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 searching for a left-handed reliever  —  Over the past couple months, it has been apparent the Braves will attempt to gain bullpen depth before the July 31 Trade Deadline.  But with all indications that Alex Wood will join Atlanta's starting rotation before the end of the month …

Sources: Rangers, Garza talking deal  —  The Texas Rangers tried to acquire right-hander Matt Garza from the Chicago Cubs a year ago, but an injury to Garza prevented the deal from happening.  —  Well, the Rangers are trying again.  —  The Rangers and Cubs have had extensive talks on Garza …

Pirates are looking at ChiSox's Rios, and might like Ramirez, too  —  The surprising Pirates are said to be among the teams seeking to acquire White Sox outfielder Alex Rios, and people familiar with Pittsburgh's thinking suggest they wouldn't be surprised if the Pirates expand the talks to include Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez, as well.

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.

Do Uniforms Determine Success?  MLB Team Jersey, Cap Stats  —  Have you ever thought to yourself, “it seems like those guys always lose when they wear that jersey”?  Well, it turns out there may be some underlying truth to your sartorial assumption.  —  Over the past three-and-a-half months …

Yankees president: A-Rod returning Monday  —  Alex Rodriguez will be activated and return to the New York Yankees' lineup Monday night against the Texas Rangers, team president Randy Levine told USA TODAY Sports, provided Rodriguez stays healthy through Sunday.

O's agree to terms with Cuban prospect Alvarez  —  Cuban outfield prospect Dariel Alvarez has agreed in principle to a deal with the Orioles worth $800,000, he told MLB.com on Thursday.  —  Alvarez, who is waiting on the results of his physical, could officially sign on Saturday.

Diamondbacks announcer accused of threatening wife with knife  —  FONT:  —  The Spanish-language play-by-play voice of the Arizona Diamondbacks was arrested Wednesday accused of holding a kitchen knife to his wife's throat and threatening to kill her, according to court records.

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 …