Jordan Zimmermann, Adam LaRoche spoil Roy Oswalt's return  —  WASHINGTON — Jordan Zimmermann pitched eight innings to win his 10th game, Adam LaRoche had three hits including a two-run triple and the Nationals spoiled Roy Oswalt's return to the majors with a 5-1 win over the Colorado Rockies on Thursday night.

Ian Kinsler helps Rangers repel A's, close AL West gap  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — When the ball caromed away from Texas Rangers center fielder Craig Gentry, he quickly recovered to get it and throw to shortstop Elvis Andrus.  The game was over after a perfect relay to the plate.

Jon Niese leaves game with ‘left shoulder discomfort’  —  Jon Niese left Thursday night's game in the fourth inning with what the team described as discomfort in his left shoulder.  —  “There was discomfort and I tried to pitch through it,” Niese said after the game.  “I felt pain on every pitch, so it wasn't worth it.”

Royals, Manaea Agree On $3.55 Million  —  By starring in the Cape Cod League last summer, Indiana State lefthander Sean Manaea put himself in position to go at the top of the 2013 draft.  While that didn't happen-he slid to the 34th overall pick after battling a hip injury-he'll get paid as if it did.

Inbox: Will O's be in market for starting pitching?  —  Beat reporter Brittany Ghiroli answers Orioles fans' questions  —  Is executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette targeting a starting pitcher via midseason trade?  If so, who are some of the names?

(USATSI)  —  NEW YORK — Alex Rodriguez's recent progress is said by people around the Yankees to have been dramatic, with one person calling it “fantastic” and another even speculating A-Rod could possibly begin to play rehab games just after the All-Star break.

Longoria homers twice, Moore ends skid, Rays beat Yankees  —  NEW YORK — Evan Longoria homered twice and drove in three runs, Matt Moore ended a personal three-game skid and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the New York Yankees 8-3 Thursday night.  —  Yunel Escobar also homered as Tampa Bay sent …

Ciriaco's big hits, flashy defence carry Padres past Dodgers  —  SAN DIEGO — Newcomer Pedro Ciriaco tripled in the go-ahead run in the seventh inning and hit a two-run homer in the eighth to lead the San Diego Padres to a 6-3 victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday night.

Final Score: Mets 4 Braves 3  —  The Least You Should Know:  —  David Wright his two solo home runs, Andrew Brown hit another, and Josh Satin had a pinch-hit RBI double, as the Mets completed taking three of five games from the Braves to win their first series in Atlanta since 2011.

Amaro gets backing from his boss  —  The barking on David Montgomery's doorstep has started again.  —  It was never louder than when Ed Wade was the Phillies' general manager.  Starving for the postseason, the fan base wanted a change and loudly voiced that opinion over a number of disappointing seasons.

Benoit Leyland's first option in closer situation  —  DETROIT — Before Jose Valverde rejoined the Tigers at the end of April, manager Jim Leyland had a bullpen by committee, but had Joaquin Benoit as his preferred option.  —  “On a lot of the days, if it's doable, I think [Joaquin] …

Rays win first of season at Fenway  —  BOSTON — Jose Molina provided the entertainment by racing home with the go-ahead run.  Wil Myers produced some history with his first extra-base hit and RBIs.  —  But the most important development in Wednesday's 6-2 victory over the Red Sox …