Red Sox designate Cameron for assignment  —  PHILADELPHIA — The transition from starter to backup did not go nearly as well as Mike Cameron or the Red Sox had hoped.  Before Thursday's game against the Phillies, the Red Sox designated the veteran outfielder for assignment, effectively ending his stint with the team.

Juan Pierre's 2-run single in 10th lifts White Sox  —  DENVER — Light-hitting Juan Pierre laced a tiebreaking, two-run single off the wall in the 10th inning, helping the Chicago White Sox rally for a 6-4 win over the Colorado Rockies on Thursday.  —  With the bases loaded, Pierre …

Major League Baseball All-Stars Parade Through Streets of Phoenix  —  Luis Gonzalez Named Grand Marshal for Parade of All-Stars Prior to 2011 All-Star Game  —  Fans will have an opportunity to see their favorite 2011 MLB All-Stars up close on the streets of Phoenix and on television nationally …

Willie Harris' wife loses her baby  —  Willie Harris has been moved to the bereavement list, which means he is eligible to return in three to seven days.  —  During yesterday's 16-9 win over the Tigers, Willie Harris left for New York to be with his wife, who went into labor before her expected due date, and lost their baby.

Sources: Tigers most interested in starters, not Reyes  —  The Tigers aren't actively pursuing Mets shortstop Jose Reyes and are instead looking at the market for starting pitchers, sources say.  —  Tigers officials seem content with their current level of offensive production.

Marlins win consecutive games for first time since May  —  OAKLAND, Calif. — Chris Volstad allowed one unearned run in seven innings and John Buck hit a two-run double to help the Florida Marlins cap a miserable June by beating the Oakland Athletics 5-4 on Thursday for their first back-to-back wins in more than a month.

Sabathia Pitches Gem and Keeps Yankees Hot  —  C.C. Sabathia started a day game at home Thursday for the surging Yankees against the Milwaukee Brewers, a National League opponent.  There may be no sure things in baseball, but this has to be awfully close.  —  Sabathia cruised …

Justin Upton is the best right fielder in the National League  —  I have never quite understood all the hate and vitriol that's sometimes directed towards the Diamondbacks' right fielder Justin Upton (just go to the Azcentral.com Message Board if you want some examples).

The Athletics trade Mark Ellis to the Rockies  —  The Oakland Athletics just announced that they have traded infielder Mark Ellis to the Colorado Rockies for pitcher Bruce Billings and a player to be named later (the latter of whom seems to get traded A LOT!).

Radio host sues LA Angels over alleged racism  —  A radio host formerly employed by the Los Angeles Angels has filed a lawsuit claiming he was dismissed for racial reasons.  —  In a complaint filed in California Superior Court earlier this month, David Smith alleged that the Angels Baseball Foundation rigged …

Free agent Scott Kazmir works out for Rangers  —  Left-hander Scott Kazmir, who was released by the Los Angeles Angels, worked out for the Rangers earlier this week.  Kazmir was healthy for the workout but no decision has been made on if the Rangers will sign Kazmir.

Ortiz to captain Home Run Derby team for Amerian League in new format  —  This release from Major League Baseball:  —  Prince Fielder of the Milwaukee Brewers and David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox have been named the first-ever captains of the National League and American League squads for the 2011 Home Run Derby.