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.

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].

Lowe, Dodgers extend Rockies' skid to 8  —  LOS ANGELES (AP)—Derek Lowe had to wait more than five weeks between his previous victory and this one, so he didn't care how injury-riddled the Colorado Rockies were.  —  Lowe pitched eight strong innings and got home run support from Jeff Kent …

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.

Pérez Sleeps Well, but Doesn't Pitch Well  —  SAN FRANCISCO — After their game Sunday night in New York, the bleary-eyed Mets arrived here at 4:30 a.m. Monday.  They pulled into their hotel about an hour later, just as the sun was rising and Oliver Pérez lay ensconced in his bed, enjoying a peaceful night's sleep.

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 …

Zambrano helps Cubs win eighth straight  —  SAN DIEGO (AP)—Carlos Zambrano leaped in frustration after walking a batter.  He snatched a throwback from catcher Henry Blanco with his bare hand.  He legged out three hits for the third time this season.  —  Zambrano put on quite a show, all right—with his emotions and his bat.

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 …