12-year NBA veteran Jason Collins comes out  —  I'm a 34-year-old NBA center.  I'm black.  And I'm gay.  —  I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport.  But since I am, I'm happy to start the conversation.

McCann nearing return from DL, but Gattis likely to stay in majors  —  DETROIT - Brian McCann could rejoin the Braves in just over a week during their next road trip, but the veteran catcher's return doesn't mean Evan Gattis will be sent down to the minor leagues.

The Blue Jays Are In Trouble  —  Before the season season started, members of our staff took a shot at prognosticating the season, despite the fact that we all know You Can't Predict Baseball.  Of the 31 authors who participated, 15 of them — myself included — selected the Blue Jays …

Astros pound Pettitte, cruise past Yankees  —  Recap  —  Box Score  —  Play-By-Play  —  Photos  —  Conversation  —  Astros snap skid, pound Andy Pettitte in rout of Yankees  —  NEW YORK — Carlos Corporan homered among his four hits and drove in four runs, Brandon Barnes three hits and three RBIs …

Yankees' Youkilis to have MRI exam on back  —  The Yankees may have just watched six days vanish that could have counted toward putting Kevin Youkilis on the disabled list.  Now they are waiting on the results of an MRI exam today on Youkilis' back to know if the corner infielder has to be shelved.

No soreness for Motte after throwing for first time  —  ST. LOUIS — Curiosity gave way to relief for Jason Motte on Sunday when he arrived at the ballpark feeling no unusual soreness a day after he resumed throwing for the first time in five weeks.  —  Motte felt good enough, in fact, that he played catch for a second straight day.

Gonzalez troubled by both legs after hamstring strain  —  LOS ANGELES — Brewers infielder Alex Gonzalez was already playing with one leg at less than 100 percent, and now he has an issue with the other.  The veteran sat out Sunday's series finale at Dodger Stadium after tweaking his left hamstring the night before.

Many factors go into Collins' thinking for lineup  —  NEW YORK — When a team isn't hitting well, it gives the manager license to shake things up.  Manager Terry Collins hasn't gone to that extreme with the Mets yet, but he might be close.  Collins, in choosing his Sunday lineup …

Jason Heyward just offered a pessimistic take on his recovery  —  Jason Heyward is on the 15-day disabled list following his appendectomy last week.  He's eligible to return a week from today, and based on the recovery timeline of other players who have had laparoscopic appendectomies …

Nelson designated; Arenado set to get his chance  —  No. 2 ranked prospect will take over for the Rockies as starter at third base  —  PHOENIX — The Rockies are ready to turn third base over to touted prospect Nolan Arenado.  —  The club designated regular third baseman Chris Nelson …

Tigers Beat Braves 8-3 for 3-Game Sweep  —  DETROIT (AP) — Miguel Cabrera's three-run homer in the seventh inning broke the game open, and the Detroit Tigers finished off a three-game sweep of the Atlanta Braves with an 8-3 victory Sunday night.  —  Austin Jackson and Omar Infante also homered …

Orioles acquire Chris Snyder (updated)  —  The Orioles didn't wait long to find another backup catcher.  —  According to a text message from executive vice president Dan Duquette, the Orioles have acquired catcher Chris Snyder from the Los Angeles Angels for reliever Rob Delaney in a minor league deal.

Morse, Bay Homer, Lead Mariners Over Angels  —  SEATTLE (AP) — Jason Bay and Michael Morse hit solo home runs, leading the Seattle Mariners over the Los Angeles Angels 2-1 Sunday.  —  The Mariners won three of four from the Angels over the weekend to earn their first series victory of the year.