Cubs recall reliever Pierce Johnson from Iowa, option Jeimer Candelario  —  The Cubs called up relief pitcher Pierce Johnson from Triple-A Iowa.  —  Chicago Tribune  —  In a surprising development, the Cubs recalled relief pitcher Pierce Johnson from Triple-A Iowa and optioned infielder Jeimer Candelario to Iowa.

Mookie Betts plays leading role in Boston Red Sox's victory over St. Louis Cardinals  —  ST. LOUIS — Mookie Betts did not waste any time Tuesday night in trying to build on his success from last week for the Boston Red Sox.  —  Playing his first game after being named the AL Player of the Week …

Tampa Bay Rays: Corey Dickerson bouncing back to Colorado heights  —  Corey Dickerson underwhelmed in his first year with the Tampa Bay Rays, but in 2017 he's looking much more like the hitter they acquired from the Rockies.  —  When the Tampa Bay Rays acquired outfielder Corey Dickerson …

Rangers' lineup gets boost as Choo returns  —  ARLINGTON  —  Shin-Soo Choo wasn't at 100 percent when he took the field Tuesday night for the Texas Rangers, but as he says, what player in the game is perfectly healthy?  —  Players play with nagging injuries daily, and his stiff lower back …

Tomas, Greinke help Diamondbacks top reeling Mets again, 5-4 … PHOENIX — When the Arizona Diamondbacks made a mistake on the bases, they ended up stealing home.  —  That's how things are going for the New York Mets these days.  —  Paul Goldschmidt stole home when New York botched a rundown …

Hal Steinbrenner says Yankees won't deal top prospects any time soon  —  When it comes to the Yankee youth movement and blooming Baby Bombers, owner Hal Steinbrenner is all in — as in, other teams can drool over the Yankees' farm system all they want, but Steinbrenner isn't prepared to trade …

Red-hot Astros remain aggressive in their search for more pitching  —  The Astros, with a victory on Wednesday, would improve to 29-12 and match the Cubs' start after 41 games last season.  —  And club officials want the team to be stronger still.  —  The Astros remain interested in adding …

Miguel Cabrera a late scratch from Tigers' lineup with sore left side  —  DETROIT — Miguel Cabrera was a late scratch from Detroit's starting lineup Wednesday night against Baltimore because of a sore left side.  —  The Tigers announced Cabrera's absence about a half-hour before the scheduled first pitch against the Orioles.

Fantasy Baseball: Best platoon players to pick up off the waiver wire  —  The 2017 RotoExperts Xclusive Edge In-Season Fantasy Baseball Package is here!  Get your ticket to a Fantasy Baseball Championship trophy.  This comprehensive package gives you everything you need to manage your team …

NL East Notes: Marlins, Mets, Ramirez, Fedde  —  Though a potential ownership change has many Marlins fans hoping for an increased payroll, FOX's Ken Rosenthal argues that any new owners should operate in familiar fashion and tear down the organization with an aggressive rebuild.

Royals, Vargas to take another shot at Yankees  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jason Vargas has the best ERA in the majors, 1.01, after seven starts.  —  However, the Kansas City Royals' left-hander, who starts Wednesday against New York, has had no success against the Yankees.

Howie Kendrick still not close to returning for Phillies  —  ARLINGTON, Texas - Howie Kendrick sauntered toward shortstop Wednesday evening as Phillies batting practice began.  He stood in a line with Andres Blanco and Ty Kelly and waited his turn to field some grounders hit by bench coach Larry Bowa.

Bryan Price happy to have Amir Garrett back in Reds' rotation … CONNECT  —  CHICAGO - Bryan Price will get his “best starter” back on Thursday, not from injury but from an attempt to limit injuries.  —  Left-hander Amir Garrett will start Thursday for the Reds, his first start since being sent down to Triple-A on May 7.

Perez up next for Rangers' MLB-leading rotation  —  ARLINGTON  —  Left-hander Martin Perez has dedicated himself to becoming a fearless thrower of strikes, a pitcher who trusts his stuff enough to throw strike one and then have them put the ball in play on his pitch.

Seattle Mariners: Edwin Diaz is no longer the team's closer  —  Edwin Diaz has been removed as the Seattle Mariners' closer after throwing 15.1 innings in that role.  Last year, in 51.2 innings of work, Diaz had blown three saves.  So far, he has two blown saves.

Orioles Designate Francisco Pena  —  The Orioles have designated catcher Francisco Pena for assignment, per a club announcement.  He'll be replaced on the roster by righty reliever Stefan Crichton.  —  Pena, 27, remained on the roster yesterday despite the fact that starting backstop Welington Castillo …

Braves 3B Adonis Garcia goes on DL with Achilles tendinitis  —  ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves have placed third baseman Adonis Garcia on the 10-day disabled list with left Achilles tendinitis.  —  Jace Peterson is starting in Garcia's place for Wednesday night's game against Toronto.