James Loney's future in L.A. at risk  —  Once the cornerstone of the Dodgers' future, an early exit may be in the cards … SAN DIEGO — It was the top of the seventh inning of a game most of the baseball world ignored, and the chess match was just beginning.

Paycheck, not performance, saves A.J.  —  Nova, Hughes battle for spot in Yanks' rotation high-priced Burnett can't seem to lose  —  CHICAGO — During the same week Phil Hughes and Ivan Nova, two young, talented and hungry pitchers, are locked in a one-on-one struggle for one spot …

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.

Time to start figuring out the MVP races  —  When the baseball writers hand out their annual league MVP awards, what is the trophy supposed to symbolize?  It's called the Most Valuable Player, but does that mean most valuable to his team, sort of an ambiguous definition used mostly to suggest players on non-playoff teams have no value?

Lidge earns first save of '11, No. 100 with Phils  —  Feat comes after four months on DL, in front of family, friends  —  DENVER — When Brad Lidge trotted to the mound at Coors Field in Philadelphia's 8-6 win over Colorado on Wednesday, the right-hander wasn't aware he was aiming for save No. 100 in a Phillies uniform.

McGehee satisfies fan's wish with three homers  —  MILWAUKEE — Casey McGehee was nearly finished discussing his big day and the Brewers' big win Wednesday when he released the all-points bulletin.  —  “I've got to tell you guys a story before you go,” McGehee told reporters.  “It was pretty cool.”

Harper: Wally sees Mets armed for future  —  The Mets' dream of a miracle wild-card run is fading quickly, and Johan Santana isn't walking through that door anytime soon.  So the 2011 storyline begins to shift to places like Port St. Lucie, where newly acquired Zack Wheeler has landed …

The Mets' Latest Problem: Finding a Position in the Field for Murphy  —  The steady, unexpected resurgence of Daniel Murphy, in which an extraneous player has transformed himself into an essential one, has provided the Mets with a welcome story line in a season in which they are battling to stay relevant.

UCLA Hires Rex Peters Away From UC Davis  —  UCLA took its time replacing Rick Vanderhook on its coaching staff after he left to take the head job at Cal State Fullerton, but the Bruins have finally found their man, and it was worth the wait.  Baseball America has learned that UCLA …

Castro homers, Garza solid as Cubs edge Pirates  —  PITTSBURGH - Starlin Castro homered and Matt Garza pitched seven shutout innings to lead the Chicago Cubs to a 1-0 win over the sliding Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday night.  —  Castro's homer leading off the eighth inning made a winner of Garza …

Fister wins Detroit debut, beats Rangers  —  DETROIT—Doug Fister pitched seven effective innings to win his Detroit debut while Alex Avila and Ryan Raburn homered as the Tigers beat the Texas Rangers 5-4 Wednesday night.  —  Fister (4-12), acquired from Seattle on July 30, earned his first victory since May 30 — a span of 10 starts.

Mets Morning News (Santana to have shoulder exam)  —  The Mets and Marlins were rained out last night.  —  The Mets are off today, then begin three-game series against the Braves on Friday at Citi Field.  R.A. Dickey will start tomorrow, followed by Jon Niese and Dillon Gee.

Jordan Lyles gets first win as Astros beat Reds 5-4  —  HOUSTON - Rookie J.D. Martinez homered and hit a go-ahead two-run double in the seventh inning to help rookie starter Jordan Lyles pick up his first career win as the Houston Astros beat the Cincinnati Reds 5-4 on Wednesday night.

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 …