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.

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.

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.

Sources: Penny was claimed on waivers  —  According to multiple sources, pitcher Brad Penny was claimed off waivers earlier this month, and then subsequently pulled back by the Red Sox.  With the 48-hour window in which a deal could be worked out by the Red Sox and the claiming team already passed …

The Alex Gordon Problem  —  It wasn't that long ago, but Royals third baseman Alex Gordon used to be the next big thing.  In 2005, he won nearly every individual award handed out in college baseball, batting .372/.518/.715 during his junior year at Nebraska while showing enough athleticism to add 23 stolen bases in 26 attempts.

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 …

Riggleman's Future  —  I'm in Chicago right now.  I adore Chicago.  I love running along Lake Michigan in the mornings.  I love the food and the ballpark.  Also, my last name isn't Bartman, so it's a bit easier to feel okay about friendly citizens here.  —  The Nats begin their three-city …

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 …

THE SPOILING POINT  —  YANKS SO HOT, PROBLEMS MUST BE HUNTED DOWN  —  DURING the Yankees dynasty years, I once was doing a TV show in which we were talking calls.  One of the first people to phone in complained that he simply could not watch Luis Sojo any longer.  —  SHERMAN ON TWITTER

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.