Scouts flocking to watch Sox  —  With players available for right price, especially Peavy and Crain, contenders on prowl  —  White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper on overseeing Jesse Crain's injury rehab.  —  Scouts are well aware White Sox starter Jake Peavy will pitch Thursday in what appears …

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.

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 …

‘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?

MORE METS  —  Maybe Anthony Weiner isn't the only Carlos Danger in town.  Carlos Torres used more than his arm to earn his first win as a Met on Tuesday, smacking an RBI single along with his six innings of one-run...

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 …

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.

Shelby Miller returns to form, shuts down Phillies  —  ST. LOUIS — Shelby Miller threw six shutout innings and Allen Craig drove in a pair of runs to lead the St. Louis Cardinals to a 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday night.  —  Miller (10-6) broke out of a three-start slump …

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 …