Tanaka outduels Price as Yanks top Red Sox 3-1, avoid sweep … NEW YORK — Just a couple of days into the season's second half, Yankees manager Joe Girardi said his team needed to win this one.  —  Fortunately for New York, he had the right men on the mound.

Could MLB trim its season to 154 games? … After taking steps recently to shorten the games, will Major League Baseball's next significant move be to trim the length of the season?  —  Sounds radical.  But with negotiations already underway to craft a new collective-bargaining agreement …

Twins Fire Terry Ryan  —  The Twins announced today that they have relieved general manager Terry Ryan of his duties.  Longtime assistant GM Rob Antony will act as the team's new general manager on an interim basis.  Unlike many teams the dismiss their GM midseason, the Twins will not delay …

The case for Kyle Schwarber to the Yankees and other trade rumors  —  Brian Cashman is a sinner.  —  So long as geographically boundaries are stretched and New York is considered a neighbor to Chicago, he is spending his July breaking the 10th Commandment: “Thou shalt not covet your neighbor's house.

Patriotic Jonny Gomes crushed Royals aren't inviting him to White House  —  The Royals did not invite Jonny Gomes for their visit to the White House on Thursday.  And Gomes, who makes no secret of his patriotism, is crushed.  —  “I've been sent down.  I've been non-tendered, whatever,” Gomes said.

Angels Claim Sean Coyle From Red Sox  —  The Angels have claimed minor league second baseman Sean Coyle off waivers from the Red Sox, reports Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports (via Twitter).  The 24-year-old was designated for assignment by Boston last week.  —  Coyle once rated as one of the …

Altuve, McHugh Pace Astros Past Mariners  —  SEATTLE — Jose Altuve homered among his four hits and drove in three runs, Collin McHugh escaped a pair of bases-loaded jams to pitch six scoreless innings, and the Houston Astros beat the Seattle Mariners 8-1 on Sunday.

Marte's Homer in 18th Inning Lifts Pirates Over Nationals  —  WASHINGTON — Starling Marte hit a solo home run in the 18th inning and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Washington Nationals 2-1 Sunday in a marathon game that lasted almost six hours.  —  Pinch-hitter Daniel Murphy homered …

Pujols' 2 HRs Power Angels Past White Sox 8-1 for Sweep  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. — Albert Pujols hit a pair of two-run homers, Jered Weaver pitched seven strong innings and the Los Angeles Angels completed an emphatic three-game sweep of the Chicago White Sox with an 8-1 victory Sunday.

Saltalamacchia's HR in 9th Gives Tigers 4-2 Win Over Royals  —  DETROIT — Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Detroit Tigers a 4-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.  —  After Tyler Collins hit a leadoff single …