Mets' Terry Collins: Trying not to look like ‘an idiot’ with injury timelines  —  New York Mets manager Terry Collins attempted Thursday to clarify comments he had made the day before about his role in relaying injury news to reporters.  —  Collins had said Wednesday he was “not at liberty” …

Red Sox strike early to complete sweep of Rangers  —  BOSTON  —  Drew Pomeranz tied his career-high with 11 strikeouts in six innings Thursday, and Xander Bogaerts connected for his first homer of the season as the Boston Red Sox beat the Texas Rangers 6-2 to complete a three-game sweep.

Detroit Tigers to call up Buck Farmer to start Game 1 of Friday's doubleheader in Chicago  —  HOUSTON - The Detroit Tigers' worst-kept secret was revealed this afternoon at Minute Maid Park: Right-hander Buck Farmer will start the first game of Friday's doubleheader against the White Sox.

Boston's Price set to make season debut Monday at White Sox  —  BOSTON (AP) Red Sox pitcher David Price is set to make his season debut for Boston on Monday at the Chicago White Sox.  —  The 31-year-old left-hander, starting the second season of a $217 million, seven-year contact, has been recovering from a strained pitching elbow.

Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker to miss San Diego Padres series for son's graduation  —  WASHINGTON — Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker is slated to miss the three-game weekend series with the San Diego Padres due to the high school graduation of his son, Darren, in California.

After watching Votto, more Reds hitters are choking up … CONNECT  —  CLEVELAND - Joey Votto has always choked up on the bat, at least as long as he's been a professional.  —  When he was 18 and in the Gulf Coast League, fresh off of being selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the second round …

Cubs and Giants tied at 1-1 after 3 innings  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Eddie Butler has been hit and miss on the mound this season and the right-hander made his third start when the Chicago Cubs faced the San Francisco Giants on Thursday afternoon at Wrigley Field.  —  After three innings, the game was tied at 1-1.

Yankees front office paints optimistic financial outlook despite decline in ticket sales  —  A New York Times report that paints a somewhat bleak financial outlook for the Yankees is not causing panic on 161st Street for members of the organization's front office, even though Stadium attendance …

Another bad day for Bartolo Colon in Braves loss  —  A bad throw contributed to one run scored against Bartolo Colon.  Some bad luck influenced another.  —  But misfortune had little to do with the three-run homer Adam Frazier smashed against the Braves right-hander.

LEADING OFF: deGrom seeks dry weather, Senzatela 7th win  —  A look at what's happening all around the majors today:  —  WAITIN' ON A SUNNY DAY  —  Jacob deGrom is scheduled to start the New York Mets' series opener at Pittsburgh, a day after he was scratched from a home outing against San Diego …

Pina and Braun leave game  —  MILWAUKEE  —  Milwaukee Brewers catcher Manny Pina and left fielder Ryan Braun left the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday night with injuries.  —  Diamondbacks starter Robbie Ray drilled Pina in the left elbow with a pitch in the second inning, knocking the Brewers catcher flat.

Pirates OF Polanco activated from 10-day; Ortiz sent down  —  ATLANTA (AP) The Pittsburgh Pirates have activated outfielder Gregory Polanco from the 10-day disabled list.  —  The move was announced before Thursday's game against the Atlanta Braves.  —  Polanco was having a disappointing season …