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.

Bowa happy to be back in Philadelphia  —  Dodgers third-base coach: 'I'll be remembered as a Phillie'  —  PHILADELPHIA — Dodgers third-base coach Larry Bowa has spent time with eight Major League organizations during his career, but as Los Angeles began a four-game series in Philadelphia on Friday night …

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.

Hosmer hits titanic homers in batting practice  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — After limping home from a 1-8 road trip, the punchless Kansas City Royals stepped onto the field at Kauffman Stadium and caught a glimpse of what they're so desperately lacking.  —  Time after time, 18-year-old Eric …

Padres give Hayhurst a shot vs. Giants  —  Minor Leaguer has ‘continued to impress,’ will debut Saturday  —  SAN FRANCISCO — In the eyes of Padres general manager Kevin Towers, pitcher Dirk Hayhurst, who will make his Major League debut Saturday, has gone from non-prospect to, at the very least, a suspect.

Brewers ponder September callups  —  With club in contention, prospects could provide depth  —  MILWAUKEE — The Brewers are already weighing options for Sept. 1 callups, but discussions won't intensify for at least a week, and general manager Doug Melvin would not tip his hand on Friday.

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.

DETROIT TIGERS BASEBALL  —  Tigers move Nate Robertson to bullpen  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Nate Robertson is going to the bullpen to find his slider, and attempt to regain the form that made him an effective starter.  Detroit manager Jim Leyland announced the move prior to Friday night's game.

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.