesday.

Ziegler sets record in A’s victory

Now, he’s got a first-class flight to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Well, his shoes and hat do.

Astros overtake Reds in standings

Where the Astros finish in the National League Central standings remains to be seen, but they took one small step in the right direction on Tuesday after beating the Cincinnati Reds, 6-2. The Astros overtook …

Angels beat Dice-K, win 6th straight over Red Sox

Casey Kotchman and Torii Hunter homered in a six-run sixth inning and the Los Angeles Angels improved baseball’s best record with a 7-5 win over Daisuke Matsuzaka and the Boston Red Sox on Monday night.

Marlins don’t rule out trade for Ramirez

A deal that would send Manny Ramirez to Florida may be a long shot, but Marlins president David Samson didn’t rule it out Wednesday, less than 24 hours before the trade deadline.

Diamondbacks send Owings to Triple-A

The Arizona Diamondbacks optioned right-hander Micah Owings to Triple-A Tucson on Tuesday, one day after he extended his winless streak to eight starts.

Trio of Dodgers helps LA stay 1 back of first-place Diamondbacks

Jason Johnson, a name not very familiar to Dodgers fans, pitched Los Angeles to a victory.

John Lackey nearly no-hits Red Sox in 6-2 win

John Lackey came within two outs of a no-hitter, pitching the Los Angeles Angels past the Boston Red Sox 6-2 Tuesday night on a big day for the AL West leaders.

Phillies Look For 4th Straight In Washington

The Phillies will be looking for a fourth straight victory while trying for some rare success against Nationals ace Tim Redding when the teams continue their three-game set at Nationals Park tonight.

Marlins drop Mets into second place (AP)

Josh Johnson pitched 6 2-3 innings for his first victory in almost two years, and the Florida Marlins tightened the NL East race by beating the New York Mets 7-5 on Wednesday night. Jeremy Hermida and Cody Ross both tripled in a five-run fourth inning against Mike Pelfrey (9-7), who lost for the first time in his past eight decisions.

Braves send Teixeira to Angels

The Los Angeles Angels acquired slugging first baseman Mark Teixeira from the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday, a trade that further bolsters the team with the best record in the major leagues.

A’s DH Thomas may come off DL by Friday (AP)
The Athletics plan to activate designated hitter Frank Thomas from the disabled list as early as Friday. Thomas faced live pitching against Oakland reliever Keith Foulke in a simulated game Wednesday, the final step in his recovery from a strained right quadriceps muscle. “I’m ready to go,” Thomas said as he sat in Oakland’s dugout before the A’s game against Kansas City.

Lacking little: John Lackey comes within 2 outs of no-hitter in Angels’ 6-2 win over Boston

John Lackey came within two outs of a no-hitter, pitching the Los Angeles Angels past the Boston Red Sox 6-2 Tuesday night on a big day for the AL West leaders.

Yankees’ Rally Falls Short Against Orioles

When the Yankees look up in the American League East standings, they see the Rays and Red Sox .

Abreu hits 2 HRs as Yankees top O’s 13-3 (AP)

Yankees manager Joe Girardi must have figured something was up when he walked into his office after New York finished off the Baltimore Orioles. There was general manager Brian Cashman, ready to talk — and not about Bobby Abreu’s two home runs or another strong start from Joba Chamberlain. The Yankees shored up the catcher spot by acquiring 14-time All-Star Ivan Rodriguez from the Detroit Tigers…

Tiger bats come alive

There are no magical formulas for winning games. Pitch reasonably well. Don’t kick the ball around in the field.

Yanks acquire Ivan Rodriguez from Tigers (AP)

Ivan Rodriguez was the steady hand for the Florida Marlins when they won the 2003 World Series. A year later, he was the spark that helped turn around the Detroit franchise when nobody wanted to be a Tiger. The New York Yankees hope he can be a little of both during their push for the playoffs. The Yankees acquired the 14-time All-Star from the Tigers on Wednesday for hard-throwing reliever Kyle…

Angels acquire Teixeira from Braves
Teixeira acquired from Braves Braves first baseman Mark Teixeira was traded to the Angels on Tuesday for Casey Kotchman and Minor League pitcher Stephen Marek.

Ichiro vies for milestone in Mariners’ tilt in Texas

Ichiro Suzuki is just one hit away from reaching a monumental milestone and will lead the Seattle Mariners this evening in the second test of a four-game series against the Texas Rangers.

Rehabbing Matsui increases workload
Rehabbing Matsui increases workload Yankees left fielder Hideki Matsui took 25 swings off a tee and 10 soft tosses Wednesday in his continuing rehabilitation from his injured left knee.

