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.

Young Hits 3-Run Homer in Orioles' 4-0 Victory  —  SEATTLE — Wie-Yen Chen allowed five hits over eight innings and Delmon Young hit a three-run homer to give the Baltimore Orioles a 4-0 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Thursday night.  —  Chen (11-3), who has won his past four starts …

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.

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.

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 …

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.

Source: Mets fielding calls on All-Star Daniel Murphy  —  MILWAUKEE — Rival clubs have reached out to the Mets about trading for second baseman Daniel Murphy, who is coming off his first appearance in the All-Star Game.  —  But according to a source, the Mets appear more likely …

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 …

Rizzo comes through for courageous young fan  —  CHICAGO — When Anthony Rizzo crossed home plate after hitting his 24th, and then his 25th home run, he touched his fingers to his lips and then pointed to the sky.  It was a message to a 22-year-old cancer patient whom the Cubs first baseman had met earlier in the day.

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 …

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.