Pirates Eyeing Hunter Pence  —  The Pirates have scouted Astros outfielder Hunter Pence with the trade deadline in mind, reports Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.  The Astros hosted the Bucs over the weekend, losing two of three.  Yesterday morning, Pence noted that the possibility …

Rockies entertaining offers for Ubaldo … The Rockies have been in contact with the Yankees and a few other teams regarding right-handed ace Ubaldo Jimenez.  —  Sources indicate the Rockies haven't definitely decided to trade the talented starter — but they do appear to be seriously considering it.

Pedroia, Sox drop Rays 1-0 in 16  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The streaking Boston Red Sox worked some serious overtime for their latest victory.  —  Dustin Pedroia singled with two outs in the top of the 16th inning, snapping a scoreless tie and giving the AL East leaders a 1-0 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday night.

Punto headed back to disabled list  —  CINCINNATI  • The Cardinals will place infielder Nick Punto on the disabled list Sunday after removing him from Saturday night's game against the Cincinnati Reds due to heightened pain around his right elbow.  —  The trip to the disabled list …

Jason Bay booed after going hitless, leaving runners on base and committing egregious error in 8th  —  Jason Bay heard the boos and understands.  —  The struggles that seemed to be ebbing before the All-Star break have returned and Sunday they were coupled with a rare fielding blunder …

Reyes could rejoin Mets as early as Tuesday  —  NEW YORK — Jose Reyes will play a Minor League rehab game Monday with Class A Brooklyn, with a return trip to the Mets likely coming Tuesday.  —  “I anticipate one game,” Mets manager Terry Collins said after his team's 8-5 loss Sunday to the Phillies.

Stewart Leads Giants Over Padres 4-3 in 11  —  SAN DIEGO (AP) — Chris Stewart drove in the go-ahead run with a suicide squeeze in the 11th inning, then pounced on a bunt moments later to start a slick double play that helped the San Francisco Giants hold off the San Diego Padres 4-3 on Sunday.

Guillen will let Dunn swing away  —  Slugger won't be benched just to avoid strikeout record  —  Mark Teahen reacts after striking out in the ninth inning.  (Leon Halip, Getty Images / July 17, 2011)  —  DETROIT — White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen won't protect Adam Dunn if his strikeout rate increases …

Red-hot Rangers win 11th straight 3-1 over Seattle  —  SEATTLE - Matt Harrison continued Texas' nearly perfect pitching, allowing just one run in 7 2/3 innings, Mitch Moreland hit a three-run homer and the Rangers won their 11th straight with a 3-1 win over the Seattle Mariners on Sunday.

Inside the Phillies: Phillies trade possibilities from two scouts' perspectives  —  NEW YORK - The names of the available big-league players who might interest the Phillies as the trade deadline draws closer are well-known.  —  Hard-core Phillies fans also know the names of the minor-league prospects …