Royals tabbed to host '12 All-Star Game  —  Kansas City awarded first Midsummer Classic since 1973  —  KANSAS CITY — After years of waiting, the Major League All-Star Game is a reality for Kansas City and the Royals.  —  Commissioner Bud Selig announced late Wednesday afternoon that the 2012 …

Philadelphia Phillies speak to Pedro Martinez about possible comeback  —  NEW YORK — The Philadelphia Phillies have talked to Pedro Martinez and his agent about a possible comeback similar to last year, when the right-hander was a starting pitcher for the National League champions in August and into the postseason.

ORTIZ HOMERS AS RED SOX DOWN DIAMONDBACKS  —  The Sports Network  —  Boston, MA (Sports Network) - David Ortiz finished 2-for-4 with a two-run homer as Boston doubled up Arizona, 6-3, in the opener of a three-game interleague set from Fenway Park.  —  Dustin Pedroia collected two hits …

Russell's future with Pirates unclear  —  Fox Sports  —  The Pirates are holding internal discussions about the immediate future of manager John Russell, multiple major-league sources say.  —  While it is unclear whether Russell's firing is imminent, the timing would make sense.

Pittsburgh Pirates designate infielder Aki Iwamura, eye trade offers  —  PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates essentially wrote off their nearly $5 million investment in underperforming second baseman Aki Iwamura by designating their highest-paid player for assignment on Wednesday.

Oswalt, Berkman ponder their uncertain futures  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. - They hear the rumors.  Roy Oswalt  —  might go to New York.  Or Washington.  Or Texas.  And Lance Berkman  —  fits perfectly with the Angels.  Or Tampa Bay.  Or San Francisco.  Anywhere but Houston, their baseball home for a combined 22 seasons now.

New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez returns to lineup as DH  —  Alex Rodriguez, sidelined since Thursday with what the Yankees are calling a strained hip flexor and A-Rod is calling a sore groin, will return to the cleanup spot in the Yankee lineup Wednesday night, although not as a third baseman but as a designated hitter.

Padres catcher Torrealba suspended for 3 games  —  NEW YORK—San Diego Padres catcher Yorvit Torrealba was suspended for three games Wednesday after making contact with an umpire.  —  Torrealba said he planned to appeal the penalty.  That would allow him to keep playing until a hearing was held.

BOX SCORE  —  “Right now, it's getting better, but we're not ready yet,” Minaya said.  —  Once Beltran begins his rehab assignment, the Mets will have 20 days to activate him.  Minaya said Beltran will largely be responsible for setting the pace.  —  “There's going to be a point where he says, 'Hey, I'm ready to go,' ” Minaya said.

Lincecum hit by liner, leaves early in Giants' win  —  SAN FRANCISCO—Tim Lincecum struck out 10 before getting hit in the back of the right shoulder by a line drive and leaving after six innings Wednesday as the San Francisco Giants beat the Baltimore Orioles 6-3.  —  Giants manager Bruce Bochy said Lincecum was OK.

LONGORIA, PRICE PROPEL RAYS TO WIN OVER BRAVES  —  The Sports Network  —  Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - Evan Longoria homered and ended with three RBI while David Price became the American League's first 10-game winner, as the Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Atlanta Braves, 10-4 …

Aaron Heilman moves into closer's role for Diamondbacks  —  BOSTON - Manager A.J. Hinch made a change at closer Tuesday, bumping struggling Chad Qualls in favor of Aaron Heilman, who has been the club's only consistently effective reliever.  —  “I'm going to try a few different things,” Hinch said.