D-backs get relief in Rauch from Nats  —  Washington receives infielder Bonifacio in return  —  PHOENIX — The D-backs weary bullpen is about to get some help.  —  Arizona acquired right-hander Jon Rauch from the Nationals on Tuesday in exchange for second baseman Emilio Bonifacio.

Astros acquire Wolf from Padres  —  Houston sends Minor League pitcher for veteran left-hander  —  CINCINNATI — The Padres found a willing trade partner for left-handed pitcher Randy Wolf on Tuesday, sending the veteran to the Astros for Minor League right-handed pitcher Chad Reineke.

Lester dominates; Ramirez lectured by traffic cop  —  The Boston fans in the crowd here, and there were thousands of them at Safeco Field tonight, erupt as Jonathan Papelbon and company jog back to the dugout after ending a wild eighth inning.  Seattle loaded the bases with one out off Jon Lester …

Blanton's first test as Phillies comes tonight against Mets  —  MIAMI - As Joe Blanton stood at his locker 2 days ago and fiddled with the brim of his red Phillies cap, he wasn't much different than a lot of modern-day Americans feeling their way through the first couple of days at a new job.

Guzman agrees to two-year extension  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Nationals shortstop Cristian Guzman has decided to forgo free agency and agreed to terms on a two-year $16 million contract extension.  Guzman will make $8 million in 2009 and ‘10.  —  Guzman has been the Nationals’ best player this season.

Yankees to celebrate 62nd—and largest—Old-Timers' Day at Yankee Stadium with 15 first-time attendees  —  The New York Yankees announced today that 15 first-time Old-Timers will attend the 62nd annual Old-Timers' Day at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 2.  This season marks the final …

‘LAST CALL’ FOR AILING GODZILLA  —  If Hideki Matsui's left knee fills with fluid again, GM Brian Cashman believes it will be impossible for the Yankee DH to avoid a second knee surgery.  —  “If the knee swells up we are dealing with last call,” Cashman said last night after Dr. Scott Rodeo recommended …

Baker's focus on defensive skills wins teammates' trust  —  MIAMI GARDENS - John Baker didn't have to break into any offices and skim through his personnel file to find out why his professional career had stalled.  —  His offense wasn't the reason Baker totaled 1,151 Triple-A at-bats …

SUNBLOCKHEADS AT THE STADIUM  —  YANKS TAKE HEAT OVER BIZARRE BAN  —  Ladies and gentlemen, The Bronx is sunburning.  —  Yankee fans are seeing - and turning - red over a ban on sunscreen, which Stadium security guards say was widely expanded in the last few weeks.

Trading Tex not as simple as some think  —  Raise you hands if you thought that on July 21, the Braves would be opening this series in Florida with the Marlins playing for a share of first place and the Braves contemplating trading away a star this late in the season for the first time since …

Seeing Stars  —  Introduction  —  The Huntsville Stars, the Double-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, have one of the most prospect-laden teams in minor league baseball.  Even after trading away Matt LaPorta to Cleveland in the CC Sabathia deal, this Alabama team is loaded with position players.

Mariners await results of MRI on Bedard  —  It may be a while yet before Erik Bedard pitches again for Seattle.  —  Bedard was sent for an MRI of his left shoulder Tuesday afternoon.  The Mariners are concerned because as of Monday, Bedard was still feeling too much tenderness to resume throwing.