Rox mount furious charge in stunning win  —  Smith's walk-off caps club's largest ninth-inning rally  —  DENVER — Rockies players say that comebacks start with a string of good at-bats.  They require patience, durable defense through the end, savvy baserunning and steadfast pitching …

Robinson Cano's decision to participate in Home Run Derby not the news Kevin Long wants to hear  —  OAKLAND - Can Robinson Cano avoid a Home Run Derby hangover?  —  The Yankees' All-Star second baseman has agreed to take part in Monday's showcase event in Anaheim, but his hitting coach …

Kevin Youkilis of the Boston Red Sox left game against Tampa Bay Rays with ankle pain, but says he expects to play Wednesday  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Boston Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis abruptly left Tuesday night's game prior to leading off the fourth inning with what he said felt like a cramp in his right ankle.

Damon collects milestone 2,500th hit  —  DETROIT — Johnny Damon says he's paying more attention to milestones now than he did even earlier this year.  So he was well aware his 2,500th hit was coming up by the time his sharp third-inning grounder scooted under Orioles second baseman Julio Lugo and into center field Tuesday night.

Peavy appears headed to DL after injury  —  Right-hander strains muscle on right side  —  CHICAGO — Nothing more concrete will be known about Jake Peavy's injury, suffered in the second inning of Tuesday's 4-1 victory for the White Sox over the Angels, until an MRI is taken on Wednesday.

Washington Nationals beat San Diego Padres, 6-5, on Ryan Zimmerman's walk-off homer  —  Ian Desmond and Ryan Zimmerman share the left side of the Washington Nationals' infield, but they occupy separate spheres of a baseball career.  Ryan Zimmerman is a reigning all-star trying to prove he belongs in this year's showcase.

Sternberg: “Money won't be an object” for in-season additions  —  Rays prinicipal owner Stuart Sternberg just said “money won't be an object” in making in-season additions to bolster the team's bid to make the playoffs.  —  Sternberg didn't quite fully open the team checkbook, saying money would …

Santana's glove work paying huge dividends  —  NEW YORK - Like any veteran with a killer pitch (and an ego to match) Johan Santana wouldn't admit hitters had cracked the code on his change-up.  Was he tipping the arrival of that 81-mph illusion?  It sure seemed that way, although Santana had trouble believing it.

Youk moves ahead of Swish; Votto still leads  —  Races remain close with two days left in Final Vote balloting  —  Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis caught and passed right fielder Nick Swisher of the rival Yankees for the American League lead, while Major League home run co-leader Joey Votto …

Diaz, Hinske power Braves past Phillies  —  PHILADELPHIA—Matt Diaz hit a tiebreaking double in the 11th inning, Eric Hinske added a two-run homer and the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves beat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-3 on Tuesday night.  —  Yunel Escobar singled off David Herndon (0-2) …

Chris Volstad optioned to New Orleans after Florida Marlins' 7-3 loss to the Dodgers  —  LOS ANGELES - Chris Volstad was optioned to Class AAA New Orleans late Tuesday night after allowing five runs in five innings in Florida's 7-3 loss to the Dodgers.  —  Burke Badenhop was recalled …

Branded for life with ‘The Mendoza Line’  —  Thirty years ago, in the midst of an early-season slump, George Brett told reporters, “The first thing I look for in the Sunday papers is who is below the Mendoza line.”  Brett, who went on to hit .390 that year for the Kansas City Royals …

LITSCH STRUGGLES AGAIN AS BLUE JAYS LOSE TO TWINS  —  TORONTO — Jesse Litsch is giving the Toronto Blue Jays something to think about — and not in a good way.  —  For the third time in five starts since returning from elbow surgery, the 25-year-old right-hander delivered a dud …

Get off my mound, and my back  —  A t-shirt has caused quite the uproar here in Oakland, and believe it or not, Dallas Braden wants no part of it.  I wasn't in the A's clubhouse when Braden talked to a few reporters last night, but apparently his message was simple.