Instant replay to begin in series starting Thursday  —  MLB Instant Replay To Start On Thursday  —  NEW YORK — Major League Baseball reversed its long-standing opposition to instant replay and will allow umpires to check video on home run calls in series that start Thursday.

DESPERATE TIMES IN THE BRONX  —  THE Yankees face their greatest rival and greatest fears over the next six days in The Bronx.  The first three games are against the Red Sox and three of the final four are against pitchers that simply own them.  —  That is why this sets up as much as a last stand as a homestand.

Red Sox acquire Kotsay from Braves  —  NEW YORK - The Boston Red Sox acquired outfielder Mark Kotsay from the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night pending a physical, according to a baseball source with knowledge of the deal.  The Braves will receive a minor-league pitcher in return.

Dodgers can't get it by Zimmerman, lose to Nationals  —  Washington's Emilio Bonifacio lands on the Dodgers' Russell Martin after throwing to first to complete a double play in the second inning Tuesday night in Washington.  The Nationals completed four double plays to help hold off the Dodgers, 2-1.

Fuentes on bereavement list; Register called up  —  Willy Taveras discussed the standings, and made a proclamation.  —  “We are still in the race,” said Taveras today as the Rockies play the San Francisco Giants while trailing the Arizona Diamondbacks by seven games in the National League West.

Morrow's first start for M's will be against Yankees  —  Brandon Morrow, who pitched Tuesday night for Triple-A Tacoma as part of the Mariners' quest to make him a starting pitcher, will get one more start early next week.  —  After that, the Mariners will be able to promote him thanks to roster expansion …

Brewers go up 4 1-2 on Cards, win 12-0  —  ST. LOUIS (AP)—Ben Sheets worked six scoreless innings and Ryan Braun was 3-for-5 with a two-run homer to help the Milwaukee Brewers beat the St. Louis Cardinals 12-0 on Tuesday night.  —  Prince Fielder had three hits and two RBIs for the Brewers …

Kenny Rogers placed on waivers, could be traded soon  —  His experience in postseason is a plus  —  If a trade involving Tigers left-hander Kenny Rogers is going to happen before the end of this season, it likely will occur within the next several days.  —  The deadline to set postseason rosters …

Lamb's bat won't be silent for long  —  Look for third baseman Mike Lamb, designated for assignment Monday by Minnesota, to land somewhere.  Lamb could be a good fit for a few National League contenders looking for a left-handed bat off the bench.  —  The Twins signed Lamb to a two-year …

Report: With Maine on DL, Mets may call up Niese  —  NEW YORK — With John Maine back on the disabled list with a sore shoulder, the New York Mets are reportedly eyeing their farm system for pitching help.  —  Newsday reported that the Mets are preparing to call up top pitching prospect Jon Niese …

Marlins face costly offseason with 18 players eligible for arbitration  —  When it comes to stretching a dollar, the Marlins are pretty much the kings of Major League Baseball.  —  Yet their vaunted front office will have trouble making all (or even most) of the pieces fit this winter.  —  Eighteen.

Fukudome still making progress  —  PITTSBURGH —Just like that, Kosuke Fukudome might be on his way back to becoming an every-day fixture in the Cubs' lineup.  —  And if manager Lou Piniella has his way, back to the No. 5 spot in the order.  —  Just one day after Piniella …