The Blue Jays signed Edwin Encarnacion on Thursday to a three-year, $27 million contract with a $10 million club option for the 2016 season.

Rangers right-hander Alexi Ogando picked up right where he left off. Ogando, pitching in a game for the first time since suffering a strained right groin June 10, threw a scoreless first inning while starting for Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday night.

Although manager Eric Wedge spoke last weekend of possible roster changes, the Mariners will open the second half Friday against the Rangers with the same group. With the sun shining on a warm Thursday afternoon in Seattle, Wedge talked of getting a fresh start with a more relaxed approach.

Two days removed from declaring Miami will use a closer by committee in the second half of the season, Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen was noncommittal about his closer situation on Thursday.

Padres pitching coach Darren Balsley certainly had his work cut out for him in the first half of the season. Injuries reduced his projected rotation down to two of its initial five members, and 11 different hurlers came and went as the organization tried to fill the vacant spots. And while an excuse-free Balsley would be loathe to accept anything less than top-notch performance, the fact remains that for all that first-half turmoil, the Padres' pitching has, well, hung in there.

Mets right-hander Dillon Gee, who had a blood clot in his pitching shoulder cleared on Tuesday, will have surgery Friday to prevent the clotting from returning in the future, the Mets announced on Thursday.

After finishing the first half on a strong note, it seemed odd that D-backs outfielder Justin Upton would have to answer questions about possibly being traded. But rumors continue to swirl around baseball that Upton could find himself wearing a different uniform by the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline.

Kansas City fans haven't had much opportunity to see what Lorenzo Cain can do. But that will change Friday, when Cain returns from a lengthy stay on the disabled list.

The first Rays player to come off the disabled list may be Sam Fuld. The outfielder is currently on a rehab assignment for Class A Advanced Charlotte and has gone 1-for-8 in his time there. He is expected to play seven innings in left field on Thursday after playing seven in center field on Wednesday.

After watching Ben Sheets throw a bullpen session on Thursday at Turner Field, manager Fredi Gonzalez announced that the right-hander will start Sunday's series finale against the Mets.

At age 37, Scott Rolen knows his days in the Major Leagues are numbered. That doesn't mean the seven-time All-Star wants to play any less.

Nick Hagadone underwent surgery on Tuesday at the Cleveland Clinic after he suffered a self-inflicted injury to his left hand last Friday following a shaky outing.

Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson released a statement through the Yankees on Thursday, addressing his recently published comments in a Sports Illustrated magazine article.

ajor League Baseball approved the Rangers' contract with Dominican outfielder Jairo Beras on Thursday but will suspend him for one year for lying about his age, according to an industry source.

Jerome Williams will be activated off the disabled list to start Saturday against the Yankees. C.J. Wilson is also set to start in that series despite missing the All-Star Game with a blister and Dan Haren could come off the DL next Thursday.

From her time interviewing stars of the baseball and the entertainment world to her opportunity to shadow Commissioner Bud Selig for several hours, All-Star Week was a celebration Meggie Zahneis will never forget.

Twins right-hander Matt Capps will be reinstated from the disabled list Friday, and will return as the team's closer prior to the second half of the season.