MORE MANIPULATION OF THE MARKET  —  Have Major League Baseball clubs found yet another way of manipulating players' pay?  They have if the union is correct in its suspicions about the Houston Astros' contract negotiations with three of their selections in last month's draft.

Feeling's mutual: Astros holding on to Qualls  —  OAKLAND — With a week remaining prior to the non-waiver Trade Deadline, the Astros are expected to be relatively inactive, which would be a change from the previous four years in which they made a handful of deals to ship off veterans for young players.

Ex-MLB star Chuck Knoblauch accused of assaulting ex-wife in Bunker Hill  —  HOUSTON - Former Major League Baseball star Chuck Knoblauch was arrested Wednesday night and accused of assaulting his ex-wife.  —  Knoblauch, 46, is charged with assault of a family member after allegedly hitting Cheri Knoblauch inside her Bunker Hill home.

Ortiz (back) questionable for Price rematch  —  TORONTO — Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz left in the ninth inning of Thursday's 8-0 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays with what he believes was a back spasm.  —  Ortiz, who said he felt the discomfort after checking his swing on a 1 …

Mariners Acquire Kendrys Morales  —  The Mariners have acquired Kendrys Morales from the Twins in exchange for right-hander Stephen Pryor, the team announced.  —  Morales' stay with the Twins didn't prove to be a lengthy one, as his tenure in Minnesota lasted just 39 games.

Noesi, Eaton Lead White Sox Past Twins, 5-2  —  MINNEAPOLIS — Hector Noesi allowed three hits over 7 2-3 innings and Adam Eaton had three hits and two RBIs to lead the Chicago White Sox to a 5-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Thursday night.  —  Noesi (5-7) gave up two runs …

Rockies aren't in active talks about Stubbs  —  Other clubs are interested in outfielder, and things could heat up next week  —  DENVER — The Mariners, who are seeking a right-handed bat as they try to keep pace in the American League postseason race, have shown interest in Rockies outfielder Drew Stubbs.

Yankees Exploring Trades For Ian Kennedy, Jorge De La Rosa  —  10:21pm: The Yankees are also having discussions with the Rockies regarding starter Jorge De La Rosa, Bowden tweets.  —  10:09pm: The Yankees do have interest in Kennedy, but do not intend to give up both Jagielo and Clarkin for him …

Rangers look to the future with trade of Soria  —  On Wednesday night the Rangers traded closer Joakim Soria to the Detroit Tigers for two young pitching prospects, RHP Jake Thompson and RHP Corey Knebel.  Trading the closer was the right move considering where the Rangers sit in the standings.

Yankees Acquire Chris Capuano From Rockies  —  The Yankees have acquired lefty Chris Capuano from the Rockies in exchange for cash considerations, the club announced via press release.  Capuano joined Colorado on a minor league deal after he was released by the Red Sox.

David Price: Staying or going?  —  Red-hot Rays will wait until next week to decide whether to deal left-hander  —  You can mark this down: The Tampa Bay Rays aren't going to trade David Price.  —  Well, not today anyway.  And not tomorrow, either.  And not this weekend.  —  Why would they?

Taylor, Montero promoted, in Mariners' lineup  —  SEATTLE — Shortstop Chris Taylor, last year's Mariners Minor League Player of the Year, and designated hitter Jesus Montero were called up from Triple-A Tacoma in time to start Thursday night's series opener with the Orioles at Safeco Field.

Hamels, Utley Lead Phils Over Giants 2-1  —  PHILADELPHIA — Cole Hamels pitched eight strong innings and Chase Utley had a tiebreaking RBI single in the fifth inning to lift the Philadelphia Phillies to a 2-1 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Thursday.