Ankiel headed to Florida to rehab  —  NEW YORK — Nationals Manager Jim Riggleman said that outfielder Rick Ankiel went to Viera, Fla., to participate in extended spring training games at the Nationals' Spring Training complex.  —  Ankiel will be there for a few days and then start …

Source: Yankees considering Posada options  —  The New York Yankees will reconsider Jorge Posada's future with the team if his numbers don't improve by the All-Star break, according a baseball official with knowledge of the Yankees' thinking.  —  On Wednedsay, Yankees manager Joe Girardi left Posada …

Niese goes seven strong as Mets beat Nationals in heavy rain  —  NEW YORK — Jonathon Niese pitched seven sharp innings, some of them in heavy rain, and Justin Turner added to his surprising tear with a two-run double that sent the New York Mets to a 3-0 victory over the light-hitting Washington Nationals on Wednesday night.

Pirates Beat Reds 5-0, End 6-Game Slide  —  CINCINNATI (AP) — Charlie Morton shut down Cincinnati's powerful lineup again, throwing a five-hitter for his second career shutout, and Pedro Alvarez hit a three-run homer Wednesday night, leading the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 5-0 victory that snapped their six-game losing streak.

Teixeira: 'I'll always love Baltimore'  —  Severna Park native on angry fans, charity, O's ‘bright future’  —  When Yankee first baseman Mark Teixeira takes the field Wednesday night against the Baltimore Orioles, he's returning home and entering enemy territory.

Looming difficult decisions a sign of progress  —  CHICAGO — Something has to give on the Indians' roster when right-hander Mitch Talbot is ready to come off the disabled list.  As far as manager Manny Acta is concerned, it is a sign of progress to have such problems.

Phillies top Rockies 2-1 in battle of NL division leaders  —  PHILADELPHIA — The Rockies and Phillies had a lot in common going into Wednesday night's game at Citizens Bank Park.  —  They both were in first place in their divisions, the Rockies in the National League West, the Phillies in the NL East.

Giants fan Stow opens eyes but remains critical  —  SAN FRANCISCO — A Giants fan brutally beaten on Opening Day at Dodger Stadium is opening his eyes but remains in critical condition at San Francisco General Hospital.  —  Chief neurosurgeon Dr. Geoff Manley said Wednesday that 42-year-old Bryan Stow …

Jim Callis Draft Chat: May 18  —  @Jaypers413 (IL): I enjoyed reading your first Mock Draft.  Do you have approximate dates for your second, third and fourth versions?  Thanks Jim.  —  Jim Callis: May 27 (week from Friday) for the next one, then June 3 (Friday before draft) and June 6 (day of draft).

GM Williams mum on plans to alter club  —  CHICAGO — Following the recent 6-3 West Coast road trip, White Sox general manager Ken Williams seems to have gained a better understanding of his underachieving team.  —  It's just not quite clear whether Williams will wait to see if things change or if it's time to make a change.

A-Rod planning to have hip looked at  —  BALTIMORE — Alex Rodriguez is planning to have his surgically repaired right hip checked in the coming days, even though the Yankees cleanup hitter said it is not bothering him.  —  Rodriguez hit two home runs Tuesday night against the Rays, but had been in a miserable slump before then.

Matsuzaka joining Lackey on disabled list  —  In a span of roughly 24 hours, the Red Sox lost 40 percent of their rotation.  —  Daisuke Matsuzaka was diagnosed with a sprained ligament in his right elbow yesterday and will be placed on the 15-day disabled list today, joining John Lackey.