Ultra-tight AL race rages on; Votto tops NL  —  Swisher barely ahead of Youkilis as Final Vote heads to finish  —  With fewer than seven hours remaining, Yankees outfielder Nick Swisher held the slimmest of leads over Kevin Youkilis of the rival Red Sox in a race that is shaping …

Dunn hammers hat trick of homers to lift Nats  —  Teammates want veteran slugger to remain with Washington  —  WASHINGTON — After Nationals first baseman Adam Dunn hit three home runs in a 7-6 victory over the Padres on Wednesday night at Nationals Park, third baseman Ryan Zimmerman …

Ozzie not big on Twitter anymore  —  CHICAGO — Remember the hoopla surrounding Ozzie Guillen's entrance into the world of Twitter?  Well, the White Sox manager doesn't seem to have the same affection for the resource as he did in Spring Training.  —  “I'm tired of Twitter.

Phillies Discussing Werth Trades  —  As they search for a proven starter, the Phillies are discussing Jayson Werth trades with “a lot of teams,” according to ESPN.com's Buster Olney (Twitter links).  Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported yesterday that the Phillies would likely consider trading Werth if they fall from contention.

Rangers, Mariners discussing deal for Lee  —  ARLINGTON — Trade discussions between the Rangers and the Seattle Mariners appear to be heating up over pitcher Cliff Lee, according to industry sources.  —  There is nothing imminent, there are plenty of other teams still involved and Lee …

Sluggers launch season-high 47 homers  —  A first half marked by dominant pitching performances — to the extent that 2010 has been dubbed the second installment of the Year of the Pitcher — took a notable turn in favor of hitters on Wednesday.  —  Led by Adam Dunn's three blasts …

McCann, Prado powers Braves over Phillies  —  PHILADELPHIA—Brian McCann hit a go-ahead three-run double during a six-run sixth inning, Kris Medlen pitched neatly into the seventh and the Atlanta Braves beat the Philadelphia Phillies 7-5 on Wednesday night.  —  Martin Prado had a pair …

New York Mets catching prospect Josh Thole not bothered by trade rumors involving lefty Cliff Lee  —  A friend of Josh Thole's sent the Mets' catcher a text message recently wondering if the 22-year-old knew anything about the Mets' trade talks about Seattle ace Cliff Lee.

Burnett finally wins again, Yankees sweep A's  —  OAKLAND, Calif.—Mark Teixeira hit a three-run homer to help A.J. Burnett win for the first time in more than five weeks, and the New York Yankees completed a sweep of the Oakland Athletics with a 6-2 victory Wednesday night.

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 …