Adrian Gonzalez returns to lineup  —  + Recent Articles + Recent Blog Entries + Email  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Despite being characterized as “real doubtful” by manager Bobby Valentine yesterday, Red Sox [team stats] first baseman Adrian Gonzalez will return to the lineup this afternoon …

Cabrera Steals Home in Padres' Win Over Dodgers  —  LOS ANGELES (AP) — Pinch-runner Everth Cabrera stole home to tie the game with two out in the ninth inning and Will Venable came around with the winning run when closer Kenley Jansen threw the ball past catcher A.J. Ellis …

Blue Jays, Indians set for rubber match of three-game set  —  The Sports Network  —  (Sports Network) - The Toronto Blue Jays hope to win its first series since taking two of three at Miami in late June when they host the Cleveland Indians this afternoon in the rubber match of a three-game set from Rogers Centre.

Final Score: Braves 6 Mets 1  —  The New York Mets (46-43) lost to the Atlanta Braves (49-39) today by a score of 6-1. … For a complete box score and game recap, check out SNY's In-Game Live.  —  Brian Erni: Let's begin with the disaster that was the sixth inning.

Mitchell Report laid groundwork for major strides  —  Major League Baseball's steroid policy has been successful, and now with expanded human growth hormone blood testing all season long rather than just in spring training a possibility, according to Players Association executive director Michael Weiner …

Ludwick's HR sends Reds over Cards 3-2 in 10th  —  CINCINNATI—Ryan Ludwick homered in the 10th inning and the Cincinnati Reds beat the St. Louis Cardinals 3-2 on Saturday for their fifth straight win.  —  Cincinnati's surge has moved it back into first place in the NL Central.

Boras: Pirates could have offered Appel more  —  Could the Pirates have done more to sign Mark Appel?  —  And would it have been worth it?  —  We won't fully know the answer to the second question for a long time based on a lot of variables.  But a phone call from Scott Boras …

Floyd scratched, Axelrod moves up in Sox's rotation  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Chicago White Sox's starting pitching situation grew more curious Sunday morning as Gavin Floyd was scratched from Monday night's start at Boston because of right forearm soreness.

Sources: 10 teams pursuing Cubs' Dempster … CHICAGO — After pitching six shutout innings Saturday in a 4-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks to extend his scoreless innings streak to 33, Chicago Cubs starter Ryan Dempster could not avoid questions about his seemingly inevitable departure from the organization.

Upton scratched A's off his veto list  —  Late Friday night, I tweeted, “Justin Upton could have been perfect for the Athletics.  The problem: They're on his no-trade list.”  —  Correction: The Athletics were on Upton's no-trade list.  They no longer are, according to sources with knowledge of his contract.

Sanchez single helps Giants beat Astros 3-2 in 12  —  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) Hector Sanchez's throwing error in the ninth inning prevented Tim Lincecum from getting a well-deserved win.  —  His walkoff single in the 12th moved the San Francisco Giants back into first place in the NL West.

Hammel to have surgery, miss 3-4 weeks  —  Righty placed on 15-day DL; O's recall righty Johnson  —  BALTIMORE — Jason Hammel said Saturday the he was “leaning toward” surgery on his right knee.  On Sunday, he was more certain.  The O's right-hander will undergo a procedure …

Carter sparks A's power surge in 9-3 win vs Twins  —  MINNEAPOLIS—Chris Carter and Yoenis Cespedes each homered and drove in three runs, powering the Oakland Athletics past the Minnesota Twins 9-3 on Saturday night.  —  Seth Smith and Brandon Moss also homered to beat Cole De Vries (2-2) and back Tommy Milone (9-6).