The Mets announced on Friday that their afternoon contests against the Braves on Saturday and Sunday have been rescheduled as a single-admission doubleheader to be played at 4:10 p.m. on Sept. 8.

Cubs pitcher Randy Wells mentioned one of his teammates had given him a "kick in the butt," which resulted in a strong outing on Wednesday against the Braves. Wells wouldn't identify who delivered the pep talk, but the identity has been revealed. It was Ryan Dempster, who downplayed his involvement.

As Hurricane Irene continues to threaten this weekend's schedule, the Yankees lobbied again to play a doubleheader on Friday, but their request was denied by the Orioles.

Alex Rodriguez said that he met with investigators for Major League Baseball for nearly two hours on Friday, addressing allegations that he had participated in illegal poker games.

It was just like old times at Miller Park on Friday, with second baseman Rickie Weeks bashing batting practice home runs into the bleachers. But Weeks still has some steps to take before he returns from a left ankle injury.

Hanley Ramirez started a rehab assignment on Friday night, playing for Class A Jupiter against the Palm Beach Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla.

Outfielder Josh Hamilton said before Friday's game against the Angels that this would be a good time for the Rangers to get really "hot, hot" because they haven't been that way for a while.

With Hurricane Irene forcing Sunday's originally scheduled game to Saturday, creating a doubleheader before two straight off-days, the Red Sox bolstered their bullpen Friday by recalling right-hander Scott Atchison from Triple-A Pawtucket.

Nine long years after leaving Cleveland and five jersey switches later, Jim Thome's career has come full circle, as he rejoins the Indians franchise that drafted him as a gangly third baseman in 1989.

As the Indians continue to add players to the 15-day disabled list, some injured players are inching closer to a return.

Just a month after being acquired by the Blue Jays, center fielder Colby Rasmus will be heading for a short sting on the disabled list.

After leaving Thursday's 9-6 loss to the Kansas City Royals complaining of a muscle pain below the rib cage on his left side, Toronto Blue Jays manager will miss at least one game after being diagnosed with pneumonia.

New York native and Mets outfielder Mike Baxter was at the MLB Fan Cave on Friday as part of the Baseball Tomorrow Fund's seventh annual Equipment Day collection.

After moving Sunday's originally scheduled game against the Marlins to Saturday afternoon — to serve as part of a day-night doubleheader — the Phillies announced on Friday that only one game — the one originally scheduled for Sunday — will be played. The game scheduled for Saturday now will be played on Sept. 15 at a time to be determined. All tickets for that game will be honored for entry on Sept. 15.

The Indians placed outfielder Michael Brantley (sore right wrist) and pitcher Josh Tomlin (sore right elbow) on the 15-day disabled list Friday.

MLB Charities and The Partnership at Drugfree.org are again teaming up to honor student athletes and coaches who embody the "Play Healthy" initiative of teaching kids the importance of a drug-free lifestyle and healthy competition.

When the Orioles take the field for Friday night's series opener against the Yankees at Camden Yards, the memory of Mike Flanagan will be represented on every uniformed player and coach.