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.

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.

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 …

BUCK, WELLS HOMER TO LEAD JAYS OVER PADRES FOR SERIES WIN  —  SAN DIEGO — John Buck hit his third home run of the series, Vernon Wells also went deep and Fred Lewis had four hits as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the San Diego Padres 7-1 on Wednesday to take two of three.

Marlins Designate Renyel Pinto For Assignment  —  The Marlins have designated lefty reliever Renyel Pinto for assignment, tweets MLB.com's Joe Frisaro.  The move clears a roster spot for reliever Tim Wood, who was recalled from Triple-A.  —  Pinto, 27 next month, had a 2.80 ERA in 15.2 innings …

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 …

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, returned to the cleanup spot Wednesday night, although not as a third baseman but as a designated hitter.

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.

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.