Roberts drives in three as D-backs rout Dodgers
(Thu, 24 May 2012 02:05:00 -0400)
The D-backs scored 11 runs in the first five innings and got a strong start from Joe Saunders in cruising past the Dodgers on Wednesday night at Chase Field.

MLB.com Stars of the Game: Wed., May 23
(Thu, 24 May 2012 01:42:00 -0400)
Each day, MLB.com selects one player from each game whose performance stands out.

Sale, White Sox close out Twins
(Thu, 24 May 2012 01:03:00 -0400)
Chris Sale helped the White Sox shut down the Twins on just two hits over seven innings. The southpaw struck out six and walked two, but also recorded 12 outs via the ground ball, as the White Sox beat the Twins, 6-0.

Beltran, Freese power Cards to sweep
(Thu, 24 May 2012 00:58:00 -0400)
With his league-leading 14th home run, Carlos Beltran propelled the Cardinals to a 6-3 win and a series sweep over the Padres in front of 40,715 at Busch Stadium on Wednesday night.

Martinez, Wandy fuel Astros in sweep of Cubs
(Thu, 24 May 2012 00:55:00 -0400)
A stellar performance from starter Wandy Rodriguez and a well-placed two-run triple from J.D. Martinez propelled the Astros to a 5-1 victory and a sweep of the Cubs on Wednesday.

Phillies, Cardinals set to renew acquaintances
(Thu, 24 May 2012 00:19:00 -0400)
The Phillies' 2011 playoff run ended quickly last October with an National League Division Series loss to the eventual World Series champion Cardinals. For the first time this season, those two clubs will face off when a four-game series at Busch Stadium commences on Thursday.

Pestano makes Tigers rally disappear
(Thu, 24 May 2012 00:17:00 -0400)
With the bases loaded and nobody out in the eighth inning of a tie game Wednesday night, Vinnie Pestano wanted to give his team a chance. He did more than that, pitching himself out of the jam without allowing a single run in the Indians' 4-2 win over the Tigers.

Indians come from behind to down Tigers
(Wed, 23 May 2012 23:47:00 -0400)
Travis Hafner's two-run home run and a solid start from Zach McAllister set the stage for the Indians to score the go-ahead run in the eighth inning of a 4-2 win over the Tigers on Wednesday at Progressive Field.

Hefner's first MLB start comes against former club
(Wed, 23 May 2012 23:46:00 -0400)
Mets right-hander Jeremy Hefner is scheduled to make the first start of his career Thursday against the Padres, the organization he made 120 starts for in the Minor Leagues. Left-hander Eric Stults will get the nod for San Diego at Citi Field.

Hamels hangs zeros on Nats in finale
(Wed, 23 May 2012 23:46:00 -0400)
The meeting between Cole Hamels and Bryce Harper had been hyped, much like this week's series between the Phillies and Nationals had been hyped.

Bailey, Delgado meet in Braves-Reds finale
(Wed, 23 May 2012 23:40:00 -0400)
Ten days after they met in a good pitchers' duel won by the Reds, Homer Bailey and Randall Delgado meet again in Thursday evening's series finale at Great American Ball Park. The Reds are looking to sweep a four-game series at home vs. the Braves for the first time in 32 years.

Power, patience and pitching lead Yanks
(Wed, 23 May 2012 23:40:00 -0400)
Manager Joe Girardi was not willing to call Tuesday's eked-out victory the end of a slump at the plate, but the Yankees appeared to be cured of whatever ailed them during Wednesday's 8-3 win over the Royals.

Twins' De Vries set for MLB debut versus White Sox
(Wed, 23 May 2012 23:36:00 -0400)
The big league debut for every Minor Leaguer is a crystallizing moment. When that debut is for his hometown team, the moment is further magnified. That is the spot Cole De Vries will find himself in on Thursday night when he takes the mound for the Twins in their series finale against the White Sox.

Expect Giants, Marlins to keep things close
(Wed, 23 May 2012 23:30:00 -0400)
If their series in San Francisco at the start of the month is any indication, expect four close, low-scoring games between the Giants and Marlins this weekend.

Frazier's walk-off homer bests Braves
(Wed, 23 May 2012 23:30:00 -0400)
The Reds' season-best winning streak moved to five games Wednesday when Todd Frazier hit a home run in the bottom of the ninth for a 2-1 walk-off victory over the Braves.

Rollins due back Thursday after missing finale
(Wed, 23 May 2012 23:25:00 -0400)
Jimmy Rollins will rejoin the Phillies Thursday in St. Louis after missing the last three games following the birth of his first child.

Tulo caps rally as Rockies snap skid in Miami
(Wed, 23 May 2012 23:18:00 -0400)
After blowing early leads of four and three runs in the first two games of the series, the Rockies were the ones who erased an early deficit and turned it into a win Wednesday, taking the series finale, 8-4, in front of 23,985 at Marlins Park.

