St. Louis Cardinals star Albert Pujols said he is honored and humbled after receiving an award for his off-field charitable work during Glenn Beck's rally in Washington.

Pujols says he thanks God for giving him a platform through a high-profile career -- and says that allows him to be more than just being a player.

Pujols has set up a foundation that helps people with Down syndrome and assist the poor in the Dominican Republic.

Pujols' manager, Tony La Russa, says heroes often are seen as products of movies, television and fiction books, but there are real-life ones.

La Russa says Pujols has had amazing accomplishments in baseball, but what makes him so special is his commitment to his family, faith and community.

The Manny Ramirez mystery became more curious Saturday when the Dodgers held him out of the starting lineup against the Rockies for a second day in a row. Does that mean the Dodgers don't want to risk another injury to their aging star and ruin a trade to the White Sox, who claimed him on waivers Friday? Or does it mean they are simply trying to win games and get back in the NL wild-card hunt. The answer should come by Tuesday night, which is the deadline for the White Sox and Dodgers to complete a trade which would make Ramirez eligible for the postseason roster.

Texas placed right-hander Frank Francisco on the 15-day disabled list before Saturday night's game against the Athletics. Francisco left Friday night's 7-3 victory against the Athletics in the ninth when he aggravated a right rib-cage injury while walking the leadoff man.

San Diego recalled Infielder Everth Cabrera just in time for his bobblehead day against the Philadelphia Phillies. Cabrera's return from Class AAA Portland comes after infielder Jerry Hairston, Jr. was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained right elbow.

Edinson Volquez has lost his spot in the Cincinnati's rotation. The right-hander was moved into the bullpen, giving him a chance to try to fix problems in his delivery. He retired only two batters in his last start, an 11-2 loss in San Francisco on Monday.

Notebook

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