Lobel: Manny fined — and wasn't happy about it  —  Editor's note: The Globe's Gordon Edes reported Friday afternoon that, according to industry sources, Ramirez's fine was in the $10,000-$15,000 range, not in the hundreds of thousands.  —  According to former WBZ sports director Bob Lobel …

Liriano's agent wants union investigation of Twins  —  MINNEAPOLIS — The agent for Minnesota pitcher Francisco Liriano is asking the players' union to investigate why the Twins have yet to call him up from Triple-A Rochester.  —  Greg Genske says his client is frustrated because he has pitched …

Yankees reportedly sign Sexson  —  Slugger provides power against left-handed pitching  —  NEW YORK — Looking to add some thump to their lineup against left-handed pitching, the Yankees have added slugger Richie Sexson for the remainder of the season, according to multiple reports.

Marlins left-hander Andrew Miller sidelined by knee tendinitis  —  MIAMI GARDENS — The Marlins overcame injuries to go into the All-Star break just 112 games out of first place in the National League East.  But if they hope to reach the playoffs, they'll have to overcome more injuries.

Jays fans fight to keep the ‘Beer Guy’ in the game  —  Never mind the peanuts and crackerjacks.  Toronto Blue Jays fans want their favourite beer guy back.  —  Wayne McMahon, a 61-year-old beer vendor known for his trademark beer holler, was fired July 8 and since then, fans have turned to the web to fight for his reinstatement.

Prospect Hot Sheet: July 18  —  The A's were in the news a lot this week because of the Rich Harden trade.  But as we started to put together the Hot Sheet for this week, we realized that the club deserves to be in the spotlight for another reason.  If you look at this week's list …

Cook's star turn still the rage  —  Even as the Rockies juggle to put together a starting rotation for their last 65 games, the clubhouse was buzzing about ace Aaron Cook's three-inning performance in Tuesday's All-Star Game.  —  “I was jumping up and down,” Jeff Francis said.

Blalock reclaims third-base job  —  With Davis entrenched at first, veteran returns to hot corner  —  MINNEAPOLIS — It took some managerial pleading, but Hank Blalock is switching positions.  Again.  And this time he is headed back to a place that he never technically vacated.

Reyes' new ink  —  Some of you watching the game might notice an addition to Jose Reyes.  The Mets shortstop got a new tattoo over the All-Star break.  —  Reyes had a spiderweb tattooed on his left elbow on Monday.  He said it took about an hour and 20 minutes and it was very painful.

Injury update: Team doc says surgery for Pagan  —  Team doctor David Altchek has recommended surgery for Angel Pagan to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder.  Pagan will seek a second opinion in Los Angeles from Lewis Yocum.  —  The expectation is that if he undergoes surgery by Sept. 1, he'd be ready for spring training.

Church, Pagan to remain on shelf  —  Neither outfielder expected to be ready for Phillies series  —  CINCINNATI — The Mets' hopes to move closer to full strength before they engage the Phillies next week have been dashed.  Neither Ryan Church nor Angel Pagan is expected to return …

Whose idea was “The Mexicutioner?”  —  You've seen Joakim Soria's new nickname, “The Mexicutioner,” in Royals game stories, heard it on radio, and lately it has been spotted on increasingly popular T-shirts.  —  Bob Dutton, Royals beat writer for The Star, says the nickname didn't start with him.

Can Billy Wagner Close a Big Game?  —  It is not surprising that Billy Wagner pitched a 1-2-3 ninth to save New York's 10-8 victory over Cincinnati Thursday night.  After all, since coming to the Mets, Wagner has been one of the most automatic closers in baseball, converting 87 percent of his save opportunities.

Wagner making a statement to Phillies  —  New York (52-44) at Cincinnati (46-51), Friday, 7:10 p.m. ET  —  CINCINNATI — The first part of Billy Wagner's latest proclamation clearly was directed at the Phillies.  —  “We've got their attention,” Wagner said.  —  A challenge masquerading as an observation is what it was.

He's back with a bang  —  Ortiz hits a homer in Pawtucket rehab  —  David Ortiz may have been feeling bottled up before the game by all those autograph requests in milk containers.  (Barry Chin/Globe Staff)  —  PAWTUCKET, R.I. - The sellout crowd brayed a mighty, encouraging “Papi!  Papi!

El Duque exits rehab start early  —  Hurler lasts just one inning for Double-A Binghamton  —  CINCINNATI — The Mets have never counted on a return by Orlando Hernandez, and with good reason.  Now — again — his physical condition is as much an uncertainty as his age.