Rangers visit White Sox with .500 in sight (Jul 02, 2017)  —  CHICAGO — The Texas Rangers will try to climb back to .500 when they meet the Chicago White Sox in the rubber match of a three-game series Sunday afternoon.  —  Texas (40-41) is seeking back-to-back wins after a 10-4 victory over the White Sox on Saturday.

Houston Astros rally for 7-6 win over New York Yankees  —  HOUSTON — An unusual set of administrative events set the table for Astros right-hander Dayan Diaz to have the most memorable game of his young career, a contest capped by a riveting confrontation between two former Cuban stars.

Cubs' Maddon optimistic entering series finale vs. Reds (Jul 02, 2017)  —  CINCINNATI — The Chicago Cubs are at the midpoint of the 2017 regular season, and all things considered, manager Joe Maddon is pleased with his team's condition.  —  “Based on everything that's occurred to this point, I'll take it,” Maddon said.

Mets put Conforto on DL with bruised hand, activate Wheeler  —  NEW YORK (AP) — The Mets placed outfielder Michael Conforto on the 10-day disabled list Saturday with a bruised left hand, opening a roster spot for right-hander Zack Wheeler.  —  Wheeler was activated from the DL to start against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Taylor's grand slam highlights Dodgers' 8-0 win over Padres (Jul 01, 2017)  —  SAN DIEGO (AP) The Los Angeles Dodgers have worn out Petco Park - and the San Diego Padres - in the first two games of a weekend series.  —  Chris Taylor hit a grand slam to highlight the Dodgers' 8-0 romp Saturday night …

Mets look to pull off sweep of Phillies (Jul 02, 2017)  —  NEW YORK — For the New York Mets, the first two games of a three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies have continued to infuse them with the belief they can make a run at a playoff spot.  For the Phillies …

The Mets finally are admitting that Tim Tebow wasn't signed for baseball reasons  —  The Mets' Tim Tebow stretches out before batting practice at the team's complex in Port St. Lucie, Fla., on Sept. 19, 2016.  —  The Washington Post  —  New York Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson called it …

With the trade deadline on the horizon, which relievers will the Nationals pursue?  —  ST. LOUIS — The question isn't if the Washington Nationals will acquire bullpen help before the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline.  The entire industry knows they will.  It's a matter of who, when, and how many pieces they will add.

Morrison hits 2 HRs as Rays breeze past Orioles 10-3  —  BALTIMORE (AP) — Logan Morrison had just fulfilled a called shot by his teammate, slamming a pitch from Dylan Bundy deep over the center-field wall.  —  When he got to the dugout, Morrison was met with a good-natured challenge: Do it again.

Dansby Swanson delivers in clutch as Atlanta Braves edge Oakland A's  —  OAKLAND, Calif. — After a rough start to his season, Atlanta Braves rookie shortstop Dansby Swanson got hot in June, and he didn't cool off when the calendar flipped on Saturday.  —  Swanson hit a tiebreaking RBI double …

Braves-Athletics Preview (Jul 02, 2017)  —  OAKLAND, Calif. — Oakland Athletics left-hander Sean Manaea's last start turned into a high-wire act without a net on Monday against the Houston Astros.  —  Manaea gave up nine hits and three walks in 5 2/3 innings but allowed only one run …

June's home run total surpassed even the Steroids Era high  —  Justin Smoak's opposite-field drive dropped over the left-field wall in Toronto, and an eye-popping record had been set: Batters reached a home run mark for a month, shattering the syringe-fueled high of the Steroids Era.

Report: David Price had confrontation with Dennis Eckersley on team flight  —  Boston Red Sox pitcher David Price verbally confronted TV analyst Dennis Eckersley on the team's flight to Toronto on Thursday night, according to The Boston Globe.  —  Price met with manager John Farrell …

Ex-Tigers closer Francisco Rodriguez impact on young bullpen to be missed  —  Veteran reliever draws upon his history as a bullpen ace in new phase of career  —  The questions won't be answered in person anymore, but they still will come in text messages to Francisco Rodriguez's cell phone.

Tigers minors: JaCoby Jones, Jim Adduci deliver as Toledo wins  —  The Tigers will honor former designated hitter Gary Sheffield on July 2, 2017.  Here's a quick look back on his career.  Video by Ryan Ford/DFP Wochit  —  CONNECT  —  Triple-A: Toledo 2, Columbus 1