Pudge to be in reserve role for rest of season  —  WASHINGTON — It appears unlikely that Ivan Rodriguez will start another game behind the plate this season.  —  Nationals manager Davey Johnson said that he plans to start Wilson Ramos at catcher, with Jesus Flores serving as the backup.

Final: Blue Jays 7, Red Sox 4  —  The Red Sox suffered their third loss in four games vs. the Blue Jays in a 7-4 defeat Thursday night before a Rogers Centre crowd of 17,189.  —  LHP Andrew Miller (6-7, 5.58 ERA) absorbed the loss after giving up five runs on eight hits …

Source: MLB wants Astros to move to AL  —  League would seek move pending new ownership  —  HOUSTON — As the Astros await approval of a transfer of ownership to a group led by Houston businessman Jim Crane, an industry source has confirmed for MLB.com that Commissioner Bud Selig has asked Crane …

Jason Isringhausen wants to pitch in '12  —  New York Mets reliever Jason Isringhausen will be sidelined for at least a few days with a herniated disk in his lower back that is pinching the sciatic nerve and causing tingling in his right foot.  —  But the 39-year-old reliever …

How valuable is Curtis Granderson?  —  Yankees center fielder finds himself right in the middle of AL MVP debate  —  NEW YORK — Most players arrive in a new city and spend their free time looking for a comfortable place to live, enrolling the kids in school, scoping out the restaurant scene …

San Francisco Giants update: Brandon Belt will play winter ball after all  —  SAN DIEGO — Brandon Belt wasn't excited when Giants officials broached the subject of playing winter ball.  But the rookie had a change of heart after meeting with manager Bruce Bochy on Wednesday.

Joe Morgan to lead Oktoberfest chicken dance  —  Reds great and Baseball Hall of Famer Joe Morgan will lead the annual World's Largest Chicken Dance at Oktoberfest next Saturday.  —  Morgan, a 10-time All-Star and MVP in 1975 and 1976 when the Reds won back-to-back World Series titles …

Chipper Jones to Bat 2nd for Struggling Braves  —  NEW YORK (AP) — Chipper Jones is batting second in the Atlanta Braves' lineup for the first game of a doubleheader against the New York Mets on Thursday, his first start in that spot since 1996.  —  Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez …

Orioles rally to beat Yankees 5-4 in 10 innings  —  BALTIMORE—Robert Andino singled home the winning run in the 10th inning after tying it in the eighth, and the Baltimore Orioles rallied to beat the New York Yankees 5-4 Thursday.  —  Vladimir Guerrero homered, doubled twice and scored …

V-Mart proving to be steal of free agency  —  CLEVELAND — Victor Martinez has had a huge impact in the Detroit Tigers' clubhouse this season.  Between his infectious smile, his unceasing love for the game and the bonds he's formed with the players, he has been a pivotal part of an obviously amiable atmosphere.

Great photo: Tony La Russa shakes maracas for Carlos Santana  —  ¡Oye como va!  It's not hard to make out the blurry figure with his arms raised behind the percussionst.  That's St. Louis Cardinals skipper Tony La Russa providing a little backup for legendary musician Carlos Santana(notes) at a recent show.