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.

Hamels, Pence lead Phillies past Brewers, 7-2  —  MILWAUKEE (AP) — For only the second time in nearly seven years, the Philadelphia Phillies played a game without three of their biggest stars - Ryan Howard , Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins .  —  It didn't matter.

Konerko hits grand slam to lead White Sox over Indians  —  CHICAGO — Brent Morel hit two homers and Paul Konerko had a grand slam, lifting the Chicago White Sox to an 8-1 victory over the Cleveland Indians on Thursday night.  —  Morel hit a solo shot off Indians starter David Huff (2-4) …

Kennedy Gets 19th Win as D-Backs Beat Padres 4-1  —  PHOENIX (AP) — Ian Kennedy struck out a season-high 11 over seven-plus innings for his National League-leading 19th win as the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the San Diego Padres 4-1 on Thursday night.  —  Kennedy (19-4) scattered seven hits and did not walk a batter over 7 2-3 innings.

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 …

Final: Blue Jays 7, Red Sox 4  —  Jason Varitek homered in the ninth.  But with two on and two out, Dustin Pedroia struck out.  He has one hit in his last 23 at-bats and was 1 for 20 in the series.  —  Bottom of 8th: Blue Jays 7, Red Sox 3  —  David Cooper tacked on yet another run …

History suggests Tampa Bay Rays fans should temper their hopes  —  It begins quietly, just an inkling that all is not lost.  —  A few victories in a row, perhaps.  Maybe a key injury on another team, followed by a walkoff homer at a time when few people are paying attention.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.

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 …

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.