Philadelphia's Utley named ‘Sharp Presents the National League Player of the Month’ for April  —  Chase Utley of the Philadelphia Phillies has been named the ‘Sharp Presents the National League Player of the Month’ for April.  —  The left-handed hitting second baseman hit .360 (40-111) …

Hank voices frustration with slow start  —  Yanks co-chairman ‘very disappointed’ with club's early play  —  NEW YORK — The Yankees have not been satisfied with their slow start to this season, a sentiment voiced on Friday by club co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner.

Cubs demote LHP Hill after wild outing  —  ST. LOUIS (AP)—Chicago Cubs left-hander Rich Hill was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday less than a day after he walked four and recorded just two outs in a start against the St. Louis Cardinals.  —  Hill is 1- with a 4.12 ERA in five starts …

Mets still on fire against the Diamondbacks  —  PHOENIX - Somehow, the Mets always find a way to get healthy in Arizona.  So what if their opponent has the best record in the majors?  —  Ryan Church and David Wright homered, and Jose Reyes for the second time this season fell a four-bagger shy …

L.A. rips relievers in a rout  —  Two big innings cause Colorado's downfall in a tough loss at Coors Field.  —  Los Angeles starting pitcher Brad Penny was walking hitters, the slick glove of Blake DeWitt wasn't so slick, and a four-run lead nearly dissipated into the thin Colorado air.

Damon helps Mussina win third straight  —  Righty holds Mariners to one run behind outfielder's three hits  —  NEW YORK — Johnny Damon and Mike Mussina entered this season with something to prove.  So far, both Yankees veterans are satisfied with their progress.

23-year vet Franco retires following stint in Mexico  —  MEXICO CITY — Julio Franco finally called it quits.  —  The oldest player to hit a home run in the majors announced his retirement from baseball after a 23-year career in the major leagues and stints in his native Dominican Republic, Korea, Japan and Mexico.

Pirates Notebook: Astacio attacked teammate with bat  —  WASHINGTON — The reason the Pirates released pitching prospect Olivo Astacio, two sources confirmed yesterday, was that he attacked another player with a bat earlier in the week during extended spring training in Bradenton, Fla.

Aniston, Wilson film at Dolphin Stadium  —  Scenes from ‘Marley & Me’ take place in stands, on field  —  MIAMI — An otherwise regular Major League baseball game will eventually make its way to Hollywood.  —  A backdrop to the Marlins beating the Padres, 6-4, on Friday night was the shooting …

Texas Rangers' Hamilton a fixture so far  —  egrant@dallasnews.com  —  OAKLAND, Calif. - The only Ranger to start each of the team's 30 games is one Ranger who entered the season supposedly needing significant monitoring of various ailments.  —  So far, so good for Josh Hamilton.

Thunder's Tabata regrets leaving team  —  TRENTON — Jose Tabata batted sixth and played right field against Portland last night, one day after the Thunder prospect finished serving a three-game suspension for storming out of the clubhouse and going home moments after striking out in the seventh inning …