Yankees Hold Onto Late Lead in Slugfest Against the Red Sox  —  BOSTON — Nearly half a season has passed since the Yankees and the Red Sox met in a tumultuous two-game series in April at Fenway Park.  At the time neither team looked particularly good, but since then they have gone through significant changes …

Orioles “Going Hard” After Greinke  —  The Orioles are “going hard” after Brewers right-hander Zack Greinke, an MLB executive told Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun.  The Orioles appear to be the most aggressive suitor for Greinke, but talks are preliminary, Connolly reports.

Colvin hits two homers as Rockies beat Nationals  —  WASHINGTON — Tyler Colvin homered twice off Stephen Strasburg to back a masterful pitching performance by Drew Pomeranz and lead the Colorado Rockies past Washington 5-1 Friday night, ending the Nationals' four-game winning streak.

D-backs may consider offers for Upton  —  Right-handed power hitters are in short supply on the trade market.  —  That could change, however, if the Arizona Diamondbacks fall from contention.  —  At that point, the D-backs would consider offers for right fielder Justin Upton, according to major-league sources.

Expect Astros managerial change in '13  —  No team has fired its manager this season.  But at least one is expected to make a move after the season ends, according to major-league sources.  —  The Houston Astros, under new ownership and a new front office, likely will dismiss manager Brad Mills, sources said.

Joba Chamberlain on track to pitch in minors next week  —  Photo credit: Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara |  Yankees reliever Joba Chamberlain points while on the mound in the seventh inning against the Tigers on Opening Day 2011.  (Mar. 31, 2011)  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Joba Chamberlain feels ready …

Peavy leads White Sox to fourth straight win, over Blue Jays  —  CHICAGO — Jake Peavy pitched one-run ball into the eighth inning for his first victory since May 26, A.J. Pierzynski homered and the Chicago White Sox won their fourth straight by beating the Toronto Blue Jays 4-2 on Friday night.

Rizzo homers, Cubs stop Mets' rally in 9th inning for win  —  NEW YORK — Anthony Rizzo hit a three-run homer and Cubs closer Carlos Marmol caught a line drive and started a game-ending double play that blunted the New York Mets' bid for another ninth-inning comeback, giving Chicago an 8-7 win Friday night.

Rays Sign No. 6 International Prospect Jose Castillo  —  Venezuelan lefthander Jose Castillo, a 16-year-old who ranks as the sixth-best international prospect for July 2, has signed with the Rays for $1.55 million.  —  Castillo is 6-foot-4, 200 pounds and has impressed scouts with his delivery and power arm.

Drew Smyly strikes out 10 as Tigers top Royals to reach .500  —  DETROIT — Rookie Drew Smyly struck out a career-high 10 in six impressive innings and Delmon Young homered as the Detroit Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals 4-2 Friday night.  —  The win got the Tigers (42-42) back to .500 for the first time since May 15.

Twins Hand Rangers Fifth Straight Loss, 5-1  —  ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau drove in two runs each, Francisco Liriano pitched around six walks and the Minnesota Twins handed the Texas Rangers their season-high fifth straight loss with a 5-1 win Friday night.

Certainly a new era in Nats baseball  —  WASHINGTON  —  In at least one corner of our nation's capital, there is no talk of spending cuts.  —  Quite the opposite phenomenon is taking place at Nationals Park: The surprising Washington Nationals have the best record in the National League …