Rick Ankiel News

Zack Wheeler can't get to the major leagues fast enough, but even after he inevitably replaces Jeremy Hefner in this rotation, the Mets will have to occasionally score runs for it to make a difference this year.

Once a promising pitcher, Rick Ankiel remade himself into a Major League outfielder and while recently cut from Houston he landed a new contract with the New York Mets.

To compensate for early exits, Jonathan Niese did some extra throwing in his bullpen session.

Braves 10, Diamondbacks 1 : Justin Upton went 4 for 5 with a homer and 2 RBI. Chris Johnson went 3 for 4 with a homer and 3 RBI.

First baseman Anthony Rizzo and the Chicago Cubs agreed Monday to a $41-million, seven-year contract that could be worth up to $68 million over nine seasons.

There wasn't enough time for the Yankees to tour the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or do much else on their short layover here Monday.

Ankiel, who was released by the Houston Astros last Thursday, was signed by the New York Mets Monday afternoon and will Monday night's game against the Cardinals in centerfield.

Continuing the revolving door in their outfield, the Mets signed Rick Ankiel to a major-league deal on Monday.

He had been designated for assignment on Monday. When a player is designated, the team can either return him to the 40-man roster, trade him, place him on waivers or release him within 10 days.

June 23, 2012; Baltimore, MD, USA; Washington Nationals center fielder Rick Ankiel doubles in the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

The team designated the outfielder for assignment along with outfielder Fernando Martinez and sent infielder Brandon Laird back to Oklahoma City.

That, however, seems to be the plan in Houston, as the Astros transition to a) a new owner b) a new-ish general manager c) a new league and d) yet another series of uniforms.

Justin Verlander was feeling great coming into Sunday's game. Being the big-time, dominant starter that he is, and going up against an atrocious Astros' lineup that strikes out more than any, Verlander thought it would be no problem to mosey into Minute Maid Park and mow them down.

Rick Ankiel is still only 33. Or he's already 33. It's hard to know which way to look at it.

The A's transferred infielder Scott Sizemore to the 60-day disabled list Monday to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.

Three weeks into the 2013 MLB season, teams now have enough games under their belts that a hot or cold start to the season may legitimately be more than just a fluke.

One need only look at the Indians going 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position to see why Houston grabbed a 3-2 decision on Friday in the first of three at Minute Maid Park.