Extra home games for Phillies upset New York Mets outfielder Jeff Francoeur, Ike Davis takes a dive  —  Perhaps you've been alerted to the fact that the Blue Jays' home series with the Phillies is being shifted from Toronto to Citizens Bank Park in Philly because of fears of violence due …

Francona: Back spasms for Beckett, won't start Friday  —  Josh Beckett had been scheduled to appear today at a private launch party for his new charity wine, Chardon-K.  —  Instead, he was having his balky back examined.  —  Beckett, the struggling Red Sox right-hander …

Griffey speaks to Iraqi teens in Baltimore  —  Kids are in the US as part of a sports and cultural exchange  —  BALTIMORE — Ken Griffey Jr. found himself in an unimaginable position Tuesday afternoon: center stage in a question-and-answer session with a group of baseball fans who knew nothing of his history or accomplishments.

Matsuzaka sparkles in 6-1 Boston win over Toronto  —  BOSTON—Daisuke Matsuzaka allowed three hits in seven innings and the Boston Red Sox capitalized on more wildness by Toronto Blue Jays pitchers for a 6-1 win Tuesday night.  —  Matsuzaka struck out nine and allowed just three runners …

MLB says Phillies have been warned  —  Tracy Ringolsby is a Hall of Fame baseball writer.  He is in his 35th year covering Major League Baseball, is a co-founder of Baseball America, and appears on pre- and postgame shows for Colorado Rockies games on FSN Rocky Mountain.  —  DENVER

Clock may be ticking on Blalock  —  If the Rays were considering Hank Blalock as a potential replacement for struggling DH Pat Burrell, they may have to decide soon.  —  Agent Scott Boras indicated Tuesday that Blalock would activate the out clause in his Triple-A contract within the next week …

Reds' Cueto 1-hits Bucs for 1st complete game  —  PITTSBURGH (AP) — A few more inches, and maybe the ball stays in Paul Janish 's glove.  A few more inches, and Johnny Cueto pitches one of the best games in Cincinnati Reds history.  —  Even if the Pittsburgh Pirates can't imagine him pitching much better.

Dodgers patient with Anderson in new role  —  Veteran working through struggles as pinch-hitter  —  PHOENIX — Garret Anderson is batting .122 and is 0-for-13 against left-handed pitching, but Dodgers management is sticking with him as he tries to reinvent himself as a pinch-hitter after a career as an everyday player.

LONGORIA LEADS TAMPA BAY OVER ANGELS IN ANAHEIM  —  The Sports Network  —  Anaheim, CA (Sports Network) - Evan Longoria slugged a three-run homer and finished with four RBI, as Tampa Bay halted its longest losing streak of the season at three games with a 7-2 win against the Angels.

DODGERS CLOBBER DIAMONDBACKS' BULLPEN IN ROUT  —  The Sports Network  —  Phoenix, AZ (Sports Network) - Russell Martin hit a three-run home run, and Ronnie Belliard added three RBI, as Los Angeles dominated Arizona, 13-3, in the second of a three-game set.

Mauer returns to Twins' lineup as catcher, not DH … MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Twins star Joe Mauer is in the lineup at catcher against the Chicago White Sox for the first time since injuring his heel on April 30.  —  The AL MVP missed eight games with a deep bruise in his left heel.

Carter can hit, but can he pinch-hit?  —  In the Citi Field locker that was his until last night, Frank Catalanotto kept a thick three-ring binder, crammed with lined paper detailing the habits of nearly every major league pitcher.  Catalanotto spent hours updating and studying that information …

Chipper no longer talking about retirement  —  MILWAUKEE - Those wondering what's going through Chipper Jones' head these days vis-à-vis the retirement possibility he mentioned last fall, well, you can stop wondering for the time being.  —  He said he's not thinking about walking away after the 2010 season.

Mets continue to flip over Ike's defense  —  First baseman ends big win with third dugout railing web gem  —  NEW YORK — The game giveth and taketh away, though rarely in so quick a turn.  So it was for Ike Davis on Tuesday night when he missed a grand slam by perhaps a foot …

Bourn suspended two games for ump bump  —  Astros center fielder made contact after out call on close play  —  Astros center fielder Michael Bourn was suspended by Major League Baseball on Tuesday for two games and fined for aggressive actions in Saturday's game against the Padres.

Morales placed on DL, Francis crisp in Tulsa  —  Franklin Morales hasn't shown consistent fastball command for two weeks.  And last night a reason emerged: shoulder inflammation.  Today, the weakness in the left shoulder caused the Rockies to place him on the DL.  Edgmer Escalona replaces him.

Where Could Alex Gordon Go?  —  Let's face it: if the Royals aren't going to give Alex Gordon a chance to play regularly when they are 11-21, 10 games out of first, and weeks shy of Memorial Day, he has fallen out of favor with the club.  After just 38 plate appearances, the Royals sent Gordon …