Ron Washington likely to join A's in Tampa; other Oakland A's news  —  From Chronicle Staff Writer Susan Slusser at Minute Maid Park  —  Ron Washington is close to returning to the A's, as I reported in this morning's newspaper and online last night.  He could join the team as soon …

Harper, Williams ejected vs. Yankees  —  Bryce Harper and Matt Williams were both ejected in the bottom of the third inning against the New York Yankees on Wednesday night in a bizarre sequence sparked by a called first strike.  —  Home plate umpire Marvin Hudson called a strike …

San Diego's handling of Triple-A skipper Murphy highly unusual  —  FOX Sports  —  Are the Padres considering firing Bud Black and replacing him with Pat Murphy (right)?  —  Pat Murphy is the Padres' Triple-A manager.  The Brewers want to hire him as a major-league coach.

Rockies Option Drew Stubbs, Recall Brandon Barnes  —  The Rockies have optioned struggling outfielder Drew Stubbs to Triple-A, Nick Groke of the Denver Post reports (Twitter links).  Taking his place on the active roster is Brandon Barnes.  —  Stubbs, 30, avoided arbitration with a $5.825MM contract …

Minor Moves: Baker, Pimentel, Francis  —  Here are the day's minor moves:  — It appears that the Mariners have released veteran backstop John Baker, according to Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune (via Twitter).  Obviously, Seattle just added an additional catcher to its organization with the acquisition of Welington Castillo.

HOW THE REDS QUIETLY WON AT THE WINTER MEETINGS  —  The story of the week was all about the Dodgers, whose new front office pulled off a trading frenzy that dramatically reshaped the look of one of baseball's strongest rosters.  Before the Dodgers took over, though, all the conversations …

Royals minor-leaguer Rafael Furcal, former NL top rookie, announces retirement  —  Veteran shortstop Rafael Furcal announced his retirement on Tuesday.  The Associated Press  —  bkerkhoff@kcstar.com  —  Veteran shortstop Rafael Furcal, who played seven games in the Royals' minor-league system this year …

Norris' 2-Run Double in 8th Lifts Padres Over Cubs 4-3  —  SAN DIEGO — Derek Norris hit a two-run double with one out in the eighth and James Shields struck out 11 in seven innings to lead the San Diego Padres to a 4-3 victory against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night.

Carter, Rasmus Homer to Back Hernandez as Astros Beat A's  —  HOUSTON — Chris Carter and Colby Rasmus each hit two-run homers, Roberto Hernandez pitched six strong innings to help the Houston Astros beat the Oakland Athletics 6-4 on Tuesday night.  —  Carter hit his homer off the facade …