Nationals trade Kurt Suzuki to Athletics  —  CHICAGO — The Washington Nationals traded catcher Kurt Suzuki back to the Oakland Athletics on Thursday night, according to multiple sources, thus ending his tenure of just more than a year with the ballclub.  —  It is believed that the Nationals received …

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.

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.

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.

Big Papi defends A-Rod, 'didn't like' drilling  —  SAN FRANCISCO — In an era of increasing intolerance for users of performance-enhancing drugs in baseball, Alex Rodriguez has been the target of sharp criticism from his peers and, on Sunday, a fastball at his midsection from Boston Red Sox pitcher Ryan Dempster.

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 …

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.

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

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 …

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.

Braun issues statement  —  Ryan Braun released this statement tonight:  —  Now that the initial MLB investigation is over, I want to apologize for my actions and provide a more specific account of what I did and why I deserved to be suspended.  I have no one to blame but myself.

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.

Nationals beat Cubs after Strasburg blows lead in 9th inning  —  CHICAGO — Denard Span scored the go-ahead run on pinch-hitter Chad Tracy's grounder in the 13th inning, and the Washington Nationals beat the Chicago Cubs 5-4 on Thursday after Stephen Strasburg blew a three-run lead in the ninth.