Joba ready for rotation debut vs. Jays  —  Toronto (31-28) at New York (28-29), Tuesday, 7:05 p.m. ET  —  MINNEAPOLIS — For the first time in his brief Major League career, Joba Chamberlain had a reason to fly ahead of the Yankees.  —  By the time New York finished a four-game split …

Papi hopes time, cast heals wound  —  Sox face life without DH  —  + Recent Articles + Recent Blog Entries + Email  —  If time, Mother Nature and a massive immobilizing cast on his left arm are enough to do the trick, David Ortiz [stats] could be pain-free and ready to think about playing baseball again by early July.

Soriano, DeRosa homer in Cubs' 9-6 win over Padres  —  SAN DIEGO (AP)—Alfonso Soriano hit a three-run homer and Mark DeRosa added a two-run shot to lead the Chicago Cubs to a 9-6 win over the San Diego Padres for their ninth straight win Tuesday night.  —  The Cubs also got a solo homer …

MLB first-round projections  —  Nothing gets the ol' pulse racing like relief pitchers and corner infielders.  OK, five-tool shortstops do.  And filthy left-handed starting pitchers.  And athletic catchers with strong bats.  And center fielders who throw out runners, hit home runs and steal bases.

Early miscues doom Perez, Nats in loss  —  Lefty leaves with tendinitis in twice rain-delayed game  —  WASHINGTON — By the 16th pitch of Tuesday's game with the Cardinals, starter Odalis Perez and the Nationals were in big trouble.  —  Perez hit one batter and gave up a three-run homer and an RBI double …

Pedro a success in return  —  Right-hander goes six strong innings, collects two hits  —  SAN FRANCISCO — He was neither dominating nor precise.  He wasn't thorough, either.  Pedro Martinez was just all right — in terms of results and physical condition, too.

Kneel before the power of Joba!  —  (OMG!!!)  —  This is obviously one of the biggest events in world history.  I mean, he's a legitimate prospect ... and he plays in New York ... for the YANKEES!  (OMG again!!!)  —  But is tonight's start the single most important event in the history of the universe?

Kemp, Torrealba ejected in brawl  —  LOS ANGELES (TICKER) —Following a strikeout to end the eighth inning on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Dodgers' Matt Kemp and Colorado Rockies' Yorvit Torrealba were ejected for their roles in a bench-clearing brawl.  —  After Kemp struck out to end the eighth …

Big Unit alone at No. 2 in Ks, but loses  —  MILWAUKEE (AP)—Ryan Braun hit a two-run home run to ruin a memorable night for Randy Johnson, powering the Milwaukee Brewers to a 7-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks Tuesday night.  —  Johnson (4-2) broke a tie with Roger Clemens …

Burrell's 2-run HR lifts Phils over Reds  —  PHILADELPHIA (AP)—Ken Griffey Jr. didn't get anything to hit his only time up.  Pat Burrell didn't miss the tasty, hanging slider he saw.  —  Burrell hit a tiebreaking two-run homer, Adam Eaton pitched 6 2-3 impressive innings …

Latest loss new Lowe point for Rockies  —  Winless trip continues at hands of L.A. pitcher  —  Battered in Philadelphia, frustrated in Chicago, the Rockies arrived at Dodger Stadium on Monday afternoon with hope a new series in a new city would provide relief from the struggles they have endured.

Stark: Starter's guide for Joba  —  The transition from reliever to starter can be a tricky one.  Curt Schilling and Tom Gordon offer advice for Joba Chamberlain.  Jayson Stark  —  • BBTN Minute: More pressure on Yankees' bullpen |  BBTN Clubhouse  —  • Baseball Today: Orel Hershiser on Joba |

Rice steps up to the plate once again  —  TALKIN' BASEBALL: Ex-Boston slugger addresses absence from Hall of Fame, today's players  —  Jim Rice, the 1978 American League MVP and an eight-time All-Star, was gracious and often times hilarious while answering questions for an hour as a special guest …

Ramirez shows signs of breakout  —  ATLANTA - Hanley Ramirez is trying to get used to the star treatment.  —  Not only did he receive a contract that compensates him like one of the game's best players for his age, opposing pitchers are adjusting their approach to him.