At an innings limit and facing a shutdown, Mike Leake finished his 2011 season with a flourish during a 2-1 Reds victory over the Cubs on Tuesday. Over eight innings, he gave up one run and six hits with two walks and two strikeouts.

Brian McCann erased doubts concerning his health and once again proved capable of putting his team on his shoulders when necessary. His three-run, sixth-inning homer off Brad Hand sparked a sputtering offense and allowed the Braves to snap a four-game losing streak with a 7-1 win over the Marlins.

Matt Holliday was removed from the Cardinals' game against the Pirates in the ninth inning on Tuesday night due to a still somewhat undetermined right hand injury.

There was good news on the injury front from the Yankees clubhouse Tuesday at Safeco Field. Russell Martin was back behind the plate and Nick Swisher returned to the outfield.

Three of the Giants' top selections from this June's First-Year Player Draft made their initial visit to AT&T Park together. But their perspectives of the place diverged, depending on their personal background.

Padres third baseman Chase Headley took live batting practice on the field Monday and Tuesday, and he will continue to do so every day his fractured left pinky finger doesn't bother him.

If he can finish on top in the National League come the end of the season, Johnny Cueto (9-5) would be the first Reds pitcher to lead the NL in ERA since Ed Heusser did it in 1944. Trying to get there, he'll face off against the Cubs for the second straight start Wednesday at Great American Ball Park.

Mariners manager Eric Wedge said Tuesday he'd like to get Chone Figgins a little playing time before the season ends in two weeks, but the veteran infielder continues to be hampered by a strained right hip that has sidelined him since Aug. 23.

One day after being hit in the left temple by a line drive off the bat of Kurt Suzuki during batting practice, A's closer Andrew Bailey said he'd likely be available on Tuesday.

Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki was back in the Rockies' lineup for the series opener against the Brewers Tuesday night after testing his ailing left hip during batting practice.

Out of all the back exams Bobby Jenks had to go through in a lost year on the field, out of all the testing and all the disappointment, there came a discovery the right-hander and the team are glad they had a chance to make.

The Rangers activated Nelson Cruz off the disabled list on Tuesday, but he is not ready to return to the lineup.

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel is going to be cautious with shortstop and leadoff hitter Jimmy Rollins, who returned to the starting lineup Monday.

The Brewers are banking on some late-season run production from Rickie Weeks or they would not have reinserted him into the No. 5 hole, a spot that has given the team trouble all season.

Rays closer Kyle Farnsworth has been out since Saturday with right elbow problems and wasn't available Tuesday, but manager Joe Maddon said the right-hander is getting better.

Releasing Mike Cameron was a tough decision, and one that hit the 38-year-old center fielder hard.

Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said Monday afternoon that he had no intentions of calling together a team meeting. But after watching the Braves squander several chances in a loss to the Marlins later that night, Gonzalez decided it was indeed time to address his club.