No Santana, no Gee, no trade, please  —  Despite short-handed staff, Mets should stick with plan and avoid stop-gap deal … NEW YORK — Losing ace Johan Santana to arm trouble again has always been the New York Mets' second-worst nightmare scenario after never getting him back from shoulder surgery at all.

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.

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 …

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 …

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 …

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 …

Dodgers switch target to Matt Garza  —  COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — The Chicago Cubs may end up getting the prospects they wanted for Ryan Dempster by trading a different pitcher.  —  Multiple sources confirmed on Saturday the Los Angeles Dodgers have shifted their focus to obtaining Cubs starter Matt Garza …

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 …

As Trade Deadline nears, Wren evaluates options  —  WASHINGTON — There is no doubt the Braves would like to add Brewers ace Zack Greinke or another top-flight starting pitcher before the July 31 Trade Deadline.  But as this next week unfolds, general manager Frank Wren will also continue …

Nick vows fast return from injury  —  OAKLAND, Calif. — Nick Swisher said he doesn't believe in the disabled list, but he is not likely to play tonight against the Athletics and there is a question when the right fielder will return for the Yankees.  —  Swisher left Friday night's 3-2 loss …