--RHP Luis Ayala was acquired Sunday from the Washington Nationals for a player to be named later, believed to be INF Anderson Hernandez. Ayala, 30, is 1-8 with a 5.77 ERA in 62 appearances for the Nationals. Said Ayala: "They're fighting for first place, so I'm going to do my best to clear my mind and try to help the bullpen."
--LHP Billy Wagner returned to New York Sunday to have is pitching elbow examined. Wagner was supposed to be activated from the disabled list Monday, but that changed after he complained of stiffness after a simulated game Saturday. --RF Ryan Church left Florida ahead of the approaching bad weather for New Orleans, where he will play in rehab games Monday and Tuesday. Church had played in two rehab games as a designated hitter. He could play in the field Monday.
--RHP John Maine (10-7, 3.97 ERA) will make his 24th start of the season Monday afternoon at Pittsburgh. Maine is 2-2 with a 3.57 ERA in four career starts against the Pirates.
--LF Moises Alou was transferred to the 60-day disabled list. Alou is sidelined with a calf injury. Alou, 41, has not said anything about his future.
--3B David Wright did not start Sunday at Pittsburgh. "He would never ask for a day off," manager Jerry Manuel said. "But, in talking to the staff, he needs a day off." There's nothing wrong with Wright's recent performance as he has an 11-game hitting streak, with five multi-hit games.
--OF Trot Nixon will report to Class AAA New Orleans to continue his rehab assignment. Nixon is on the disabled list following hernia surgery.
BY THE NUMBERS: 18 -- Times Johan Santana had worked into the seventh inning or later in 26 starts through August 17.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I wouldn't say I am ready. It is stiff and sore." -- Closer Billy Wagner on his left elbow, which will keep him on the disabled list.
