Yankees sign Eric Milton to minor-league deal  —  Gernal manager Brian Cashman confirmed the Yankees have signed lefty Eric Milton to a minor-league contract.  —  Milton, who turns 33 next month, is still recovering from “Tommy John” surgery.  He threw on flat ground today in Tampa, Fla. …

Halladay's 2-hitter lifts Jays by Yanks  —  TORONTO (AP)—When it comes to Roy Halladay, Derek Jeter has seen enough.  The New York Yankees shortstop considers his American League East rival to be the game's best starter.  —  Halladay threw a two-hitter and Matt Stairs and Rod Barajas homered …

Sources: Nats GM, assistant under investigation … Federal authorities and Major League Baseball are investigating Washington Nationals general manager Jim Bowden and special assistant Jose Rijo for their possible roles in a growing financial scandal involving the signing of players …

Diamondbacks, Cardinals lead pursuit of Pittsburgh's Bay … The Diamondbacks and Cardinals are among the most ardent pursuers of Pirates star outfielder Jason Bay, SI.com has learned.  —  The Mets and Rays, who also seek an outfielder, are among other teams thought to have checked in with the Pirates.

Record columnist hurt in baseball game  —  Bob Klapisch has pitched for the Hackensack Troasts since 1989 and the Morris Mariners since 1996.  —  Klapisch was pitching in relief for the Morris Mariners at a Parsippany baseball field when a ground ball took an errant hop and caught …

Church: New tests ‘went very well’  —  Ryan Church had tests in Cleveland during the past few days, and the results were encouraging enough that the outfielder and the Mets are cautiously optimistic that he'll be able to return to the team, Newsday has learned.

Fired O's scout tied to betting probe … Veteran scout Alan Marr was fired by the Baltimore Orioles earlier this month after Major League Baseball's newly formed investigative unit tied his name to sports betting, sources with knowledge of the investigation told SI.com.

Top 100 Prospects Update  —  With three months of the season expired, we have a pretty good idea what the top quarter of the Top 100 Prospects list would look like.  To qualify for this list, a player must be rookie-eligible; he must to be in the minor leagues at the time of the Futures Game …

Mariners activate RHP Hernandez from DL  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)—Seattle ace Felix Hernandez was activated from the 15-day disabled list Friday to start against the Kansas City Royals.  —  Hernandez sprained his left ankle covering home plate on a wild pitch in the Mariners' 5-2 win over the New York Mets on June 23.

Peter King: Don't expect Packers to release Favre … NEW YORK — The fact Brett Favre asked for his release from the Packers is not a surprise.  What would be a huge surprise is if the Packers granted Favre his wish.  —  The reason the Packers will not give Favre his freedom is simple.

postGame: Mets 2 Rockies 1  —  The Mets (49-44) defeated the Rockies (39-55) by the score or 2 to 1 in Shea Stadium.  —  The Mets have won seven games in a row, their longest winning streak since 2006.  —  For a recap, boxscore, stats, etc., go to SNY.tv.

Newcomers Gallagher, Murton lead A's  —  OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - Most of Sean Gallagher's belongings remain in boxes and the right-hander is trying to learn the names and faces of his new teammates.  He still managed to make a good first impression Friday night.

Can Mets manager Manuel earn himself extension?  —  Jerry Manuel was the Mets' interim manager for exactly three days when he joked with reporters about getting a three-year extension.  Almost a month later, that's not such a ridiculous idea.  Based on his immediate success in reviving …