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.

Yanks, Mariners talk Washburn deal … The Yankees and Mariners have begun trade discussions that could land lefthanded pitcher Jarrod Washburn in the Bronx, if the finances can be worked out.  —  There is hope for a deal.  But the talks could still be derailed by attempts to include some other big contracts in any potential trade.

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 …

Angels throw out a lot of pitchers to beat Indians, 3-2  —  Angels starter Jered Weaver is pulled after three innings because of back problem, but the bullpen tag team of Darren Oliver, Jose Arredondo, Scot Shields and Francisco Rodriguez blanks Cleveland.  —  It wasn't so much a relief effort as it was a rescue mission.

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.

Smith: For Santana, it's complete game or total collapse  —  This was the Mets' opportunity to make a statement.  They had their high-priced ace, Johan Santana, on the mound for an NL East first-place showdown with their rivals, the Phillies - a team that had crushed all their hopes last 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 …

Who's next after Rauch, Wolf?  —  Baseball's trade market Tuesday turned away from the splashy and toward the routine - and borderline irrelevant, in the case of the Houston Astros - and that landscape is beginning to resemble what many general managers believe will be a measured conclusion to the non-waiver trading season.

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.

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.