CC Sabathia, who joins Justin Verlander on the list of pitchers ruled out of the All-Star Game because they are set to work next Sunday, says he would rather go to the Bahamas on vacation than Phoenix. The bet is he'll be there anyway. … Sabathia will use his opt-out clause to get a new deal in the offseason, and it's not a slam dunk he stays with the Yankees. … That was some at-bat Dustin Ackley had against Jonny Venters on Wednesday. The Mariners' rookie second baseman homered, the first extra-base hit the Braves lefty had given up this season. Ackley is off to a great start, going 6-for-8 against left-handers, including a triple off Cole Hamels. … The Indians are looking for an outfielder after losing Shin-Soo Choo for eight to 10 weeks with a broken thumb. The Cubs' Kosuke Fukudome is reportedly on their radar, along with Ryan Ludwick and Corey Patterson. … The Phillies are saying Roy Oswalt will be out until at least August, but some wonder if he'll need season-ending surgery to repair the bulging disc in his back. … There were knowing glances around the Yankees' front office when Zack Greinke melted down at Yankee Stadium last week. Brian Cashman passed on pursuing Greinke because of concerns about how he'd handle the big stage. … The Rangers are likewise looking smart for letting Vladimir Guerrero walk. … Don't get worked up about Joe Mauer working out at first base. The Twins are only considering using him at first when he doesn't catch, not shifting him permanently.
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