Anthony Alford promoted to MLB by Blue Jays  —  Former Petal star Anthony Alford was called up to the big leagues by the Toronto Blue Jays Friday.  —  The 22-year-old outfielder was hitting .325 with three home runs and 11 runs batted in 33 games with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Toronto's AA affiliate.

Brewers' Anderson chases a win in start against Cubs (May 20, 2017)  —  CHICAGO — Right-hander Chase Anderson remains unbeaten as he and the Milwaukee Brewers approach Saturday's scheduled start against the Chicago Cubs.  —  But actual decisions — wins or losses — have been elusive …

Dodgers cruise to 7-2 win over Marlins but lose Justin Turner to hamstring injury  —  A relatively smooth ride through an eventual 7-2 victory over the Miami Marlins took a troubling turn for the Dodgers on Thursday night when their best hitter, Justin Turner, left the game in the seventh inning because of a hamstring injury.

Royals' Ian Kennedy to return from disabled list on Saturday against Twins  —  MINNEAPOLIS  —  His hamstring fully healed, Royals starter Ian Kennedy will return to the mound on Saturday against the Minnesota Twins.  —  Royals manager Ned Yost on Friday confirmed that the veteran right-hander …

Optimistic Tigers All-Star Miguel Cabrera (oblique) thinks he could return on Saturday  —  Miguel Cabrera doesn't want to go on the disabled list and thinks he could be in the lineup as soon as Saturday.  —  “I think maybe tomorrow or Sunday, I can be in the lineup again,” Cabrera said before Friday's game against the Texas Rangers.

Mets GM hoping increased communication helps remedy injury situation  —  NEW YORK — With a bundle of key players on the disabled list, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said Friday the team is making some changes to the way it handles injuries.  —  Alderson is now meeting daily with the training staff …

5 MLB stats we believe in: Early 2017 numbers that can be sustained  —  The one-quarter mark of the season, by now reached by a majority of clubs, traditionally serves as the first true barometer of team and individual performance.  —  No longer is the “small sample” caveat applied …

Luis Robert watch kicks into high gear as Cuban outfielder eligible to sign Saturday  —  Luis Robert bats during a 2016 game in Pomona, New York.  —  Chicago Tribune  —  White Sox and Cardinals fans will be on high alert this weekend as Cuban outfielder Luis Robert becomes eligible to sign with a major-league organization.

Pirates pitcher Jameson Taillon remains upbeat in cancer fight  —  PITTSBURGH — Jameson Taillon felt like he was in a movie, as if he was watching somebody else's life change and not his own.  —  The Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher felt something “odd” in his groin and alerted trainers while on the road earlier this month in Cincinnati.

Jacob deGrom sparkles as Mets finally snap losing streak with win over Angels  —  The Mets have stopped their slide for a day.  —  Behind a much-needed impressive outing from righthander Jacob deGrom, the Mets defeated the Angles, 3-0, Friday night at Citi Field, halting a seven-game losing streak.

LEADING OFF: Scherzer ready after liner, Senzatela at Cincy  —  A look at what's happening all around the majors Saturday:  —  SCHERZER READY  —  Washington's Max Scherzer says he is ready to start against Atlanta, six days after he was struck on the left knee by a line drive off the bat of Philadelphia's Michael Saunders.

Pirates Claim Jhan Marinez  —  The Pirates have claimed righty Jhan Marinez off waivers from the Brewers, per a club announcement (h/t MLB.com's Adam Berry, on Twitter).  He had been designated for assignment earlier in the week.  —  Marinez, an out-of-options reliever, has scuffled early in 2017 …

Phillies top Pirates 7-2 to end 4-game losing streak  —  PITTSBURGH (AP) — Jeremy Hellickson allowed just two hits over six innings before leaving with an injury and the Philadelphia Phillies pulled away from the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-2 on Friday night to end a four-game losing streak.

Rockies Release Stephen Cardullo  —  The Rockies have released outfielder/first baseman Stephen Cardullo, as Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports (Twitter links).  But the sides are already in discussions on a new minor-league deal to bring Cardullo back into the fold.

Gallo reaching, scoring for Rangers, just not collecting hits  —  DETROIT  —  Joey Gallo had a direct hand in one of the Texas Rangers' eight wins on their just-completed undefeated homestand, as he bounced a three-run walk-off homer off the right-field foul pole May 12.