Mets 8, Nationals 6: Chris Carter Helps Power Mets' Six-Run Rally  —  During spring training, Mets Manager Jerry Manuel nicknamed Chris Carter the Animal because Carter arrived for work by 7 a.m. and displayed relentless desire.  —  On Tuesday, after being called up from Class AAA Buffalo, Carter showed up early at Citi Field.

Toronto/Philly announcement coming later today  —  In reality, Major League Baseball had little choice.  Some of the most powerful leaders in the world were going to be in Toronto the same weekend the Blue Jays were scheduled to host the Phillies, and the resulting secuirty complications were impossible to navigate.

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 …

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.

Pregame notes: Aceves out with bulging disc  —  Until yesterday, the Yankees were optimistic about Alfredo Aceves and his sore back.  Aceves said he felt much better, and manager Joe Girardi thought Aceves was a day or two away from returning to the bullpen.  —  Then Aceves tried to throw yesterday and he felt his back pinch.

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.

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.

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 …

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.

Darryl Strawberry bashes Oakland A's pitcher Dallas Braden for feud with Yankees star Alex Rodriguez  —  ALBANY - Former Mets and Yankees great Darryl Strawberry brushed back mouthy Oakland A's pitcher Dallas Braden - and his grandmother - for their cracks on Alex Rodriguez.

Citi Field's Garbage Problem  —  At game time Monday night, the wind at Citi Field blew at 19 miles per hour, strong but not as gusty as it was Saturday and Sunday, when it blew trash in swirls across the field.  —  But trash was evident in the first inning, and it forced the grounds crew …

Hillman is failing  —  Trey Hillman hasn't failed.  Not yet, not final, not past tense.  There is still hope.  —  But Hillman is failing.  Right now, in Kansas City's conversation and the present tense.  Hope is fading, and school's not even out.  —  The calls for Hillman's job …