White Sox starter Shields about ready for rehab assignment  —  CHICAGO (AP) Chicago White Sox starter James Shields says he is just about ready to go on a rehab assignment.  —  The 35-year-old right-hander threw about a 30-pitch bullpen session for the second time in three days on Friday.

Garcia gets a go at No. 2 in the order as Fowler returns to Coors  —  DENVER  • Long before “You Go, We Go” was a T-shirt and a mantra, Dexter Fowler was with the Rockies.  That is where he first took flight as a leadoff hitter.  —  Drafted by the Rockies in 2004, Fowler reached the majors in 2008 and was a regular by 2009.

Donaldson, Tulowitzki activated, back in Blue Jays' lineup  —  TORONTO (AP) Blue Jays infielders Josh Donaldson and Troy Tulowitzki have been activated off the disabled list and are back in the starting lineup.  —  The Toronto stars were set to play Friday night against Texas.

At the end, he cracked a smile  —  LOS ANGELES-Sitting in the Dodger Stadium press box Thursday night preparing to write an optimistic Dodgers column, I am interrupted by a crack.  —  Dexter Fowler begins the game with a single up the middle against Kenta Maeda.

Houston Astros hold home run clinic in 7-6 win over Detroit Tigers  —  HOUSTON — Houston Astros center fielder Jake Marisnick has carved out a niche as a late-inning defensive specialist able to influence games with his speed on the bases.  But with greater frequency this season, Marisnick has wielded a powerful bat.

Mike Montgomery could get a start, 'but haven't nailed it down yet'  —  Cubs reliever Mike Montgomery reacts after his four-inning save against the Giants on May 25, 2017.  (Chris Kuc/Chicago Tribune)  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Even with Eddie Butler doing an admirable job thus far in the role …

NL East Notes: Pill, Ruiz, Marlins, Glover  —  The Mets are promoting Triple-A righty Tyler Pill to join their pitching staff, MLB.com's Anthony DiComo reports (Twitter link).  It's not clear exactly what role Pill will have with the club, though DiComo does note that Jacob deGrom is healthy …

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 …

Cincinnati Reds notes: Robert Stephenson in mix for spot start … CONNECT  —  PHILADELPHIA - If things go to plan with Amir Garrett's rehab for his hip injury, the Cincinnati Reds should only need to fill his spot once during his absence.  Either Monday or Tuesday against the Toronto Blue Jays …

Red Sox Shut Down Brock Holt From Baseball Activity  —  The Red Sox have halted rehab work for utilityman Brock Holt, as Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe was among those to report on Twitter.  Holt was advised “to shut down from playing for the foreseeaable future” by a head trauma specialist, per the report.

How Knights pitcher built upon raw talent to become ‘really interesting’ prospect  —  In the Dominican Republic, where baseball represents a way of life and an escape from the poverty-stricken country, young players seek to impress American scouts with an aggressive playing style that distinguishes them from the rest.

Travis d'Arnaud's latest comeback story: Fighting for starting job  —  MORE FROM: … Injuries are inevitable when you play catcher, the most physically demanding position in baseball.  Just ask Travis d'Arnaud.  —  The 28-year-old made his first start in three weeks on Thursday night at Citi Field …

Orioles Outright Luis Sardinas  —  The Orioles announced that shortstop Luis Sardinas, whom they just claimed off waivers earlier this week, has now cleared waivers and been assigned outright to Triple-A Norfolk.  By outrighting Sardinas, the O's have opened a spot on their 40-man roster …

FANTASY PLAYS: Conforto king of NY over Judge?  —  While everyone is enamored with Aaron Judge, there is another New York ballplayer that might be better.  —  Plus, the Dodgers gave up on Urias, should you on your fantasy team?  —  CHEERS  —  Michael Conforto, NYM …

Cleveland Indians to unveil baseball pioneer Frank Robinson statue Saturday  —  The Cleveland Indians will unveil the Frank Robinson statue in Heritage Park at Progressive Field on Saturday, commemorating his career as one of baseball's pioneers. … Robinson, now 81, became …

Royals' Alexander begins rehab assignment  —  Royals left-handed relief pitcher Scott Alexander is set to begin his rehabilitation assignment for Class AAA Omaha on Friday, the Royals announced.  Alexander has been sidelined since May 9 with a right hamstring strain.  He had posted a 1.26 ERA in 10 innings this season.

Red-hot Clevinger, Indians host Royals (May 26, 2017)  —  CLEVELAND — Indians ace Corey Kluber is getting closer to coming off the disabled list, but his replacement in the rotation has filled in admirably.  —  Friday night, Mike Clevinger will make his fourth start in place of Kluber …

Stadium deaths: Are Major League Baseball facilities safe enough?  —  At about 10:57 p.m. on May 16, a 42-year-old man named Rick Garrity was exiting Wrigley Field in Chicago when he apparently tried to climb a 36-inch rail on a ramp leading from the upper deck, according to Chicago Cubs and police officials.