Terry Collins likely to return as manager as Mets fall to Nationals, 3-2  —  It was not a disaster, but the Mets and Collins know that eventually they are going to have to find a way to compete with the best in the National League East.  The Mets' offense was too late and too little.

Mets Sign No. 13 International Prospect Kenny Hernandez  —  The Mets have signed Kenny Hernandez, the No. 13 international prospect, for $1 million.  Hernandez became eligible to sign yesterday, his 16th birthday.  —  At 6 feet, 160 pounds, Hernandez has a simple, low-maintenance swing …

ROCKIES' CARLOS GONZALEZ IS LIKELY DONE FOR THE SEASON AFTER PLAYING IN JUST 70 GAMES  —  The Denver Post  —  Carlos Gonzalez (5) of the Colorado Rockies runs for third base before making a bad slide and hurting himself against the Washington Nationals at Coors Field.

Encarnacion to return to Blue Jays' lineup Friday night  —  The Toronto Blue Jays received some good news on Thursday as it was revealed that Edwin Encarnacion will make his much anticipated return to the lineup on Friday night when the team opens a series in Chicago against the White Sox.

Diamondbacks catcher Miguel Montero: “Best I've ever seen” of Trevor Bauer  —  Though he and Trevor Bauer were infamously unable to get on the same page during their time as teammates two years ago, Diamondbacks catcher Miguel Montero seemed genuinely happy to see how well Bauer threw on Wednesday afternoon.

Criticism of coaches annoys Matheny  —  • By Derrick Goold dgoold@post-dispatch.com 314-340-8285  —  MIAMI  • The Cardinals' season-long search for a more productive offense — one like they had when leading the league in runs last season — has prompted a trade …

Tulowitzki To Undergo Season-Ending Hip Surgery  —  The Rockies received more bad news on the injury front today, as Thomas Harding of MLB.com tweets that MVP candidate Troy Tulowitzki will miss the remainder of the season to undergo surgery to repair the labrum in his left hip.

Vargas, Royals bounce back to shut out Athletics  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jason Vargas tossed a three-hitter for his sixth career shutout, Omar Infante hit a two-run homer and the Kansas City Royals beat the Oakland Athletics 3-0 on Wednesday night.  —  Vargas (9-5) retired the final 23 batters …

Struggling Braves beat Dodgers for third win in 14 games  —  ATLANTA — Ervin Santana won his sixth straight start at Turner Field, Justin Upton drove in the go-ahead run in the fifth inning and the Atlanta Braves snapped a two-game skid with a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night.

Searching for Racial Earnings Differentials in Major League Baseball  —  CC Sabathia is nearly in a class by himself (via Chris Ptacek).  —  African-Americans and Latinos earn significantly less than white people in the United States.  Overall, incomes for African-Americans are about 35 percent lower …

Kendrick helps Angels squeak by Phillies to sweep two-game set  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. — Howie Kendrick delivered a go-ahead, two-run single in the sixth inning, and Jered Weaver pitched six resilient innings in the Los Angeles Angels' 4-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday night.

Pimentel has potential if he can harness it  —  Although he still has rookie status, Pirates right-handed pitcher Stolmy Pimentel signed his first international free-agent contract in 2006.  Born in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic, Pimentel is still only 24 years old and has already …