Johan scratched, to see doctor Tuesday  —  Ace has elbow pain; Francoeur tears thumb ligament  —  NEW YORK — Mets players said Monday they expect Johan Santana will require surgery on his left elbow to repair whatever malady has prompted the club to scratch the pitcher from his scheduled start against the Marlins in Miami on Tuesday.

Bosox continue offensive surge, whip Contreras, Chisox  —  BOSTON (AP) — Jose Contreras' (FSY) two-out error on a slow roller led to six runs in the third inning and the Boston Red Sox extended their offensive surge with a 12-8 win over the Chicago White Sox on Monday night.

Rox jolt Giants with slam in 14th  —  Spilborghs' blast delivers an improbable victory that adds to wild-card lead  —  These are the types of games you expect in October, not August.  —  For three straight days, the Rockies and Giants played as if there was bunting hanging from the rafters and frost on the grass.

Rich Harden's contract an off-season challenge for Chicago Cubs  —  Starter in line for long-term deal approaching $60 million  —  Rich Harden throws to the Marlins in the second inning.  (J Pat Carter, Associated Press / July 31, 2009)  —  While Carlos Zambrano takes the spotlight Tuesday night …

Angels' rally falls short against Tigers  —  Bats come alive late, but 10-run deficit is too much  —  ANAHEIM — The Angels nearly erased a 10-run deficit against the Tigers on Monday, but they fell short in a 10-7 loss at Angel Stadium.  —  Angels right-hander Jered Weaver was hit hard by Miguel Cabrera …

Dream World Series matchups, latest on Billy Wagner and notes … It's time now to start dreaming about the best possible World Series matchups.  Here are my favorites for this year.  —  The best matchups:  —  1. Yankees vs. Dodgers: Joe Torre vs. his old team.

As Matsui Slows Down, He Hopes to Stay Put  —  “Obviously, he's a pro,” Brian Cashman said of Hideki Matsui.  “He can swing the bat, there's no doubt about that.  Where it goes from here, who knows?”  —  BOSTON — The ice packs wrapped around Hideki Matsui's knees are as much a part …

Brewers Hammer Nats in the Sixth  —  As the Nationals have steadily shown improvement in the last month, questions slowly have been resolved.  Last week they locked up a permanent general manager and signed their No. 1 draft pick.  More broadly, they've learned that Adam Dunn can be an effective …

Colorado Rockies sign former A's, Yankees 1B Jason Giambi to minor league contract  —  DENVER — The Colorado Rockies have signed former AL MVP Jason Giambi to a minor league contract.  —  The 38-year-old Giambi will report to Triple-A Colorado Springs, hoping for a September call-up to help the Rockies with their pennant push.

Former Reds owner Williams dies at 93  —  Franchise's greatest success achieved under trailblazer  —  William J. Williams, a driving force in Cincinnati sports and a former owner of the Reds, passed away on Sunday night at 93.  —  Williams is also remembered as one of the Queen City's leading businessmen …

How the Yankees saved their season  —  Manager Joe Girardi gets tossed by first-base ump during June 24 game in Atlanta.  Many feel ejection was turning point in Yankees' season. … The night everything changed for the Yankees started out like any other night in what was rapidly turning into a lost season.

GIRARDI SAYS HE WON'T SPLIT UP A.J. AND POSADA  —  BOSTON — Despite communication problems between A.J. Burnett and Jorge Posada during the three most recent games they worked, Joe Girardi doesn't plan to split them on purpose.  —  “The way that I have caught Jorge and [Jose] …

Pettitte feels far from finished  —  BOSTON - Andy Pettitte says he hasn't started thinking about 2010 and the decisions that he will have to weigh when he is a free agent once again.  Too much baseball left to play this year, especially with the Yankees cruising toward a return to October.