Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said he will wait until after the current series against the Phillies to align his pitching rotation for the regular season's final two-plus weeks, decisions that will have ramifications for a potential postseason series.

Third baseman Chipper Jones, batting in the No. 2 spot in the Braves' order for the first time in 15 years, went 3-for-9 in Thursday's doubleheader, with a home run and three RBIs.

Expectations were high for the Indians' Matt LaPorta this year, but the first baseman insists that no one set the bar higher than he did for himself. LaPorta rejoined the club on Friday after being demoted on Aug. 30.

Jeff Karstens will return to the rotation next Tuesday, six days earlier than manager Clint Hurdle had speculated earlier this week. The decision to bump Karstens' start up was made after the right-hander felt strong during his side session on Wednesday.

Ron Washington and Mike Maddux met with Alexi Ogando on Wednesday and offered him more time off if he felt he needed it. Ogando declined, and will rejoin the rotation on Saturday.

The Phillies activated Jimmy Rollins from the disabled list Thursday, but he is available only in emergency situations. Charlie Manuel said Rollins could be back in the field in four or five days, but he is reluctant to offer a timetable.

Albert Pujols declined to comment on Friday about Brewers outfielder Nyjer Morgan or Morgan's tweet about him from Wednesday night. Cardinals manager Tony La Russa did have a comment on Morgan.

After he pitches on Sunday against the Astros, Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg will pitch on five days' rest, which means he will face the Marlins a week from Saturday at Nationals Park, according to manager Davey Johnson. His next start after that will be Sept. 23 against the Braves.

For the fourth time in five games, Cubs manager Mike Quade put Bryan LaHair in the starting lineup Friday, a reward for LaHair's strong performance since being called up at the beginning of September.

Major League Baseball offered a place of relief and a semblance of normalcy after the horrifying events that reshaped lives 10 years ago. On a solemn anniversary, it becomes a place of unity and remembrance once again at 15 ballparks on Sunday.

When the discussion for the Comeback Player of the Year awards comes up, players in each league who find themselves in the discussion would probably rather not be mentioned. Simply put, they'd have preferred if the obstacles they had to overcome to enjoy so much success never presented themselves in the first place.

Boston's Jacoby Ellsbury doubled twice on Thursday to bring his season total of two-base hits to 41. He is one of three center fielders in history to have at least 40 doubles, 20 homers and 30 steals in a season.

While many Major League teams weren't in action Thursday, many playoff contenders were, some padding their leads, others giving up ground heading into the weekend.

Justin Smoak's first home run in 48 games and a solid start from Seattle lefty Jason Vargas was enough for the Mariners in a 4-1 win over the Royals in front of 14,377 at Safeco Field.

Ian Kennedy picked up his National League-best 19th win as he pitched the D-backs past the Padres, 4-1, on Thursday night in front of 21,402 at Chase Field.

Brent Morel had two homers and four RBIs and Paul Konerko hit a grand slam as the White Sox trounced the Indians, 8-1, on Thursday at U.S. Cellular Field.

The Phillies broke out for six runs in the sixth inning and Cole Hamels hurled a complete game as Philadelphia beat the Brewers, 7-2, on Thursday at Miller Park.