Source: MLB investigates A-Rod  —  CHICAGO — Major League Baseball is taking “very seriously” the allegations that Alex Rodriguez took part in some illegal, underground poker games, one of which reportedly turned violent, and he could face suspension if his participation in the games is confirmed.

Strasburg slated to pitch in minors on Sunday  —  Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg is expected to throw Sunday in the minor leagues, a significant step in his recovery from elbow surgery.  —  Nationals manager Davey Johnson said Wednesday that Strasburg will throw an inning …

Tempers flare as Cardinals beat Brewers in 11 innings  —  MILWAUKEE - Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols was hit by a high-and-tight pitch.  Brewers all-star Ryan Braun took one in the back a few minutes later.  And St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina could face a suspension after making contact …

Cubs' deadline overhaul turned out to be much ado about nothing … The noncontending Cubs seemed oddly possessive of several of their coveted veterans, including outfielder Marlon Byrd, first baseman Carlos Peña and catcher Jeff Baker, before the trade deadline.

Double-A playoff experience valuable to Trout  —  ANAHEIM — Mike Trout is back in Little Rock — for now.  —  The Angels sent their precocious 19-year-old outfielder back to Double-A Arkansas on Monday.  Infielder Andrew Romine was called up Tuesday from Triple-A Salt Lake to occupy …

Will star righty Darvish opt for Rangers?  —  DETROIT  —  Koji Uehara is a Texas Ranger for the same reason that Mike Adams is a Texas Ranger: The trade deadline arrived, the bullpen was in dire need of an upgrade, and general manager Jon Daniels seized the opportunity to acquire two of the best setup men in baseball.

Renteria's grand slam propels Reds to win over Astros  —  HOUSTON — Edgar Renteria hit a grand slam in Cincinnati's five-run fifth inning and Homer Bailey pitched eight solid innings to lead the Reds to a 5-1 win over the Houston Astros on Tuesday night.  —  Chris Heisey and Ramon Hernandez …

Ryan's hustle leads to unique basepath jaunt  —  Shortstop motors to third thanks to heads-up play on infield single  —  SEATTLE — Mariners shortstop Brendan Ryan caught the A's napping in the first inning Tuesday night in a 4-2 victory with one of the more unusual baserunning plays imaginable …

Brett Carroll Elects Free Agency  —  Brett Carroll refused an outright assignment to Triple-A and is now a free agent, according to Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (on Twitter).  The Brewers designated Carroll for assignment on Saturday to create roster space for Jerry Hairston Jr.

Fake Ichiro unwittingly gets in the action  —  SEATTLE — The Ichiro Suzuki impersonator at Safeco Field who has been posing for pictures and signing autographs for the past few home games was doing a pretty good job up until Tuesday's night game against Oakland.

Cubs' Matt Garza a key for 2012, has been in fold since offseason  —  Matt Garza has blessed the Cubs with stellar pitching and, just as important, the right attitude.  Tom Gannam~AP  —  PITTSBURGH — If it looked like the Cubs' rebuilding process for next year moved at a snail's pace …

About Last Night: The BB, HBP & the Throw  —  Last night in the top of the ninth, with the bases loaded, two outs, the infield in and the Mets up a run, a slow ground ball was hit to Justin Turner, who, instead of throwing home for the force out, or throwing to second to start a double play …

Rolen has surgery, expected to miss 4 to 6 weeks  —  From the Reds:  —  3B Scott Rolen today had arthroscopic surgery to remove bone spurs and fragments from the acromioclavicular joint in his left shoulder.  —  The successful procedure was performed in Cincinnati Reds by medical director …

Games of the Day  —  Edwin Jackson makes his second start for St. Louis as he faces the Brewers and Randy Wolf in the rubber game of this important NL Central series.  Jackson held the Cubs to one run in seven innings in his first start.  Despite striking out just nine batters in 22 innings since …