Nats' Strasburg unlikely for '09

Long-standing Washington Nationals "face of the franchise" Ryan Zimmerman was in the home clubhouse before Tuesday's game, fielding question after question about newly signed No. 1 draft pick Stephen Strasburg.

A few feet away, wisecracking teammate Josh Bard yelled over: "Did you hear? Strasburg's going to start tomorrow. And he's throwing every game the rest of the homestand."

OK, OK, we get it. Strasburg is a special prospect, one who commanded a record-breaking contract worth a guaranteed $15.1.

The total is roughly 50 percent higher than the previous record for a drafted player, the $10.5 million the Cubs guaranteed Mark Prior in 2001.

Indeed, the Nationals set about tamping down everyone's expectations for the hard-throwing Strasburg, who has been labeled a once-in-a-generation talent. Acting Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said Tuesday it's "very unlikely" Strasburg will be called up to the majors this season.

'Pudge' returns to Rangers in trade

ARLINGTON, Texas - Ivan Rodriguez is coming home to the Texas Rangers.

The 14-time All-Star catcher, who started his career with the Rangers at age 19, was acquired in a trade Tuesday with the Astros for minor-league pitcher Matt Nevarez and two players to be named.

The 37-year-old Rodriguez signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Astros in March and went on to hit .251 with eight home runs and 34 RBIs.

RED SOX: Right-hander Tim Wakefield threw a bullpen session before Tuesday's game at Toronto and is not yet healthy enough to return.

Wakefield, 11-3 with a 4.31 ERA, has been out since July 18 with a sore back that has led to nerve irritation in his left calf, forcing him to walk with a limp.

ROYALS: Alex Gordon, regarded in spring training as one of baseball's top prospects, was demoted to the minor leagues Tuesday by Kansas City.

The 25-year-old third baseman, the No. 2 choice in the 2005 draft, batted .198 and committed five errors in 29 games this season.