Sources: Cano pulls out of Home Run Derby  —  Robinson Cano won't have to worry about Home Run Derby hangover after all.  —  A source told the Daily News that the Yankees' All-Star second baseman has decided not to take part in the event next Monday.  —  The decision comes …

White Sox “All Over” Adam Dunn  —  One MLB executive told ESPN.com's Buster Olney that the White Sox are “all over Adam Dunn” (Twitter links).  Late last month, reports indicated that the White Sox and Angels were interested in Dunn, who earns $12MM this year and now has 17 homers and a .904 OPS.

Backup plan falling apart  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Bill Lajoie, the veteran scout and former general manager of the Detroit Tigers, used to theorize that the player who replaces an injured starter has about a three-week shelf life before he turns into what he is — a backup.

Swish, Youk neck-and-neck; Votto in front  —  AL Final Vote a real horse race as balloting enters final day  —  Yankees right fielder Nick Swisher regained his lead over Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis by less than a percentage point on Wednesday, setting the stage for another suspenseful ending …

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.

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 …

Time for D-Backs to slow down and think  —  Ken Rosenthal has been the senior baseball writer for FOXSports.com since Aug. 2005.  He appears weekly on MLB on FOX.  Follow him on Twitter.  —  Let me get this straight: The Diamondbacks just hired an interim general manager …

Astros Sign Dominican Outfielder Ovando  —  The Astros have completed one of the biggest deals yet since the international signing period opened on July 2, signing 16-year-old Dominican outfielder Ariel Ovando.  —  International sources outside of the organization said the bonus is around $2.6-$2.8 million …

Rays' Soriano replaces Rivera on All-Star roster … ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Tampa Bay relief pitcher Rafael Soriano will replace New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera for the AL in the All-Star game.  —  Rivera pulled out of next week's game in Anaheim because of nagging injuries.

Home Games: Big League Players Who Still Live With Mother  —  Tyson Ross and Neil Walker Save on Rent; $400,000 a Year and Free Laundry  —  OAKLAND, Calif.—Tyson Ross ducked into the dugout for an interview and apologized.  The Oakland Athletics pitcher was late, he said, because he had to drop off his brother's lunch at school.

Mets get the Wright feeling this year  —  The Mets aren't exactly what you'd call a “lucky” team.  In addition to dealing with injuries and late-season skids, there have been issues with players not addressing the media and just a general sense of discontinuity.  But this year is different.

Wednesday pregame: Brunansky rejoins Twins as minor-league coach  —  TORONTO — A couple quick announcements from the Twins before heading down to the clubhouse for the lineups, etc.  —  * Tom Brunansky, a member of the Twins' 1987 World Series championship team, has rejoined the organization …

Bridging The Great Baseball Analysis Divide  —  Yesterday I wrote a personal reaction to Gary Cohen's misinterpretation — and somewhat haughty dismissal — of BABIP (batting average on balls in play) during two SNY telecasts this past weekend.  It was a fun piece to write and I think it generated …

Stolen Bases and PITCHf/x  —  I tend to think that pitchers have more control over the running game than catchers.  Catchers control their “POP” times, while the pitcher controls his time to the plate, pickoff move, pitch location, and pitch type.  The last two factors are probably …

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.