Webb will miss start vs. Dodgers  —  Diamondbacks ace Brandon Webb will miss his scheduled Saturday start against the Dodgers after arriving at the ballpark on Wednesday complaining of right shoulder stiffness.  —  Manager Bob Melvin said it's early enough in the season to be proactive …

Wagner to throw off mound Tuesday  —  Former closer hopes to be back with the Mets by August  —  CINCINNATI — While the Mets revel in the Opening Day performance of their revamped bullpen, the pitcher who was to have been their closer this season is preparing to take a significant step …

Uehara guides O's past Yankees  —  Orioles starter allows one run over five innings in MLB debut; Markakis goes 3-for-3 with a homer and 3 RBIs  —  Koji Uehara allowed one run over five innings in his major league debut, Nick Markakis went 3-for-3 with a homer and three RBIs …

Oakland claims Giese  —  This release from the Athletics:  —  The Oakland A's claimed right-handed pitcher Dan Giese off waivers from the New York Yankees and optioned him to Triple-A Sacramento, the club announced today.  To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, the A's designated right-handed pitcher Chris Schroder for assignment.

Joba offers a sober response  —  BALTIMORE - Joba Chamberlain may have taken some shots at New Yorkers after being pulled over for driving under the influence last October, but the pitcher admitted Wednesday that he wouldn't be a household name if not for the Big Apple.

Gallardo, Brewers best Big Unit in his Giants debut  —  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Yovani Gallardo pitched neatly into the seventh inning and also hit a three-run homer off Randy Johnson to spoil the Big Unit's debut with the San Francisco Giants, leading the Milwaukee Brewers to a 4-2 victory Wednesday night.

Only a Semi-Collapse as Mets Preserve a Victory  —  It was a performance all too reminiscent of their collapses the past two years, but the Mets' bullpen held on to preserve a 9-7 win Wednesday over the Cincinnati Reds.  —  Five relievers combined to allow three runs and plenty …

Rockies win series in Arizona  —  PHOENIX — Franklin Morales shuffled to the back door of the cramped Triple-A Las Vegas clubhouse last weekend, eager to talk.  A kid, who was often guarded and untrusting, eschewed a translator to explain why he was going to be “100 percent better” this season.

Pirates vs. Cardinals, 4-8-09: LaRoche out of lineup; Ford to miss Indy opener  —  ST. LOUIS — Zach Duke, who will start the home opener next week, makes his season debut today after a really good spring training in which he limited opponents to two or fewer runs in seven of his eight starts.

Long balls do in Litsch as Jays fall  —  Righty yields three homers; offense quiet in first loss of '09  —  TORONTO — Jesse Litsch ran off the mound in the fourth inning on Wednesday night, doing what he could to try to stop the baseball that was skipping up the middle of the field.

ID released of man who died after Angel Stadium attack  —  27-year-old involved in fight with 2 others just after end of Angels-Oakland A's game, officials say.  —  Recommend  —  ANAHEIM - A 27-year-old man died early today from injuries he suffered during an assault at Angel Stadium on opening day, authorities said.