MLB

Through his first 13 starts in 2010, the Atlanta Braves have given pitcher Kenshin Kawakami pitiful run support.

With the Braves scoring just 3.13 runs in KK's outings, it’s hardly a surprise that he is 0-9. Bad luck combined with mediocre pitching can do that to you.

Jerry Manuel finally loosened his grip on the development of top pitching prospect Jenrry Mejia, following the Mets 4-0 loss in the Subway Series finale on Sunday, allowing the 20-year-old to return to AA Binghamton to become a starting pitcher again.

First off, A-Rod was removed from today's game just as a precaution, according to Joe Girardi. "Just being cautious," Girardi told the media after the game . "With the little bit of rain, I just thought it made sense." A-Rod also said he feels "really good."

The Mets have decided to return RHP Jenrry Mejia to a starting role and will initially send him to Double-A Binghamton to stretch him out. To replace Mejia they will recall RHP Bobby Parnell .

This is great news for Mets fans because Mejia, 20-years old, projects as a future starter and using him in the bullpen, in essentially a mop-up role, his development was being stunted.

Rather than watch the Royals offense not give Zack Greinke a win last night, I elected to head up to Round Rock (roughly 20 minutes outside of Austin, for you non-Texans) to see the Omaha Royals take on the Round Rock Express (the Astros' Triple-A affiliate, for you Royals-only fans).

The poor situation the Pirates are in easily lends the notion that its General Manager and manager would be on the heat seat for next season. In a move that makes no sense to many, or actually makes perfect sense for the Pirates especially when you see similar bewildering roster moves over the years, Pittsburgh actually gave the two contract extensions.

Team Power Rankings:
NOTE: Team W-L records and player statistics accurate as of Sunday June 20, at 11:00 AM CT.
TEAM OF THE WEEK: Team with the largest jump in the rankings.
BUST OF THE WEEK: Team with the furthest drop in the rankings.

1. New York Yankees (42-26) Last Week: 1st
Offense Rank: 2nd
Pitching Rank: 9th
Last Ten Games: 6-4

2. Tampa Bay Rays (42-26) Last Week: 2nd
Offense Rank: 3rd
Pitching Rank: 5th
Last Ten Games: 4-6

On a clear Sunday afternoon, the Pittsburgh Pirates strung together their first win streak since mid-May.

The Pirates put together well-timed hits and with the help of three Indians' errors, defeated Cleveland 5-3 to win their first series in over a month.

Rookie pitcher Brad Lincoln made his third start today. He entered the game with an ERA just over 7.00. Lincoln went six innings for the Bucs, surrendering three runs on eight hits to the Tribe. 

The Phillies offense needs to find its rhythm quickly.

A game like the one the Phillies played in the series finale against the Twins is exactly why we can never be too quick to proclaim a funk over.

NEW YORK—It just wasn't meant to be for the Mets this afternoon, as they were shut down by a dominant CC Sabathia, losing 4-0.

For Johan Santana, it was one bad pitch that did him in. The only runs for either team came from one swing off the bat of Mark Teixeira, who hit a grand slam in the third, giving the Yankees a 4-0 lead that they would not relinquish.