Los Angeles Dodgers sign Vicente Padilla for rotation  —  With right-hander Hiroki Kuroda's future uncertain, the Dodgers have reversed course and agreed to a minor league contract with Vicente Padilla.  —  Padilla is expected to make at least one minor league start for the Dodgers before joining the big league rotation.

Brewers trade underperforming Hall to Mariners  —  The Seattle Mariners acquired Bill Hall from the Milwaukee Brewers today in exchange for minor league pitcher Ruben Flores, SI.com has learned.  A source said that the Brewers will pay the remainder of Hall's $6.8 million salary for this season …

Cardinals, Smoltz reach deal  —  ST. LOUIS — John Smoltz agreed to a deal with the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday, giving the 42-year-old former ace a chance to rejuvenate his career in the middle of a pennant race.  —  Smoltz joined the NL Central leaders shortly after he cleared waivers, following his release by Boston.

Source: Mets looking to unload Wagner  —  If Billy Wagner's return to New York this weekend is nothing more than a glorified audition, the Mets are already pushing the paperwork that will enable them to trade him.  —  According to a major league source, the Mets placed Wagner on trade waivers Wednesday.

Nats to name Rizzo GM on Thursday  —  Announcement expected to be made at news conference  —  WASHINGTON — The Nationals will officially promote Mike Rizzo to general manager at a news conference on Thursday at Nationals Park, according to a baseball source, who said the Nationals …

Red-hot Yanks trio up for Aaron Award  —  Cano, Jeter, Teixeira finalists to be Bombers' nominee  —  The Yankees have looked to Robinson Cano, Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira to help lead their potent offense all season, and now the trio of pinstriped sluggers have been nominated for the prestigious Hank Aaron Award.

No discounting Varitek's value  —  TORONTO — If nothing else, the Red Sox [team stats] need Jason Varitek [stats] just to catch Josh Beckett [stats].  —  The Red Sox captain was a late scratch last night, forcing Victor Martinez to move behind the plate to catch Beckett for the first time.

Lee has another stellar outing for Phillies  —  PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Cliff Lee (FSY) pitched a two-hitter, carrying a no-hit bid into the sixth inning, and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-1 Wednesday night.  —  Jayson Werth (FSY) hit a pair of solo homers, Ryan Howard …

Game 121: Yankees at Athletics (with Joba update)  —  YANKEES (75-45)  —  Pitching: RHP Chad Gaudin (1-0, 5.13).  —  ATHLETICS (53-66)  —  Kennedy 3B  —  Davis CF  —  Ellis 2B  —  Suzuki DH  —  Sweeney LF  —  Powell C  —  Cust RF  —  Everidge 1B  —  Pennington SS

Ian Kennedy expects to pitch in instructional league  —  By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS (CP) - 1 hour ago  —  TAMPA, Fla. — New York Yankees pitcher Ian Kennedy likely will pitch next month in the instructional league, his first game action since surgery May 12 to remove an aneurysm from beneath his right biceps.

One does it right, one does it wrong  —  Many of his teammates think he's goofy with some of the stuff he does, but if more were as dedicated and innovative as Adam Rosales the Cincinnati Reds might be better off.  Probably a whole lot better off.  —  While some are in the clubhouse laughing …

Selig: Nats ‘Did What They Had to Do’ to Sign Strasburg  —  Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig characterized the Nationals' signing of pitcher Stephen Strasburg as “fair,” though he appeared to do so grudgingly and acknowledged management's intention to pursue a hard “slotting” …

Hampton has tear in left rotator cuff  —  Injury discovered after Astros veteran has MRI  —  HOUSTON — Astros left-hander Mike Hampton, who was placed on the disabled Tuesday with a strained left shoulder, was diagnosed Wednesday with a significant partial thickness tear of his left rotator cuff …

Cubs avoid sweep, beat Padres 7-1  —  Harden sparkles as Cubs avoid sweep, but time still not on their side  —  SAN DIEGO — As disgruntled as Cubs fans seem to be over their highly paid, two-time division champion that is fighting to stay above .500, much less in the playoff hunt …

Twins again spoil Pudge's return to Rangers 5-4  —  ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Pardon the Minnesota Twins if they don't get all sentimental about Ivan Rodriguez's (FSY) return to the Texas Rangers.  —  GAME REPORT: Twins 5, Rangers 4  —  Denard Span (FSY) hit a tying double before sliding past Rodriguez …