Giants acquire Hillenbrand from Blue Jays  —  SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Giants acquired Shea Hillenbrand from Toronto on Friday night, two days after the Blue Jays booted him from the team for clashing with management.  —  The Giants sent reliever Jeremy Accardo to Toronto …

Mussina comes to A-Rod's defense  —  TORONTO — Many people have been wondering why Derek Jeter hasn't come to Alex Rodriguez's defense as the fans at Yankee Stadium continue to direct their anger and disappointment in this year's team at the reigning American League MVP.

Martinez to throw bullpen session  —  Ace could come off DL to start by end of next week  —  NEW YORK — Mets ace Pedro Martinez will throw a bullpen session before Saturday's game and follow it up with a simulated game on Sunday afternoon.  —  If all goes well, the right-hander could come off …

Notes: Little rearranges lineup  —  Manager looking for answers amid second-half slump  —  PHOENIX — Russell Martin returned from a bruised wrist Thursday night, but Cesar Izturis was still attending to family matters and Dodgers manager Grade Little, left with essentially the same deck of cards, shuffled them anyway.

Baker: Lee may not be OK until '07  —  After having Sunday and Monday off to rest his still-healing right wrist, Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee had another one Thursday.  That's three days off in a span of five, leading to the question of just how serious the injury remains and how long it will take for him to be 100 percent.

Q&A with Stan Kasten  —  Incoming team president sees progress at RFK Stadium  —  The Nationals have a slogan for the three-game series against the Cubs this weekend: "Painting the Town Red."  It's the Nationals' way of showing the new changes at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium …

What You Talking 'bout Willis?  —  RUMOR AND SPECULATION  —  Remember yesterday when I noted that it was quiet, too quiet?  Well, it's getting a little louder now.  Reports from Bernie have the Cards and the Marlins talking about a Dontrelle Willis swap.  The price tag?

Heated argument at hotel gets Canseco another run-in with cops  —  CHICO, Calif. (AP) — Former major league slugger Jose Canseco had another run-in with police this week after winning the home run derby at the Golden Baseball League's inaugural All-Star game.

Gabbard to make major league debut Saturday for Red Sox  —  SEATTLE (AP) — The battered Boston Red Sox will promote left-hander Kason Gabbard from Triple-A Pawtucket to start against the Seattle Mariners on Saturday in his major league debut, manager Terry Francona said.

Young ready to return to action  —  Tigers activate switch-hitting slugger after tough first half  —  DETROIT — The Tigers hope they have their switch-hitter back.  Dmitri Young knows he has his life back.  —  With a week and a half left until the July 31 deadline and with the most …

Notes: Sledge back with Padres  —  Leone also joins team; Peavy trade rumors dismissed  —  SAN FRANCISCO — It was a healthier, thinner, more confident Terrmel Sledge who rejoined his Padres teammates Friday and was immediately placed in the lineup in right field, batting second, with Brian Giles nursing a tight right hamstring.

These contenders need to act before deadline  —  Contenders, take note: The Braves' acquisition of closer Bob Wickman on Thursday was a classic example of a team filling a need before the July 31 non-waiver deadline.  —  While several clubs remain on the bubble, unsure of whether to be buyers or sellers …

Nationals sale to be finalized on Monday  —  Lerners set to purchase club from Major League Baseball  —  WASHINGTON — On a day when the Nationals revealed their new fan experience and had a come-from-behind victory at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium on Friday, incoming president Stan Kasten announced …

Notes: Patterson's surgery successful  —  Exploratory procedure on right forearm answer questions  —  WASHINGTON — Nationals right-hander John Patterson said on Friday that he was relieved to know that his forearm injury wasn't as serious as he and the team first thought.

Gonzalez left out and upset  —  D-Backs veteran sounds off after 'one-day' stint on bench  —  PHOENIX — Luis Gonzalez never likes to see his name out of the lineup, but his omission Thursday in the final game of a four-game series with the Dodgers was particularly upsetting.