With Hanley Ramirez in the fold, the Dodgers are looking to add another bat and a starting pitcher, and Cubs veteran Ryan Dempster tops their hurler wishlist.

After seven seasons with the Marlins, Hanley Ramirez was dealt to the Dodgers on Wednesday, along with lefty Randy Choate, for right-hander Nathan Eovaldi and righty pitching prospect Scott McGough.

Cole Hamels signed a six-year, $144 million contract with the Phillies on Wednesday, a deal that will keep the left-hander from hitting the free-agent market in the offseason.

Sure, Cole Hamels admitted, there was a part of him that wanted to test free agency, a natural curiosity to find out what his market value really is.

The Giants have deferred a decision regarding Pablo Sandoval's immediate future until Friday, hoping that two days of intensive treatment can heal the third baseman's strained left hamstring enough to help him avoid the disabled list.

The Dodgers acquired infielder Hanley Ramirez and left-handed reliever Randy Choate from the Miami Marlins for starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi and Minor League pitcher Scott McGough on Wednesday.

It's now six days until baseball's non-waiver Trade Deadline, and trade talk is the one topic that dominates the game these days. Clubs are finally gaining some clarity as to whether they're buyers or sellers, and it seems there's a significant move just about every day.

Jordan Lyles would likely still be in Triple-A if not for the Astros' shortage of experienced starting pitchers. Lyles still needs some time to develop as a pitcher, but he has the potential to be a very solid starter.

With Alex Rodriguez's declining power numbers, some Yankees fans might assume that the team won't miss a beat with him on the DL. However, A-Rod's contribution to the lineup should not be underestimated.

The ballpark has worked. Mark Buehrle has worked out fine. But go back to last December and the pursuit of Albert Pujols and all the buzz about Ozzie Guillen, Jose Reyes and Heath Bell, Buehrle and the new home, and look at where they are today and it is obvious the transformation of the rain-delay Florida Marlins into the glitzy Miami Marlins hasn't added up as a whole.

Cal Ripken Jr.'s mother is safe a day after she was abducted by an armed man from her home outside Baltimore, police told The Associated Press.

The World Baseball Classic returns next spring for a third time with an expanded field playing at sites around the globe, and a major milestone was reached on Wednesday with the announcement of MLB's own host venues.

Braves general manager Frank Wren has not completely ruled out the possibility of adding Ryan Dempster to his starting rotation before Tuesday's Trade Deadline.

Johan Santana will work with Mike Herbst, the Mets' Minor League strength and conditioning coach, and is scheduled to make a start on Aug. 8 or Aug. 9.

The Indians acquired Brent Lillibridge from the Red Sox on Tuesday afternoon, adding a versatile option to their bench.

Needing to clear roster space for top pitching prospect Matt Harvey, the Mets optioned slumping outfielder Lucas Duda to Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday.

A source said Tuesday that Ryan Dempster has not yet officially exercised his right to veto a trade. But as Tuesday progressed, the Braves had less reason to feel confident about a deal with the Cubs being completed.