Cox will return
Braves manager still enjoys game
Despite Atlanta’s worst season since 1990, longtime Braves manager Bobby Cox vowed Wednesday to return next season.
The 67-year-old Cox signed a one-year contract extension in May, but his team was ravaged by injuries – especially to the pitching staff – and sports a 64-82 record, 181/2 games out of first in the N.L. East.
Cox said the Braves’ record – good or bad – would not be a factor in his decision to step aside.
“I’m not going to decide my retirement based on wins and losses, or anything like that,” he said. “I still love the game. It’s fun.”
N.L. highlights
Mets 13, Nationals 10: David Wright hit a two-run homer and tied a career high with four hits, helping New York put away pesky Washington after blowing a six-run lead. The first-place Mets moved 31/2 games ahead of Philadelphia in the East Division.
Brewers 4, Reds 3: Mike Cameron singled in the go-ahead run in the eighth and host Milwaukee rallied to beat Cincinnati. The Brewers lead Philadelphia and Houston by four games in the wild-card race.
A.L. highlights
Angels 4, Yankees 2: Robb Quinlan hit a three-run double to help Los Angeles beat visiting New York and clinch the West Division title.
Rays 4, Red Sox 2 (14): Carlos Pena hit a three-run homer in the 14th inning, then Tampa Bay reliever Jason Hammel escaped a bases-loaded, no-out jam to give the Rays a win over host Boston. The Red Sox trail the Jays by 21/2 games in the East. Boston has a five-game lead over the Minnesota Twins in the wild-card race.
White Sox 6, Blue Jays 5: Mark Buehrle outpitched Roy Halladay and Chicago stopped visiting Toronto’s 10-game winning streak. The White Sox stayed one game ahead of Minnesota in the Central race.
Clearing the bases
San Francisco outfielder Fred Lewis will undergo season-ending surgery Friday to remove a bunion from his right foot. … Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips will have season-ending surgery Friday to have a pin inserted into his broken right index finger to help it heal properly. … Reds right-handed reliever Todd Coffey was claimed off waivers by the Brewers to add another arm to their bullpen. … The Twins say they’ll make a push to host the 2014 All-Star game in their new stadium in downtown Minneapolis. … The White Sox say Paul Konerko has a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee and will be evaluated daily. … Yankees catcher Ivan Rodriguez and Angels outfielder Torii Hunter were suspended two games each for their roles in a bench-clearing scuffle Monday night.