Alex Rodriguez not planning to make deal with MLB  —  New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez has no intention of negotiating a settlement with Major League Baseball, two persons close to Rodriguez told USA TODAY Sports, and currently plans to appeal any potential suspension.

Lester Pitches Red Sox to 6-2 Win Over Rays  —  BOSTON — Jon Lester matched his season high with eight strikeouts and overcame homers by Wil Myers and Evan Longoria as the Boston Red Sox remained in first place with a 6-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night.

Cubs, Yankees in talks about Soriano deal … PHOENIX - The Cubs and New York Yankees are in talks with the New York Yankees about a deal that would return Alfonso Soriano to the Bronx.  —  The New York Post reported early Tuesday that the teams were close to a deal that would Soriano …

Mets Request Release Waivers On Shaun Marcum  —  The Mets announced today that they have placed right-hander Shaun Marcum on unconditional release waivers after it was confirmed that he is unlikely to pitch again this season (Twitter links).  —  Marcum, 31, pitched to a 5.29 ERA in 78 1/3 innings …

‘Disappointed’ Kemp says Braun should lose MVP  —  TORONTO — Matt Kemp wouldn't say on Tuesday that the 2011 National League MVP Award should be given to him, but did say it should be taken from suspended Milwaukee outfielder Ryan Braun.  —  “Do I feel like it should be stripped?

Orioles Acquire K-Rod From Brewers for Prospect  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Baltimore Orioles have acquired reliever Francisco Rodriguez from the Milwaukee Brewers for minor league infielder Nick Delmonico.  —  The Orioles cleared space for Rodriguez on the 40-man roster Tuesday …

Royals best trade chip is Hochevar  —  The Kansas City Royals have given little indication that they will trade veterans before the July 31 non-waiver deadline.  But if they were going to make an exception, right-hander Luke Hochevar would be an obvious candidate.

Pirates Closer Jason Grilli Placed on DL  —  WASHINGTON — The Pittsburgh Pirates have placed National League saves leader Jason Grilli on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right forearm.  —  Grilli, who left Monday night's game at Washington in the ninth inning with discomfort in his forearm …

Buchholz: Doc preached caution on shoulder  —  BOSTON — Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz said Tuesday that he was guilty of pushing too hard to return, which only served to aggravate his shoulder discomfort, and that Dr. James Andrews told him that if he doesn't proceed more cautiously now …

Nationals dismiss Eckstein, name Schu hitting coach  —  Former roving hitting instructor for Washington takes over to lead slumping offense  —  WASHINGTON — On Sunday morning, according to Rick Eckstein, Nationals manager Davey Johnson assured him that he was doing a good job as the team's hitting coach.

Final: Braves 2 Mets 1  —  The Least You Should Know...  Bobby Parnell allowed two runs in a heartbreaking ninth inning, recording his fourth blown save and fifth loss of the season.  With runners two on in the bottom of the ninth, Justin Turner lined out to a diving Jason Heyward to end the game.