Bruce's HR sends Reds over Phillies 4-3  —  CINCINNATI—Jay Bruce hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning off Roy Halladay, rallying the Cincinnati Reds to yet another win in their final at-bat Wednesday, 4-3 over the Philadelphia Phillies.  —  Joey Votto also homered off Halladay (9-7) …

Red Sox, despite injuries, pound Rays 8-5  —  BOSTON (AP)—It was up to James Shields  —  with first base open, or walk him to pitch to Kevin Youkilis  —  Shields picked Ortiz.  —  What he did next was an even bigger mistake.  —  Shields grooved the first pitch, and Ortiz hit …

Hughes Rules take toll as Phil rocked  —  Bombers believe in limiting young righty's innings — short-term effects be damned … NEW YORK — The counterargument to the screamers who hate the Phil Hughes Rules will stand on a mound 3,000 miles away from the one in the Bronx on which Hughes imploded Tuesday night.

Montero, Nunez and Albaladejo named Triple-A all-stars  —  Three Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees have been named to the International League all-star team.  —  SS Eduardo Nunez (who leads the league in hits) and RHP Jonathan Albaladejo (who leads in saves) were each elected to the team.

The many unexpected performers  —  Tigers' Brennan Boesch and Braves' Martin Prado among several first-half surprises  —  Lots of spring training scenarios have played out according to expectations in April, May and June.  The Yankees, Rays and Red Sox are duking it out at the top of the American League East.

Yankee Fan On Cellphone Catches Ground Rule Double With His Face  —  Ever get stuck next to the guy in your section who won't get off his cellphone?  Well, this video is for you.  If you're the one calling, hang up and pay attention....unless you want a Rawlings to the face.  More »

Despite sitting, Gardner ‘a lot better’  —  Yankees outfielder's right wrist injury improving with rest  —  NEW YORK — Brett Gardner was out of the Yankees' starting lineup on Tuesday, as he nurses a right wrist contusion suffered when he was hit by a Clayton Kershaw fastball in the third inning …

Crew must alter rotation for Davis' return  —  Lefty's scheduled comeback coincides with Bush's start  —  MILWAUKEE — At least one Brewers pitcher likely will not make their regularly scheduled start in the next homestand, manager Ken Macha said Tuesday.  —  If everything goes according …

Marcus Thames getting closer  —  It might not have made a difference, but last night would have been a good time for the Yankees to have Marcus Thames.  With a left-hander on the mound, Thames could have started at designated hitter and beefed up the lineup a little bit.  Instead, he was in Pawtucket.

Florida Marlins to keep interim manager Edwin Rodriguez for season  —  The Florida Marlins have decided to keep interim manager Edwin Rodriguez for the rest of this season.  —  Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria told the team before its game in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Tuesday night that Rodriguez …

Sox hang on for 4-3 victory  —  Floyd posts another strong start in triumph over Royals  —  White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen argues with home plate umpire Tim Timmons after he was ejected during the fourth inning.  (Charlie Riedel, Associated Press / June 29, 2010)

DH duty appears to have suited Dodgers' Manny Ramirez  —  SAN FRANCISCO - Interleague play might have cost the Los Angeles Dodgers their place atop the National League West, but that segment of the schedule produced one significant benefit in hitting coach Don Mattingly's view.

Angels hold off Rangers 6-5 in Guerrero's return  —  ANAHEIM, Calif.—Bobby Abreu hit a tiebreaking three-run double in the sixth inning, and the Los Angeles Angels overcame Vladimir Guerrero's homer and three RBIs in his return to Angel Stadium for a 6-5 victory over the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night.

Wright gains; most NL positions up for grabs  —  Much still to be decided in final days of All-Star balloting  —  Can veteran Placido Polanco hang on to start in the All-Star Game at third base, or will a late push drive David Wright into his fifth consecutive Midsummer Classic appearance?