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The Rundown: Collin Curtis Hits First Career HR, MLB Wife Guilty of Kidnapping

• Collin Curtis was asked to pinch-hit in a hole. Yankees center fielder Brett Gardner had just been ejected after arguing a called strike, leaving Curtis with an 0-2 count. After three straight balls, Curtis launched his first career home run, a 3-run shot that put the Yankees ahead 10-5 followed by a curtain call. "You hit it and you see it go out, and it's the first one of your career in a big situation. I was real excited just running around and trying to hold back a big smile." [MLB.com]

• Amalia Tabata-Pereira, wife of Pirates center fielder Jose Tabata, has pled guilty to kidnapping, interference with custody, and impersonating a public official. In March Tabata-Periera posed as an immigration official and threatened a woman and her boyfriend with deportation unless they handed over their child. Tabata Periera faked a pregnancy and stole the baby to fool Jose into believing he was a father. Tabata has avoided his wife and is continuing work towards a divorce. [NBC Sports]

• Carl Crawford is tougher than any man I know. Even after the direct shot to his boys, he still refuses to wear a cup, saying that it is too restrictive. "You couldn't hit it in a better spot. It just took the wind out of me. Right now it's real sore, but the doctor said there was no damage." NBC put together a compilation of videos to scare Crawford into self-protection. [NBC Sports]

• Pedro Martinez has decided to not pitch in the 2010 season. His agent said, "Martinez, who will turn 39 in October, decided that he was enjoying the time off with his family this summer too much to embark on a comeback for the second season in a row." But... Pedro said he is "wide open" to pitching in 2011. [NBC Sports]

• Just a day after Cubs manager Lou Peniella announced he will retire following this season, Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg clarified his position on the opening spot. "There is a lot to managing, and with almost four years under my belt, I believe I'm ready. I'm not interested in on-the-job learning or on-the-job training. At this point, I'm interested in winning ballgames at the major league level." [ESPN.com]

• Clayton Kershaw was suspended five games while Joe Torre and bench coach Bob Schaefer were suspended one game each for intentionally hitting Giants outfielder Aaron Rowand. [USA Today]