MLB News Blog

To hear Jim Riggleman talk, it's a wonder that the Washington Nationals didn't give Manny Acta a contract extension — instead of firing him. Riggleman took the reins Wednesday of the worst team in baseball, holding his first team meeting, running his first practice and holding his first news conference.

Pedro Martinez promised to put on quite a show when he returns to the majors with the Philadelphia Phillies. The NL East leaders are hoping it will be a vintage performance. Martinez finalized a $1 million, one-year contract with the Phillies on Wednesday, and can earn up to $1.5 million in incentives.

Pedro Martinez promised to put on quite a show when he returns to the majors with the Philadelphia Phillies. The NL East leaders are hoping it will be a vintage performance. Martinez finalized a $1 million, one-year contract with the Phillies on Wednesday, and can earn up to $1.5 million in incentives.

Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Tyler Yates has undergone right elbow surgery and will miss the rest of the season. Yates, out since mid-May, isn't expected to resume throwing for five to six months. His status for the start of next season is uncertain. The right-handed Yates attempted to rehabilitate an injury that was initially described as [...]

Jason Giambi's first half was forgettable to say the least. Back in the place where he began his career, Giambi is frustrated with his offensive woes for the Oakland Athletics. His .192 batting average at the All-Star break ranked lowest among regular players in the majors. "Definitely I would have liked to start off better, [...]

Roy Halladay got a warm greeting from St. Louis fans during the red-carpet parade for the All-Star game. They chanted "We want Roy!" as he sat on the back of a vehicle and waved. Get in line. The Blue Jays ace is sure to be a popular guy over the next couple weeks. Halladay's future [...]

The All-Star game's television ratings are down slightly from last year. Fox said Wednesday that the American League's 4-3 win Tuesday night earned a 8.9 fast national rating and 15 share. That's down 4 percent from the 9.3/16 for the first nine innings of the 15-inning marathon in 2008. Ratings were up 3 percent for [...]

Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum are engaged in a friendly competition when it comes to their success with the San Francisco Giants. "I've got to stay ahead of him," Cain said with a smile. "He finds ways to do it. I've got to tell him to slow down so I can catch up to him [...]

Pedro Martinez is returning to the major leagues. Martinez agreed to a contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Wednesday. The team put the three-time Cy Young winner on the 15-day disabled list with a mild shoulder strain. It has not been determined when he will begin a rehab assignment.

Mannywood is back. So is its tenant. Manny Ramirez returns to Dodger Stadium on Thursday to play his first game there since being suspended, with fans expecting to embrace the slugger like they would any superstar. Just don't expect the Dodgers to throw a party. Besides reopening Mannywood — a section of seats in left [...]