Eduardo Rodriguez, Boston Red Sox relievers combine for shutout of Seattle Mariners  —  BOSTON — John Farrell doesn't see any great mystery behind the sudden success of young left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez.  —  “It's just a matter of his abilities coming together,” the Boston manager …

Aroldis Chapman set to play catch Saturday, remains a few weeks away from Yankees return  —  It sounds like the Yankees are about to be one step closer to getting their closer back.  —  Joe Girardi said Friday that Aroldis Chapman would play catch for the first time since going on the DL …

Walker homers twice, deGrom pitches deep, Mets top Bucs 8-1  —  PITTSBURGH (AP) — Neil Walker homered twice in his return to his hometown, Jacob deGrom gave New York's bullpen a needed rest and the Mets beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-1 on Friday night.  —  Walker, who grew up in Pittsburgh …

Kyle Schwarber's struggles have him heading into platoon role for Cubs  —  Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses Kyle Schwarber's recent struggles and reacts after the team's “Anchorman"-themed departure to Los Angeles prior to a game at the Dodgers on Friday, May 26, 2017.  (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)

Rangers lose A.J. Griffin to injury, game to Jays  —  TORONTO  —  Texas Rangers starting pitcher A.J. Griffin left Friday's opener against the Toronto Blue Jays in the second inning with a strained left intercostal muscle and is headed to the disabled list.

Phillies-Reds 5 things: Aaron Nola looks to build on extremely impressive return from DL  —  7:05 p.m. on CSN; streaming live on CSNPhilly.com and the NBC Sports App  —  Following their first win in a week, the Phillies open a new series this weekend against a beatable team in the Cincinnati Reds …

Photos: Tigers vs. White Sox series  —  White Sox designated hitter Todd Frazier (21) slides into home plate safely on a Avisail Garcia double while Tigers catcher Alex Avila (31) tries to apply the tag during the third inning Friday in Chicago.

9 MLB players enjoying breakout offensive seasons in 2017  —  Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and thus so, too, is the time in every MLB season when we must stop dismissing early returns as the whimsical byproducts of small sample size and start considering which surprise stars are poised for lasting success.

Angels lose closer Bud Norris before losing to the Marlins 8-5  —  The Angels lost, 8-5, to Miami on Friday night at Marlins Park, and might have lost one of their most effective pitchers, closer Bud Norris, in the process.  —  Jesse Chavez, the Angels' starter, struggled to keep the Marlins off …

Chris Archer cools off Twins as Rays claim 5-2 win  —  Twins manager Paul Molitor isn't one to heap unmerited praise on opponents, so it was perhaps with a bit of foreboding that he discussed Tampa Bay Rays ace Chris Archer on Friday afternoon.  —  “Gosh, man, he's a tremendously gifted athlete …

Felipe Rivero Changes Agents  —  Pirates reliever Felipe Rivero has changed his representation, according to Jon Heyman of Fan Rag.  Rivero has hired the Boras Corporation, per the report.  —  Rivero, who will turn 26 this summer, can't qualify for free agency until 2022.

Scherzer pitches into 9th, Nationals defeat Padres 5-1  —  WASHINGTON (AP) — Max Scherzer allowed three hits over 8 2/3 innings, Bryce Harper and Michael A. Taylor hit two-run homers and the Washington Nationals defeated the San Diego Padres 5-1 on Friday night.  —  Trea Turner added a solo homer and a double for Washington.

Dodgers Claim Mike Freeman, Chris Heston  —  The Dodgers have claimed two players off waivers from the Mariners, the teams announced today.  Infielder Mike Freeman and righty Chris Heston are now headed to the Los Angeles organization.  —  Both players have been optioned to Triple …