Notes: Chipper out with thumb injuries  —  Third baseman likely to miss a few games  —  ATLANTA — It took nearly six full weeks for an injury to keep Chipper Jones from playing.  But fortunately for the Braves, it appears their veteran third baseman's bruised and battered body …

Mets recall Gomez, option Pelfrey  —  The New York Mets today recalled outfielder Carlos Gomez from New Orleans (AAA) of the Pacific Coast League and optioned righthanded pitcher Mike Pelfrey to the Zephyrs.  Gomez will wear #27 and will be available for today's game vs. Milwaukee.

Pirates look lost against Atlanta lefty  —  Braves romp, 9-1, as James flirts with no-hitter  —  Pirates catcher Ryan Doumit cannot hold on to the ball as the Braves' Andruw Jones scores in the seventh inning at PNC Park last night.  —  The Pittsburgh Baseball Club has been in business for 121 years now …

The head of Juan Pierre  —  Baseball writer Joe Capozzi found it lying in a Dumpster.  But with a little TLC, he's given new life to ...  Juan Pierre greets me every morning when I step outside my house to fetch the newspaper, and he welcomes me back home from work every night.

Lineups, etc.  —  Just a few quick updates.  —  Jon Lester threw 40 pitches in the bullpen this morning, focusing on his fastball and changeup.  He'll throw another bullpen on Wednesday.  —  Also, Mike Lowell is getting a rest today.  Terry Francona let him know yesterday that he'd be getting the day off.

Phils' Howard on DL with quad strain  —  PHILADELPHIA (AP) — NL MVP Ryan Howard was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a left quadriceps strain after he was out of the starting lineup for the fifth straight game Saturday.  —  The Philadelphia Phillies recalled catcher/first baseman Chris Coste …

Looper silences Padres  —  SAN DIEGO — The predictable typically hasn't been an ally of the Cardinals this season.  Once every fifth day there is an exception: the day Braden Looper starts.  —  Looper continued his early run of success Saturday night, holding the San Diego Padres …

Hardy's slam helps Brewers rip Mets 12-3  —  NEW YORK (AP) — J.J. Hardy, Ben Sheets and the Milwaukee Brewers showed they can beat one of the best teams in the National League.  —  Hardy hit a grand slam and Tony Gwynn Jr. played a fantastic all-around game to back a solid pitching performance …

A's Walker pondering career after demotion  —  OAKLAND, Calif. — Todd Walker's time in Oakland is over and so, too, may be his major league career.  —  The infielder was designated for assignment by the Athletics to make room for pitcher Dallas Braden, who started Saturday's game against Cleveland …

Barry Bonds's Enhancement  —  Would that Barry Bonds had retired after the 1998 season.  He might be happier than he seems to be in his long trudge toward tainted glory.  Certainly everyone who cares about baseball, and about the integrity of athletic competition generally …

It's official: Season is over for Blue Jays  —  Now's the time to build for the future  —  What has happened to the Jays on the injury front may be ridiculous, it may be unfortunate, but it is not a disaster.  No one died, everyone will still be paid their guaranteed salaries …

Jays win second straight after long skid  —  TORONTO (AP) — Vernon Wells scored the go-ahead run from first base on Lyle Overbay's two-out single in the seventh inning, and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Tampa Bay Devil Rays 5-4 Saturday for their second straight win following a nine-game losing streak.