Breaking news: Drew has herniated disc in back  —  TORONTO — The Red Sox received an unpleasant surprise Friday afternoon when they learned outfielder J.D. Drew is suffering from a herniated disc in his back.  —  Drew has suffered from chronic back pain throughout his career and had a flareup …

Santana, Mets continue surge  —  Johan Santana again answered the call for Mets starting pitchers to go deep into games - even if it was opponent Roy Oswalt who received credit for the complete game.  —  Santana contributed seven scoreless innings while tossing a career-high 121 pitches.

Braves ink Lopez to Minor League deal  —  Veteran right-handed pitcher coming off elbow surgery  —  ST. LOUIS — After watching him complete a bullpen session on Friday, the Braves opted to take a gamble on Rodrigo Lopez and his surgically repaired right elbow.

Nats GM in trouble, Rox on the block, pitchers who'll get paid … Embattled Nationals general manager Jim Bowden still appears to have the support of his bosses, who blame others for problems that have beset Bowden and the club in recent days, according to people who have spoken to the leadership of the last-place club.

Gordon, Mahay headed to DL  —  Teahen will play third base; Davies called up from Triple-A  —  KANSAS CITY — Royals third baseman Alex Gordon is expected to be out for a number of weeks and is headed for the disabled list.  —  Manager Trey Hillman said that Gordon has a torn muscle in his right leg.

News, notes and lineups  —  TORONTO - J.D. Drew is currently at a local hospital undergoing an MRI on his back.  —  Drew was originally in the Sox lineup, but his back, according to Sox manager Terry Francona, has gotten progressively worse as the day progressed.

Cubs won't take struggling Nats lightly  —  Chicago (78-49) vs. Washington (45-83), Friday, 1:20 p.m. CT  —  CHICAGO — For the Cubs, the playoff chase is heating up.  September is on the horizon, and October is coming into focus.  For their opponents, April can't come fast enough.

Pavano to Start Saturday and Restart His Career  —  TORONTO — On June 27, 2005, Carl Pavano boarded a train with his bags and his golf clubs and stepped out at Penn Station in Baltimore.  He pitched for the Yankees that night, taking his turn in the rotation for the 17th time that season.

Wainwright returns  —  Righthander Adam Wainwright makes his first big-league appearance in 2 ½ months tonight when he opposes the Atlanta Braves at Busch Stadium.  Wainwright has been out with a ruptured pulley in his right middle finger.  —  “It's not realistic for him to be the Wainwright …

Marlins' Ramirez not sure when he can return … SAN FRANCISCO — Hanley Ramirez tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep Wednesday night because he was worried.  —  The reason?  —  “I knew right away I couldn't play [Thursday],” Ramirez said Thursday, one day after injuring his right thumb while stealing second base.

Jays obtain insurance in Bautista  —  The Jays yesterday obtained third baseman Jose Bautista from the Pirates for a player to be named later.  The club claimed Bautista on waivers, then negotiated with the Bucs for a suitable minor-leaguer to be sent back later.

Yankees to play NL East in 2009  —  The Yankees next year are scheduled to face the entire National League East in interleague play.  —  According to a major-league official who has seen the proposed 2009 schedule but asked not to be named because it is not yet finalized …

Foto Friday #8: New York's Cup Runneth Over  —  As a segue to Bob Timmermann's guest column yesterday on “The World of Catcher's Interference,” we bring you Foto Friday #8.  —  Nope, that's not a gas mask, folks.  That's a holy cup, so to speak.  —  Your mission, should you choose to accept it …

Twins Interested In Guardado  —  By Tim Dierkes [August 22 at 1:29pm CST]  —  Everyday Eddie Guardado, a Twins mainstay for a decade, has apparently been placed on waivers by the Rangers.  Joe Christensen says the Twins are interested and will probably make a claim, but don't expect to make a deal.

The Ultimate Fantasy Draft (Part 2)  —  This is Part 2 of yesterday's Lies, Damned Lies: The Ultimate Fantasy Draft, which included players ranked from number 26 through 50, as well as honorable mentions.  —  Welcome, ladies and gents, to the third annual Baseball Prospectus Ultimate Fantasy Draft.