Red Sox making the most of a down year  —  GM Cherington's roster overhaul has included additions of Cespedes and Craig  —  ST. PETERSBURG — With the bases loaded and two outs in the second inning, diminutive 21-year-old rookie Mookie Betts sent a Chris Archer fastball screaming to the left-field seats, and it was over.

Orioles Acquire Alejandro De Aza  —  The Orioles have announced that they've acquired left-handed outfielder Alejandro De Aza from the White Sox for minor league pitchers Miguel Chalas and Mark Blackmar.  Orioles executive Dan Duquette says (via MASNsports.com's Roch Kubatko on Twitter) …

Grandal singles in winner in extras, Padres edge Dodgers  —  SAN DIEGO - Yasmani Grandal singled in the winning run with two outs in the 12th inning and the San Diego Padres beat the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers 3-2 Friday night.  —  Earlier in the inning, the Dodgers used a five-man infield …

Sale whiffs 13 as White Sox take first game from Tigers  —  CHICAGO — Chris Sale overcame a shaky start to strike out a season-high 13, beating Max Scherzer in a matchup of All-Star aces and leading the Chicago White Sox past the Detroit Tigers 6-3 in the first game of a day-night doubleheader Saturday.

Cubs following plan to be careful with Soler  —  ST. LOUIS — Jorge Soler did not start the first game of the Cubs' doubleheader against the Cardinals, part of the team's plan to be careful with the outfielder, who was bothered earlier this season by leg injuries.

Astros Claim Sam Deduno From Twins  —  The Astros have claimed pitcher Sam Deduno from the Twins, MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger reports (Twitter links).  The Twins had placed Deduno on non-revocable waivers, so his contract now belongs to the Astros.  —  Deduno is already 31 and has gotten middling results …

Ellsbury injures ankle during play at the plate  —  TORONTO — Yankees center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury injured his left ankle on a play at the plate in Friday's 6-3 win over the Blue Jays.  —  Ellsbury, who had his ankle wrapped up and was limping following the contest …

Yankees send Masahiro Tanaka back to New York after experiencing ‘general soreness’ in right arm  —  Tanaka threw 49 pitches in a simulated game on Thursday in Detroit.  He said afterward that his arm felt the ‘normal soreness’ pitchers feel after throwing, but he apparently felt more discomfort a day later …

Choice, Odor both hit 3-run HRs as Rangers cruise past Astros  —  HOUSTON - Michael Choice and Rougned Odor both hit three-run homers and the Texas Rangers cruised to a 13-6 win over the Houston Astros on Friday night.  —  The Rangers were up by two in the fourth inning when Choice launched …

Game recap — Mets 4, Phillies 1  —  Result: The Mets benefited from a late error in Friday's 4-1 win over the Phillies at Citi Field and avoided a three-game losing streak.  —  Need to Know: Jacob deGrom was stellar over seven innings, not allowing a hit until the fifth and holding …

Nationals Use Long Ball to Beat Mariners 8-3  —  SEATTLE — Anthony Rendon hit one of Washington's four homers off Felix Hernandez, and the Nationals showed off their power in an 8-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Friday night that snapped a three-game losing streak.

Inside the Phillies: Phils reverse course on Howard in hopes of dealing him  —  More than a month later, 35 words spoken on July 23 by Ryne Sandberg have gained significance.  They now offer insight into the strategy of a desperate front office and the dynamics of an unusual relationship between a team's executives and its manager.

Rookie Lamb hits grand slam as Diamondbacks top Rockies  —  PHOENIX — Jake Lamb hit a grand slam for his second career homer, and the Arizona Diamondbacks rallied to beat the Colorado Rockies 5-2 on Friday night.  —  The rookie, called up from Triple-A Reno on Aug. 7 …

Royals cut veteran Bruce Chen  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals designated left-hander Bruce Chen for assignment Friday after six seasons with the team.  —  The move came one day after he gave up six runs in the 10th inning of an 11-5 loss to Minnesota.