Ax to fall soon for LA's Mattingly  —  I've seen the Dodgers twice in person this season, and both times came away thinking that the team would be OK, that manager Don Mattingly would survive.  —  Now I'm convinced that Mattingly is going to get fired.  And the sooner it happens, the better.

Surprise!  NL Central riding high  —  The formidable Orioles and Rays are tied for third place, the latest affirmation of a truism that has held for most of the last two decades: The American League East is the best, deepest division in baseball.  —  It's true the Red Sox have regressed after their remarkable start.

Yan Gomes hits walk-off HR in 10th inning to complete Indians' sweep  —  CLEVELAND — Yan Gomes hit a three-run homer in the 10th inning and the Cleveland Indians, twice revived by Seattle's fielding errors, beat the Mariners 10-8 on Monday to complete a four-game sweep.

Daniel Murphy, Mets earn rare series win at Wrigley  —  CHICAGO — Daniel Murphy hit a tiebreaking home run in the eighth inning and the New York Mets beat the Chicago Cubs 4-3 on Sunday for their first series win at Wrigley Field since 2007.  —  The Mets won two of three on this trip to Chicago.

Mets current payroll breakdown  —  Chris Walendin, Contributor: Technically, the 2013 Mets are a hundred million dollar team.  In fact, the team's current payroll (as of this morning) sat at $102.2M.  But here's how that $102.2M breaks down:  —  Infield, $24.6M - If you just looked at the Mets infield …

Rangers Designate Derek Lowe For Assignment  —  The Rangers designated righty Derek Lowe to open a spot on the active roster for Josh Lindblom, tweets Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.  The Rangers now have 38 players on their 40-man roster.  —  Lowe, 39, posted a 9.00 ERA …

Braves in market for lefty reliever  —  The Atlanta Braves enjoyed a significant advantage in recent seasons, deploying not one but two premier left-handed relievers.  Now Jonny Venters has undergone Tommy John surgery and Eric O'Flaherty is likely to follow.  —  Huge blows, for sure.

Jeff Francoeur and ANT  —  “I know you care about him.  I've never seen you like this about anyone ... so please don't take it wrong when I tell you that I believe that Tom, while a very nice guy, is the Devil.”  — Albert Brooks character, Broadcast News

Mike Rizzo has not begun talks with Nationals on contract extension  —  SAN DIEGO — Earlier this season, the Washington Nationals exercised their option to extend General Manager Mike Rizzo's contract through the 2014 season, a move widely interpreted as a reward for Rizzo's stewardship …

Howard set for precautionary MRI on left knee  —  PHILADELPHIA — Ryan Howard will have a precautionary MRI on Monday to take a look at his sore left knee.  —  The power-hitting first baseman was held out of the Phillies' lineup Sunday against the Reds, and he said his knee was bothering him more than usual.

Phils' Galvis, Kratz Homer Off Chapman in 9th  —  PHILADELPHIA — Freddy Galvis and Erik Kratz each homered off closer Aroldis Chapman in the bottom of the ninth innings Sunday, rallying the Philadelphia Phillies past the Cincinnati Reds for a stunning 3-2 victory.

Nicasio Lifts Rockies to 5-0 Win Over Giants  —  DENVER — Juan Nicasio scattered three hits over six innings, Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki each drove in two runs and the Colorado Rockies won their first series over San Francisco in two years, beating the Giants 5-0 on Sunday.

Odorizzi replaces Price for Rays  —  BALTIMORE — There were several reasons RHP Jake Odorizzi was picked to make Monday's start in Toronto in place of injured LHP David Price.  —  But the Rays will make another move first, calling up LHP Jeff Beliveau, acquired last month from Texas, to help the short-handed bullpen today.