Jeter moves up hits list with No. 3,152
(Wed, 23 May 2012 23:07:34 -0400)
With his single in the eighth inning of Wednesday's 8-3 Yankees win over the Royals, shortstop Derek Jeter tied Hall of Famer Paul Waner for 15th place on baseball's all-time hits list.

Castrovince: Harper, Hamels move forward
(Wed, 23 May 2012 23:01:00 -0400)
Long story short: If you're looking for a soap opera, nothing to see here. No brushbacks thrown, no benches cleared. Just Cole Hamels' flirtation with a no-hitter in an outstanding outing, Bryce Harper's continually jaw-dropping speed and hustle and a 4-1 win for the Phillies to avoid a three-game sweep.

Verlander returns to hill following near no-hitter
(Wed, 23 May 2012 22:51:00 -0400)
Reigning American League Most Valuable Player and Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander will take the mound in Cleveland on Thursday as the Tigers conclude a three-game series with the Indians, who will send Justin Masterson to the hill in search of a sweep.

MLB, umpires negotiating expanded replay
(Wed, 23 May 2012 22:20:00 -0400)
Major League Baseball currently is exploring the expansion of instant replay with the World Umpires Association, and no timetable has been specified for any adjustments to the current policy.

Kemp, Rivera, Hairston nearing returns from DL
(Wed, 23 May 2012 21:32:00 -0400)
Injured Dodgers Matt Kemp, Juan Rivera and Jerry Hairston could be back with the team by next week.

Lind not placed on waivers, contrary to reports
(Wed, 23 May 2012 21:04:00 -0400)
Contrary to a series of online reports last week, as of Wednesday there were no indications that the Blue Jays placed veteran first baseman Adam Lind on outright waivers.

Montero plans to return Friday
(Wed, 23 May 2012 20:38:27 -0400)
Rest seems to be doing the trick for D-backs catcher Miguel Montero, who left Monday's game with a strained left groin. The 2011 All-Star said Wednesday he expects to be back in the lineup Friday against the Brewers.

Callaspo delivers when Angels need it most
(Wed, 23 May 2012 20:33:00 -0400)
Alberto Callaspo came through with a two-run double in the 11th inning, after Jered Weaver threw a masterful eight frames, as the Angels took the series from the A's on Wednesday afternoon.

Biggio happy to continue role with Astros
(Wed, 23 May 2012 20:30:38 -0400)
Craig Biggio, the Astros' all-time hits leader who's eligible for Hall of Fame induction next year, said Wednesday he's looking forward to continuing his role as a special adviser to general manager Jeff Luhnow.

Liddi's slam sends Millwood, Mariners to win
(Wed, 23 May 2012 20:12:00 -0400)
Veteran right-hander Kevin Millwood continued his run of recent excellence with six shutout innings Wednesday and Alex Liddi supplied the offensive support with a grand slam as the Mariners topped Texas, 5-3, at Safeco Field.

LeMahieu recalled as Rox place Herrera on DL
(Wed, 23 May 2012 19:56:54 -0400)
The Rockies placed second baseman Jonathan Herrera on the 15-day disabled list prior to Wednesday's series finale against the Marlins and recalled DJ LeMahieu from Triple-A Colorado Springs.

Angels, Mariners set for first meeting of season
(Wed, 23 May 2012 19:35:00 -0400)
Dan Haren starts for the Angels and Jason Vargas goes for the Mariners as the teams begin a four-game series on Thursday evening.

Toronto's Johnson day to day after early exit
(Wed, 23 May 2012 19:22:09 -0400)
Blue Jays second baseman Kelly Johnson was forced to leave with tightness in his left hamstring in the ninth inning of Wednesday's 5-4 loss in 11 frames to the Rays.

Chipper returns in pinch-hitting duty
(Wed, 23 May 2012 19:21:00 -0400)
The daily Chipper Jones Watch took a positive turn Wednesday night as the Braves' third baseman made his first appearance since suffering a severely bruised left calf last Friday at Tampa Bay. Jones was again out of the starting lineup Wednesday against the Reds at Great American Ball Park, marking his fifth consecutive day on the bench.

Segui may be asked to testify against Clemens
(Wed, 23 May 2012 19:21:00 -0400)
The government moved Wednesday to bring in testimony from David Segui and investment manager Anthony Corso to rebut the attacks by Roger Clemens' defense team against star witness Brian McNamee.

Johnson pleased with Harper's play, demeanor
(Wed, 23 May 2012 19:17:00 -0400)
Before Wednesday's game, Nationals manager Davey Johnson said he didn't think there will be any ill will between Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels and Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper.

Marlins remain cautious with Kearns
(Wed, 23 May 2012 19:16:00 -0400)
For now, Austin Kearns is listed as day to day with a tight right hamstring. The Marlins are cautious, hoping the injury isn't more serious.

