CUBS IN BRIEF: Kouzmanoff might be a fit for Cubs  —  SAN DIEGO — So far, Mike Fontenot, Bobby Scales and Ryan Freel haven't been the answers to covering third base for the Cubs in the significant absence of Aramis Ramirez.  —  But could the other guy who played third during the Cubs' series over the weekend be a solution?

Yankees' Bruney pitching with discomfort  —  NEW YORK - Brian Bruney knows what the tests say and he knows what the doctors say.  He also knows his right arm still hurts.  At this point, though, with no clear diagnosis of a medical malady, Bruney has decided to pitch through the pain.

Hints dropped on Ortiz spot in order  —  In what has become a familiar scene this season, a frustrated David Ortiz returns to the dugout after a fruitless at-bat.  Big Papi went 0 for 5 and is hitting .195.  (Bill Greene/Globe Staff)  —  The Red Sox' offensive onslaught yesterday made David Oritz's struggles more glaring.

Angels beat Dodgers 10-7 in Freeway finale  —  LOS ANGELES (AP) — Torii Hunter drove in three runs after a frightening collision with the center-field fence, and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 10-7 Sunday to win the rubber game of the Freeway Series.

Backe on track to return to Astros  —  Final rehab start gives indication righty will soon be back  —  HOUSTON — Brandon Backe made his sixth and final rehab start for Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday, and although the results weren't as solid as his past starts, he has a good chance to rejoin …

Fogg Rejoins Rockies  —  Right-hander Josh Fogg rejoined the Rockies big-league roster Monday, but instead of a starter, which he was in 2006-07, Fogg will be given a chance to fill the long relief void.  —  Right-hander Matt Belisle was designagted for assignment, giving the Rockies 10 days to deal with his contract situation.

Hammel gives Rockies “edge”  —  DETROIT — Who would have thought the Rockies had this much Motown mojo left in them?  —  Reeling after two blowout losses in Atlanta and with the heat increasing daily on manager Clint Hurdle, the Rockies played with resilience over the weekend.

Boo who?  Many at fault for A-Rod's sad Texas Rangers days  —  Heads up, all you haters: The self-proclaimed “happiest .200 hitter in baseball” is back for three days in Arlington, a place that must inspire mixed emotions in Alex Rodriguez, if not his former fan base.

Morneau's slam powers Twins to sweep of Brewers  —  MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Justin Morneau hit a grand slam, Scott Baker pitched into the ninth inning, and the Minnesota Twins completed a three-game sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers with a 6-3 victory Sunday night.

Pirates Notebook: Still no offers for veterans  —  CHICAGO — The Pirates have not approached any of their three players likely to be eligible for free agency after this season — shortstop Jack Wilson, first baseman Adam LaRoche and reliever John Grabow — about contract extensions …

Cubs' Milton Bradley feels targeted by umpires  —  Strike zone expanded, OF says  —  SAN DIEGO — Is Milton Bradley paying the price for his April 16 run-in with umpire Larry Vanover?  —  Bradley believes his strike zone is being widened, forcing him to chase pitches he normally doesn't swing at or risk being called out on strikes.