As Usual, Lots of Medical News from the Yankees  —  The Yankees are relying on several players older than 30, and not surprisingly, many are breaking down.  Hideki Matsui did not start because of tightness in his right hamstring, and Derek Jeter got another day to rest his pulled oblique muscle.

Prado's homer lifts Braves over Mets in 12 innings  —  NEW YORK (AP) — Martin Prado homered off Ken Takahashi with one out in the 12th inning, and the Atlanta Braves beat the New York Mets 8-7 Wednesday after wasting three leads.  —  Gary Sheffield tied the score in the eighth …

Top 100: Strasburg, and then who?  —  We've got rankings, scouting reports, analysis and video.  Dig in.  —  STAY AHEAD OF THE GAME Become an Insider Today  —  Scouts Inc.  —  This isn't the strongest draft class in recent years.  It's not the weakest.

Figgy returns, Niese optioned  —  Jon Niese lasted two turns in the rotation.  The rookie lefthander was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo after Wednesday's start, and Nelson Figueroa has been summoned after the excessive bullpen work.  It may not be a leap to suggest that Tim Redding will be activated and start Monday in Los Angeles.

Joe Torre asked to join Charlie Manuel as NL All-Star coach  —  PHILADELPHIA — Joe Torre is going back to the All-Star Game.  —  Torre said Wednesday that Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel asked him to be part of the National League coaching staff for the Midsummer Classic in St. Louis on July 14.

Florida Marlins: Done in by the long ball  —  It's a good thing the curvy, yellow slide leading down from mascot Bernie Brewer's Dugout high above left field at Miller Park isn't made of wood.  Bernie might still be picking splinters out of his back side.  Bernie slides down after every Brewers homer.

Buchholz dominates ... again  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. — How much more can he do?  Clay Buchholz has been out of control on the mound lately, in a good way.  Buchholz struck out 11 batters over eight scoreless innings in this morning's start against Toledo.  He allowed just four hits in his outing, and walked no one.

Francoeur given rest in finale  —  Cox takes opportunity to give right fielder a breather  —  NEW YORK — After Tuesday night's 10-inning loss to the Mets, Jeff Francoeur was among the many Braves who were upset that they had squandered yet another impressive effort from Jair Jurrjens.

Baseball writing takes a sad turn  —  It was 105 today and service was lousy at P.F. Chang's.  I have a stiff neck from sleeping on it wrong and my cigars are coming unraveled in the desert heat.  —  But I'm not going to complain.  Not even Delta can get my heart rate up today.  —  I have a job.

Pirates' LaRoche first to lose homer on reversal  —  PITTSBURGH (AP) — Adam LaRoche became the first player to have a home run taken away after a video replay, losing it Wednesday night when umpires reversed their call.  —  The call in the Cardinals-Pirates game was the 13th to get reviewed …

Down to the Wire  —  Caps Add Another Game 7 To D.C. Sports Heritage  —  There have been precious few events in Washington sports like the one that will take place tonight at Verizon Center, and the heroes of years past have names such as Dale Hunter, a Washington Capitals great …

Cleveland DH Hafner to begin rehab assignment … CLEVELAND (AP) — Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner, who's been out with right shoulder soreness, will begin a rehab assignment Friday with Triple-A Columbus.  —  Hafner was placed on the 15-day disabled list April 29 with the same injury that limited him to 57 games last year.

Drew HR, Varitek double complete Red Sox's rally  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. — Jason Varitek drove in the go-ahead run with a double in the ninth inning, J.D. Drew homered and the Boston Red Sox rallied to beat the Los Angeles Angels 4-3 on Tuesday night.  —  Drew led off the ninth with a single …