Detroit Tigers say they aren't panicking, but time is ticking  —  The Tigers have dropped 9 of their last 12 and are now six games below .500; is sell mode in sight?  —  CONNECT  —  SEATTLE - At this point of the season, with the Detroit Tigers no longer treading water - they appear to be sinking …

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.

Mariners Designate Tyler Cloyd  —  The Mariners have designated Tyler Cloyd and optioned Christian Bergman, per a club announcement.  Righty Andrew Moore's contract was selected in a corresponding move.  —  Cloyd, 30, made only a single appearance for Seattle this year — his first since 2013.

Chris Tillman approaching critical stretch as performance 'isn't as good as he needs to give us'  —  “You're fortunate to get out of some situations early, but just too many pitches that are not very competitive from the start,” said Chris Tillman.  (Kevin Richardson / Baltimore Sun video)

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.

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 …

Brewers Sign Keston Hiura  —  The Brewers announced on Wednesday that they've signed their first-round pick, UC Irvine second baseman/outfielder Keston Hiura.  According to MLB.com's Jim Callis (on Twitter), he'll receive a bonus of $4MM, which comes in a bit south of the $4.57MM slot value of the No. 9 overall selection.

Dining with Drew: Main course & baseball talk with Royals catcher Butera  —  Can't go to lunch with a ballplayer?  We'll bring one to you: Kansas City Royals catcher Drew Butera.  We sat down with him at Garozzo's Italian Ristorante and (in the second of three episodes) discussed the pleasures of home cooking and leftovers.

Arizona Diamondbacks sign first-round pick Pavin Smith … DENVER - The Diamondbacks signed first-round pick Pavin Smith on Wednesday, and the slugging first baseman out of Virginia is expected to report to the club's short-season Hillsboro affiliate.  —  Smith received a bonus of $5,016,300 …

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.

Reds promote Shed Long, Nick Senzel to Class AA Pensacola  —  Shed Long is a minor league player hoping to make his way to the big leagues.  C. Trent Rosecrans invites listeners along his journey with a new podcast.  Amanda Rossmann & Sam Greene  —  CONNECT  —  Shed Long is one step closer to his Great American Dream.

Cubs' Anthony Rizzo ends leadoff streak at seven games  —  Anthony Rizzo is the only player in the last 60 years to reach safely to start the first inning in his first seven career leadoff appearances.  —  His streak ended there Wednesday, when the Cubs first baseman flew out out to Padres right fielder Hunter Renfroe on a 3-0 pitch.

Braves consider playing Freddie Freeman at 3B when slugger returns from DL  —  Matt Adams' offensive resurgence has forced the Atlanta Braves to consider playing Freddie Freeman at third base when the star slugger returns from the disabled list.  —  Braves manager Brian Snitker told reporters …

Mets Place Zack Wheeler On Disabled List  —  The Mets announced that they've placed right-hander Zack Wheeler on the 10-day DL due to biceps tendinitis in his right arm.  The team has also optioned infielder Matt Reynolds to Triple-A Las Vegas and, in a pair of corresponding moves …

Adrian Gonzalez says he won't push return from herniated disk  —  Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez says he isn't setting a target date for his return from a herniated disk and is prepared to miss the next month rehabbing the injury.  —  Gonzalez, who was placed …