Francisco Rodriguez and Mets bullpen coach Randy Niemann get into heated discussion in series finale  —  Francisco Rodriguez apparently was plenty warmed up by the time he got into Sunday night's Subway Series finale in the ninth inning against the Yankees - K-Rod and bullpen coach Randy Niemann had …

Los Angeles Dodgers place George Sherrill on DL, activate Rafael Furcal  —  CHICAGO — The Los Angeles Dodgers will go with an 11-man pitching staff for at least a few days after placing struggling reliever George Sherrill on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with what was termed a mid-back strain.

ELLSBURY HEADED BACK TO CENTER  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Following the Red Sox' 6-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays, Jacoby Ellsbury confirmed what was learned by WEEI.com earlier Monday night — that he is slated to be manning center field on a regular basis for the Sox, even with the return of Mike Cameron from the 15-day disabled list.

Season could be last for Chicago White Sox's Omar Vizquel  —  CLEVELAND — Chicago White Sox shortstop Omar Vizquel, an 11-time Gold Glove winner, said Tuesday night that he will probably retire following this season.  —  “I'm not sure if I'm really going to do it,” he said after the 7-3 loss to the Cleveland Indians.

Rockies recall catcher Iannetta after successful Sky Sox stint  —  Catcher Chris Iannetta will rejoin the Rockies today after a month-long stint at Triple-A Colorado Springs.  —  As general manager Dan O'Dowd indicated Monday, Iannetta did everything the team asked after his demotion.

Yankees starter A.J. Burnett credits acupuncture with helping him stay healthy … NEW YORK — Brian Cashman had to be sure.  —  The Yankees general manager heard the reports out of Toronto, the ones that said that A.J. Burnett had been reformed.  Gone was the pitcher who leaned on raw talent …

PIRATES OUTLAST REDS IN PITCHING DUEL  —  The Sports Network  —  Cincinnati, OH (Sports Network) - Ryan Doumit cracked a two-out solo home run in the ninth to decide a well-pitched game on both sides, as the Pirates edged Cincinnati, 2-1, at Great American Ball Park.

BREWERS DOWN ASTROS IN BATTLE OF NL CENTRAL'S LESSER LIGHTS  —  The Sports Network  —  Milwaukee, WI (Sports Network) - Ryan Braun and Rickie Weeks both clubbed two- run homers, helping the Milwaukee Brewers snap an eight-game home losing streak with a 6-1 win over Houston in the opener of a three-game series at Miller Park.

Troncoso finds flaw in delivery  —  CHICAGO — Ramon Troncoso thinks he's figured out why he's allowed three home runs in his past two appearances, with his ERA jumping from 3.48 to 5.06.  —  “I was watching videos of last year, and I see that sometimes I lean too fast,” said Troncoso.

Where will Astros' ace Oswalt end up?  —  Astros righthander Roy Oswalt wants to pitch in another World Series before he retires.  —  To that end, he has asked the Astros to consider trading him to a contender.  —  He is owed $31 million in salary through 2011, when his contract expires.

Does Derek Jeter Have Anything Left?  —  Even the most devoted fans of the Yankees and their star shortstop Derek Jeter likely recognized that 2009 was a special year for the Yankee captain.  Jeter's 2009 was probably the best season by a 35 year old shortstop in at least half a century.

GUTHRIE STRONG ON MOUND AS ORIOLES DOWN ATHLETICS  —  The Sports Network  —  Baltimore, MD (Sports Network) - Jeremy Guthrie pitched six solid innings to lead the Baltimore Orioles to a 5-1 win over the Oakland Athletics in the opener of a three-game series at Camden Yards.