Nolasco handling trade speculation in stride  —  Right-hander understands the business side of the game and is not concerned  —  MIAMI — All Ricky Nolasco is focused on right now is his next start, which is Friday for Miami against the Padres at Marlins Park.

Blue Jays open important four-game set with Red Sox  —  The Sports Network  —  (Sports Network) - The Toronto Blue Jays' recent play has catapulted them back into the American League East race.  The red-hot Jays can make an even bigger impact on Thursday when they play the first of four straight games …

Deduno Pitches Twins to 3-1 Victory Over Royals  —  MINNEAPOLIS — Samuel Deduno pitched seven sharp innings and one of Justin Morneau's two doubles drove in Minnesota's first run, sending the Twins to a 3-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday night.

Cardinals remain part of Pujols  —  DETROIT  —  The more Albert Pujols talked about St. Louis, the more he smiled.  —  Next Tuesday at Anaheim, Pujols will play against the Cardinals for the first time — in the regular season, in spring training, in anything other than an intrasquad game.

Source: A-Rod uncertain of return  —  NEW YORK — Alex Rodriguez expressed some uncertainty about his return to the New York Yankees this season during a conference call Wednesday afternoon with team officials, a source familiar with the conversation told ESPNNewYork.com.

Braves likely to seek additional help for 'pen  —  Success of Walden, Avilan as setup men has helped offset key injuries  —  KANSAS CITY — It appeared the Braves might be in trouble when Eric O'Flaherty and Jonny Venters both underwent Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery in May.

Brewers Getting Calls On Relievers, Gallardo  —  The Brewers are receiving “a lot of calls” regarding the availability of John Axford, Francisco Rodriguez and Mike Gonzalez, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports (on Twitter).  He adds that Yovani Gallardo is also drawing “some” interest.

Brian Roberts to start at second base this weekend for Orioles  —  The Baltimore Sun  —  Second baseman Brian Roberts is expected to play for the Orioles this weekend for the first time since April.  —  And when he returns to the team, he will regain his starting spot at second base.

Shin fracture sidelines Cubs prospect Soler  —  Cubs closer Kevin Gregg talks about surviving the Brewers' ninth-inning comeback attempt Wednesday night at Miller Park.  —  On the day after he was named to play in the Futures Game, Chicago Cubs prospect Jorge Soler has been diagnosed …

Pain and misery: The 2013 MLB Index  —  Which fans suffer the most from this maddening game?  We rank the despair.  —  Is there a better occasion to celebrate a landmark birthday than Turn Back the Clock Day?  Probably not.  But unfortunately for my friend, Sarge, who will celebrate …

A Statement Regarding Darren Daulton  —  Darren Daulton has not been feeling well over the past two weeks.  He went to the doctor who discovered two brain tumors and is scheduled for surgery early next week.  Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family at this difficult time.

Miami Marlins draft pick Matt Krook (35th overall) fails physical, will attend Oregon  —  Lefty Matt Krook, who the Marlins selected 35th overall out of St. Ignatius High School in San Francisco, failed his physical and will honor his commitment to Oregon.  —  Sun Sentinel

Yankees could be trade fit for Phillies  —  SAN DIEGO — News that New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira needs season-ending surgery to repair a right wrist injury could ultimately be felt in the Phillies' clubhouse.  —  The Phillies have struggled to reach the .500 mark all season …