AL | Yankees boss: Wake up and start hitting

Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez and his wife have split less than three months after the birth of the couple's second daughter, according to a report in the New York Daily News.

The story on the newspaper's Web site comes amid reports linking Rodriguez to pop singer and entertainer Madonna. Rodriguez refused to address the topic on three occasions Tuesday, once saying "no" when asked if he had any comment.

The Daily News reported Wednesday night, citing an anonymous source, that Rodriguez and wife, Cynthia, have separated after having "problems" for about three months.

Cynthia Rodriguez's mother, Evangeline Scurtis, also denied a gossip Web site report that her daughter had gone on a romantic getaway with rocker Lenny Kravitz to Paris.

"She is not! I know that," Scurtis told The Daily News.

Scurtis repeatedly declined comment when asked about her daughter's relationship with Rodriguez.

The couple was married in November 2002 and has two children, Natasha Alexander and Ella Alexander, who was born April 21.

Madonna denied being romantically linked to A-Rod, the New York Post reported.

Baltimore: 2B Brian Roberts hit his league-leading 31st double.

Boston: 2B Dustin Pedroia has homered eight times in his last 39 games after hitting one in his first 45. He's 25 for 44 (.568) during a 10-game hitting streak.

Chicago: C A.J. Pierzynski, who homered off Cleveland ace C.C. Sabathia, was 1 for 13 all-time against the left-hander entering this season.

Cleveland: OF Grady Sizemore's two home runs against the White Sox gave him 21. His career high is 28, in 2006.

Detroit: Reliever Zach Miner (3-3, 4.43 ERA) was optioned to Toledo, and RHP Aquilino Lopez was recalled from the AAA club. ... 1B Miguel Cabrera missed his second straight game with a hip injury but expects to play today in Seattle.

Kansas City: SS David DeJesus led off with a homer in Baltimore, the Royals' first leadoff homer in almost two years.

Los Angeles: RHP John Lackey was named AL pitcher of the month after going 5-0 with a 1.16 ERA in five June starts.

Minnesota: OF Carlos Gomez has not been the ideal leadoff hitter for the Twins. He has 14 walks and 84 strikeouts.

New York: 3B Alex Rodriguez will skip the All-Star Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium. The reigning AL MVP said the made-for-TV event can have an adverse effect on a batter's mechanics.

Oakland: Six-time Gold Glove 3B Eric Chavez went on the 15-day DL with a sore right shoulder. He had been limited to DH duty since June 22. ... Prized Dominican RHP Michael Inoa, 16, agreed to a $4.25 million signing bonus, an A's record for an amateur player. The 6-foot-7 Inoa is widely considered the top prospect in Latin America.

Tampa Bay: LHP Scott Kazmir is 7-3 with a 2.62 ERA but hasn't lasted six innings in any of his last four starts.

Texas: 2B Ian Kinsler extended his hitting streak to 15 games. At .323, he trails Minnesota C Joe Mauer (.326) for the AL batting lead.

Seattle Times news services