Phils making progress toward Pence  —  FOX Sports  —  The Phillies are making progress in their efforts to acquire Astros right fielder Hunter Pence, but there is a caveat, according to major-league sources.  —  The teams will need to reach agreement by Friday, or the Astros will move …

Tigers, Nats discussing trade for RHP  —  FOX Sports  —  The Tigers, unable to land their top pitching targets, are discussing a trade for Nationals right-hander Jason Marquis, according to major-league sources.  —  Marquis, 8-5 with a 3.95 ERA, is in the second year of a two-year contract …

Aramis Ramirez softens trade stance  —  MILWUAKEE — Chicago Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez may be softening his stance that he would veto any trade that had him leaving the city, but as of Thursday the Cubs did not appear to be looking to move him.  —  When asked Thursday if he would waive …

Hideki Irabu found dead in California  —  LOS ANGELES — Hideki Irabu joined the New York Yankees 14 years ago in a swell of international excitement.  The quirky, flamethrowing Japanese right-hander seemed destined to become a pioneering star for American baseball's marquee franchise.

Bedard watch heating up  —  Mariners lefty a trade target  —  Josh Beckett searches for answers during the Royals' four-run uprising in the fourth inning.  (John Tlumacki/Globe Staff)  —  The Red Sox will be watching closely tonight when Erik Bedard takes the mound for the Mariners against the Rays.

McCutchen homers, drives in three as Pirates beat Braves  —  ATLANTA — Andrew McCutchen had three hits, including a go-ahead double in the fifth inning and a two-run homer in the ninth, and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Atlanta Braves 5-2 on Thursday night for a split of the four-game series.

KC's trade possibilities focus on rotation as deadline nears  —  The internal debate by the Royals regarding the merits of sticking with a six-man rotation could become moot over the next few days if the club succeeds in trading one of its starting pitchers.

Reds might be sellers at trade deadline  —  Ever since Colorado ace Ubaldo Jimenez hit the trade market, the Cincinnati Reds have been cited as one of his top suitors.  For weeks, baseball observers noted that the Reds needed one starting pitcher — at least — in order to prepare for the pennant drive.

Daily Rumble: Padres narrowing focus  —  Heath Bell could be on the move, with Mike Adams and Ryan Ludwick not far behind … Carlos Beltran?  Gone.  Colby Rasmus?  Gone.  Edwin Jackson?  Moving on again — as he does every year at this time.  So here at the Daily Rumble, we know exactly what you're thinking ...

Tim Lincecum goes 6 scoreless, Giants beat Phillies  —  PHILADELPHIA - Tim Lincecum threw six scoreless innings, Pablo Sandoval hit a solo homer and the San Francisco Giants beat the Philadelphia Phillies 4-1 on Thursday night in their first game with Carlos Beltran.

Jamie McCourt-Ron Burkle ‘deal’ is denied  —  One of Jamie McCourt's lawyers says his client doesn't have a pact with billionaire Ron Burkle, or anyone, to buy Dodgers.  —  Did Jamie McCourt enlist billionaire Ron Burkle in her efforts to buy out her ex-husband Frank McCourt as owner of the Dodgers?

Encarnacion, Thames homer as Jays beat Orioles  —  TORONTO — Edwin Encarnacion and Eric Thames hit back-to-back homers and J.P. Arencibia hit a two-run double in a four-run third inning as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Baltimore Orioles 8-5 Thursday.  —  Encarnacion also had a single …