Nationals exploring pitching options  —  The Nationals do not intend to allow right-hander Stephen Strasburg reach his innings limit without an alternate plan.  —  The team is exploring trades for starting pitchers, including Cubs right-hander Ryan Dempster, according to major-league sources.

David Ortiz says heel is swollen … Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz is awaiting the results of an MRI on his injured heel but admitted Tuesday that he is “in a lot of pain.”  —  Ortiz suffered the injury in bizarre fashion while circling the bases on teammate Adrian Gonzalez's home run …

Woman accused of stalking Cubs' Theo Epstein  —  A Massachusetts woman was arrested in Wrigleyville Monday night and charged with stalking Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein.  —  Kathleen Kearney, 44, from Canton, Mass., was charged with two felony counts of stalking …

The wild card's negative trade effect  —  When baseball adopted the second wild card, it was meant to give more teams hope of making the postseason, and it has.  But as Buster Olney writes, it could also be depressing the trade market as teams decide whether a wild card berth is worth it.

Pirates need to step up in NL Central  —  Two bombshells rattled the NL Central at the beginning of this week.  For the Pittsburgh Pirates, they should sound like a call to action.  —  Early Monday, the Milwaukee Brewers announced ace Zack Greinke won't pitch until next week.

Vernon Wells' imminent return to Angels could be problematic  —  Highly paid and struggling outfielder, who is expected to begin a rehab assignment in a few days, would cause a stir among Angels fans if he replaces hot-hitting Mike Trout or Mark Trumbo in the lineup.

Sources: Tigers interested in DBacks infielders  —  The Detroit Tigers have shown interest in Arizona Diamondbacks infielders Stephen Drew and Ryan Roberts, major-league sources told FOXSports.com.  —  Drew, a left-handed-hitting shortstop, missed nearly three months this season because of a broken ankle he sustained last year.

Sanchez battered by Mariners in Royals' 9-4 loss  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo.—One week ago, Kauffman Stadium was filled with boos intended to support the Royals' hometown guy.  On Monday night, the hometown guy was the recipient.  —  Jonathan Sanchez allowed the first five Seattle batters he faced …

Jays' Bautista suffers wrist injury in loss to Yankees  —  NEW YORK — Raul Ibanez hit a tiebreaking grand slam with two outs in the eighth inning and the New York Yankees beat Toronto 6-3 on Monday after Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista left the game with a wrist injury.