White Sox Acquire Francisco Liriano  —  The White Sox tried hard to land Zack Greinke before he went to the Angels, so they instead turned to a familiar foe to shore up the rotation.  The team announced that they have acquired Francisco Liriano from the Twins for infielder Eduardo Escobar and left-hander Pedro Hernandez.

Carl Crawford medical drama takes another twist  —  NEW YORK — Carl Crawford's balky left elbow continues to be the topic of a Red Sox [team stats] medical soap opera that has more drama than an episode of “Grey's Anatomy.”  —  Crawford isn't in the lineup for Saturday's against Yankees ace CC Sabathia …

Rafael Betancourt trade market percolating for Rockies  —  A veteran Rockie walked into the clubhouse and asked quietly, “Who's going to be next?”  —  He was referring a trade one night after popular teammate Marco Scutaro was shipped to the rival Giants for Charlie Culberson …

Minor outpitches Blanton in Braves win over Phillies  —  The Sports Network  —  Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - Mike Minor retired the final 13 batters he faced and the Braves made a pair of early runs hold up in a 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies.  —  Minor (6-7) tied a season-high …

Streaking Athletics Cruise Past Orioles 6-1  —  BALTIMORE (AP) — Yoenis Cespedes and Chris Carter hit two-run homers to back an effective pitching performance by Bartolo Colon, and the Oakland Athletics beat the Baltimore Orioles 6-1 Saturday night for their ninth win in 10 games.

Rockies allow five home runs in 9-7 loss to Cincinnati Reds  —  (David Zalubowski, The Associated Press)  —  To put it politely, keeping the ball inside the park has been problematic for Rockies pitchers during this traumatic season.  —  They served up five solo home runs to the Cincinnati Reds …

Reyes Homers, Eovaldi Wins Marlins Debut vs. Pads  —  MIAMI (AP) — Jose Reyes hit a two-run homer and Nathan Eovaldi won his Miami debut, leading the Marlins to a 4-2 victory over the San Diego Padres on Saturday night.  —  Justin Ruggiano also went deep and Steve Cishek earned his fourth save …

Athletics To Acquire George Kottaras From Brewers  —  The Brewers and Athletics have agreed on a trade to send catcher George Kottaras to Oakland, tweets Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com.  It's not yet known what the Brewers will receive in return.  —  Kottaras, 29, was designated for assignment by Milwaukee on Thursday.

Astros Lose 4-3 to Pirates to Extend Record Slump  —  HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Astros are now officially in the worst slump in the club's 50-year history.  —  Rod Barajas hit a tiebreaking single in the eighth inning and the Pittsburgh Pirates rallied past Houston 4-3 Saturday night …

Johnson's Bunt in 7th Pushes Cubs Past Cardinals  —  CHICAGO (AP) — Pinch hitter Reed Johnson drove in the go-ahead with a bunt single in the seventh inning and the Chicago Cubs got past St. Louis 3-2 Saturday, ending the Cardinals' four-game winning streak.  —  The Cubs had lost five in a row to St. Louis.