Solid arms, Delgado’s homer lift Mets
Solid arms, Delgado’s homer lift Mets The bullpen pitched three scoreless innings after starter Oliver Perez left the game for a pinch-hitter after six innings, and the Mets managed to beat the Marlins, 4-1, and retain their hold on first place. Carlos Delgado helped provide a cushion with a two-run homer in the eighth.

Vazquez’s walk-off lifts Rangers
Vazquez’s walk-off lifts Rangers Ramon Vazquez hit a two-run double with one out in the bottom of the ninth off of reliever J.J. Putz to give the Rangers an 11-10 victory over the Mariners on Tuesday at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

Sandberg enjoys return to Wrigley
Sandberg enjoys return to Wrigley Ryne Sandberg has a clearly stated goal of reaching a Major League bench, and after Tuesday’s “Road to Wrigley,” Sandberg was blown away by his first return in a Wrigley uniform since 1997.

Santana cruises, Mets beat Cards 9-1 to win series

Johan Santana gave the Mets exactly what they needed after a 14-inning marathon used up their bullpen. The two-time Cy Young Award winner pitched his seventh complete game, Fernando Tatis and Ramon Castro hit two-run homers and New York pounded Kyle Lohse and the St. Louis Cardinals 9-1 on Sunday to wrap up another successful homestand.

Santana (9-7) allowed six hits and a walk in winning for just the second time since June 1, a maddening stretch during which he was tagged with four losses and four no-decisions. He also scored a run and drove in another while throwing his first complete game since a shutout of the Mets on June 19, 2007, when he was with the Twins.

Myers masters Nats in Phillies’ win
Myers masters Nats in Phillies‘ win Bret Myers turned in an outstanding seven-plus innings in the Phillies‘ 2-1 win over Washington at Nationals Park.

Cubs cruise with Big Z’s eight scoreless
Big Z tosses eight scoreless in win Kosuke Fukudome’s two-run triple highlighted a five-run sixth inning and helped Carlos Zambrano outduel Ben Sheets to lead the Cubs to a 7-1 victory Tuesday over the Brewers.

Mad Dog Maddux finally gets career win No. 351

In Greg Maddux’s brilliant career, no win was harder to get than No. 351. Backed by big home runs by Khalil Greene and rookie Nick Hundley, the 42-year-old Maddux snapped a career-high, 14-start winless streak …

Philadelphia Phillies send Adam Eaton to the IronPigs

Already bumped from the Philadelphia Phillies‘ starting rotation, Adam Eaton now is off the roster.

Maine leaves game with stiff shoulder

Mets pitcher John Maine left the game Monday night at Florida after 4 1-3 innings because of stiffness in his right shoulder, and he’ll return to New York for tests.

The right-hander, who departed after throwing 75 pitches, said he had felt pain in the back of his shoulder since his last start.

He took a 2-0 lead into the fifth inning, but when he fell behind leadoff batter John Baker 2-0, the trainer and manager Jerry Manuel went to the mound.

Maine stayed in the game, and Baker homered on the next pitch. After Maine retired the next batter, Manuel removed him.

Santana cruises, Mets beat Cards 9-1 to win series

Johan Santana gave the Mets exactly what they needed after a 14-inning marathon used up their bullpen. The two-time Cy Young Award winner pitched his seventh complete game, Fernando Tatis and Ramon Castro hit two-run homers and New York pounded Kyle Lohse and the St. Louis Cardinals 9-1 on Sunday to wrap up another successful homestand.

Santana (9-7) allowed six hits and a walk in winning for just the second time since June 1, a maddening stretch during which he was tagged with four losses and four no-decisions. He also scored a run and drove in another while throwing his first complete game since a shutout of the Mets on June 19, 2007, when he was with the Twins.

John Lackey nearly no-hits Red Sox as Angels win
John Lackey came within two outs of a no-hitter, pitching the Los Angeles Angels past the Boston Red Sox 6-2 Tuesday night on a big day for the AL West leaders.

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Deal temporarily saves part of Tiger Stadium
A portion of Tiger Stadium will remain standing until at least next spring after a tentative deal was reached Tuesday to stave off complete demolition.

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Indians starter mows down Detroit hitters Box Score

The nine men who made up Tigers manager Jim Leyland’s batting order last night were collectively batting .300 against Indians starter Paul Byrd.

What a relief: No deals are necessary for some contenders
As teams scramble to fill a perpetual need for relief pitching before Thursday’s non-waiver trade deadline, some contenders have found help right in their backyards.

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