Notes: Valverde takes over as closer  —  Julio's struggles convince Melvin bullpen change is in order  —  WASHINGTON — Jorge Julio, who bombed as the Baltimore Orioles' bullpen stopper last year and was traded twice before assuming a similar role with the Diamondbacks, has been replaced as closer by right-hander Jose Valverde.

Notes: Barrett on DL after surgery  —  Blanco makes first start at first; Baker juggles youngsters  —  CHICAGO — The Cubs' injuries continued to mount as catcher Michael Barrett was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with an intrascrotal hematoma.  —  Barrett was injured …

AL Central race takes top billing this week  —  Your weekly look ahead to what's in store for baseball fans ...  There's more riding on this for Minnesota, but it's still a vital series all around.  At present, the Tigers lead the rough-and-tumble AL Central by 4 1/2 games over the White Sox …

Notes: Lind makes impression  —  Outfielder overcomes nerves as he makes big-league debut  —  BOSTON — It was his first day in the Majors, so Adam Lind wanted to make sure he made it to the ballpark.  To avoid getting lost, Toronto's rookie outfielder caught a cab with Blue Jays hitting coach Mickey Brantley.

Roethlisberger has surgery to remove appendix  —  By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette  —  Steelers starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had an emergency appendectomy today and will miss the season opener Thursday against the Miami Dolphins.  —  Roethlisberger was absent …

Hendrickson Not Worried  —  A day after making his first relief appearance since 2002, Mark Hendrickson said he did not think he was in danger of losing his spot in the rotation despite winning only once in 11 starts with the Dodgers.  —  Hendrickson, who pitched the eighth inning Saturday …

Howard hits No. 50, adds Nos. 51, 52  —  Phils slugger has most homers by a second-year player  —  PHILADELPHIA — Nos. 50, 51 and 52.  —  That sums up Ryan Howard's day at Citizens Bank Park, or at least the first game of Sunday's doubleheader split with Atlanta.

Marlins back at .500, beat Brewers  —  Ramirez, Cabrera muscle Florida past Milwaukee in finale  —  MILWAUKEE — The Florida Marlins have accomplished something that no other team has in the modern era of baseball.  —  They've made it back to .500 after being 20 games under at 11-31 on May 21.

Giles to undergo cardiovascular test  —  Second baseman to be evaluated by team physician  —  PHILADELPHIA — Marcus Giles is heading back to Atlanta on Sunday to undergo a cardiovascular evaluation.  Until he gets there, the second baseman will feel the anxiety created on Saturday …

Notes: Beltran on the mend  —  All-Star's knee responding to treatment after fence collision  —  HOUSTON — The utter brilliance of the play Carlos Beltran made in the ninth inning on Saturday night invited comparisons to others that have warranted stars in scorebooks.

Blyleven profanities heard on Twins broadcast  —  Viewers tuning in for the opening of the Twins-Yankees telecast Sunday afternoon on WFTC got an unexpected surprise.  —  Viewers tuning in for the opening of the Twins-Yankees telecast Sunday afternoon on WFTC got an unexpected surprise.

Landing Playoff Tickets, at a Cost  —  The playoffs at Dodger Stadium: Priceless.  Making sure you can buy a ticket for the playoffs at Dodger Stadium: $99.95.  —  With the Dodgers on the verge of a playoff berth and a franchise attendance record, ticket demand is surging.