Kirk Nieuwenhuis comes out swinging to help Mets blast D-backs  —  PHOENIX — A group of Mets players gathered around the television in the clubhouse to watch a replay of Kirk Nieuwenhuis' homer a couple of hours earlier.  —  Off the crack of the bat, one player shouted: “Get in the pool!”

MLB to fine Red Sox manager John Farrell for instant replay remarks  —  MLB executive VP of baseball operations Joe Torre announced the fine against Farrell, who said 'it's hard to have any faith' in instant replay after two decisions went against the Red Sox during their weekend series vs. the Yankees.

Miller helps Cards shut down Brewers again  —  Recap  —  Box Score  —  Play-By-Play  —  Photos  —  Conversation  —  Cardinals shut down Brewers, hand Milwaukee 2nd straight loss  —  MILWAUKEE — Cardinals starters are feeling right at home on the mound at Miller Park.

As MLB honors Jackie Robinson, can it reverse a trend?  —  Just when we want to believe that times are changing, and prejudice is waning, along comes a ferocious reminder like a Manny Pacquiao punch to the jaw.  —  Sheer racism, exposed in vile letters directed to Hall of Fame great Hank Aaron …

Padres' offer to Headley was for three years, not close  —  On the day after the Padres signed key infielder Jedd Gyorko to a $35 million, fve-year extension, it's becoming a little more clear just how far apart they were in talks with Chase Headley, yet another key infielder.

Kershaw's velocity up in bullpen session  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw threw a bullpen session Tuesday and showed his best velocity since being injured.  —  “We're getting close, it feels like,” Kershaw said.  “I'm sure they [management] have a timetable in mind that they don't want to tell me.

Blue Jays Designate Marcus Walden, Outright Jeremy Jeffress  —  The Blue Jays have issued a press release to announce a series of roster moves: Right-hander Marcus Walden has been designated for assignment in order to clear a 40-man roster spot for Munenori Kawasaki, who has been promoted …

Cubs hire former OF McDonald  —  Chicago Tribune columnist Steve Rosenbloom talks about the struggles of Cubs pitchers Jose Veras and Edwin Jackson.  —  NEW YORK — The Chicago Cubs named former outfielder Darnell McDonald as a baseball operations assistant.

D-backs, agent spar over promotion of top pitching prospect Bradley  —  The agent for right-hander Archie Bradley, one of the game's top pitching prospects, says his client deserves to jump into the Arizona Diamondbacks' struggling rotation.  D-backs general manager Kevin Towers disagrees.

Pirates, Reds hit 10 HRs before game suspended … Sports Xchange  —  CINCINNATI — The Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds combined for 10 home runs during a wild six innings on Monday night before steady rain resulted in a suspension with the score tied 7-7 at wet, windy Great American Ball Park.