Marlins Notebook: Struggling Uggla benched  —  PHOENIX — Second baseman Dan Uggla was blunt Sunday when asked how he prepares on days he's not in starting lineup.  —  “When you get benched?  Nothing,” he said.  “You just sit down, wear it.  Who knows?  At this point now, they're not days off.

Mets pen falters in 6-4 loss to Astros  —  The finish line, at least for the regular season, is Sept. 28.  That's less than five weeks away.  But at this rate, with the Mets already pushing to the point of exhaustion, the needle could be on empty before the division race is officially decided.

Maine wants to pitch but may have to be shut down  —  It's looking more and more as if John Maine's injured shoulder is going to give out before he voluntarily calls it quits for this season.  Maine was so determined to make Saturday's start against the Astros that he received a cortisone shot …

Mota has turned season around  —  I have to give reliever Guillermo Mota credit.  He has turned around his season with the Brewers.  —  In June and July, when no lead seemed safe with Mota on the mound, I admit no one was tougher on him than I was.  I even mentioned that he might get released …

Cantu addresses young Mexicans  —  PHOENIX - The Mexican Little Leaguers were a victory shy of bringing home the title, but countryman Jorge Cantu is no less proud of them.  —  Cantu spoke to the team before Sunday's 12-3 loss to Hawaii in the championship game.

Oh, my: Omar walks off a 12-inning hero  —  Omar Quintanilla is a 5-foot-9 utility infielder known for his nifty glove work and a quiet, workmanlike demeanor.  —  “Walk-off homer” was not listed on his resume.  —  Until Sunday, when he suddenly morphed into “Kid Dynamite.”

Naturals nudge Drillers for win  —  Northwest Arkansas took advantage of a couple of mistake pitches by Chaz Roe to strike early and hold on for a 3-1 victory over Tulsa on Sunday at Drillers Stadium.  —  Marc Maddox put the Naturals up 1-0 with a solo home run in the first, his fourth of the season.

60 seconds with Marlins veteran outfielder Luis Gonzalez  —  Joe Capozzi spoke with Marlins veteran outfielder Luis Gonzalez:  —  Tell me about your latest charity.  —  It's my wine charity through the Florida Marlins Community Foundation.  It's called Uncork for a Cause (uncorkforacause.com).

What's Wrong With Clay Buchholz?  —  Clay Buchholz has been quite a disappointment this year.  After throwing a no-hitter last September, Buchholz has posted a miserable 6.75 ERA in 76 innings this season, leaving many people wondering what went wrong.  Upon closer examination …