Astros ink Erstad, Moehler to extensions  —  Players are signed through the 2009 season  —  HOUSTON — Darin Erstad and Brian Moehler have both signed one-year contract extensions for the 2009 season, the Astros announced during Friday's game against the Cardinals.

Chamberlain says he's ready to rejoin Yankees  —  NEW YORK (AP) — Joba Chamberlain breezed through 35 pitches while facing batters in a simulated game Saturday, saying he's ready to rejoin the Yankees for the stretch run.  —  “The biggest hurdle is just getting over the fact …

Arizona hands Dodgers eighth loss in row  —  PHOENIX (AP)—The Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers limped into their big series after being embarrassed by last-place teams, neither club showing they have what it takes to assume control of the NL West.

Mets ride Beltran's slam to big win  —  Bases-loaded blast caps ninth-inning comeback for Amazins  —  MIAMI — Mere seconds were all the ball needed to clear Dolphin Stadium's right-field fence, slicing through hours of frustration just as effortlessly as it cut through the sticky South Florida air.

Pavano shines as Yankees shut down Blue Jays  —  NEW YORK — Carl Pavano said he didn't hear the cheers when he walked off the mound after striking out Alex Rios, the years of fan animosity seemingly turned to adulation in just six short innings.  —  He did hear Joe Girardi, though, when the Yankees manager made a request.

O's recall Salazar from Norfolk  —  Liz optioned but will return for Tuesday start at Boston, team says; Mora avoids DL but will rest strained hamstring  —  Baltimoresun.com staff and wire reports  —  The Orioles announced today that they have recalled infielder Oscar Salazar from Triple …

Alvarez deadlock affects Hosmer, Royals  —  Royals fans were alarmed on Thursday night when first round pick Eric Hosmer, who made his professional debut on Monday, was absent from the Idaho Falls Chukars lineup.  There was speculation that Hosmer's absence was related to the recent contract impasse between …

Numbers adding up for Angels  —  The Angels' Garret Anderson, center, is congratulated at home plate by Mark Teixeira, left, as Chone Figgins looks on after Anderson hit a two-run home run off Texas' Dustin Nippert during the sixth inning Friday night at Angel Stadium.  The Angels won, 3-1.

Rays secure first winning season  —  Zobrist hits first career grand slam in commanding win  —  ST. PETERSBURG — After a decade of unrealized hopes in Tampa Bay, it was only fitting that the game that secured the Rays' first winning season in franchise history would be decided by the bats swung …

White Sox stopped cold by Dice-K  —  Offense collects just two hits; Vazquez knocked around in loss  —  BOSTON — There's an old baseball adage that states out of a 162-game schedule, a team wins 60 games and loses 60 games.  But it's how said team does with the remaining 42 that decides where the squad finishes.

Soriano's HR helps Cubs run streak to 7  —  CHICAGO (AP)—The Philadelphia Phillies may have benefited from an instant replay in the seventh inning.  Too bad the rule only is in effect for home run calls.  —  Ryan Howard was called out on a close play at first, thwarting a rally that helped …