Texas Rangers cut ties with Sidney Ponson  —  The latest from Evan Grant:  —  The Texas Rangers have cut ties with Sidney Ponson for what GM Jon Daniels called “disrespectful and adverse reactions to situations unbecoming of teammates.”  He has officially been designated for assignment.

Source: Youkilis' at-bat reaction led to dugout fight … BOSTON — The emotions from an on-field brawl in Thursday's Red Sox-Rays game may have brought a chemistry issue to light for the defending World Series champs.  —  Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez and first baseman Kevin Youkilis …

Home Run Derby Swaps Ortiz for 2 to Be Named  —  David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox was supposed to try to mimic Babe Ruth during a Call Your Shot promotion in next month's All-Star Game festivities at Yankee Stadium.  After the Yankees protested and Ortiz was injured, officials decided to have two players replace him.

Victorino's hit, throw lift Phils in 10  —  ATLANTA (AP)—Kelly Johnson's unlikely ninth-inning error gave the Philadelphia Phillies new life.  —  Shane Victorino took advantage with his bat and arm the next inning.  —  Victorino drove in the go-ahead run with a triple in the 10th …

Game 61: Royals at Yankees (and draft news)  —  YANKEES  —  Kyle Davies (1-0, 1.80) vs. the New York hitters.  —  Darrell Rasner (3-2, 2.67) vs. the Kansas City hitters.  —  Notes: No Posada after his first game back.  Not sure why yet. ...  Damon has hit in 14 straight at 29 of 60 with 10 RBI and one strikeout. ...

Cuban still believes he has a shot at Cubs  —  Mark Cuban addressed several subjects today while guesting on the “Waddle and Silvy Show” on WMVP-AM (1000).  —  Here's a transcript of the interview:  —  Where are you on this whole thing about buying the Cubs:

Astros designate Cruz for assignment  —  Abercrombie to be called up to replace outfielder  —  HOUSTON — When Jose Cruz Jr. made the Houston Astros roster in Spring Training, it was a dream come true for the veteran outfielder, who always wanted to play for the Astros as his father …

Draft Day Chat With Jim Callis  —  Q: … A:  —  Jim Callis: Hi, everyone.  Sorry I got tied up there for a moment but I'll make it up to you on the back end of the chat . . . To me, the story of the first day was that the best players went in the first round and that teams didn't let the tough signs after that drop forever.

Hiroki Kuroda shuts down Cubs  —  He throws a complete game shutout and Dodgers acquire shortstop Angel Berroa from Royals.  —  Hiroki Kuroda said he felt he regained something that he lost when he left Japan to play in the major leagues: the ability to deliver every pitch with everything he had …

Lincecum helps Giants roll past Nats  —  WASHINGTON (AP)—Tim Lincecum pitched seven sharp innings to win his fourth straight decision, Jose Castillo hit a three-run homer and the San Francisco Giants beat the Washington Nationals 10-1 on Friday night.  —  Lincecum (8-1) didn't allow …