Braves demote Francoeur to Class AA Mississippi  —  ‘I do not agree with this,’ struggling outfielder says  —  The Braves have sent struggling right fielder Jeff Francoeur to AA Mississippi, and the homegrown talent is not happy about it.  —  “This has really put a damper on my relationship …

Game 87: Red Sox at Yankees  —  RED SOX (51-37)  —  Josh Beckett (7-5, 3.65) vs. the Yankee hitters.  —  Darrell Rasner (4-6, 4.42) has never faced any of the Red Sox hitters.  —  Notes: Happy Fourth of July everybody.  Hope you enjoy some time with your friends and family along with the baseball.

Borowski designated for assignment  —  Indians to go with closer-by-committee in wake of decision  —  CLEVELAND — The Joe Borowski era has ended for the Indians.  —  Looking to repair their battered bullpen and get a better read on what the future holds, the Indians designated the veteran Borowski for assignment on Friday.

Uggla could return during trip  —  DENVER — Injured second baseman Dan Uggla hit in the batting cage and did some light jogging before Thursday's game at Coors Field and felt fine afterward.  —  “I've obviously been really, really anxious to do something,” said Uggla, who sprained his left ankle against Arizona on Saturday.

Forget the Hardy rumor  —  A reliable source just told me I could forget the rumors that shortstop J.J. Hardy would be included in a deal for C.C. Sabathia.  Just thought I'd throw that out there before too many people freaked out.  —  These trade rumors get so nutty.

SKIDDING METS A REAL FIGHT CLUB  —  HERNANDEZ, REYES NEARLY COME TO BLOWS ON PLANE  —  ST. LOUIS - Jose Reyes and Keith Hernandez had to be separated on the Mets' charter plane Sunday night after a tense confrontation over Hernandez's critical comments about the All-Star shortstop.

Helton's back forces him to take time off  —  Late Wednesday night, Todd Helton moved gingerly through the Rockies clubhouse.  It was clear his problematic lower back was acting up.  —  “It's just worse than usual,” Helton said.  —  In an unusual move, Helton left Wednesday's game before the eighth inning.

Ibanez homers, Bedard goes 5 in M's win  —  SEATTLE (AP)—Raul Ibanez clanged a solo home run off the windows of a restaurant in right field and a pair of Seattle relievers helped finish what Erik Bedard started in the Mariners' 4-1 win over the Detroit Tigers on Friday.

As the trade deadline approaches...  Jim Bowden today offered a little insight into the team's strategy as the trading deadline approaches.  It's kind of a maverick strategy founded on a simple premise: This season is not worth salvaging ... in any way.  Bowden appears very willing to trade …

Griffey homers in Reds' blanking of Nationals  —  CINCINNATI - Ken Griffey Jr. hit a two-run drive for career homer No. 604 and Bronson Arroyo worked six innings, leading the Cincinnati Reds over the Washington Nationals 3-0 on Friday.  —  Griffey followed Jay Bruce's one-out double …

Brewers stunned in ninth by D-backs  —  Parra's gem spoiled as Arizona scores six times in last at-bat  —  PHOENIX — Judging by the silence in the Brewers clubhouse Thursday afternoon, no one had the right words to describe what had just happened.  —  Some guys tried.  —  “Incredible,” starter Manny Parra said.