Nationals Notes: Harris, Robertson, Bullpen, Rotation  —  Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post shares an excellent look at Doug Harris' road back to the Nationals following a diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia.  Harris, the Nationals' assistant general manager and vice president of player personnel …

Terry Collins, Mets need to find way to relieve strain on bullpen  —  Only three major-league relievers appeared in 80 or more games last season.  —  The Mets, with their season approximately one-fourth complete, have five relievers on pace to appear in 80 or more games …

Royals notebook: Gordon welcomes third child, expected to return to lineup Wednesday  —  NEW YORK  —  As his team prepared for a four-game series at Yankee Stadium, Royals left fielder Alex Gordon returned home for the birth of his third child.  —  Gordon's wife, Jamie …

Angels Option C.J. Cron To Triple-A  —  The Angels announced on Monday that they've optioned first baseman/designated hitter C.J. Cron to Triple-A Salt Lake and recalled infielder Nolan Fontana in his place.  —  Entering the season, Cron was a popular trade candidate once the Angels signed Luis Valbuena …

Minor MLB Transactions: 5/22/17  —  Here are Monday's minor moves from around the league...  - Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that right-hander Carlos Frias has accepted an outright assignment to Triple-A Columbus after clearing waivers (Twitter link).

Mariners make roster moves to clear spot for return of Cano  —  SEATTLE (AP) The Seattle Mariners have recalled catcher Mike Zunino and pitcher Emilio Pagan from Triple-A Tacoma and optioned three players to help clear a spot for the expected return of second baseman Robinson Cano.

Regular work has Matt Bush feeling like Rangers' closer  —  When a team is winning, everyone seems to get in on the action.  —  During their recent 10-game winning streak, the Texas Rangers saw contributions in some shape or form from all 25 players on the roster, even long man Austin Bibens-Dirkx.

The Cardinals' Decision to Trade Matt Adams Makes Some Sense, But I Raise A Mild Objection  —  Matt Adams wasn't going to get get many swings for the Cardinals this season.  And he didn't figure to get many starts in future seasons, not with Matt Carpenter stationed at first base and doing …

As their all-stars return to health, last-place Blue Jays could still be dangerous  —  The six-week pile-up of injuries that has left the Toronto Blue Jays on the brink of the abyss finally reached the point of absurdity last Thursday.  Outfielder Darrell Ceciliani, called up from the minors …

Power Rankings: Astros still rule, but new challengers emerge  —  Despite some up-and-down play from each last week, there was no change in the top five in this week's Power Rankings.  But look past the Houston Astros, Washington Nationals, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles …

How did Tigers backup catcher Alex Avila become one of the best hitters around (for now)?  —  How did he do this?  —  How did Alex Avila climb to the top of the major league standings?  —  Why is he hitting the ball so well?  —  Maybe, it's because he is healthy.  Maybe, it's because he's more aggressive.

Tigers Option Anibal Sanchez  —  The Tigers have optioned veteran righty Anibal Sanchez to Triple-A, manager Brad Ausmus told reporters including Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press (Twitter links).  Sanchez, who would've had the right to reject any minor-league assignment, will return to working as a starter at Toledo.

Next Slide  —  Ali was unable to take leave to make it to Citizens Bank Park for Tommy's MLB debut.  So instead, Ali went back and forth between helping a mom through labor and trying to watch his big-league debut on a computer.  —  However, her assignment ended in time to be there for his next game three days later.

Brewers criticize Cubs for postponing game Saturday before rain stopped  —  CHICAGO - Just call it Weathergate.  —  Milwaukee Brewers general manager David Stearns made it clear Sunday he was not happy that the Chicago Cubs postponed the game at Wrigley Field on Saturday around 11:30 a.m. …

Carlos Santana starting in RF on Monday Finnegan (trapezius) to throw off mound Tues.  —  Clayton Richard was marvelous in Sunday's 5-1 win over the Diamondbacks, surrendering just one run on five hits while tossing a complete game.  —  Outside of a Chris Iannetta solo home run in the third inning …

Dose: Perez Pounding  —  Salvador Perez was the seventh catcher selected on average in fantasy drafts this spring.  Coming off of four consecutive All-Star seasons, the 27-year-old backstop has developed into one of the strongest and most consistent offensive performers at the catcher position.