Will Venable played for the Padres on Saturday for the first time since he strained his right oblique Sunday against the D-backs. The outfielder started in right and led off for the Friars.

As expected, the Orioles recalled right-hander Tommy Hunter from Triple-A Norfolk to start Saturday's game, while optioning right-handed reliever Miguel Gonzalez to Norfolk and moving struggling starter Jake Arrieta to the bullpen.

Padres pitcher Micah Owings, who is on the 60-day disabled list with a right forearm strain, made a rehab start for Triple-A Tucson on Friday. But the right-hander wasn't on the mound, instead getting the start at first base.

Brewers third baseman Aramis Ramirez is playing at less than 100 percent, still slowed by a quadriceps strain. But at least he's playing.

If Brewers manager Ron Roenicke were Commissioner for a day, he would change the way official scorers account for hits that bounce past a diving defender.

Marlon Byrd became the odd man out in the outfield, and the Red Sox designated him for assignment on Saturday to open a roster spot for right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka, who was activated from the 60-day disabled list to start against the Nationals.

Carl Crawford has started a throwing program, the next step in his return from offseason wrist surgery and a UCL sprain in his left elbow. The injured outfielder threw from 60 feet before Saturday's game vs. the Nationals for the second straight day.

Jose Contreras, who is on the disabled list with a strained right elbow, talked about surgery and a possible comeback.

B.J. Rosenberg has been called up to the big leagues as the Phillies try to find a reliable right-hander in the bullpen other than closer Jonathan Papelbon.

John Danks threw another pain-free, successful bullpen on Saturday, and will test his left-shoulder strain on Tuesday in a Minor League rehab start for Triple-A Charlotte in Columbus.

Dayan Viciedo exited Friday night's 8-3 loss to the Astros due to cramping in both hamstrings, and he was out of Saturday afternoon's lineup as well. The move was more about the White Sox being extra cautious with the outfielder, whose 24 RBIs since May 14 lead the American League.

As host city for the 2012 All-Star, Kansas City will benefit from multiple community projects aimed at leaving a lasting impression on the area long after the Midsummer Classic is over.

Left-hander Jeff Francis was one of the few pitchers drafted and developed by the Rockies who became a solid winner. Now, he has a chance to join another group of pitchers who found success pitching at Coors Field.

The Rockies finally stopped the roller-coaster ride that is right-hander Esmil Rogers by designating him for assignment to clear a spot for veteran pitcher Jeff Francis. Francis made his signing with the club official so he could start Saturday afternoon's game against the Angels.

Third baseman Chris Johnson is back in the clubhouse, but not in the starting lineup, after experiencing flu-like symptoms that forced him out of Friday's 8-3 win in the sixth inning.

Matt Downs returned to the Astros from Triple-A Oklahoma City, while outfielder Fernando Martinez went on the seven-day disabled list with concussion-like symptoms.

Austin Jackson sat in the visiting clubhouse at Great American Ball Park with a look of somebody who was happy at long last to get back to playing.