Martinez is helping them to be victorious  —  CHICAGO - Victor Martinez is pretty much calling the games now, with an occasional glance at pitching coach John Farrell, a sign Martinez is getting comfortable with the Red Sox hurlers and at least planting the seed in the minds of the brass …

Beltran says he's ready . . . and waiting  —  For the second consecutive day,  —  Carlos Beltran asserted to all who asked that he is 100 percent healthy and ready to play on a major-league field.  And for the second straight day, he shrugged when asked when he'll be back in uniform for the Mets.

Derek Jeter's every hit as a Yankee has been seen and called by radio announcer John Sterling  —  TORONTO - Teammates, coaches and even managers have come and gone during Derek Jeter's career, each witnessing part of the shortstop's climb toward the top of the Yankees' all-time hits list.

No slowing down Bourn on basepaths  —  Houston (66-70) vs. Philadelphia (77-57), 1:05 p.m. CT  —  HOUSTON — Michael Bourn didn't come into this season looking to break the club record for stolen bases, and unless he goes wild in the final month, he's not going reach Gerald Young's club mark of 65 set in 1988.

Upton removed from series finale  —  Right fielder ended up with a single on ball hit to wall  —  DENVER — D-backs right fielder Justin Upton was removed from Sunday's series finale with the Rockies in the middle of the third inning for not running out a deep drive to center field in the top of the inning.

Pitcher Wade Davis dazzles in his major-league debut for the Tampa Bay Rays  —  Teammates congratulate Wade Davis after the seventh, which was his final inning.  He left with the lead but got a no-decision.  —  Times]  —  ST. PETERSBURG — Manager Joe Maddon said RHP Wade Davis' dazzling …

Mets batting leaders Gary Sheffield, Carlos Delgado doubtful to return this season  —  Any Met fans still holding their breath to see Gary Sheffield or Carlos Delgado back in the middle of the lineup should stop.  Jerry Manuel is doubtful either injured slugger will play again this season.

Against AL East Powers, Orioles Are Taking the ‘Only Way’  —  BALTIMORE Standing by the batting cage in Camden Yards last week, New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter told Orioles Manager Dave Trembley, “You have some really nice young players.  And they play hard, too.”  —  Trembley beamed, and said, “Thank you.”

La Russa not worried after Cards' loss  —  SEPT. 6, 2009 — Cardinals outfielder Rick Ankiel returns to the dugout after hitting a solo home run off Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Jesse Chavez in the ninth inning of a game in Pittsburgh.  The Pirates won 6-5.  (AP)  —  ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

Ohlendorf Making '08 Trade Look Like a Steal  —  PITTSBURGH - Ross Ohlendorf has had a breakthrough season for the Pittsburgh Pirates, going 11-9 with a 3.97 E.R.A. for a last-place team.  But he is also Princeton graduate with an off-season ranching business and a relentlessly curious mind.

Dodgers getting plenty out of Belliard  —  LA's new infielder seeing more action than anticipated  —  LOS ANGELES — When the Dodgers acquired Ronnie Belliard from the Washington Nationals, Joe Torre knew he'd find ways to get his new infielder into the lineup.

Mariners' Suzuki gets 2,000th hit  —  Buzz up!  —  took Gio Gonzalez's  —  first offering for a ball.  He drilled the second pitch down the right field line for a double and his 2,000th career hit.  —  The Mariners' outfielder, who accumulated 1,278 hits in Japan …