Twins slugger Thome clubs 600th career homer … DETROIT — Minnesota slugger Jim Thome become the eighth player to hit 600 home runs, connecting twice against the Detroit Tigers on Monday night.  —  The 40-year-old Thome hit a two-run homer in the sixth inning for No. 599, then added a three-run shot in the seventh.

Nationals sign first four 2011 Draft picks  —  Rendon, Meyer, Goodwin and Purke agree to terms at deadline  —  WASHINGTON — The Nationals agreed to terms with their first four selections — infielder Anthony Rendon, right-hander Alex Meyer, outfielder Brian Goodwin and left-hander Matthew Purke — in the 2011 First-Year Player Draft.

Seattle signs 1st-round choice, Hultzen  —  SEATTLE—Danny Hultzen, taken by the Seattle Mariners with the No. 2 pick on the amateur draft, agreed Monday night to an $8.5 million, five-year contract.  —  The deal includes a $6.35 million signing bonus.  —  Hultzen, a 6-foot-3 left-hander …

Crew turns sixth triple play in franchise history  —  MILWAUKEE — Had the Brewers stopped at a double play in the second inning of Monday's series opener with the Dodgers, it would have been highlight-worthy enough.  Instead they turned three and made some franchise history.

Zambrano apologizes, wants to remain a Cub  —  Carlos Zambrano said he apologizes to Chicago Cubs fans and the team for his actions in leaving the Cubs last Friday and wants to remain “a Cubbie for the rest of my life ... the organization has been good to me,” he told Comcast SportsNet's David Kaplan in an interview Monday.

Tigers Acquire Delmon Young  —  In a surprising intra-division deal, the Twins announced today that they've traded left fielder Delmon Young to the Tigers for minor league lefty Cole Nelson and a player to be named later.  The press release notes that the PTBNL must be chosen on or before October 15th.

Doumit goes 4-for-4 with HR to lead Pirates past Cardinals  —  PITTSBURGH — Ryan Doumit went 4 for 4 and hit a tie-breaking three-run home run to lift the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 6-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday night.  —  Doumit's homer in the fourth inning off Jake Westbrook …

Mets sign Brandon Nimmo, Logan Verrett, others  —  The Mets announced tonight they have signed OF Brandon Nimmo, their first round selection and 13th overall pick in the 2011 First-Year Player Draft.  —  According to ESPN's Keith Law, the Mets have signed OF Brandon Nimmo.  —  Law says the deal is for $2.1 million.

Red Sox sign Barnes, Swihart and Owens  —  The Red Sox signed a series of players right at the deadline.  Here's the list:  —  RHP Matt Barnes (UConn, 19th overall) for $1.5 million.  —  Catcher Blake Swihart (Cleveland HS, Rio Rancho, N.M) for $2.5 million.

Soto Lifts Cubs to 12th Win in 15 Games  —  HOUSTON (AP) — Geovany Soto had three hits and two RBIs and Kerry Wood earned his first save in over a year as the Chicago Cubs won for the 12th time in 15 games with a 4-3 win over the Houston Astros Monday night.

Jeter helps Burnett finally win as Yankees top Royals  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Derek Jeter had three hits and drove in three runs, including two with a go-ahead triple in the sixth inning, and struggling A.J. Burnett finally won a game in August for the New York Yankees in their 7-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Monday night.