MLB

Yesterday we asked you about the American League, where all three divisions are locked in close fights for first place. In the National League, however, the three division leaders each have sizable advantages. But the wild card? That's a different story...

The post-season contenders are beginning to take shape as the 2012 season enters its final 30 games. Here’s what’s happening this week in Major League Baseball:

Houston, TX (Sports Network) - The Houston Astros named Tony DeFrancesco interim manager on Sunday after firing Brad Mills late Saturday night. DeFrancesco had been managing Houston's Triple-A affiliate, the Oklahoma City RedHawks. The Astros announced following a 12-4 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks that they were relieving Mills, hitting coach Mike Barnett and first base coach Bobby Meacham of

The Houston Astros have relieved Brad Mills of his managerial duties, general manager Jeff Luhnow announced Saturday. Hitting coach Mike Barnett and first base coach Bobby Meacham have also been relieved of their duties. Mills, who was hired by Houston prior to the 2010 season and was under contract through 2013, led the team to an MLB-worst 39-82 record this year...

San Francisco, CA (Sports Network) - San Francisco Giants outfielder Melky Cabrera has been suspended 50 games for violating baseball's drug policy. The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball said Cabrera tested positive for testosterone...

Bronx, NY (Sports Network) - Hiroki Kuroda took a no-hitter into the seventh inning, and Nick Swisher and Mark Teixeira belted back-to-back homers, as the New York Yankees topped the Texas Rangers, 3-0, Tuesday night. The homers for Swisher and Teixeira came in the bottom of the seventh, after Elvis Andrus broke up the no-hit bid in the top portion...

The Cleveland Indians released veteran outfielder Johnny Damon and pitcher Jeremy Accardo on Thursday. Damon, signed by the Indians on April 17, hit .222 with six doubles, two triples, four home runs and 19 RBI in 64 games. He was designated for assignment last Friday...

The Texas Rangers have acquired right-hander Ryan Dempster from the Chicago Cubs, multiple sources reported minutes before the 4 p.m. ET trade deadline. Class A third baseman Christian Villanueva and Class A right-hander Kyle Hendricks will go to the Cubs in the trade, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reported...

The Texas Rangers have acquired catcher Geovany Soto from the Chicago Cubs for right-hander Jake Brigham and a player to be named or cash.   Soto was expected to be in uniform Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Angels. To make room on the roster, the Rangers designated catcher Yorvit Torrealba for assignment. ...

The Astros ended their team-record losing streak at 12 games, beating the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-5 Sunday behind three hits and three RBIs from Marwin Gonzalez. Hours after Houston traded third baseman Chris Johnson to Arizona - the Astros' fifth deal of the month - Jordan Schafer homered and drove in three runs. ...