Mets, Bartoszek group close to deal  —  The New York Mets' beauty contest is almost ready to crown a winner.  —  Team ownership has chosen a preferred bidder — the group led by former commodities trader Ray Bartoszek and investor Anthony Lanza — and have been in advanced talks since …

PADRES: Venable demoted before latest loss  —  The shakeup began Monday afternoon.  Padres general manager Jed Hoyer said he hopes further moves aren't necessary.  —  One day after manager Bud Black and his team held a postgame get-it-together meeting, Hoyer demoted outfielder and leadoff hitter Will Venable to Triple-A Tucson.

Pedroia's injury considered minor  —  Terry Francona makes the call to remove Dustin Pedroia, who injured his left leg in the eighth inning when he rounded second base and fell awkwardly.  Pedroia limped back to the dugout.  (Aaron Josefczyk/Reuters)  —  CLEVELAND — For a few moments last night …

Toronto Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista converts some doubters but not all in MLB drug-testing era  —  Nearly two months into the season, it seems safe to say that Jose Bautista is not Brady Anderson, the ultimate one-year wonder.  But who is Bautista, exactly?

After A's lose, Brian Fuentes blasts Bob Geren  —  Brian Fuentes has been the A's closer all season.  Now he doesn't know what he is.  Thanks to manager Bob Geren.  —  “The games in San Francisco were unorthodox managing,” said Fuentes, who criticized Geren after Monday night's 4-1 loss …

Dodgers expected to bring up De La Rosa  —  Club hopes top pitching prospect can help beleaguered bullpen  —  LOS ANGELES — Rubby De La Rosa, the organization's top pitching prospect, is expected to be promoted to the Dodgers this week as a reliever because of the club's bullpen crisis.

Coke placed on 15-day DL with foot injury  —  Wilk recalled from Triple-A; prospect Oliver to slide into rotation  —  DETROIT — Phil Coke's ill-fated step coming off the mound Monday night will cost him at least the next couple weeks.  It will also push prospect Andy Oliver into the Tigers' rotation.

Matt Garza Injury: Out With Elbow Contusion, Replaced By Randy Wells  —  Chicago Cubs starter Matt Garza missed his scheduled start Sunday night against the Red Sox, but management was hoping he would miss just the one.  Alas, the elbow's still barking so Garza's going to miss more time.

Talented bloodlines to be displayed in Draft  —  Sons of Smith, Dunston, and yes, Gretzky, anticipating big day  —  It's called the First-Year Player Draft, but with the early-summer date and the number of sons and brothers of former and current Major Leaguers in the mix …

Marlins designate Buente, recall Cishek  —  SAN FRANCISCO — In preparation for their three-game series with the Giants, the Marlins have added some bullpen depth at the expense of a starting pitcher.  —  On Tuesday afternoon, Florida designated Jay Buente for assignment and recalled reliever Steve Cishek from Triple-A New Orleans.

Brandon Webb has longest rehab start  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — Brandon Webb took a step forward in his long journey back from shoulder surgery by going six innings in an Arizona Rookie League game on Tuesday, his longest outing since 2008.  —  The former NL Cy Young winner …

Iowa Cubs: Synder awaits something new as hit streak ends in loss  —  Oh, baby.  —  Iowa Cubs outfielder Brad Snyder is anxiously awaiting the day his wife, Susan, delivers their first child.  The couple is having a son, due June 4, and they're going to name him Gavin.