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.

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.

Reaction from both Doug Melvin and Francisco Rodriguez  —  By Todd Rosiak of the Journal Sentinel  —  Here is what both general manager Doug Melvin and reliever Francisco Rodriguez had to say the Milwaukee Brewers' trade of “K-Rod” earlier tonight to the Baltimore Orioles.

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 …

Porcello Dominates, Tigers Beat White Sox 6-2  —  CHICAGO — Rick Porcello pitched four-hit ball over seven scoreless innings, Jhonny Peralta homered and the Detroit Tigers took advantage of four errors in a 6-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night.

Gonzalez Homers, Dodgers Rally Past Blue Jays 10-9  —  TORONTO — Adrian Gonzalez hit a three-run homer, Andre Ethier and Jerry Hairston Jr. added solo shots and the streaking Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Toronto Blue Jays 10-9 Tuesday night for their fifth straight victory and 22nd in 27 games.

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.

‘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?

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 …