Sanders back, but Pujols ailing

NOTES

The St. Louis Cardinals got Reggie Sanders back on Monday, but lost Albert Pujols for a short time.

Sanders was on the 15-day disabled list for nearly two months with a broken leg sustained in an outfield collision with Jim Edmonds on July 15.

“I’m ready,” said Sanders. “I don’t think I’m going to be tentative at all. When you’re injured, you try to get those things out of your mind and focus on what you need to focus on.”

Manager Tony La Russa said Pujols has had a sore upper right leg since the team began the current 10-game homestand a week ago. He said team trainers advised giving Pujols “a day or two” off.

Yankees win coin flip

The New York Yankees won a coin flip and would host the Boston Red Sox if a one-game playoff is needed to break a tie for the A.L. East title.

If game is needed to break a tie between Cleveland and the Chicago White Sox in the A.L. Central, the Indians would host, and if the Los Angeles Angels and Oakland need a tiebreaker in the A.L. West, the game would be at Anaheim.

In the event a tiebreaker is needed for the wild card, New York and Oakland would play at Cleveland, and Oakland would play at New York.

If a tiebreaker game is necessary in the N.L. wild-card race, Philadelphia would host Houston and Florida, the Marlins would host Houston, the Astros would host Washington, and the Nationals would host the Phillies and Marlins.

Clearing the bases

Twins right-hander Johan Santana will miss his scheduled start Wednesday because of a blister on his middle finger. … The Pirates demoted Josh Fogg to the bullpen and recalled right-hander Ian Snell. … Right-hander R.A. Dickey was recalled by the Rangers, who planned to use him as their starter tonight against the Orioles. … Cubs rookie shortstop Ronny Cedeno will miss the rest of the season with a broken bone in his left hand.