Sox creep closer to Tigers with win  —  This one came as a bonus, like finding a nice big bone during baseball's Dog Days of August.  —  Beating the Tigers is really nothing new to the White Sox this season, considering their 8-3 head-to-head mismatch.  Beating the Tigers with four unearned runs …

Astros designate Wilson for assignment  —  Move made to make room for rookie right-hander Hirsh  —  HOUSTON — The Houston Astros were faced with a difficult decison on Saturday when they had to decide who to remove from the 25-man roster in order to open a spot for rookie right-hander Jason Hirsh.

Boomer busts five-game skid  —  Wells records career victory No. 228 and first of season  —  BOSTON — The uniquely passionate and large fandom that follows the Red Sox couldn't help but be in full-throttle, fret mode on the heels of the club's 1-5 road trip through last-place posts Tampa Bay and Kansas City.

The Mets' $oriano in 2007?  —  WASHINGTON — The Mets repeatedly tried to trade for Alfonso Soriano during his final two years in Texas, but they refused to give up Jose Reyes, Scott Kazmir or Lastings Milledge.  —  Once this season is over, however, all Soriano will cost the Mets is money …

Dodgers Take the Lead Out West, for Now  —  WHEN the Los Angeles Dodgers supplanted San Diego in first place in the National League West on Thursday, they completed a remarkable cycle.  Their climb to the top meant they had been in every one of the five places in the division standings since the All-Star Game.

Vazquez angry about his part in Indians maneuvers  —  CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Indians made a flurry of moves on Saturday, and not everyone loved the results.  —  The Tribe recalled right-hander Jeremy Guthrie from Triple-A Buffalo to start Saturday's second game of a day-night doubleheader against the Kansas City Royals.

Notes: Howard not all that jazz  —  Ex-trombone player chose right career path, says brother  —  PHILADELPHIA — In the neverending search to learn more about Ryan Howard, this nugget was uncovered: He played the trombone.  —  This gem has been provided by Howard's older brother, Chris …

Report: Loria was talked out of firing Girardi  —  Florida Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria had to be talked out of firing manager Joe Girardi after a loss last Sunday, the Palm Beach Post reported Saturday, citing unnamed sources with knowledge of the situation.

Rangers' Volquez steps into a comfort zone  —  Pitcher has worked on fastball command and feels more prepared  —  ARLINGTON - Rangers pitching coach Mark Connor had a straightforward message for 23-year-old Edinson Volquez when they worked in the bullpen Thursday.

Prior back on DL, could be done for the year  —  DENVER (AP) — The Chicago Cubs placed Mark Prior on the 15-day disabled list Saturday with shoulder tendinitis, a move that could mean an end to the right-hander's season.  —  Prior has been on the DL eight times in his four-year career in the majors, including three this season.

Yost benches struggling Jenkins  —  ATLANTA (AP) — Milwaukee manager Ned Yost benched veteran outfielder Geoff Jenkins Friday and said he would look at prospects Gabe Gross and Corey Hart the rest of the season.  —  Jenkins, a 1995 first-round pick, ranks fourth on the team's all-time home-run list …

Notes: Aybar headed to DL  —  Chipper expected back at third for series finale on Sunday  —  ATLANTA — When Chipper Jones comes off the disabled list on Sunday, Willy Aybar will be going on it.  —  Aybar, who has served as the Braves starting third baseman while Jones …

HOMEMLBNEWS STORYReds place Mercker on 15-day DL  —  Sports Ticker  —  PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) - A troublesome elbow has again turned Kent Mercker into a spectator.  —  The Cincinnati Reds placed the veteran lefhander on the 15-day disabled list on Saturday and recalled lefthander Chris Michalak …