Jeremy Hefner to start Wednesday, TBA for Thursday  —  Terry Collins told reporters this morning Jeremy Hefner will start against Stephen Strasburg in Wednesday's series finale against the Nationals.  —  Collins did not say who might start Thursday's series opener against the Diamondbacks in Phoenix …

Red Sox celebrate Jason Varitek's career as captain  —  BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox [team stats] honored former captain Jason Varitek [stats] on Saturday night, praising the longtime catcher who was the heart of two World Series championship teams.  —  Varitek was given the home plate …

Yankees ask about Justin Upton, Victorino, Span but still looking for outfielder  —  The Phillies' Shane Victorino is one of a few outfielders the Yankees may be interested in acquiring.  (US Presswire)  —  In their search for an outfielder with Brett Gardner likely out for the year …

Carlos Quentin and Padres closing in on an extension; will keep him in S.D. 3 years  —  Power-hitting outfielder Carlos Quentin and the Padres are on the verge of completing a extension which will keep him in San Diego and take him off the trade block, people familiar with the talks told CBSSports.com.

Phillies and Cole Hamels ‘moving in the right direction’  —  The Phillies and star lefthander Cole Hamels are said to be “moving in the right direction” in mega-contract talks, those familiar with the talks told CBSSports.com.  —  The Phillies' willingness to go to six years, first reported by CBSSports.com, was a key development.

Indians Lose to Old Friend Jim Thome  —  CLEVELAND (AP) — The struggling Cleveland Indians got some good news Saturday.  —  Unfortunately, it came a few hours before the first pitch.  —  Before their sixth loss in eight games — a 3-1 defeat against Baltimore — the Indians learned pitcher …

Bryce Harper returns as Nats split DH with Braves  —  WASHINGTON — Bryce Harper returned from an ankle injury to single and score as a pinch-hitter, and Roger Bernadina had a tiebreaking hit in the seventh inning as the Washington Nationals earned a split of the day-night doubleheader with a 5-2 victory Saturday night.

D-backs, Tigers have talked Drew-Peralta deal  —  Stephen Drew, who recently returned after missing more than 11 months due to an ankle injury, has a $10 million option for next season that the D-backs are unlikely to pick up.  (Associated Press).  —  Jack Magruder has covered professional …

White Sox acquire Brett Myers from Houston  —  According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the White Sox have acquired RHP Brett Myers from the Astros.  —  Myers is 0-4 with a 3.52 ERA in 35 games for the Houston Astros this season.  He has given up 12 earned runs in 30.2 innings pitched, while walking six and striking out 20.

Hand injury to sideline Hanley Ramirez for several more games  —  PITTSBURGH —  Marlins third baseman Hanley Ramirez said he is setting an alarm every day now to make sure he takes his medication for a cut on his right knuckles.  —  Ramirez said he forgot to take his medicine one day last week …

Ludwick, Phillips HRs lead Reds over Brewers 6-2  —  CINCINNATI—Ryan Ludwick and Brandon Phillips each hit two-run homers Saturday night, powering Cincinnati to a 6-2 victory over the fading Milwaukee Brewers that extended the Reds' surge without Joey Votto.

Mets recall Elvin Ramirez, Miguel Batista DFA'd  —  The Mets have recalled RHP Elvin Ramirez from Triple-A Buffalo.  —  Ramirez was with the Mets earlier this season from June 1 - 22, going 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA in five games.  —  Ramirez is 3-1 with two saves and a 1.99 ERA in 29 minor league games this year.

Cain and Gordon lead Royals to win over Twins  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Lorenzo Cain drove in three runs and Alex Gordon had three hits and scored two runs as the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 7-3 on Saturday night.  —  Cain delivered run-producing singles in the first and fifth innings …