Designated hitter is now a role more than a player  —  David Ortiz wasn't even born when the American League introduced the newfangled designated hitter rule in 1973.  With the one-time innovation now in its 40th season and embedded into baseball at all levels, though, no player is more emblematic of the position.

Live updates: Rangers at Red Sox  —  Top of 7th: Rangers 4, Red Sox 0: Rangers tacked on another run against Lester.  The Sox lefty scuffled in the seventh after giving up a one-out walk to Michael Young.  He went to third on Geovany Soto's ground ball single to right, then scored on David Murphy's sacrifice fly to left.

Mets won't eat Jason Bay's contract  —  NEW YORK — On the day the Mets announced that left fielder Jason Bay will become a platoon player, general manager Sandy Alderson said the Mets have no plans to swallow the final guaranteed season of his four-year, $66 million contract.

Pitching Notes: Blue Jays, Lee, Garza, Oswalt  —  The Blue Jays announced that right-handers Drew Hutchison (Tommy John surgery) and Dustin McGowan (arthroscopic shoulder surgery) will undergo operations on Thursday.  Hutchison is expected to return within a year or so …

Agreement in place for Padres sale to local group  —  SAN DIEGO — John Moores, the majority owner of the Padres since 1995, has signed an agreement to sell the National League team to a group that would be headed by long-time local San Diego businessman Ron Fowler and include the nephews …

FAN ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY POINTING LASER AT PITCHER, MANAGER IN BUSCH STADIUM  —  ST. LOUIS  • City police arrested a 17-year-old boy from the Ladue area for allegedly pointing a green laser at the opposing team's pitcher and at Cardinals manager Mike Matheny in Busch Stadium during Monday night's game.

Entire Marlins organization can expect thorough post-season review from “angry” owner Jeffrey Loria  —  NEW YORK —  No matter how the Marlins play each season, the front office always meets in October to review the organization's performance.  —  Given that the club …

Inside the Phillies: Phillies' Pierre setting a good example for young teammates  —  The daily routine begins around 3:30 p.m.  —  Juan Pierre plays a short game of catch with Phillies bench coach Pete Mackanin before stepping into the batting cage for a prolonged session of bunting practice.

Tuesday's pitching preview: Niese vs. LeBlanc  —  Jon Niese (8-5, 3.72 ERA) will start for the Mets tonight.  —  Niese is coming off a very strong start against the Giants in which he allowed one run and three hits in seven innings.  Niese has allowed two runs or less in eight of his last 13 starts …

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.

Bonds reflects on Aaron chase, Hall chances  —  All-time home run leader talks about past in lengthy Q&A session  —  SAN FRANCISCO — It has been five years since the night at AT&T Park when Barry Bonds hit his 756th homer into the center-field bleachers off Nationals left-handed reliever Mike Bacsik.

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.

Vargas excels, but Mariners lose to Orioles 3-1  —  BALTIMORE—Jason Vargas went the distance, kept the Baltimore Orioles scoreless after the second inning and didn't issue a walk.  —  Unfortunately, Chris Tillman was even better.  —  Tillman took a three-hit shutout into the eighth …

Ottavino, Rockies beat Dodgers 2-0  —  LOS ANGELES—Adam Ottavino gave up one hit in three innings of relief, a single that was the result of a reversed call, and the Colorado Rockies beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 2-0 Monday night.  —  Ottavino (3-1) took over in the fifth inning for a tiring Drew Pomeranz.