NEW YORK, July 4 /PRNewswire/ -- American and National League All-Star Team managers Joe Girardi and Charlie Manuel, in conjunction with Major League Baseball, have announced the candidates for the 2010 All-Star Game Final Vote Sponsored by Sprint to be held exclusively on MLB.com, the official Web site of Major League Baseball, and the individual Club Web sites.

Jon Lester and Billy Wagner combined on a four-hit shutout Sunday, leading Boston to a 4-0 win over Tampa Bay, capping a doubleheader sweep. Lester (13-7) gave up two hits in eight scoreless innings with three walks and seven strikeouts. Wagner gave up two hits in the top of the ninth as Tampa Bay's

The Boston Red Sox released right hander Brad Penny at his request, the team said. The Boston Herald reported the move allowed Boston room on its roster for newly acquired reliever Billy Wagner. Also, knuckle baller Tim Wakefield has returned from a lower back strain and a subsequent nerve issue that caused a left calf injury. Penny (7-8) had just one win in his last 11 starts. Boston signed the free agent to a one-year, $5 million contract despite three stints on the disabled list last season while with the Los Angeles Dodgers because of shoulder problems. I enjoyed playing with all of the guys, Penny told the newspaper late Wednesday.

New York Mets left-handed reliever Billy Wagner joined the Boston Red Sox Tuesday. The Mets, who had put him on waivers four days earlier, will get two players to be announced later from the Red Sox, Major League Baseball said on its Web site. Wagner waived his no-trade clause in return for the Red Sox agreeing not to exercise his 2010 option while keeping the right to offer him salary arbitration.

The New York Mets have released journeyman right-hander Livan Hernandez to make room on for left-handed reliever Billy Wagner. Hernandez, 34, lost his last three starts, surrendering at least five runs in each while pitching no longer than 5 1/3 innings.