Are the Red Sox really backing Bobby Valentine?  —  Bobby Valentine is not going to be fired this week.  —  Red Sox owner John Henry took a break from watching synchronized swimming Monday to issue an ultra-defensive vote of confidence for his beleaguered manager.

Victorino wants to stay with Dodgers next year  —  LOS ANGELES — Shane Victorino has been in Los Angeles for only four games, but he's already hoping for a long future in Dodger blue.  —  Victorino has informed his agents that he would like to re-sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the outfielder told ESPNLosAngeles.com.

Weaver's four-hitter leads Angels past Athletics  —  OAKLAND, Calif. — Jered Weaver pitched a four-hitter for his major-league leading 15th victory, and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Oakland Athletics 4-0 on Monday night to overtake the final spot in the crowded AL wild card standings.

Tillman leads Orioles past Mariners 3-1  —  BALTIMORE—Chris Tillman took a three-hit shutout into the eighth inning to extend a run of successful starts by Baltimore pitchers, and the Orioles beat Jason Vargas and the Seattle Mariners 3-1 on Monday night.  —  Nick Markakis homered …

Tigers' Justin Verlander strikes out 14 Yankees as Ivan Nova roughed up again in loss to Detroit  —  Bombers' right-hander touched up for 11 hits and seven earned runs in just 5-1/3 innings while Tigers ace is masterful in 7-2 victory.  —  Yankees' Ivan Nova can only watch as Miguel Cabrera rounds the bases in the background.

Roy Oswalt needs a timeout  —  Roy Oswalt has a 5.82 ERA.  Roy Oswalt doesn't like his role.  Roy Oswalt needs to take a number and get in line.  —  The Texas Rangers have more pressing concerns than his ego.  —  The Rangers have lost two straight games, during which starters Derek Holland …

Padres sold to group headed by O'Malley heirs, Fowler, Mickelson  —  It took longer than expected, but the sale of the Padres to a group headed by heirs of the former owners of the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego business and civic leader Ron Fowler and professional golfer Phil Mickelson was completed Monday night.

Twins score 10 runs in second inning, rout Indians  —  CLEVELAND — Justin Morneau homered twice and drove in four runs, Joe Mauer had three RBIs and Ryan Doumit hit a three-run homer to lead the Minnesota Twins to a 14-3 victory over Cleveland on Monday night, the Indians' 10th straight loss.

Last-place Miami Marlins lament $190 million spending spree  —  Marlins president David Samson promised that every mistake made in the team's makeover will be examined.  ‘We set ourselves up for it,’ he said.  —  CSPENCER@MIAMIHERALD.COM  —  NEW YORK — Eight months after stunning …

Cubs' Garza out indefinitely with stress reaction  —  Cubs starter Matt Garza is out indefinitely with stress reaction in the back of his elbow, but no decision has been yet about the rest of his season.  —  Obviously the season has 55 games remaining, so it would seem as though the Cubs …

Next contract should be lucrative for Lohse  —  ST. LOUIS — Kyle Lohse maintains that he's not thinking much beyond 2012, a season in which he believes he can help lead the Cardinals back to the postseason.  If he did, however, Lohse would certainly find himself to be among the most attractive free-agent pitchers.

Q&A: Andrew McCutchen, Thoughtful Superstar  —  Andrew McCutchen is chasing a batting title — he leads the National League with a .369 average — as well as an MVP award.  The 25-year-old Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder tops the senior circuit in WAR and ranks second in OPS and runs scored.