Cabrera Designated For Assignment  —  Unable to find a place for him in their rotation or their bullpen, and unable to tolerate the idea of watching his continued struggles, the Washington Nationals on Tuesday designated Daniel Cabrera for assignment, cutting ties with the pitcher they signed in the offseason.

Yanks Lose Cabrera, and a Shot at First Place  —  ARLINGTON, Tex. — The Yankees had a chance to claim a share of first place in the American League East on Tuesday, a spot they have not held all season.  They got a poor start by Joba Chamberlain and lost center fielder Melky Cabrera …

Authorities trumpet massive steroids bust in Polk  —  LAKELAND - Deputies said they have plenty of evidence that Richard Thomas and his wife, Sandra, were big-time steroid dealers.  At a Tuesday night news conference announcing their arrest, Polk County sheriff's officials were surrounded by thousands of doses of anabolic steroids.

Yankees-Sox showdown ahead  —  Trying to call a division race in late May is the exercise of fools, not to mention professional suicide.  That disclaimer aside, who here gets the feeling this just isn't the Rays' year in the AL East?  —  Better question: why does it feel like this war …

Another defeat: Hurdle's last stand?  —  It was the type of moment that defines games, and, over time, frames a season.  It arrived in the fifth inning Tuesday night: Aaron Cook vs. Andre Ethier.  —  Ethier, setting the stage for Casey Blake, won with a walk.

X-rays negative on Braun's right wrist  —  Slugger leaves early on Tuesday, questionable for finale  —  MILWAUKEE — The Brewers were unsure of Ryan Braun's availability for Wednesday's series finale against St. Louis after the left fielder was struck on the right wrist by a pitch Tuesday night and left the game after four innings.

Padres could rebuild organization by trading star slugger Gonzalez … If the Padres really want to rebuild their team, opposing executives say a trade of Jake Peavy pales in comparison to a trade of Adrian Gonzalez.  The Padres don't like to use the “R” word in San Diego …

Smoltz: ‘My radar screen has Boston on it’  —  MANCHESTER, N.H. - After John Smoltz threw 60 pitches in 3 1/3 innings tonight in his second minor league rehab start, he set a crude timetable for his Red Sox debut: Three more minor league rehab starts, then join the Sox rotation.

Pujols top vote-getter for National League  —  Brewers lead at two positions, sit second at every other  —  First in the National League Central, second in the National League voting booth?  —  Two Brewers are leading at their positions, according to the first weekly update on balloting for the 2009 All-Star Game.

MLB Cuts Slots By 10 Percent  —  In a development first reported by Murray Chass, MLB commissioner Bud Selig said his office will reduce its recommendations for bonus slots by 10 percent.  Selig made the comments at an owners meeting last week in New York, and Baseball America has confirmed his plan with multiple sources.

Cubs call up Jake Fox and two others, send down Bobby Scales and Neal Cotts, put Aaron Miles on DL  —  In a shakeup of their roster, the Cubs made three moves today to help their lineup and their pen.  —  Jake Fox, who is hitting .423 with 17 home runs and 50 runs batted in for Triple-A Iowa over 40 games, was called up.

Baltimore Orioles poised to call up prospect Matt Wieters on Friday  —  BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Orioles are readying the welcome mat for their much-talked-about prized prospect.  —  Catcher Matt Wieters will be recalled by Baltimore on Friday and make his major league debut at home that night against the Detroit Tigers.

Cards wary of bad news  —  MILWAUKEE — The Cardinals are preparing a search for a righthanded-hitting third baseman or outfielder given what they expect to be a pessimistic report about third baseman Troy Glaus.  —  General manager John Mozeliak admitted Tuesday that a “gut feeling” …

Astros short on infielders with two hurt  —  Houston (18-26) at Cincinnati (25-20), 6:10 p.m. CT  —  CINCINNATI — The last time Jason Smith was designated for assignment, he stayed put in Houston, instead of heading to Triple-A Round Rock.  Smith had been told there was a chance he might be needed again.

Dodgers halt Schmidt's rehab assignment  —  Righty has shoulder irritation; Furcal sits out vs. Rockies  —  DENVER — Dodgers manager Joe Torre announced on Tuesday that the organization stopped Jason Schmidt's rehab assignment at Triple-A Albuquerque because of right shoulder irritation.

The Latin Talent Market  —  Back Bearing Fruit  —  I'm back from the Dominican and I come bearing gifts: full scouting reports, on-the-ground buzz, first-hand accounts of top prospects, and the videos to prove it.  I've got way more than I can fit in one article, but I'll try to cram as much as I can into this space.