Rangers clinch series over A's | The Salt Lake Tribune

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Cardinals' Carpenter endures setback

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter's rehab has been put on hold after he injured his lower back in a bullpen session.

General manager John Mozeliak said Thursday that any contribution this season from Carpenter, sidelined since February with nerve issues on the right side of his body, would be a bonus. But he said the prognosis has improved the last few days.

Mets' Niese departs game

New York Mets left-hander Jonathon Niese departed Thursday night's game against the Atlanta Braves with left shoulder discomfort, the team announced. Niese winced while delivering his 61st pitch, to Tyler Pastornicky with one out in the fourth inning. He immediately pointed to the dugout.

Assistant trainer Brian Chicklo, manager Terry Collins and pitching coach Dan Warthen came to the mound. Niese departed without attempting a warm-up pitch.

Jay-Z licensed NBA, MLB agent

Rapper and media mogul Jay-Z is now licensed to work as an agent for NBA and MLB players.

Ron Berkowitz, a spokesman for Jay-Z's newly created sports agency, Roc Nation Sports, confirmed to ESPN.com that, as of this week, Jay-Z is now licensed to work as a MLB agent.

What's not clear is how soon Jay-Z can represent players. A source close to the situation said that, as of Wednesday, the hip-hop mogul had not sold his small ownership share (less than 1 percent) of the Brooklyn Nets.

Associated Press