Mariners' Bergman to start opener at Nationals  —  WASHINGTON — It is amazing what leaving Denver can do for pitchers and their confidence, not to mention their ERAs.  —  That appears to be the case for Christian Bergman, who is slated to start on the mound for the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday …

Daily notes: Pitcher and hitter rankings for Tuesday  —  Starting pitching has been a challenge this year, thanks to the seemingly never-ending rash of injuries, but we focus Tuesday on three arms who could have some long-term viability, if your team's rotation has been ravaged by injuries.

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 …

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).

Lamb honored  —  Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Jake Lamb has been named the National League Player of the Week for the period ending May 21st.  —  Lamb batted .412 (7-for-17) with seven runs scored, a double, four home runs and 10 RBI over five games to claim his second career NL Player …

James Loney granted release from Braves' Triple-A Gwinnett  —  ATLANTA — First baseman James Loney has requested and received his release from the Braves' Triple-A Gwinnett team.  —  The 33-year-old Loney signed a minor league deal with the team on Thursday after the Braves learned …

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.

Cubs outfield prospect Mark Zagunis regains hitting stroke at Triple-A Iowa  —  Cubs manager Joe Maddon compares outfielder Mark Zagunis to former major-leaguer Kevin Millar.  —  Chicago Tribune  —  After being optioned to Triple-A Iowa last March, Cubs outfielder Mark Zagunis was described …

Minnesota Twins put Phil Hughes on DL for biceps injury  —  The Minnesota Twins placed Phil Hughes on the 10-day disabled list with inflammation of the right biceps tendon and recalled Kyle Gibson from Triple-A Rochester to start Monday's road game against the Baltimore Orioles.

Phillies drop Michael Saunders in order, hoping to get him going  —  Phillies manager Pete Mackanin is doing everything in his power, trying to get slumping rightfielder Michael Saunders going.  —  An all-star last year with the Toronto Blue Jays who tailed off precipitously in the second half …

Fantasy 30: Eric Thames, Aaron Nola, Ian Kinsler and more  —  Even when you're a fan of one specific major league baseball team, it can be difficult to keep track of all the news that surrounds your favorite club on a daily basis.  However, when you're a fantasy baseball owner …

A's try to keep power amped up against Marlins (May 23, 2017)  —  OAKLAND, Calif. — The Oakland Athletics powered their way to a 3-1 series win over the Boston Red Sox last weekend at Oakland Coliseum, hitting eight home runs to give them 64 for the season.

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 …

Sprained left thumb keeps Giants' Denard Span out of lineup  —  CHICAGO — San Francisco Giants center fielder Denard Span is out of the starting lineup with a sprained left thumb.  —  Span was injured when he got jammed on a pitch during Sunday's 8-3 loss at St. Louis.

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 …

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 …

All Rise!  The Judge's Chambers, in session at Yankee Stadium  —  NEW YORK (AP) The verdict is in: Rookie slugger Aaron Judge is getting his own rooting section at Yankee Stadium.  —  Now in session, The Judge's Chambers.  —  Framed by faux wood paneling, covering three rows and fashioned …