Girardi: A-Rod poised for a big second half  —  BOSTON — The Yankees enter the All-Star break in first place in the American League East, and they've done so without a dazzling first half from third baseman Alex Rodriguez.  —  Entering Sunday's series finale vs. the Red Sox …

How much can D-backs get for Upton?  —  KANSAS CITY, MO.  —  The Diamondbacks are willing to trade right fielder Justin Upton even if they are in contention, according to major league sources.  —  However, to make such a deal, the D-backs would need to be “dazzled” by a rival team's offer, sources say.

Pirates in ‘buying’ mode with deadline looming  —  With baseball's non-waiver trade deadline still three weeks away, it's a seller's market.  Already some marquee names — Cole Hamels, Zack Greinke, Shane Victorino, Justin Upton and Carlos Quentin — appear to be on the block.

Crawford admits surgery on elbow possible at some point  —  BOSTON — Left fielder Carl Crawford was pulled off his rehab assignment Saturday, when he suffered a mild left groin strain rounding second after hitting a triple playing for Double-A Portland last Thursday.

Wilson scratched from ASG, replaced by Peavy  —  Los Angeles Angels pitcher C.J. Wilson has been scratched from Tuesday's All-Star Game with a blister on the middle finger of his pitching hand and has been replaced by the Chicago White Sox's Jake Peavy.  —  Peavy  —  Wilson

Cespedes exits early with sprained left thumb  —  OAKLAND — Just one day before the All-Star Break and the four days of rest that comes with it, A's outfielder Yoenis Cespedes has another injury to deal with.  —  Cespedes was pulled from Sunday's game against the Mariners after the third inning …

Cole Hamels on his future with the Phils  —  Does Cole Hamels want to remain a Phillie after this season?  After spending 20 minutes with the All-Star lefty on Sunday morning, I would say the answer is yes.  Of course, it's not that simple.  Arriving at a new contract suitable to both parties will be a challenge.

Big things in store for diminutive Gennett  —  KANSAS CITY — The story about how Ryan Gennett became Scooter Gennett is worth telling and retelling.  And we're going to get to that right after the latest update on Scooter's extremely promising baseball career.

R.A. Dickey will not start the All-Star Game  —  Giants RHP Matt Cain will be the starting pitcher for the National League All-Star team on Tuesday night, according to John Harper of the Daily News.  —  “He's excited to be here, and he's really looking forward to pitch in the game,” …

U.S. hammers World team 17-5 in Futures Game  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Detroit prospect Nick Castellanos hit a three-run homer during a nine-run sixth inning, and Royals minor leaguer Wil Myers added three RBIs to lead the U.S. team to a 17-5 rout of the World team in the All-Star Futures Game on Sunday.