The Rockies bolstered their infield by acquiring veteran second baseman Mark Ellis from the Athletics on Thursday. The Rockies sent minor league right-hander Bruce Billings and a player to be named to Oakland for the 34-year-old Ellis and cash.

Mets outfielder Willie Harris has been put on the bereavement list after his wife went into premature labor and their baby died, according to an ESPN.com report. Manager Terry Collins offered his condolences to Harris and his wife, Trey, before Thursday's game at Detroit. Harris had gone on the paternity list Wednesday when his wife went into labor.

Tigers left-hander Phil Coke is moving back to the bullpen after struggling in his first half-season as a regular starter. Coke is 1-8 with a 4.91 ERA after allowing seven earned runs in four-plus innings against the Mets on Wednesday night.

Michelle Obama will join the Nationals next Tuesday for a salute to military families when the team takes on the Cubs, according to an ESPN.com report. The White House says the Nationals have dedicated July 5 to a nationwide effort by the first lady and Jill Biden to rally the country to support military families. The effort is known as Joining Forces.

Mike Cameron was designated for assignment Thursday, Red Sox GM Theo Epstein announced just before Thursday afternoon's game against the Phillies. Epstein said the timing of the move was forced by the unavailability of third baseman Kevin Youkilis, who fouled a ball off his left foot during Wednesday night's loss. X-rays on Youkilis' foot taken Thursday morning were negative, the team said.

Rangers president and CEO Nolan Ryan said he would be in favor of realignment, including any plans that involve moving the Houston Astros into the AL with the Rangers. "I wouldn't be opposed to that," Ryan said Wednesday before the Rangers' 3-2 win over the Astros at Minute Maid Park. "I would be in favor of adding somebody, and I think it would be good if you had the Rangers and the Astros in a pennant race. I think it would add a lot of interest in the state and I think it would be good."

Derek Jeter is set to rejoin the Yankees on Monday in his return from a calf injury, according to an Associated Press report. The shortstop said Thursday he will play minor league rehab games Saturday and Sunday at Double-A Trenton and be with the Yankees for a series in Cleveland. “I feel good now,” Jeter said after working out at the Yankees’ minor league complex. “I feel a lot better. I’m ready to get out of here.”

Actor Charlie Sheen tells Sports Illustrated in its latest issue that he took steroids "for like six or eight weeks" while filming the 1989 movie "Major League." He adds that the performance-enhancing drugs helped his fastball go from 79 mph to 85 mph, according to an ESPN.com report.

The Cardinals finally ran out of patience with reliever Ryan Franklin, cutting the closer Wednesday after he failed to regain his touch. Franklin was 1-4 with an 8.46 ERA and one save in 16 games. On Tuesday night against the Orioles, the righty gave up two runs and three hits, including a homer, while getting only one out. His inability to be effective, even in a mop-up role, led to the Cardinals giving him his unconditional release.

Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers will have the ability to add payroll at the trade deadline. Arizona president/CEO Derrick Hall told FOX Sports as much on Tuesday. "We've got the flexibility," Hall said. "Our ownership group is willing to invest in this team. We've told KT, 'If we're in it, we'll do whatever it takes to support you.'" Arizona opened the season with a payroll of $53.6 million, sixth-smallest in the majors.