Kent undergoes knee surgery

Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Jeff Kent had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Tuesday and might be able to return to action this month.

The Dodgers said the outpatient procedure took 20 minutes, no additional problems were discovered and Kent will be able to begin the rehabilitation process today.

A five-time All-Star and former N.L. MVP, Kent left Friday night’s game in Arizona with pain in his left knee. An MRI taken Sunday revealed torn cartilage, and he was placed on the disabled list for the first time since 2006.

The 40-year-old Kent has yet to formally announce his plans following the final season of his $18 million, two-year contract with the Dodgers. He is hitting .275 with 11 homers and 57 RBIs.

Sheets won’t miss start

Milwaukee pitcher Ben Sheets, pulled from Monday’s game after five innings because of slight tightness in his left groin, is expected to make his next scheduled start on Saturday against San Diego.

The Brewers said the right-hander was pulled because of “very slight tightness.” The New York Mets rallied against relievers for a 4-2 victory.

But both general manager Doug Melvin and manager Ned Yost said Tuesday the injury was minor and they are confident the oft-injured Sheets will not miss a turn as the Brewers try to reach postseason play for the first time since 1982.

Indians quit Buffalo

The Cleveland Indians informed Major League Baseball of their desire to terminate their player development contract with Triple-A Buffalo, ending a 14-year partnership with the Bisons.

The Indians’ decision appears to clear the way for the club to move its top minor league affiliate to Columbus, Ohio, which will have a new stadium next season. Cleveland already has three minor league teams – Akron, Lake County and Mahoning Valley – in Ohio.

It’s been no secret that the Indians have had their eye on Columbus, where they already have a sizable fan base and where they can broaden their television network.

Clearing the bases

The season is over for Kansas City second baseman Mark Grudzielanek, who was moved from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list. Grudzielanek, a 12-year veteran and the Royals player of the year last season, hurt his ankle in a collision with a teammate on Aug. 1. … Texas catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia is out for the season after injuring his right forearm on Monday night against Seattle.

A.L. Highlights

Red Sox 14, Orioles 2: At Boston, Dustin Pedroia had three hits and five RBIs, and David Ortiz went 3 for 3 while driving in four runs to help the Red Sox beat slumping Baltimore. Boston won for the 10th time in 14 games and took a four-game lead in the wild-card race.

Indians 9, White Sox 3: At Cleveland, Victor Martinez, activated Friday after having right elbow surgery in mid-June, hit his first home run in nearly a year to help the Indians beat Chicago. The White Sox remained tied with Minnesota for the Central lead despite losing for the fifth time in six games.

Blue Jays 7, Twins 5: At Toronto, Jose Bautista and Alex Rios both had four hits and the Blue Jays notched their seventh straight victory over Minnesota. Bautista, Rios and Lyle Overbay homered for Toronto. The Twins lost for the seventh time in 10 games.

N.L. Highlights

Mets 6, Brewers 5 (10): At Milwaukee, Carlos Beltran hit a three-run homer, Endy Chavez drove in the decisive run in the 10th inning and New York beat the Brewers. Six relievers combined for seven shutout innings, helping the East leaders remain two games ahead of second-place Philadelphia.

Phillies 4, Nationals 0: At Washington, Cole Hamels pitched into the eighth inning, Jimmy Rollins drove in two runs and Philadelphia Phillies snapped Washington’s seven-game winning streak. In 29 starts this season, Hamels has pitched at least seven innings 23 times – the most in the majors.

Cardinals 8, Diamondbacks 2: At Phoenix, Adam Wainwright helped himself by doubling in two runs, and Troy Glaus hit one of St. Louis’ three homers in a victory over Arizona. The Diamondbacks’ West lead was sliced to 1 1/2 games over second-place Los Angeles. St. Louis is 5 1/2 back of Milwaukee in the wild-card race.

Dodgers 8, Padres 4: At Los Angeles, Manny Ramirez homered and drove in three runs and the resurgent Dodgers won their fourth straight, beating San Diego.