Sox fired two in steroids case  —  MLB started inquiry last fall after one Fenway guard named another as his steroids supplier; no players implicated  —  Left: Nicholas Alex Cyr was fired from his job as a security employee for the Boston Red Sox.  Right: A photo of Jared Remy, posted on his girlfriend's Facebook page.

Beckett gets league-leading 13th win as Red Sox blank O's  —  BALTIMORE (AP) — Two batters into the game, Dustin Pedroia (FSY) homered and thousands of red-clad fans roared.  —  The way Josh Beckett (FSY) ended up pitching, that would be enough offense to assure the Boston Red Sox another victory over the Baltimore Orioles.

At end of day, no Halladay  —  Teams not willing to meet Jays' price  —  Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi was still recovering from the 300 text messages, 150 e-mails, countless telephone calls, and erroneous media reports, but he was most disappointed that one of the 10 teams …

Surging Bannister flattered by attention  —  Kansas City (40-63) at Tampa Bay (57-47), 12:38 p.m. CT  —  ST. PETERSBURG — On the Royals' first day at Tropicana Field, pitcher Brian Bannister spent a considerable amount of time videotaping a special segment with broadcaster Joel Goldberg.

Royals DFA Sidney Ponson  —  Like so many before them, the Royals have designated starter Sidney Ponson for assignment, says Bob Dutton at the Kansas City Star via Twitter.  He'll make room for the incoming Kyle Davies.  Sir Sid put up a sparkling 7.36 ERA and 32/25 K/BB ratio in 58.2 innings for the Royals this season.

Jake Peavy can't wait to take mound for Chicago White Sox  —  Hopes to be with team last week in August after ankle heals  —  Jake Peavy is introduced by White Sox general manager Kenny Williams.  (Nuccio DiNuzzo, Chicago Tribune / August 1, 2009)  —  Jake Peavy has a reputation as a front-line …

Jimenez, bats power Rockies to win  —  CINCINNATI — Three hours before game time, the rituals commence.  They begin taping their wrists, applying the eye black, and meticulously preparing their weapons.  —  It seems like a scene from “Braveheart.”  It takes a brave heart to face the Rockies' hitters on nights like Saturday.

New York Mets Carlos Beltran takes batting practice, bruise not healed  —  NEW YORK — Carlos Beltran took early batting practice on the field Saturday, an encouraging sign for the New York Mets' center fielder as he tries to return from a bone bruise on his right knee.  —  Beltran

Chicago bats blast by Yanks  —  Scott Podsednik and Gordon Beckham had four RBI apiece and the White Sox finished with 17 hits yesterday in a 14-4 rout of the New York Yankees in Chicago.  —  In beating New York for the third straight game, the White Sox scored six times in the second …

Orlando Cabrera gets to Minnesota Twins in time to bat second  —  MINNEAPOLIS — Orlando Cabrera had a busy first day in Minnesota.  —  Cabrera  —  Acquired from Oakland for prospect Tyler Ladendorf on Friday, Cabrera arrived just in time to take batting practice Saturday …

Three home runs mark history for Pirates' McCutchen  —  Becomes 10th with franchise to achieve that, in 11-6 rout of Nationals  —  It is not enough to say that Andrew McCutchen had one of the great offensive performances in the Pirates' 123-year history last night, hammering three home runs …

Padres part ways with oft-injured Prior  —  Once-dominant right-hander plagued by shoulder issues  —  SAN DIEGO — The Padres are cutting their ties with pitcher Mark Prior, who was trying to get back to the Major Leagues following two significant shoulder surgeries in the last three years.

Holliday powers Cards past Astros  —  ST. LOUIS (AP) — Matt Holliday hit two solo homers, Chris Carpenter tossed an eight-hitter for his second complete game of the season and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Houston Astros 3-1 on Saturday night.  —  Holliday connected on the first pitch …

Dodgers fall short against Derek Lowe and Braves  —  The Dodgers score three runs off their former ace, but are shutdown by the Braves' bullpen.  —  Reporting from Atlanta - A few inches here, a few inches there and the day could have turned out much differently for the Dodgers …

Yankees Still Hunting For Starters?  —  After a drubbing to Sergio Mitre last night, Yankees skipper Joe Girardi admitted that the team is hurting for depth at the back end of their rotation, reports Marc Carig at the Newark Star-Ledger: … The Yankees weren't able to make a move for pitching …