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.

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.”

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 …

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.

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.

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 …

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.

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.

Matt Stairs retires from MLB  —  Beginning of Story Content  —  Matt Stairs, New Brunswick's biggest baseball star, is ready to retire after almost two decades playing in Major League Baseball.  —  Stairs, 43, hasn't made the official announcement yet but he told CBC News in an interview …

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 …

Roy Halladay gets 14th win as Phillies sweep Rockies  —  DENVER - Roy Halladay fought through an erratic outing for his NL-leading 14th victory, Ryan Howard drove in four runs with a homer and a double and the Philadelphia Phillies completed a sweep of Colorado with an 8-6 win over the Rockies on Wednesday.

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.

A firsthand experience with stem cell treatment in pitching arm … The Bartolo Colon story has intrigued me since it first broke, a once-great pitcher whose career seemed to be lost and is now pitching effectively again for the Yankees at age 38.  I did more than raise an eyebrow when I heard …

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 …