Derek Lowe ‘officially’ threw his last MLB pitch  —  STATELINE, Nev. - Derek Lowe doesn't see the point in using the word “retirement” to signify the end of his 17-year major league career.  —  But Lowe left no room for interpretation after his practice round on Wednesday at the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament.

Braves Eyeing Left-Handed Relievers  —  The Braves' priority is to add a left-handed reliever, writes MLB.com's Mark Bowman, with James Russell of the Cubs, Mike Gonzalez of the Brewers, and Wesley Wright of the Astros on their wish list.  The Braves are more interested in Russell and Gonzalez, he adds.

2014 Competitive Balance Lottery Results  —  The Competitive Balance Lottery for the 2014 MLB Draft took place today.  Twelve competitive balance picks are awarded, with the first six taking place after the first round's conclusion and the next six taking place following conclusion of the second round.

Baseball union boss Michael Weiner warns Biogenesis drug cheats could face major road block  —  Although Weiner was not specifically speaking about Alex Rodriguez, sources have told The News that MLB investigators have gathered an overwhelming amount of evidence that shows …

(USATSI)  —  The Yankees recently called for Padres star third baseman Chase Headley and were told there wasn't a deal to be made, according to people familiar with the brief discussion.  —  While the Padres are willing to listen on any of their players, Headley appears to be about as close …

Brewers' chief sees a ‘silver lining’  —  “We win and lose as a team, and as a team, we need to figure this out from a planning standpoint as well as from an execution standpoint.”  - Mark Attanasio  —  With the Milwaukee Brewers in the midst of one of their worst seasons in several years …

Top 50 MLB prospects update  —  Byron Buxton moves to top spot; No. 1 draft pick Mark Appel in top 10  —  At the MLB season's midpoint, just past the signing deadline for drafted players, here is a fresh look at the top 50 prospects still in the minor leagues, including a new name on top.

Alex Rodriguez expects to return to Yankees on Monday … Alex Rodriguez and the New York Yankees left little to the imagination: Both parties expect he'll return to their lineup Monday.  —  In a radio appearance on New York's WFAN, Rodriguez said he expects to be in their lineup against the Texas Rangers …

Beltran hopes to play three more years  —  • By Derrick Goold dgoold@post-dispatch.com 314-340-8285  —  NEW YORK  • Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran found a familiar sight waiting for him when he reported to the National League clubhouse Monday afternoon.

All-Star Relievers Flash Credentials for Pennant Race  —  NEW YORK — The shut-down performance by American League relievers in this year's All-Star game showcased the winning edge a bullpen can offer a contender as Major League Baseball enters the second half of its season on Friday.

Cuban righty Gonzalez could sign next week  —  The next baseball sensation from Cuba could be in a Major League uniform soon.  —  According to an industry source, the market is taking shape for Cuban pitcher Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez and the right-hander could sign with a club as early as next week.

Bucs' renaissance can be completed with playoff berth  —  After teasing with hot starts last two seasons, Pittsburgh has goods to make run  —  PITTSBURGH — There is an old expression in sports for situations when a team is doing something unexpectedly well:  —  “Stop the season.”