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.

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 …

Smoltz, Cardinals reach a deal  —  LOS ANGELES — The Cardinals and free agent pitcher John Smoltz have reached agreement on a deal that will bring the former NL Cy Young Award winner to St. Louis as a potentially valuable swing man.  —  Smoltz, released by the Boston Red Sox on Monday …

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.

Beckett gets caught off guard  —  With Varitek sidelined, ace's routine is disrupted  —  In his worst outing since June, Josh Beckett allowed nine hits and seven runs over 5 1/3 uninspired innings.  (Mark Blinch/Reuters)  —  TORONTO - Josh Beckett is a man who relies on habits.

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.

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 …

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.

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 …

GARY DOESN'T EXPECT TO END YEAR WITH METS  —  THE Mets pulled Gary Sheffield off waivers last week when he was claimed by an unidentified team.  This means Sheffield cannot be traded for the remainder of the season.  He can be placed on waivers again, but this time, the Mets would not be able to negate a claim.

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 …

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” …