Kurt Suzuki rejoining A's; his comments plus trade details  —  It has not yet been announced, but the A's have swung a deal with the Nationals to bring their former catcher, Kurt Suzuki, back to the team, according to multiple sources.  The Nationals will receive Class-A Beloit starter Dakota Bacus …

Zack Wheeler understands innings limits  —  Zack Wheeler is nearing uncharted territory.  —  For the first time in his career, he will be expected to pitch through the month of September.  He already has logged 138 1/3 innings and is on pace to blow by his previous high of 149 innings last season.

Cubs Acquire Neil Ramirez To Complete Garza Deal  —  The Rangers announced that they have sent right-handed pitcher Neil Ramirez to the Cubs, completing the July 22nd trade that sent Matt Garza to Chicago.  —  The Garza deal called for a player to be named later to be sent to Chicago, but with one interesting wrinkle.

Phillies Notes: Sandberg says Howard's return in 2013 ‘would be counterproductive’  —  Phillies interim manager Ryne Sandberg feels first baseman Ryan Howard has the ability to be a major run producer despite two subpar and injury-plagued years, provided he is in the best possible baseball shape.

Wandy to see surgeon for arm diagnosis  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Wandy Rodriguez's simulated game early Thursday afternoon did not go well.  In fact, it was discouraging enough for Pirates manager Clint Hurdle to expect the release of a dire statement by team general manager Neal Huntington.

Study Revealing Doping in Track Strikes Hurdle  —  Doping experts have long known that drug tests catch only a tiny fraction of the athletes who use banned substances because athletes are constantly finding new drugs and techniques to evade detection.  So in 2011, the World Anti-Doping Agency convened …

Blue Jays rely on Redmond in opener with Astros  —  The Sports Network  —  (Sports Network) - Journeyman right-hander Todd Redmond makes his eighth start of the season and ninth of his career on Friday night when the Toronto Blue Jays visit the Houston Astros to open a three-game series at Minute Maid Park.

Gillaspie Lifts White Sox Over Royals, 4-3 in 12  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Conor Gillaspie homered leading off the 12th inning Thursday night, lifting the Chicago White Sox to a 4-3 victory over the Royals and their first three-game sweep in Kansas City since 2005.

Another victory for the Dodgers: Vin Scully will return in 2014  —  The Dodgers are expected to announce Friday that Vin Scully will return for his 65th year as announcer.  ‘I would be just thrilled to continue,’ he says.  —  Vin Scully, 85, is expected to return to the Dodgers broadcast booth next season …

Ex-Red Sox enjoying better fortune  —  Gonzalez, Crawford and other new Dodgers are appreciating their time in L.A.

Mets sign Daisuke Matsuzaka, to start Friday  —  The Mets announced they have signed RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka, and he has been named tomorrow night's starter against the Tigers.  —  Matsuzaka will wear number 16.  —  To make room on the active roster for Matsuzaka, the Mets option RHP Greg Burke to Triple-A Las Vegas.

Kelly Pitches Cardinals to 6-2 Win Over Braves  —  ST. LOUIS — Joe Kelly pitched six effective innings, Matt Holliday broke out of a slump with two doubles and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Atlanta Braves 6-2 on Thursday night.  —  David Freese drove in two runs as St. Louis won for the fifth time in six games.

Mets fall apart in extra innings against Braves after blown call, Chris Johnson home run  —  In the top of the 10th, first base umpire Jerry Layne ruled Freddie Freeman had beaten out the throw on a come-backer that got past reliever Scott Rice.  Johnson homered on the very first pitched offered …