Practice Helps Nady Find His Timing, and It's Right on Time  —  Xavier Nady returned to the Mets' lineup Monday, but he went hitless in four at-bats.  Nady said that his timing was off, the result of not playing in the majors since the end of May.  He pledged to spend some extra time in the batting cage to sharpen his swing.

Padres-Rangers Preview  —  A loss to the San Diego Padres kept the Texas Rangers from taking over the AL West lead, while San Diego moved atop its division.  Now the Rangers hope to return the favor when the teams meet in the second game of a three-game set at Ameriquest Field on Wednesday.

Rangers' Francisco could return by end of June  —  ARLINGTON - Right-hander Frank Francisco was in the Rangers' bullpen Tuesday.  He could be on the roster by the end of the month.  —  In a move designed to make Francisco available to the Rangers earlier than planned …

Cabrera, Out of the Starting Lineup, Still Pinch-Hits and Delivers  —  PHILADELPHIA, June 20 — His priority is pitching, but Brian Cashman knows the Yankees have other needs, too.  With Melky Cabrera out of the lineup on Tuesday and Bernie Williams playing more than they expected, their outfield needs are showing.

Mulder's woes continue as Chicago has an 11-run inning  —  CHICAGO — The Cardinals steadfastly maintain their lefthanded starting pitcher is physically sound even if mechanically flawed.  What they can no longer deny is that Mark Mulder is in serious trouble.

Yanks' eye on Jacque  —  PHILADELPHIA - It's no secret the Yankees have several glaring needs, but they are finding it increasingly difficult to fill them on the trade market.  —  One source said GM Brian Cashman is running into the same wall on almost every call he makes …

No Relief From the Nationals' Starter  —  Hernandez Lasts Only 12/3 Innings: Red Sox 11, Nationals 3  —  BOSTON, June 20 — Here were the two guys to defy any obsession with radar guns, who respond to urges for harder and faster with softer and slower.  Tim Wakefield took the mound Tuesday night …

Win streak reaches nine  —  BALTIMORE — Nine and counting.  —  With their 6-2 victory at Baltimore on Tuesday night, the Marlins tied their franchise record with their ninth consecutive win.  The Marlins previously won nine in a row May 6-14, 1996, and Aug. 27-Sept. 8, 2004.

When Cora's time comes, he makes most of it  —  It's a given that Alex Cora will do the little things every time he steps on the field.  But lately he's been doing the big things, too.  —  Last night that meant going 3-for-3 with a walk, steal, RBI and three runs scored in the Red Sox' 11-3 victory over the Washington Nationals.

Lee takes BP, eyes weekend return  —  CLEVELAND — First baseman Derrek Lee might make his return to the Cubs' starting lineup this weekend in Minnesota.  —  He wasn't quite ready to predict an exact date for his comeback, but he made it clear he is leaning toward returning this weekend …

Charles likes Gnarls  —  CHARLES BARKLEY says he's "flattered and honored" to be the namesake of Gnarls Barkley, the hip-hop/rock duo comprising Danger Mouseand Cee-Lo.  —  The Round Mound of Rebound says he has their CD "St. Elsewhere," and "it's pretty good, an interesting mix of rock and rap."

Wood could be done for the year  —  CLEVELAND — After running smack into another pitching wall Tuesday, Kerry Wood's future is more stalemated than ever.  No one is prepared to say when he will pitch again for the Cubs this season.  The possibility exists that he has pitched his final game in a Cubs uniform.

If it's 'best for team,' Smoltz says he's open to trade talk  —  ATLANTA — John Smoltz said he's ready to leave Atlanta if a trade can help the last-place Braves.  —  The 17-year veteran, who's played his entire career in Atlanta, said his once-firm opinion against leaving the Braves changed this year.

Indians send Johnson to Red Sox  —  The Red Sox have acquired right-hander Jason Johnson from the Indians, apparently for cash considerations, FOXSports.com has learned.  —  Johnson, 32, was designated for assignment by the Indians on Tuesday as part of a team-wide shakeup.