David Ortiz-led Red Sox (17-7) drop Astros, match best start since '02  —  BOSTON — David Ortiz had two hits and three RBIs to extend his torrid start after a long layoff, and Felix Doubront overcame a wild first inning to pitch into the seventh as the Boston Red Sox beat the struggling Houston Astros 8-4 on Saturday night.

MLB teams already taking a swing at assessments  —  What do we make of good starts and bad starts?  How long do teams hang in before they make drastic changes?  Because things haven't gone according to plan in the first month, do they begin to think they won't turn it around?

Nolan Arenado heads to big leagues as Chris Nelson designated for assignment  —  PHOENIX — Nolan Arenado is on his way to the big leagues.  —  Chris Nelson was designated for assignment Saturday, clearing a path for Arenado to take over as the Rockies starting third baseman.

Yanks Lose Cervelli and Nova to Injury but Salvage a Win  —  The 2013 Yankees, with a cast of has-beens and unknowns, have prided themselves on persevering, and Friday's game was a case in point.  In the first three innings, the Yankees lost their starting pitcher and catcher …

Ervin Santana sharp over 7 innings as Royals hold off Indians  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Ervin Santana pitched seven scoreless innings, Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer and the Kansas City Royals held on to beat the Cleveland Indians 3-2 Saturday night.  —  Santana (3-1), who was acquired …

Bryce Harper, Dan Haren team to power Nationals by Reds  —  WASHINGTON — Bryce Harper hit a two-run homer and scored twice, Dan Haren had his best start of the young season Saturday and the Washington Nationals beat the Cincinnati Reds 6-3.  —  Denard Span and Jayson Werth each had two hits for Washington …

Pablo Hernandez, Josh Willingham help Twins end 3-game slide  —  MINNEAPOLIS — Pedro Hernandez pitched five shutout innings for his first major league win, Josh Willingham homered and the Minnesota Twins beat the Texas Rangers 7-2 Saturday to end a three-game slide.

Dodgers' M. Ellis leaves game with quad injury  —  Second baseman will have MRI on Saturday, could be headed for DL  —  LOS ANGELES — Another series, another injury for the Dodgers.  —  Mark Ellis left Friday's game against the Brewers after five innings due to a strained right quad, and could be headed to the disabled list.

Moore wins 5th game as Rays rout White Sox 10-4  —  CHICAGO (AP) Matt Moore keeps piling up wins and his current run shows no sign of abating.  —  Moore became the first Tampa Bay pitcher to win five games in April, helping the Rays snap a two-game skid with a 10-4 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Saturday night.

Dodgers put Stephen Fife on DL  —  LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to churn through starting pitchers.  —  The team scratched right-hander Stephen Fife from Saturday night's scheduled start against the Milwaukee Brewers and placed him on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder bursitis.

Orioles release Proctor  —  The Orioles have released veteran right-hander Scott Proctor, who was pitching at Triple-A Norfolk.  —  Proctor allowed seven earned runs, and 13 total, in 7 1/3 innings with the Tides.  He surrendered 10 hits, walked 10 and struck out six.

Walker injures hand sliding against Cardinals  —  ST. LOUIS — The Pirates' last chance to fight their way back into Friday night's 9-1 loss to the Cardinals came down hard — right atop Neil Walker's right hand.  —  Walker was the runner on first when Pedro Alvarez, representing the tying run …

Medical update on left-handed pitcher Danny Hultzen  —  SEATTLE, Wash. — Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Jack Zduriencik announced today the following medical update on Triple-A left-handed pitcher Danny Hultzen: