Source: Ortiz out at least a month  —  Season-ending wrist surgery a possibility  —  + Recent Articles + Recent Blog Entries + Email + Bio  —  If the Red Sox [team stats] are going to repeat as world champions this season and win their third title in five years, they may have to do it without David Ortiz [stats].

Nationals place Zimmerman on DL  —  Team consulting several doctors about possible surgery  —  WASHINGTON — The Nationals placed third baseman Ryan Zimmerman on the 15-day disabled list on Monday because of a slightly torn labrum in his left shoulder and are expected to recall infielder/outfielder Kory Casto from Triple-A Columbus.

Pregame notes: Strick and Carson activated, Karstens to DL  —  The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees filled two open spots on their roster Monday, but also created a new hole. … The loss of Karstens and (unofficially) Giese leaves the Triple-A Yankees with a hard-to-figure rotation.

Zambrano helps Cubs win eighth straight  —  SAN DIEGO (AP)—Carlos Zambrano was as animated as he was good, helping Chicago to a 7-6 win over the San Diego Padres on Monday night, the Cubs' eighth straight win.  —  Zambrano (8-1) allowed three runs in the first inning before settling down.

Threets designated for assignment  —  Giants could lose lefty reliever to another team's waiver claim  —  SAN FRANCISCO — The Giants designated left-hander Erick Threets for assignment on Monday, possibly spelling the end of his tenure with the organization.

Draft 2008: Alvarez would be ‘honored’ if Pirates pick him  —  Vanderbilt third baseman considered best hitter available  —  In many ways, the Pirates and Pedro Alvarez appear to be a perfect match.  —  Vanderbilt University's exceptional third baseman is widely viewed as the best hitter available …

Usual suspects send Rox to 7th loss in row  —  Abysmal?  Let us count the ways  —  The Denver Post  —  CHICAGO — Only seven months ago, the Rockies were a source of civic pride.  Now, they have fans wanting to hide, closets shutting in unison across the region.

Joba's big night will be a success — if there are two of him  —  It is finally here, the moment up to which every sports fan's life has been building.  A happening that will make the Gods cheer and the seraphim sing.  An event so monumental it will make the first of Michael Jordan's re-un-retirements look anticlimactic.

Utley goes deep in fifth straight game  —  Second baseman ties franchise record by connecting off Arroyo  —  PHILADELPHIA — Brad Lidge saw smoke coming from the ball as it rocketed past him toward center field.  —  He'd be forgiven for thinking, “Uh oh,” but Chase Utley squelched that notion before it could form in Lidge's head.

Bruce homers again, but Reds fall  —  Rookie phenom has now gone deep in three straight games  —  PHILADELPHIA — Jay Bruce at home and on the road?  No different thus far.  —  The Reds at home and on the road this season?  Big difference.  —  Bruce had what's become his requisite multihit game …

Notes: Agent says Hall wants to be traded  —  Infielder believes he should play every day  —  Bill Hall wants out.  —  Hall's agent, Terry Bross, said Monday that he believes it would be best for both the Milwaukee Brewers and his client if Hall is traded to another club where he could play regularly.

Fielder's homer lifts Brewers by Arizona  —  MILWAUKEE (AP)—Prince Fielder wants a blaring siren to be his signature sound.  —  It should serve as a less-than-subtle warning that the Brewers' slugger is rounding back into form.  —  Fielder homered to leadoff the eighth …

With three early picks, Mets have golden opportunity  —  NEW YORK — Forgive the Mets for thinking they're about to wake up in some alternate universe — or at least one that allows for instant makeovers.  The oldest team in the major leagues has three of the first 33 picks in the upcoming amateur draft …