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National League notebook -- Thursday, May 24, 2012 (The SportsXchange)

Arizona: 1B Paul Goldschmidt has come alive in May, batting .294 with eight doubles, a home run and eight RBI in 20 games. He has nine hits, including four doubles, in his last 23 at-bats after reaching base four times Wednesday on a double, two walks and a hit batsman. ... RH reliever Josh Collmenter tweaked his delivery slightly after being moved to the bullpen in late April and has given up only one run and eight hits, all singles, in four relief appearances covering 10 innings. He was 0-2 with a 9.82 ERA in four starts before being replaced by rookie LHP Patrick Corbin.

 

Padres starter Stauffer gets second opinion (The Associated Press)

NEW YORK (AP) San Diego Padres starter Tim Stauffer has received a second opinion on his sprained right elbow from Dr. Lewis Yocum.

 

Phillies Must Show True Colors in Upcoming Stretch: A Fan's View (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

The Philadelphia Phillies snapped their four-game losing streak behind another impressive outing from Cole Hamels. While Hamels continues to be the most dominant pitcher in the National League, the Phillies still find themselves in last place with a 22-23 record. Now they are heading out on a difficult road trip against two surprising teams. The Phillies have four series remaining before they resume interleague play against the Baltimore Orioles. None will be easy, but the Phillies have to perform well if they are going to turn their season around.

 

Blue Jays-Rangers Preview (The Associated Press)

The Texas Rangers have been unusually quiet at the plate lately and might have trouble ending that trend against Toronto's Brandon Morrow, who is coming off his second shutout in four starts.

 

Cubs-Pirates Preview (The Associated Press)

The Chicago Cubs figured the rebuilding project under Theo Epstein would take some time to yield positive results, but they probably didn't envision these types of struggles barely one quarter of the way through its first season.

 

Jonathon Niese leads Mets over Pirates 3-1 (The Associated Press)

PITTSBURGH (AP) Jonathon Niese did more than merely sit back and stew after what his manager called ''the worst game he's ever pitched in his life.''

 

Padres-Mets Preview (The Associated Press)

Coming off a pair of narrow victories, the David Wright-led New York Mets are hoping to see their momentum carry over during their season-high 11-game homestand.

 

Cardinals beat Padres 6-3 for 3-game sweep (The Associated Press)

ST. LOUIS (AP) When the first five San Diego Padres reached safely, it looked as if it'd be a long night for rookie Lance Lynn. The St. Louis Cardinals pitcher showed veteran presence after that.

 

Pirates' offense could be historically bad (The SportsXchange)

Charlie Morton didn't have his sinker, and a handful of other things went awry for the Pittsburgh Pirates in their 3-1 loss to the New York Mets on a scorching Wednesday matinee at PNC Park.

 

National League notebook -- Wednesday, May 23, 2012 (The SportsXchange)

Arizona: CF Chris Young was given a start off after starting the previous five games since being activated from the disabled list Friday. "He probably came back a little too early," manager Kirk Gibson said. With an off day today, Young will get two days off. ... C Miguel Montero (groin) rode a bike, played catch and took some swings before the game. "Hitting is a little challenging because you have to stretch out your back leg," Montero said. The D-back are hoping Montero can return Friday.