Yankee's A-Rod, wife separated  —  Rocker Lenny Kravitz says it's not his fault A-Rod is out at home.  —  The “Let Love Rule” singer, in a statement released Thursday morning, said he's letting the Yankee slugger's estranged wife stay at his place in Paris - but simply as a friend.

Stinging Rays  —  Sox squander lead, are swept by Tampa Bay  —  Francona on sweep  —  Red Sox manager Terry Francona talks about Wednesday's loss to Tampa Bay that capped a three-game sweep by the Rays.  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - For three straight nights, it was easy to forget …

Nolasco turns in another solid outing  —  MIAMI GARDENS — Ricky Nolasco, the Marlins' newest ace, was watching Wednesday's game on a clubhouse TV when Alfredo Amezaga stepped to the plate after the 95-minute rain delay in the seventh.  —  “I'm just thinking, get a base hit, at least we can tie the game,” Nolasco said.

Braves mulling Francoeur move  —  Club hesitant to send popular outfielder to Minor Leagues  —  ATLANTA — Next Monday will mark the third anniversary of Jeff Francoeur's Major League debut.  All indications are that he'll still be in the Majors at that time.

Hal: Yankees' new-look future is bright  —  Steinbrenner discusses Stadium, finances and philosophy  —  TAMPA, Fla. — The All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium is fewer than two weeks away, but it will by no means be the last of the tributes that will be paid to the old Bronx yard on 161st Street …

Marlins to recall Tankersley  —  Team makes room for left-hander by optioning De La Cruz  —  DENVER — The Marlins will have a second left-handed reliever in their bullpen when they open their four-game series against the Rockies at Coors Field on Thursday night.

Martínez Fails in Early Going, and Bullpen Flounders Late  —  ST. LOUIS — Jerry Manuel was fielding questions about Pedro Martínez's recent struggles before Wednesday night's game when he looked up at a clock in his office.  Manuel, asked to gauge how far Martínez …

Backup role makes Torrealba available  —  The Rockies have told catcher Yorvit Torrealba they would be willing to listen to trade offers for him since he has lost his starting job to Chris Iannetta.  —  The problem is finding a match.  Torrealba, who has not demanded a deal …

Minus the Devil, the Rays could be nightmare for Red Sox and Yankees  —  The words of the prophet are written in black and white and scheduled to be preserved in the archives of the Tampa Tribune.  In the September 28, 2007 editions of that newspaper, Brian Cashman warned of a gathering American League East threat.

M's Cairo seeing double  —  Veteran makes the most of start at second with 3 RBIs  —  Maybe Jim Riggleman had a hunch.  —  Maybe the Mariners manager is just lucky.  —  Either way, he pushed a button Wednesday night that paid huge dividends.  —  Miguel Cairo, getting a one-game start …

O's Cabrera goes distance, tops KC again  —  BALTIMORE (AP)—Winless with a 7.06 ERA in June, Daniel Cabrera happily flipped the calendar with another dominant performance against the Kansas City Royals.  —  Cabrera pitched a seven-hitter to earn his first victory since May 20 …