‘He was crying like a baby’: Tempers flare as Royals lose to Blue Jays 5-2 … TORONTO  —  A rivalry burst into full bloom on Sunday afternoon, a newfound clash pitting the team that snapped North America's longest playoff drought last October with the new owners of that dubious streak.

Matheny: Contracts can't be ignored in setting bullpen roles  —  The Cardinals have had internal discussions during manager Mike Matheny's tenure about when, if ever, they would consider using the closer earlier than the ninth, when perhaps the true save situation is the eighth inning against the heart of the order.

Rockies fans have been waiting for Gray's debut all season  —  The Denver Post  —  Pitcher Jon Gray of the Colorado Rockies pitches against the San Diego Padres during the spring training game at Peoria Stadium on March 8, 2015 in Peoria, Ariz. (Christian Petersen, Getty Images)

Brandon Beachy Clears Waivers, Accepts Outright Assignment  —  Dodgers right-hander Brandon Beachy has cleared outright waivers after being designated for assignment last week, reports SB Nation's Chris Cotillo (via Twitter).  —  Beachy, who turns 29 in one month, signed a one-year …

Zack Wheeler: Why I made the call to Sandy Alderson asking to stay a Met … Mets  —  Sources: Mets nixed Gomez over hip concern … Baseball  —  MLB trade deadline 2015 winners and losers … Mets  —  Wilmer Flores' emotional night at Citi Field … Mets  —  Getting to know Zack Wheeler

White Sox call up outfielder Trayce Thompson  —  The White Sox called up center fielder Trayce Thompson from AAA Charlotte on Monday.  —  A Sox 2009 second-round draft pick, Thompson, 24, has not played in the major leagues.  He is hitting .260/.304/.441 with 23 doubles, 13 home runs …

‘This is not a fan base you want to wake up...’ Too late, Curt!  —  “Speaking from experience, this is not a fan base you want to wake up,” ESPN's Curt Schilling said on air last night, speaking about Mets fans during last night's Mets/Nationals game.  —  Matthew Cerrone: Too late, Curt.

Death of Liberal Bee Jays bat boy Kaiser Carlile creates somber NBC World Series … How does one express the proper sentiment about a 9-year-old kid fighting for, and ultimately losing, his life?  —  In the midst of this awfulness — Kaiser Carlile suffered severe head injuries after straying …

Yankees Rough Up Samardzija, Beat White Sox 12-3  —  CHICAGO — Jacoby Ellsbury and Mark Teixeira homered against Jeff Samardzija, and the New York Yankees pounded the Chicago White Sox 12-3 on Sunday.  —  Stephen Drew added three hits and four RBIs, helping the AL East-leading Yankees close …

Motivated Dan Haren plans ‘to make the most’ of playoff chance with Cubs  —  MILWAUKEE - Almost three years later, newly acquired Dan Haren doesn't seem to care why the Cubs backed out of the deal the first time they traded for him.  —  “I never really revisited that,” …