Rivera takes place in history with No. 500  —  Yankees' closer just second player to hit saves milestone  —  NEW YORK — Another save?  You'd have to excuse Mariano Rivera if that particular milestone didn't boost his excitement level — after all, he's been there and done that, now 500 times and still counting.

Perfect time for Cubs to waive bye-bye to Carlos Zambrano  —  Carlos Zambrano covers his face as he listens to pitching coach Larry Rothschild.  (Nam Y Huh, Associated Press / June 28, 2009)  —  As Lou Piniella was saying on Friday, enough's enough.  —  Get Carlos Zambrano out of here, even if the Cubs have to give him away.

Pirates Notebook: Snell fans 17 for Indianapolis  —  Ian Snell found one good way to escape the “negativity:” Strike 'em all out.  —  In a superb return to Class AAA Indianapolis yesterday, he fanned 17 batters over seven innings, including his first 13 outs of a 2-1 victory against visiting Toledo.

Nationals activate Olsen for opener  —  Washington (22-51) at Florida (38-39), 7:10 p.m. ET  —  BALTIMORE — After Sunday's 5-3 win over the Orioles, the Nationals activated left-hander Scott Olsen from the 15-day disabled list and optioned right-hander Shairon Martis to Triple-A Syracuse.

Desperate Mets: Get us some help … Jerry Manuel keeps using terms like “tread water,” “survive” and “hold on.”  But even the Mets' manager admits that it soon may be time to make a trade.  —  “I think if we get below that (.500) mark and we continue to struggle offensively as we are …

Jimenez's improvements key vs. Dodgers  —  Colorado (40-35) at Los Angeles (48-28), 8:10 p.m. MT  —  OAKLAND — The Rockies are 1-8 against the Natonal League West-leading Dodgers this year.  But according to Rockies right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez, that was then.

O's sign top '09 Draft pick Hobgood  —  Righty inks Minor League deal with $2.42 million bonus  —  BALTIMORE — Matt Hobgood's professional journey is ready to begin.  The Orioles signed Hobgood, their first-round selection in this year's First-Year Player Draft and the Gatorade National Baseball Player …

Indians tradition: Summer garage sale  —  The Indians are becoming accomplished in maximizing the trade value of their assets during failed seasons.  That's the organizational upside and downside all in one unembraceable bottom line.  —  Better that lack of opportunity leaves Mark Shapiro less gifted in this means of roster building.

Quiet night for Manny with Inland Empire  —  Slugger goes 0-for-2, makes one putout in outfield  —  SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — While suspended Dodgers slugger Manny Ramirez provided plenty of fireworks during his first game as an Inland Empire 66er, the sizzle in his bat was absent on Sunday.

Once a future star, Darren Dreifort is left with scars  —  Former Dodgers pitcher, whose $55-million contract made him a target of fan frustration, is still feeling effects of injuries that derailed his promising career.  He just had his 22nd surgery.  —  Darren Dreifort plans to be there this week …