MLB dismisses Nationals sale report  —  Major League Baseball denied a report on Wednesday generated by a Washington, D.C., television station that Commissioner Bud Selig had decided to sell the Washington Nationals to a group headed by Theodore and Mark Lerner.

Notes: Nationals bring back Day  —  WASHINGTON — In need of pitching, the Nationals kept themselves busy on Wednesday afternoon.  They claimed right-hander Zach Day off waivers from the Rockies, and to make room on the 40-man roster, they designated catcher Wiki Gonzalez for assignment.

Rotation will be altered slightly  —  SAN FRANCISCO - The Mets already planned to alter their rotation before yesterday's 7-5 win over the Giants, but after seeing Brian Bannister limp home in the sixth inning while running the bases, some further adjustments may be necessary.

Notes: Day's days over in Denver  —  Right-hander claimed off waivers by Nationals  —  PHILADELPHIA — There was speculation that Zach Day might file a grievance against the Rockies.  —  There's no need to speculate any further.  —  The right-handed pitcher was claimed off waivers …

Piazza's rough day ends with No. 400  —  Long ball in ninth inning is 379th as catcher  —  SAN DIEGO — One of the most miserable and painful of Mike Piazza's days as a Major League superstar changed abruptly with one classic swing Wednesday afternoon.  —  With two outs in the bottom of the ninth …

BELTRAN IS ITCHY ON BENCH  —  April 26, 2006 — SAN FRANCISCO - Carlos Beltran (inflamed right hamstring) said yesterday that not being able to play is "frustrating."  —  "Its frustrating for me right now because the MRI shows that it's nothing major.  But I still feel it," the center fielder said.

Willis for Mets' Wright?  Wrong!  —  Marlins deny making trade proposal  —  CHICAGO — General Manager Larry Beinfest isn't one to comment on trade rumors.  The absurdity of this one was enough to prompt him to address it.  —  A Newsday article this week claimed the Marlins called …

Bowden Variations  —  "I've had plenty of e-mails from fans suggesting if we had an owner we could have kept Esteban Loaiza and signed A.J. Burnett, Kevin Millwood and/or Jarrod Washburn.  So, for a mere $35 million for this year alone, you could have had a starting pitching rotation that is a combined 2-9."

Cordero struggles as Rangers fall  —  Mench homers for club-record sixth straight game  —  ARLINGTON — This time Francisco Cordero could offer little defense when asked if he should remain the Rangers' closer.  —  "It's not my decision," Cordero said, once again finding himself surrounded …

Bonds hits homer No. 711 in big spot  —  Slugger belts pinch-hit dinger to tie game in ninth vs. Mets  —  SAN FRANCISCO — It was one of the seminal moments of the young season on Wednesday at AT&T Park.  Power against power in the ninth inning.  Billy Wagner closing for the New York Mets.

Highly-touted prospect throws bat at umpire  —  PAWTUCKET, R.I. (AP) — Durham Bulls outfielder Delmon Young threw a bat into the chest of the home plate umpire after being called out on strikes in the first inning of Wednesday night's game at Pawtucket.  —  Young took a third strike on a 1-and-2 pitch.

Chipper shines in return, but Braves fall  —  Jones homers in first game off DL in loss to Brewers  —  MILWAUKEE — Chipper Jones returned to the Braves' lineup with a bang.  But his contribution wasn't enough to overcome the two-out, sixth-inning damage that marred what was shaping to be a strong effort from Tim Hudson.