The Astros are without starting shortstop Tommy Manzella, but they won't look outside the organization for help. They are relying on rookie Oswaldo Navarro and veteran infielder Geoff Blum to split time at the position. "We're comfortable giving Geoff playing time over there and as is the case with [Chris] Johnson and [Jason] Bourgeois and [Jason] Castro, we have to find out about Ozzie," general manager Ed Wade said. "He's only about 26 years old, and if he can show the steady play he showed at [Triple-A] Round Rock at this level, then it behooves us to give him a shot instead of somebody with experience that doesn't carry the upside because of age or whatever. "Right now we're not actively looking for a shortstop. That said, if something came along we thought would make sense, we'd pursue it."

Mark Prior will work out for major league scouts at his alma mater, USC, on Wednesday. Prior has not pitched in the majors since going 1-6 in nine games with the Cubs in 2006. He has been working with USC pitching coach Tom House, who has worked with Prior since his high school days in San Diego. Most teams are expected to attend the audition.

The Yankees fully expect Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera to remain in pinstripes despite their lack of contracts past this season. "Obviously, we don't negotiate in public, but I would find it highly, highly unlikely if both of them are not back with the Yankees," president Randy Levine said Monday.

Brewers general manager Doug Melvin has confirmed that the team is no longer discussing a contract extension with first baseman Prince Fielder. "There's nothing going on at this time," said Melvin. Fielder is represented by agent Scott Boras. Melvin wouldn't discuss trade rumors involving Fielder. "I'm not going to get into any of that," said Melvin. "I'm sure his name will come up in trade rumors. It always does with any player that's not signed (for the long-term)."

A person close to Mariners pitcher Cliff Lee told the New York Daily News that he'd have no issue pitching in the Big Apple. The source left open the possibility that Lee would be willing to do so either this year or next. If Seattle doesn't trade the left-hander, he will be a free agent this winter.

The more time that passes, the less likely pitcher Pedro Martinez is to return to baseball this season. Martinez has been linked to the Phillies, but talks never turned serious. "Each day that passes by makes it more difficult for me to come back," Martinez told Quebec-based RDS TV last weekend. "I was hoping to go to the World Series and spend one more season in the big leagues. "Not getting the right team, not getting the right offer, not getting the right position for me to go and play is making it really difficult."

The Red Sox have shown interest in shortstop Adam Everett, according to a source. Everett was designated for assignment by the Tigers on June 8 and released by the club seven days later. He would only cost the Major League minimum with the Tigers responsible for what was left on the infielder's one-year, $1.55 million deal he signed prior to the season.

The Red Sox have shown some interest in shortstop Adam Everett, who was designated for assignment by the Detroit Tigers on June 8 and released by the club seven days later. The Red Sox won't make a move until a roster spot is cleared.

The Reds are close to a minor league deal with free-agent outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. The Mets released Matthews Jr. last week. He hit .190 with one RBI in 58 at-bats with New York. Reds manager Dusty Baker is close friends with Matthews' father, who also was an All-Star outfielder.

The Phillies have talked to Pedro Martinez about a possible comeback at mid-season, similar to what was agreed upon last summer. Martinez pitched for Philadelphia from August through the postseason in 2009. "We have talked to his agent, but there's nothing so far," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "We are not negotiating, but we've been talking to him. It all depends on whether he wants to play or not."