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.

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 …

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 …

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.

Mariners Designate Jeremy Bonderman For Assignment  —  The Mariners designated starter Jeremy Bonderman for assignment, according to a team press release.  They also recalled lefty Lucas Luetge.  —  Bonderman, 30, had his contract purchased by the Mariners in June, at which point he made his first MLB start since October 2010.

Escobar and Zobrist homer to lead Rays over Twins  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Yunel Escobar and Ben Zobrist homered during a three-run seventh inning and the surging Tampa Bay Rays beat the Minnesota Twins 7-4 on Monday night.  —  Escobar had a leadoff tiebreaking homer in the seventh off Samuel Deduno …

Beachy vs. Jurrjens Tuesday at Gwinnett; Gattis update  —  Sponsored Links  —  MIAMI — When Brandon Beachy resumes his minor league rehab stint with a start Tuesday night at Triple-A Gwinnett, the opposing pitcher will certainly be familiar.  Jair Jurrjens.

Mets' Niese cleared to work toward return  —  SAN FRANCISCO — New York Mets left-hander Jonathon Niese has been cleared to begin working toward a return from the disabled list.  Niese had a favorable follow-up exam with team doctors at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan on Monday, a source told ESPNNewYork.com.

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 …