A's acquire Snelling from Nationals  —  The A's, completing their third trade in seven days as they deal with a new set of injuries, have acquired outfielder Chris Snelling from the Nationals for outfielder Ryan Langerhans.  —  After losing designated hitter Mike Piazza for four to six weeks …

Oliver wields arm & hammer  —  Perez fans 10, gets 2 hits in Mets win  —  Oliver Perez already was out of his element, standing on first base in the fourth inning yesterday.  The young lefthander is at home on the mound, not the basepaths, so he gets a pass for what came next.

Yankees Fire Strength Coach  —  ARLINGTON, Texas - A day after the Yankees' baffling run of hamstring injuries claimed another victim in Phil Hughes, the team fired its new strength coach.  —  Marty Miller, who was hired last winter to the newly created position of director of performance enhancement …

Lou not averse to alcohol ban in clubhouse  —  PITTSBURGH — The Cubs don't have any immediate plans to ban alcohol in the clubhouse, but if that's what Major League Baseball or the club determines can help avoid tragedies such as the death of St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Josh Hancock, Cubs manager Lou Piniella said he would support it.

Okajima named AL Rookie of the Month  —  Rookie reliever allowed only five hits in 12 April appearances  —  Most people saw this coming.  Boston's rookie pitcher from Japan has some nasty stuff, sure to earn him the American League Rookie of the Month Award for April.  But hold on a second — it's not Daisuke Matsuzaka.

Pavano hurt again  —  Carl's elbow problems worsen in this 'ridiculous' injury saga  —  ARLINGTON - Carl Pavano could be headed from the trainer's table to the operating room after shutting down his latest bullpen session because of pain in his right elbow.

Maine named NL Pitcher of the Month  —  Right-hander leads the Major Leagues with 1.35 ERA  —  Heading into the start of the 2007 season, the Mets knew they would have enough offense to be a powerhouse in the National League for a second straight year.  What they didn't know is if they would have enough starting pitching.

Piazza injured in Athletics' loss  —  DH to miss four to six weeks with sprained shoulder  —  BOSTON — Their struggling bullpen lost another game, their struggling offense lost another marquee name and their defense simply looked lost.  —  The A's fell to the host Red Sox in the finale …

Adam bomb?  LaRoche, Pirates grasping for answers  —  Fans boo struggling first baseman in 7-1 loss to Cubs  —  Nate McLouth slides past the tag of Cubs catcher Michael Barrett in the first game yesterday at PNC Park.  —  Adam LaRoche's chin dropped as he shook his head, a sight by now plenty familiar to patrons at PNC Park.

Sox punchless in Seattle  —  Inconsistent hitting has Walker on spot, Danks still looking for first victory  —  SEATTLE — The idea that the White Sox' seasonlong offensive slump might cost someone a job sickened team captain Paul Konerko.  —  So minutes after a heartbreaking 3-2 loss Wednesday …

Phils fall to Braves; Gordon is ailing  —  ATLANTA - Whom can you believe in the Phillies organization these days?  —  Anyone?  —  It's been nearly six months since the team traded for Freddy Garcia and manager Charlie Manuel uttered the words "I'd say we picked us up an ace."