Marlins work to solve their Heath Bell problem  —  The Marlins signed Heath Bell to be their shutdown closer.  He hasn't lived up to those expectations yet.  (Getty Images)  —  SAN DIEGO — The Marlins were very well aware of the fact that Heath Bell was striking out fewer and fewer hitters …

Abundance of lefties may spark movement  —  DETROIT — Matt Thornton was part of a 2005 Mariners squad that featured Ron Villone, George Sherrill and Eddie Guardado as a rare quartet of southpaws in the bullpen.  Guardado didn't really count, according to Thornton, since he was the closer and out of the matchup mix.

Johnson Hits First Career Slam as Astros Top Cards  —  HOUSTON (AP) — Chris Johnson hit his first career grand slam, Bud Norris continued his dominance of the Cardinals and the Houston Astros beat St. Louis 8-2 on Saturday night to win a fifth consecutive game for the first time since late 2010.

Chipper helps Braves win slugfest vs. Rockies  —  DENVER (AP) - Chipper Jones had three hits and matched a career high with five RBIs and the Atlanta Braves overcame a grand slam by Michael Cuddyer to beat the Colorado Rockies 13-9 Saturday night.  —  Matt Diaz and Jason Heyward also hit …

Paulino Shuts Down Yankees as Royals Win 5-1  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Felipe Paulino came off the disabled list to toss six shutout innings, Billy Butler drove in three runs and the Kansas City Royals beat the New York Yankees 5-1 on Saturday night.  —  Paulino (1-) retired 11 straight …

Phillies lose to Nationals in 11  —  WASHINGTON — This was desperately billed as a rivalry here in the nation's capital.  Sign age around Nationals Park was changed to read “Natitude Park” as part of a marketing campaign designed to attract more home fans.  It was a success.

Orioles hammer Red Sox  —  Jason Hammel learned a valuable lesson the hard way last year.  Now, he's taken that knowledge and turned it into early-season success.  —  Hammel continued his strong start this season by going 6 2-3 solid innings and Mark Reynolds hit a 3-run homer …

Santana Finally Gets Win as Mets Beat Arizona  —  NEW YORK (AP) — Johan Santana won for the first time in 20 months, finally getting some run support from his teammates, and the New York Mets beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-3 on Saturday to snap a four-game losing streak.

Slumping Angels Slugger Pujols Gets Night Off  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Albert Pujols, stumbling through the longest home run drought of his 12-year career, was not in the Los Angeles Angels' starting lineup Saturday for the first time this season.  —  And the three-time NL MVP wasn't happy about it.

Gomez, Gonzalez to DL  —  Before their game against the Giants on Sunday, the Brewers will place outfielder Carlos Gomez (left hamstring) and shortstop Alex Gonzalez (right knee) on the 15-day disabled list.  They'll recall third baseman Taylor Green from Triple-A Nashville and will purchase shortstop Edwin Maysonet's contract.

Without stepping on field, Lilly ejected  —  CHICAGO — Dodgers left-hander Ted Lilly, a spectator in Saturday's game against the Cubs, was ejected by home-plate umpire Tim Timmons for complaining from the dugout about a called second strike on Bobby Abreu in the fifth inning.