Philadelphia Phillies GM hints about acquiring starting pitcher  —  There were indications Tuesday the Phillies were working on a major deal to acquire a starting pitcher in an attempt to save a season that has veered in the wrong direction this month.  —  The Phillies will need a starting pitcher …

Carpenter solid as Cardinals add to Phillies woes  —  The Sports Network  —  St. Louis, MO (Sports Network) - Chris Carpenter allowed just one run in eight strong innings, and the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the struggling Philadelphia Phillies, 7-1, in the second of four games at Busch Stadium.

Ramirez's 3 homers powers Cubs past Astros  —  CHICAGO—Aramis Ramirez hit three homers and drove in seven runs to help Chicago rally to beat the Houston Astros 14-7 on Tuesday night hours after Cubs manager Lou Piniella announced he will retire at the end of the season.

Lowrie might be activated tomorrow  —  Jed Lowrie was expected in the Sox clubhouse here at Oakland-Alameda Coliseum shortly.  While he will not be activated in time for tonight's game, according to manager Terry Francona, he's expected to take a roster spot tomorrow or in time for the Seattle series.

Calf to sideline Manny at least three weeks  —  Dodgers put slugger on disabled list, activate Ausmus  —  LOS ANGELES — Dodgers left fielder Manny Ramirez was put on the disabled list for a third time this season Tuesday and is expected out at least three weeks with a strain in his right calf.

Downs the best available  —  The Scott Downs watch continued Tuesday night.  —  “He's the best lefty reliever on the market, I think they'll get something good for him,” said one scout.  “It won't be us.  They want too much.”  —  Downs has walked eight and struck out 30 in 39 1/3 innings as a set-up man for the Jays.

To trade Adam Dunn, the Nationals need to be overwhelmed  —  The Nationals have listened to teams interested in trading for first baseman Adam Dunn and other coveted players, but General Manager Mike Rizzo will have high standards for what accepts in a trade, according to sources familiar with his thinking.

Harper: Mets don't need an ace, Jake will do … BEST OF NYDN.COM

Reds nearly blow big lead, hold on to beat Nationals  —  CINCINNATI, Ohio — Mike Leake pitched five solid innings before a long rain delay Tuesday night, and the Cincinnati Reds blew most of a seven-run lead after the break before holding on for an 8-7 win over the Washington Nationals.

Contact Us  —  Registration … The Los Angeles Dodgers are interested in Pirates starter Paul Maholm, an industry source outside the team said this afternoon.  —  There has been no indication from the Pirates that Maholm or any player is on the trading block, though they have acknowledged that they will listen to offers.

Yankees GM on trade market: 'Right now, it's dead out there for us'  —  NEW YORK — Though he has engaged teams in conversations about potential deals, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman on Tuesday described the trade market as sparse in his team's areas of need.

Hunter remains undefeated as Rangers rout Tigers  —  The Sports Network  —  Detroit, MI (Sports Network) - Tommy Hunter gave up three hits in seven innings to stay undefeated on the year and Ian Kinsler drove in three runs in an 8-0 Rangers win against the Tigers.

Alvarez homers twice, Pirates beat Brewers 11-9  —  PITTSBURGH—Pedro Alvarez hit a grand slam in Pittsburgh's nine-run first and a solo drive in the second for his first career multihomer game, helping the Pirates beat the Milwaukee Brewers 11-9 on Tuesday night.

Conte's products remain the word for Byrd  —  career year was rudely interrupted Sunday when twice he was plunked by pitches from Roy Halladay  —  . He gamely refrained from rubbing his thigh or shoulder, but afterward Byrd consulted with his trusted performance-improving supplement guru …