The Rockies' Road to the Playoffs  —  With another extra-inning win, their second straight, the Rockies closed the Dodgers' National League West lead to just two games, the closest any NL West team has been to Los Angeles since April 24, coincidentally a day the Dodgers won at Coors Field.

Would You Have Asked?  —  The Yankees were staging a dramatic comeback against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night.  They scored four runs in the ninth inning to trim their deficit to 10-9, and they had runners on first and second with no outs.  Frank Francisco, the Rangers' closer, was aching to get an out.

OMAR KEEPS HURTIN' AMAZIN'S REP  —  FOR a little while, yesterday could have been classified as one of the finer days of the Mets' season.  —  SHERMAN ON TWITTER  —  Sure, Johan Santana needed surgery and all the Mets received for Billy Wagner were two players Boston considered non-prospects.

Livan signs deal, returns to Nationals  —  Right-hander pitched with franchise from 2003-06  —  CHICAGO — The Nationals signed right-hander Livan Hernandez to a Major League contract on Tuesday night, six days after the Mets gave the veteran his unconditional release.

Angels had interest in reliever Billy Wagner  —  General Manager Tony Reagins says he continues to explore waiver claims and trades.  But Angels could face Red Sox in the playoffs.  —  Former Mets reliever Billy Wagner went to the Red Sox on Tuesday as the Angels continue to look for bullpen help.

Stairs wants to return to Phillies in 2010  —  PITTSBURGH - Matt Stairs expressed two wishes yesterday, one obvious and the other newsworthy: to break out of an extended slump and return to the Phillies for one more season before retiring.  —  “I'll play one more year and I'm done,” …

Bradley: I face hatred on a daily basis  —  Milton Bradley said after Tuesday's loss he's “never” comfortable playing at Wrigley Field.  —  “It's hard to be comfortable when you don't get a hit and get booed every time,” he said.  “When I go home and look in the mirror, I like what I see.

Melvin not inclined to trade veterans  —  Milwaukee (61-64) vs. Cincinnati (53-71), 7:05 p.m. CT  —  MILWAUKEE — The metaphorical buzzards are starting to circle above Miller Park.  —  Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said he has been receiving calls from rival GMs interested …

Gardner on mend, aims for next week  —  Outfielder takes swings, throws to test injured left thumb  —  NEW YORK — Injured Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner tested his left thumb for the first time in nearly a month on Tuesday afternoon, and if all goes well, he could be activated in the next week.

New York Mets reliever Billy Wagner traded to the Boston Red Sox … Billy Wagner will pitch for the Red Sox this season, after all.  —  Wagner agreed to waive his no-trade clause in the final minutes before Tuesday's deadline and the fireballing left-handed reliever was traded from the Mets …

Marlins' callups will have experience  —  Skipper Gonzalez doesn't foresee bringing up someone new  —  MIAMI — Top prospects Mike Stanton and Matt Dominguez were named to Arizona Fall League rosters on Tuesday, but don't expect them to make their Major League debuts in September.

Nick Johnson finally placed on disabled list  —  First baseman Nick Johnson was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday retroactive to Aug. 17.  —  Johnson, who has not played since injuring his right hamstring Aug. 16 against Colorado, cut short a jogging session Tuesday after feeling pain in his leg.