Morneau staying in Colorado after Rockies turn down Brewers' offer  —  The first-place Milwaukee Brewers won the claim on Justin Morneau, the current NL batting average leader, but were unable to acquire him.  —  The Brewers made an offer of unknown players to the Rockies for Morneau …

Hamilton, Reds Swipe 6 Bases, Steal Win From Cubs  —  CINCINNATI — Billy Hamilton stole his 51st base and the Cincinnati Reds swiped six in all, beating the Chicago Cubs 7-2 Thursday.  —  Zack Cozart and Todd Frazier each stole twice, and Kristopher Negron added one more.

Cubs will try not to put too much pressure on Jorge Soler  —  CINCINNATI — Rick Renteria has an immediate plan for Jorge Soler.  —  But it does not include any animated message or inspirational pep talk when the talented Cuban slugger is expected to make his big league debut Wednesday night against the Reds.

Mets GM Sandy Alderson sees plans for Curtis Granderson falling apart  —  Granderson never should have been hitting cleanup, but that doesn't excuse his dreadful season.  So it must pain Alderson to think that even average years from his two high-priced hitters could have led to dramatically different results.

Soria throwing, but no timetable for return  —  DETROIT — Joakim Soria continues to stretch out his throwing program in his rehab from a left oblique strain, but the Tigers have no timetable on his return.  —  Soria threw off flat ground Tuesday and Wednesday, and is scheduled to stretch out his throws Friday in Chicago.

Ryu free of pain after sim game; return near  —  PHOENIX — Dodgers pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu said he felt no pain while throwing a two-inning simulated game on Wednesday and could return to the starting rotation Sunday or Monday.  —  Ryu is eligible to return from the disabled list on Friday from a strained right gluteus muscle.

Royals put together late-game rally again, beat Twins  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Nori Aoki drove in the go-ahead run during a six-run eighth inning Wednesday night, sending the Kansas City Royals to a 6-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins.  —  Billy Butler and Salvador Perez each drove in a pair …

One click subscribes you to every episode.  —  LA Angels beat reporters join national correspondents to take an inside look ahead at the story lines and developing news that impact the team's outlook.  —  Listen to or download single episodes below, subscribe via iTunes or use your RSS reader so you never miss an episode.

Kluber miffed by post-review denial of warmup pitches  —  Following short review of play at the plate, umps say no to request  —  CHICAGO — The Indians had no qualms about White Sox manager Robin Ventura requesting a crew-chief review on an out at the plate on Wednesday night.

Stewing Roenicke: Ump ‘terrible behind plate’  —  Milwaukee Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said he might as well have thrown in the towel in the second inning Wednesday of a 10-inning, 3-2 loss to the San Diego Padres.  —  Thanks to plate umpire Mark Ripperger, who “we've had before …

Short four players, Mets can't quite catch Braves … The lineup card looked like something out of spring in Port St. Lucie, not summer in New York City.  And when Terry Collins was asked why he batted rookie Travis d'Arnaud in the cleanup spot Wednesday night, the Mets manager revealed a hint of resignation.

Prospects Will Break Your Heart  —  Pain Don't Hurt  —  As is often the case, internet-specific farewell addresses come off like award show acceptance speeches, complete with the sandpaper tongue stroking of all intimate associations of note, a solipsistic sandwich of fake meat, imitation cheese …

Blue Jays recall Jenkins; designate Santos for assignment  —  The Toronto Blue Jays have recalled right-handed pitcher Chad Jenkins from Buffalo Bisons of the International League and have designated fellow right-hander Sergio Santos for assignment.  —  Jenkins, 26, has split …

Halos designate LeBlanc, continue search for starter  —  ANAHEIM — The experiment continues for the Angels.  —  One day after left-hander Wade LeBlanc lasted just 3 1/3 innings in a 7-1 loss to the Marlins, the organization designated him for assignment Tuesday, ending LeBlanc's brief stint …