Blue Jays send Ryan Goins to Triple-A Buffalo Goins was hitting just .150 through the season's first month.  —  The Blue Jays demoted Ryan Goins to Triple-A Buffalo on Monday.  —  The Blue Jays sent struggling second baseman Ryan Goins to Triple-A Buffalo on Monday night …

Sources: Nats' Harper to get thumb surgery  —  Washington Nationals left fielder Bryce Harper will undergo surgery Tuesday to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb and is expected to be out until at least early July, according to multiple sources.

Mariners Release Ramon Ramirez  —  The Mariners have released right-hander Ramon Ramirez from their Triple-A affiliate in Tacoma, Rainiers broadcaster Mike Curto reports (on Twitter).  The 32-year-old Ramirez allowed five runs in 4 1/3 innings with the Rainiers prior to his release.

Former NY Mets pitcher Frank Viola recovering from heart surgery, getting big show of support  —  Support following heart surgery is sweet music to former lefty ace.  —  Mortality taunted Frank Viola all spring, beginning when his mom reached into her husband's casket, grabbed his hand, and said, “You behave yourself.

Braves defying logic with remarkable start on mound  —  Atlanta rotation stringing together dominant performances after early setbacks  —  By Thursday, the Atlanta Braves could complete the compiling of the lowest end-of-April starters' ERA in the big leagues in nearly four decades.

Crying fan: Brewers' Gomez is ‘my idol’  —  'Every time I meet him, it's a dream come true,' says 15-year-old  —  ST. LOUIS — Aside from the dozens of texts, hundreds of tweets and the two news crews that showed up at her house Monday, it was just another school day for 15-year-old Jordan Hynum of Fort Atkinson, Wis.

Carrasco sent to 'pen; McAllister to start Wednesday  —  ANAHEIM — The Indians gave right-hander Carlos Carrasco a spot in the rotation with the hope that he would realize his potential and take flight.  But after four disappointing outings, Cleveland has decided to make a change.

Darvish struggles as Rangers fall to Gray and Athletics  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — Sonny Gray threw a three-hitter for his first career complete game and the Oakland Athletics beat Texas 4-0 Monday night in Rangers ace Yu Darvish's shortest outing in the major leagues.

Maddon not daunted by Rays' start to season  —  CHICAGO — You could have a better April than the one the Rays are having.  —  You might not be able to find a better manager to deal with it, however.  —  With three-fifths of his starting rotation on the disabled list, his lineup not clicking …

MLB Power Rankings: Braves take over top spot, AL West pair rises  —  A walk-off hit by Freddie Freeman (center) on Sunday gave Atlanta its 12th win in 15 games.  —  It's becoming a trend in this season's Power Rankings: Each week has brought a new team to the top of the list.

Cards notes: Wong, Robinson sent down  —  • By Rick Hummel rhummel@post-dispatch.com 314-340-8196  —  Cardinals rookie second baseman Kolten Wong, after hitting four ground-ball outs Friday night, didn't play against a lefthanded pitcher Saturday and didn't play against righthander Edinson Volquez of Pittsburgh on Sunday.