Texas Rangers get out to fast start in win over Toronto Blue Jays  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — Despite appearances, Nick Martinez knows his role with the Texas Rangers.  —  It's called “be ready at a moment's notice no matter what you're called on to do.”  —  The Texas right-hander was more than ready in a spot start on Tuesday.

Legendary umpire Joe West dishes on players, managers and replay at 5,000th game  —  You listen to his songs online, watch him eject your favorite managers and players, and scream every time he makes a call, whether it's right or wrong.  —  Joe West, 64, the most polarizing umpire in baseball …

Royals can't solve Chris Sale, fall 8-3 to the Red Sox  —  On a Tuesday last December, inside a posh hotel in National Harbor, Md., the Royals and Boston Red Sox engineered a pair of trades that would shape their 2017 seasons.  —  In a suite on an upper floor, the Royals brain trust hammered …

Cameron Perkins debuts with Phillies and savors the moment  —  Walking to the plate for his first major-league at-bat, Cam Perkins was awestruck by Yadier Molina's congratulatory remarks.  —  After the Phillies designated Michael Saunders for assignment on Tuesday, they promoted Perkins to replace him in the outfield rotation.

Manny Machado belts two homers as Baltimore Orioles defeat Cleveland Indians  —  BALTIMORE — Even though Manny Machado has struggled throughout the season, he is still the type of player that can carry the Baltimore Orioles.  —  The former All-Star came up big when his team needed him the most.

Carpenter and Fowler set the tone, Cardinals erupt for 7 in 11th  —  PHILADELPHIA  • As he sat at his locker this past weekend in Camden Yards, Stephen Piscotty, who has dabbled in a little economics and stock market talk before, described the trickle-down effect from having Matt Carpenter …

Reds' Luis Castillo to make big-league debut Friday  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Reds manager Bryan Price said the announcement of Luis Castillo as the starter for Friday's game in Washington wasn't intended as a message to other starters, but it could be a lesson.

Braves mull moving Adams to outfield when Freeman returns  —  Matt Adams has been so productive in place of Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman that the team wants to keep him in the regular lineup when Freeman returns from the disabled list as soon as next month.

Detroit Tigers insider: Bullpen is stretched thin again  —  SEATTLE - The Detroit Tigers' bullpen problem resurfaced Monday night.  —  And the problem wasn't that Alex Wilson allowed a go-ahead, two-run home run to Mike Zunino in the sixth inning or that Francisco Rodriguez allowed …

Padres cleanup hitter Yangervis Solarte strains oblique in batting cage  —  San Diego Padres second baseman Yangervis Solarte is headed to the disabled list with a strained left oblique, manager Andy Green said.  —  Solarte was removed from the Padres' 4- loss to the Cubs in Chicago …

Joe Girardi thinks rule preventing runners from bowling over catchers has led to injuries  —  NEW YORK — Yankees manager Joe Girardi thinks the rule preventing runners from bowling over catchers has led to injuries like the one sustained by top New York prospect Gleyber Torres …

Rockies pull out late win over Zack Greinke, Diamondbacks … DENVER - Nolan Arenado hit a two-run triple in the eighth inning, and the surging Colorado Rockies rallied past the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-3 on Tuesday night in the opening game of their NL West showdown.

After setbacks, Royals starter Nathan Karns ready to start throwing again  —  When Royals pitcher Nathan Karns left a start early on May 19 in Minnesota, he did not expect to miss more than a month.  He felt discomfort in the top of his forearm, yet there was no structural damage.

Houston Astros use long ball to beat Oakland Athletics  —  OAKLAND, Calif. — Houston Astros right fielder George Springer hit a career-high 29 home runs last year in 162 games.  —  Springer hit his 20th blast on Monday night in just his 65th game, a solo shot in the eighth inning of a 4-1 win …