Another defeat: Hurdle's last stand?  —  It was the type of moment that defines games, and, over time, frames a season.  It arrived in the fifth inning Tuesday night: Aaron Cook vs. Andre Ethier.  —  Ethier, setting the stage for Casey Blake, won with a walk.

Cabrera designated for assignment  —  Righty to become free agent; decision coming on MacDougal  —  NEW YORK — After Tuesday's 6-1 loss to the Mets, the Nationals designated right-hander Daniel Cabrera for assignment and recalled catcher Luke Montz from Double-A Harrisburg.

Authorities trumpet massive steroids bust in Polk  —  LAKELAND - Deputies said they have plenty of evidence that Richard Thomas and his wife, Sandra, were big-time steroid dealers.  At a Tuesday night news conference announcing their arrest, Polk County sheriff's officials were surrounded by thousands of doses of anabolic steroids.

X-rays negative on Braun's right wrist  —  Slugger leaves early on Tuesday, questionable for finale  —  MILWAUKEE — The Brewers were unsure of Ryan Braun's availability for Wednesday's series finale against St. Louis after the left fielder was struck on the right wrist by a pitch Tuesday night and left the game after four innings.

Church, Reyes to DL, FMart Up  —  Ryan Church and Jose Reyes have been put on the 15-day DL, Omar Minaya told reporters today.  —  Fernando Martinez has been promoted, and is on his way to Citi Field.  —  The Mets also traded cash to the Indians for minor-league SS Wilson Valdez …

Smoltz: ‘My radar screen has Boston on it’  —  MANCHESTER, N.H. - After John Smoltz threw 60 pitches in 3 1/3 innings tonight in his second minor league rehab start, he set a crude timetable for his Red Sox debut: Three more minor league rehab starts, then join the Sox rotation.

Relievers Help Yankees Lose a Shot at First Place  —  ARLINGTON, Tex. — The Yankees had a chance to claim first place in the American League East on Tuesday, a spot they have not held all season.  They got a poor start by Joba Chamberlain and lost center fielder Melky Cabrera to a right shoulder strain.

Baltimore Orioles poised to call up prospect Matt Wieters on Friday  —  BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Orioles are readying the welcome mat for their much-talked-about prized prospect.  —  Catcher Matt Wieters will be recalled by Baltimore on Friday and make his major league debut at home that night against the Detroit Tigers.

Astros short on infielders with two hurt  —  Houston (18-26) at Cincinnati (25-20), 6:10 p.m. CT  —  CINCINNATI — The last time Jason Smith was designated for assignment, he stayed put in Houston, instead of heading to Triple-A Round Rock.  Smith had been told there was a chance he might be needed again.

MLB Cuts Slots By 10 Percent  —  In a development first reported by Murray Chass, MLB commissioner Bud Selig said his office will reduce its recommendations for bonus slots by 10 percent.  Selig made the comments at an owners meeting last week in New York, and Baseball America has confirmed his plan with multiple sources.

Diamondbacks end Padres' 10-game winning streak  —  PHOENIX (AP) — Max Scherzer struck out 10 and drove in two runs, Chris Young made a leaping catch at the fence for the final out and the Arizona Diamondbacks held off San Diego 6-5 on Tuesday night to snap the Padres' 10-game winning streak.

Pujols top vote-getter for National League  —  Brewers lead at two positions, sit second at every other  —  First in the National League Central, second in the National League voting booth?  —  Two Brewers are leading at their positions, according to the first weekly update on balloting for the 2009 All-Star Game.

Ortiz dropped to sixth  —  The Red Sox have dropped David Ortiz to sixth in the batting order, with J.D. Drew moving up to the struggling Ortiz's familiar third spot.  —  When asked by my Globe colleague Amalie Benjamin if he was going to talk to the media before the game, Ortiz replied, “After I go deep tonight.”

Tom Brady is Back  —  Confident in surgically rebuilt knee, Patriots QB is anxious to play again … For one morning last week the field house next to Gillette Stadium was Tom Brady's personal playground.  Joining the 31-year-old quarterback were the four receivers he hopes will be on the field …

Greinke notches eighth win as Royals beat Tigers  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Probably the last thing Justin Verlander wanted to do was make Zack Greinke a better pitcher.  —  But unwittingly, he did.  —  GAME REPORT: Royals 6, Tigers 1  —  Greinke paid close attention to the way Verlander shut …