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 …

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.

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.

Hamilton HR, Young record hits lift Rangers  —  MIAMI — Now that he has the Texas Rangers' all-time hit record, Michael Young says he'd like to put it “out of reach.”  —  That task might not be too difficult for the perennial All-Star.  —  Young hit a two-run single in the eighth inning …

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 …

Chicago White Sox to push back Jake Peavy's start  —  Jake Peavy's up-and-down season took a downturn on Wednesday with the revelation that his next start will be pushed back because of arm trouble.  —  The right-hander was supposed to start Thursday against the Pirates, but Mark Buehrle will take his turn.

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.

Buchholz, Sox good enough  —  Pedroia, Ortiz back righthander  —  The green shirts speckled the crowd, with periodic chants breaking out.  Those were, of course, more of the “Beat LA!” variety than “Beat Arizona!”  In many ways it seemed as if the crowd was ruing its decision to forsake …