Hudson looking like a short-timer for slow-starting Padres  —  So far this season, things are awful for the Padres, who entered Friday night's game against Philadelphia with the majors' worst record.  —  But they may be even worse for veteran second baseman Orlando Hudson, who is hitting just .143 …

Francona manages to put it aside  —  Ex-skipper returns to cheers, adoration  —  Terry Francona, having just tossed his Red Sox jersey to a youngster in the stands, does a fist pump at the conclusion of the pregame ceremonies.  (Stan Grossfeld/Globe Staff)  —  It wasn't Opening Day.

Spacious Safeco may help struggling hitters  —  SEATTLE — On first glance, Safeco Field might be the worst place for the struggling White Sox offense to play a three-game series.  —  But the spacious ballpark, commonly known as pitcher-friendly, just might be the cure for the White Sox woes.

Cubs' Dempster goes on DL with strained quad  —  Cubs right-hander Ryan Dempster has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right quadriceps.  —  Chicago also recalled outfielder Tony Campana from Triple-A Iowa on Saturday.  —  Dempster (0-1) was scheduled to make his fourth start Sunday against the Reds.

Sox and Cubs talking about a deal for Marlon Byrd  —  The Red Sox are closing in on a deal for Cubs outfielder Marlon Byrd according to a major league source, who said the deal was not yet done.  —  Byrd is playing center field for the Cubs and had gotten off to a slow start, 3-for-43 (.070).

Angels beat Orioles, hand Matusz 12th loss in row  —  ANAHEIM, Calif.—Howie Kendrick had three hits and three RBIs, and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Baltimore Orioles 6-3 Friday night to end a three-game losing streak and hand Brian Matusz his 12th straight loss.

Some surprise names among the no-shows  —  The Red Sox welcomed back more than 200 former players, managers, and coaches to Fenway Park on Friday.  But also notable were those who did not attend.  —  Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, and Curt Schilling were among the former stars who did not make an appearance …

Blue Jays turn first triple play in 33 years  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Toronto Blue Jays have turned their first triple play in 33 years.  —  The Kansas City Royals had runners on first and second in the third inning Friday night when Eric Hosmer lined out to first baseman Adam Lind …

Hamilton proving his worth to Rangers  —  DETROIT  —  When Josh Hamilton relapsed with alcohol shortly before spring training, the questions followed: Was the pressure of a contract year getting to him before the games began?  Would the extension talks distract him and affect his 2012 performance?

No charges filed against Cubs SS Castro in assault claim  —  CHICAGO (AP) - Cook County prosecutors have decided not to file charges against Chicago Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro for criminal sexual assault.  —  Spokeswoman Sally Daly tolds the Chicago Sun-Times on Friday that (http …

MLB, union will deny Pujols-type deals in future  —  Major League Baseball and the Players Association have informed teams and agents that they will no longer approve personal-service deals and special “milestone” bonus clauses similar to those contained in Albert Pujols' contract with the Angels …