INSIDE PITCH  —  Second baseman Dan Uggla said his sprained left ankle felt better Sunday but chances are he won't return to action until Thursday at the earliest.  —  Uggla left Saturday's game in the fourth inning after he took a hard turn toward second base on a single then lost his footing and stumbled in the dirt.

Holly Hill's Brett Gardner called up to New York Yankees  —  Don't believe dreams can come true?  —  Just talk to Brett Gardner.  Because, Sunday afternoon, Gardner's big-league dream came true when Scranton/Wilkes-Barre manager Dave Miley called him into his office and informed …

Ramirez apologizes after altercation with Sox' traveling secretary  —  HOUSTON — Maybe it's something in the water in Houston.  —  Days after Houston Astros pitcher Shawn Chacon tackled general manger Ed Wade in the home clubhouse at Minute Maid Park, the visitors clubhouse was the scene …

Girardi: Kennedy has to earn his way back  —  Did you know that Ian Kennedy was activated off the disabled list on Wednesday?  He was - and at the same time was optioned to Single-A Tampa.  —  Kennedy has to prove himself all over again in the eyes of Brian Cashman, Joe Girardi and Dave Eiland.

Notebook: Top pick nears deal  —  KANSAS CITY — The Cardinals are close enough to finalizing a deal with first-round draft selection Brett Wallace that negotiations could conclude during the seven-game home stand that begins tonight against the New York Mets, according to sources familiar with the process.

Oakland Wins Inoa Sweepstakes  —  Athletics expected to announce signing Wednesday  —  The agent for Michel Inoa, the top Dominican Republic pitching prospect of the last decade, has told other clubs not to bother when the July 2 international signing period opens Wednesday.  —  That ship has sailed.

Tigers place Ordonez on DL  —  Outfielder has injured right oblique and lat muscle  —  DETROIT — The Tigers placed star outfielder Magglio Ordonez on the 15-day disabled list Sunday afternoon following a spasm suffered in his right oblique and lat muscle the night before.

An Interview with Darrell Rasner  —  Following my interview with agent Matt Sosnick, I asked Matt if it would be OK to interview one of his players.  Being in New York and sucker for the low-down from one of the less-heralded players, I checked if the Yanks Darrell Rasner would be amenable.