Garza's value peaking at right time  —  CHICAGO  —  Matt Garza pitched impressively.  Then he spoke candidly.  —  Late Monday night, after what might have been his final start for the Chicago Cubs, Garza confirmed reports that his representatives have spoken with the team about a contract extension.

Bruce Bochy loves Matt Harvey but won't disclose NL All-Star starter  —  When it comes to Matt Harvey's chances of starting the All-Star Game, Giants manager Bruce Bochy Monday offered no hints about his decision.  —  “I can't really share because that's done as far as announcing the starter once …

Sources: Giants, Francoeur reach deal  —  The reeling San Francisco Giants added to their depleted outfield Tuesday, reaching agreement with Jeff Francoeur, according to major-league sources.  —  Francouer, 29, was designated for assignment for the Kansas City Royals on June 30 and released Sunday.

Cards weigh options with veteran Wigginton  —  • By Derrick Goold dgoold@post-dispatch.com 314-340-8285  —  The Cardinals are considering a roster move before tonight's game against Houston that could bring clarity to veteran Ty Wigginton's role with the club and reshape the club's bench …

Cobb throws second bullpen after concussion  —  ST. PETERBURG — Rays right-hander Alex Cobb continued to make progress on Monday, when he threw his second bullpen session after sustaining a concussion from being struck with a line drive on June 15.  —  Cobb threw 47 pitches on Monday …

Upton Helps Braves Beat Marlins 7-1 in 14 Innings  —  MIAMI — Justin Upton broke a tie by driving in two runs when he doubled in a six-run 14th inning for Atlanta's first hit since the sixth, and the Braves beat the Miami Marlins 7-1 Monday night.  —  Five Miami relievers combined …

Mariners' bats back Felix Hernandez in victory over Red Sox  —  SEATTLE — Felix Hernandez held the Red Sox to two runs and six hits over seven innings and Raul Ibanez hit his 22nd home run in leading the Seattle Mariners to an 11-4 victory over Boston on Monday night.

Colon, A's Shut Down Pirates 2-1  —  PITTSBURGH — Bartolo Colon allowed one run over seven innings and the Oakland Athletics won for the ninth time in their past 12 games, beating the Pittsburgh Pirates 2-1 on Monday night.  —  The 40-year-old Colon (12-3) shook off a tough-luck 3-1 defeat …

Tainted players* dull All-Star Game  —  DETROIT — Just the thought turns your stomach, doesn't it?  —  Well, brace yourselves: We could have a tainted player win the All-Star Game MVP Award again.  —  It happened last year when San Francisco Giants outfielder Melky Cabrera took home …

If Derek Jeter does return to these Yankees, he'll be going from Triple-A to Triple-A roster in Bronx  —  Brett Gardner and Robinson Cano were the only hitters in the lineup who could have scared the Royals, though Vernon Wells seems to have found some life in his bat after his recent work with hitting coach Kevin Long.

Midseason Prospect Update: Xander Bogaerts Shows More Discipline  —  BEST PLAYER: Garin Cecchini had the second-highest on-base percentage in the minors at the time of his promotion to Double-A, but that performance wasn't good enough to surpass the landmark start by 20-year-old top prospect Xander Bogaerts.

Grandal set for ACL surgery, likely out 9-12 months  —  SAN DIEGO — Padres catcher Yasmani Grandal will need reconstructive surgery to his anterior cruciate ligament that will end his season, an MRI revealed on Monday.  —  It's unclear whether Grandal will be ready for the start of Spring Training …

Some Braves critical of All-Star selection process, ESPN's Puig-mania  —  PHILADELPHIA - They fully understand the buzz around Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig and the desire of many to get the rookie sensation in the All-Star game, but some Braves took exception to ESPN.com openly campaigning …