Wood's finale was an unscripted success
(Wed, 23 May 2012 19:08:29 -0400)
It seemed as if Kerry Wood's final appearance was perfectly scripted, but Cubs bench coach Jamie Quirk said the right-hander almost went longer in the game rather than the drama of striking out one batter and exiting.

Oviedo closer to being granted visa
(Wed, 23 May 2012 19:00:00 -0400)
Marlins reliever Juan Carlos Oviedo, on Major League Baseball's restricted list, is moving closer to being a granted a visa that would clear him to return to the United States.

B.J. comes through for Rays in 11th for walk-off
(Wed, 23 May 2012 18:47:00 -0400)
It took 11 innings and it wasn't pretty, but the Rays edged out a 5-4 win over the Blue Jays on Wednesday.

Podsednik homers in first start since 2010
(Wed, 23 May 2012 18:42:00 -0400)
The depleted numbers in the Red Sox's outfield have provided an opportunity for Scott Podsednik, who played center field on Wednesday afternoon in his first Major League start since Sept. 9, 2010.

Nearing return, Hannahan available off bench
(Wed, 23 May 2012 18:38:16 -0400)
Jack Hannahan wasn't back in the Indians lineup Wednesday, but manager Manny Acta was confident the third baseman was close to a return.

Estrada injures right leg on two-run double
(Wed, 23 May 2012 18:26:00 -0400)
Starter Marco Estrada left Wednesday's game against the Giants with a strained right hip flexor in the bottom of the first inning.

Just Lin time: Key switch, play save Red Sox
(Wed, 23 May 2012 18:14:00 -0400)
Wednesday's box score will tell you that the save went to Alfredo Aceves, who has been red-hot of late as Boston's closer. But most people who watched the game probably felt that right fielder Che-Hsuan Lin is the one who saved it.

Break point: Sox use homers to reach .500
(Wed, 23 May 2012 18:14:00 -0400)
The road trip where the Red Sox patched things together and simply found a way was capped off in the most fitting fashion imaginable on Wednesday afternoon at Camden Yards. In a 6-5 victory over the American League East-leading Orioles, the Red Sox got three home runs.

Niese bounces back, Mets take rubber game
(Wed, 23 May 2012 16:32:00 -0400)
Coming off a rough start in Toronto, left-hander Jon Niese delivered 7 2/3 innings of one-run ball at PNC Park, and the Mets capitalized in a 3-1 victory over the Pirates on Wednesday afternoon.

Oblique strain sends M. Carpenter to DL
(Wed, 23 May 2012 15:42:00 -0400)
The Cardinals on Wednesday placed infielder/outfielder Matt Carpenter on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right oblique and promoted catcher Steven Hill from Triple-A Memphis.

Wedge open to talk of moving Safeco fences
(Wed, 23 May 2012 15:36:28 -0400)
After the Mariners hit two deep drives to the wall that were hauled in by Rangers center fielder Josh Hamilton in Tuesday's 3-1 loss, manager Eric Wedge was asked about the potential of the Safeco Field fences someday being brought in.

Inge hoping for Monday return, at the earliest
(Wed, 23 May 2012 15:26:00 -0400)
Brandon Inge continues to work his way back from a strained right groin, and the A's third baseman said he's "hopeful" to return to the field on Monday.

Manny's May 30 arrival not set in stone
(Wed, 23 May 2012 15:26:00 -0400)
While the A's previously said that Manny Ramirez would join them on May 30, manager Bob Melvin said on Wednesday that the team is not "locked into" that date.

Torii away from team at least through weekend
(Wed, 23 May 2012 15:13:00 -0400)
Torii Hunter, at home in Texas to be by his family's side, will not rejoin the Angels during the on-going road trip but hopes to do so some time during the homestand that begins on Monday.

Bundy promoted to high Class A Frederick
(Wed, 23 May 2012 14:36:00 -0400)
After an impressive seven weeks with Class A Delmarva, Dylan Bundy has been promoted to Class A Advanced Frederick and will start for the Keys on Saturday against Salem.

No felony charges for four in L.A. incident
(Wed, 23 May 2012 13:54:00 -0400)
The Los Angeles County District Attorney declined to press felony charges against the four men arrested after an altercation Sunday outside Dodger Stadium, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times.

Stow beating suspects face weapons charges
(Wed, 23 May 2012 13:37:00 -0400)
Federal weapons charges were filed against the two suspects in last year's Dodger Stadium parking lot assault of Giants fan Bryan Stow, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times.

Middle infielders may be tough find in Draft
(Wed, 23 May 2012 10:00:00 -0400)
Typically, finding a shortstop who can stay at that premium position is more of a priority than getting help at second base, but both are important and teams undoubtedly will be loading up on middle infielders during the upcoming First-Year Player Draft. But what exactly will they get?