Dustin Pedroia returning to Boston tomorrow; knee surgery possible  —  NEW YORK — Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia will return to Boston tomorrow to have his right knee examined and is facing the possibility of surgery that would sideline him for at least a month.

A's fire Geren as manager … OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The Oakland Athletics fired manager Bob Geren on Thursday in the midst of a nine-game losing streak that has sent them tumbling to the bottom of the AL West standings.  —  Former Arizona manager Bob Melvin will take over for the rest …

Even rally can't get monkey off Angels' backs  —  Manager Mike Scioscia grows more frustrated after Angels waste chances and lose fifth in a row.  —  The longer the postgame interview went on, the more Mike Scioscia's voice filled with ire.  —  The Angels manager has stressed patience during …

Jim Northrup, hero of 1968 champion Tigers, dies at 71  —  Jim Northrup was a Michigan native who grew up to become a hero to millions of Tigers fans.  —  Northrup, who tripled in the winning run in the Game 7 of the 1968 World Series, died today at 71.  According to a family spokesman …

Morgan didn't know he won game  —  By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel  —  Does it count as a walk-off if you don't know you won the game?  —  The answer is yes but Nyjer Morgan wasn't sure at first why his teammates were running onto the field to mob him.

Frank McCourt will make next Dodgers' payroll  —  Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt will meet his club's June 15 payroll obligations, according to a baseball official with knowledge of the situation, but not authorized to speak publicly on it.  —  McCourt was also in danger of missing …

Rangers beat Tigers, avoid being swept  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — Alexi Ogando scattered six hits over 7 2-3 innings to remain unbeaten, Adrian Beltre homered, and the Texas Rangers avoided a three-game sweep by Detroit with a 7-3 victory over the Tigers on Wednesday night.

Tulowitzki's double in 9th lifts Rockies to win over Padres  —  SAN DIEGO — Troy Tulowitzki hit a two-run double off closer Heath Bell with one out in the ninth inning and the Colorado Rockies beat the San Diego Padres 5-3 on Wednesday to take two of three in the series.

Diamondbacks announcer Mark Grace arrested in DUI in Scottsdale … Former Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs first baseman Mark Grace was arrested in Scottsdale on Memorial Day on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, according to a police report.

$4M in Harwell memorabilia put at risk by Detroit library  —  He envisioned tourist draw, but security, access are a problem  —  Detroit — The doors are locked and the lights are usually off where the Detroit Public Library houses Ernie Harwell's life passion.

Santos Gives Up 3 in 10th in White Sox's Loss  —  CHICAGO (AP) — Sergio Santos knows there will be days like this.  —  Lucky for him, they are few and far between.  —  Miguel Olivo drove in three runs, including a go-ahead two-run double in the 10th inning, and the Seattle Mariners beat the Chicago White Sox 7-4 on Wednesday night.

Marlins dismiss hitting coach, hire Perez  —  Slumping club replaces Mallee with analyst, Hall of Famer's son  —  MIAMI — Following Wednesday night's 3-2, 10-inning loss to the Braves, Marlins president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest announced that hitting coach John Mallee was relieved …

Rangers pick paralyzed Georgia player in draft  —  ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia baseball player Johnathan Taylor, who was partially paralyzed after breaking his neck during a collision in a game against Florida State on March 6, was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 33rd round of the amateur baseball draft on Wednesday.

Werth still hurting with ankle injury  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Nationals right fielder Jayson Werth was in the lineup Wednesday afternoon against the Giants, but he was a late scratch for the second day in a row because of a right ankle injury.  —  Werth hurt the ankle Monday in the eighth inning …