Numbers don't tell the whole story with Kansas City Royals, baseball's leaders in batting average  —  When they opened their four-game series in the Bronx on Thursday night, the Royals and Yankees each got 14 hits.  The game, though, wasn't close, as the Bombers went ahead to stay …

Tigers lose game to Blue Jays, Ordonez to fractured ankle  —  DETROIT — Jose Bautista drove in a pair of runs to help the Toronto Blue Jays to a 3-2 win Saturday night over the Detroit Tigers, who lost Magglio Ordonez to a fractured ankle.  —  Ordonez broke his ankle sliding into home plate and is expected to miss 6-to-8 weeks.

CUBS IN BRIEF: Gorzelanny a lefty without hefty price tag  —  Ted Lilly is not the only Cubs left-handed starter attracting attention from contending teams a week before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.  Tom Gorzelanny had scouts buzzing during his six-inning outing Saturday against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Timing of Minor League hGH Testing More Than a PR Move by MLB  —  On Thursday, MLB announced that it would immediately begin subjecting minor league players to random blood testing for the detection of human growth hormone (hGH) under Major League Baseball's Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

Competition For Scott Downs Heating Up  —  12:28pm: ESPN.com's Buster Olney says the Blue Jays' discussions involving Downs are drawing “fascination” from rival executives who are curious to see what Toronto can acquire.  The Jays have been asking for a significant return in part …

Chicago surgeon trying for breakthough to help careers  —  (Chris Sweda, Chicago Tribune / July 23, 2010)  —  Rush's Romeo has radical notion of not being so concerned with bicep muscle when repairing shoulders  —  One day Mario DiCostanzo felt a pop in his left arm after throwing a tennis ball.

Dan Duquette believes there is more to be told about Roger Clemens' alleged use of PEDs  —  Dan Duquette let out a long, hearty laugh when told about Roger Clemens recently blasting him via Twitter, even calling the former Red Sox general manager a “loser.”  —  “I'm not sure that was about me.

Oswalt may be the subject of a moving story  —  The most fascinating study as the trade deadline nears is Roy Oswalt, the veteran righthander who has been a Houston Astro his entire career, and who could be moving on if the destination suits him.  —  Oswalt, with 143 wins one away …

Ausmus says he'll retire after season  —  LOS ANGELES — Confirming what was already widely assumed, Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Brad Ausmus said after Saturday's 3-2 victory over the New York Mets that he will retire after the season, bringing an end to a 17-year career in the majors that saw …

Conrad's slam helps Braves beat Marlins 10-5  —  MIAMI—The Atlanta Braves enjoyed their best inning of the season by taking advantage of the Florida Marlins' mistakes, including the fat pitch Brooks Conrad hit for a grand slam.  —  Conrad's second pinch-hit grand slam of the year put …

Ubaldo remains in U-turn as Rockies fall again  —  Rough trip continues as Jimenez walks six in just two innings to raise his ERA to 2.75.  —  The Denver Post  —  Colorado Rockies pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez wipes his face as he walks to the dugout after being pulled in the third inning …