Alou Almost Set, but Something Else Pops Out  —  The Mets waited more than two months for Moises Alou to return from a quadriceps injury.  He was scheduled, at last, to be activated for last night's series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates.  He was at Shea Stadium, dressed in warm-up clothes before the game.

Chemist Says Sheffield and Bonds Used Drugs  —  Patrick Arnold, a chemist who worked with the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative, said in an HBO Sports interview that Barry Bonds and Gary Sheffield took performance-enhancing drugs provided to them by the laboratory.

Notes: Braves linked to Teixeira  —  Source confirms deal in works for Rangers slugger  —  SAN FRANCISCO — As the Braves were preparing to play the Giants at AT&T Park on Tuesday night, the buzz at other Major League parks across the country was that they had emerged as the favorites to land Mark Teixeira in a trade with the Rangers.

Slumping Mariners drop nightcap  —  Seattle swept in doubleheader despite Washburn's effort  —  ARLINGTON — The Mariners have experienced enough difficult times so far this season that they say pushing the panic button anytime soon is not an option.  —  But the third losing streak …

Angels announce roster moves  —  ANAHEIM, CA — The Angels Tuesday placed right-handed pitcher Bartolo Colon on the 15-day disabled list due to irritation of the right elbow.  At the same time, the club optioned infielder Kendry Morales to triple-A Salt Lake.

Ricciardi quells Towers rumours  —  Josh Towers remains a Blue Jay and the Pittsburgh Pirates' Jack Wilson will not become one.  —  Those were the answers that Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi gave regarding the trade rumours surrounding the Philadelphia Phillies being interested in Towers and Wilson being acquired by the Jays.

First basemen hot deadline commodities  —  FOXSports.com, Updated 45 minutes ago  —  LIKE THIS STORY?  —  Trade tidbits as the non-waiver deadline draws closer.  — The Mariners, blanketing the majors with scouts in their pursuit of rotation and bullpen help, are drawing mild inquiries on first baseman Richie Sexson.

Retiring Biggio hits slam to lift Astros  —  HOUSTON (AP) — Craig Biggio started his long goodbye with a grand slam.  —  Hours after announcing he plans to retire at the end of this season, Biggio capped a six-run sixth inning with a tiebreaking grand slam that led the Houston Astros over the Los Angeles Dodgers 7-4 Tuesday night.

Floyd's injuries may force trade  —  ST. LOUIS — Keeping Cliff Floyd healthy has been more difficult than anyone imagined, and it's a concern that may force the Cubs to acquire another outfielder before the July 31 trading deadline.  —  General manager Jim Hendry may be in the market for another hitter for the lineup.

Mariners reinstate RHP Mark Lowe from 60-day disabled list  —  LHP Ryan Feierabend optioned to Triple-A Tacoma.  RHP Sean White transferred from 15- to 60-day DL  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Bill Bavasi announced today …

Notes: Estrada out with hamstring injury  —  Brewers catcher should return to lineup within a week  —  CINCINNATI — Johnny Estrada admits he is no stolen base threat.  But the Brewers catcher looked slower than usual at a key point in Monday's loss to the Reds, and a day later he and his manager revealed why.

Wood has short, strong outing  —  Throws 12 pitches in rehab outing for Class A Peoria  —  ST. LOUIS — Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood threw 12 pitches in one inning on Tuesday night for Class A Peoria, as he continued his rehab.  —  Wood, pitching in Peoria against Fort Wayne, came on in relief in the fifth inning.