Yankees plan Friday tribute to Steinbrenner  —  NEW YORK—The Yankees plan a Friday night tribute to George Steinbrenner when the team returns home for the first time since the owner's death.  —  The team said Thursday there will be pregame tributes to Steinbrenner and longtime public address …

Los Angeles Dodgers activate Manny Ramirez from disabled list  —  ST. LOUIS — As expected, the Los Angeles Dodgers activated left fielder Manny Ramirez from the 15-day disabled list Thursday and immediately inserted him into the starting lineup, batting fourth, for the team's second-half opener against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Ramirez, Cubs clobber Phillies  —  The Sports Network  —  Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Aramis Ramirez wiped the slate clean from a dreadful first half, driving in four to set the tone of Chicago's 12-6 victory over Philadelphia in the first of four games at Wrigley Field.

Braves force Phillies' hand on making a move  —  On the day major-league teams reassembled in the cities where they will resume their seasons, the Atlanta Braves made a bold statement that should resonate with the Phillies and their fans.  —  The Braves, back atop the division they owned for a decade, plan to stay there.

Aybar, Abreu lead Angels' 16-hit rout of Seattle  —  ANAHEIM, Calif.—Erick Aybar and Bobby Abreu drove in three runs apiece, Joel Pineiro won his seventh straight decision, and the Los Angeles Angels returned from hosting the All-Star game with an 8-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Thursday night.

Lincecum, Giants shut down Mets 2-0  —  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Tim Lincecum pitched a six-hitter for his fourth career shutout and Pablo Sandoval hit an RBI double to help the San Francisco Giants open the second half of the season with a 2-0 victory over the New York Mets on Thursday night.

Cardinals Give John Mozeliak a Three-Year Extension  —  The Cardinals will hold a press conference on Thursday afternoon where they will formally announce that general manager John Mozeliak will receive a three-year contract extension.  The news wasn't expected but it doesn't come as much of a surprise either.

Reds Seek Right-Handed Reliever  —  The first-place Reds are looking to add a right-handed reliever, according to ESPN.com's Buster Olney (via Twitter).  Cincinnati leads the NL Central, but their bullpen (4.45 ERA) could use help.  Francisco Cordero, Nick Masset, Logan Ondrusek …

Castillo's $2.2 Million Deal Highlights Seattle's Three Top International Signings  —  The Mariners have signed three high-profile international free agents, the most prominent being Dominican outfielder Phillips Castillo, who signed for $2.2 million.  —  Seattle also signed Colombian …