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Mackanin Takes Over

Having the worst record in baseball following another loss featuring poor pitching cost Cincinnati Reds manager Jerry Narron his job. A scout is being given the chance to turn the tide.

The day after Narron was fired, Pete Mackanin takes over as Reds manager on Tuesday in the opener of a three-game set against the San Francisco Giants.

Monday at McAfee

The Oakland Athletics got back on track with a series win over an AL East opponent, and now they try to keep it going against another.

The Athletics go for their third straight victory as they meet the Toronto Blue Jays in the opener of a three-game series on Monday at McAfee Coliseum.

Smoltz Faces Lowe

John Smoltz of the Atlanta Braves and Derek Lowe of the Los Angeles Dodgers both have enjoyed success on the mound, regardless of when they've pitched in games.

Two of baseball's top starting pitchers who were turned into relievers before becoming starters again face each other on Monday night, when Smoltz and Lowe square off in the opener of a four-game series at Dodger Stadium.

Dropped Out of First

The Arizona Diamondbacks' latest funk has caused them to drop out of first place in the NL West. It won't be easy getting back on track, either, as they visit a city where they've had minimal success.

The Diamondbacks look to avoid losing their third straight game when they open a four-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on Monday night.

No Sweep Says Pudge

The Minnesota Twins used a huge run heading into last July to get back into contention. They're doing it a little differently this year, with similar results.

The Twins look to complete a sweep at Comerica Park for the first time since 2004 as they complete a three-game set against Jeremy Bonderman and the Detroit Tigers on Sunday night.